JP6469064B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that launches a gaming machine on a gaming board surface.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine is configured so that a game ball progresses when a game ball is launched on the game board surface, and is appropriately transitioned to various gaming states such as a normal gaming state and a jackpot gaming state. Produce sound according to the sound from the speaker. Conventionally, this type of gaming machine has been proposed in which the player can adjust the set volume of the production sound for each type of gaming state (for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional gaming machine displays a volume adjustment screen on the image display when the player presses the effect button in the standby state. When the player selects a game state for volume adjustment, a volume adjustment operation for the selected game state is accepted.

JP 2013-132351 A

  However, some players may not know that it is possible to adjust the production sound by operating a production button or the like. If it is not notified that the adjustment relating to the production sound is possible, the convenience in the adjustment relating to the production sound is impaired.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that notifies a player of a volume level under a predetermined condition in order to solve the above-described problems.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a special game determining means for determining whether or not to shift to a special gaming state advantageous to a player when a start condition is established, and the special game determining means When it is determined to shift to the special game state by the special game control means for performing a special game, and after the special game is performed by the special game control means, the special game determination means in the special game determination means The special game determination means allows the special game determination means to transfer the specific game state to a specific game state that has a higher probability than the normal probability. A gaming state control means for shifting to a normal gaming state in which a probability determined to shift to a gaming state is the normal probability; and the special game Based on the result of determination by the determining means, a predetermined effect means including a display means capable of displaying an image is caused to perform a game effect, and when the game is not being performed in the normal game state, the effect means is An effect control means for causing the effect means to perform a specific standby effect different from the normal standby effect when the game is not performed in the specific gaming state, and an effect control means for performing the effect. A speaker that outputs an effect sound when the player is played, an operation input means that allows a player to perform an operation input to change the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output by the speaker, and the operation input means Volume adjusting means for changing the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker based on an operation performed on the speaker, and the normal gaming state and Notifying that the setting of the volume level can be changed by an operation input to the operation input means under a predetermined condition when no game is played in any of the specific game states, and the operation A notification means for notifying the current volume level when an operation input to the input means is performed, and using a predetermined image to notify that the current volume level is updated according to the operation input to the operation input means; The effect control means is capable of displaying an effect image on the display means and displaying the effect image while the normal standby effect and the specific standby effect are being executed. It is possible not to output the production sound from the speaker, and the notification means displays the predetermined image on the front side of the production image. When a predetermined time has elapsed without operation input for the previous SL operation input means in a state in which the predetermined image is displayed is performed by erasing the predetermined image, in the state in which the predetermined image is displayed When an operation input to the operation input means is performed, if the normal standby effect is being executed, an operation for changing the volume level setting is performed while letting the player hear the first effect sound corresponding to the normal game state. If the specific standby effect is being executed, the player can hear the second effect sound different from the first effect sound and corresponding to the specific game state. A gaming machine characterized in that an operation for changing a volume level setting can be performed .

  The invention according to claim 1 includes the following inventions.

  The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the predetermined display means that the volume level can be changed.

  The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies by sound output from a speaker that the setting of the volume level can be changed.

  The game device according to claim 1, wherein the notification device notifies the player that the player is detected by the detection device when the start condition is not satisfied.

  A game board having a game area for rolling the game ball; and a handle lever operated by a player for firing the game ball to the game area, wherein the detection means includes the handle by the player A gaming machine that detects a player by detecting an operation on a lever.

  Based on the result of determination by the special game determination means and the special game determination means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied, the predetermined effect means is rendered. An effect control means to be performed, a speaker that outputs an effect sound when the effect is performed by the effect control means, an operation input means that allows a player to input an operation, and an operation input means A volume adjusting means for changing the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker, a detection means for detecting the player, and an effect when the player is detected by the detection means. A gaming machine comprising: an informing means for informing the current volume level of the sound.

  The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the current volume level of the effect sound by displaying on a predetermined display means.

  The informing means notifies the current volume level of the effect sound by sound output from a speaker.

  The game device according to claim 1, wherein the notification device notifies the player that the player is detected by the detection device when the start condition is not satisfied.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience for the player by making a notification regarding the volume level.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance structure of a gaming machine. It is an enlarged view of the lower part of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the state which open | released the game machine main body. It is a figure which expands and shows the rolling area | region of a game ball. It is a block diagram which shows the control mechanism of a gaming machine. It is the block diagram which showed typically the main function structure in the main control board. It is a figure which shows the kind of special game when winning a prize to the 1st starting opening or the 2nd starting opening and generating a big hit. It is a figure which shows the open pattern of the 1st big winning opening and the 2nd big winning opening in the 1st thru | or 3rd special game. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the shutter interlock | cooperated with opening / closing operation | movement of a 2nd big prize opening. It is a figure which shows the transition of the game state of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process performed when a game machine is turned on. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a 1st start port switch process and a 2nd start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a normal symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of auxiliary | assistant game processing. It is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the power-on process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the one aspect | mode which alert | reports the state of the initial setting regarding the game production based on a setting switch. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen displayed on an image display during execution of standby production. It is a figure which shows the change of the volume adjustment screen GA accompanying a volume adjustment part changing a volume level based on the volume adjustment operation by a player. It is a figure which shows the change of the volume adjustment screen GA accompanying a volume adjustment part changing a volume level based on the volume adjustment operation by a player. It is a figure which shows an example of volume level adjustment at the time of pressing down the button which raises a volume level further in the state where the present volume level is adjusted to the maximum. It is a figure which shows an example of a volume level adjustment at the time of pressing down the button which lowers a volume level further in the state where the present volume level is adjusted to the minimum. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation guidance display image which alert | reports that a volume adjustment operation is possible. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation aspect when a symbol fluctuation production is performed by the normal game production | presentation control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition pattern of an effect when a symbol variation effect is performed by the normal game effect control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the production pattern which a normal game production | presentation control part determines based on a change start command. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition pattern of an effect when a special game effect is performed by the special game effect control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition pattern of an effect when a symbol variation effect is performed by the specific game effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process in an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a symbol fluctuation effect start process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a symbol fluctuation effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an operation effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a specific suggestion effect process. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the transition of the design fluctuation effect in a normal game state, and the change of a volume level. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a volume level adjustment process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition when the adjustment change of a volume level is performed during the design fluctuation production. It is a timing chart when the adjustment change of a volume level is performed during the design variation effect. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game effect start process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a round production start process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a round production end process. It is a timing chart which shows opening and closing of the big prize opening and the volume level change of the effect sound during execution of the special game effect. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of standby production execution start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a process in standby. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an effect sound output process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an adjustment completion process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a volume level initialization process. It is a figure which shows an example of the other form of a volume level initialization process. It is a figure which shows an example of the other form of a volume level initialization process.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of a gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the lower part of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a view showing the back side of the gaming machine 1 with the gaming machine main body 1a opened. This gaming machine 1 is a ball-type gaming machine configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by a launching device according to a player's instruction operation wins a prize opening. It is a gaming machine that performs various effects accordingly. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 has a main body frame 1b fixed to an island facility of a hall (store), and is pivotally supported around a left end 1c of the main body frame 1b. It has a gaming machine main body 1a that can be fixed in a state of being fitted inside the main body frame 1b. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 has a gaming board 10 that rolls a gaming ball on the front side of the gaming machine main body 1 a, and a transparent glass plate 2 is fitted on the front side of the gaming board 10. The front frame door 3 is provided. The front frame door 3 is pivotally supported by the gaming machine main body 1a so as to be rotatable around the left end portion, and the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a can be opened. A key hole 3a is arranged on the lower right side of the front frame door 3, and when the key managed by the hole is inserted into the key hole 3a and rotated, for example, in the right direction, the front frame door 3 is unlocked, The front side of the gaming machine main body 1a can be opened. When the key is rotated leftward, the gaming machine main body 1a is unlocked, and the gaming machine main body 1a can be rotated around the left end 1c of the main body frame 1b as shown in FIG.

  The transparent glass plate 2 is for making the gaming board 10 attached to the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a visible while the front frame door 3 closes the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a. In addition, a shelf-like sphere storage unit 4 protruding from the front side is provided in the lower center of the front frame door 3.

  A first operation button 6 and a second operation button 7 that can be operated by the player as shown in FIG. 2 are provided on the upper surface of the ball storage unit 4, and a game ball for launching on the game board 10 is stored. A storage tray 4a is provided for storage. The first operation button 6 is a button that can be pushed by a player, for example. The second operation button 7 includes a plurality of buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e arranged at five positions in the center of the top, bottom, left, and right, and a cross key is configured by the plurality of buttons 7a to 7e. The first operation button 6 and the second operation button 7 display a game history in the gaming machine 1 in a so-called waiting state for a customer, or perform an effect performed on the gaming machine 1 while the game is in progress. It is a button operated by the player to switch to another effect at the timing. In addition to the above, the second operation button 7 is also a button operated when the player adjusts the volume of the effect sound. In addition, the storage tray 4 a is configured to guide the game balls one by one toward the launching device provided on the right rear surface portion of the front frame door 3, and the bottom surface is inclined downward toward the right side of the gaming machine 1. . The prize balls paid out by the gaming machine 1 are supplied to the upstream side of the storage tray 4a.

  Further, the front frame door 3 includes a handle lever 5 that can be rotated in the clockwise direction in order to allow the player to fire the game ball at the lower right portion of the ball storage unit 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame door 3 includes an upper frame lamp 9a provided above the transparent glass plate 2, a lower frame lamp 9b provided below, a left frame lamp 9c provided on the left side, and A plurality of frame lamps 9 including right frame lamps 9d provided on the right side are provided. Each of the plurality of frame lamps 9 is lit in various patterns as the game progresses. The front frame door 3 is provided with speakers 8 on both the left and right sides of the upper frame lamp 9a that perform sound output for various effects as the game progresses. This speaker 8 is for a player who sits on the front side of the gaming machine 1 and plays various music such as music with singing, BGM, sound effects, voices, etc. at a predetermined volume level according to the progress of the game. Output.

  On the other hand, various operation members related to the basic operation of the gaming machine 1 are provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a power switch 27, a setting switch 28, and a RAM clear button 29 are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a. The power switch 27, setting switch 28, and RAM clear button 29 are all operation members that can be operated by unlocking the gaming machine main body 1a and releasing it from the main body frame 1b as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is an operation member that is arranged so that it cannot be operated by the player and is operated only by the store clerk.

  The power switch 27 is a switch that opens and closes a power line connected to the gaming machine 1. The store clerk can switch on or off the power to the gaming machine 1 by operating the power switch 27. In addition, if the power switch 27 is always turned on, the power supply can be turned on or off in a lump for the whole island facility by switching the power on or off on the island facility side.

  The setting switch 28 is a switch for performing settings related to the gaming machine 1, more specifically, basic settings related to various effects performed in the gaming machine 1. The setting switch 28 is used for the brightness and light emission pattern of the frame lamp 9 when the presentation is performed in the gaming machine 1, the brightness of the image display 12 described later, and the basic volume level of the production sound output from the speaker 8. This is a switch for setting in advance. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the setting switch 28 is configured to slide the setting adjustment unit 28a that can be operated by the store clerk to any one of the four setting positions P1, P2, P3, and P4. Configured to make settings. For example, when the setting adjustment unit 28a is set to the setting position P1, the luminance of the frame lamp 9 and the image display 12 is set to a normal luminance level, and the initial volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is set. The value is set to the maximum value. When the setting adjustment unit 28a is set to the setting position P2, the luminance of the frame lamp 9 and the image display 12 is set to a normal luminance level, and the number of prize balls to be paid out exceeds the predetermined number of frames. The appeal lamp function for causing 9 to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern is turned on, and the initial value of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is set to a predetermined value corresponding to the small level. Note that when the setting adjustment unit 28a is set to the setting position P2, a volume adjustment operation by the player is not accepted. When the setting adjustment unit 28a is set to the setting position P3, the eco mode for lowering the luminance of the frame lamp 9 and the image display 12 below the normal luminance level is turned on, and the appeal lamp function is also turned on. Become. When the setting adjustment unit 28a is set to the setting position P3, the initial value of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is set to a predetermined value corresponding to the middle level. Further, when the setting adjustment unit 28a is set to the setting position P4, the luminance of the frame lamp 9 and the image display 12 is set to a normal luminance level, and the above-described appeal lamp function is turned on and output from the speaker 8. The initial value of the volume level of the production sound is set to the maximum value.

  The RAM clear button 29 is a button for resetting the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. That is, the gaming machine 1 stores the current gaming state in a battery-backed RAM, and when the power is turned on, the gaming machine 1 reproduces the gaming state stored in the RAM and starts up. However, when the game state needs to be initialized, such as when the store is opened, the store clerk can operate the RAM clear button 29 to reset the game state to the initial state. The RAM clear button 29 is protected by a button cover 29a. When the store clerk intentionally resets the gaming state, the RAM clear button 29 can be operated by rotating and shifting the button cover 29a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the store clerk from inadvertently resetting the gaming state.

  Next, a configuration example of the game board 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the game board 10, when the front frame door 3 is in a closed state, the game ball can roll between the board surface and the transparent glass plate 2 fitted in the front frame door 3. A unique gaming area. When the handle lever 5 is operated by the player, the game ball is launched to the upper left part of the game area with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle, and then the game ball flows down while rolling in the game area. When the game ball wins various winning holes provided on the game board 10, the gaming machine 1 pays out the prize ball to the storage tray 4 a of the ball storage unit 4.

  In the center of the game board 10, a center accessory 11 for performing various effects as the game progresses is provided. The game board 10 also has a first start port 13, a second start port 14, a first grand prize port 15, a second big prize port 16, and a through hole in addition to a large number of nails and windmills around the center actor 11. Known members such as a gate 21 and an out port 23 are provided. In addition to this, the game board 10 is also provided with a normal winning opening not shown. Further, the game board 10 displays a special symbol corresponding to the determination result of the special game determination (big hit determination) by displaying a variation of the special symbol on the lower left part of the board surface outside the game area where the game ball rolls. The number of holds due to the winning of the game ball is displayed at the first start port 13 and the second start port 14, or the normal symbol lottery result due to the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is displayed. For this purpose, a symbol display 22 is provided.

  In the game board 10 shown in FIG. 1, a through gate 21 is provided on the right side of the center accessory 11. The through gate 21 is a gate that is a condition for performing the normal symbol lottery in the gaming machine 1. When the game ball passes through the gate, the normal symbol lottery is performed in the gaming machine 1.

  The first start port 13 is provided below the center accessory 11, and the second start port 14 is provided on the right side of the first start port 13. Here, the game ball having a relatively high possibility of winning the first starting port 13 is a game ball that rolls on the left side of the center accessory 11 as indicated by an arrow F1. is there. That is, the first start port 13 is provided so that the possibility that the game ball rolling on the right side of the center accessory 11 will win the first start port 13 is extremely low as indicated by the arrow F2. A game ball with a relatively high possibility of winning at the second starting port 14 is a game ball that rolls on the right side of the center accessory 11 as indicated by an arrow F2 when the game ball is launched on the game board 10. . That is, the second start port 14 is provided so that the possibility that the game ball rolling on the left side of the center accessory 11 wins the second start port 14 as shown by the arrow F1 is extremely low. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second start port 14 is provided, for example, below the first start port 13, and a game ball launched into the game board 10 rolls on either the left or right side of the center accessory 11. Even so, it may be provided so as to win a prize at substantially the same rate.

  Each of the first start port 13 and the second start port 14 is a winning port for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls, and whether or not to play a jackpot game that is a special game advantageous to the player in the gaming machine 1 It is a winning opening as a condition for performing a special game determination (decision determination) of whether or not. When the game balls won in the start openings 13 and 14 pass through the start detection area and the start condition is satisfied, the special game determination is performed in the gaming machine 1 and the special symbol variation display is started on the symbol display 22. At the same time, the symbol variation effect corresponding to the result of the special game determination is also started in the center accessory 11 or the like. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol variation display and the symbol variation effect are finished, and the result of the special game determination is displayed. If the result of the special game determination indicates a jackpot, then the gaming machine 1 starts a special game that is advantageous to the player as a jackpot game.

  The symbol display 22 is provided at a position that is difficult for the player to see in the corner of the game board 10, and the display mode of the special symbol variation display is also displayed in a display mode that is difficult for the player to identify. . Therefore, the player recognizes the result of the special game determination or the like by the effect mainly performed by the center accessory 11 or the like.

  Moreover, the 2nd starting port 14 is equipped with the electric tulip 14a opened and closed in the shape of a wing | blade in the vicinity position of the both right and left sides. When the electric tulip 14a is in the closed state, the game ball rolling in the vicinity of the second starting port 14 is blocked by the electric tulip 14a from winning the second starting port 14. On the other hand, when the electric tulip 14a is in the open state, the game ball rolling in the vicinity of the second starting port 14 is assisted to win the second starting port 14 by the electric tulip 14a. That is, the electric tulip 14a is in an auxiliary state (open state) that assists the game ball launched into the game board 10 to win the second start port 14, and the game ball wins the second start port 14. It is provided as an auxiliary member that is driven to a non-assisting state (closed state) that is not assisted. The electric tulip 14a is normally closed and does not assist the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 14. On the other hand, when the game ball launched on the game board 10 wins the normal symbol lottery performed by passing through the through gate 21, the electric tulip 14a is released for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times according to the game state at that time. It will be in a state and will be in the auxiliary state which assists the winning of the game ball to the 2nd starting opening 14.

  The first big prize opening 15 is provided on the game board 10 on the right side of the second start opening 14. The first grand prize opening 15 is a first variable winning device that is driven to an open state in which a game ball can be won and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won, and is normally in a closed state. Then, when a big win is won in the special game determination performed by winning the game ball in the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the first big game is started in a predetermined round of the special game to be started thereafter. The winning opening 15 is driven to the open state, so that the game ball can enter the first big winning opening 15. When the first big prize opening 15 is opened, the open state continues until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of winnings are counted. Therefore, when the first big winning opening 15 is in the open state, it is possible to win up to a predetermined number of game balls until a predetermined time elapses, thereby allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. it can. And the 1st big winning opening 15 driven to the open state returns to the closed state when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of winnings are counted.

  The second grand prize opening 16 is provided on the right side of the center accessory 11. The second big winning opening 16 is a second variable winning device that is driven to an open state in which a game ball can be won and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won, and is normally in a closed state. Then, when a big win is won in the special game determination performed by winning the game ball in the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the second big game is performed in a predetermined round of the special game to be started thereafter. The winning opening 16 is driven to the open state, so that the game ball can enter the second large winning opening 16. When the second big prize opening 16 is opened, the opened state continues until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of winnings are counted. Therefore, when the second grand prize winning opening 16 is in an open state, it is possible to win up to a predetermined number of game balls until a predetermined time elapses, whereby the player can acquire a prize ball. it can. And the 2nd big winning opening 16 driven to the open state returns to the closed state when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of winnings are counted.

  In the special game, a round game for selectively driving the first grand prize winning port 15 or the second grand prize winning port 16 to the open state as described above is executed a predetermined number of times. Therefore, the first grand prize winning port 15 and the second grand prize winning port 16 are not simultaneously opened. In addition, a special game in which a round game that opens the first grand prize opening 15 or the second grand prize opening 16 is performed a plurality of times is a game that gives a player an opportunity to obtain more prize balls than usual. Therefore, the game state (special game state) is particularly advantageous for the player. The opening time for continuing the opening state of the first grand prize opening 15 or the second grand prize opening 16 is set for each round according to the type of special game, and a different opening time is set for each round. It is also possible to do. For example, in a specific round among a plurality of rounds performed as a special game, the opening time of the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to a short time that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter. You can also.

  In addition, the center accessory 11 includes an image display 12 configured by, for example, a color liquid crystal display in the center. The image display 12 can display three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c with symbols such as numbers, alphabets, and characters. As the special game determination is performed in the gaming machine 1 and the variation display of the special symbol is started, the image display 12 changes the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. The variation effect is started, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the symbol variation effect is stopped, thereby performing the effect of notifying the player of the result of the special game determination. For example, when the symbol variation effect performed on the image display 12 stops when all three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are aligned with the same symbol, it is informed that the stop symbol is a big hit with the aligned symbols. Is done. Further, if at least one of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c is stopped in a state where it is not aligned with the other symbols, it is notified that the stop symbol is misaligned.

  The image display 12 may perform various game effects between the start and stop of the symbol variation effect. For example, a normal reach effect may be performed from a normal symbol variation effect, or an operation effect that prompts the player to operate the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 may be performed from the normal reach effect. Furthermore, when the player performs a button operation on the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 while performing the operation effect, the image display 12 develops a normal reach effect in the next stage. There are cases where various development effects are displayed to display whether or not a target action can be achieved by causing a specific character or the like to appear as an effect.

  The out port 23 is provided at the lowermost center of the game board 10 and discharges game balls that have not won any of the above-described various winning ports to the back side of the game board 10 as out balls.

  A rolling area 17 is formed on the right side of the center accessory 11 in which a game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 16 rolls when the second big prize opening 16 is open. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the rolling region 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the lower part of the rolling area 17 detects a winning of a game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 16 and discharges it to the back side of the game board 10. A discharge port 20 is provided. When the second big prize opening 16 is in the closed state as shown in FIG. 4A, the game ball B <b> 1 struck on the game board 10 does not enter the rolling area 17. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, when the second big prize opening 16 is in the open state, the game ball B2 which is launched into the game board 10 and enters the second big prize opening 16 , B3 enters the rolling region 17. A part of the rolling region 17 is provided with a V gate 18 configured to allow a game ball to pass therethrough as well as the through gate 21 and to detect the passage of the game ball. Yes. That is, the rolling area 17 is a path that passes through the V gate 18 as a path that guides the game balls B2 and B3 that have entered the second grand prize opening 16 to the outlet 20, and V It has two passage areas, the second passage area 17b, which is a path that does not pass through the gate 18.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the V gate 18 detects the passing of the game ball B2 that has entered the second grand prize opening 16, it wins a big win in the special game determination after the special game is finished. A high probability state in which the probability is higher than the normal probability. In other words, the V gate 18 is a gate (passing region) that serves as a trigger for shifting the probability of winning the subsequent jackpot to a high probability state that is higher than a normal low probability state (normal probability state). In addition, the upper part of the V gate 18 is driven in conjunction with the opening operation of the second grand prize opening 16 and opens and closes the entry path to the V gate 18 by moving forward and backward with respect to the surface of the game board 10. A shutter 19 is provided. For example, when the second grand prize winning opening 16 is driven to open, the shutter 19 opens the entry path to the V gate 18 at a timing delayed by a predetermined time of about 1 to 2 seconds from the opening timing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), when the game ball B3 enters the second big prize opening 16 when the shutter 19 blocks the V gate 18, the game ball B3 enters the first passage area 17a. Therefore, without passing through the V gate 18, the air is guided to the discharge port 20 via the second passage region 17 b. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the game ball B2 enters the second big prize opening 16 when the shutter 19 is opened above the V gate 18, the game ball B2 is It enters the first passage region 17a, passes through the V gate 18 and is led to the discharge port 20. In this way, the shutter 19 functions as a distribution means for distributing the game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening 16.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game ball enters the second grand prize opening 16 during a special game that is won by winning the jackpot, and the game ball that has entered the rolling area 17 If it passes the 1st passage area 17a provided in, the probability state which wins the subsequent jackpot is changed from a low probability state to a high probability state. The V gate 18 provided in the rolling area 17 is visible from the front side of the game board 10. Therefore, when a jackpot occurs in the gaming machine 1, the player can visually check whether or not the game ball has passed the V gate 18 during the jackpot special game, and the probability state thereafter is low. It is possible to grasp which is a high probability.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the gaming machine 1 attached to the back side of the game board 10. On the back side of the gaming board 10, based on a power supply board 30 that controls the power supply in the gaming machine 1, a main control board 31 that controls the main operation of the gaming machine 1, and signals and commands output from the main control board 31. And a sub-control board 35 for controlling each part. The sub control board 35 further includes a payout control board 51, an effect control board 52, an image control board 53, a lamp control board 54, a launch control board 55, and the like.

  The power supply board 30 is connected to a commercial power supply provided in an island facility or the like, and supplies power to each part of the gaming machine 1 in addition to the main control board 31 and the sub control board 35. The power supply board 30 is connected to the above-described power supply switch 27. If the power supply switch 27 is on, power supplied from a commercial power supply is supplied to each part such as the main control board 31. When the power switch 27 is turned off, the power supply board 30 stops supplying power to each part. However, when the commercial power source is turned on / off while the power switch 27 is on, power is supplied or stopped according to the on / off state of the commercial power source.

  The main control board 31 includes a CPU 31a, a ROM 31b, and a RAM 31c. The main control board 31 includes a first start port switch 36 that detects that a game ball has won the first start port 13, and a second start port switch that detects that the game ball has won the second start port 14. 37, a normal winning opening switch 38 for detecting that a game ball has won a normal winning opening, a through gate switch 39 for detecting that a gaming ball has passed through the through gate 21, and a gaming ball winning in the first big winning opening 15. The first big prize opening switch 40 for detecting the fact that the game has been performed, the first big prize winning solenoid 41 for driving to open and close the first big prize opening 15, and the second big prize for detecting that the game ball has won the second big prize opening 16 The winning opening switch 42, the second large winning opening solenoid 43 that opens and closes the second large winning opening 16, the V gate switch 44 that detects that the game ball has passed through the V gate 18, and the rolling of the second large winning opening 16. Region 1 A shutter solenoid 45 for forward and backward driving the shutter 19 provided in, and the respective RAM clear button 29 described above are connected.

  When the power supply by the power supply board 30 is started, the main control board 31 executes processing for reproducing the gaming state stored in the RAM 31c by the CPU 31a. At this time, when the RAM clear button 29 is operated by the store clerk, the main control board 31 clears and initializes the gaming state stored in the RAM 31c. Further, when setting the gaming state after power-on, the main control board 31 transmits an initial setting command to each of the sub-control boards 35 to perform an initial operation after power-on. When all of these processes are completed, the main control board 31 enters a state in which it is monitored whether or not a game ball has won a variety of winning holes. Thereby, the gaming machine 1 enters a state in which the player can play a game.

  After that, the main control board 31 includes a first starting port switch 36, a second starting port switch 37, a normal winning port switch 38, a first large winning port switch 40, and a second large winning port switch 42, each of which wins a game ball. Is detected, a prize ball command is sent to the payout control board 51. The payout control board 51 includes a CPU 51a, a ROM 51b, and a RAM 51c, and is configured to control a payout motor 51d provided on the back side of the game board 10. When a prize ball command is input from the main control board 31, A predetermined number of balls are paid out in accordance with the winning opening.

  Further, the main control board 31 is configured to perform a special game determination for determining whether or not to perform a special game and a normal symbol lottery for determining whether to open or close the electric tulip 14a. . When the main control board 31 detects that the game ball has won the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the main control board 31 makes a special game determination according to the winning start port, and the symbol display 22 Based on the determination result, the special symbol variation display for a predetermined time is started. Then, the main control board 31 causes the effect control board 52 to perform the symbol change effect for a predetermined time according to the result of the special game determination in accordance with the start of the special symbol change display on the symbol display 22. In response, signals and commands are sent. In addition, when it is detected that the game ball has won the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 and the change display of the previous special symbol has not ended, the main control board 31 displays the special symbol associated with the winning. Hold the variable display of. When the previous special symbol variation display ends and the next variation display can be started, the main control board 31 performs the special game determination by digesting the hold, and the special game determination Based on the result, the special symbol variation display is started.

  If the main control board 31 is found to have won the jackpot in the special game determination, the main control board 31 starts the special game according to the type of the jackpot after displaying the variation of the special symbol for a predetermined time. The first grand prize opening 15 or the second grand prize opening 16 is opened by alternatively driving the first big prize opening solenoid 41 or the second big prize opening solenoid 43 to the open state in each round during the special game. Let The main control board 31 sends a signal or a command to cause the effect control board 52 to perform a jackpot game effect corresponding to the special game as the special game is started.

  As described above, the main control board 31 comprehensively controls the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 as the game ball wins various winning holes.

  The effect control board 52 includes a CPU 52a, a ROM 2b, a RAM 52c, and a real-time clock (RTC) 52d, and determines the specific contents of the effect performed on the gaming machine 1 based on signals and commands received from the main control board 31. The execution of the determined effect is controlled. In other words, the effect control board 52 controls each of the image control board 53 and the lamp control board 54 to execute an effect based on the determined specific effect contents. In this way, the effect control board 52 determines a specific effect to be performed for the entire gaming machine 1 based on an instruction from the main control board 31, and comprehensively controls the execution of the effect.

  For example, when the special game determination is performed by the main control board 31 and the special symbol variation display is performed for a predetermined time, the effect control board 52 has three decorative symbols 12a and 12b on the image display 12 for the predetermined time. , 12c is controlled. In this symbol variation effect, the normal symbol variation effect in which the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c simply fluctuate in the vertical direction, and various notice effects in which characters appear from such a normal symbol variation effect. Various effects are performed according to the result of the special game determination, such as an effect of transitioning to the game. In addition, the first operation button 6 and the second operation button 7 are connected to the effect control board 52. Therefore, when it is detected that the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 is operated at a predetermined timing at which the player can perform the button operation, the effect control board 52 responds to the button operation. It is also possible to perform the production.

  When a special game is played by the main control board 31, the effect control board 52 controls execution of a special game effect (a jackpot game effect) according to the type of jackpot won in the special game determination.

  The effect control board 52 is connected to a setting switch 28 provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a. When the gaming machine 1 is turned on and receives an initial setting command from the main control board 31, the effect control board 52 performs basic settings related to the effect based on the setting state of the setting switch 28. That is, the effect control board 52 determines the brightness level of the frame lamp 9 and the light emission pattern, the brightness of the image display 12, and the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 based on the position of the setting adjustment unit 28 a of the setting switch 28. Set the initial value. Thereafter, the effect control board 52 controls the execution of the various effects described above based on signals and commands received from the main control board 31 when the game is started. At this time, the effect control board 52 controls the execution of various effects based on the setting state of the setting switch 28. However, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the player can change the initial value of the volume level of the effect sound by operating the second operation button 7. Therefore, the effect control board 52 changes the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 based on the operation by the player from the initial value, and thereafter controls the effect sound to be output at the changed volume level. To do.

  The image control board 53 includes a CPU 53a, a ROM 53b, a RAM 53c, and a VRAM 53d, and controls an image displayed on the image display 12. The image control board 53 starts a design variation effect that varies the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c based on an instruction from the performance control substrate 52, and shifts the design variation effect to a reach effect. Or shift to a more advanced production. Further, the image control board 53 performs a round display of the current round during a special game based on an instruction from the effect control board 52, or displays a special game effect image such as a moving image. In this image control board 34, the VRAM 53d is a memory for writing an image to be displayed on the image display 12. The CPU 53a executes various processes such as background image display processing, decorative design display processing, and character image display processing on the VRAM 53d, so that a background image, decorative design image, character image, etc. are displayed on the image display 12. The player can visually recognize the foreground image by displaying the images in a superimposed manner. Further, the image control board 53 is configured to output various music such as singing music for production and BGM, sound effects, voices, and the like from the speaker 8 as production sounds. At this time, the image control board 53 outputs the effect sound at the volume level specified from the effect control board 52.

  The lamp control board 54 includes a CPU 54a, a ROM 54b, and a RAM 54c, and performs control to turn on the frame lamp 9 and the panel lamp 56 based on an instruction from the effect control board 52. The board surface lamp 56 is not shown in FIG. 1, but is, for example, a lamp provided at various locations on the center accessory 11 and other game boards 10, and the front side of the gaming machine 1 through the transparent glass plate 2. It is a visible lamp.

  Note that the image display 12, the speaker 8, the frame lamp 9, and the board lamp 56 are effect means provided for performing various effects that the player can easily perceive as the game progresses in the gaming machine 1. .

  The launch control board 55 is connected to a handle lever 5 that is operated when a player launches a game ball. The handle lever 5 detects whether or not an operation by the player is performed, detects the rotation angle in the clockwise direction, and outputs the detection results to the firing control board 55. Based on the detection results, the firing control board 55 intermittently drives a firing solenoid 57 provided in the launching device according to the operation angle when the handle lever 5 is actually operated by the player. . Therefore, if the player holds the handle lever 5 in a state in which the handle lever 5 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the game ball is continuously launched into the game board 10 at a predetermined time interval with a hitting force according to the operation angle. It becomes like this. The handle lever 5 is also configured to output the detection result to the effect control board 52.

  The control mechanism of the gaming machine 1 configured as described above will be described in more detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the main control board 31.

  The RAM 31c of the main control board 31 is provided with a game data storage unit 65 and a hold storage unit 66. The game data storage unit 65 stores various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, reach random numbers, and the like as game data. The various random numbers stored in the game data storage unit 65 are random numbers that can take values within a predetermined range, and the values are sequentially updated within the above range by a random number update unit (not shown). Therefore, the values of various random numbers differ depending on the timing at which game data is read from the game data storage unit 65. In the game data storage unit 65, a normal symbol random number used for the normal symbol lottery is also stored as game data. On the other hand, the hold storage unit 66 is a storage area for temporarily storing game data read from the game data storage unit 65 by the game data acquisition unit 61 up to a predetermined upper limit and holding the game data.

  In the ROM 31b of the main control board 31, a special game determination table 67, a variation pattern table 68, and an open pattern table 69 are stored in advance. The special game determination table 67 is a table in which a winning value of a jackpot random number is defined, and is referred to for performing a special game determination. This special game determination table 67 includes a low-probability determination table and a high-probability determination table, and a predetermined number of values are defined in the low-probability determination table as winning values for which jackpot random numbers are jackpots. In the determination table for high probability, more winning values are defined than in the determination table for low probability.

  The variation pattern table 68 is a table that is referred to in order to determine a variation time of a special symbol for displaying the determination result when a special game determination is made on the main control board 31. The variation pattern table 68 includes a plurality of tables such as a table that is referred to when the jackpot random number indicates a jackpot, and a table that is referred to when the reach random number indicates reach. Each of the plurality of tables included in the variation pattern table 68 is a table in which the variation time of the special symbol is associated with the variation pattern random number on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, referring to the variation pattern table 68, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the result of the special game determination, the reach random number, or the like can be determined.

  In the special game determination, the open pattern table 69 wins the jackpot, and when it is determined to play the special game, each of the first grand prize port 15 and the second big prize port 16 in the special game performed as the jackpot game. It is a table referred to in order to determine the release pattern which opens. In this release pattern table 69, a plurality of release patterns are defined, and a design random number is associated with each of the release patterns on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, if it is determined that the jackpot is won in the special game determination, the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 are set during the special game by referring to the open pattern table 69 based on the design random number. One opening pattern to be opened can be determined. The open pattern table 69 includes a table for determining the symbol random number acquired by winning the first start port 13 and a table for determining the symbol random number acquired by winning the second start port 14. And are provided separately. Therefore, even if the design random numbers are the same value, different opening patterns are determined depending on whether the first start port 13 is won and the jackpot is won or the second start port 14 is won and the jackpot is won. It is like that.

  The CPU 31a of the main control board 31 controls the overall operation of the gaming machine. Therefore, the CPU 31a functions as various processing units. FIG. 6 illustrates some of the functions, and the CPU 31a functions as a game data acquisition unit 61, a special symbol control unit 62, a special state control unit 63, and a special game control unit 64.

  When each of the first start port switch 36 and the second start port switch 37 detects a winning of a game ball, the game data acquisition unit 61 receives a jackpot random number, symbol random number, fluctuation from the game data storage unit 65 at that timing. Game data including pattern random numbers and reach random numbers is acquired. When the game data acquisition unit 61 acquires game data by winning the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the game data acquisition unit 61 stores the game data in the holding storage unit 66. The holding storage unit 66 distinguishes the game data acquired by winning the first start port 13 from the game data acquired by winning the second start port 14, and sets each game data to a predetermined upper limit number ( For example, up to four) can be stored. Therefore, the game data acquisition unit 61 stores the game data acquired by winning the first start port 13 in the storage area for the first start port and stores the game data acquired by winning the second start port 14. Store in the reserved storage area for the second start port. When the upper limit number of game data has already been stored in these reserved storage areas, the game data acquisition unit 61 discards the game data acquired from the game data storage unit 65 and holds the hold storage unit 66. The process of storing in is not performed.

  The special symbol control unit 62 includes a special game determination unit 62a and a symbol variation control unit 62b. The special game determination unit 62a reads the game data stored in the hold storage unit 66 and in the hold state, and makes a special game determination based on the game data. That is, the special game determination unit 62a refers to the special game determination table 67 based on the jackpot random number included in the game data, and determines whether or not the jackpot random number matches the winning value of the jackpot. As described above, the special game determination table 67 includes a high probability determination table and a low probability determination table. The special game determination unit 62a determines the low probability according to the probability state at the time of reading game data. One of the table and the determination table for high probability is selected, and it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number matches the jackpot winning value determined in the selected table. Based on such determination, winning or losing of the game data read from the holding storage unit 66 is determined. The low-probability determination table is a table in which the probability of being a big hit is set to about 1/399, for example, and the high-probability determination table has a higher probability of being a big hit than the low-probability determination table. The table is set to about / 68.

  The symbol variation control unit 62b functions after the special game determination by the special game determination unit 62a is performed, and controls the variation display of the special symbol based on the result of the special game determination. The symbol variation control unit 62b creates a variation pattern table 68 based on the determination result of the special game by the special game determination unit 62a, the variation pattern random number or the reach random number included in the game data read by the special game determination unit 62a. Refer to and determine the special symbol variation time. Then, the symbol variation control unit 62b starts the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display unit 22. In addition, the symbol variation control unit 62b transmits a variation start command to the effect control board 52 as the special symbol variation display is started. The change start command includes, for example, a special game determination result, a special symbol change time, and the like. Then, the symbol variation control unit 62b stops the variation display when the predetermined variation time has elapsed after starting the variation display of the special symbol, and displays the result of the special game determination on the symbol display 22. At this time, the symbol variation control unit 62 b transmits a variation stop command to the effect control board 52.

  The special game determination unit 62a does not read the game data from the holding storage unit 66 when the special symbol variation display is performed by the symbol variation control unit 62b. In this case, the special game determination unit 62a receives the game from the holding storage unit 66 at a timing when the special symbol variation display performed by the symbol variation control unit 62b is stopped and the next variation display can be performed. Data is read out, and the next special game determination is performed based on the read out game data. At this time, if game data is stored in the reserved memory area for the second start port, the special game determination unit 62a reads the game data and makes a special game determination. That is, the special game determination unit 62a in the present embodiment gives priority to the game data stored in the reserved memory area for the second start port over the game data stored in the reserved memory area for the first start port. It is configured to read out automatically and perform pending digestion.

  The special state control unit 63 is a processing unit that shifts the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. For example, when the RAM clear button 29 is operated when the power is turned on, the special state control unit 63 activates the gaming machine 1 in the normal gaming state. Thereafter, when the special symbol variation display performed by the symbol variation control unit 62b is stopped and a special game is performed, the special state control unit 63 shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state. When the special game ends, the special state control unit 63 shifts the game state to the specific game state. Further, the special state control unit 63, when the special game ends and shifts to the specific game state, if the game ball passes through the V gate 18 during the special game, the winning probability of the subsequent jackpot is a high probability state. If the game ball does not pass through the V gate 18 during the special game, the subsequent jackpot winning probability is set to a low probability state (normal probability state). The transition of the gaming state by the special state control unit 63 will be described in detail later.

  The special game control unit 64 is determined to win a big hit in the special game determination by the special game determination unit 62a and shift to a special game advantageous to the player, and the special state control unit 63 determines that the game state is the special game state. It works by being set to. The special game control unit 64 opens each of the first grand prize port 15 and the second grand prize port 16 based on the symbol random number included in the game data determined to be a big hit by the special game determination unit 62a. To decide. Then, the special game control unit 64 starts a special game that is a jackpot game, and alternatively selects the first grand prize port 15 and the second big prize port 16 in each of a plurality of rounds based on the determined release pattern. By opening, the special opening game for controlling the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 to the open state during the special game is controlled.

  When the special game control unit 64 determines the release pattern in the special game state, it depends on which of the first start port 13 and the second start port 14 the game data acquired by winning is a big hit Refer to different tables. For example, when the game data stored in the holding storage unit 66 with the winning at the first start port 13 is a big hit, the special game control unit 64 sets the table corresponding to the first start port 13 from the open pattern table 69. , And one open pattern is determined based on the design random number included in the game data. Further, when the game data stored in the holding storage unit 66 with the winning at the second start port 14 is a big hit, the special game control unit 64 sets the table corresponding to the second start port 14 from the open pattern table 69. , And one open pattern is determined based on the design random number included in the game data.

  In other words, the special game control unit 64 determines the type of special game to be performed as a jackpot game after that when the jackpot is won in the special game determination. In this embodiment, the case where there are, for example, first to third special games as types of special games is illustrated.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the types of special games when winning a prize at the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 and generating a big hit. First, FIG. 7A shows the types of special games when the game data acquired by winning the first start port 13 is determined to be a big hit. When it is determined that the game data acquired by winning the game ball in the first start port 13 is a big hit, the special game control unit 64, as shown in FIG. One special game is determined from the third special games PA1 to PA3. In the example of FIG. 7A, the rate of occurrence of the first special game PA1 is 40%, the rate of occurrence of the second special game PA2 is 30%, and the rate of occurrence of the third special game PA3 is 30%. It has become. Therefore, when a game ball wins the first starting port 13 and wins a jackpot, one of the first to third special games PA1 to PA3 is executed as a jackpot game to be performed thereafter. .

  On the other hand, FIG. 7B shows the type of special game when the game data acquired by winning the second start port 14 is determined to be a big hit. When it is determined that the game data acquired by winning the game ball at the second starting port 14 is a big hit, the special game control unit 64, as shown in FIG. Three special games PA3 are determined as jackpot games to be executed. Therefore, when a game ball wins the second starting port 14 and wins a big win, the first or second special game PA1, PA2 is not performed, and the third special game PA3 is always executed.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing an opening pattern of the first grand prize port 15 and the second big prize port 16 in the first to third special games PA1 to PA3. First, in the first to third special games PA1 to PA3, in any special game, one round of opening one of the first grand prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 is a predetermined number of times (for example, total 16 rounds). The first grand prize opening 15 is opened from the first round to the fourth round, and the second big prize opening 16 is opened in the fifth round. Thereafter, the first big prize opening 15 is opened again from the sixth round to the fifteenth round, and the second big prize opening 16 is opened again in the sixteenth round. The above points are common to any of the first to third special games PA1 to PA3.

  The difference between the first to third special games PA1 to PA3 is firstly the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 in each round. That is, the long opening and the short opening are determined in both the first grand prize opening 15 and the second big winning opening 16, and either one of the long opening and the short opening is rounded for each round of each special game PA1 to PA3. Is set. In the case of long opening, the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to a relatively long time of about 30 seconds, for example. On the other hand, in the case of short opening, the opening time of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is set to an extremely short time of about 0.2 seconds, for example. Therefore, when the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened for a long time, it becomes easy for the game ball to enter the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 being opened. On the other hand, in the case of short opening, it becomes difficult for a game ball to win a prize at the first big winning opening 15 or the second big winning opening 16 being opened. In either case of long opening or short opening, if a predetermined upper limit number (for example, about 9) of game balls wins during the opening of the first big winning opening 15 or the second big winning opening 16. Even before the opening time elapses, the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed. However, in the case of a short opening, even if one or two game balls are rarely won while the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened, a predetermined upper limit number It can be said that (for example, about 9) game balls rarely win. Therefore, in the case of short opening, there are many cases in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed after the opening time of about 0.2 seconds elapses.

  Note that the opening time in the case of long opening is not limited to 30 seconds, and the opening time in the case of short opening is not limited to 0.2 seconds. For example, in the case of long release, it may be longer than the launch interval when game balls are continuously launched against the game board 10 and may be an open time in which a plurality of game balls can enter in the open state. On the other hand, in the case of short opening, for example, it may be an opening time that is shorter than the launching interval when the game balls are continuously launched against the game board 10 and is difficult for the game balls to enter in the open state.

  In the first special game PA1, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the first grand prize opening 15 is long open from the first to the fourth round, and from the fifth round, the first big prize opening 15 or the second An opening pattern is determined in which all the big winning openings 16 are short-opened, and an opening special game based on the opening pattern is performed.

  In the second special game PA2, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the first grand prize opening 15 becomes long open from the first to the third round, and the first big prize opening 15 becomes short open in the fourth round. In the fifth round, the second grand prize opening 16 becomes long open, and in the sixth round and thereafter, an opening pattern is determined in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is all short-opened. Based on the open special game.

  In the third special game PA3, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), an opening pattern in which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is long open in all rounds from the first to the sixteenth rounds. Is determined, and an opening special game based on this opening pattern is performed.

  The special game control unit 64 determines one special game from the first to third special games PA1 to PA3 by determining a symbol random number included in the game data determined to be a big hit. However, when a big win is won by winning the second starting port 14, the third special game PA3 is determined every time. When the gaming machine 1 shifts to the special game state, the special game control unit 64, based on the determined one special game release pattern, the first grand prize port solenoid 41, the second big prize port solenoid 43, and the shutter. By driving the solenoid 45, an open special game for opening the first grand prize winning port 15 or the second grand prize winning port 16 is advanced. The special game control unit 64 monitors the V gate switch 44, and can detect when a game ball passes the V gate 18 while the special game is in progress.

  Here, paying attention to the fifth and sixteenth rounds in which the second grand prize opening 16 is opened, the second big prize opening 16 is short-opened in any round in the open special game performed in the first special game PA1. It becomes. Therefore, when the first special game PA1 is performed in the gaming machine 1, the possibility that a game ball will enter the second big prize opening 16 is extremely low. In contrast, in the second special game PA2, the second big prize opening 16 is opened long in the fifth round, and in the third special game PA3, the second big prize opening 16 is given in the fifth and sixteenth rounds. Long open. Therefore, when the second or third special game PA2 or PA3 is performed in the gaming machine 1, there is a possibility that a game ball will enter the second grand prize winning opening 16.

  As described above, when a game ball entered while the second big prize opening 16 is opened passes through the V gate 18, the probability that the special game determination unit 62a will subsequently determine that the game is a big win will be in a high probability state. Therefore, since the second or third special game PA2 or PA3 has a round game in which the second big prize opening 16 is opened long, a game that can shift the probability state after the end of the special game to a high probability state. It becomes. On the other hand, since the first special game PA1 does not have a round game in which the second grand prize opening 16 is long open, it becomes a game in which the probability state after the end of the special game cannot be shifted to the high probability state. The probability state after the game ends becomes a low probability state.

  In this way, from the viewpoint of whether the winning probability of winning the jackpot after the special game ends, either a high probability state or a low probability state, the open special games performed in the first to third special games PA1 to PA3 are roughly classified. Then, the open special game performed in the first special game PA1 is an open special game in which the winning probability of winning the jackpot cannot be shifted to a high probability state after the special game ends, and the second and third special games PA2 and The open special game performed in PA3 is an open special game in which the winning probability of jackpot can be shifted to a high probability state after the special game ends.

  Here, even when the second grand prize opening 16 is short-opened, the possibility that the game ball enters the second big prize opening 16 is not zero. That is, there is a possibility that the game ball enters at the timing when the second grand prize winning opening 16 is opened for a short time of about 0.2 seconds. However, when a game ball enters the second grand prize opening 16 in such a short opening, the special game control unit 64 prevents the shutter 19 from passing through the V gate 18. Control the behavior.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the shutter 19 that is interlocked with the opening / closing operation of the second big prize opening 16, where (a) shows the case of long open, and (b) shows the case of short open. ing. The shutter 19 opens the V gate 18 after a predetermined time Tx of, for example, about several seconds has elapsed after the second big prize opening 16 is opened, regardless of whether the shutter 19 is long open or short open. The predetermined time Tx is the same time for the long opening and the short opening.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the second big prize opening 16 is opened long, the shutter is released at the timing T2 after a predetermined time Tx has elapsed since the second big prize opening 16 was opened at the timing T1. 19 opens the V gate 18. At the timing T2 when the V gate 18 is opened, the second big prize opening 16 is in an opened state, so that a game ball entering the second big prize opening 16 passes through the first passage area 17a and the V gate 18 is opened. Pass through. Therefore, the second and third special games PA2 and PA3 having a round in which the second big winning opening 16 is opened long can shift the probability state of the gaming machine 1 to the high probability state.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the second big prize opening 16 is opened short-circuited, the timing T2 after a predetermined time Tx has elapsed since the second big prize opening 16 was opened at the timing T1. When the shutter 19 opens the V gate, the second big prize opening 16 is already closed. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the second grand prize opening 16 during a short period of time when the second big prize opening 16 is short-opened, the shutter 19 passes through the V gate 18 for the game ball. Without discharging, it is discharged from the discharge port 20 to the back side of the game board 10 through the second passage region 17b. In addition, when the shutter 19 opens the V gate 18, the second grand prize opening 16 is already closed, so that no game ball enters the second big prize opening 16 at that timing. The game ball does not pass through the V gate 18. Therefore, the first special game PA1 that does not have a round in which the second big winning opening 16 is opened long is a game in which the probability state of the gaming machine 1 cannot be shifted to a high probability.

  When the special game control unit 64 determines the release pattern in the special game as described above and starts the special release game based on the release pattern, the special game control unit 64 causes the production control board 52 to perform the production corresponding to the special game. Send various signals and commands. These signals and commands include information on the type of special game for opening, information indicating the progress of the round, and the like. If the special game control unit 64 detects that the game ball has passed through the V gate 18 during the special game, the special game control unit 64 can also transmit information indicating the fact to the effect control board 52. When the special game ends, the special game control unit 64 transmits a command or the like for notifying the end of the special game to the effect control board 52.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the transition of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 by the special state control unit 63. As shown in FIG. 10, the special state control unit 63 shifts the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to each of the normal gaming state ST1, the special gaming state ST2, and the specific gaming state ST3 as the game progresses. First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on and the RAM clear button 29 is operated, the gaming machine 1 operates in the normal gaming state ST1. The normal game state ST1 is a state in which the game is advanced with a low probability (normal probability) in which the probability of winning a jackpot is lower than the high probability state. In this normal game state ST1, even when the normal symbol lottery performed by passing the game ball through the through gate 21 is won, the time for the electric tulip 14a to open the second start port 14 is extremely short. 2 There is a low possibility that a game ball will win the starting port 14. Therefore, in the normal game state ST1, the player operates the handle lever 5 so that the game ball launched into the game area of the game board 10 moves in the left area of the center accessory 11 as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. The game is performed with the aim of allowing the game ball to win a prize at the first start port 13 by adjusting the flow down.

  When the game ball wins the first starting port 13 in the normal gaming state ST1 (arrow A1), the gaming machine 1 has the first special game PA1, the second special game PA2, and the third Transition to the special game state ST2 in which any one of the special games PA3 is executed as a jackpot game. When a special game is started in the gaming machine 1, an open special game is performed in which each of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 arranged on the right side of the center accessory 11 is opened in a predetermined round. . Therefore, in the special game state ST2, the player operates the handle lever 5 so that the game ball that is launched into the game area of the game board 10 as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. The game is played with the aim of allowing the game ball to win the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16.

  When the special game state ST2 ends, the subsequent game state shifts to the specific game state ST3 in the time saving mode (arrow A2). Here, in the time reduction mode, after the jackpot game ends, the electric tulip 14a is driven more frequently than usual by driving from the closed state (non-assist state) to the open state (assist state) more frequently than usual. In this mode, the game ball is played in a game state in which it is easy for the game ball to easily win the start opening 14. As described above, the electric tulip 14 a is released by winning a normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the through gate 21. In the time-saving mode, the electric tulip that the normal symbol variation time for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery performed by the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is shorter than that in the normal gaming state ST1, and that is released at the time of winning. The opening time of 14a becomes longer than the normal gaming state ST1. For this reason, when the game state shifts to the specific game state ST3, as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. 1, the player moves the game ball launched into the game area of the game board 10 down the right area of the center accessory 11. The handle lever 5 is adjusted so that the game ball is passed through the through gate 21 to play a game. As a result, game balls are frequently won at the second starting port 14, so that the player can advance the game without significantly reducing the number of prize balls acquired in the special game state ST2. Therefore, the specific game state ST3 is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state ST1 in that the game can be advanced without reducing the number of game balls as compared with the normal game state ST1. In the specific gaming state ST3, there are a case where the probability of winning a jackpot becomes a high probability state and a case where the probability becomes a low probability state. That is, when the game ball passes through the V gate 18 in the special game state ST2, the probability state in the specific game state ST3 becomes a high probability state, and when the game ball does not pass through the V gate 18, the specific game state ST3. The probability state at is a low probability state.

  When a big hit is generated by winning the game ball to the second starting port 14 in the specific game state ST3 (arrow A3), the special game state ST2 is entered again, and the gaming machine 1 executes the third special game PA3 as a big win game. To do. On the other hand, when the special symbol variation number reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) without generating a big hit in the specific gaming state ST3, the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state ST1 (arrow A4). When shifting from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1, the special state control unit 63 sets the probability of winning a jackpot to a low probability state.

  The special state control unit 63 records the current gaming state in the RAM 31c as the gaming state is shifted as described above. The RAM 31c is backed up by a battery, and the gaming state recorded in the RAM 31c continues to be recorded even when the power is cut off. Therefore, when the RAM clear button 29 is not operated by the store clerk at the next power-on, the special state control unit 63 reads out the gaming state at the previous power-off from the RAM 31c and starts up with the gaming state reflected. be able to. The RAM 31c stores various information related to the game such as a game history in addition to the information related to the game state.

  Next, main operation procedures performed in the main control board 31 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a power-on process performed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the main control board 31 permits access to the RAM 31c. Next, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear button 29 is in the on state operated by the store clerk. If the RAM clear button 29 is not in the on state (NO in step S10), whether or not the backup flag is on. Is determined (step S12). The backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not information related to a game is recorded in the RAM 31c, for example. Therefore, if the backup flag is on, information about the game at the time of the previous power shutdown is recorded in the RAM 31c. If the backup flag is on (YES in step S12), it is next determined whether or not the checksum is normal (step S13). That is, by determining whether the checksum is normal, it is determined whether the information related to the game recorded in the RAM 31c is normal information. If the checksum is normal (YES in step S13), the main control board 31 reads the backup data in the RAM 31c (step S14), and performs a game state recovery process based on the backup data (step S15). Thereby, the gaming machine 1 is activated in a state where the gaming state at the time of the previous power-off is restored.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that the RAM clear button 29 is in the on state operated by the store clerk (YES in step S10), when it is determined in step S12 that the backup flag is not on (NO in step S12). Alternatively, if it is determined in step S13 that the checksum is not normal (NO in step S13), the information regarding various games recorded in the RAM 31c is forcibly deleted (RAM clear), and the gaming machine 1 is initialized. Start (step S16). Thereby, the game history and the like in the gaming machine 1 are deleted, and the gaming machine 1 is activated in the normal gaming state ST1.

  Next, the main control board 31 transmits an initial setting command to each of the sub control boards 35 including the effect control board 52 (step S17). Thereby, in the sub control board 35, various initial operations accompanying the power-on to the gaming machine 1 are executed. In such an initial operation, an initial drive (test drive) is performed to determine whether or not each unit controlled by the sub-control board 35 operates normally. Therefore, a certain time is required until all operations are completed. After transmitting the initial setting command, the main control board 31 waits until a predetermined time elapses in order to complete the initial operation (step S18). When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S18), the main control board 31 permits timer interruption processing at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) (step S19) and ends the power-on processing.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing main operations in the main control board 31. After the power-on process at the time of power-on, the main control board 31 repeatedly executes the process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 as a timer interrupt process at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). When this process is started, the main control board 31 performs a random number update process (step S101), a first start port switch process (step S102), a second start port switch process (step S103), and a gate switch process (step S104). ), Various switch processes (step S105), prize ball process (step S106), special symbol process (step S107), special game process (step S108), normal symbol process (step S109), auxiliary game process (step S110), The output process (step S111) is sequentially executed as a series of processes, and when the series of processes is completed, the initial value random number update process (step S112) is repeatedly executed. Thereafter, when time elapses and an interrupt is generated again by the timer, execution of the processes after the random number update process (step S101) is started again. Thereafter, such processing is repeated.

  In the random number update process (step S101), a process of updating the values of various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number stored in the game data storage unit 65 of the RAM 31c is performed. In the first start port switch process (step S102), the game data acquisition unit 61 monitors the state of the first start port switch 36, and the game ball entering the first start port 13 passes through a predetermined area. When the first start port switch 36 is turned on, processing for obtaining game data from the game data storage unit 65 is performed. In the second start port switch process (step S103), the game data acquisition unit 61 monitors the state of the second start port switch 37, and the game ball entering the second start port 14 passes through a predetermined area. When the second start port switch 37 is turned on, processing for acquiring game data from the game data storage unit 65 is performed. In the gate switch process (step S104), when a game ball passes through the through gate 21 and the through gate switch 39 is turned on, a process of acquiring a normal symbol random number is performed to draw a normal symbol. In the various switch processes (step S105), a process of inputting signals from all other switches (for example, a big prize opening switch) is performed. In the winning ball process (step S106), a process of counting the number of winnings in various winning ports and setting a winning ball command based on the counted value is performed. In the special symbol processing (step S107), special game determination processing by the special game determination unit 62a, special game control unit 64, and special state control unit 63, and special symbol variation processing based on the result of the special game determination are performed. In the special game process (step S108), the operation of the open special game for opening the first grand prize port 15 and the second big prize port 16 is controlled. In the normal symbol process (step S109), the normal symbol variation and the process associated with the normal symbol variation are performed. In the auxiliary game process (step S110), the opening / closing operation control of the electric tulip 14a is performed. In the output process (step S111), a process of outputting various signals, commands, game data, and the like from the main control board 31 to the payout control board 51 and the effect control board 52 is performed. The commands and data to be output to the sub control board 35 are generated in each process of steps S102 to S110 and are set in the RAM 31c in advance. Therefore, in this output process, the commands and data set in the RAM 31c are read and output. In the initial value random number update process (step S112), initial values of various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number stored in the game data storage unit 65 are updated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the first start port switch process (step S102 in FIG. 12) and the second start port switch process (step S103 in FIG. 12). First, as shown in FIG. 13A, in the first start port switch process (step S102), it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the first start port 13 and the first start port switch 36 is turned on. Judgment is made (step S201). If the first start port switch 36 is not turned on, the first start port switch process is terminated. If the first start port switch 36 is on, it is determined whether or not the number of holds U1 stored in the hold memory area for the first start port of the hold storage unit 66 is less than the upper limit value (step S202). . In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S202), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, so the first start port switch process is terminated. On the other hand, if the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S202), the value of the hold number U1 is incremented by 1 (step S203). Then, the game data obtained by winning the first start port 13 is read from the game data storage unit 65, and various random numbers included in the game data are stored in the hold storage area for the first start port of the hold storage unit 66. (Step S204). Based on the value of the jackpot random number read at this time, it is determined whether the jackpot is “losing” or “lost”. In the case of “big hit”, the type of special game to be played as the big hit game is determined by the value of the read design random number. Further, in the case of “losing”, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is performed based on the read reach random number value. Then, the main control board 31 sets game data including various read random numbers as game data for transmission to be transmitted to the effect control board 52 (step S205). The transmission game data set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by winning the first start port 13. When the game data setting is completed, the first start port switch process is terminated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, in the second start port switch process (step S103 in FIG. 12), a game ball wins the second start port 14 and the second start port switch 37 is turned on. It is determined whether or not (step S301). If the second start port switch 37 is not turned on, the second start port switch process is terminated. If the second start port switch 37 is on, it is determined whether or not the number of holds U2 stored in the hold storage area for the second start port of the hold storage unit 66 is less than the upper limit value (step S302). . In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U2 has reached the upper limit (NO in step S302), the number of holdings cannot be increased any more, so the second start port switch process is terminated. On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S302), 1 is added to the value of the hold number U2 (step S303). Then, the game data obtained by winning the second start port 14 is read from the game data storage unit 65, and various random numbers included in the game data are stored in the hold storage area for the second start port of the hold storage unit 66. (Step S304). Based on the values of the various random numbers read at this time, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, and in the case of a loss, whether or not a reach effect is performed. Then, the main control board 31 sets game data including various read random numbers as game data for transmission for transmitting to the effect control board 52 (step S305). The transmission game data set at this time is given information indicating that it is game data acquired by winning the second starting port 14. When the game data setting is completed, the second start port switch process is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the gate switch process (step S104 in FIG. 12). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 21 and the through gate switch 39 is turned on (step S401). If the through gate switch 39 is not turned on, the gate switch process is terminated. If the through gate switch is on, it is determined whether or not the number G of normal symbol lottery is less than the upper limit (step S402). In the example shown in the figure, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reservations G has reached the upper limit (NO in step S402), the number of reservations cannot be increased any more, and the gate switch process is terminated. On the other hand, when the reserved number G is less than the upper limit value (YES in step S402), 1 is added to the value of the reserved number G (step S403). Then, the normal symbol random number for the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the through gate 21 is read, and the random number value is stored in the RAM 31c (step S404). The random symbol value read at this time determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the through gate 21 is successful.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol process (step S107 in FIG. 12). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a special game (during a big hit game) (step S501). If the special game is in progress, the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation processing because the variation display of the new special symbol cannot be performed until the special game (big hit game) is completed (step). YES in S501). On the other hand, when the special game is not being performed (NO in step S501), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is displaying the variation of the special symbol (step S502). When the special symbol variation display is not in progress (NO in step S502), it is determined whether or not the number of holdings U2 is 1 or more (step S503). When the holding number U2 is 1 or more (YES in step S503), the main control board 31 reads out the game data stored first in the holding storage area for the second start port of the holding storage unit 66 (step S504). ), 1 is subtracted from the value of the holding number U2 (step S505). Then, the other reserved storage areas stored in the reserved storage area for the second start port are sequentially shifted (step S506).

  On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is 0 (NO in step S503), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the hold number U1 is 1 or more (step S507). When the holding number U1 is 1 or more (YES in step S507), the main control board 31 reads out the game data stored first in the holding storage area for the first start port of the holding storage unit 66 (step S508). Then, 1 is subtracted from the value of the holding number U1 (step S509). Then, another reserved storage area stored in the reserved storage area for the first start port is shifted (step S510). Further, when the number of holdings U1 is 0 (NO in step S507), it means that there is no holding based on winning in the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14 which is a condition for the special game determination. The process ends without starting the special symbol variation display.

  When the game data is read out in either step S504 or step S508, the process proceeds to a process for determining a special game based on the read game data (steps S511 to S517). That is, the main control board 31 first determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state (step S511), and if it is high probability, selects and reads the high probability determination table ( If the probability is not high, the low probability determination table is selected and read (step S513). Then, the main control board 31 executes a special game determination process for determining whether or not to play a jackpot game as a special game advantageous to the player (step S514). In this special game determination process (step S514), whether or not the jackpot is determined is determined based on the jackpot random number included in the game data read in step S504 or S508, and the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner according to the determination result. The variation time to perform is determined. At this time, the variation time is determined based on a result of the special game determination, a reach random number, or the like. For example, when the result of the special game determination is a big win, a reach effect is always performed by the effect control board 52. Therefore, a relatively long variation time of about ten seconds to several minutes is determined regardless of the value of the reach random number. Is done. On the other hand, when the result of the special game determination is a loss, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is performed based on the reach random number. When the reach effect is not performed, a relatively short fluctuation time of about several seconds is determined. When performing an effect, a relatively long fluctuation time of about a few tens of seconds to several minutes is determined in the same manner as when the jackpot is won.

  After performing the special game determination process (step S514), the main control board 31 performs the symbol variation effect including the variation display of the decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c corresponding to the variation time determined in the special game determination process. A change start command for causing the effect control board 52 to execute is set in the RAM 31c (step S515). This variation start command includes the result of the special game determination, the variation time determined in the special game determination process, and the like. Then, the main control board 31 starts the variable display of the special symbol on the symbol display 22 (step S516), and starts measuring the variable time in order to continue the variable display until the variable time elapses (step S517). ).

  On the other hand, when the variation of the special symbol is being displayed in step S502 (YES in step S502), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the variation time has ended (step S518). Here, it is determined whether or not the variation time started in step S517 has reached the variation time determined in the special game determination process (step S514) with the start of variation display of the special symbol. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S518), since the special symbol variation display is continued, the special symbol processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the variation time ends (YES in step S518), the main control board 31 stops the symbol variation effect performed by the effect control board 52 and notifies the result of the special game determination. Is set in the RAM 31c (step S519). Then, the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display 22 is stopped at the stop symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination (step S520), and the measured variation time is reset (step S521). Then, the main control board 31 executes a stop process (step S522).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the suspension processing (step S522 in FIG. 15). In this process, after the change display of the special symbol is stopped, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the special game (big hit game), or the probability of winning the big hit is returned from the high probability state to the low probability state. Processing is performed. When the process during stoppage is started, the main control board 31 determines whether or not a big hit occurs to shift to the special game (step S571), and when shifting to the special game (YES in step S571), the special game A special gaming state corresponding to the type of game is set (step S572). At this time, the opening pattern of the first big winning opening 15 and the second big winning opening 16 during the special game is determined based on the design random number, and one open special game is determined from among the plurality of open special games. When the special game state is set, the game state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the special game state ST2. Then, the main control board 31 sets a special game start command in the RAM 31c in order to cause the effect control board 52 to perform an effect corresponding to the special game performed in the gaming machine 1 (step S573). Thereafter, the main control board 31 starts executing a special game as a jackpot game (step S574).

  When determining that the main control board 31 does not shift to the special game (NO in step S571), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the current game state is the specific game state ST3 (step S575). If the game state is the specific game state ST3 (YES in step S575), the main control board 31 decrements the count value SC, which is the remaining number of the special symbol variation display for continuing the specific game state ST3, by one (step S576). ), It is determined whether or not the count value SC has become 0 (step S577). When the count value SC becomes 0 (YES in step S577), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the current probability state is a high probability state (step S578). The probability state is changed to the low probability state and set (step S579). Thereby, the winning probability of the subsequent jackpot is switched to a low probability. On the other hand, if the current probability state is not the high probability state, the process skips without performing the process of step S579. Then, the main control board 31 returns the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 from the specific gaming state ST3 to the normal gaming state ST1 (step S580). If the count value SC does not become 0 after decrementing the count value SC (NO in step S577), the specific gaming state ST3 continues, so the processing is not performed without performing the processing of steps S578 to S580. The process ends.

  Further, when the main control board 31 determines that the current gaming state is not the specific gaming state ST3 but the normal gaming state ST1 (NO in step S575), thereafter, the in-stop process is terminated without performing any special process. To do.

  Next, FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing details of the special game process (step S108 in FIG. 12). In this process, the opening / closing operation of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 after the special game is started is controlled. The main control board 31 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a special game (step S601). If the special game is not in progress (NO in step S601), the opening / closing operation of the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is not performed, so the special game process is terminated. On the other hand, when the special game is in progress (YES in step S601), the main control board 31 is in the special game opening operation started by the gaming machine 1 in the stopped process (step S574 in FIG. 16). It is determined whether or not (step S602). When the gaming machine 1 is in the opening operation (YES in step S602), the main control board 31 determines whether or not a time (opening time) in which a preset opening operation should be performed has elapsed (step S603). . If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S603), the opening operation continues and the special game process is terminated.

  When the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S603), the main control board 31 adds 1 to the current round value R that opens the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 ( Step S604). The round value R is initialized to 0 at the time of occurrence of the jackpot, and becomes a round value to be performed this time by adding 1 in step S604. Then, the main control board 31 confirms the preset opening pattern (step S605), and the main control board 31 sets the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 in the current round R defined in the open pattern. An opening time is set (step S606). Then, the main control board 31 opens one of the first big prize opening 15 and the second big prize opening 16 corresponding to the current round R (step S607). When the first grand prize winning port 15 or the second grand prize winning port 16 is opened, the main control board 31 starts the operation for measuring the opening time set in step S606.

  Then, the main control board 31 determines whether or not the V gate switch 44 has detected the passage of the game ball (step S608). If the V gate switch 44 has detected the passage of the game ball, the main control board 31 passes the V gate. The command is set in the RAM 31c (step S609). On the other hand, if the V gate switch 44 has not detected the passage of the game ball (NO in step S608), the process of step S609 is skipped.

  Next, the main control board 31 determines whether or not the opening time set in step S606 has elapsed since the opening of the special winning opening (step S610), and if the opening time has not elapsed (in step S610). NO), it is further determined whether or not a predetermined upper limit number of game balls have been won at the open big winning opening (step S611). As a result, when the opening time has not elapsed and the number of winnings has not reached the upper limit (NO in step S611), the open state of the big winning opening continues, so the special game process is terminated as it is. .

  On the other hand, when the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S610), or when the number of winning prizes to the big prize opening has reached the upper limit (YES in step S611), the main control board 31 is the first open circuit. The first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed (step S612). Then, it is determined whether or not the current round R is a value indicating the final round (for example, 16) (step S613). If it is not the final round (NO in step S613), the special game continues, so the special game process is terminated as it is.

  If the current round R is the final round (YES in step S613), the main control board 31 executes the processing from step S614 onward to end the special game. That is, the main control board 31 resets the current round value R to 0 (step S614), and determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the V gate 18 during the special game (step S615). When the game ball has passed through the V gate 18 (YES in step S615), the main control board 31 sets a high probability state as the jackpot winning probability in the subsequent special game determination (step S616). On the other hand, when the game ball has not passed through the V gate 18 (NO in step S615), the main control board 31 does not perform the process of step S616 and has a low probability of winning the jackpot in the subsequent special game determination. The state is set (step S617).

  After that, the main control board 31 sets the gaming state to the specific gaming state ST3 (step S618), sets the count value SC of the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol to 100 (step S619), and ends the special game. Is started (step S620).

  Then, the main control board 31 starts time measurement for the ending of the special game, and determines whether or not the ending has ended (step S621). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the ending was started, it is determined that the ending has not been completed (NO in step S621), and the special game process is terminated. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of ending, it is determined that the ending has ended (YES in step S621), and a special game end command is set in the RAM 31c in order to end the special game effect on the effect control board 52. (Step S622), and the special game is ended (S623).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that the gaming machine 1 is not opening (NO in step S602), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 18, and the main control board 31 sets the first grand prize port 15 or the second grand prize. It is determined whether or not the mouth 16 is open (step S651). If the mouth 16 is open (YES in step S651), the processing from step S608 shown in FIG. 17 is executed. If the game machine 1 is not open (NO in step S651), it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 1 is ending a special game (step S652). If the ending is in progress (YES in step S652), the processes in and after step S621 shown in FIG. 17 are executed. If the ending is not in progress (NO in step S652), the execution interval (interval time) of each round in which the elapsed time after the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed (step S653). If the interval time has not elapsed (NO in step S653), the special game process is terminated because it is not yet the timing to execute the next round game. On the other hand, if the interval time has elapsed (YES in step S653), the processing after step S604 shown in FIG. 17 is executed to execute the next round game.

  When a special game is started in the gaming machine 1 by the special game process as described above, the round game in which the first grand prize port 15 or the second grand prize port 16 is opened with an opening pattern corresponding to the type of the special game. Is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds). In addition, when the special game is finished and the state shifts to the specific game state ST3, either the high probability state or the low probability state is set depending on whether or not the game ball has passed through the V gate 18. .

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the normal symbol processing (step S109 in FIG. 11). In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S701). The auxiliary game means that the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 14a is being opened. When the auxiliary game is being performed (YES in step S701), the main control board 31 ends the normal symbol processing without performing the normal symbol variation. Further, when the auxiliary game is not being executed (NO in step S701), it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is changing the normal symbol (step S702). If the normal symbol is not changing (NO in step S702), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery holding number G is 1 or more (step S703). If the number of holdings G is 0 (NO in step S703), it means that there is no game ball passing to the through gate 21 which is a condition for the normal symbol lottery, so that the normal symbol variation display is not started. Normal symbol processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the holding number G is 1 or more (YES in step S703), the main control board 31 reads game data (normal symbol random number) corresponding to the earliest holding (step S704), and the holding number G 1 is subtracted by 1 (step S705), and the storage area storing other hold is shifted (step S706). The main control board 31 determines whether or not the normal symbol random number read from the hold is a predetermined winning value, and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step S707). When the normal symbol lottery is won (YES in step S707), the main control board 31 sets a symbol (winning symbol) indicating that the normal symbol lottery is won in the RAM 31c (step S708). Further, when the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S708), a symbol (losing symbol) indicating that the normal symbol lottery is lost is set in the RAM 31c (step S709).

  Then, the main control board 31 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the specific gaming state ST3 (step S710), and when it is the specific gaming state ST3 (YES in step S710), The variation time is set to a short time (3 seconds in the case of the example) (step S711). If it is determined that the current gaming state is not the specific gaming state ST3 but the normal gaming state ST1 (NO in step S710), the normal symbol variation time is set to a long time (29 seconds in the example). (Step S712). Then, the main control board 31 starts normal symbol variation display on the symbol display 22 based on the variation time set in step S711 or S712 (step S713), and starts measurement operation of the variation time (step S713). S714).

  If the normal symbol variation display is in progress (YES in step S702), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the regular symbol variation time has ended (step S715). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation time started in step S714 has reached the variation time set in step S711 or S712. If the variation time has not ended (NO in step S715), the normal symbol variation is continued, so that the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is. If the variation time has ended (YES in step S715), the main control board 31 stops displaying the variation of the normal symbol and displays the symbol set in step S708 or S709 (step S716). Thereafter, the measured variation time is reset (step S717). Then, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step S718), and if it is won (YES in step S718), an auxiliary game for opening the electric tulip 14a is started (step S719). Thereby, the operation state of the gaming machine 1 is in the auxiliary game. On the other hand, if the normal symbol lottery is not won (NO in step S718), the normal symbol processing is terminated while the current state of the gaming machine 1 is maintained.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the auxiliary game process for opening the electric tulip 14a. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an auxiliary game (step S801). If the auxiliary game is not in progress (NO in step S801), the electric tulip 14a is not opened, and the auxiliary game process is terminated. When the auxiliary game is in progress (YES in step S801), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the electric tulip 14a is open (step S802). If the electric tulip 14a is not open (in step S802). NO), it is further determined whether or not the current gaming state is the specific gaming state ST3 (step S803). And when it is in specific game state ST3 (it is YES at step S803), the main control board 31 sets the open time of the electric tulip 14a to long time (in the example of a figure, 3.5 seconds) (step S804). If it is not the specific gaming state ST3 (NO in step S803), the main control board 31 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 14a to a short time (0.2 seconds in the case of the figure) (step S805). Then, the main control board 31 opens the electric tulip 14a (step S806) and starts measuring the opening time set in step S804 or S805 (step S807). On the other hand, if the electric tulip 14a has already been opened (YES in step S802), the processes in steps S803 to S807 are skipped. Thereafter, the main control board 31 determines whether or not the opening time set in step S804 or S805 has elapsed (step S808). If the opening time has not elapsed (NO in step S808), the electric tulip 14a Since the open state of is continued, the auxiliary game process is terminated. If the opening time has elapsed (YES in step S808), the main control board 31 returns the electric tulip 14a to the closed state (step S809), ends the auxiliary game (step S810), and ends the auxiliary game process.

  19 and 20, in the specific game state ST3, the electric tulip 14a is opened more frequently and for a longer time than in the normal game state ST1, and a game is played with respect to the second start port 14. It becomes easier for the ball to win.

  Next, the effect control board 52 will be described. The effect control board 52 controls the execution of various effects corresponding to the operation state of the gaming machine 1 controlled by the main control board 31 described above. The effect control board 52 performs an initial setting related to the game effect based on the setting state of the setting switch 28 provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a when the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned on. At this time, the effect control board 52 sets the volume level output from the speaker 8 to an initial value determined by the setting switch 28. When the start-up process (including various initialization processes) associated with power-on is completed in the gaming machine 1, the effect control board 52 executes various game effects based on signals and commands transmitted from the main control board 31. To come. When the effect control board 52 executes an effect based on a signal or command from the main control board 31, the effect sound corresponding to the effect is output from the speaker 8. At this time, the effect control board 52 outputs the effect sound from the speaker 8 at a preset volume level. The volume level set when the power is turned on can be changed, for example, by the player operating the second operation button 7, and the effect control board 52 accepts the volume adjustment operation performed by the player. The sound volume level output from the speaker 8 is changed from the initial value. Hereinafter, such an effect control board 52 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically showing the main functional configuration of the effect control board 52. As shown in FIG. The effect control board 52 functions as a game effect control unit 71, a game effect setting unit 72, a notification processing unit 73, an initial setting unit 74, and a game detection unit 75 when the CPU 52a executes a predetermined program.

  The game effect control unit 71 operates after the start-up process associated with power-on is completed, and controls the execution of various game effects according to the progress of the game based on various signals and commands received from the main control board 31. To do. A first operation button 6 and a second operation button 7 are connected to the game effect control unit 71. Therefore, when the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 is operated by the player, the game effect control unit 71 can switch the effect executed on the gaming machine 1 to an effect corresponding to the operation. is there. The game effect control unit 71 includes a standby effect control unit 81, a normal game effect control unit 82, a special game effect control unit 83, and a specific game effect control unit 84.

The standby effect control unit 81 operates when a game is not performed by the player after the start-up process associated with power-on is completed and no signal or command is received from the main control board 31 for a predetermined time or longer. By displaying a demonstration effect image or the like on the display device 12, the execution of the standby effect for waiting for the game by the player is controlled. The standby effect control unit 81 starts execution of the standby effect when the state in which no signal or command is received from the main control board 31 continues for a predetermined time or more, not just after the power is turned on. When the first operation button 6 is operated by the player while displaying the demonstration effect image or the like on the image display 12, the standby effect control unit 81 stores the game history stored in the RAM 52c according to the operation. Can be read out and displayed on the image display 12. Therefore, the player can grasp the jackpot history after the power is turned on by operating the first operation button 6 when the standby effect is being performed in the gaming machine 1. The standby effect control unit 81 executes the normal standby effect corresponding to the normal game state ST1 when executing the standby effect when the gaming machine 1 is in the normal game state ST1, and waits when the game machine 1 is in the specific game state ST3. When the effect is executed, it is a standby effect different from the normal standby effect, and the specific standby effect corresponding to the specific game state ST3 is executed. For example, no effect sound is set for the normal standby effect, and the speaker 8 is silent when the standby effect is executed when the gaming machine 1 is in the normal gaming state ST1. On the other hand, in the specific standby effect, a production sound such as music with singing or BGM may be set. In this case, when the specific standby production is executed, the production sound such as music with singing or BGM is produced from the speaker 8. Is output continuously. However, no effect sound may be set even in the specific standby effect, and the speaker 8 may be in a silent state even when the gaming machine 1 executes the specific standby effect.

  The normal game effect control unit 82 operates by receiving a change start command from the main control board 31 when the game state of the gaming machine 1 is the normal game state ST1, and executes the symbol change effect in the normal game state ST1. Control. That is, the normal game effect control unit 82 receives the change start command from the main control board 31 and, in the main control board 31, out of a plurality of effect patterns provided in advance for the normal game state ST1. One effect pattern corresponding to the variation time of the variation display of the special symbol to be performed is determined. At this time, the normal game effect control unit 82 determines an effect pattern corresponding to the result of the special game determination. For example, when the result of the special game determination is a big hit and the variation time of the special symbol variation display performed by the main control board 31 is 120 seconds, the normal game effect control unit 82 performs the reach effect from the normal symbol variation effect. , And the reach reach that further developed the reach production, etc., and finally the decoration pattern 12a, 12b, 12c is stopped in a state where three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c are aligned, and the effect pattern for 120 seconds is determined To do. Then, the normal game effect control unit 82 controls the image control board 53 and the lamp control board 54 based on the determined effect pattern, thereby starting execution of the symbol variation effect based on the effect pattern. In addition, the production sound corresponding to each production pattern is preset in the plurality of production patterns. Therefore, when the normal game effect control unit 82 starts executing the symbol variation effect based on the effect pattern, the speaker 8 outputs effect sounds such as music, sound effects, and sounds corresponding to the effect pattern.

  The normal game effect control unit 82 includes an operation effect control unit 82a that controls the execution of the operation effect and a specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b that controls the execution of the specific suggestion effect. The operation effect is an effect that prompts the player to operate the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7. For example, when the effect pattern determined based on the change start command includes a pattern for performing an operation effect at a predetermined timing, the normal game effect control unit 82 performs the operation effect after starting the symbol change effect. At the timing, the operation effect control unit 82a is caused to function. Then, the operation effect control unit 82a executes the operation effect by causing the image display 12 to display an image prompting the user to operate the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7, for example. The specific suggestion effect is an effect suggesting that the degree of expectation that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than usual. For example, in the specific suggestion effect during the symbol variation effect, an image that is likely to be a big hit than usual when the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 is operated by the player at a predetermined timing is displayed. There is a specific development reach effect in which an effect to be cut-in display on the display device 12 and a development reach effect that is developed from the reach effect is more likely to be a big hit than a normal development reach effect. In addition to the above, the specific suggestion effect is an effect that is continuously performed over a plurality of symbol variation effects, and an effect in the expectation up zone that suggests that the expectation that is a big hit is higher than usual Etc. are included. When the effect pattern determined based on the change start command is a pattern for performing such a specific suggestion effect, the normal game effect control unit 82 causes the specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b to function. And the specific suggestion game effect control part 82b performs the specific suggestion effect defined in the effect pattern determined based on the change start command. The operation effect control unit 82a and the specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b notify the game effect setting unit 72 when performing an operation effect or a specific suggestion effect during the execution of the symbol variation effect.

  When the normal game effect control unit 82 starts to execute the symbol variation effect and then receives a variation stop command from the main control board 31, the normal game effect control unit 82 ends the symbol variation effect, and the image display 12 displays the three decorative symbols 12 a and 12 b. , 12c are stopped at the determined symbol corresponding to the result of the special game determination. For example, when the result of the special game determination is a jackpot, the confirmed symbol (jackpot symbol) in a state where all the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are aligned with the same symbol is stopped. In the case of losing, it is stopped at a fixed symbol (losing symbol) in a state where at least one of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c is not aligned. Thereby, the player can be notified of the result of the special game determination.

  When the symbol variation effect by the normal game effect control unit 82 stops at the jackpot symbol and the jackpot is generated, the effect control in the game effect control unit 71 is based on the special game start command received from the main control board 31. The process proceeds from the unit 82 to the special game effect control unit 83.

  The special game effect control unit 83 functions as the special game is started in the gaming machine 1 and controls execution of the special game effect corresponding to the special game. Based on the special game start command received from the main control board 31, the special game effect control unit 83 identifies the type of special game performed in the gaming machine 1 and determines the effect pattern of the special game effect. Then, the special game effect control unit 83 starts execution of the special game effect by controlling the image control board 53 and the lamp control board 54 based on the determined effect pattern. Also, in the effect patterns of special game effects, effect sounds such as music with singing, sound effects and voices corresponding to each effect pattern are preset. For this reason, when the special game effect control unit 83 starts executing the special game effect, the effect sound corresponding to the effect pattern is output from the speaker 8.

  The special game effect control unit 83 further includes an operation effect control unit 83a that controls the operation effect in the special game state ST2, and a round effect control unit 83b that controls the round effect for each round in the special game state ST2. The operation effect control unit 83a has a timing for performing an operation effect when the effect pattern for prompting the player to operate the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 is included in the effect pattern of the special game effect. The operation effect control unit 83a is caused to function. Then, the operation effect control unit 83a executes the operation effect by causing the image display 12 to display an image prompting the operation of the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7, for example. Further, the operation effect control unit 83a notifies the game effect setting unit 72 when performing the operation effect during execution of the special game effect.

  The round effect control unit 83b counts the rounds in which the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is long open according to a predetermined opening pattern in the special gaming state ST2, and controls the round effect corresponding to the current round. The round effect is updated as the round progresses. When the second grand prize opening 16 has an open pattern having a round in which the second big prize opening 16 is long open, the round effect control unit 83b is directed to the second big prize opening 16 in the round in which the second big prize opening 16 is long open. The specific suggestion effect for encouraging the game ball to be fired is executed. That is, the round in which the second grand prize winning opening 16 is long open is a round that can shift the winning probability of the subsequent jackpot to a high probability state, which is advantageous to the player compared to other rounds. This is a round with high expectation that game value will be given. Therefore, in the round in which the second grand prize opening 16 is long open, the effect that prompts the player to launch the game ball toward the second big prize opening 16 is a kind of the specific suggestion effect described above. When performing the specific suggestion effect during execution of the special game effect, the round effect control unit 83b notifies the game effect setting unit 72 to that effect.

  The specific game effect control unit 84 functions as the special game state ST2 ends and shifts to the specific game state ST3. When receiving the change start command from the main control board 31 in the specific game state ST3, the specific game effect control unit 84 controls the execution of the symbol change effect in the specific game state ST3. That is, the specific game effect control unit 84 receives the change start command from the main control board 31 and, in the main control board 31, out of a plurality of effect patterns provided in advance for the specific game state ST3. One effect pattern corresponding to the variation time of the variation display of the special symbol to be performed is determined. At this time, the specific game effect control unit 84 determines an effect pattern corresponding to the result of the special game determination. Then, the specific game effect control unit 84 controls the image control board 53 and the lamp control board 54 based on the determined effect pattern to start execution of the symbol variation effect based on the effect pattern. In addition, in the plurality of effect patterns provided for the specific game state ST3, effect sounds corresponding to the respective effect patterns are set in advance. Therefore, when the specific game effect control unit 84 starts executing the symbol variation effect based on the effect pattern, the speaker 8 outputs effect sounds such as music, sound effects and voices corresponding to the effect pattern.

  Further, there are two probability states of winning a jackpot in the specific gaming state ST3: a high probability state and a low probability state. If it is a high probability state, the specific game effect control unit 84 determines one effect pattern from among a plurality of effect patterns corresponding to the high probability state. In the case of the low probability state, the specific game effect control unit 84 determines one effect pattern from the plurality of effect patterns corresponding to the low probability state. For this reason, when the specific game effect control unit 84 performs the symbol variation effect in the specific game state ST3, the effect state differs depending on whether the probability state of winning the jackpot is a high probability state or a low probability state. Will be done. Therefore, the player can grasp whether the current probability state is the high probability state or the low probability state by the effect mode performed in the specific game state ST3.

  Similar to the normal game effect control unit 82, the specific game effect control unit 84 includes an operation effect control unit 84a that controls the operation effect in the specific game state ST3 and a specific suggestion game effect control unit 84b that controls the specific suggestion effect. Prepare. Therefore, when the effect pattern determined based on the change start command includes a pattern for performing the operation effect at a predetermined timing, the operation effect control unit 84a can execute the operation effect at the predetermined timing. is there. Further, when the effect pattern determined based on the change start command includes a pattern for performing the specific suggestion effect, the specific suggestion game effect control unit 84b starts the symbol change effect at the timing of performing the specific suggestion effect. Then, it is possible to execute a specific suggestion effect. The operation effect control unit 84a and the specific suggestion game effect control unit 84b notify the game effect setting unit 72 when performing an operation effect or a specific suggestion effect during execution of the symbol variation effect.

  When the normal game effect control unit 82 starts execution of the symbol variation effect and then receives a variation stop command from the main control board 31, the normal game effect control unit 82 ends the symbol variation effect, and the image display 12 displays the three decorative symbols 12 a and 12 b. , 12c are stopped at a confirmed symbol (a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol) corresponding to the result of the special game determination. Thereby, the player can be notified of the result of the special game determination. When the symbol variation effect performed by the specific game effect control unit 84 stops at the jackpot symbol, the effect control by the game effect control unit 71 moves from the specific game effect control unit 84 to the special game effect control unit 83 again, and the special game effect is performed. A special game effect is performed by the control unit 83.

  Also, after the symbol variation effect by the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 is stopped, if the state where the next variation start command is not received from the main control board 31 continues for a predetermined time or longer, the game effect control unit 71 The production control moves to the standby production control unit 81. Then, the standby effect control unit 81 executes a standby effect according to the normal gaming state ST1 or the specific gaming state ST3.

  Thus, the game effect control unit 71 receives from the main control board 31 by operating each of the standby effect control unit 81, the normal game effect control unit 82, the special game effect control unit 83, and the specific game effect control unit 84. Based on a signal or a command to be performed, an effect to be performed in the gaming machine 1 is comprehensively controlled according to the progress of the game.

  Next, the game effect setting unit 72, the notification processing unit 73, the initial setting unit 74, and the game detection unit 75 will be described.

  The game effect setting unit 72 is a processing unit that performs various settings related to the game effect. When the power is turned on, the game effect setting unit 72 performs basic settings related to the effect based on an instruction from the initial setting unit 74. That is, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the initial setting unit 74 determines the brightness level of the frame lamp 9 and the image display 12 and the volume level when the effect sound is output from the speaker 8 based on the setting state of the setting switch 28. The game effect setting unit 72 is instructed to set the initial value and appeal lamp function. Based on such an instruction from the initial setting unit 74, the game effect setting unit 72 sets the luminance level of the frame lamp 9 and the image display 12 to the level specified by the setting switch 28 and the volume level of the speaker 8. Is set to the initial value designated by the setting switch 28. In addition, the game effect setting unit 72 sets the appeal lamp function on or off based on an instruction from the initial setting unit 74. When the appeal lamp function is turned on, for example, the frame lamp 9 emits light with a predetermined light emission pattern when the number of paid-out balls in the gaming machine 1 exceeds a predetermined number. When the game effect setting unit 72 performs the initial setting related to the game effect based on the instruction from the initial setting unit 74, the game effect setting unit 72 notifies the notification processing unit 73 of the contents of the initial setting.

  The game effect setting unit 72 includes a volume adjustment unit 72a. The volume adjusting unit 72 a is a processing unit that adjusts the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8. When the effect sound is output from the effect control board 52 to the image control board 53, the volume level is set in advance. It is configured to output after adjusting to a set level. The volume adjusting unit 72a sets the volume level to an initial value instructed from the initial setting unit 74 when the power is turned on. Therefore, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is set to the initial value designated by the setting switch 28 that can be operated by the store clerk. The game effect setting unit 72 is connected to the second operation button 7, and the volume adjusting unit 72 a sets the volume level to the initial value specified by the setting switch 28 when the power is turned on, and then the player sets the second operation button 7. When the operation button 7 is operated, the volume level can be changed based on the operation. Therefore, the player can change the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 to a desired level within a predetermined adjustable range by operating the second operation button 7. Then, the volume adjustment unit 72a notifies the notification processing unit 73 of the current volume level.

  However, the volume adjusting unit 72a does not always change the volume level based on the operation when the second operation button 7 is operated by the player, and the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player is adjusted. There is a limit to the period for accepting operations. That is, when various effects such as a symbol variation effect and a special game effect are performed by the game effect control unit 71, the player is prompted to operate the second operation button 7, and the player operates the second operation button at a predetermined timing. When 7 is operated, an effect corresponding to the operation may be performed. In this case, the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player is not an operation performed for volume adjustment, but an operation performed for switching the current effect to another effect. Therefore, even if the volume adjusting unit 72a detects the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player during the period when the game effect control unit 71 performs the effect according to the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player, Such an operation is not accepted as a volume adjustment operation. In other words, the volume adjustment unit 72a uses the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player as the volume adjustment operation only during a period when the game effect control unit 71 does not perform an effect corresponding to the operation of the second operation button 7. The volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed based on the received operation.

  Further, the volume adjusting unit 72a is configured such that when the standby effect by the standby effect control unit 81 is started in the game effect control unit 71 after the volume level is changed from the initial value by the player, the standby effect is started. Measure elapsed time. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the standby effect, the volume adjusting unit 72a is configured to return the volume level to the initial value under a predetermined condition. Therefore, for example, when the player stops the game after changing the volume level and leaves the front position of the gaming machine 1, the volume level automatically returns to the initial value determined by the setting switch 28.

  In addition, the volume adjusting unit 72a increases the volume level at a timing when a predetermined effect is performed by the game effect control unit 71 when the effect sound is output at the volume level adjusted by the player. As a result, it is possible to output the production sound when the predetermined production is performed by the game production control unit 71 from the speaker 8 at a louder volume than before, and to make the player pay attention to the predetermined production. it can. For the effect of increasing the volume level, for example, an effect related to the player's operation, an effect with a higher expectation level to give a game value advantageous to the player, or a predetermined music such as music with singing is given by the speaker 8. There is a production that is output from. The effects related to the player's operation include an operation effect that prompts the player to operate the first operation button 6 and the second operation button 7, and allows the player to adjust the operation angle of the handle lever 5. An effect that prompts the user to launch a game ball toward a predetermined position is included. The volume adjusting unit 72a may increase the volume level to the maximum level when increasing the volume level at the timing when these predetermined effects are performed, and increase the volume level to a predetermined level when it is less than the predetermined level. Also good. Further, the current volume level may be increased by a predetermined decibel. When the predetermined effect performed by the game effect control unit 71 ends, the volume adjustment unit 72a returns to the previous volume level. As a result, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is increased only during the period in which the game effect control unit 71 performs the predetermined effect, and the player can be focused on the predetermined effect. When the predetermined effect ends, the volume level desired by the player is restored.

  When a predetermined effect is performed by the game effect control unit 71, if the volume level is already at the maximum level, the volume adjustment unit 72a does not need to increase the volume level. However, the maximum level that can be adjusted by the player is different from the maximum volume level that can be output by the gaming machine 1, and the maximum level that can be adjusted by the player is higher than the maximum volume level that can be output by the gaming machine 1. When it is small, it may be increased to a maximum volume level that can be output by the gaming machine 1 beyond a maximum level adjustable by the player. Further, even when the volume level is not adjusted by the player, when a predetermined effect is performed by the game effect control unit 71 when the initial value of the volume level set at power-on is smaller than the maximum value. It is preferable to further increase the volume level from the initial value.

  The initial setting unit 74 operates when the power is turned on as described above, and performs initial driving (test driving) of each unit controlled by the effect control board 52 to verify whether each unit operates normally. At this time, the initial setting unit 74 reads the setting state of the setting switch 28 and instructs the game effect setting unit 72 to perform basic settings related to the game effect. In addition, when the initial setting unit 74 operates when the power is turned on, the initial setting unit 74 outputs a notification instruction to the notification processing unit 73.

  The game detection unit 75 is detection means for detecting that a game is being played by the player. The game detection unit 75 is connected to, for example, the first operation button 6, the second operation button 7, and the handle lever 5, and the first operation button 6, the second operation button 7, or the handle lever 5 is operated by the player. Then, it detects that the player is going to play a game. That is, the game detection unit 75 is configured to detect a player when an operation member operable by the player is operated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it is possible to detect a game ball launched by the game board 10 to detect that the player is in a game state, or to use the gaming machine main body 1a or the game board. A sensor that detects a player who is located on the front side of the gaming machine 1 in a non-contact manner may be arranged at an arbitrary position of 10 so that the gaming state by the player is detected by the sensor.

  And the game detection part 75 will notify the notification process part 73 of the detection result, if the player is detected in the game effect control part 71 when the standby effect by the standby effect control part 81 is performed. There are two types of standby effects performed by the standby effect control unit 81: the normal standby effect in the normal gaming state ST1 and the specific standby effect in the specific gaming state ST3 as described above. Therefore, the game detection unit 75 detects that the player has been detected by the notification processing unit 73 if the player is detected regardless of whether the normal standby effect or the specific standby effect is being executed. You may make it notify. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the normal standby effect is being performed, the notification processing unit 73 is notified along with the detection of the player, and when the specific standby effect is being performed, the player is detected. However, the notification processing unit 73 may not be notified.

  The notification processing unit 73 is a processing unit that notifies the setting state related to the effects of the gaming machine 1 and that the volume level can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7. The notification processing unit 73 may notify by displaying a notification image on the image display 12 via the image control board 53 or by outputting a notification sound from the speaker 8, or a lamp You may alert | report by making the frame lamp 9 or the board surface lamp 56 light-emit with a predetermined light emission pattern via the control board 54. FIG. The notification processing unit 73 includes a first notification unit 73a that functions by receiving a notification instruction from the initial setting unit 74 when the power is turned on, and a notification that the player is detected from the game detection unit 75 during a normal operation after the power is turned on. And a second notification unit 73b that functions by receiving the information.

  When the first notification unit 73a receives a notification instruction from the initial setting unit 74 when the power is turned on, the first notification unit 73a notifies the store clerk of the contents of the initial setting by the game effect setting unit 72. As described above, the setting switch 28 for performing basic settings related to the game effects in the gaming machine 1 is provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a. For example, the power switch 27 is always on. By switching on or off the power supply on the island facility side, the game machine 1 may be turned on collectively in the whole island facility. In such a case, power is turned on to the gaming machine 1 while the gaming machine main body 1a is fixed and locked to the main body frame 1b without being released from the main body frame 1b. At this time, the first notification unit 73a notifies the store clerk of the contents of the initial setting based on the setting switch 28, so that the store clerk does not unlock the gaming machine main body 1a and release it from the main body frame 1b. And the initial value of the volume level output from the speaker 8 can be confirmed at the same time. Therefore, when each store clerk performs the work before opening the store, it is only necessary to select only the gaming machine 1 that is not set in the store and release the gaming machine main body 1a from the main body frame 1b. Therefore, it is not necessary to open all the gaming machines 1 provided in, and work can be efficiently performed.

  When the standby effect control unit 81 is performing the standby effect, the second notification unit 73b is notified that the player has been detected from the game detection unit 75, and the volume level is thereby notified to the player. Informs about adjustment operation. That is, the second operation button 7 is a button that is operated by the player mainly for switching the effect performed by the game effect control unit 71 to another effect. There are cases where the user does not know that the volume level can be adjusted by operating the button 7. Therefore, when the standby notification control unit 81 is performing the standby effect, and the second notification unit 73b is notified that the player has been detected from the game detection unit 75, the game from which the game is about to start. The user is informed that the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7, or the current volume level is notified.

  Further, the second notification unit 73b notifies the player of the current volume level notified from the game effect setting unit 72 when the volume level of the effect sound is changed based on the volume adjustment operation by the player. For example, the 2nd alerting | reporting part 73b alert | reports the present volume level by both the image displayed on the image display 12, and the production sound output from the speaker 8. FIG. That is, when the effect sound corresponding to the effect currently being performed is output from the speaker 8 at the timing when the volume adjustment operation by the player is performed, the second notification unit 73b determines the volume of the effect sound being output. Change the level in real time. Thereby, the player can grasp | ascertain what level the production sound based on the present volume level changed based on volume adjustment operation is performing volume adjustment operation. On the other hand, for example, when a stand-by effect is performed by the game effect control unit 71 at the timing when the volume adjustment operation by the player is performed and no effect sound is output from the speaker 8, the second notification is made. The unit 73b forcibly outputs an effect sound corresponding to the current gaming state from the speaker 8, and changes the volume level of the effect sound in real time. For example, in the normal standby state in the normal game state ST1, the second notification unit 73b forcibly outputs the effect sound when the symbol variation effect is performed by the normal game effect control unit 82 from the speaker 8 and the speaker. The volume level of the effect sound output from 8 is changed in real time based on the volume adjustment operation. Also, for example, when in the specific standby state in the specific game state ST3, the second notification unit 73b forcibly outputs the effect sound when the symbol variation effect is performed by the specific game effect control unit 84 from the speaker 8, The volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed in real time based on the volume adjustment operation. Therefore, when the player performs a volume adjustment operation in a silent state where the gaming machine 1 is not outputting the production sound, the production sound corresponding to the current gaming state is output from the speaker 8. Moreover, since the volume of the effect sound that is actually output from the speaker 8 changes based on the volume adjustment operation, the player can perform the volume adjustment operation while listening to the effect sound that is actually output from the speaker 8.

  Hereinafter, a specific operation of such an effect control board 52 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the power-on process performed when the presentation control board 52 is powered on. This process is a process performed mainly by the above-described initial setting unit 74, game effect setting unit 72, and notification processing unit 73 on the effect control board 52, and is started when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. . When this process is started, the effect control board 52 determines whether or not an initial setting command has been received from the main control board 31 (step S900). When the initial setting command is received from the main control board 31 (in step S900). YES), an initial operation is started based on the initial setting command (step S901). In the initial operation, the effect control board 52 causes the initial setting unit 74 to function and initially drives effect means such as the panel lamp 56, the image display 12, and the speaker 8. When the initial setting command is not received from the main control board 31 (NO in step S900), the effect control board 52 is in a standby state until it is received.

  When the effect control board 52 starts the initial operation, the setting state in the setting switch 28 is read, and the initial setting relating to the game effect is performed based on the setting state (step S902). And the production | presentation control board 52 makes the 1st alerting | reporting part 73a function, and alert | reports the content of the initial setting based on the setting state of the setting switch 28 to a shop assistant (step S903). This notifies the store clerk of the initial setting state regarding the game effect including the initial value of the volume level. Therefore, the store clerk can grasp whether or not the initial setting related to the game effect is in a preset state in the store by the notification. And when it is not in the preset setting state in the store, it can be changed to an appropriate setting state by opening the gaming machine main body 1a and operating the setting switch 28. The effect control board 52 determines whether or not the initial operation has ended (step S904). If the initial operation has not ended (NO in step S904), steps S902 and S903 are repeated. Therefore, whenever the store clerk operates the setting switch 28 to change the basic setting related to the game effect, the notification content notified from the gaming machine 1 is changed. Thereby, the salesclerk can confirm whether it changed into the suitable setting state. When the initial operation is finished (YES in step S904), the setting state notification process based on the setting switch 28 is finished (step S905), the timer interrupt is permitted (step S906), and the power-on process is finished. With the above processing, the effect control board 52 shifts to the standby state in which the game can proceed after the effecting means such as the panel lamp 56 is initially driven for a predetermined time after the power is turned on. And the 1st alerting | reporting part 73a can alert | report the volume level adjusted by the setting switch 28 to a salesclerk, when initial operation is performed by the production | presentation control board 52. FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an aspect in which a state of initial setting related to a game effect based on the setting switch 28 is notified. In the example of FIG. 23, it is notified that the setting switch 28 is set to the middle in the liquid crystal display unit 12 d of the image display 12. Similarly, it is notified that the setting switch 28 is set to “medium” by lighting the frame lamp 9 with the lighting pattern when the setting switch 28 is “medium”. That is, in FIG. 23, the setting switch 28 is turned on by lighting a lamp in a predetermined range among the left frame lamp 9c arranged on the left side of the game board 10 and the right frame lamp 9d arranged on the right side of the game board 10. Is set to “medium”. Further, the setting switch 28 is set to “medium” by lighting a predetermined range of the upper frame lamp 9 a disposed above the game board 10 and the lower frame lamp 9 b disposed below the game board 10. It is reported that it is set to. The notification mode of the setting state of the setting switch 28 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 23. For example, the setting state of the setting switch 28 is notified by driving the movable accessory to a predetermined position, or the game board 10 It is also possible to notify the setting state of the setting switch 28 by turning on a board lamp arranged on the player side. Further, when notification as shown in FIG. 23 is performed, the effect control board 52 may notify by voice that the setting switch 28 is set to “medium” from the speaker 8.

  When the power is turned on, the state of the initial setting related to the game effect based on the setting switch 28 is notified in the manner shown in FIG. It is possible to grasp whether or not a desired setting state has been achieved without opening. If it is in a desired setting state, it is not necessary to open the gaming machine main body 1a from the main body frame 1b and check the state of the setting switch 28, so that the work before opening the store can be performed efficiently.

  When the power-on processing is completed, the game effect control unit 71 starts operation on the effect control board 52 and waits for various commands output from the main control board 31 according to the progress of the game such as a change start command. Become. That is, in the game effect control unit 71, first, the standby effect control unit 81 functions to execute the standby effect.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the image display 12 during execution of the standby effect. FIG. 24A shows an example of the standby screen 12e displayed on the image display 12 during the standby effect. The standby screen 12e displays, for example, a word that welcomes the player's visit to the store at the center. The standby screen 12e is displayed regardless of whether or not the game detection unit 75 has detected a player, and the display state continues while the standby effect is being executed. If the standby screen 12e is a display screen for a normal standby effect in the normal gaming state ST1, no effect sound is output from the speaker 8 when the standby screen 12e is displayed.

  When the first operation button 6 is operated by the player while such a standby screen 12e is displayed, the display screen of the image display 12 is the screen shown in FIGS. 24 (a) to 24 (b). Switch to That is, when the first operation button 6 is pressed by the player, a game history display screen 12f showing a game history after the latest RAM clear in the gaming machine 1 is displayed as shown in FIG. . At this time, since the player is detected by the game detection unit 75, in the gaming machine 1, a notification process regarding the volume adjustment operation for the player is performed. In such notification processing, an operation guidance image indicating that the set value of the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted is displayed on the image display 12. The operation guidance image will be described in detail later. In a state where the game history display screen 12f is displayed on the image display 12, the player can erase the game history display screen 12f by pressing the first operation button 6 again, for example. In this case, the display screen of the image display device 12 returns to the standby screen 12e shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the player operates not the first operation button 6 but the second operation button 7 for adjusting and changing the volume level of the effect sound when the standby screen 12e is displayed, the effect The notification processing unit 73 functions on the control board 52, and the second notification unit 73b of the notification processing unit 73 adjusts and changes the volume level setting value on the image display 12 as shown in FIG. The screen GA is displayed. The volume adjustment screen GA is displayed by being superposed on a partial area on the front side of the standby screen 12e by the image control board 53. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the standby screen 12e outside the display area of the volume adjustment screen GA. Such a volume adjustment screen GA displays the current volume level as a numerical value and also displays the current volume level within a range in which the player can adjust the volume in a level bar manner. In the example of FIG. 24C, the current volume level is 70. When the volume adjustment screen GA is displayed during the display of the standby screen 12e, an operation guidance image, which will be described in detail later and that indicates that the setting value of the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted, is displayed on the image display 12. There is no need to display. Because, when the player operates the second operation button 7 while the standby screen 12e is displayed, the player operates the second operation button 7 knowing that the volume level setting value can be adjusted and changed. This is because there is no need to dare to perform operation guidance notification for notifying that the setting value of the volume level can be adjusted and changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the volume adjustment screen GA is displayed, an operation guidance image indicating that the set value of the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted and changed may be displayed. When the volume adjustment screen GA as shown in FIG. 24C is displayed, the player can adjust the volume level to a desired level while checking the current volume level on the volume adjustment screen GA. become.

  25 and 26 are diagrams showing changes in the volume adjustment screen GA when the volume adjustment unit 72a changes the volume level based on the volume adjustment operation by the player. For example, as shown in FIG. 25A, when the current volume level displayed on the volume adjustment screen GA is “70”, as shown in FIG. When the right button 7c (or the upper button 7a) included is pressed once, the volume adjuster 72a increases the current volume level by one level. At this time, the volume adjustment screen GA displayed on the image display 12 by the notification processing unit 73 is updated to a display screen as shown in FIG. That is, in the screen example of FIG. 25C, the volume level is increased by one level and displayed as “80”. In the example shown in the figure, the volume level value changes by 10 when the volume level changes by one step. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume level value changes by one. May be.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 26A, when the current volume level displayed on the volume adjustment screen GA is “70”, as shown in FIG. When the left button 7c (or the lower button 7a) included is pressed once, the volume adjustment unit 72a decreases the current volume level by one level. At this time, the volume adjustment screen GA displayed on the image display 12 by the notification processing unit 73 is updated to a display screen as shown in FIG. That is, in the screen example of FIG. 26C, the volume level is displayed in a state of being lowered by one step from “70” to “60”.

  When the volume adjustment operation as described above is performed during execution of the standby effect, the second notification unit 73b forcibly outputs the effect sound according to the current gaming state from the speaker 8, and the player adjusts the volume. Based on the operation, the volume of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed. Accordingly, the player can visually confirm the current volume level on the volume adjustment screen GA displayed on the image display 12 and can also visually confirm the current volume level with the effect sound output from the speaker 8. Can be confirmed. Therefore, the player can set the effect sound output from the speaker 8 to a desired volume level in advance before starting the game.

  Next, FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of volume level adjustment when the button 7c for further increasing the volume level is pressed while the current volume level is adjusted to the maximum. As shown in FIG. 27 (a), when the current volume level is adjusted to the maximum “100”, the right button 7c for increasing the volume level by the player as shown in FIG. 27 (b). When (or the upper button 7a) is pressed, the volume adjustment unit 72a changes the volume level from the maximum to the minimum. At this time, the volume adjustment screen GA displayed on the image display 12 is updated to a display screen as shown in FIG. That is, in the screen example of FIG. 27C, the volume level is displayed in a state indicating “10” which is the minimum. When the right button 7c is further pressed, the volume level is increased one step at a time from the minimum. When the volume level reaches the maximum “100” again, when the button 7c is further pressed, the volume level is changed to the minimum “10” again. That is, as the right button 7c for raising the volume level in the second operation button 7 is operated by the player, the volume adjustment unit 72a increases the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8, As the button 7c is further operated by the player in the state of the maximum volume level, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed to the minimum level. As a result, the player can adjust the volume level to a desired level by pressing only one button 7c, and even if other buttons constituting the second operation button 7 become defective and cannot be operated, The desired volume level can be adjusted appropriately.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of volume level adjustment when the button 7d for further decreasing the volume level is pressed in a state where the current volume level is adjusted to the minimum. As shown in FIG. 28 (a), when the current volume level is adjusted to the minimum “10”, the left button 7d for lowering the volume level by the player as shown in FIG. 28 (b). When (or the lower button 7b) is pressed, the volume adjustment unit 72a changes the volume level from the minimum to the maximum. At this time, the volume adjustment screen GA displayed on the image display 12 is updated to a display screen as shown in FIG. That is, in the screen example of FIG. 28C, the volume level is displayed in a state indicating “100” which is the maximum. When the left button 7d is further pressed, the volume level is lowered by one step from the maximum. When the volume level reaches the minimum “10” again, when the button 7c is further pressed, the volume level is changed to the maximum “100” again. That is, as the left button 7d for lowering the volume level in the second operation button 7 is operated by the player, the volume adjustment unit 72a reduces the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8, As the button 7d is further operated in the state of the minimum volume level, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed to the maximum level. As a result, the player can adjust the volume level to a desired level by pressing only one button 7d, and even if other buttons constituting the second operation button 7 have malfunctioned and cannot be operated, It can be adjusted appropriately to the desired volume level.

  The volume adjustment screen GA as described above is erased from the screen after a predetermined time has elapsed after the player no longer performs the volume adjustment operation, and is not displayed. Therefore, the second notification unit 73b starts time measurement every time an operation of the second operation button 7 by the player is detected after the display of the volume adjustment screen GA is started, and the last operation is performed. When the predetermined measurement time has elapsed, the volume adjustment screen GA is switched off.

  Next, notification related to the volume adjustment operation performed by the second notification unit 73b when the game detection unit 75 detects the player during execution of the standby effect will be described. When the player who is going to play a game is detected by the game detection unit 75, the second notification unit 73b notifies the player that the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted. Such notification may be performed by sound output from the speaker 8, but an operation guide image indicating that the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted is displayed on the image display 12 for notification. Also good.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation guidance image GB that notifies that a volume adjustment operation is possible. When the first operation button 6, the second operation button 7, or the handle lever 5 is operated and the game detection unit 75 detects a player who is going to play a game, the second notification unit 73b displays the operation guidance image GB. Is displayed on the image display 12. This operation guidance image GB notifies the player that the volume level when the effect sound is output from the speaker 8 can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7. The operation guide image GB is displayed by being superposed on a partial area on the front side of the standby screen 12e by the image control board 53. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the standby screen 12e outside the display area of the operation guidance image GB. The timing for displaying the operation guidance image GB may be displayed immediately when a game by the player is detected, or may be displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the game by the player is detected. .

  When displaying the operation guidance image GB on the image display 12, the second notification unit 73b indicates that the volume level can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7 as shown in FIG. You may make it display in the aspect containing only information. According to such a display mode, it is possible to notify the player that the volume level can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7. When the operation notification image GB as shown in FIG. 29A is displayed, the second notification unit 73b deletes the operation guide image GB from the screen and moves to a non-display state when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of notification. Return.

  Further, when the operation notification image GB is displayed on the image display 12, the second notification unit 73 b operates the second operation button 7 to operate the second operation button 7 as shown in FIG. In addition to the information indicating that the sound volume can be adjusted, the current sound volume level may be displayed in a form including information indicating a numerical value or a level bar as in the sound volume adjustment screen GA described above. According to such a display mode, not only that the volume level can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7 but also the current volume level can be notified to the player. When the operation notification image GB as shown in FIG. 29B is displayed, the second notification unit 73b deletes the operation guide image GB from the screen and moves to a non-display state when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of notification. Return. However, when the volume adjustment operation by the player is performed, the display state of the operation guide image GB may be continued until the predetermined time elapses after the volume adjustment operation ends.

  The second notification unit 73b can adjust the volume level by operating the second operation button 7 as shown in FIG. 29 (c) when displaying the operation guidance image GB on the image display 12. The operation guidance image GB including only information indicating the above and the above-described volume adjustment screen GA may be displayed in a side-by-side manner. In this case, the operation guidance image GB and the volume adjustment screen GA may be displayed immediately after a game is detected by the player, or may be displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the game is detected. Moreover, the display of the operation guidance image GB and the volume adjustment screen GA may be started simultaneously, or the display may be started at different timings. When the operation guidance image GB is displayed in a manner as shown in FIG. 29 (c), the second notification unit 73b erases the operation guidance image GB from the screen when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of notification, and hides it. Return to the state. At this time, when the volume adjustment operation by the player is not performed, the volume adjustment screen GA is not displayed at the same time. However, when the volume adjustment operation by the player is performed, the display state of the volume adjustment screen GA is continued, and only the operation guide image GB is erased from the screen. Further, the operation guide image GB may be configured to be deleted when the player starts a volume adjustment operation on the second operation button 7. This is because, after the player enters the state of pressing the second operation button 7 for adjusting the volume, a guidance display indicating that the volume can be adjusted is not necessary.

  When a player who is going to play a game during the execution of the standby effect is detected, the volume level can be adjusted for the player by displaying the operation guide image GB as described above on the image display 12. That there is a notification and a volume level adjustment method. Therefore, a player who does not know that the volume level can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7 before starting the game or immediately after starting the game is given to the player at a relatively early stage. It can inform you how to adjust the volume level. As a result, the player can play the game after changing the volume level set to the initial value or the volume level set by another player to a desired level.

  Next, game effects performed by the game effect control unit 71 will be described. First, FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of an effect mode when a symbol variation effect is performed by the normal game effect control unit 82, and (a) shows a case where a symbol variation effect is performed as a normal zone effect. Exemplifies a case where a design variation effect is performed as an expectation level up zone. Here, the normal zone effect refers to a symbol variation effect performed in a normal effect mode. On the other hand, the expectation-up zone effect is an effect that is set by shifting from the normal zone by, for example, holding pre-reading determination, and is usually set across multiple continuous symbol variation effects. This means a symbol variation effect in a different form from the effect mode. When the symbol variation effect corresponding to the normal zone effect is performed in the normal game state ST1, for example, as shown in FIG. 30A, a predetermined background image 12g is displayed on the image display 12, and the front of the background image 12g is displayed. On the side, three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are displayed in a variable manner. When the symbol variation effect is performed in such a normal effect mode, the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot is not so high. On the other hand, when a transition is made from the normal zone effect to the expectation-up zone effect by, for example, prefetching determination of game data stored as a hold, the state shown in FIG. 30 (a) is changed to the state shown in FIG. 30 (b). The symbol variation effect is performed in the effect mode corresponding to the expectation up zone. When the symbol variation effect corresponding to the expected up zone effect is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 30B, a background image 12h of a background different from the normal zone effect is displayed on the image display 12, and the background image 12h The three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, 12c are displayed in a variable manner on the front side. Such an expectation-up zone is set when, for example, pre-fetching determination or the like includes game data that is stored as pending, that is a big hit or a reach. Therefore, when multiple symbol variation effects are continuously performed in the expectation up zone, a reach effect that may be a big hit in any of the symbol variation effects is performed. Is an effect in which the degree of expectation that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than the normal zone effect. When the predetermined number of symbol variation effects are completed in the expectation-up zone, the normal zone effect in which the symbol variation effects are performed in the normal effect mode is returned. As described above, in the present embodiment, there are two effect modes, the effect mode corresponding to the normal zone and the effect mode corresponding to the expectation up zone, as the symbol variation effect performed by the normal game effect control unit 82. The production mode corresponding to the degree up zone has a higher expectation to give a game value advantageous to the player than the production mode corresponding to the normal zone.

  The expectation-up zone as described above is performed as one of specific suggestion effects. The volume adjustment unit 72a temporarily increases the current volume level as the symbol variation effect performed by the normal game effect control unit 82 shifts from the normal zone effect to the expectation level up zone effect. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the player pay attention to the symbol variation effect performed in the expectation up zone. Then, during the period in which the design variation effect continues in the expectation level up zone, the increased volume level is maintained, and when returning from the expectation level up zone to the normal zone, the volume adjustment unit 72a returns the volume level to the original level. .

  However, the sound volume adjustment unit 72a may increase the sound volume level only when the current sound volume level is equal to or lower than a predetermined level when the expected level up zone effect is entered. For example, when the current volume level is equal to or lower than a predetermined level, the volume adjustment unit 72a may change the current volume level to a predetermined volume level (for example, a maximum level) higher than this.

  Next, FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition pattern of effects when a symbol variation effect is performed by the normal game effect control unit 82. In addition, in FIG. 31, the effect aspect in the normal zone mentioned above is shown. When the normal game effect control unit 82 starts the symbol variation effect, as shown in FIG. 31A, the normal game effect control unit 82 starts a symbol variation effect that causes the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c to fluctuate in the vertical direction, for example. At this time, the normal game effect control unit 82 starts the symbol variation effect as a normal variation effect that simply varies the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c in the vertical direction. In such a symbol variation effect, for example, when two symbols out of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are aligned in the same symbol, a reach effect may be performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 31B, there may be a transition to an operation effect that prompts the player to press, for example, the first operation button 6. In the example of FIG. 31B, the operation effect is performed by displaying the operation effect image GC on the front side of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c that are changing. This operation effect is an effect of accepting an operation of the first operation button 6 by the player until a predetermined period elapses. Therefore, the operation effect image GC includes an image that prompts the player to operate the button, and a timing bar that indicates the remaining period during which the player can operate the first operation button 6, and the button is displayed during the remaining period of the timing bar. The image prompts the user to perform an operation. When the player presses the first operation button 6 during that period, the normal game effect control unit 82 displays a cut-in image GD as shown in FIG. 31C instead of the operation effect image GC. Make a cut-in effect. There are various types of images in the cut-in image GD displayed based on the operation by the player, and a normal image that suggests that the degree of expectation to win the jackpot is medium, and the expectation to win the jackpot There is a high expectation image that suggests that the degree is higher than a normal image. FIG. 31C shows an example in which a high expectation image is displayed as a cut-in image GD. Accordingly, when the player operates the first operation button 6 while the operation effect is being performed, the player has a high expectation that the symbol variation effect will be a big hit depending on the type of the cut-in image GD that is displayed accordingly. You can figure out whether it is low or low. If the player does not operate the first operation button 6 within a predetermined period while the operation effect as shown in FIG. 31B is being performed, the operation effect ends and the cut-in effect is performed. Absent. Therefore, in order for the player to grasp whether the degree of expectation that the symbol variation effect is a big hit depending on the type of the cut-in image GD is high or low, the first operation button 6 is pressed during the operation effect period. It is necessary to operate.

  Then, the volume adjustment unit 72a temporarily increases the current volume level when the operation effect as shown in FIG. 31B is performed in the symbol variation effect performed by the normal game effect control unit 82. Thereby, the player can be made to pay attention to the operation effect, and the button operation can be performed during the period in which the operation effect is being performed. Further, when the cut-in effect as shown in FIG. 31C is performed following the operation effect, the volume adjusting unit 72a, if the cut-in image GD displayed in the cut-in effect is a high expectation image, Increase the current volume level. Thereby, the player can be made to pay attention to the cut-in image GD displayed in the cut-in effect, and can recognize that the possibility that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than usual. . Then, the volume adjustment unit 72a maintains the increased volume level during the period in which these effects continue, and returns the volume level to the original level when the effects are finished. The volume adjusting unit 72a may increase the volume level only when the current volume level is equal to or lower than a predetermined level when the operation effect or the cut-in effect based on the high expectation image is performed.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect pattern determined by the normal game effect control unit 82 based on the change start command. For example, when the change time TD shown in FIG. 32 is determined on the main control board 31, the normal game effect control unit 82 determines one effect pattern corresponding to the change time TD. FIG. 32 shows two effect patterns PT1 and PT2 corresponding to the variation time TD. For example, the effect pattern PT1 is an effect pattern selected when the result of the special game determination is a loss, and the effect pattern PT2 is a special effect pattern PT2. This effect pattern is selected when the game determination result is a big hit. Both of these two production patterns PT1 and PT2 are sequentially shifted from the normal variation production to the normal reach production, the operation production, the cut-in production, the first development reach production, and the second development reach production, and finally the confirmed pattern. It is an effect in which a confirmed effect is displayed. More specifically, the normal variation effect is started at the timing T0, and the normal reach effect in a state where two decorative symbols are aligned at the timing T1. When an operation effect is performed at timing T2 and the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 is operated by the player between T2 and T3 when the operation effect is performed, a cut-in effect is generated. May enter. After the operation effect or the cut-in effect, the process shifts to the first development reach effect at timing T3, and further shifts from the first development reach effect to the second development reach effect at timing T4. Then, at the timing T5, the third decorative symbol is stopped, and a definite effect for informing the result of the special game determination is performed for a predetermined time until the timing T6. Thus, the two effect patterns PT1 and PT2 are patterns in which similar effects are sequentially performed. However, the degree of expectation that is a big hit indicated by each effect performed in the two effect patterns PT1, PT2 is different from each other. For example, while the cut-in effect performed after the operation effect in the effect pattern PT1 has a high expectation level, the cut-in effect performed after the operation effect in the effect pattern PT2 has a high expectation level. Therefore, the cut-in effect performed in the effect pattern PT2 is an effect in which the degree of expectation that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than the cut-in effect performed in the effect pattern PT1, and is a specific suggestion effect. . In addition, the second development reach effect performed in the effect pattern PT1 has a high expectation level, while the second development reach effect performed in the effect pattern PT2 has a high expectation value. Therefore, the second development reach production performed in the production pattern PT2 is a production in which the degree of expectation that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than the second development reach production carried out in the production pattern PT1, and the specific suggestion production It has become. When such a specific suggestion effect is performed, the normal suggestion game effect control unit 82b operates in the normal game effect control unit 82, and the expectation that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than normal. Configured to suggest.

  As described above, the normal game effect control unit 82 determines one effect pattern based on the change start command received from the main control board 31, and executes the symbol change effect based on the determined effect pattern. Then, when performing the operation effect or the specific suggestion effect, the normal game effect control unit 82 notifies the game effect setting unit 72 to that effect, and temporarily increases the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8.

  Note that there are various patterns other than the effect patterns shown in FIG. 32 as the effect patterns determined by the normal game effect control unit 82 based on the change start command. The normal game effect control unit 82 determines an effect pattern corresponding to the variation time TD of the special symbol performed on the main control board 31 and corresponding to the current game state. For example, the normal game effect control unit 32 determines one effect pattern from a plurality of effect patterns corresponding to the normal zone effect when performing the symbol variation effect in the effect mode of the normal zone. When the symbol variation effect is performed, one effect pattern is determined from a plurality of effect patterns corresponding to the expectation-up zone effect. Therefore, even if the variation time TD of the special symbol performed on the main control board 31 is the same time, if the gaming state and the rendering zone in the gaming machine 1 are different, the symbol variation rendering of a different rendering mode in the gaming machine 1 The effect sound output from the speaker 8 may be a different effect sound.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition pattern of effects when a special game effect is performed by the special game effect control unit 83. As described above, in the special gaming state ST2, the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is driven to the open state in a round predetermined by the opening pattern until a predetermined time elapses or predetermined Until the number of winnings is counted, the open state continues. By allowing the game balls to win the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16, the player can acquire many game balls. Since the first grand prize opening 15 is provided on the right side of the second start opening 14 and the second big prize opening 16 is provided on the right side of the center accessory 11, the player can play the center role in the special game. It is necessary to fire the game ball so as to roll on the right side of the object 11. The special game effect control unit 83 specifies the opening pattern of the first grand prize port 15 and the second grand prize port 16 based on the special game start command received from the main control board 31, and the special game effect performed during the special game. To decide. When the first round in the special game is started, the special game effect control unit 83 causes the round effect control unit 83b to function, and the image display 12 is in the first round as shown in FIG. A round effect screen 12i for displaying is displayed. In this round effect screen 12i, as shown in FIG. 33A, in addition to the round display, a stop symbol (a jackpot symbol) in a state where three decorative symbols indicating that the jackpot has been arranged is displayed. Further, the special game effect control unit 83 urges the player to launch a game ball aiming at the right side of the game area so as to perform an operation of causing the game ball to roll so as to roll on the right side of the center object 11. The firing guide information is displayed at the top of the round effect screen 12i. In addition, since the game state in which the player launches a game ball aiming at the right side area of the game area is continued until the special game is ended when the transition to the special game state ST2, the firing guide information at the upper part of the round effect screen 12i is It is displayed continuously until the special game ends. The special game effect control unit 83 may output guidance for prompting the player to strike a game ball by voice while aiming at the right side of the game area together with the display of the launch guidance information. Then, when outputting the voice guidance from the speaker 8, the volume level may be temporarily increased. As a result, the player is informed of the timing at which the game ball should be launched aiming at the right side of the game area by both the display of the effect screen and the voice, so that the player does not lose time to the right side of the game area. It becomes possible to launch a game ball aiming at.

  The round effect control unit 83b updates the round display on the round effect screen 12i every time the round game progresses during the special game. At this time, the round effect control unit 83b counts only the round in which the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened long, and does not count the round opened in short. In other words, the round effect control unit 83b may update the round display with the start of a round game in which the player can obtain many prize balls during the special game, and the player may obtain the prize balls. The round display is not updated when a difficult short-open round game is performed. Therefore, when the first and second special games PA1 and PA2 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are performed in the gaming machine 1, round effects of up to four rounds are performed as special game effects. Thus, when the second special game PA3 shown in FIG. 8C is performed, the round effects for all 16 rounds are performed as the special game effects. Various effect sounds such as music with singing are set in such a round effect, and when the execution of the round effect is started, an effect sound corresponding to the type of special game is output from the speaker 8. Become.

  In the process of the round effect by the round effect control unit 83b, the operation effect control unit 83a functions and, for example, as shown in FIG. 33B, the player presses the first operation button 6, for example. There may be an operation effect that encourages the user to do so. In the example of FIG. 33B, the operation effect is performed by displaying the operation effect image GE on the front side of the round effect screen 12i. This operation effect is an effect of accepting an operation of the first operation button 6 by the player until a predetermined period elapses, as described above. Therefore, the operation effect image GE includes an image that prompts the player to operate the button and a timing bar that indicates a remaining period during which the player can operate the first operation button 6. The image prompts the user to perform an operation. If the player operates the first operation button 6 during the period in which the operation effect control unit 83a performs the operation effect, the special game effect control unit 83 executes the next effect based on the operation. Start.

  Such an operation effect is performed before the fourth round game is started when the first or second special game PA1, PA2 is being performed. For example, before the fourth round game is started in the middle of the third round game, or after the third round game is finished, the fourth round game is started. An operation effect is performed before. And if the 1st operation button 6 is operated by the player during the period when the operation effect is performed, the round effect of the next 4th round by the round effect control part 83b will be started. However, even if the player does not operate the first operation button 6 during the period in which the operation effect is being performed, the round effect control unit 83b starts the next round effect of the fourth round after the period has elapsed. To do.

  That is, when the first or second special game PA1, PA2 is performed, if the first round winning opening 15 is opened long when the round effect of the fourth round is performed, the probability of winning the subsequent jackpot is low. On the other hand, if the second big winning opening 16 is opened long, the winning probability of the subsequent jackpot will be high. Therefore, the operation effect control unit 83a performs the button operation while expecting the player to open the second big prize opening 16 long by performing the operation effect immediately before the start of the fourth round effect. Can be done.

  Then, the volume adjusting unit 72a increases the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 as the operation effect is performed by the operation effect control unit 83a. For example, when an operation effect is performed, if the volume level of the effect sound is less than a predetermined level, the sound level is increased to a predetermined level or higher. Thereby, since the player notices the change in volume and pays attention to the game board 10, the operation buttons 6 and 7 can be pressed at an appropriate timing without overlooking the operation effect image GE. Note that the operation effect ends when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the operation effect, or when the player operates the first operation button 6. Here, with the end of the operation effect, the volume adjusting unit 72a restores the set value of the volume level to the set value before the operation effect. This is because it is not necessary for the player to pay attention to the game board 10 when the operation effect ends. Thus, if the player has manually set the desired volume level in advance, the desired volume level is restored.

  When the player performs a button operation during a period during which the operation effect is performed, or when the period has elapsed without the player performing a button operation during the operation effect period, the round effect control unit 83b The execution of the fourth round effect is started. At this time, when the second special game PA2 is being performed as a special game, the round effect control unit 83b has a long open second winning opening 16 as shown in FIG. 33 (c), which is advantageous to the player. A specific round effect that suggests that there is a high expectation that a lot of game value will be given. In this specific round effect, the specific round image is displayed on the image display 12 in order to cause the player to perform the operation of launching the game ball with the aim of passing the game ball through the V gate 18 provided at the second grand prize opening 16. GF is displayed. At this time, the speaker 8 may output a sound for notifying that the game ball should be launched aiming at the V gate 18. Such a specific round effect is an effect in which the player increases the operation angle of the handle lever 5 to aim at the right side area of the game area, and is a kind of effect related to the player's operation. The specific round effect is a kind of specific suggestion effect because it is an effect that suggests that the degree of expectation that a game value advantageous to the player is given is high.

  When the first special game PA1 is performed as a special game, the round effect control unit 83b is an effect different from the specific round effect shown in FIG. 33C as the round effect of the fourth round. A normal round effect as shown in FIG. 33A is executed.

  Then, the volume adjusting unit 72a increases the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 when the specific effect is performed by the round effect control unit 83b. For example, when an operation effect is performed, if the volume level of the effect sound is less than a predetermined level, the sound level is increased to a predetermined level or higher. As a result, the player can notice the change in the volume level of the production sound so that the game board 10 can be noticed. A game ball can be launched by adjusting the operation angle of the handle lever 5 so as to win. When the specific round effect ends, the volume adjustment unit 72a restores the volume level setting value to the setting value before the specific round effect. This is because, since the round in which the second grand prize winning opening 16 is long open ends, there is no need to urge the player to fire the game ball to win the second big prize winning opening 16. Thus, if the player has manually set the desired volume level in advance, the desired volume level is restored. Note that, when the special game state ST2 ends, the special game effect control unit 83 may display guidance information that prompts the user to launch a game ball aiming at the left side of the game area. Further, the special game effect control unit 83 may output the guidance information from the speaker 8 by voice when the special game state ST2 ends, or may temporarily increase the volume level when outputting the voice. Good. Accordingly, since the special gaming state ST2 is ended, the guidance information that prompts the player to launch a game ball aiming at the left side of the gaming area is notified to the player by display on the effect screen and voice, so that the player can be sure It is possible to recognize this guidance information and launch the game ball aiming at the left side of the game area without losing time, and it is possible to prevent the game ball from being wasted.

  Next, FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition pattern of effects when a symbol variation effect is performed by the specific game effect control unit 84. When the specific game effect control unit 84 starts the symbol variation effect, as shown in FIG. 34A, the specific game effect control unit 84 starts a symbol variation effect that causes the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c to fluctuate in the vertical direction, for example. At this time, the specific game effect control unit 84 changes the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c on the front side of the background 12j corresponding to the specific game state ST3. That is, the symbol variation effect performed by the specific game effect control unit 84 is performed in a manner different from the symbol variation effect performed by the normal game effect control unit 82. The effect sound output from the speaker 8 during the symbol variation effect by the specific game effect control unit 84 is also different from the effect sound output from the speaker 8 during the symbol variation effect by the normal game effect control unit 82. is there. For example, the effect sound output from the speaker 8 during the symbol variation effect by the specific game effect control unit 84 may include music with singing, whereas the speaker during the symbol variation effect by the normal game effect control unit 82 may be included. The production sound output from 8 does not include music with singing. When the music with singing is output from the speaker 8, the specific game effect control unit 84 may display lyric information corresponding to the singing progress at the lower part of the screen of the image display 12.

  When the symbol variation effect is performed by the specific game effect control unit 84, the gaming machine 1 is in the specific game state ST3, and the electric tulip 14a opened by the normal symbol lottery is driven from the closed state to the open state more frequently than usual. The time-saving mode is set, and it becomes easier to win game balls to the second starting port 14 more frequently than in the normal gaming state ST1. Therefore, the specific game effect control unit 84 displays guidance information for launching a game ball toward the right area of the game area in which the through gate 21 is provided, at the upper part of the screen of the image display 12. With this guidance information, the player increases the operation angle of the handle lever 5 in order to launch a game ball toward the right region. The specific game effect control unit 84 may output the guidance information from the speaker 8 by voice, and may temporarily increase the volume level of the voice output from the speaker 8 at that time. Thereby, the guidance information for launching the game ball toward the right region of the game ball is notified to the player both by the display of the effect screen and the sound output from the speaker 8, and the player is surely This guidance information can be reliably recognized, and a game ball can be launched aiming at the right side of the game area without losing time.

  When the symbol variation effect is performed by the specific game effect control unit 84, an operation effect that prompts the player to operate the button may be performed as in the case of the symbol variation effect by the normal game effect control unit 82. FIG. 34B shows a state in which such an operation effect is performed. When it is time to perform the operation effect, the specific game effect control unit 84 displays the operation effect image GC on the forefront of the image display 12 as shown in FIG. When the player operates the first operation button 6 during the period in which the operation effect is being performed, the specific game effect control unit 84 replaces the operation effect image GC with a cut-in as shown in FIG. A cut-in effect for displaying the image GD is performed. Here too, there are various types of images in the cut-in image GD displayed based on the operation by the player, and a normal image that suggests that the degree of expectation to win the jackpot is medium, or a jackpot There are high expectation images that suggest that the degree of expectation to win is higher than a normal image. FIG. 34C shows an example in which a high expectation image is displayed as a cut-in image GD. Accordingly, when the player operates the first operation button 6 while the operation effect is being performed, the player has a high expectation that the symbol variation effect will be a big hit depending on the type of the cut-in image GD that is displayed accordingly. You can figure out whether it is low or low. If the player does not operate the first operation button 6 within a predetermined period while the operation effect as shown in FIG. 31B is being performed, the operation effect ends and the cut-in effect is performed. Absent. Therefore, in order for the player to grasp whether the degree of expectation that the symbol variation effect is a big hit depending on the type of the cut-in image GD is high or low, the first operation button 6 is pressed during the operation effect period. It is necessary to operate.

  Then, the volume adjustment unit 72a temporarily increases the current volume level when the operation effect as shown in FIG. 34 (b) is performed in the symbol variation effect performed by the specific game effect control unit 84. Thereby, the player can be made to pay attention to the operation effect, and the button operation can be performed during the period in which the operation effect is being performed. When the cut-in effect as shown in FIG. 34 (c) is performed following the operation effect, the volume adjusting unit 72a, if the cut-in image GD displayed in the cut-in effect is a high expectation image, Increase the current volume level. On the other hand, when the cut-in image GD is not a high expectation image, the current level is maintained without increasing the volume level. Thereby, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the cut-in image GD with high expectation displayed in the cut-in effect, and recognize that the possibility that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than usual. Can be made. Then, the volume adjustment unit 72a maintains the increased volume level during the period in which these effects continue, and returns the volume level to the original level when the effects are finished. The volume adjusting unit 72a may increase the volume level only when the current volume level is equal to or lower than a predetermined level when the operation effect or the cut-in effect based on the high expectation image is performed. Further, when the specific game state ST3 ends, the specific game effect control unit 84 may display guidance information that prompts the user to launch a game ball aiming at the left side of the game area. Further, the specific game effect control unit 84 may output the guidance information from the speaker 8 by voice when the specific game state ST3 ends, or may temporarily increase the volume level when outputting the voice. Good. As a result, this guidance information is notified to the player by display of the effect screen and voice, so that the player can recognize this guidance information and aim at the left side of the game area without losing time. Can be prevented, and it is possible to prevent the game ball from being wasted.

  Next, an example of a specific processing procedure executed in the effect control board 52 in order to perform the game effect as described above will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process in the effect control board 52. This process is a process that is repeatedly performed every time a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined time interval (for example, several milliseconds) after the timer interrupt permission is performed in step S906 in FIG. When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control board 52 first determines whether or not a change start command has been received from the main control board 31 (step S1000). When the variation start command is received (YES in step S1000), a symbol variation effect start process for controlling the image control board 53 and the lamp control substrate 54 to perform a symbol variation effect is performed (step S1001). Details of the symbol variation effect start processing will be described later. When the change start command has not been received (NO in step S1000), the effect control board 52 determines whether or not the symbol is changing (step S1002). If the symbol is changing (YES in step S1002), a symbol change effect process is performed (step S1003). Details of the symbol variation effect processing will be described later. If the symbol is not changing (NO in step S1002), the effect control board 52 determines whether or not a special game start command is received from the main control board 31 (step S1004). When a special game start command is received from the main control board 31 (YES in step S1004), the effect control board 52 performs a special game effect start process (step S1005) to start a special game effect corresponding to the special game. If the effect control board 52 has not received the special game start command (NO in step S1004), it is determined whether or not the jackpot (special game) is in progress (step S1006). If it is a big hit (YES in step S1006), a special game effect process is performed to perform a special game effect corresponding to the special game (step S1007). If it is not a big hit (NO in step S1006), the effect control board 52 determines whether or not the standby effect is being executed (step S1008). If the standby effect is being executed (YES in step S1008), standby processing such as volume level operation guidance notification and volume level adjustment during the standby effect is performed (step S1011). If the production control board 52 is not executing the standby production (NO in step S1008), the production control board 52 has completed the symbol variation production and has received a predetermined time without receiving any command from the main control board 31. Is determined (step S1009), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S1009), a standby process is performed (step S1011). On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1009), a standby effect execution start process is performed to start execution of the standby effect (step S1010). Then, after performing the standby effect execution start process (step S1010), the effect control board 52 performs the standby process (step S1011) and ends the timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing details of the symbol variation effect start processing (step S1001 in FIG. 35). The effect control board 52 confirms the fluctuation time of the fluctuation start command received from the main control board 31 (step S1101). Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the normal gaming state ST1 (step S1102). If the current gaming state is the normal gaming state ST1 (YES in step S1102), it is determined whether or not the current effect zone is a normal zone effect (step S1103), and if it is a normal zone effect (in step S1103). (YES), with reference to the normal zone effect table (step S1104), one effect pattern of the symbol variation effect is determined (step S1107).

  If it is not the normal gaming state ST1 in step S1102 (NO in step S1102), a specific gaming state table is referred to (step S1106), and one effect pattern of the symbol variation effect is determined (step S1107). If it is not the normal zone effect in step S1103 (NO in step S1103), the symbol variation effect is performed as the expectation-up zone effect. Therefore, the effect control board 52 refers to the table for the expectation level up zone (step S1105) and determines one effect pattern to be performed as the effect of the expectation level up zone (step S1107). When the effect pattern is determined, the effect control board 52 starts the symbol variation effect according to the determined effect pattern (step S1108), and ends the symbol variation effect start process. With such a symbol variation start process, the symbol variation effect is started in the gaming machine 1, the variation display of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c is started on the image display 12, and the symbol variation effect is started from the speaker 8. A production sound corresponding to is output.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing details of the symbol variation effect process (step S1003 in FIG. 35). The normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 determines whether or not the operation effect is included in the currently executed effect pattern during the symbol variation (step S1201). If an operation effect is included (YES in step S1201), an operation effect process is performed (step S1202). Details of the operation effect process will be described later. After the operation effect process is performed, does the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 include a specific suggestion effect that suggests that the currently-executed effect pattern has a high expectation level that is a big hit? It is determined whether or not (step S1203). If a specific suggestion effect is included (YES in step S1203), a specific suggestion effect process is performed (step S1204). Details of the specific suggestion effect process will be described later. If the specific suggestion effect is not included (NO in step S1203), the specific suggestion effect process is skipped.

  If the operation effect is not included in the currently executed effect pattern during the symbol variation effect (NO in step S1201), the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 uses the first operation button 6 by the player. Alternatively, it is determined whether an operation of the second operation button 7 is detected (step S1205). If a button operation by the player is detected (YES in step S1205), it is determined whether the operation is an operation on the second operation button 7 (step S1206). When the second operation button 7 is operated by the player (YES in step S1206), the volume adjustment unit 72a performs a volume level adjustment process (step S1207). In this volume level adjustment process, a volume adjustment screen GA is displayed at a predetermined position on the image display 12, and a process for changing the volume level based on the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player is performed. In other words, even if the effect control board 52 is executing the symbol variation effect, if the effect to be performed according to the player's button operation is not included in the symbol variation effect being executed, 2 An operation on the operation button 7 is accepted as a volume adjustment operation, and a volume level adjustment process is performed. In other words, when the symbol variation effect currently being executed includes an effect to be performed in accordance with the player's button operation, the volume level adjustment process is not performed, and the player has operated the second operation button 7. However, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is not changed. The detailed processing procedure of the volume level adjustment process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the button operation is not detected (NO in step S1205), or if the button operation is detected but the button operation is not performed on the second operation button 7 (NO in step S1206), the normal game effect control unit 82 or The specific game effect control unit 84 skips the volume level adjustment process (step S1207) and determines whether the display time of the volume adjustment screen GA is being measured (step S1208). In the volume level adjustment process (step S1207), the display time measurement is started with the display of the volume adjustment screen GA. If the display time is being measured (YES in step S1208), since the volume adjustment screen GA is displayed on the image display 12, it is determined whether or not the display time has passed a predetermined time ( Step S1209) If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in Step S1209), the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 deletes the volume adjustment screen GA from the screen (Step S1210), and Step The process proceeds to S1211. If the display time is not being measured in step S1208 (NO in step S1208), or if the display time has not yet elapsed (NO in step S1209), the volume adjustment screen GA is displayed. The process proceeds to step S1211 with the displayed.

  Subsequently, the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 determines whether or not a variation stop command has been received from the main control board 31 (step S1211). When the variable stop command is received (YES in step S1211), the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 performs the symbol determination effect and displays the result of the special game determination (step S1212). If the variation stop command has not been received (NO in step S1211), the current symbol variation effect continues further, so step S1212 is skipped and the symbol variation effect process is terminated.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing details of the operation effect process (step S1202 in FIG. 37). The operation effect control unit 82a of the normal game effect control unit 82 or the operation effect control unit 84a of the specific game effect control unit 84 determines whether it is time to start the operation effect in the currently executing symbol variation effect ( Step S1301). When it is time to start the operation effect (YES in step S1301), the operation effect control unit 82a or 84a notifies the sound volume adjustment unit 72a to that effect. Thus, the volume adjustment unit 72a reads the current volume level setting value (step S1302), and determines whether or not the current volume level setting value is less than a predetermined level (step S1303). As a result, if it is less than the predetermined level (YES in step S1303), the volume adjustment unit 72a changes the set value of the volume level (step S1304). As a mode of changing the set value of the volume level, the set value may be changed to a predetermined level set in advance, or may be changed to a maximum level. The maximum level may be a maximum level within a range that can be adjusted by the player operating the second operation button 7. Further, when the maximum level that can be output by the gaming machine 1 exceeds the maximum level that can be adjusted by the player, the maximum level that can be output by the gaming machine 1 may be changed. When the set value of the current volume level is equal to or higher than the predetermined level (NO in step S1303), volume control unit 72a skips step S1304. In this case, the volume level is not changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume level may be increased as long as the volume level can be further increased even if the set value of the current volume level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. Then, the operation effect control unit 82a or 84a starts executing the operation effect (step S1305). If it is not the timing to start the operation effect in the currently executing symbol variation effect (NO in step S1301), the process is skipped without performing the processing from step S1302 to step S1305.

  Next, the operation effect control unit 82a or 84a determines whether or not the operation effect is being executed (step S1306). If the operation effect is not being executed (NO in step S1306), the operation effect process is terminated. When the operation effect is being executed (YES in step S1306), the operation effect control unit 82a or 84a determines whether, for example, an operation of the first operation button 6 by the player has been detected (step S1307). When the operation of the first operation button 6 is detected (YES in step S1307), the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific game effect control unit 84 performs a process for switching the effect based on the player's button operation ( Step S1308). For example, when performing a cut-in effect based on a player's button operation, a cut-in effect is performed by setting a flag indicating that it is time to start the cut-in effect. If the operation of the first operation button 6 is not detected (NO in step S1307), the operation effect control unit 82a or 84a determines whether it is time to end the operation effect (step S1309), and ends the operation effect. If it is not the timing (NO in step S1309), the operation effect continues and the operation effect process is terminated. If it is time to end the operation effect (YES in step S1309), it is determined whether or not the volume level setting value has been changed with the start of the operation effect (step S1310), and the volume level setting value has not been changed. If so (NO in step S1310), the operation effect process is terminated. When the setting value of the volume level is changed at the start of the operation effect (YES in step S1310), the operation effect control unit 82a or 84a sets the volume level setting value to the volume adjustment unit 72a before the operation effect is performed. After performing the restoration process (step S1311) for restoring to the set value, the execution of the operation effect is terminated (step S1312), and the operation effect process is terminated.

  By performing the operation effect process described above, in the gaming machine 1, when an operation effect that prompts the player to operate the button is performed, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is temporarily increased. It becomes possible to output.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing details of the specific suggestion effect process (step S1204 in FIG. 37). The specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b of the normal game effect control unit 82 or the specific suggestion game effect control unit 84b of the specific game effect control unit 84 determines whether it is time to start the specific suggestion effect (step S1401). . If it is time to start the specific suggestion effect (YES in step S1401), the specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b or 84b notifies the volume adjustment unit 72a to that effect. Thus, the volume adjustment unit 72a reads the current volume level setting value (step S1402), and determines whether or not the current volume level setting value is less than a predetermined level (step S1403). As a result, if it is less than the predetermined level (YES in step S1403), the volume adjustment unit 72a changes the set value of the volume level (step S1404). As a mode of changing the set value of the volume level, the set value may be set to a predetermined level or the set value may be set to the maximum level. Thereafter, the specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b or 84b starts executing the specific suggestion effect defined in the effect pattern being executed (step S1405). By this specific suggestion effect, it is suggested that the degree of expectation that the symbol variation effect is a big hit for the player is higher than usual. If it is not time to start the specific suggestion effect in step S1401 (NO in step S1401), the specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b or 84b skips steps S1402 to S1405.

  Next, the specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b or 84b determines whether it is time to end the specific suggestion effect (step S1406). When it is not time to end the specific suggestion effect (NO in step S1406), the specific suggestion effect control unit 82b or 84b ends the specific suggestion effect process because the specific suggestion effect continues. If it is time to end the specific suggestion effect (YES in step S1406), it is determined whether or not the volume level setting value has been changed at the start of the specific suggestion effect (step S1407). If the setting value of the volume level has been changed at the start of the specific suggestion effect (YES in step S1407), the specific suggestion game effect control unit 82b or 84b sends the set value of the volume level to the volume adjustment unit 72a. Volume level restoration processing is performed to restore the setting value before the start (step S1408), and the specific suggestion effect processing is terminated. If the set value of the volume level has not been changed at the start of the specific suggestion effect (NO in step S1407), step S1408 is skipped and the specific suggestion effect process is terminated.

  By performing the specific suggestion effect process as described above, when the specific suggestion effect is suggested in the gaming machine 1 to suggest that the degree of expectation that the game value is given to the player is higher than usual, the speaker 8 can be output in a state where the volume level of the effect sound output from 8 is temporarily increased.

  FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing the transition of the symbol variation effect and the change of the volume level in the normal gaming state ST1. The performance pattern PT2 is the same as that shown in FIG. 32, and includes an operation effect that prompts the player to operate a button and suggests that the expectation that a game value advantageous to the player is given is higher than usual. As the specific suggestion effect to be performed, a cut-in effect with a high degree of expectation and a second development reach effect are included. When the symbol variation effect is started at timing T0 based on the effect pattern PT2, various effects defined in the effect pattern PT2 are sequentially executed. Note that FIG. 40 illustrates a case where the player has set the volume level below a predetermined level before the timing T0.

  When a symbol variation effect based on the effect pattern PT2 is started and a normal variation effect and a normal reach effect with a lower than normal expectation level are performed, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is determined by the player. The set value is set in advance. When the operation effect is started at timing T2, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed to a maximum level that is higher than a predetermined level. Therefore, the player comes to pay attention to the operation effect. When the player performs a button operation at the timing Ta during the execution of the operation effect, a cut-in effect that is a specific suggestion effect is started at the timing Tb immediately after that. Also at this time, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed to a maximum level larger than a predetermined level. Therefore, the player comes to pay attention to a cut-in effect with high expectation. In addition, when the switching from the operation effect to the cut-in effect is instantaneously performed within a predetermined time based on the button operation by the player, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is kept at the maximum level. You can leave it. When the cut-in effect ends, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 returns to the original set value.

  Thereafter, when the second development reach effect that is the specific suggestion effect is started at timing T4, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is changed again to a maximum level that is greater than the predetermined level. Therefore, the player comes to pay attention to the second development reach effect with high expectation. When the second development reach effect ends, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 returns to the original set value again.

  Next, FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing details of the volume level adjustment processing (step S1207 in FIG. 37). The volume adjusting unit 72a changes the set value of the volume level based on the operation of the second operation button 7 being pressed by the player (step S1501). For example, when the button 7c is pressed, the volume adjustment unit 72a increases the volume level by one step, and when the button 7d is pressed, the volume adjustment unit 72a decreases the volume level by one step and sets the current setting. Change the value. Thereby, since the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 changes, the player can perform the volume adjustment operation while listening to the actual sound volume of the effect sound.

  Next, the volume adjustment unit 72a determines whether or not the volume adjustment screen GA for adjusting the volume level is being displayed on the image display 12 (step S1502). When the volume adjustment screen GA is not displayed (NO in step S1502), the volume adjustment unit 72a causes the image display unit 12 to display the volume adjustment screen GA via the notification processing unit 73. If the volume adjustment screen GA has already been displayed (YES in step S1502), it is not necessary to display the volume adjustment screen GA again, so step S1503 is skipped. Then, the volume adjustment unit 72a notifies the notification processing unit 73 of the setting change value of the volume level, and updates the display state of the volume level on the volume adjustment screen GA (step S1504). As a result, the volume level displayed on the volume adjustment screen GA is updated to the setting value changed in step S1501. The volume adjustment unit 72a starts measuring the display time of the volume adjustment screen GA along with the display of the volume adjustment screen GA on the image display 12 (step S1505), and ends the volume level adjustment process. As for the display time when measurement is started in step S1505, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed in steps S1208 to S1210 of FIG. Then, after the display of the volume adjustment screen GA is started, if a predetermined time elapses without further operation of the second operation button 7 performed by the player, the volume adjustment screen GA is erased from the screen and is not displayed. It becomes. When the player repeatedly operates the second operation button 7 while the volume adjustment screen GA is already displayed, the volume level displayed on the volume adjustment screen GA is updated each time and the display time measurement value is displayed. The display time measurement is restarted after the value is reset to the initial value.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating screen transition when a volume adjustment operation is performed during a symbol variation effect. For example, when the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c are displayed as shown in FIG. 42 (a), the player operates the second operation button 7 as shown in FIG. 42 (b). Then, a volume adjustment screen GA is displayed on the image display 12 as shown in FIG. This volume adjustment screen GA is displayed on the foreground on the image display 12. However, since it is not preferable that the volume adjustment screen GA hides the variation display of the three decorative symbols 12a, 12b, and 12c, the volume adjustment screen GA is one of the image displays 12 on which the symbol variation effect is performed. In addition to being displayed in the partial display, it is displayed in such a manner that the image of the symbol variation effect displayed on the background side is transmitted. Therefore, the player can pay attention to the symbol variation effect while performing the volume adjustment operation, and the volume adjustment screen GA does not hinder the progress of the game.

  FIG. 43 is a timing chart when the volume level is adjusted during the symbol variation effect. As shown in FIG. 43, during the symbol variation effect, the effect sound corresponding to the symbol variation effect is continuously output from the speaker 8. In a situation where the symbol variation effect is being performed, for example, when the player presses the second operation button 7 three times, the volume adjustment screen GA is displayed as a transparent image at the timing when the first operation M1 is performed. The volume adjustment screen GA is deleted from the image display 12 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the third operation M3, which is the last operation, is performed. That is, the volume adjusting unit 72a starts measuring the display time when the third operation M3 is performed, and deletes the volume adjustment screen GA from the image display 12 when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time. It should be noted that the player presses the second operation button 7 without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time, and immediately after the operation of the second operation button 7 is finished, the volume adjustment screen GA is deleted from the image display 12. Also good. Alternatively, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the second operation button 7 was performed, the volume adjustment screen GA is erased from the image display 12, and the second operation is performed during the standby period in which the start condition is not satisfied. It may be shorter than the time from when the button 7 is operated until the volume adjustment screen GA is deleted from the image display 12.

  When the first operation M1 is detected, the volume adjusting unit 72a increases the set value of the volume level by one stage at the timing when the operation is performed. In response to this, the volume of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is also increased. Further, the value of the current volume level shown on the volume adjustment screen GA is updated by one step. When the operation of the second operation button 7 is not detected, the volume level maintains the set value increased by the first operation M1. Thereafter, when the second operation M2 is detected, the volume adjusting unit 72a further increases the set value of the volume level changed by the first operation M1 by one step. In response to this, the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is also increased by one step, and the current volume level value displayed on the volume adjustment screen GA is increased by one step and updated. When the third operation M3 is further detected, the volume adjusting unit 72a further increases the set value of the volume level changed by the second operation M2. In response to this, the production sound output from the speaker 8 is also increased, and the current volume level value displayed on the volume adjustment screen GA is increased by one step and updated. When the operation of the second operation button 7 is not detected after the third operation M3 is performed, the volume level setting value holds the setting value increased by the third operation M3.

  In this way, when the player performs a volume adjustment operation during the execution of the symbol variation effect, the player can set the current volume level on the volume adjustment screen GA displayed as a transparent image on the front side of the image display 12. It is possible to visually grasp how much level is within the volume adjustment range. Further, the player can grasp the actual sound volume level by listening to the sound volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 8 while actually listening.

  Next, FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing details of the special game effect start processing (step S1005 in FIG. 35). When the effect control board 52 receives the special game start command from the main control board 31, the special game effect control unit 83 specifies the release pattern determined by the special game control unit 64 (step S1601), and the specified release pattern. An effect pattern corresponding to the is determined (step S1602). Next, the round value R of the round effect performed when the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is opened long is set to 0 (step S1603). Then, the execution of the special game effect is started (step S1604), and the special game effect start process is ended.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing details of the special game effect process (step S1007 in FIG. 35). The special game effect process is a process mainly performed by the special game effect control unit 83. First, it is determined whether it is time to open the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 (step S1701). When it is time to open the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 (YES in step S1701), a round effect start process is performed (step S1702). Details of the round effect start process will be described later. If it is not time to open the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 (NO in step S1701), step S1702 is skipped. Next, it is determined whether or not it is the timing at which the first big prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed (step S1703). When it is the timing at which the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed (YES in step S1703), the special game effect control unit 83 performs a round effect end process (step S1704). Details of the round effect end process will be described later. If it is not the timing at which the first grand prize opening 15 or the second big prize opening 16 is closed (NO in step S1703), step S1704 is skipped.

  Next, the special game effect control unit 83 determines whether or not the operation effect is included in the effect pattern determined in step S1602 in FIG. 44 (step S1705), and when the operation effect is included (step S1705). Operation effect processing is performed (YES in S1705) (step S1706). Details of the operation effect process will be described later. On the other hand, when there is no operation effect (NO in step S1705), the special game effect control unit 83 determines whether or not an operation of the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 by the player is detected (step S1707). . If a button operation by the player is detected (YES in step S1707), it is determined whether the operation is an operation of the second operation button 7 (step S1708). If it is an operation of the second operation button 7 (YES in step S1708), a volume level adjustment process (step S1709) by the volume adjustment unit 72a is performed. The detailed processing procedure of the volume level adjustment processing (step S1709) is the same as that described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the special game effect control unit 83 does not detect the operation of the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 (NO in step S1707), or when the operation of the operation button is detected but is not the operation of the second operation button 7 ( In step S1708, NO), the special game effect control unit 83 determines whether the display time of the volume adjustment screen GA displayed as a transmission image is being measured (step S1710). If the display time is being measured (YES in step S1710), it is determined whether a predetermined time set in advance as the display time has elapsed (step S1711). If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S1711). YES), the volume adjustment screen GA is deleted from the image display 12 (step S1712). On the other hand, if the display time of the volume adjustment screen GA is not being measured (NO in step S1710), or if the display time is being measured and the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S1711), step S1712 is skipped. Thereafter, the effect control board 52 determines whether or not a special game end command has been received from the main control board 31 (step S1713), and if the special game end command has been received (YES in step S1713), the special game effect. Is finished (step S1714), and the special game effect process is finished. If a special game end command has not been received (NO in step S1713), step S1714 is skipped and the special game effect process is ended.

  In the present embodiment, the operation effect processing is performed when the operation pattern is included in the effect pattern, and the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player is performed when the operation effect is not included. The example in which the volume level adjustment process is performed if detected is described. Here, the operation effect may include a case where, in a predetermined effect, the player can select a piece of music to be output as an effect sound by operating the second operation button 7. That is, in an effect in which the output effect sound can be selected from a plurality of songs, if the song can be selected and determined by operating the second operation button 7, the song can be selected by operating the second operation button 7. While the selection is being performed or the selection of the music piece is possible, the second operation button 7 is used for the music piece selection. Therefore, during that period, the volume level may not be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing details of the round effect start process (step S1702 in FIG. 45). Whether the first game winning opening 15 or the second game winning opening 16 that is opened this time is a long opening that makes it easy to win game balls or a short opening that makes it difficult to win game balls. Is determined (step S1801). If the special winning opening is short-opened (NO in step S1801), the special game effect control unit 83 ends the round effect start process without starting a new round effect. On the other hand, when the special winning opening is opened long (YES in step S1801), the special game effect control unit 83 adds 1 to the current round value R (step S1802). Next, the special game effect control unit 83 determines whether or not the long winning opening is the second winning opening 16 (step S1803). When the first big prize opening 15 is opened long (NO in step S1803), the special game effect control unit 83 starts executing the normal round effect.

  On the other hand, when the second grand prize opening 16 is opened long (YES in step S1803), it becomes easy for the game ball to win the second big prize opening 16. When the game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 16 passes through the V gate 18, the probability state after the end of the special game shifts to a high probability state, so that a game value advantageous to the player is given. Therefore, the special game effect control unit 83 performs a process of starting a specific round effect by the round effect control unit 83b in order to urge the player to fire a game ball so as to win the second grand prize opening 16. Then, the volume level of the production sound is temporarily increased. That is, the volume adjustment unit 72a reads the set value of the volume level of the current effect sound (step S1805), and determines whether or not the set value of the current volume level is less than a preset predetermined level (step S1805). S1806). When the current volume level setting value is less than the predetermined level (YES in step S1806), the volume adjustment unit 72a changes the volume level setting value (step S1807). That is, the volume level output from the speaker 8 is increased. As a mode of changing the set value of the volume level, the set value may be set to a predetermined level or the set value may be set to the maximum level. If the set value of the current volume level is equal to or higher than the predetermined level (NO in step S1806), step S1807 is skipped and the volume level is not changed. However, the volume level may be further increased even if the current set value of the volume level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. Then, the round effect control unit 83b starts a specific round effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball so as to win the second grand prize opening 16 (step S1808), and ends the round effect start process. To do. Therefore, when a specific round effect is performed in the gaming machine 1, the volume level output from the speaker 8 is higher than before, and the specific round effect is performed at a large volume.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing details of the round effect end processing (step S1704 in FIG. 45). When the first grand prize opening 15 or the second grand prize opening 16 is closed, the round effect control unit 83b determines whether or not the specific round effect or the normal round effect is being executed (step S1901), and the specific round effect or If the normal round effect is not being executed (NO in step S1901), the round effect end process ends. When the specific round effect or the normal round effect is being executed (YES in step S1901), the round effect control unit 83b ends the specific round effect or the normal round effect that is being executed (step S1902). Then, it is determined whether or not the volume level setting value has been changed at the start of the round effect (step S1903). If the volume level setting value has not been changed (NO in step S1903), the round effect end process is terminated. To do. If the set value of the volume level has been changed (YES in step S1903), the special game effect control unit 83 performs a volume level restoration process, and returns the set value of the volume level to the original set value before the start of the round effect. (Step S1904), the round effect end processing is ended.

  FIG. 48 is a timing chart showing the opening / closing of the big prize opening and the change in the volume level of the effect sound during execution of the special game effect. FIG. 48 shows an example of an opening pattern in which the first big prize opening 15 is opened long from the first round to the third round, and the second big prize opening 16 is opened long from the fourth round. In the first to third rounds, the special game effect control unit 83 starts the normal round effect at the timing when the first big prize opening 15 is opened long. At this time, the volume level of the effect sound is an initial value or a normal level arbitrarily set by the player, and the effect sound of the normal round effect is output from the speaker 8 at a volume level corresponding to the normal level. And when the 1st big winning opening 15 is short-opened, the special game effect control part 83 does not perform a round effect. When the fourth round specific round effect in which the second big prize opening 16 is opened long is started, the volume adjusting unit 72a changes the set value of the volume level to, for example, the maximum level, and outputs the effect sound at the maximum level. . That is, when the special game effect is performed by the special game effect control unit 83, the volume adjusting unit 72a is connected to the speaker at the timing when the specific round effect corresponding to the round in which the game ball can pass through the V gate 18 is performed. The volume level of the effect sound output from 8 is set higher than the current set level.

  And if the 2nd big winning opening 16 is closed, the specific round production of the 4th round will be completed. Along with this, the volume level of the effect sound returns to the state before the round effect of the fourth round is performed. When the round effect of the fourth round is performed, the second grand prize opening 16 is opened long, so there is a possibility that the game ball won in the second big prize opening 16 passes through the V gate 18. When the game ball passes through the V gate 18, the probability state after the end of the special game becomes high probability, so that an advantageous game value is given to the player. Therefore, the player's attention can be directed to the specific round effect by increasing the volume level of the effect sound at the start of the specific round effect of the fourth round in which the second grand prize opening 16 is opened long. It is possible to cause the game ball to be fired so as to win the winning opening 16.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing details of the standby effect execution start process (step S1010 in FIG. 35). The standby effect control unit 81 stops the output of the effect sound that has been output from the speaker 8 before that when the state in which neither the symbol variation effect nor the special game effect has been performed continues for a predetermined time (step S2001). . Thereby, the gaming machine 1 enters a silent state. Next, a demonstration image to be displayed on the image display 12 during the standby effect is read (step S2002), and the demonstration image is displayed on the image display 12 to start execution of the standby effect (step S2003). Thereby, the gaming machine 1 is executing the standby effect.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing details of the waiting process (step S1011 in FIG. 35). In this process, a process of adjusting the volume level based on an operation by the player or returning the volume level adjusted by the player to the initial value is performed. This will be specifically described below.

  The notification processing unit 73 indicates that the set value of the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted on the condition that the player is detected by the game detection unit 75 during standby in which the start condition is not established. The guidance is notified to the player. First, the game detection unit 75 determines whether or not a player who is going to play a game is detected by the handle lever 5, the first operation button 6, or the second operation button 7 (step S2101). When the player is detected (YES in step S2101), the notification processing unit 73 determines whether or not the operation guidance is being notified (step S2102), and when the operation guidance is not being notified (NO in step S2102), the second By depressing the operation button 7, notification of operation guidance that the volume can be adjusted is started (step S2103). As a result, the operation guidance image GB as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed on the image display 12, the volume level can be adjusted, and the specific operation method related to the volume level adjustment is determined by the player. To be notified. At this time, information indicating that the volume level can be adjusted from the speaker 8 may be output by voice. With such notification processing, even a player who does not know that volume adjustment is possible can perform volume adjustment operation before starting the game. The notification processing unit 73 starts measuring the notification time after starting the notification processing of the operation guidance (step S2104).

  If the game detection unit 75 has not detected a game (NO in step S2101), the notification processing unit 73 determines whether or not the operation guidance is being notified (step S2105). YES in step S2105) Steps S2102 to S2104 are skipped. Then, the notification processing unit 73 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the notification time measurement (step S2106). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S2106), the notification processing unit 73 ends the operation guidance notification process (step S2107). As a result, the operation guide image GB displayed on the image display 12 is deleted. If operation guidance is not being notified in step S2105 (NO in step S2105), steps S2106 and S2107 are skipped.

  Next, the game detection unit 75 determines whether or not the operation of the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 has been detected (step S2108). If a button operation is detected (YES in step S2108), it is determined whether or not the second operation button 7 has been operated (step S2109). When it is operation of the 2nd operation button 7 (it is YES at step S2109), the alerting | reporting process part 73 judges whether standby production is performing (step S2110). When the standby effect is being executed (YES in step S2110), the notification processing unit 73 outputs the effect sound for forcibly outputting the effect sound from the speaker 8 as a condition that the effect sound is not output from the speaker 8. Processing is performed (step S2111). Details of the effect sound output process will be described later. If the standby effect is not being executed (NO in step S2110), since some effect sound is being output from the speaker 8, step S2111 is skipped. Subsequently, the volume adjustment unit 72a performs a volume level adjustment process (step S2112). At this time, since the volume adjustment screen GA as shown in FIG. 24C is displayed on the image display 12 and the production sound is output from the speaker 8, the player can adjust the volume adjustment screen GA. The volume adjustment operation can be performed while watching and listening to the performance sound actually output from the speaker 8. The detailed processing procedure of the volume level adjustment processing is the same as the processing described with reference to FIG. Further, when the time during which no game is detected continues for a predetermined time, a volume level initialization process is performed to change the volume level setting value to the initial value (step S2116), and the standby process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if no button operation is detected in step S2108 (NO in step S2108), or if a button operation is detected and not the operation of the second operation button 7 (NO in step S2109), volume adjustment The unit 72a determines whether or not the display time of the volume adjustment screen GA for volume level adjustment is being measured (step S2113). If the display time of the volume adjustment screen GA is being measured (YES in step S2113), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the display time measurement is started (step S2114). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S2114), the adjustment end process is performed (step S2115), and then the standby process ends. Details of the adjustment end process will be described later. After performing the adjustment end process, a volume level initialization process is performed (step S2116). On the other hand, if the display time of the volume adjustment screen GA is not being measured in step S2113 (NO in step S2113), or if the measurement time has not passed the predetermined time during measurement of the display time (step After step S2115 is skipped and the volume level initialization process is performed (step S2116), the standby process is terminated.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing details of the effect sound output process (step S2111 in FIG. 50). In this process, the notification processing unit 73 performs a process of forcibly outputting a production sound according to the current gaming state. The notification processing unit 73 first determines whether or not the current gaming state is the normal gaming state (step S2201). If the current gaming state is the normal gaming state (YES in step S2201), it is determined whether or not it is a normal zone effect mode for performing a normal symbol variation effect suggesting that the degree of expectation that is a big hit is a normal level. Judgment is made (step S2202). If the normal zone effect mode is selected (YES in step S2202), the notification processing unit 73 reads the effect pattern for the normal zone effect from the plurality of effect patterns, and the effect sound set in the effect pattern is output to the speaker 8. Is started forcibly (step S2203), and the effect sound output process is terminated. On the other hand, in the expectation-up zone effect mode in which an effect suggesting that the degree of expectation that the current gaming state wins the jackpot is higher than usual (NO in step S2202) is for the expectation-up zone effect. The process of forcibly outputting the production sound set in the production pattern of the speaker 8 is started (step S2204), and the production sound output process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the current gaming state is not the normal gaming state but the specific gaming state (NO in step S2201), the notification processing unit 73 determines whether or not the probability of winning the jackpot is a high probability state (step S2205). . When it is in the high probability state (YES in step S2205), the notification processing unit 73 reads out the effect pattern for the high probability state effect in the specific gaming state from the plurality of effect patterns, and the effect set in the effect pattern The process for forcibly outputting the sound from the speaker 8 is started (step S2206), and the effect sound output process is ended. On the other hand, when the probability of winning the jackpot is not the high probability state (NO in step S2205), the notification processing unit 73 reads the effect pattern for the low probability state effect from the effect patterns, and for the low probability state effect. The process for forcibly outputting the effect sound from the speaker 8 is started (step S2207), and the effect sound output process is ended. By the above-described effect sound output process, for example, when a player performs a volume adjustment operation in a silent state, an effect sound corresponding to the current game state and the current effect mode is forcibly output from the speaker 8. . Therefore, the player can adjust the volume level while actually listening to the effect sound of the game effect corresponding to the current effect mode or the like, and can easily set the sound volume level to a desired level. It becomes like this.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing details of the adjustment end processing (step S2115 in FIG. 50). When starting this process, the notification processing unit 73 deletes the volume adjustment screen GA from the image display 12 (step S2301). Then, it is determined whether or not the standby effect is being executed by the standby effect control unit 81 (step S2302). If the standby effect is being executed (YES in step S2302), the notification processing unit 73 is forcibly executed. The output of the production sound output from the speaker 8 is stopped (step S2303), and the adjustment end process is ended. When the stand-by effect is not being executed (NO in step S2302), the effect sound output from the speaker 8 is not forcibly output by the notification processing unit 73, and thus the adjustment end process is skipped in step S2303. finish.

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing details of the volume level initialization process (step S2116 in FIG. 50). When this process is started, the volume adjustment unit 72a first determines whether or not the non-game time is being measured (step S2401). If the non-game time is not being measured (NO in step S2401), the non-game time is determined. Is started (step S2402). The non-game time is a time during which no game is played by the player. If the non-game time is being measured (YES in step S2401), step S2402 is skipped. Then, the volume adjusting unit 72a determines whether or not the operation guidance indicating that the volume level of the effect sound can be adjusted is in progress (step S2403). When the operation guidance is being notified (YES in step S2403), the measurement time of the non-game time is reset and the measurement is restarted (step S2405). On the other hand, if the operation guidance is not being notified (NO in step S2403), it is determined whether or not the volume level is being adjusted based on the button operation by the player (step S2404). If the volume level is being adjusted (YES in step S2404), the measurement time of the non-game time is reset and the measurement is restarted (step S2405). If the volume level is not being adjusted (NO in step S2404), step S2405 is skipped. Therefore, when the player has not performed the operation of launching the game ball and has not operated the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7, the non-game time measurement process proceeds.

  Next, the volume adjustment unit 72a determines whether or not the measurement time of the non-game time has passed a predetermined time (step S2406). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S2406), the volume level setting value is changed to the initial value determined by setting switch 28 (step S2407), and the volume level initialization process is terminated. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S2406 (NO in step S2406), step S2407 is skipped, and the volume level initialization process is terminated. By such a volume level initialization process, when a non-game time during which no game is played by the player has passed a predetermined time, the volume level arbitrarily adjusted by the player is automatically returned to the initial value. Therefore, the volume level output from the speaker 8 can be returned to the initial value if a predetermined time or more has passed after the previous player ends the game until the next player starts the game. . Also, if the period from the time when the player temporarily ends the game until the game is resumed is less than the predetermined time, the volume level has not returned to the initial value, so there is no need to repeat the volume adjustment operation again. It is convenient for the player.

  Further, when the volume level is reset to the initial value in the volume level initialization process as described above, it is determined whether or not the volume level arbitrarily adjusted by the player satisfies a predetermined condition, and based on the determination result Whether or not to return to the initial value may be determined. For example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of non-game time measurement, if the current volume level setting value is within a predetermined range, the volume level setting value of the effect sound is maintained without being changed. There may be. 54 and 55 are diagrams showing an example of such a volume level initialization process. For example, as shown by the hatched area in FIG. 54 (a), the volume level range that does not return the volume level to the initial value even when the non-game time has passed a predetermined time is set to the volume adjustment unit 72a. Vd is predetermined. The initial value Vb of the volume level is set in advance within the range. When the non-game time has passed the predetermined time, as shown in FIG. 54 (a), the current volume level Va arbitrarily adjusted by the player is outside the range defined by the lower limit value Vc and the upper limit value Vd. In some cases, the volume adjuster 72a changes the current volume level Va to the initial value Vb as shown in FIG. 54 (b). As shown in FIG. 55A, when the current volume level Va arbitrarily adjusted by the player is within the range determined by the lower limit value Vc and the upper limit value Vd, the volume adjustment unit 72a As shown in (b), without changing the current volume level Va to the initial value Vb, the level arbitrarily adjusted by the previous player is held as it is. That is, when the current volume level Va is outside the range of the predetermined range, the volume adjustment unit 72a sets the current volume level to a predetermined level within the range after a predetermined time has elapsed without playing the game. If the current volume level Va is within a predetermined range, the volume level may not be changed even if a predetermined time elapses without playing a game. According to such an aspect, as long as the player adjusts the volume level slightly, the volume level adjusted by the player is maintained even if a relatively long time elapses in a non-game state. Therefore, the operability is further improved for the player because it is not necessary to repeatedly perform an operation of adjusting to a desired volume level.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment displays the operation guide image GB on the image display 12 when the player who is going to play a game during the execution of the standby effect is detected. The volume level can be adjusted and the volume level adjustment method is notified. Therefore, a player who does not know that the volume level can be adjusted by operating the second operation button 7 before starting the game or immediately after starting the game is given to the player at a relatively early stage. It can inform you how to adjust the volume level. As a result, the player can play the game after changing the volume level set to the initial value or the volume level set by another player to a desired level.

  The timing for displaying the operation guidance image GB may be displayed immediately when a game by the player is detected, or may be displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the game by the player is detected. .

  The operation guidance image GB may be erased from the image display 12 when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of notification, or is erased when a volume adjustment operation for the second operation button 7 is started by the player. It may be.

  Moreover, the following invention is contained in the content explained in full detail in the said embodiment.

  (1) A determination is made as to whether or not the game ball to be launched on the game board surface based on the player's operation wins the start opening and the start condition is satisfied, thereby shifting to the special game state, and shifts to the special game state. The game state is shifted to the special game state, and the game ball passes a predetermined area in the special game state to give a game value advantageous to the player, An effect control means for causing a predetermined effect means to produce an effect according to progress, a speaker for outputting an effect sound corresponding to the effect performed by the effect control means, and a volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker, Volume adjustment means for changing based on an adjustment operation by the player, and the volume adjustment means is related to the player's operation while the game is in progress by the effect control means. When the effect is performed, the gaming machine and changes the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker above a predetermined level.

  (2) In the above (1), the effect control means performs a notification effect to the player at a timing when the game ball can pass through the predetermined area in the special game state, and the volume adjustment means includes the effect control means. When the notification effect is performed, the game machine is characterized in that the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker is changed to a predetermined level or more.

  (3) When it is determined in the determination as to whether or not to shift to the special game state that the game ball is to be transferred to the closed state, the game ball is not allowed to enter and the game ball is allowed to enter the open state. A first variable winning device that can be operated, and a specific passage area that can be operated in a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter and an open state in which a game ball can enter and through which the game ball can enter A special game control means for performing an open special game having a plurality of round games for operating any one of the variable prize-winning devices among the second variable prize devices having the open state; and the special special game control means When a game ball that has entered the second variable prize-winning device during the open special game has not passed through the specific passing area after the game has been performed, Special gaming state A low-probability gaming state control means for controlling a game in a low-probability gaming state in which the probability determined to shift is set to a first probability; and after the opening special game is performed by the special game control means, When a game ball that has entered the second variable winning device during the open special game passes through the specific passing area, it is determined to shift to the special game state in determining whether to shift to the special game state. And a high-probability gaming state control means for controlling the game in a high-probability gaming state set to a second probability that is higher than the first probability, wherein the effect control means comprises the special game determination When the opening special game is performed by the special game control means based on the result of the determination by the means, one of the first variable winning device and the second variable winning device is the opening When the special game effect including the round game effect corresponding to the round game to be performed is performed by the effect means, and the volume control means is performing the special game effect by the effect control means, the special game control is performed. The volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker at the timing at which a land game effect corresponding to a round game in which a game ball entering the second variable prize-winning device can pass through the specific passing area is performed by means. A gaming machine characterized by being larger than the current setting level.

  (4) In the above (3), the effect control means specifies that the degree of expectation for shifting to the special gaming state is higher than usual based on the determination result of whether or not to shift to the special gaming state It is possible to cause the effect means to perform the suggestion effect, and the volume adjustment means sets the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker at the current timing when the specific suggestion effect is performed by the effect control means. A gaming machine characterized by being larger than a set level.

  (5) In the above (3) or (4), the volume adjusting means sets the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker from the current set level at a timing when a predetermined effect is performed by the effect control means. After the predetermined effect is finished, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker is returned to the original set level after the predetermined effect is finished.

  (6) A gaming machine that advances a game by performing a game operation by a player, and that is performed by an effect control means for causing a predetermined effect means to perform a game effect as the game progresses, and the effect control means. A speaker that outputs an effect sound corresponding to the game effect, a setting operation unit that is provided at a position where the player cannot operate, and is operated by a store clerk to perform settings related to the game effect, and at a predetermined timing after the power is turned on An informing means for informing a setting state relating to a game effect set by the setting operation unit.

  (7) In the above (6), the setting operation unit is provided on the back side of the game board.

  (8) In the above (6) or (7), the first-stage setting operation unit sets the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker.

  (9) In any one of the above (6) to (8), the notifying unit displays a setting state of the setting operation unit on a predetermined display unit.

  (10) The gaming machine according to any one of (6) to (9), wherein the notification unit notifies the setting state of the setting operation unit by sound output from the speaker.

  (11) In any one of the above (6) to (10), a game state control unit that shifts to a standby state in which a game can be advanced after the presentation unit is initially driven for a predetermined time after the power is turned on, And the notification means notifies the setting state by the setting operation unit when the initial driving is performed by the gaming state control means.

  (12) A special game determination means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied, and a game to a predetermined effect means based on a determination result by the special game determination means An effect control means for performing an effect (including a symbol variation effect and a special game effect), a speaker for outputting an effect sound corresponding to the game effect performed by the effect control means, and a player performing an operation input Possible operation input means, and volume adjustment means for changing the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker based on an operation performed on the operation input means, the volume adjustment means, When changing the setting of the volume level in a state where the game effect by the effect control means is being performed, based on the operation performed on the operation input means When changing the output level of the effect sound corresponding to the game effect output from the speaker and changing the volume level in a state where the game effect is not performed by the effect control means, a predetermined game is output from the speaker. A gaming machine characterized by starting output of an effect sound corresponding to an effect and changing an output level of the effect sound corresponding to the predetermined game effect based on an operation performed on the operation input means.

  (13) In the above (12), the effect control means selects one effect mode from among a plurality of effect modes, and a game corresponding to the one effect mode based on the determination result by the special game determination means. An effect is selected and caused to be performed by the effect means, and the volume adjusting means is selected by the effect control means when changing the setting of the volume level in a state where the game effect is not performed by the effect control means. A gaming machine characterized in that an effect sound of a game effect corresponding to a current effect mode is output from the speaker.

  (14) In the above (12) or (13), the volume adjusting means is operated with respect to the operation input means when a game effect including a predetermined effect is performed by the effect control means. A game machine characterized in that the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker is not sometimes changed.

  (15) In the above (14), the predetermined effect is an operation effect that prompts a player to perform an operation on the operation input means as the game effect progresses.

  (16) In any one of the above (12) to (15), the operation input means includes first operation means operated when the player increases the volume level, and the volume adjustment means is the first operation As the means is operated by the player, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker is increased, and the first operation means is further operated by the player in the state of the maximum volume level. Accordingly, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker is changed to the minimum volume level.

  (17) In any one of the above (12) to (16), the operation input unit includes a second operation unit that is operated when the player lowers the volume level, and the volume adjustment unit includes the second operation unit. As the means is operated by the player, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker is reduced, and the second operation means is further operated by the player in a state where the sound volume is at the minimum level. Along with this, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker is changed to the maximum volume level.

1 gaming machine 7 second operation button (operation input means)
8 Speaker 52 Production control board (production control means)
72a Volume adjuster (volume adjuster)
73 Notification processor (notification means)
75 Game detector (detection means)

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied;
Special game control means for performing a special game when it is determined by the special game determination means to shift to the special game state;
After the special game is played by the special game control means, the special game determination means shifts to a specific game state where the probability that the special game determination means is determined to shift to the special game state is higher than the normal probability. A normal gaming state in which the probability that the special game determination means determines that the special gaming state is to be shifted to the special gaming state is the normal probability when a specific condition is established in the specific gaming state. Game state control means for shifting to,
Based on the result of the determination by the special game determination unit, a predetermined effect unit including a display unit capable of displaying an image performs a game effect, and when the game is not performed in the normal game state, the effect An effect control means for causing the means to perform a normal standby effect, and causing the effecting means to perform a specific standby effect different from the normal standby effect when no game is being performed in the specific gaming state;
A speaker that outputs an effect sound when an effect is performed by the effect control means;
An operation input means capable of performing an operation input for the player to change the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output by the speaker;
Volume adjusting means for changing the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker based on an operation performed on the operation input means;
Notification that the volume level can be changed by an operation input to the operation input means under a predetermined condition when no game is played in either the normal game state or the specific game state. And using a predetermined image to notify the current volume level in response to the operation input to the operation input means, and to update the current volume level according to the operation input to the operation input means. An informing means for informing;
With
The effect control means can display the effect image on the display means regardless of which of the normal standby effect and the specific standby effect is being executed, and while the effect image is displayed, the speaker It is possible not to output the production sound from
The notification means may display the predetermined image from the front side the effect image, when the operation input is a predetermined time has elapsed without performed for the previous SL operation input means in a state in which the predetermined image is displayed When the operation input to the operation input means is performed in a state where the predetermined image is deleted and the predetermined image is displayed, if the normal standby effect is being executed, the second game game corresponding to the normal game state is executed. It is possible to allow the player to perform an operation for changing the volume level while listening to the effect sound of 1, and if the specific standby effect is being executed, the effect sound is different from the first effect sound. A gaming machine characterized in that an operation for changing the volume level can be performed while allowing the player to hear the second effect sound corresponding to the specific gaming state .

Images