JP6720770B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, are provided with a pattern display device that variably displays patterns on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, when a prize is given to an operating port provided in a gaming area, a lottery is performed as to whether or not a specific gaming state advantageous to the player such as a winning state is generated, and The variable display is started. When the lottery is won, a specific picture combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to the specific game state (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2005-074175, A

In recent years, various contrivances have been made to raise the degree of attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the structure of the gaming machine in order to increase the degree of attention paid to the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately improving the degree of attention to a game.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

The invention according to claim 1 is
Starting entrance ball provided in the game area,
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the entrance into the starting entrance part,
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Hold display control for displaying a hold image of a number corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means in a hold display area and sequentially moving the hold image from the hold display area to a determination display area. Means and
Determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information,
A pattern display unit that has a display unit and variably displays a plurality of patterns on the display unit;
Variable display control means for stopping and displaying a pattern combination corresponding to the determination result by the determination means after variably displaying the plurality of patterns,
And a game state transition unit that transitions the game state to a special game state when the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information,
The variable display control means,
First variable display means for stopping and displaying a predetermined pattern combination after variably displaying the pattern,
A second variable display means for temporarily stopping and displaying a pattern combination that is the same as or different from the predetermined pattern combination in the process of stopping and displaying the predetermined pattern combination after variably displaying the pattern.
The hold display control means may reach the determination display area with the predetermined hold image displayed in the hold display area when the predetermined pattern combination is temporarily stopped and displayed by the second variable display means. With special moving means for moving toward the judgment display area so that the player can recognize,
The second variable display means changes means for changing the temporarily stopped and displayed different picture combination to the predetermined picture combination after the hold display control means starts moving the held image. It is characterized by having.

It is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the game.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. (A) The front view which shows the structure of a game board, (b) The schematic which shows the internal structure of a unit in an operation opening, (c) The front view of a main display unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the symbol display device. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the symbol display device. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used for win/loss lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by MPU of a main control apparatus. It is a flowchart showing a winning process for the operating port. It is a flow chart which shows information acquisition processing. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process by MPU of a main control apparatus. It is a flow chart which shows game time control processing. It is a flow chart which shows data setting processing. It is a flow chart which shows change start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of a variable display time. It is a flow chart which shows game state shift processing. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration related to the determination of the symbol variation mode and the reservation notice. It is a flow chart which shows change display control processing by MPU of an information / production control device. It is a flow chart which shows change start processing. (A) Schematic diagram showing the types of variable display modes, and (b) Schematic diagram showing the outline of each variable display mode. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing a pending display control command handling process by the MPU of the display control device, and FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the confirmation processing for reservation notice by MPU of the main control unit. It is a flow chart which shows setting processing of a reservation command by MPU of a main control unit. It is the flowchart which shows the setting processing for reservation notice production by MPU of the information/production control control equipment. (A) It is the schematic which shows the kind of reservation icon, (b) It is the outline which shows the summary of notice production. It is the schematic which shows the outline of (a) 1st type notice production, and (b) the schematic which shows the outline of 2nd type notice production. It is a flow chart which shows (a) reservation notice production pattern decision processing, and (b) detailed decision processing. It is a schematic diagram showing a mode of a normal movement of a reservation icon. It is a flow chart which shows the 1st special move processing. It is a schematic diagram showing the situation of the 1st special movement. It is a flow chart which shows the 2nd special move processing. It is the schematic which shows the mode of a 2nd special movement. It is the schematic which shows the outline of the variable display mode of the symbol in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows processing for reach movement interlocking special movement. It is a schematic diagram showing how the symbol display and the hold display are interlocked. (A) It is a flow chart which shows the processing for customization in a 3rd embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a customization window. It is a schematic diagram showing various tables for customization. It is the schematic which shows the state of (a) selection object alerting|reporting process, and (b) selection object alerting. (A) It is the schematic which shows the customization window in 4th Embodiment, and (b) The schematic which shows the table for a notice production|operation distribution. (A) A flowchart showing a reference table switching process executed by the MPU of the notification/production control device, and (b) a schematic diagram showing a flow of reference table switching. (A) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the number of holdings and the variable display time, (b) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the support mode and the fixed display time, (c) A relationship between the gaming state and the number of holdings and special movement It is a schematic diagram. (A) The flowchart which shows the reference table switching process in 6th Embodiment, (b) The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the continuous frequency and effect distribution. It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the flow of the game and table switching.

First Embodiment Movement Mode of Hold Icon During Shift Hereinafter, a first mode of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To do. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing a main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in a developed manner. Note that, in FIG. 2, for convenience, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a gaming machine body 12 rotatably attached to the outer frame 11 forward. .. The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting plate-shaped frame members and the like to four sides, and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility. It should be noted that the outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10 and may be a configuration in which the outer frame 11 is attached to the island facility of the game arcade.

The gaming machine body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 arranged behind the inner frame 13. An inner frame 13 of the gaming machine body 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward when the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation front end side when viewed from the front.

As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and in a front view, the left side can be turned forward with the left side being a rotation base end side and the right side being a rotation tip side. It is said that. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and in a front view, the back pack unit 15 is turned rearward with the left side being the rotation base end side and the right side being the rotation tip side. It is possible to move.

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

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

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

The game board 24 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, an operating opening unit 33 having an upper operating opening 33a and a lower operating opening 33b, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36 and the like. When a ball hits the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, or the working openings 33a, 33b, it is detected by a detection sensor provided on the back side of the game board 24 or the like, and predetermined based on the detection result. A number of prize balls are paid out.

In addition, an outlet 37 is provided at the bottom of the game board 24, and game balls that have not entered various winning openings are discharged from the game area PE through the outlet 37. Further, on the game board 24, a large number of game nails 38 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (features) such as a windmill are arranged. ..

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

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

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

In this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of support modes having different modes of support by the electric accessory 34 are set. Specifically, in the support mode, when compared in a situation where the game balls are continuously emitted in the same manner to the game area PE, the frequency with which the electric accessory 34 is opened per unit time is The low-frequency support mode (or low-frequency guide state) and the high-frequency support mode (or high-frequency guide state) are set so as to be relatively high or low.

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

Here, with reference to FIG. 4B, a supplementary description will be given of the operation port unit 33 provided with the operation ports 33a and 33b. FIG. 4B is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the working port unit 33.

The operation port unit 33 is formed with a guide passage 33c for guiding the game balls flowing into the upper operation port 33a to a recovery passage provided on the back side of the game board 24. The guide passage 33c branches into a first branch passage 33d and a second branch passage 33e at an intermediate position.

At the branch position in the guide passage 33c, a distribution means 33g for alternately allocating the game balls reaching the branch position to the first branch passage 33d and the second branch passage 33e is provided. The distribution means 33g can be switched between a first guide state in which the game ball that has reached the branch position is guided to the first branch passage 33d and a second guide state in which it is guided to the second branch passage 33e. The distribution means 33g is configured to switch from one guidance state to the other guidance state based on the fact that the game ball is guided. Therefore, the game balls that have flown into the upper working port 33a are sequentially distributed to the first branch passage 33d/the second branch passage 33e.

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

A detection sensor 211c for detecting a game ball is provided in the first branch passage 33d (hereinafter, also referred to as the first ball entrance portion 33d), and in the second branch passage 33e (hereinafter, also referred to as the second ball entrance portion 33e). A detection sensor 211d that detects a game ball is disposed at a position downstream of the communication portion of the communication passage 33f. These detection sensors 211c and 211d are connected to a main control device, and in the main control device, based on the detection information (detection signal) from the detection sensors 211c and 211d, the ball enters the branch passages 33d and 33e, that is, the working opening 33a. , 33b to know if there is a prize.

The variable winning a prize device 32 is provided with a big winning opening 32a leading to the back side of the game board 24, and an opening/closing door 32b for opening and closing the big winning opening 32a. The opening/closing door 32b is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won in the special winning opening 32a, and the big winning opening is obtained when the player shifts to the opening/closing execution mode (opening/closing execution state) in the internal lottery. The game ball can be switched to an open state in which the winning of the game ball to 32a is allowed. Here, the open/close execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when the jackpot is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 32 in the opening/closing execution mode, a predetermined time (for example, 30 sec) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings are set as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) are set as an upper limit. There is a mode in which the device 32 is repeatedly opened. It is sufficient for the variable winning device 32 to be able to switch between the first state and the second state in which winning is more likely to occur, and it is not necessary to be able to switch between the open state and the closed state.

A main display unit 39 is arranged on the side of the variable winning device 32. The main display unit 39 is arranged along the outer edge on the lower side of the game area PE, and projects from the front surface of the game board 24 to the front of the pachinko machine 10. The front surface of the main display unit 39 faces a glass panel 62 provided on the front door frame 14 so that the game board 24 can be viewed from the front of the game machine, and the distance between the glass panel 62 and the game panel 62 is a game ball. It is narrower than one. This prevents the game ball from falling in front of the front surface of the main display unit 39.

The main display unit 39 is provided with a main display portion D in which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed, in a portion facing the glass panel 62. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the main display portion D includes a first entry portion display portion 43 that displays a lottery result based on a winning of the first entry portion 33d, and a second entry portion 33e. The second entry portion display section 44 for displaying the result of the lottery performed based on the winning of the prize.

In the first ball input display section 43, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the first ball input 33d as a trigger, and as a result of the stop of the variable display, based on the winning of the first ball input 33d. The result of the internal lottery conducted by When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the first ball entering portion 33d is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the open/close execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the first ball entering display portion 43. After the predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result, the opening/closing execution mode is entered.

On the second ball entering display section 44, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the second ball entering portion 33e as a trigger, and as a result of the stop of the variable display, the winning of the second ball entering portion 33e is performed. The result of the internal lottery conducted by When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the second ball entering portion 33e is the winning result corresponding to the big hit or the special winning, the variable display is stopped on the second ball entering portion display portion 44, and stopped. As a result, a predetermined pattern is displayed, and then the opening/closing execution mode is entered according to the result.

Here, based on the winning in one of the ball entrance portions 33d and 33e, variable display is started on the corresponding ball entrance display portions 43 and 44, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the variable display is stopped. Until it is confirmed (displayed), it corresponds to one game. However, one game play is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and for example, a single display area is provided, and even if any of the ball entering portions 33d and 33e is won, the single winning is generated. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area of, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the variable display is stopped (confirmed display) with a predetermined stop result being displayed. It may be one of the game times.

In the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball has passed through the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e is held up to four times (up to eight in total), and the main display is adopted. The main display section D of the unit 39 is provided with a first reservation number display section 45 and a second reservation number display section 46 for individually displaying the reservation numbers of the ball entrance sections 33d and 33e.

Further, in addition to the ball entrance display parts 43 and 44, the main display part D of the main display unit 39 is provided with a through gate display part 47 for displaying a lottery result based on a winning of the through gate 35. .. On the through-gate display unit 47, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the through-gate 35 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through-gate 35 is shown as the stop result of the variable display. Specified. If the result of the internal lottery (support lottery) based on the winning of the through-gate 35 is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the electric power open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through-gate display unit 47. After that, the variable display is stopped, and then the state changes to the electric power release state. In the electric role open state, the electric accessory 34 provided in the actuation unit 33 is opened in a predetermined manner.

Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 35 is reserved up to 4 times, but the main display unit D of the main display unit 39 displays the reserved number. A display section 48 for holding number is provided.

The variable display unit 36 is provided with a symbol display device 41 that has a display screen 41a and variably displays (variably displays) symbols on the display screen 41a. Further, the variable display unit 36 is provided with a center frame 42 so as to surround the symbol display device 41 (specifically, the display screen 41a). The upper part of the center frame 42 extends to the front of the pachinko machine 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball from falling in front of the display screen 41a, and there is an inconvenience that the visibility of the display screen 41a (for example, the above-mentioned symbol or a hold icon described later) is lowered due to the drop of the game ball. It is a structure that is unlikely to occur.

The symbol display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the symbol display device 41, symbols are displayed side by side, for example, above, in, and below, and these symbols are variably displayed so as to be scrolled in the left-right direction. In this case, the variable display on the symbol display device 41 is started based on the winning of the operation openings 33a and 33b (specifically, the ball entering portions 33d and 33e). Then, for example, as the opening and closing execution mode, the game opening time when the special winning opening 32a of the variable winning device 32 is opened 16 times is switched to the opening and closing execution mode corresponding to 16 rounds, which is preset in the symbol display device 41. A predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the activated line.

An inner rail portion 51 and an outer rail portion 52 are attached to the game board 24. The inner rail portion 51 and the outer rail portion 52 constitute a guide rail, and a game launched from the game ball launching mechanism 53. The ball is guided to the upper part of the game area PE. As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball launching mechanism 53 is mounted below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21, and the launch handle 54 provided on the front door frame 14 is operated to launch the game ball. The action is taken.

The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front surface side of the inner frame 13, and the front door frame 14 is provided with a window portion 61 capable of visually recognizing almost the entire game area PE from the front. Is formed (see FIG. 1 or 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the window 61 has a substantially elliptical shape, and the glass panel 62 described above is fitted therein.

Around the window 61, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. A display lamp portion 63 is provided above the window portion 61 as a part of the various lamp portions. In addition, speaker units 64 are provided on the left and right sides of the display lamp unit 63 to output sound effects and the like according to the gaming state.

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

In addition, in the area of the upper bulging portion 65 that faces the front of the pachinko machine 10, an effect operation portion 75 (specifically, an operation button) that is manually operated by the player is provided. For example, the effect operation unit 75 is manually operated in accordance with a suggestion displayed on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, so that the effect contents on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41 are predetermined corresponding to the operation. Will be the production content of.

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

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

The main control device 81 includes a main control board that controls the main game, and a power failure monitoring board that monitors the power source. The main control board and the power failure monitoring board are provided in a board box 83 made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is housed and configured. The board box 83 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are inseparably connected by a box connecting portion 85 serving as a separation preventing means (or a connecting means), whereby the substrate box 83 is sealed. Further, since they are inseparably connected by the box connecting portions 85, it is necessary to break or partially cut the substrate box 83 when opening the internal space of the substrate box 83. A plurality of box joining portions 85 are provided on the long side portion of the substrate box 83, and at least one of them is used for joining processing.

Any configuration can be applied to the box coupling portion 85 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled in a non-releasable manner. However, by inserting a locking claw into the long hole that constitutes the box coupling portion 85, It is designed to be permanently connected to the box cover. The merging process by the box merging unit 85 prevents illicit opening after the merging, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if illicit opening is performed. It is possible to perform the opening process again after the opening. That is, the coupling process is performed by inserting the locking claw into at least one elongated hole of the plurality of box coupling portions 85. Then, when the board box 83 is opened when a failure occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the box connecting portion 85 in which the locking claw is inserted and another box connecting portion 85 are connected. Cut off the connection part of and the connection part with the box body. As a result, the box base of the board box 83 and the box cover are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the coupling process is performed again, the locking claw is inserted into the long hole of the other box coupling part 85. If a history indicating that the board box 83 has been opened is left in the board box 83, it can be easily found by looking at the board box 83 that the board has been opened illegally.

A plurality of coupling pieces 86 are provided on one short side of the board box 83 so as to project to the side. These coupling pieces 86 have a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of coupled pieces 87 formed on the mounting base of the main control device 81. The coupling pieces 86 and the coupling pieces 87 form a board box 83 and a mounting base. Join processing is performed between the two.

As a trace means for detecting the unauthorized opening of the board box 83, a sealing sticker may be attached so as to straddle the boundary between the box base and the box cover. In this case, when the seal sticker is peeled off from the pasted part, the adhesive layer of the seal sticker remains on the substrate box 83 side, and the trace thereof remains. Furthermore, an IC tag for transmitting a response wave containing identification information to a calling wave of a predetermined frequency is provided on the seal sticker, and when the seal sticker is peeled off, the antenna of the IC tag is cut off and the above-mentioned response is given. The wave may not be transmitted.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 91, and the payout mechanism unit 92 and the control device assembly unit 93 are attached to the back pack 91. The back pack 91 is made of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a protective cover portion 94 protruding rearward and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to cover the main control device 81, the notification/effect control device 82, and the like from the rear. Have

The payout mechanism unit 92 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover unit 94, and a tank 95 to which game balls supplied from the island facility of the game arcade are successively replenished, and a game stored in the tank 95. And a dispensing device 96 for dispensing the ball. The game balls paid out from the payout device 96 are discharged to the upper plate 71 or the lower plate 72 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 96. Further, the payout mechanism unit 92 is provided with a main power supply of, for example, AC 24 V, and a back pack substrate provided with a power switch for performing ON and OFF operations of the power supply.

Further, the back pack 91 is provided with an external output terminal plate 99 on the rotation shaft side of the back pack unit 15 and on the upper edge side. The external output terminal board 99 has an output terminal for outputting a signal when the game balls are insufficient in the tank 95, an output terminal for outputting a signal each time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a predetermined number of game balls. Output terminal for outputting a signal each time the game machine is rented, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the gaming machine body 12 is opened, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and a state transition such as opening/closing execution mode An output terminal is provided for outputting a signal at this time (or while transitioning to the state). Then, through these output terminals, a signal regarding the state of the frame side is output to the management control device on the game hall side. It should be noted that an output terminal for outputting a signal each time a predetermined number of game balls are lent out is not necessary in a so-called cash machine.

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

The payout control device 97 is configured such that a payout control board for controlling the payout device 96 is housed in a board box. In this case, the same fraud suppressing means as the board box 83 of the main controller 81 may be applied to the board box of the payout controller 97.

The power supply/launch control device 98 is configured by accommodating a power supply/launch control board in a board box. The board generates and outputs predetermined electric power required by various control devices and the like, and further by a player. The control of the launch of the game ball is performed in accordance with the operation of the firing handle 54. In addition, the pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing and storing various data, so that even if a power failure occurs, the pachinko machine 10 retains the status at the time of the power failure and can recover the status at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure It is like this.

(Electrical structure of the pachinko machine 10)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

The MPU 202 is mounted on the main control board 201 provided in the main controller 81. The MPU 202 is a ROM 203 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 202 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 203 is executed. The RAM 204 is an element having a built-in interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. Note that a part of the functions of the MPU 202, for example, the function of the ROM 203 or the function of the RAM 204 may be provided as another element.

The MPU 202 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. To the input side of the MPU 202, the power failure monitoring board 205 provided in the main controller 81, the payout controller 97, various detection sensors 211a to 211e, etc. are connected. In this case, the power supply/launch control device 98 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 205, and power is supplied to the MPU 202 via the power failure monitoring board 205. Further, as a part of the various detection sensors 211a to 211e, the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the working openings 33a and 33b (specifically, the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e), the through gate 35, and the like. The detection sensors provided in each of the various winning-corresponding ball input parts (payout-supporting ball input parts) are connected to each other, and each MPU 202 of the main control unit 81 receives each winning based on the detection information (detection signal) from these detection sensors. The winning determination (ball entry determination) to the ball portion is performed. In addition, the MPU 202 executes the jackpot occurrence lottery based on the winning of the operation openings 33a and 33b, and the support occurrence lottery based on the winning of the through gate 35.

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

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

In addition, on the output side of the MPU 202, a variable prize winning drive 32c for opening and closing the opening/closing door 32b of the variable winning device 32, an electric auditors drive 34b for opening and closing the movable piece 34a of the electric auditors 34, and a main display unit. 39 is connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 201, and the MPU 202 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

That is, in the opening/closing execution mode, the MPU 202 executes drive control of the variable winning drive unit 32c so that the special winning opening 32a is opened and closed. In addition, when the support lottery for the electric accessory 34 is won, the MPU 202 executes the drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 34b so that the electric accessory 34 is opened and closed. Further, the MPU 202 executes display control of the main display unit 39.

Further, an external output terminal board 99 is connected to the output side of the MPU 202, and through this external output terminal board 99, information about entering balls into various ball entering parts to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the game hall side. Information about lottery results such as jackpots and jackpots is output. This allows the hall computer HC to grasp the state of the pachinko machine 10 and the like.

The power failure monitoring board 205 relays between the main control board 201 and the power supply/launch control apparatus 98, and the power failure/monitoring board 205 has a voltage of DC stable 24 V which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply/launch control apparatus 98. The function to monitor is added. The payout control device 97 controls payout of prize balls or loan balls by the payout device 96 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 81.

The power supply/launch control device 98 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game arcade or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the operating power necessary for each of the main control board 201 and the payout control device 97 is generated, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. To do. Further, the power supply/launch control device 98 is responsible for the launch control of the game ball launching mechanism 53, and the game ball launching mechanism 53 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is satisfied.

The notification/production control device 82 drives and controls the display lamp unit 63, the speaker unit 64, and the like provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 81, and also controls the display control device 212. To do.

In the display control device 212, the display control of the symbol display device 41 is executed based on the command input from the notification/effect control device 82. In this case, in the notification/effect control device 82, based on various commands input from the main control device 81, a variable display mode of the symbol on the symbol display device 41 (for example, presence or absence of reach occurrence, contents of reach effect, etc.) or symbol The outline of the stop display mode (type of combination of symbols to be finally stopped and displayed with the end of variable display) is specified.

Here, the configuration relating to the variable display of symbols at each game time and the contents of the variable display will be described. 6 and 7 will be referred to in the following description. 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining the display contents on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41.

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

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

In the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of the numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. That is, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine kinds of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and then between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1". The main symbols of "4" are additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, 10 main symbols are arranged and configured by 20 symbols.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the display screen 41a is designed such that three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of 9 symbols of 3×3 are stopped and displayed. It is supposed to be done. Further, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right downward line L4, and a right upward line L5 are set on the display screen 41a. Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2, and a predetermined symbol combination (for example, a symbol combination with the same number) is formed on any of the activated lines. When the variable display of all the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is completed in the state of being performed, the big hit moving image is displayed as the occurrence of the normal big hit result or the probability variation big hit result.

Considering that the variable display of each symbol row is stopped as described above, the upper symbol row Z1 is the first symbol row (or the first symbol row), and the lower symbol row Z3 is the second symbol row (or the second symbol row (or the second symbol row). 2 pattern row), the middle symbol row Z2 can be referred to as a third symbol row (or a third symbol row).

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

The mode of variable display of the symbols in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above, but is arbitrary, and the number of symbol columns, the direction of variable display of symbols in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of symbol rows may be set to be arranged side by side, and the variable display direction of the symbols in the symbol row may be set to the vertical direction.

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

Specifically, the maximum reserved number when the game ball enters the first ball entrance portion 33d is four, and the maximum reserved number when the game ball enters the second ball entrance portion 33e is four. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, a total of eight pieces of reservation information are stored in a winning order for the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e. .. Corresponding to this, in the number-of-holds display area Da, the first unit hold display area Da1, the second unit hold display area Da2, the third unit hold display area Da3, the fourth unit hold display area Da4, and the fifth unit hold display. Area Da5, sixth unit hold display area Da6, seventh unit hold display area Da7, and eighth unit hold display area Da8 are set. The hold icon MP is displayed as a predetermined hold display image in these unit hold display areas.

For example, when the number of holdings is 0 when the game ball wins the operating ports 33a and 33b, that is, when the number of holdings (total number of holdings) becomes 1 by this winning, the first unit holding display area Da1 The hold icon MP is displayed only. When the number of holdings becomes 4 by winning the game balls in the operation ports 33a and 33b, the holding icon MP is displayed in the first unit holding display area Da1 to the fourth unit holding display area Da4. Has become. Note that FIG. 6B illustrates the case where the number of holdings is three.

Further, in the hold display area NE, a hold icon MP corresponding to the game time being executed (being executed) is arranged side by side with the hold number display area Da (specifically, the first unit hold display area Da1). An execution target display area Db to be displayed is provided. In the present embodiment, the execution target display area Db is arranged on the left side of the reserved number display area Da, but the positional relationship between these is arbitrary. For example, the execution target display area Db may be arranged on the right side of the reserved number display area Da.

When the game time is finished and the game time is shifted to the next game time, the hold icon MP displayed in the hold number display area Da (specifically, the first unit hold display area Da1) is shifted to the execution target display area Db ( Move). When there are other hold icons MP being displayed in the hold number display area Da, the unit hold display areas on the side (adjacent) of the hold icons MP closer to the execution target display area Db along with the shift. Shift to. For convenience of description, the side closer to the execution target display area Db will be referred to as “downstream side”, and the side opposite to the execution target display area Db will be referred to as “upstream side”.

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

The MPU 202 uses various counter information at the time of playing a game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, display setting of the main display unit 39, outline setting of the symbol display of the symbol display device 41, etc. Specifically, the outline of FIG. As shown in the figure, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot occurrence lottery, the jackpot type counter C2 used when determining the jackpot type such as the probability variation jackpot result or the regular jackpot result, and the symbol display device 41 are displaced. Reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery when doing, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of jackpot random number counter C1, entrance display portions 43, 44 of main display unit 39, and symbol display device The fluctuation type counter CS for determining the fluctuation display time in 41 is used. Further, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for a lottery for determining whether or not the electric accessory 34 of the lower operation port 33b is in the power open state is used.

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

The reserved ball storage area 232 includes a reserved area RE for the operating port and an execution area AE. The holding area RE includes a first area Ra1, a second area Ra2, a third area Ra3, a fourth area Ra4, a fifth area Ra5, a sixth area Ra6, a seventh area Ra7, and an eighth area Ra8, and is operated. The jackpot random number counter C1 and the jackpot stored in the lottery counter buffer 231 according to the winning history to the mouths 33a and 33b (more specifically, the winning history to the first and second winning portions 33d and 33e). Numerical information of each of the type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in any of the areas Ra1 to Ra8 as suspension information. The pending information corresponds to special information.

In the first area Ra1 to the eighth area Ra8, when the winnings to the operation openings 33a and 33b (specifically, the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e) are successively generated a plurality of times. In addition, the numerical information is chronologically arranged in the order of the first area Ra1, the second area Ra2, the third area Ra3, the fourth area Ra4, the fifth area Ra5, the sixth area Ra6, the seventh area Ra7, and the eighth area Ra8. Will be stored in. Since the eight areas Ra1 to Ra8 are provided in this way, the number of history of game balls entering the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e is four, that is, to the operating ports 33a and 33b. Up to eight prize winning records are stored. In addition, a total reserved number storage area is provided in the reserved ball storage area 232, and the total reserved number storage area is acquired and acquired based on the entrance into the first ball entering portion 33d or the second ball entering portion 33e. Information for specifying the number of stored hold information items stored is stored.

For example, if the number of balls entered is only one of the first ball entrance part 33d and the second ball entrance part 33e, and the number of balls is 4 or more, the maximum memory number related to winning in the operating ports 33a, 33b The number is limited to four, but as long as the game balls alternately enter the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e by the distribution means 33g described above, the winning in the operation ports 33a and 33b The maximum number of memories related to is increased to eight. In other words, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the number of pieces of stored pending information from reaching a limit of four even under a situation in which it is difficult to win a prize in the lower working opening 33b. ..

The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first area Ra1 of the holding area RE when the variable display of the ball entrance display sections 43, 44 of the main display unit 39 is started. At the start of one game, a win/fail judgment is made based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that the jackpot random number counter C1 is sequentially incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 299, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 299) and then returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value=0 to 299). The big hit random number counter C1 is regularly updated, and when the game ball wins the operating openings 33a, 33b, specifically, the timing at which the game ball flowing into the ball entering portions 33d, 33e is detected by the detection sensors 211c, 211d. Is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204.

The value of the random number for the jackpot is stored as a win/loss table (win/win information group) in the win/win table storage area 221 as the win/win information group storage means in the ROM 203. Here, the contents of the hit/miss table will be described.

Address information consisting of binary number information and jackpot numerical value information also consisting of binary number information are set in a one-to-one correspondence in the hit/miss table. Specifically, the address information is represented by a decimal number and 10 types of "1" to "10" are set, and the jackpot numerical value information is represented by a decimal number "7", "36", "67". , “100”, “131”, “164”, “195”, “223”, “241”, “272” are set, and these address information and jackpot numerical value information are one-to-one. It is associated. The numerical value of each jackpot numerical value information is included in “0” to “299” which is the numerical value range of the random number information that can be updated in the jackpot random number counter C1.

Here, in the pachinko machine 10, a low-probability mode (low-probability state) and a high-probability mode (high-probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the win/loss lottery means. Then, the number of pieces of jackpot numerical information referred to in the low-probability mode is different from the number of pieces of jackpot numerical information referred to in the high-probability mode, and the former is a smaller number than the latter. Specifically, in the low-probability mode, only the jackpot numerical value information whose address information is “1” is referred to in the win/win lottery, and in the high-probability mode, the jackpot numerical information corresponding to all the address information is referred to in the win/win lottery. Referenced. That is, in the low-probability mode, there is one piece of numerical information that is a big hit, and in the high-probability mode, there are ten pieces of numerical information, which is more than in the low-probability mode. As a result, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability mode is 1/300, while the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability mode is 1/30. The chances of winning will increase. If the winning probability in the high-probability mode is higher than that in the low-probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

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

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

The regular jackpot result is high frequency support until the win/loss lottery mode becomes the low probability mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends, and the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the support mode transitions. It is a jackpot result that becomes a mode. After the end reference number of times has elapsed, the low frequency support mode is entered.

The probability variation jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the win/loss lottery mode becomes the high-probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode after the end of the opening/closing execution mode. The high-frequency support mode is continued until the lottery result in the win/loss lottery becomes a big hit state win and the opening/closing execution mode is shifted accordingly.

In the distribution table, “0 to 9” corresponds to the normal jackpot result and “10 to 29” corresponds to the probability variation jackpot result, but the distribution of this numerical value is arbitrary.

In the present embodiment, a difference is provided so that the distribution based on the ball entering the second ball entering portion 33e is more advantageous to the player than the distribution based on the ball entering the first ball entering portion 33d. .. Specifically, the probability variation jackpot results are divided into two results with different degrees of advantage, specifically, the first probability variation jackpot result in which the number of rounds is “16” and the second probability variation jackpot result in which the number of rounds is “4”. When the probability variation jackpot result is obtained by the distribution based on the ball entry to the second ball entry portion 33e, the probability variation jackpot result is compared with the case where the probability variation jackpot result is obtained by the distribution based on the ball entry to the first ball entry portion 33d. By adopting a configuration in which the 1-probability-variable jackpot result is likely to occur, the above-described advantages can be obtained in the distribution mode based on the ball entering the first ball entering portion 33d and the distribution mode based on the ball entering the second ball entering portion 33e. Is making a difference.

The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, for example, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238), returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is regularly updated, and when the game ball wins the operation openings 33a and 33b, specifically, the timing when the game ball flowing into the ball entrance portions 33d and 33e is detected by the detection sensors 211c and 211d. Is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204. Then, it is determined whether or not the reach is generated based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 203. However, in the game game that shifts to the open/close execution mode, the MPU 202 determines the reach occurrence regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each gaming state, but may be individually set according to the gaming state. For example, when the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger than that in the low frequency support mode.

Here, the reach display (reach state) is provided with a symbol display device 41 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of symbols (patterns), and the open/close execution mode of the variable winning device 32 is a high frequency winning mode. In the game time, the stop display result after the variable display becomes the special display result in the game machine, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display (or the variable display) of the symbol (pattern) on the symbol display device 41 is started. The display state for making the player think that the variable display state is likely to result in the special display result in the preceding stage.

In other words, by stopping and displaying symbols for some of the symbol columns displayed on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high frequency winning mode can be achieved. It is a display state in which combinations of reach symbols that may be established are displayed, and in that state, variable display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol columns.

More specifically, as a pre-stage for ending the variable display of the symbols, a combination of the jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high frequency winning mode is displayed on the preset effective line in the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of reach symbols that may be established, and variable display of the symbols is performed by the final stop symbol sequence under the situation where the reach line is formed.

A display mode in the case of the reach display will be exemplified with reference to FIG. 7. In the case of the reach display, first, the variable display of symbols is ended in the upper symbol row Z1 (stopped display), and the variable display of symbols is further ended in the lower symbol row Z3 (stopped display). In the state, the reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols having the same numbers on any of the activated lines L1 to L5. Then, under the condition that the reach line is formed, the variable display of the symbols is performed in the middle symbol row Z2, whereby the reach display is performed. Then, when the high-frequency winning mode occurs, the main symbol with the same number as the main symbol forming the reach line is stopped and displayed on the reach line, and in the middle symbol row Z2. The variable display of symbols is ended.

In addition, in the reach display, while the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variable display of symbols is displayed in the remaining symbol rows, and the reach screen is displayed by displaying a predetermined character as a moving image. Examples include those that perform an effect and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen after reducing or displaying a combination of reach symbols. Further, when the reach display is being performed or before the reach display, whether or not the advance notice display using the predetermined image such as the predetermined character is performed is determined by using the reach random number counter C3 or other counters. May be.

The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 198, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The fluctuation type counter CS is used in determining the fluctuation display time in the main display unit 39 and the fluctuation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 41 in the MPU 202. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time a normal process described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the fluctuation type counter CS is acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined by the symbol display device 41 at the start of fluctuation of the symbol.

When determining the variable display time in the symbol display device 41 or the main display unit 39 (specifically, the ball entry display units 43, 44), the reach random number counter C3 and the variable value counter CS buffer values, the ROM 203 variable display time The table storage area 223 is referenced. Further, the MPU 202 uses the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE to determine the stop result in the result display section for the operating port. Uses a stop result determination table stored in the ROM 203.

The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 249, for example, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 249). The electric accessory release counter C4 is regularly updated and is stored in the electric accessory holding area 233 of the RAM 204 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 35. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 34 in the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 199, the electric accessory 34 is controlled to the open state, and if C4=200 to 249, the electric accessory 34 is not controlled to the open state.

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

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This processing is activated by the MPU 202 periodically (for example, in a cycle of 2 msec).

In step S101, reading processing of various winning detection sensors is executed. That is, the states of various winning detection sensors connected to the main control device 81 are read, the states of the winning detection sensors are determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

Then, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 204.

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

In a succeeding step S104, a through winning process associated with winning in the through gate 35 is executed. In the through winning process, it is determined whether or not a through gate winning detection flag is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, and if the same flag is stored, it is stored in the electric hand holding area. On condition that the number of stored accessory products stored is less than 4, the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electrical device reserve area. Then, when the through gate winning detection flag is stored in the various flag storage area 235, the winning detection flag is erased and the through gate winning process is ended.

After executing the winning process for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, and in the step S105, the winning process for the working port associated with the winning of the working ports 33a and 33b is executed, and the timer interrupt process is ended. To do.

(Winning process for working port)
Here, the winning process for the operating port will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11.

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

In a succeeding step S203, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first ball entering portion 33d to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that a ball has entered the first ball entrance portion 33d. After that, in step S204, an information acquisition process for storing each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the like is performed, and the main winning process is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the game ball has not won the first ball entering portion 33d, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether or not the game ball entered (wins) the second ball entering portion 33e. If it is determined that the game ball has entered the second ball entering portion 33e, the process proceeds to step S205, and the payout control device 97 sets a prize ball command for paying out four game balls. The prize ball command set in steps S202 and S205 is transmitted to the payout control device 97 in an external output process S401 of a normal process described later.

In a succeeding step S207, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second ball entering portion 33e to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that a ball has entered the second ball entry portion 33e. After that, the information acquisition process is performed in step S204, and the main winning process is ended.

In addition, when a negative determination is made in each of the processes of steps S201 and S205, that is, when there is no ball in either the first ball entering portion 33d or the second ball entering portion 33e, the main winning process is directly performed. finish.

Here, the information acquisition process of step S204 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Information acquisition process)
In the information acquisition process, first, in step S301, the number N of start-up holding memories stored in the number-of-holding storage area FE of the holding-ball storage area 232, more specifically, of the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e. It is determined whether or not the number N of start-up pending storages related to the ball entering portion that triggered the information acquisition process is less than the upper limit value (“4” in the present embodiment). If the number N of start-up pending storages is the upper limit value, the present information acquisition process is terminated as it is, and if it is less than the upper limit value, the number N of start-up pending storages of the corresponding ball entry portion is incremented by 1 in step S302. At the same time, the total number of reservations stored in the number-of-reservations storage area FE (hereinafter, referred to as common reservation number CRN) is incremented by 1 in step S303.

In the following step S304, the respective values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS updated in the above step S103 are set in the empty storage area area of the holding area RE for the working opening. The data is stored in the first storage area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the common hold number CRN incremented by 1 in step S302. After executing the storing process, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S305, the display update process of the number-of-holds display sections 45 and 46 of the main display unit 39 (main display section D) is executed. In the display update process, when the current winning destination (winning destination) is the first winning portion 33d, the display of the first hold number display unit 45 is updated, and the current winning destination (winning destination) is the second. In the case of the ball entering portion 33e, the display of the second holding number display portion 46 is updated.

The 1st hold|maintenance number display part 45 is comprised by four LEDs, and the number of the LED which is lighted and the hold|maintenance number concerning the 1st ball entrance part 33d match. When the number of holdings related to the first ball entering portion 33d is increased by the present winning, the process of increasing the number of lit LEDs is performed accordingly. Similarly, the second number-of-holds display section 46 is also configured by four LEDs, and the number of LEDs that are turned on and the number of hold numbers for the second ball entry portion 33e are the same. When the number of holdings related to the second ball entering portion 33e increases due to the present winning, a process of increasing the number of lit LEDs is performed accordingly.

In the following steps S306 and S307, the notification/production control device 82, which is a sub-side (sub-side) control device, that the winning in the operation ports 33a, 33b (ball entry in the ball entry parts 33d, 33e) has occurred. The confirmation processing for holding notice and the setting processing of the holding command, which are processing for causing the display control device 212 to recognize and executing the holding notice described later, are executed, and the information acquisition processing is ended. It should be noted that the hold command includes information on which one of the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e is based on the winning.

The hold command set in the hold command setting process in step S307 is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82 and the display control device 212 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process described later. Upon receiving the hold command, the display control device 212 executes a process for changing the display in the hold number display area Da described above in accordance with the increase in the hold number.

Specifically, when the display control device 212 receives the command at the display control device 212 via the notification/effect control device 82, the display control device 212 displays the hold icon MP in the hold number display area Da (for example, Add) is executed. In the hold number display area Da, hold images are displayed sequentially from the left side. For example, if the common hold number CRN is 1, the hold image is displayed in the first unit hold display area Da1 at the left end, and the common hold number is displayed. If the number CRN is 8, the reserved image is displayed in the eighth eighth unit reserved display area Da8 from the left. A detailed description of each process of steps S306 and S307 will be given later.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started when the power is turned on is executed, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an outline, the processing of steps S401 to S406 is executed as a regular processing of a 4 msec cycle, and the counter updating processing of steps S408 and S409 is executed in the remaining time.

In the normal process, first, an external signal output process is executed in step S401. In the external signal output process of step S401, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence/absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 97. Also, when various commands such as effect commands such as a fluctuation start command, a type command, a fluctuation end command, a hold command, and a shift command described later are set, they are transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82. ..

Next, in step S402, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 204.

In a succeeding step S403, a game time control process for controlling a game in each game time is executed. In this game time control processing, jackpot determination, setting of variable display of symbols by the symbol display device 41, display control of the main display unit 39, etc. are performed.

After executing the game number control process of step S403, the process proceeds to step S404 to execute the game state transition process. Although the details will be described later, the game state shift processing shifts the game state to the open/close execution mode, the high probability mode, the high frequency support mode, or the like. Details of the game number control process of step S403 and the game state transition process of step S404 will be described later.

In a succeeding step S405, an electric power supporting process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 34 provided in the working opening unit 33 is executed. In this electric role support process, the electric role release of whether or not the electric role object 34 is opened using the numerical information acquired from the electric role open counter C4 stored in the electric role holding area 233 of the RAM 204. The lottery is performed, and when the electric-role open state wins, the opening/closing process of the electric accessory 34 is executed. In addition, display control of the through-gate display unit 47 is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric-role opening lottery.

As described above, the low frequency support mode and the high frequency support mode are set as the modes of support by the electric accessory 34, and a transition to any one of the support modes is performed in the game state transition processing. Through this process, if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 235 of the RAM 204, the high frequency support mode is set, and if the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is set.

In the power combination support process, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 235 of the RAM 204. Then, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 34 is in the open state is set to be larger when the electric role is released in the winning state than in the low frequency support mode. Set the opening time longer. Further, in the high-frequency support mode, when the power combination open state is won, and the electric power accessory 34 is opened a plurality of times, one open state ends and the next open state starts. It is set so that the closing time up to is shorter than one opening time.

Incidentally, when the open/close execution mode is entered, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 235 of the RAM 204.

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

In subsequent step S407, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has been reached, that is, whether or not one cycle (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the previous normal processing. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process.

That is, in step S408, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 204. In step S409, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach their maximum values, they are cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 204.

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

(Game time control processing)
Next, the game number control process of step S403 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 to 16.

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

If it is not in the open/close execution mode, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the game is being played. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the ball entrance display sections 43, 44 of the main display unit 39 are in the variable display or the fixed display. If it is not in the game time, the process proceeds to the game time start process of steps S503 to S505. In the game time starting process, first, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the total number of start hold balls (common hold number CRN) is "0". When the common hold number CRN is “0”, it means that hold information is not stored in the hold ball storage area 232. Therefore, this game time control processing is ended as it is.

On the other hand, if the common hold number CRN is not "0", the data setting process for setting the data stored in the hold area RE of the hold ball storage area 232 for variable display is executed in step S504, Further, in step S505, after performing the variation start processing for starting the variation display of the ball entrance display portions 43, 44 in the main display unit 39 and the variation display of the symbol display device 41, this game time control processing is ended. To do.

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

(Data setting process)
In the data setting process, first, in step S601, the start pending storage number N stored in the pending number storage area FE, which is the target of the setting process this time, and the common pending number CRN are decremented by one. In subsequent step S602, the data stored in first area Ra1 of holding area RE is moved to execution area AE.

Then, in step S603, a process of shifting the data (that is, the hold information) stored in each of the areas Ra1 to Ra8 of the hold area RE is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first area Ra1 to the eighth area Ra8 to the lower side, and clears the data in the first area Ra1 while also moving the second area Ra2→the second area Ra2. 1st area Ra1, 3rd area Ra3 -> 2nd area Ra2, 4th area Ra4 -> 3rd area Ra3, 5th area Ra5 -> 4th area Ra4, 6th area Ra6 -> 5th area Ra5, 7th area Ra7 -> 7th area Ra7. The data in each area is shifted such as 6 area Ra6, 8th area Ra8→7th area Ra7.

In a succeeding step S604, a shift command which is information for making the notification/effect control device 82 recognize that the data in the holding area RE has been shifted is set. Then, this data setting process is completed. The shift command set in step S604 is transmitted to the display control device 212 via the notification/effect control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). Upon receiving the shift command, the display control device 212 executes a process for changing the display in the hold number display area Da for the working port in accordance with the decrease in the hold number.

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

In the variation start process, first, in step S701, a win/loss determination process for determining whether or not the hold information referred to in the current variation start process corresponds to the jackpot win. Specifically, of the information stored in the execution area AE, the information for jackpot determination, that is, the information acquired from the information updated by the jackpot random number counter C1 is grasped. When the win/loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, the win/loss table for the low probability mode stored in the win/loss table storage area 221 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and the information grasped above is converted into information corresponding to the jackpot win. If it is included, and the win/loss lottery mode is the high probability mode, the win/loss table for the high probability mode stored in the win/loss table storage area 221 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and the information obtained above is a big hit. Identify whether it is included in the information corresponding to the winning.

In a succeeding step S702, it is determined whether or not the result of the win/loss determination process in step S701 is a result corresponding to the jackpot win. If the result corresponds to the jackpot, the type determination process is executed in step S703.

In the type determination process, the information for type determination of the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information acquired from the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2 is grasped. Further, the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 222 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and it is specified whether or not the information for the type determination thus grasped is included in the information corresponding to the probability variation jackpot result. Specifically, when the hold information corresponds to a ball entering the first ball entering portion 33d, the distribution table for the first ball entering portion 33d is referred to, and the hold information is the second ball entering portion 33e. If it is possible to enter the ball, the type determination is performed by referring to the distribution table for the second ball entering portion 33e.

In a succeeding step S704, it is determined whether or not the type of the jackpot winning this time is a probability variation jackpot result (16R probability variation jackpot result, 4R probability variation jackpot result) based on the information identified in the type determination processing in step S703. If it is the probability variation jackpot result, the probability variation jackpot stop result setting processing is executed in step S705, and if it is not the probability variation jackpot result, the normal jackpot stop result setting processing is executed in step S706. If it is determined in step S702 that the jackpot is not a big hit, a stop result setting process for out-of-coupling is executed in step S707. The probability variation jackpot results are roughly classified into 16R probability variation jackpot results and 4R probability variation jackpot results. When the probability variation jackpot result is obtained, the distribution determines whether the result is the 16R probability variation jackpot result or the 4R probability variation jackpot result.

In each of the stop result setting processes of steps S705 to S707, the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of the ROM 203 is referred to for the information of the pattern form to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 39. The specified information is stored in the RAM 204. In step S705 and step S706, the MPU 202 stores in the various flag storage areas 235 of the RAM 204 the information for identifying that the MPU 202 determines that the game determination result of this time is the probability variation jackpot result or the normal jackpot result. Specifically, the probability variation jackpot flag is stored in step S705, and the normal jackpot flag is stored in step S706.

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

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

When a negative determination is made in step S801, that is, when the result of the above-mentioned win/win lottery is a miss result, the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, it is determined whether or not the reach display is generated on the symbol display device 41 at the current game time. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is a value corresponding to the occurrence of the reach, it is determined that the reach display has occurred, and an affirmative determination is made in step S802. When the presence or absence of the reach occurrence is specified using the value of the reach random number counter C3, the reach determination table stored in the reach determination table storage area 225 of the ROM 203 is referred to.

When an affirmative determination is made in either step S801 or step S802, the process proceeds to step S803, the variable display time table for reach generation stored in the variable display time table storage area 223 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and the current time is displayed. The fluctuation display time information corresponding to the value of the fluctuation type counter CS and the like is acquired, and in the next step S804, the fluctuation display time information is displayed in the counter area 234 of the RAM 204 in the fluctuation display time counter area (fluctuation display time measuring means). ). Then, this setting process is completed.

That is, in the present embodiment, when the result of the win/loss lottery is the jackpot win result or when the result of the win/win lottery is a miss result and the lottery for reach generation is won, the reach display is executed. ing.

Here, the reach display is provided with a normal reach display and a super reach display which are different in variable display mode. In the reach display variable display time table, variable display time information corresponding to each normal reach display and super reach display is set, and by referring to the table, the variable display time information corresponding to each reach display is displayed. To be acquired. Regarding the determination of the type of reach display, there is provided a table in which the type of reach display and the value of the variation type counter CS correspond to each other. The corresponding reach display is determined.

More specifically, the reach display variable display time table corresponds to the jackpot type. Specifically, in the case of a probability variation jackpot result, the variable display time is set so that the combination of specific symbols can be stopped and displayed, and in the case of a normal jackpot result, the combination of non-specific symbols can be stopped and displayed. The variable display time is set to.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S802, the value of the fluctuation type counter CS for this time is referred to by referring to the reach display time variation display time table stored in the variation display time table storage area 223 in step S805. Is acquired, and the variable display time information is set in the variable display time counter area in step S806. Then, this setting process is completed.

The variable display time information when the reach is not generated is set such that the variable display time becomes shorter as the number of common hold numbers CRN increases. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration that does not depend on the number of common pending numbers CRN may be set, and the smaller the number of common pending numbers CRN, the shorter the variable display time may be set. .. In addition, when the support mode is the high-frequency support mode, compared to the case where the support frequency is the low-frequency support mode, the reach non-reach time is selected so that a shorter variable display time is selected as compared with the case where the number of hold information is the same. Although the variable display time table for generation is set, the variable display time is not limited to this, and the selected variable display time may be the same or may be the reverse of the above relationship. Further, the above configuration may be applied to the variable display time when the reach occurs, and the variable display time that is easily selected and the variable display time that is difficult to be selected are different between when the jackpot is won and when the reach is lost. It may be configured. Further, the variable display time table for the probability variable big hit, the variable display time table for the normal big hit, the variable display time table for the out-reach, and the variable display time table for the complete out-of-range may be individually set. As described above, the variable display time of each game time is determined using the presence or absence of the reach occurrence, the type of the reach display, the number of hold information, the value of the variation type counter CS, etc. as parameters.

Returning to the description of the fluctuation start process (FIG. 15 ), after the fluctuation display time setting process is executed in step S708, the fluctuation start command and the type command are set in step S709. The fluctuation start command includes information regarding whether or not reach has occurred and information regarding fluctuation display time. Further, the type command includes information on the game result. That is, the type command includes, as the game result information, the probability variation big hit result information, the normal big hit result information, the misplacement result information, and the like.

The fluctuation start command and the type command set in step S709 are transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). In the notification/effect control device 82, based on the received variation start command and type command, the light emission pattern of the display lamp section 63 and the sound output pattern from the speaker section 64 in the game time are decided, and the decided effect is decided. The display lamp unit 63 and the speaker unit 64 are controlled so that the contents are executed. Further, the notification/effect control device 82 transmits the variation start command and the type command to the display control device 212 while maintaining the information form. In the display control device 212, based on the received variation start command and type command, the variation display pattern on the symbol display device 41 in the game is determined, and the symbol display device is executed so that the determined variation display pattern is executed. Display control of 41 is performed. After that, in step S710, the variable display of the pattern is started on the corresponding one of the ball entrance display parts 43, 44 of the main display unit 39, and then this fluctuation start processing is ended.

Returning to the explanation of the game time control process (FIG. 13 ), when the main display unit 39 is being variably displayed, the game time progression process of steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game time progression process, first, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 204 has become “0”. The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process (FIG. 16) as described above. Further, the value of the set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is started.

If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed in step S507. In the variable display process, the display mode of the corresponding one of the ball entrance display sections 43, 44 of the main display unit 39 is changed. Then, this game time control processing is ended.

If the variation display time has elapsed, variation end processing is executed in step S508. In the fluctuation ending process, the information stored in the RAM 204 in any of the processes of steps S705 to S707 is specified, and the pattern corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the ball entrance display unit. Controls the display for the ball.

In a succeeding step S509, a fluctuation end command is set. Then, this game time control processing is ended. The variation end command set in step S509 is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). The notification/effect control device 82 transmits the received variation end command to the display control device 212 while maintaining its information form. In the display control device 212, by receiving the variation end command, the combination of final stop symbols in the game times is fixedly displayed (final stop display).

(Game state transition process)
Next, the game state transition processing of step S404 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the game state transition process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether the open/close execution mode is in effect. If it is not in the opening/closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S902, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing at which the variable display of the pattern on the main display unit 39 (more specifically, the ball entrance display unit) for one game has ended. If it is not the timing when the variable display is finished, the game state transition process is finished as it is.

If it is the timing at which the variable display ends, it is determined in step S903 whether or not the game result of the current game time corresponds to the shift to the open/close execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the RAM 204 stores either the normal jackpot flag or the probability variation jackpot flag. If none of the above flags are stored, the game state transition processing is ended.

If any of the above flags is stored, in step S904, the round counter area RC provided in the various counter areas 234 of the RAM 204 has a value determined according to the jackpot type, specifically, Set "16" or "4". The round counter area RC is a counter area for counting the number of times the special winning opening 32a is opened. Then, this game state transition processing is ended.

On the other hand, if it is in the open/close execution mode, an affirmative decision is made in step S901, and the operation proceeds to step S905. In step S905, a special winning opening/closing process is executed. In the special winning opening/closing process, when the special winning opening 32a is closed, the variable winning driving unit 32c is driven on condition that the round counter area RC is "1" or more. The mouth 32a is opened. In addition, when the special winning opening 32a is open, the variable winning drive is provided on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the opening of the special winning opening 32a or that a predetermined number of game balls have been won. The driving state of the portion 32c is stopped and the special winning opening 32a is closed.

In a succeeding step S906, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter area RC is "0". If the value of the round counter area RC is not "0", the game state transition process is finished as it is. When the value of the round counter area RC is “0”, the transition process at the end of the open/close execution mode is executed in step S907.

In the transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, if the probability variation jackpot flag is stored in the RAM 204, the win/loss lottery mode is set to the high probability mode and the support mode is set to the high frequency support mode. The high probability mode and the high frequency support mode are maintained at least until the next big win. Further, when the RAM 204 stores the normal jackpot flag, the win/loss lottery mode is set to the low probability mode and the support mode is set to the high frequency support mode. However, the high frequency support mode is ended when the game times continue 100 times, and thereafter, the normal game state in which the winning/winning lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the low frequency support mode is shifted to.

Then, in step S908, after executing the ending process of the opening/closing execution mode, the present game state transition process is ended. In the ending process of the opening/closing execution mode, the stored flag is deleted from the normal jackpot flag and the probability variation jackpot flag.

(Regarding electrical configuration of notification/production control device 82 and display control device 212)
Next, with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 18, a supplementary description will be given of an electrical configuration relating to the notification/effect control device 82 and the display control device 212.

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

The MPU 242 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. The main controller 81 is connected to the input side of the MPU 242, and the game time control commands (game time control information) such as the fluctuation start command, the type command, and the fluctuation end command, which have already been described, are transmitted from the main control device 81. To receive. In addition, it receives a hold display control command (hold display control information) such as a shift command or a hold command, and an open/close execution mode command (open/close execution mode information) such as an opening command or an ending command.

As described above, the display lamp section 63, the speaker section 64, and the display control device 212 provided on the front door frame 14 are connected to the output side of the MPU 242. Some of the various commands input from the main control device 81 to the notification/production control device 82 are transmitted to the display control device 212 while maintaining the information form as it is.

The display control device 212 includes a display control board 251 on which an MPU 252, which is an element in which a program ROM 253 and a work RAM 254 are combined into a chip, a video display processor (VDP) 255, a character ROM 256, and a video RAM 257 are mounted. Equipped with. It is not essential that the program ROM 253 and the work RAM 254 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 252, and each may be configured into an individual chip.

The MPU 252 of the display control device 212 analyzes various commands received from the main control device 81 via the notification/effect control device 82 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands to control the VDP 255 (specifically, To generate the internal command for the VDP 255). More specifically, the MPU 252 executes a process of specifying a variable display pattern of each game time on the symbol display device 41 based on a command transmitted from the notification/effect control device 82, and a process related to a reservation notice described later. Is executed, and the drawing process for the VDP 255 is executed corresponding to the processing result. As a result, various images are displayed on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41.

The program ROM 253 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 252 and fixed value data, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for a background image. The work RAM 254 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, etc. used when the MPU 252 executes various programs. These work data and flags are stored in each area of the work RAM 254.

The VDP 255 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver incorporated in the symbol display device 41. Since the VDP 255 is formed as an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and the substance of the VDP 255 is also a microcomputer chip containing firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 255 adjusts the respective timings of the MPU 252, the video RAM 257 and the like to intervene in the reading and writing of data, and at the same time, reads the image data to be stored in the video RAM 257 from the character ROM 256 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the symbol display device 41.

The character ROM 256 plays a role as an image data library for storing character data such as a design displayed on the design display device 41. The character ROM 256 holds bit map format image data of various display symbols, a color palette table to be referred to when determining an expression color at each dot of the bit map image, and the like.

Further, in the character ROM 256, as part of the above-mentioned data, image data (holding icon MP) to be displayed in the hold display area NE of the symbol display device 41 or image data for a partition frame to be displayed in the execution target display area Db. An image data storage area for holding 271 in which is stored, and an image data storage area for notice data 272 in which image data to be displayed when a notice effect described later is executed are provided. It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 256 and share the character ROMs 256 to store image data and the like. Further, the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 253 may be stored in the character ROM 256.

The video RAM 257 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the symbol display device 41, and the display contents of the symbol display device 41 are changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 257. The video RAM 257 is provided with a hold display area 281 and an execution display area 282 corresponding to the hold display area NE.

In the holding display area 281, the first unit area to the eighth unit area are set so as to have a one-to-one correspondence with the first area Ra1 to the eighth area Ra8 in the working area holding area RE. In each of the unit hold display areas Da1 to Da8 of the hold number display area Da on the display screen 41a, the hold icon MP is displayed according to the hold display information (data) written in each unit area. In the unit hold display areas Da1 to Da8 corresponding to the unit areas where no data is set, no image is displayed or the background image on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41 is displayed.

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

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

(Variable display control process)
In the variable display control process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the game is being performed, that is, whether or not the symbol display device 41 is performing variable display or confirmed display of the symbols for one game. When it is determined that the game is not being played, the process proceeds to step S1002, and it is determined whether the fluctuation start command transmitted from the main control device 81 is received.

When a negative determination is made in step S1002, the present variable display control process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step S1002, then the fluctuation display control processing is terminated after execution of fluctuation start processing, which will be described later, in step S1003.

Returning to the description of step S1001, if a positive determination is made in step S1001, that is, if it is determined that the game is being played, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, it is determined whether the fluctuation end command transmitted from the main control device 81 is received. When a negative determination is made in step S1004, the changing display control process is ended after the changing process is executed in step S1005. The changing process is a process of executing various effects and changing the determined effects in the game times started by the changing start process.

If an affirmative decision is made in step S1004, then the flow of control proceeds to a step S1006, where after the fluctuation end processing is executed in this step S1006, this fluctuation display control processing is ended. In the fluctuation ending process, the variable display of the symbols and the effect being executed are ended so as to correspond to the hold information related to the game time (determined stop). In this processing, the speaker unit 64 and the lamp unit 63 are drive-controlled to produce an effect corresponding to the fixed stop. Then, after outputting the confirmation command to the display control device 212, this fluctuation ending process is ended. The MPU 252 of the display control device 212 controls the symbol display device 41 to stop the symbol based on the received confirmation command.

(Process for fluctuation start)
Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20, a supplementary description will be given of the fluctuation start process of step S1003. The fluctuation start process is a process for starting the game game effect based on the reception of the fluctuation start command transmitted from the main control device 81. In the variation start process, a reach display and a pending notice effect described later are set as effects for game play. Here, the process regarding the setting of the reach display will be described, and the process regarding the setting of the preliminary announcement effect will be described later.

In the fluctuation start process, first, the fluctuation start command received this time is read in step S1101, and the information on the presence or absence of reach and the fluctuation display time information are specified from the command. Further, as already described, when the fluctuation start command is transmitted from the main control device 81, the type command is also transmitted. In step S1101, the type command received together with the variation start command received this time is read out, and information on the game result such as information on the probability variation jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, or information on the deviation result is specified from the command. Then, in step S1101, from the above-identified information, information on whether or not a jackpot is won, information on a jackpot type if the jackpot is won, information on whether or not a reach is generated if the jackpot is not hit, and a variable display time. Information is stored in the register of the MPU 242.

In a succeeding step S1102, based on the information grasped in the step S1101, it is determined whether or not the game result of the game time started this time is a game result corresponding to the jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, that is, if it is a probability variation jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, in a succeeding step S1103, a jackpot effect setting process is executed.

In the effect setting process for the big hit, the stop result of the symbol for the big hit is determined (the stop result determination process is performed). In the stop result determination process, when the probability variation jackpot result, the stop result that the combination of the same specific symbol (main symbol with an odd number) is established on one of the activated lines L1 to L5, Determined as a stop result. Also, in the case of a normal jackpot result, a stop result in which a combination of the same non-specific symbols (main symbols with an even number) is established on one of the activated lines L1 to L5 is set as the stop result of this game time. decide.

The types of main symbols and the effective lines L1 to L5 that are stopped and displayed when the jackpot result is obtained are randomly determined by lottery or the like. The final stop line table stored in various table areas of the ROM 243 stores the valid lines L1 to L5 and address information. The final stop line determined by the above processing is the final stop line provided in the RAM 244. The address information is stored in the line address storage area. At this time, a process of storing the determined stop result information in the stop result address storage area is executed. Even in the following description, the stop result address information determined by the various stop result determination processes is stored in the stop result address storage area of the RAM 244.

In the big hit production setting process, the variable display mode of the big hit symbols is determined (variable display mode determination process (production pattern determination process) is performed). As described above, when the jackpot result is obtained, the result is notified via the reach display. In the variation display mode determination process for reach display, the variation display pattern table for reach display stored in various table areas of the ROM 243 is acquired, and the variation display time of the variation start command currently received and the game in the type command are received. The effect pattern of normal reach display or super reach display corresponding to the result is determined. Further, a process of storing the address information of the determined variable display mode in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 244 is executed. In the variable display mode determination process described below, the corresponding variable display pattern table is acquired from the variable display pattern table storage area of the ROM 243, and the effect pattern corresponding to the variable display time and the game result is determined. Then, the address information of the effect pattern determined in the effect pattern determination process is stored in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 244.

If it is determined in step S1102 that the result is not the big hit, the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, it is grasped whether or not reach is generated in the current game. If a reach is generated, the process proceeds to step S1105, and a reach setting process for reach generation is executed. In the production setting process for reach generation, the combination of the outline of the production and the symbols to be finally stopped is determined. Since the former is the same as the processing in step S1103, the description thereof is cited. Since this processing corresponds to the out-reach, the stop symbol is determined so that the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is not obtained. That is, the stop result that the combination of the reach symbols is established on the one effective line L1 to L5 is determined as the current stop result. In this case, the types of combinations of out-reach symbols and the effective lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by lottery or the like. Further, in this determination, the same symbol combination is not established on any of the activated lines L1 to L5, and the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 that are the same as the symbols forming the reach line are set for the reach line. The stop result on the effective line is determined so as to make a final stop at a stop position that is offset before or after. After that, a process of storing the determined stop result information in the stop result address storage area is executed.

If it is determined in step S1104 that the reach has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S1106. In step S1106, a combination of the outline of the effect for complete disengagement and the design to be finally stopped is determined. Since this process corresponds to complete deviation, the stop symbol is determined so that the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is not formed.

After performing any one of the processes of step S1103, step S1105, and step S1106, the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, a process of outputting the command including the stop result and effect pattern information determined in steps S1103, S1105, and S1106 to the display control device 212 as a stop result command and a pattern command, respectively. In the MPU 252 of the display control device 212, based on the received stop result command and pattern command, the display control of the symbol display device 41 is performed to execute the effect in the current game time.

After executing the process of step S1107, in a succeeding step S1108, a process of starting the effect for game play is executed, and then the process for starting this variation is ended. Specifically, drive control of the speaker unit 64 and the lamp unit 63 is started based on the effect pattern determined in steps S1103, S1105, and S1106, and the effect for game play is started.

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

(Variable display mode)
As shown in FIG. 21(a), the variable display mode of the symbols executed on the display screen 41a is large in five out of complete deviation, normal reach A, normal reach B, super reach A, super reach B, and super reach C. Be separated. For each of these variable display modes, the variable display time is set to be different, and the outline of the variable display mode for each game is grasped based on the information relating to the variable display time given to the command from the main controller 81. It is possible.

Specifically, "3 sec to 8 sec" (variation is set according to the number of holdings) for the variable display time of complete deviation, "10 sec" for the variable display time of normal reach A, and the variable display time of normal reach B. Is longer than the variable display time of normal reach A, “15 sec”, the variable display time of super reach A is “16 sec”, which is longer than the variable display time of normal reach A and B, and the super reach is variable reach time of super reach B. The variable display time of A is longer than "17 sec", and the variable display time of super reach C is "18 sec" which is longer than the variable display time of other super reach A and B. For example, when the information regarding the variable display time given to the command from the main control device 81 is “15 sec”, the notification/effect control device 82 knows that the normal reach B should be executed. ..

In addition, in the game times corresponding to the jackpot result, it becomes easier to select in the order of super reach C>super reach B>super reach A>normal reach B>normal reach A. The configuration is such that it is easily selected in the order of off> normal reach A> normal reach B> super reach A> super reach B> super reach C. In other words, the expectation of winning the jackpot increases as the variable display time increases.

Here, the variable display mode of the normal reach A and B will be described with reference to FIG. When the normal reach A, B is selected, first the variable display (scroll display) of all the symbol columns that are stopped and displayed is started, and then the variable display of the symbols is ended in the upper symbol column Z1 (stop). Then, the variable display of the symbols is finished (stopped display) in the lower symbol row Z3. In this way, in the state in which the upper and lower symbol rows Z1 and Z3 are stopped and displayed, the reach line is displayed by stopping and displaying the main symbols having the same numbers on any of the activated lines L1 to L5 (see FIG. 6). Is formed. Then, under the condition that the reach line is formed, the reach display (reach change display) is performed by performing the change display of the middle symbol row Z2. After the reach display, the variable display ends by stopping and displaying the middle symbol row Z2. Then, the fact that the same symbols as those constituting the reach display are stopped on the reach line is notified that the jackpot has been won, and the other symbols are stopped on the reach line to win the jackpot. The fact that they have not done so will be notified. In this way, the combination of symbols finally displayed as stopped is maintained as it is for a predetermined period. That is, the current game time continues until the stop display period elapses, and when the stop display period elapses, the transition to the next game time is permitted.

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

Next, the variable display mode of the super reach A, B, C will be described based on the variable display mode of the normal reach A, B described above. As shown in FIGS. 21(b2) to 21(b4), for the super reach A, B, C, the reach line described above is formed through the same process as the normal reach A, B. Then, after the reach line is formed, the reach effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character as a moving image together with the variable display of the middle symbol row Z2. Specifically, after the reach line is formed in the super reach A, a character imitating a fairy is displayed in the center of the variable display area of the middle symbol row Z2 (the center of the variable display area ME), and in the super reach B. After the reach line is formed, a character imitating a boy is displayed in the center of the variable display area of the middle symbol row Z2 (center of the variable display area ME), and after the reach line is formed in super reach C, A character simulating a girl will be displayed in the center of the variable display area of the middle symbol row Z2 (the center of the variable display area ME).

(About notice of hold)
In the present embodiment, the effect related to the hold notice that suggests the content of the hold information stored in the hold ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204 has a predetermined probability before the game time related to the hold information is started. It is configured to be executed in. For the player, the production corresponding to the pending information that is not yet the target of the lottery is executed at the timing before the game times relating to the relevant pending information are executed, so that the player can respond to the ongoing gaming times. In addition to the game to confirm the lottery result of the hold information, a game of confirming or predicting the result when the hold information to be lottery target later becomes the lottery target is added or added. Diversification is achieved. As a result, the degree of attention to the game can be increased.

With respect to the suspension notice, the suspension display is performed in the variable display area ME of the display screen 41a together with the above-described variable display of the symbols, and the suspension display mode is changed in the suspension display area NE of the display screen 41a. It is roughly divided into what is executed. Among these, the hold display on the display screen 41a is used for the hold notice executed in the hold display area NE. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22A and the schematic diagram of FIG. 22B, a configuration that is a premise of the suspension notice, a process for suspension display control executed by the MPU 252 of the display control device 212 (suspension) Display control command corresponding processing) will be described. The pending display control command handling process is a process that is executed as part of a regular process that is activated at a predetermined cycle (2 msec in this embodiment).

(Reservation display control command support processing)
As shown in FIG. 22A, in the hold display control command handling process, first in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the hold command is received from the main control device 81 via the notification/effect control device 82. judge. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, the value of the number of holding counters (holding storage number SN) provided in various counter areas of the work RAM 254 is incremented by 1 in step S1202.

After executing the update process of step S1202, the process proceeds to step S1203, the pending display addition process is executed, and the pending display control command handling process is ended. The above-mentioned hold storage number SN corresponds to the hold display area 281 of the video RAM 257. When the display setting of the hold icon MP is performed in the hold display addition process, the hold display information (specifically, the hold image data storage area 271 is stored in a unit area corresponding to the hold storage number SN in the hold display area 281). Address of the reserved image) is set. In each of the unit hold display areas Da1 to Da8 of the hold number display area Da on the display screen 41a, the hold icon MP is additionally displayed according to the data written in each unit area.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22(b1), under the condition that the hold icon MP is displayed in the first unit hold display area Da1 and the second unit hold display area Da2, that is, the hold storage number SN=“2”. When the hold command is received under such a condition, the hold storage number SN becomes “2”→“3”, and the hold display information is set in the third unit area of the hold display area 281. .. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22(b2), the hold icon MP is displayed in the third unit hold display area Da3.

Returning to the description of step S1201, if a negative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether or not a shift command is received from the main control device 81 via the notification/effect control device 82. When a negative determination is made in step S1204, the processing corresponding to the command for hold display control is ended as it is.

If an affirmative decision is made in step S1204, the operation proceeds to step S1205. In step S1205, the value of the hold number counter (hold storage number SN) provided in the hold counter area of the work RAM 254 is decremented by 1.

In a succeeding step S1206, shift processing is executed, and the processing corresponding to the command for the hold display control is ended. In the shift process, the hold display information set in the first unit area of the hold display area 281 is moved to the execution display area 282, and is set in the first to eighth unit areas of the hold display area 281. The pending display information is shifted to the lower area side in order.

Specifically, the hold display information of the first unit area is moved to the execution display area 282, and the second unit area→first unit area, third unit area→second unit area, fourth unit area→third unit. Within each unit area, such as unit area, fifth unit area→fourth unit area, sixth unit area→fifth unit area, seventh unit area→sixth unit area, eighth unit area→seventh unit area. Shift pending display information.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22(b1), under the condition that the hold icon MP is displayed in the first unit hold display area Da1 and the second unit hold display area Da2, that is, the hold storage number SN=“2”. When a shift command is received under the above condition, the number of reserved storages SN changes from "2" to "1". Along with this, the hold display information of the execution display area 282 is erased, the hold display information of the first unit area is displayed in the execution display area 282, the hold display information of the second unit area is set in the first unit area, and the hold display information of the third unit area is set to the third unit area. The hold display information of the unit area is shifted to the second unit area. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22B3, the hold icon MP is displayed in the execution target display area Db and the first unit hold display area Da1.

Here, in the holding image data storage area 271, a plurality of types of holding icons MP having different colors (more specifically, four types of white, blue, yellow, and red) are stored as a holding image group, and the holding icons MP are different for each color. The addresses are different. At the time of setting the hold display information, the notification/effect control device 82 determines which color is to be used for display depending on the presence or absence of the above-mentioned notice of hold, and this information is notified by the hold command. When passing through 82, the notification/production control device 82 incorporates the same in the hold command. That is, the display control device 212 grasps which color corresponds to the address to be set as the above-mentioned hold display information by reading the information regarding the color from the received hold command.

Next, the processing relating to the suspension notice executed by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 will be described. As the processing related to the suspension notice, the confirmation processing for the suspension notice (step S306 in FIG. 11) and the suspension command setting processing (step S307 in FIG. 11) are set. It is configured to be executed as a part of the winning process (see FIG. 10) for the working opening set as a part of the process of FIG. 9), specifically, the information acquisition process of step S204. That is, the confirmation process for the reservation notice and the setting process of the suspension command are executed based on the winning of the operation openings 33a, 33b (ball entering portions 33d, 33e).

Hereinafter, the confirmation process for the reservation notice will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

(Confirmation process for pending notice)
In the confirmation process for the preliminary notice of suspension, in step S1301, the starting reserved storage number N and the common reserved number CRN stored in the reserved number storage area FE of the reserved ball storage area 232 are read out, and the information of the reserved number is stored in the MPU 202. Store in register. After that, in steps S1302 to S1306, it is confirmed whether or not the pending information acquired by the present winning includes the jackpot winning information.

Specifically, first, in step S1302, among the suspension information acquired in step S304 based on the current winning of the operation openings 33a and 33b, the information for jackpot determination, that is, the value of the acquired jackpot random number counter C1 is displayed. To figure out.

In a succeeding step S1303, it is determined whether or not the low probability mode is set. Specifically, by determining whether or not the high probability mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, it is determined whether or not the current winning/missing lottery mode is the low probability mode. In the case of the low probability mode, the process proceeds to step S1304, and the jackpot determination information (the value of the jackpot random number counter C1) grasped in step S1302 by referring to the hit table for the low probability mode corresponds to the jackpot winning. Determine if it is included in the group. If it is in the high probability mode, the process proceeds to step S1305, and referring to the high probability mode win/fail table shown in FIG. 10A, the information for the big hit determination (big hit random number counter C1 Value) is included in the information set as the jackpot win.

After step S1304 or step S1305, the process proceeds to step S1306, and it is determined whether the information for jackpot determination (the value of the jackpot random number counter C1) grasped in step S1302 corresponds to jackpot winning. When the jackpot is won, the jackpot information is stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1307, and the confirmation process for the preliminary notice of holding is finished as it is.

In the process of step S1307, the jackpot type determination information, that is, the value of the jackpot type counter C2 that has been acquired, among the pending information acquired in step S304 based on the current winning, is grasped, and the distribution table is referred to. Then, the type of jackpot is determined. The information stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1307 will include the information related to the jackpot type.

On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step S1306, the operation proceeds to step S1308. In step S1308, the information for the outreach determination, that is, the value of the reach random number counter C3 that has been acquired, is grasped among the holding information acquired in step S304 based on the current winning of the operation openings 33a and 33b.

In the following step S1309, the reach determination table (reach determination information group) stored in the reach determination table storage area (reach determination information group storage means) 225 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and it is grasped in step S1308. Whether the information for reach determination (the value of the reach random number counter C3) is included in the information set as the reach winning is specified.

After executing the process of step S1309, the process proceeds to step S1310, and it is determined whether the reach determination information (value of the reach random number counter C3) grasped in step S1308 corresponds to the occurrence of reach. When the reach occurrence is supported, the reach occurrence information is stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1311, and then the present confirmation processing is ended. On the other hand, if it does not correspond to the occurrence of reach, the present confirmation processing is ended as it is.

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

In the setting process of the hold command, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the jackpot information is stored in the register of the MPU 202, so that the jackpot determination confirmation process (FIG. 23) immediately before the jackpot determination is performed. It is determined whether or not the information has been identified as corresponding to the jackpot win. If the big hit information is stored, the process proceeds to step S1302, and a big hit correspondence hold command is set. The setting of the above commands and the setting of various commands described later are performed by storing command information in the command setting area provided in the RAM 204. The bao and jackpot support pending command includes information on the type of jackpot.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S1401, that is, when the jackpot information is not stored in the register of the MPU 202, the process proceeds to step S1403, and the reach occurrence information is stored in the register of the MPU 202. By determining, it is determined whether or not the information for reach determination has been identified as corresponding to the occurrence of the reach in the confirmation process (Fig. 23) for the previous notice of holding. If the reach occurrence information is stored, the detachment corresponding hold command is set in step S1404, and if the reach occurrence information is not stored, the complete detachment hold command is set in step S1405.

When setting the hold command in steps S1402, S1404, and S1405, the variable display time is determined by referring to the value of the fluctuation type counter CS, and the information concerning the variable display time is stored in the hold command. .. When deciding the variable display time, the variable display time table is referred to as in the variable display time setting process shown in step S708. The hold command set in this manner is transmitted to the display control device 212, and the display control device 212 can grasp the variable display mode of the symbols and the like based on the hold command. In addition, as already described, in the case of complete deviation, the variable display time may change according to the number of hold information stored at the time of starting the game time related to the hold information. Therefore, when the complete disconnection pending command is set, the variable display time is temporarily set.

After executing the command setting process in any of steps S1402, S1404, and S1405, in step S1406, a process of setting information on the number of holdings for the holding command is executed. Specifically, the information of the set hold command is configured as a plurality of bytes of information, and for some of the bits, information indicating that the command is a hold command or the hold command is used. The information of the type is included, and the information of the reserved number can be set.

In step S1406, first, the information about the number of holdings stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1301 in the confirmation process for the previous holding notice (FIG. 23) is read out, and then the number of holdings in the holding command that has already been set is read. The information of the read-out reserved number is stored in the information bit by an arithmetic processing such as a logical sum. As a result, with respect to the hold command set in any of the processes of step S1402, step S1404, and step S1405, information for specifying the number of hold information corresponding to the hold command. Will be included. After executing the processing of step S1406 described in detail above, the present hold command setting processing ends.

The hold command including the information on the number of holdings in step S1406 is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82 by the external output processing in step S401 in the next normal processing (FIG. 12). The notification/effect control device 82 receives the hold command to specify that the hold information has increased. Further, the notification/effect control device 82 adds information for holding notice, which will be described later, to the holding command and transmits it to the display control device 212. The display control device 212 executes processing such as hold display and hold notice based on the received hold command.

Further, the method of setting the hold command is, depending on the hold command in the display control device 212, whether or not a big hit is won, a big hit type at that time in the case of a big hit, and whether or not a reach is generated in the case of not being a big hit. It is arbitrary as long as the variable display mode of the symbol can be specified. For example, a combination of a jackpot-supported hold command, an out-reach-supported hold command, and a complete disconnection-supported hold command are individually set in correspondence with each of the number of holdings. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one hold command is selected according to the confirmation result in FIG. 19).

Next, the processing relating to the reservation notice executed by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 will be described. As the process related to the reservation notice, the command correspondence process for determining the command from the main control device 81 and the reservation notice effect setting process for determining the mode of the reservation notice are roughly set.

(Processing for holding command)
In the hold command handling process, when the hold command transmitted by the main control device 81 is received, the process corresponding to the information included in the received hold command is executed. The pending command handling process is executed as a part of a periodic process that is repeatedly activated at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 2 msec cycle).

In the pending command handling process, first, it is determined whether or not a pending command is received. The command received by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 is temporarily stored in the command storage area 261 of the RAM 244. The command storage area 261 is configured as a ring buffer that can individually store a plurality of commands and can be read from the previously stored commands, and even if a plurality of commands are received at the same time, The processing corresponding to each command can be satisfactorily executed. In determining whether or not the correspondence holding command is received, it is determined whether or not the jackpot correspondence holding command is received in the area to be read this time in the command storage area 261. The configuration for reading such a command is the same for reading other commands such as the variation start command.

When the hold command is received, various information included in the hold command is stored in the hold information storage area 267. The reservation information storage area 267 has a first area Rc1 to an eighth area Rc8, and is configured to store one reservation information for each area. The reservation information stored in each of the areas Rc1 to Rc8 is sequentially shifted to the lower area side by receiving the shift command from the main control device 81, that is, when the game time is started. Specifically, while clearing the data of the first area Rc1, the second area Rc2→the first area Rc1, the third area Rc3→the second area Rc2, the fourth area Rc4→the third area Rc3... The data in each area is shifted such that area Rc8→seventh area Rc7. In the hold information storage area 267 of the notification/effect control device 82 as well as the hold ball storage area 232 (specifically, the hold area RE) of the main control device 81, the hold information is collected chronologically regardless of the entry destination. It is configured to be stored. Specifically, the information on the number of reservations included in the command received this time is specified, and the various information is stored in the area corresponding to the information on the specified number of reservations among the first area Rc1 to the eighth area Rc8.

It should be noted that when the above-mentioned hold command is received, the hold command reception flag is set in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244, and when the shift command is received, the shift command reception flag is set in the various flag storage area 266. .. Each of these flags is triggered by the setting process for the pending notice effect described below, and is erased when the setting process for the pending notice effect is completed.

The MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 performs the setting process for the pending notice effect based on the information stored in the pending information storage area 267. Here, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 25, the setting processing for the preliminary announcement effect will be described. The pending notice effect setting process is a process that is executed as part of a periodic process that is repeatedly activated in a predetermined cycle (for example, a 2 msec cycle).

(Hold notice effect setting process)
In the process for setting the pending notice effect, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether a pending command is received from the main control device 81. Specifically, it is determined whether the hold command reception flag is set in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1501, the hold command receiving lottery process is executed in step S1502.

In the lottery process related to the hold command, the lottery target of the hold notice is limited to the hold information newly added this time. That is, among the first area Rc1 to the eighth area Rc8 provided in the hold information storage area 267 of the RAM 244, the lottery availability lottery is performed based on the information stored in the area corresponding to the hold command received this time. .. This lottery grasps from the stored information whether or not the game times related to the holding information is a big hit, whether the reach display is performed, and if the reach display is performed, the pattern is grasped, and accordingly, Based on the lottery table and the value of the lottery counter area 263.

In the lottery table storage area of the ROM 243, a lottery table for jackpot, a lottery table for out-of-range normal reach A, a lottery table for out-of-range normal reach B, a lottery table for out-of-range super reach A as a lottery table for receiving a hold command. A lottery table for missed super reach B, a lottery table for missed super reach C, and a lottery table for completely missed are stored.

These various tables are set so that the winning probability increases in the order of jackpot>super reach C>super reach B>super reach A>normal reach B>normal reach A>completely missed.

Returning to the description of step S1501, if a negative determination is made in step S1501, that is, if it is determined that the hold command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S1503. In step S1503, it is determined whether a shift command has been received from main controller 81. Specifically, it is determined whether the shift command reception flag is set in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244. When a negative determination is made in step S1503, that is, when neither the hold command nor the shift command has been received, the on-hold notice effect setting process is ended as it is. When a positive determination is made in step S1503, shift command receiving lottery processing is executed in step S1504.

In the lottery process related to the shift command, the lottery target of the reservation notice is all the reservation information remaining after the shift. That is, based on all the information stored in the first area Rc1 to the eighth area Rc8 provided in the suspension information storage area 267 of the RAM 244, the suspension advance notice availability lottery is performed. This lottery is carried out individually for each stored information. The lottery order (priority order) is defined to be the new order (eighth area Rc8→seventh area Rc7→...→first area Rc1). For example, when the common holding number CRN is “2”, the lottery is first performed based on the information stored in the second area Rc2, and the information stored in the first area Rc1 when the lottery is not won. The lottery will be carried out based on.

In the present embodiment, in particular, the value of the common hold number CRN is increased, so that the variable display time in the game time corresponding to complete deviation is shortened. Therefore, by preferentially making the new hold information the lottery target as described above, it is possible to suitably secure the period of the notice effect when executing the hold notice.

Regarding the lottery method, as in the case of receiving the hold command, whether the game times related to the hold information are jackpots from the stored information, whether the reach display is performed, and when the reach display is performed The pattern is determined based on the lottery table and the value of the lottery counter area 263 corresponding to the pattern.

In the lottery table storage area of the ROM 243, a lottery table for jackpot, a lottery table for out-of-range normal reach A, a lottery table for out-of-range normal reach B, and a lottery table for out-of-range super reach A as lottery tables for receiving shift commands. A lottery table for missed super reach B, a lottery table for missed super reach C, and a lottery table for completely missed are stored.

These various tables are set so that the winning probability increases in the order of jackpot>super reach C>super reach B>super reach A>normal reach B>normal reach A>completely missed. However, the lottery table group for receiving the shift command is set so that the probability of winning the preliminary announcement is low when compared with the lottery table group for receiving the hold command. For example, when comparing the lottery tables for jackpot, the winning probability when referring to the lottery table for receiving the shift command is set lower than the winning probability when referring to the lottery table for receiving the hold command.

However, when the value of the common hold number CRN (hold number) is less than a predetermined number (“4” in the present embodiment), although the overall expected winning rate is lower than that at the time of receiving the hold command, the common hold When the value of the number CRN (holding number) is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the overall expected winning degree is set to be higher than when the holding command is received.

Particularly in the present embodiment, the value of the common hold number CRN exceeds the predetermined number (“4”), so that the degree of reduction of the variable display time in the game times corresponding to complete deviation is the value of the common hold number CRN. It is larger than the case where the number is equal to or less than the predetermined number (“4”). In this case, it is possible to speed up the game progress, but it is feared that the monotonous progress of the game becomes noticeable. In this respect, with the above configuration, if the number of holdings increases and the shortening of the variable display time becomes remarkable, the holding notice is likely to occur. This is preferable in order to speed up the progress of the game and to prevent a reduction in the degree of attention to the game.

After performing the lottery process in step S1502 or step S1504, the process advances to step S1505. In step S1505, it is determined whether or not the execution condition of the pending notice effect is satisfied in the lottery process. If a negative determination is made in step S1505, that is, if a non-winning result is obtained in steps S1502 and S1504, the setting process for the preliminary announcement notice effect is ended. On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step S1505, the process of determining the pending notice effect pattern is executed in the following step S1506, and the pending notice effect pattern determined in the following step S1507 is stored, and then this pending notice effect is produced. Setting processing ends.

When it is determined that the hold announcement effect is performed, the hold information is selected based on the information stored in step S1507 until the game times related to the hold information is executed. Get out of. Then, the stored information is erased when the corresponding suspension information is moved to the execution area.

Here, with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, types of pending notice effects (specifically, notice effects executed in the pending display area NE) will be described.

(Type of pending notice production)
All of the suspension notice effects are common in that the display mode of the suspension icon MP displayed in the suspension display area NE is changed to suggest the degree of expectation of a jackpot result. With respect to the display mode (color) of the hold icon MP, four colors of white, blue, yellow, and red are set. Of these colors, white is used as a reference, and when the hold announcement effect is executed, the hold icon MP becomes another color (blue, yellow, red).

The colors of the hold icon MP are set in the order of white <blue <yellow <red so that the degree of expectation of a jackpot result increases. Specifically, when the hold notice is executed with the hold icon MP corresponding to the game times that results in the jackpot, it is more likely that white <blue <yellow <red will be selected in that order. On the other hand, when the suspension notice is executed by the suspension icon MP corresponding to the game times which is the disengagement result, there is a high possibility that the order of red <yellow <blue <white is selected.

This pending notice effect is roughly classified into a type 1 notice effect and a type 2 notice effect depending on the display mode (color change) of the hold icon MP. As shown in FIG. 27A, after the color of the hold icon MP is changed in the first-type notice effect, it is maintained until the color of the hold icon is the corresponding game time (until it is moved to the execution target display area Db). To be done. On the other hand, in the second type announcement production, as shown in FIG. 27B, the color of the hold icon MP changes a plurality of times as the game progresses. For example, even when the color that finally changes is red, it is changed to a lower color (blue or yellow) with a lower expectation than that first, and more expected at the timing when the hold icon MP shifts. Step up (promote) to higher-ranking colors. By using these two types of pending notice effects together, even if the color has a low expectation, there is a possibility that the color will change to a color with a higher expectation until the game time is reached. As a result, it is possible to prevent the attention level of the pending notice effect from being lowered at an early stage.

The color of the hold icon MP may not be changed only in the hold display area Ra, but may be changed when moving to the execution target display area Db. For example, when the hold icon MP that is yellow in the hold display area Ra moves to the execution target display area Db, the hold icon MP is changed to red, or the hold icon MP that is white in the hold display area Ra. It is also possible to change the hold icon MP to another color (blue, yellow, red) when the icon MP moves to the execution display area Db.

With respect to the second-type notice effect, especially when a shift occurs, the movement mode (shift mode) of the hold icon MP may be a special mode. When the movement mode is the special mode, there is a high possibility that the color will change to a higher color, which is an opportunity for the player. Details of the movement mode of the hold icon MP will be described later.

Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 26, the pending notice effect pattern determination process will be described.

(Hold notice production pattern determination process)
As shown in FIG. 26A, in the pending notice effect pattern determination process, first, in step S1601, a process of determining which of the first kind notice effect and the second kind notice effect is executed is performed. In this determination process, first, the final color of the hold icon MP is determined. Then, the number of shifts before moving to the execution area is specified based on the number of pieces of holding information that precedes the holding information that is the target of the holding notice effect. Based on the final color and the number of shifts, it is determined whether or not there is room for stepping up the color of the hold icon MP. If there is room to step up, it is determined by lottery whether it is the first type announcement effect or the second type announcement effect, and if there is no room to step up, it is determined to the first type announcement effect. ..

After executing the distribution process in step S1601, the process proceeds to step S1602. In step S1602, it is determined whether or not it is determined in the sorting process of step S1601 that the second type announcement effect will be performed. When a negative determination is made in step S1602, the present suspension notice effect pattern determination process is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1602, the operation proceeds to step S1603.

In step S1603, it is determined whether the special movement described above is being restricted. When it is already determined that the special movement is to be executed, other special movements are restricted at the shift timing at which the special movement is executed.

If a negative determination is made in step S1603, that is, if there is no restriction on special movement, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, it is determined whether or not other holding information is stored in the area other than the execution area (holding area). That is, it is determined whether or not a plurality of pieces of suspension information are stored outside the execution area.

When an affirmative determination is made in step S1604, the first determination processing is executed in step S1605, and then the main suspension notice effect pattern determination processing is ended. In the first determination process, the special movement lottery table stored in the various table storage areas of the ROM 243 is referred to, and it is determined whether the special movement is generated by the lottery. Regarding the special movement lottery table, the probability of occurrence of special movement differs depending on the type of color and hold information determined in step S1601. Specifically, the winning probability increases in the order of complete failure <normal reach A <normal reach B <super reach A <super reach B <super reach C, and further increases in the order blue <yellow <red. Is set.

Further, the first determination processing includes the detailed determination processing shown in FIG. 28(b). In the detailed determination process, first, in step S1701, a color change order setting process is performed. For example, when the color finally changes to red, there can be three patterns of (1) blue → yellow → red, (2) blue → red, and (3) yellow → red, whichever of these patterns is used. Decide In the following step S1702, the color change timing is set. Specifically, it is determined at which shift timing the color is changed. For example, when the color change is performed in two steps under the condition that the shift capable of causing the color change can be secured three times, the first step up is performed at which shift timing and the next step up is performed at which shift timing. Decide

After the main flow of the pending notice effect (second type notice effect) is determined in step S1701 and step S1702, it is determined in step S1703 whether or not the pending notice effect involves special movement. When a negative determination is made in step S1703, this detailed determination processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1703, the operation proceeds to step S1704.

In step S1704, special movement mode setting processing is performed. Specifically, based on the flow of color change of the hold icon determined in each processing of step S1701 and step S1702, the shift timing that makes the movement mode a special mode is determined. In the special movement mode setting processing, the special movement mode setting table stored in the various table storage areas of the ROM 243 is referred to determine the shift timing for setting the movement mode as the special mode.

In this setting process, the shift timing that changes to a higher-order color with higher expectations is set to have a higher probability of being in a special mode, but any shift timing that includes a shift timing that does not cause step-up May also be a special mode. For example, when the color of the hold icon MP changes in the order of blue→yellow→yellow→red, that is, when there is a shift timing without step-up, the shift timing of yellow→red is the most special mode. Although there is a high possibility, there is a possibility that a special mode will occur even at the shift timing from yellow to yellow.

After the movement mode setting process is performed in step S1704, a process of temporarily limiting the special movement is executed in step S1705, and the detailed determination process is ended. When a special movement occurs, the occurrence of another special movement is restricted at the timing when the special movement occurs. This restriction is released when the suspension information related to the special movement is moved to the execution area.

Returning to the description of FIG. 28A, when the positive determination is made in step S1603 (when the special movement is limited) or when the negative determination is made in step S1604 (a plurality of pieces of holding information is stored in the holding area). If not), the process advances to step S1605 to execute the second determination process. In the second determination process, the process relating to the special movement is not executed, but the other processes are common to the first determination process, and thus the description is cited. As described above, when the special movement is restricted, or when the special movement is not restricted but the holding information is insufficient, the special movement is avoided.

In the present embodiment, as the special movement, the first special movement that delays the movement of the target hold icon MP than the movement of other hold icons MP and the movement of the target hold icon MP. A second special movement that precedes the movement of the other hold icons is provided. Here, with reference to FIG. 29, a supplementary description will be made regarding the shift display state of the hold icon when the special movement does not occur. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state of shift display when the number of holdings is reduced from “3” to “2”.

As shown in FIG. 29( a )→ FIG. 29( b ), under the situation where the hold icon MP0 is displayed in the execution target display area Db and the hold icons MP1 to MP3 are displayed in the hold number display area Da, When the game time being executed is ended, the hold icon MP0 displayed in the execution target display area Db is erased (hidden) when the game time is ended. Along with this, the hold icon MP1 displayed in the first unit hold display area Da1 starts moving toward the execution target display area Db, and the hold icon MP2 displayed in the second unit hold display area Da2 The movement toward the first unit hold display area Da1 is started, and the hold icon MP3 displayed in the third unit hold display area Da3 starts moving toward the second unit hold display area Da2.

The movement start timings of the holding icons MP1 to MP3 are the same, and the movements are unified so that the movement speeds of the holding icons MP1 to MP3 are the same (see FIG. 29B). Note that such movement of the hold icon MP is not affected by the number of stored hold information or a game state in which a shift display is generated, and is in the same mode unless the special movement described above occurs. Is set to. In addition, the timing for completing the movement of the respective holding icons MP is also unified, and the movement of the respective holding icons MP to the adjacent area is finished at the same time (see FIG. 29(c)).
After the shift display of the hold icon is finished, each hold icon MP remains in each display area until the game time is finished.

Basically, the above-described regular movement of the hold icon MP is repeated in accordance with the progress of the game, but only when a specific condition is satisfied, a movement (out of such movement) ( The above special movement) will occur. Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 30 and the schematic diagram of FIG. 31, an outline of the first special movement process forming a part of the regular process executed by the MPU 252 of the display control device 212 and the first special movement. And will be described. The first special movement process is a process that is executed based on the determination that the first special movement is performed in the previous determination process (see FIG. 28).

(First special movement process)
In the first special movement process, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the movement of the hold icon is being delayed. If a negative decision is made in step S1901, the operation proceeds to step S1902. In step S1902, it is determined whether it is time to shift another hold icon. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1902, the operation proceeds to step S1903. In step S1903, movement delay processing is executed. Specifically, for the hold icon that is the target of the first special movement (hereinafter, also referred to as a corresponding hold icon), the movement start timing is set to be delayed compared to other hold icons, and Is also set to slow down the movement speed. Then, the movement mode is set so as to temporarily stop between the display area of the corresponding hold icon and the adjacent display area which is the movement destination.

Then, in step S1904, the color change temporary restriction process is executed, and the first special movement process is ended. In the color change temporary restriction process of step S1904, the color change is restricted for the hold icons other than the corresponding hold icon. As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a function of giving a notice effect by changing the color of the hold icon in accordance with the shift display. However, when the above-mentioned first special movement occurs, the change in color of the other holding icons is temporarily restricted until the first special movement is completed.

Returning to the description of step S1901, if a positive determination is made in step S1901, that is, if it is determined that the movement delay is being performed, the process proceeds to step S1905. In step S1905, it is determined whether or not the movement of the other holding icons has been completed. When a negative determination is made in step S1905, the first special movement processing is finished as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1905, the operation proceeds to step S1906. In step S1906, it is determined whether a delay period for delaying the shift of the corresponding hold icon has elapsed. When a negative determination is made in step S1906, the present first special movement processing is ended as it is.

If an affirmative decision is made in step S1906, the operation proceeds to step S1907. In step S1907, movement restart processing for restarting the movement of the hold icon having a delay to the adjacent display area is performed. By canceling the movement delay in this way, the corresponding hold icon, which has been delayed in moving to the adjacent display area until then, restarts moving toward the adjacent display area. Then, since the movement delay is canceled, a negative determination is made in step S1901 thereafter.

Returning to the description of step S1902, if a negative determination is made in step S1902, that is, if it is determined that it is not the shift timing of another hold icon, the process proceeds to step S1908. In step S1908, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to complete the shift (movement to the adjacent display area) of the hold icon in the first special movement mode. When a negative determination is made in step S1908, the first special movement processing is finished as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1908, the operation proceeds to step S1909.

In step S1909, it is determined whether the corresponding hold icon corresponds to a color change (change of display mode). When a negative determination is made in step S1909, this first special movement processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1909, the operation proceeds to step S1910. In step S1910, color change processing is performed.

As described above, the first special movement may involve a change in the display mode of the hold icon. Such a change in the display mode occurs not during the first special movement but when the first special movement is completed. When the first special movement occurs, there is a high possibility that the display mode (color) of the hold icon will change to one with a higher degree of expectation as compared with the normal movement.

After the process of step S1910 is executed, the color change temporary regulation for the other holding icons is canceled in step S1911, and the first special movement process is ended. When the color of the other holding icons is to be changed by canceling the temporary restriction of color change, the color will change slightly later than the initial timing.

Here, with reference to FIG. 31, a flow when the first special movement occurs when the hold icon is shifted will be described. In FIG. 31, the hold icon MP3 displayed in the third unit hold display area Da3 is the target of the first special movement.

As shown in FIG. 31A, the execution target display area Db and the first unit hold display area Da1 to the third unit hold display area Da3 display the hold icon MP in the execution target display area Db. When the game time corresponding to the hold icon MP ends, the display of the hold icon MP0 in the execution target display area Db ends, and the hold icon MP1 displayed in the first unit hold display area Da1 is directed to the execution target display area Db. The hold icon MP2 displayed in the second unit hold display area Da2 starts moving toward the first unit hold display area Da1, and the hold icon displayed in the third unit hold display area Da3. The icon MP3 starts moving toward the second unit hold display area Da2.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 31(a)→FIG. 31(b), the movement start timing of the hold icon MP3 is slightly delayed with respect to the movement start timing of the hold icon MP1 and the hold icon MP2. Further, the moving speed of the holding icon MP3 is slower than the moving speed of the holding icons MP1 and MP2. By combining these, the difference between the movements of the hold icons MP1 and MP2 and the movement of the hold icon MP3 is clarified.

As shown in FIG. 31(b)→FIG. 31(c), at the time when the hold icon MP1 is arranged in the center of the execution target display area Db and the hold icon MP2 is arranged in the center of the first unit hold display area Da1. , The hold icon MP3 is stopped between the third unit hold display area Da3 and the second unit hold display area Da2, that is, the movement to the second unit hold display area Da2 is incomplete.

The corresponding hold icon MP3 that is the target of the first special movement corresponds to the color (display mode) change triggered by this shift. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 31D, the color of the hold icon MP3 changes at the timing when the hold icon MP3 arrives at the second unit hold display area Da2 after the hold icons MP1 and MP2. Become. If the other hold icons also correspond to the color (display mode) change triggered by the shift this time, the color (display mode) will change in accordance with the color change of the hold icon MP3. ..

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 32 and the schematic diagram of FIG. 31, an outline of the second special movement process forming a part of the regular process executed by the MPU 252 of the display control device 212 and the second special movement. And will be described. The second special movement process is a process executed based on the decision to perform the second special movement made in the previous decision process (see FIG. 28).

(Second special movement process)
In the second special movement process, first, in step S2001, it is determined whether or not the corresponding holding icon that is the target of the second special movement is waiting at an intermediate position (standby position) between the display areas. To judge. If a negative decision is made in step S2001, the operation proceeds to step S2002. In step S2002, it is determined whether or not it is time to start moving the corresponding hold icon prior to moving the other hold icons. In the present embodiment, the timing at which the symbol confirmation display is started in the game cycle being executed is set as the timing for starting the preceding movement.

If an affirmative decision is made in step S2002, the operation proceeds to step S2003. In step S2003, the movement of the corresponding holding icon toward the intermediate position is started. That is, the corresponding hold icon starts moving toward the adjacent display area before the shift of the other hold icon is started.

Returning to the description of step S2001, if a positive determination is made in step S2001, the process proceeds to step S2004. In step S2004, it is determined whether or not it is the movement start timing of a holding icon other than the holding icon. When a negative determination is made in step S2004, the second special movement processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step S2004, then in step S2005 the process of resuming movement of the relevant holding icon to the adjacent display area is executed, and then this second special movement process is ended. To do.

Although the details will be described later, regarding the second special movement shown in the present embodiment, although the movement of the corresponding hold icon precedes the movement of other hold icons, the preceding hold icon is displayed as the destination display area. Since it is waiting in the center, the corresponding hold icon is prevented from reaching the center, and the corresponding hold icon is stopped between the display areas (a position extending over two display areas). In the process of step S2005, the movement of the suspended icon is resumed.

Returning to the description of step S2002, if a negative determination is made in step S2002, that is, if it is determined that it is not the start timing of the preceding movement, the process proceeds to step S2006. In step S2006, it is determined whether or not the shift of the relevant holding icon that is the target of the second special movement is completed. When a negative determination is made in step S2006, the second special movement processing is finished as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2066, the operation proceeds to step S2007.

In step S2007, it is determined whether or not the corresponding hold icon corresponds to the color change (change of display mode). When a negative determination is made in step S2007, the first special movement processing is finished as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2007, the operation proceeds to step S2008. In step S2008, color change processing is performed.

As described above, the second special movement may involve a change in the display mode of the hold icon. Such a change in the display mode occurs not during the second special movement but when the second special movement is completed. When the second special movement occurs, there is a high possibility that the display mode (color) of the hold icon will change to one with a higher degree of expectation as compared with the normal movement.

Here, with reference to FIG. 33, a flow in the case where the second special movement occurs when the hold icon is shifted will be described. Note that, in FIG. 33, the hold icon MP3 displayed in the third unit hold display area Da3 is the target of the second special movement.

As shown in FIG. 33A, under the situation where the hold icon MP is displayed in the execution target display area Db and the first unit hold display area Da1 to the third unit hold display area Da3, the execution target display area Db When shifting to the confirmation display for displaying the game result of the game times corresponding to the hold icon MP0, as shown in FIG. 33(a)→FIG. 33(b), the corresponding hold displayed in the third unit hold display area Da3. The icon MP3 starts to move to the adjacent second unit hold display area Da2 prior to other hold icons MP using the fixed display period.

As described above, basically, each holding icon is configured to start moving when the game time is ended (the confirmation display is ended), but in the second special movement, such movement is performed. The movement of the hold icon is differentiated by starting the movement of the hold icon in advance.

As shown in FIG. 33B, at the timing when the hold icon MP3 is moving in advance, the hold icon MP2 remains in the center of the second unit hold display area Da2. The movement of the hold icon MP3 to the second unit hold display area Da2 is limited on the way to avoid the overlap with the hold icon MP2. Specifically, the hold icon MP3 is temporarily stopped at the intermediate position after moving to the intermediate position that straddles the third unit hold display area Da3 and the second unit hold display area Da2.

As shown in FIG. 33(b)→FIG. 33(c), when the confirmation display is finished and the process is moved to the next game time, the display of the hold icon MP0 in the execution target display area Db is finished and the first unit is displayed. The hold icon MP1 displayed in the hold display area Da1 starts moving toward the execution target display area Db, and the hold icon MP2 displayed in the second unit hold display area Da2 moves to the first unit hold display area Da1. Start moving towards. With this as a trigger, the hold icon MP3 that has been stopped at the intermediate position moves to the second unit hold display area Da2 following the hold icons MP1 and MP2.

The corresponding hold icon MP3 that is the target of the second special movement corresponds to the color (display mode) change triggered by this shift. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33D, the color of the hold icon MP3 changes at the timing when the hold icon MP3 reaches the second unit hold display area Da2. If the other hold icons also correspond to the color (display mode) change triggered by the shift this time, the color (display mode) will change in accordance with the color change of the hold icon MP3. ..

According to the first embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

In the configuration of displaying the hold icon, its main function is to clearly indicate to the player the number of pieces of hold information stored (that is, the remaining hold number). Here, it is common sense that these hold icons move in a similar manner each time the game time progresses, and the movement manner (operation manner or shift manner) is extremely monotonous. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if the normal movement mode and the special movement mode are set as the movement mode of the hold icon, the movement mode of the hold icon is diversified, and thus an unprecedented novel display effect can be obtained. It becomes possible and can contribute to further improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

If the movement of the hold icon is greatly different between the normal movement mode and the special movement mode and the movement of the hold icon in the special movement mode is exaggerated, the peculiarity of the movement can be favorably appealed. However, in exaggerating the movement, a new problem such as an increase in the area for special movement may occur. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the special movement is restricted on the assumption that there is another hold icon which is a normal movement mode. In this way, if there is another hold icon to be compared, it is preferable for the player that the movement mode is different without excessively exaggerating the movement of the hold icon that is the special movement mode. I can tell.

Further, assuming that the special movement mode is not so prominent, the 1 hold icon is displayed in the hold display area Da, and if the movement mode of the hold icon is the special movement mode, it may be overlooked. Get higher In this respect, if there is a hold icon in the normal movement mode to be compared, it is possible to reduce the chance that the special movement is overlooked, even if the above-mentioned movement difference is small.

When the variable display area ME and the hold display area NE of the symbol are coexisted on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, an attempt to exaggerate the movement of the hold icon causes the variable display area ME to be compressed. Can be. In this respect, if the special movement mode can be identified by the difference between the movements of the other holding icons, it is possible to reduce the need for exaggeration as described above and avoid the expansion of the movement area of the holding icon. Therefore, it is possible to preferably realize the coexistence of the variable display area ME and the hold display area NE.

As described above, even when the hold icon that is the special movement mode and the hold icon that is the normal movement mode are displayed together, if the numbers are the same, which is the special movement mode? It becomes difficult to determine which is, and there is a high possibility that the player will be puzzled. In consideration of such a situation, if the number of hold icons displayed in the hold number display area Da is 3 or more, the number of hold icons is limited so that one hold icon becomes a target of the special movement mode. It is possible to easily determine which of the holding icons has a special movement mode.

Incidentally, when the special movement mode is applied to a plurality of holding icons, it is preferable to restrict the number of holding icons in the special moving mode to be smaller than the number of holding icons in the normal moving mode.

The movement of the hold icon (corresponding hold icon) for which the first special movement mode is set is delayed compared to the movement of other hold icons. With such a configuration, it is possible to preferably realize the diversification of the movement mode while suppressing the movement of the reserved image from becoming excessively complicated.

Regarding the hold icon that is in the normal movement mode, it moves to the adjacent unit hold display area in accordance with the start of the next game time (start of variable display of symbols). On the other hand, the movement of the hold icon in the special movement mode is completed after the start of the next game time (after the start of the variable display of the next symbol). In this way, by providing the difference between the normal movement mode and the special movement mode in association with the movement of the symbol that the player mainly pays attention to, the hold icon to which the normal movement mode is applied and the hold icon to which the special movement mode is applied Even without directly comparing and, it is possible to suitably inform the player that the movement of the hold icon to which the special movement mode is applied is delayed.

It is preferable to intentionally delay the movement of the hold icon in order to realize diversification of movement modes of the hold icon. However, if the movement of the corresponding hold icon is delayed, there is a concern that the movement of the subsequent hold icon may be affected. That is, if the relevant hold icon overlaps with the subsequent hold icon, there is a possibility that the original function of clearly indicating the number of hold by the hold icon may not be performed well. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, the corresponding hold icon in the special movement mode does not continue to stay on the spot, but is slightly displaced to the adjacent hold display area side (for details, By stopping at the hold display area that was displayed up to and the next (downstream) hold display area), delay of movement of the corresponding hold icon will not interfere with subsequent hold icons However, the above delay can be generated appropriately. Accordingly, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such that the original function is impaired due to diversified movements of the hold icon.

In the configuration of notifying the remaining number of holdings by the holding icon, it is feared that the function of the notification may not be performed well due to the excessive delay described above. Therefore, if the delay degree is limited so that the movement of the corresponding holding icon is completed at least before the next game time, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be preferably suppressed.

Regarding the movement of the hold icon (corresponding hold icon) to which the second special movement mode is applied, the movement start timing is earlier than the movement of other hold icons to which the normal movement mode is applied. With such a configuration, it is possible to preferably realize the diversification of the movement mode while suppressing the movement of the hold icon from becoming excessively complicated.

Regarding the hold icon to which the normal movement mode is applied, it moves in accordance with the start of the next game time (start of variable display of symbols). On the other hand, the movement of the hold icon in the second special movement mode is started before the next game time is started, specifically, while the symbol is stopped and displayed (confirmed display). In this way, by providing the difference between the normal movement mode and the second special movement mode in association with the movement of the symbol that the player mainly pays attention to, the movement of the hold icon and the second special movement mode to which the normal movement mode is applied. It is possible to suitably inform the player that the hold icon to which the second special movement mode is applied is starting to move in advance, without comparing with the movement of the hold icon to which is applied.

It is preferable to intentionally speed up the movement of the hold icon in order to realize diversification of the movement mode of the hold icon. However, when the movement of the corresponding hold icon is accelerated, there is a concern that the movement of other hold icons preceding it may be affected. In other words, if the hold icon and the hold icon preceding it are overlapped with each other, there is a possibility that the original function of clearly indicating the number of hold by the hold icon may not be performed well. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, the corresponding hold icon in the second special movement mode is not immediately moved to the adjacent hold display area but before it is reached to the adjacent hold display area side. The vehicle decelerates and stops at a position that straddles both holding areas. As a result, it becomes possible to wait for the movement of the holding icon in the normal movement mode, and it is possible to avoid the preceding holding icon from interfering with the corresponding holding icon. Therefore, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience that the original function is impaired due to the diversified movements of the hold icons.

Regarding the corresponding hold icon that started to move prior to the other hold icons to which the normal movement mode is applied, the movement is finally completed together with the other hold icons. In this way, by aligning the movement completion timing of the corresponding hold icon with the movement completion timing of the other hold icons, it is possible to prevent the movement of the corresponding hold icon from being lengthened and the appearance thereof being degraded.

The unit reserved display areas are arranged side by side at regular intervals. This makes it easier to understand the difference between the movement of the hold icon to which the above-described first special movement manner/second special movement manner is applied and the movement of the hold icon to which the normal movement manner is applied.

With respect to the hold icon, the expectation of a jackpot result is increased by changing the display mode (specifically, the color). Here, as compared with the case where the display mode is not changed, the movement mode of the hold icon is more likely to be the special mode when the display mode is changed. The display mode of the hold icon changes after the hold icon moves to the adjacent hold display area in the special movement mode. When the change in the display mode of the hold icon occurs with the special movement of the hold icon as a trigger, the special movement can function as a sign of the change in the display mode. In this way, by strengthening the relationship between the change of the display mode and the special movement, it is possible to more preferably exert the above-described attention level improving effect.

Also, when focusing on the point that the player does not always pay attention to the hold icon, not only is it more likely to miss the special movement mode, but even if it catches the eye We cannot deny the possibility of being recognized as a mistake. In this respect, if the display mode is changed with the special movement mode as a trigger, it is not a mistake to see that the special movement mode goes back from the change in the display state of the hold icon, and it actually occurs. Can be suitably suggested.

When the holding icon moves in a special manner, the player's attention is likely to be directed to the holding icon. In a configuration in which a plurality of hold icons are displayed, it is assumed that even if the display mode of another hold icon changes under such circumstances, the effect of improving the attention due to the change of the display mode will not be exerted well. .. In this respect, if the display mode is changed with respect to the hold icon to which the special movement mode is applied, that is, the hold icon to which the player is paying attention, it is possible to suitably exert the effect of effect by changing the display mode. it can.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment described above, the corresponding hold icon is moved ahead of the other hold icons so that the corresponding hold icon appears to run ahead. Good. That is, by delaying the movement of the holding icons other than the holding icon, the holding icon may be made to appear to be ahead.

Similarly, in the first embodiment, the configuration is such that the movement of the hold icon is delayed by another hold icon so that the hold icon appears to be left behind. Good. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which the movement of the other holding icons other than the corresponding holding icon is advanced so that the corresponding holding icon appears as a result.

<Modification 2>
In the first special movement and the second special movement shown in the above-described first embodiment, the contact and the overlapping of the hold icons are avoided, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, when the corresponding hold icon performs the first special movement, the subsequent hold icon may correspond to the corresponding hold icon, and the corresponding hold icon may be displayed so as to be pushed out by the subsequent hold icon. is there.

Further, when the corresponding hold icon performs the second special movement, the corresponding hold icon may hit the preceding hold icon, and the preceding hold icon may be pushed out by the corresponding hold icon. Is.

<Modification 3>
In the above-described first embodiment, the configuration in which the first special movement and the second special movement are generated by the movement in the number-of-holds display area Da has been exemplified, but a similar movement mode is executed from the number-of-holds display area Da. It is also possible to apply to the movement mode of the hold icon that moves to the display area Db.

<Modification 4>
When at least two holding icons other than the holding icon are displayed outside the execution target display area Db (holding number display area Da), the first special movement and the second special movement are restricted so that the special movement is possible. It is also possible. When there is only the corresponding hold icon or when there is only one other hold icon, there is a possibility that it may be difficult for the player to grasp the first special movement and the second special movement because there is no comparison target. In this respect, according to the configuration in which the special movement is possible when there are at least two comparison objects, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of such an inconvenience.

<Modification 5>
In the first embodiment, the display mode (color) of the hold icon is changed when the special movement is completed (after the action is finished). Here, if the display mode of the hold icon changes with the start of the special movement and the display mode of the hold icon changes again after the completion of the special movement, it is possible to increase the number of steps in one shift. Can be generated.

<Modification 6>
In the above-described first embodiment, the hold icon horizontally moves from the right side to the left side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the hold display areas (unit display areas) are arranged vertically, the hold icons may be vertically moved.

<Modification 7>
In the first embodiment described above, the movement speed of the hold icon and the movement start timing/movement end timing are different between the normal movement and the special movement, but the movement of the hold icon is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the movement route along which the hold icon moves due to the special movement deviates from the movement route along which the hold icon moves during the normal movement. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the trajectory of the hold icon is linear in both the normal movement mode and the special movement mode, but the trajectory of the hold icon is linear in the normal movement mode. On the other hand, in the special movement mode, the trajectory of the hold icon may be curved.

<Modification 8>
In the first embodiment described above, the movement mode of the corresponding hold icon is set to be the special movement mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to set the movement mode of the hold icons other than the hold icon that triggered the hold announcement effect to be the special movement mode.

<Modification 9>
In the first embodiment, when the first special movement occurs, the first special movement is completed before the variation display in the game time is finished, but at which timing the first special movement is performed. Whether to complete is arbitrary. For example, the first special movement may be completed before the confirmation display of the game times is completed.

<Modification 10>
In the first embodiment, when the second special movement occurs, the second special movement is completed at the start of the next game time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second special movement may be completed during the next game time.

<Modification 11>
The timing at which the first and second special movements described in the first embodiment occur is arbitrary. For example, before or after the variation display of the symbol on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, when the symbol is in a stopped state in which the symbol is oscillating on the active line or the like (a so-called stir state), the hold icon It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the movement is started. In this case, the special movement of the hold icon may be completed while in the stop state.

<Second embodiment> Action of hold icon linked to re-variation display In the present embodiment, the preceding icon of the hold icon can be generated so as to be linked to variable display of symbols. Is one of the features. The characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

As described above, on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, normal reach A to B and super reach A to C are executed as a part of the display effect (see FIG. 21). For these various reach displays, the game result is notified by finally stopping the symbol combination corresponding to the game result (lottery result) such as a big hit. Here, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which re-variation display is executed is also used as one type of display effect executed in the game game corresponding to the jackpot result. Re-variation display corresponds to each of normal reach A to B and super reach A to C.

For example, when the reach display corresponding to the jackpot result is executed, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 34, the reach display does not correspond to the re-variation and the reach display corresponds to the re-variation. In the reach display that does not correspond to the re-variation, only the middle symbol row Z2 is variably displayed under the situation that the reach line is formed by the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3, and the middle symbol row Z2 is a big hit result. And stop on the reach line so as to form a symbol combination corresponding to. On the other hand, in the reach display corresponding to the re-changing, under the situation that the reach line is formed by the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3, only the middle symbol row Z2 is changed and the middle symbol row Z2 is changed. Is temporarily stopped (stopped) on the reach line so as to form a symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result. After that, the middle symbol row Z2 is changed again, and finally a symbol combination corresponding to the big hit result is formed, and stopped on the reach line. In this way, by using the reach display that does not support re-variation and the reach display that supports re-variation together, even if the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is displayed after the reach display, the re-variation occurs after that. The expectations of the player can be turned toward. Note that FIG. 34 illustrates the super reach C as an example, but the main flow regarding the re-variation is the same for other reach displays.

Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 35, the second special movement or the third special movement similar to the second special movement is performed at a timing when a branch display that does not correspond to re-variation and a reach display that corresponds to re-variation may occur. The processing for generating (reach effect interlocking special movement processing) will be described. The reach effect interlocking special movement process is a process executed as part of the regular process by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82.

(Special move processing linked to reach production)
In the reach effect interlocking special movement process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the game game. If a negative determination is made in step S2101, this special movement processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2101, the operation proceeds to step S2102. In step S2102, it is determined whether or not the display mode (color) of the subsequent hold icon, that is, the hold icon displayed in the first unit hold display area Da1 following the execution target display area Db has changed. If the subsequent hold icon does not exist, or if the subsequent hold icon exists but its color has not changed, it is determined in step S2102 that the process for special movement is ended. ..

If an affirmative decision is made in step S2102, that is, if there is a subsequent hold icon and the color of the hold icon has changed, the flow proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, it is determined whether or not the game time is related to the reach display corresponding to the re-variation. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2103, the operation proceeds to step S2104.

In step S2104, the first lottery process is performed. Specifically, it is determined by lottery whether or not to generate the third special movement, which is the special movement corresponding to the re-variation, for the subsequent holding icon (the holding icon waiting in the first unit holding display area Da1). .. After executing the lottery process in step S2104, the process proceeds to step S2015. In step S2105, it is determined whether or not the lottery in step S2104 has been won. When a negative determination is made in step S2105, the process for special movement is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2105, the operation proceeds to step S2106. In step S2106, a third special movement setting process is performed. In the third special movement setting process, the third special movement flag is set in each flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244. At the timing of performing the third special movement, the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 performs a process of outputting a sound effect corresponding to the third special movement based on the third special movement flag. In the third special movement setting process, the third special movement command is output to the display control device 212. The display control device 212 performs the third special movement based on the third special movement command.

Returning to the description of step S2103, if a negative determination is made in step S2103, the process proceeds to step S2107. In step S2107, it is determined whether or not it is a game game related to the reach display corresponding to the deviation result. If a negative determination is made in step S2107, this special movement processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2107, the operation proceeds to step S2108.

In step S2018, the second lottery process is performed. Specifically, it is determined by lottery whether or not to generate the second special movement, which is a special movement that does not correspond to re-change, for the subsequent holding icon (holding icon waiting in the first unit holding display area Da1). To do. After executing the lottery process in step S2108, the process proceeds to step S2109. In step S2109, it is determined whether or not the lottery in step S2108 has been won. When a negative determination is made in step S2109, the process for special movement is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2109, the operation proceeds to step S2110. In step S2110, a second special movement setting process is performed. In the second special movement setting process, the second special movement flag is set in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244. At the timing of performing the second special movement, the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 performs a process of outputting a sound effect corresponding to the second special movement based on the second special movement flag. In the second special movement setting process, the second special movement command is output to the display control device 212. The display control device 212 performs the second special movement based on the second special movement command. Note that the sound effects output by the second special movement and the third special movement are common.

Here, the flow of the second special movement and the third special movement will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 36(a) to (e) correspond to the third special movement, and FIGS. 36(a) to (c) and (f) to (g) correspond to the second special movement, and FIG. ).

As shown in FIG. 36(a)→FIG. 36(b), the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are stopped and the reach line is formed. When the symbol combination corresponding to is stopped, this causes the second special movement and the third special movement to be started. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36C, the hold icon MP1 displayed in the first unit hold display area Da1 starts moving toward the execution target display area Db. The third special movement is executed in a situation where the final display has not yet been reached, whereas the second special movement is performed during the final display.

Here, the hold icon MP1 is temporarily stopped between the execution target display area Db and the first unit hold display area Da1 due to the stop icon MP0 waiting in the execution target display area Db.

When the movement of the hold icon MP1 corresponds to the third special movement, the movement of the hold icon MP1 to the execution target display area Db is not realized as shown in FIG. 36(c)→FIG. 36(d). The holding icon MP1 is returned (returned) to the first unit holding display area Da1. Along with this reversion, the middle symbol row Z2 that has been displayed in a stopped state (displayed once) starts to change again. Then, as shown in FIG. 36(e), the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed on the reach line.

On the other hand, when the movement of the hold icon MP1 corresponds to the second special movement, as shown in FIG. 36(c)→FIG. 36(f)→FIG. The display of the hold icon MP0 displayed in the display area Db ends and a shift of the hold icon occurs, that is, the hold icon MP1 moves to the execution target display area Db in accordance with the shift to the next game time. Complete.

In this way, when the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is stopped and displayed, it is only once stopped, and there is a possibility that the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result may be finally changed. Although such a phenomenon is accompanied by the re-change of the symbol, the special movement (the second special movement and the third special movement) of the hold icon functions as a sign display of the re-change.

The period during which the hold icon MP1 continues the special movement in the second special movement and the third special movement is set according to the length of the confirmed display period in which the second special movement is possible. Therefore, it is difficult for the player who pays attention to the movement of the hold icon to specify whether the special movement this time is the second special movement or the third special movement from the duration of the special movement. ..

According to the second embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are exhibited.

In the present embodiment, the symbol combination corresponding to the miss result may be temporarily stopped and displayed before the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed. In other words, at first glance, it seems that the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is stopped and displayed, and the deviation result is settled, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result may be changed. According to such a configuration, even when the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is stopped and displayed, it is possible to suppress a sharp decrease in the degree of attention to the game.

Here, when the symbols that have been stopped are changed again, the holding icon displayed in at least the first unit holding display area Da1 before that is about to move toward the determination display area. Such a movement of the hold icon can be made to function as a suggestion means for suggesting that the fluctuation may occur again. Even if the symbol corresponding to the disengagement result is stopped and displayed and the hold icon is shifted to the next game time, it is possible to make it appear that there is room for re-variation, and the effect of increasing the degree of attention described above. Can be exhibited more suitably.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the holding icons waiting in the first unit holding display area Da1 are set as the special movement targets, but all the holding icons displayed in the holding number display area Da are specially moved. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which all of these holding icons start to be simultaneously swung.

If the hold icon moves to the execution target display area Db as it is when the above-mentioned re-fluctuation occurs, it is difficult to understand whether this variation display corresponds to the re-fluctuation or the next game time. Become. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, such a misunderstanding can be preferably avoided by adopting a configuration in which the hold icon is returned to the hold display area before the movement.

Further, when the hold icon starts moving, there is a branch of whether to move to the execution target display area Db as it is or to return to the first unit hold display area Da1. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the subsequent expansion differs depending on the movement of the hold icon, it is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the movement of the hold icon.

In particular, if the variable display period of the symbol and the moving period of the hold icon overlap each other, there are many places where the player should pay attention. Considering that the main focus is on the design, it is feared that the above-mentioned overlap will hinder the appeal of the return movement itself. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if the design is changed again after the hold icon is restored, such inconvenience can be preferably avoided.

When suggesting the possibility that the movement of the hold icon restarts the variable display, it is not preferable that the movement of the hold icon immediately specifies the presence or absence of the change again. Therefore, it is difficult to specify whether or not the movement of the hold icon leads to re-variation by limiting the moving period of the hold icon so that the determination result (game result) falls within the fixed display period. it can. In this way, it is preferable to realize the diversification of the effect by devising the relationship with the existing configuration in order to increase the attention degree to the game while suppressing the complexity of the configuration of the gaming machine.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described second embodiment, the second/third special movement can be generated only for the hold icon that is on standby in the first unit hold display area Da1 following the execution target display area Db. A similar special movement may be performed for icons (for example, all other hold icons).

<Modification 2>
In the above-described second embodiment, the special movement that is interlocked with the re-variation display is executed on the assumption that the color of the subsequent hold icon has changed, so that the special movement is more noticeable. In other words, in the configuration in which the color of the hold icon changes in stages, further color change may occur when the execution area is reached, so if the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is stopped and displayed, It is easy for the player to pay attention to the subsequent hold icon. Under such circumstances, it is technically significant to assume that the color has already changed (the display mode has changed). However, it is not limited to such a configuration, and even when the color of the hold icon is not changed, it is possible to cause the special movement in conjunction with the variable display of the symbols. ..

<Modification 3>
In the above-described second embodiment, the third special movement→re-fluctuation can occur only in the game times that result in the big hit, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the degree of expectation that is a jackpot result in the case of the third special movement → re-variation is higher than that when the relevant behavior did not occur, and even when such behavior occurs There is no denying that it will result in a failure.

<Third Embodiment> Custom Function for Specifying Position In the present embodiment, customization is possible in which the player can specify a unit display area with a high expectation that a jackpot result is obtained when the movement mode of the hold icon changes. The structure is different from the first and second embodiments in that it has a function. In order to exert this customization function, the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 executes the customization process as part of the regular process. The customization process will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 37(a) is a flowchart showing the customization process, and FIG. 37(b) is a schematic diagram showing a customization window displayed on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41.

(Customization process)
As shown in FIG. 37(a), in the customization process, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not the customization window (see FIG. 37(b)) is displayed on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41. Determine whether. If a negative decision is made in step S2201, the operation proceeds to step S2202.

In step S2202, it is determined whether or not a predetermined waiting period has elapsed without the game being progressed after the game time has ended in the pachinko machine 10. When a negative determination is made in step S2202, this customization processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2202, the operation proceeds to step S2203. The front door frame 14 of the pachinko machine 10 is provided with an operation button operated by a player, and this operation button is connected to the notification/production control device 82. In step S2203, it is determined whether the operation button has been operated.

If a negative determination is made in step S2203, the present customization processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2203, the operation proceeds to step S2204. In step S2204, display processing of the customization window is performed. Specifically, the display command of the customization window is output to the display control device 212. The display control device 212 displays the customization window (see FIG. 37(b)) on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41 based on the reception of the display command.

Returning to the description of step S2201, if a positive determination is made in step S2201, that is, if it is determined that the customization window is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S2205. In step S2205, it is determined whether a selection operation has been performed using the operation button.

In the present embodiment, the player can select a portion (unit display area) where the expectation as a jackpot result is high when a special movement of the hold icon occurs. Specifically, the player can select a desired unit hold display area from the first unit hold display area Da1 to the eighth unit hold display area Da8 by operating the operation button. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 37B, the customization window includes a selection target image imitating the execution target display area Db and the first unit reserved display area Da1 to the eighth unit reserved display area Da8, and a selection cursor. Is displayed, and the portion designated by the selection cursor is changed by operating the operation button.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2205, the flow advances to step S2206 to perform processing for switching the table to be referred to in the special movement lottery (special movement lottery table) based on the selection operation. Specifically, the lottery table storage area 251 of the ROM 243 is provided with lottery tables A0 to A8 as lottery tables for special movement, and among the lottery tables A0 to A8 based on the player's selection operation. Switch the table to be referenced from.

Here, the difference between the lottery tables A0 to A8 will be supplementarily described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

The lottery table A0 corresponds to a non-customized state that is not customized by the player, and the occurrence probability of the special movement is the same in any of the first unit hold display area Da1 to the eighth unit hold display area Da8. Is set. On the other hand, the lottery table A1 to the lottery table A8 are tables that are referred to when customized by the player.

The lottery table A1 is a table referred to when the first unit hold display area Da1 is selected by the customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the first unit hold display area Da1 to the execution target display area Db is the above when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon that is configured to be higher than the probability that the special movement occurs and that corresponds to the deviation result moves from the first unit hold display area Da1 to the execution target display area Db Is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area. That is, when the special movement occurs when the hold icon moves from the first unit hold display area Da1 under the situation where the first unit hold display area Da1 is selected by the customization operation, the big hit in the corresponding hold The expectation of the result is higher.

The lottery table A2 is a table that is referred to when the second unit hold display area Da2 is selected by the customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the second unit hold display area Da2 to the first unit hold display area Da1 is determined by the corresponding hold icon in another unit display area or execution target. When the display area Db is moved to the display area Db, it is configured to be higher than the probability that the special movement occurs, and the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the deviation result is displayed from the second unit hold display area Da2 to the first unit hold display area Da1. The probability that the special movement will occur when moving is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement will occur when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area or execution target display area Db. That is, if the special movement occurs when the hold icon moves from the second unit hold display area Da2 in the situation where the second unit hold display area Da2 is selected by the customization operation, a big hit in the corresponding hold. The expectation of the result is higher.

The lottery table A3 is a table that is referred to when the third unit hold display area Da3 is selected by the customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the third unit hold display area Da3 to the second unit hold display area Da2 is determined by the corresponding hold icon in another unit display area or execution target. The relevant hold icon, which is configured to have a higher probability than the above-described special movement when moving to the display area Db, and which corresponds to the deviation result, is displayed from the third unit hold display area Da3 to the second unit hold display area Da2. The probability that the special movement will occur when moving is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement will occur when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area or execution target display area Db. That is, if the special movement occurs when the hold icon moves from the third unit hold display area Da3 under the situation that the third unit hold display area Da3 is selected by the customization operation, the big hit in the corresponding hold The expectation of the result is higher.

The lottery table A4 is a table referred to when the fourth unit hold display area Da4 is selected by the above-mentioned customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the fourth unit hold display area Da4 to the third unit hold display area Da3 is determined by the corresponding hold icon in another unit display area or execution target. It is configured to have a higher probability than the above-described special movement when moving to the display area Db, and the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the deviation result is changed from the fourth unit hold display area Da4 to the third unit hold display area Da3. The probability that the special movement will occur when moving is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement will occur when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area or execution target display area Db. That is, if the special movement occurs when the hold icon is moved from the fourth unit hold display area Da4 under the condition that the fourth unit hold display area Da4 is selected by the customization operation, a big hit in the corresponding hold. The expectation of the result is higher.

The lottery table A5 is a table referred to when the fifth unit hold display area Da5 is selected by the customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the fifth unit hold display area Da5 to the fourth unit hold display area Da4 is determined by the corresponding hold icon in another unit display area or execution target. It is configured to have a higher probability than the above-described special movement when moving to the display area Db, and the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the deviation result is changed from the fifth unit hold display area Da5 to the fourth unit hold display area Da4. The probability that the special movement will occur when moving is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement will occur when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area or execution target display area Db. In other words, if the special movement occurs when the hold icon moves from the fifth unit hold display area Da5 under the situation where the fifth unit hold display area Da5 is selected by the customization operation, a big hit in the corresponding hold. The expectation of the result is higher.

The lottery table A6 is a table that is referred to when the sixth unit hold display area Da6 is selected by the customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the sixth unit hold display area Da6 to the fifth unit hold display area Da5 is determined by the corresponding hold icon in another unit display area or execution target. It is configured to have a higher probability than the above-described special movement when moving to the display area Db, and the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the deviation result is changed from the sixth unit hold display area Da6 to the fifth unit hold display area Da5. The probability that the special movement will occur when moving is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement will occur when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area or execution target display area Db. That is, when a special movement occurs when the hold icon is moved from the sixth unit hold display area Da6 under the situation where the sixth unit hold display area Da6 is selected by the customization operation, a big hit in the corresponding hold. The expectation of the result is higher.

The lottery table A7 is a table that is referred to when the seventh unit hold display area Da7 is selected by the customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the seventh unit hold display area Da7 to the sixth unit hold display area Da6 is determined by the corresponding hold icon in another unit display area or execution target. It is configured to have a higher probability than the above-described special movement when moving to the display area Db, and the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the deviation result is changed from the seventh unit hold display area Da7 to the sixth unit hold display area Da6. The probability that the special movement will occur when moving is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement will occur when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area or execution target display area Db. That is, when a special movement occurs when the hold icon is moved from the seventh unit hold display area Da7 in a situation where the seventh unit hold display area Da7 is selected by the customization operation, a big hit in the corresponding hold. The expectation of the result is higher.

The lottery table A8 is a table referred to when the eighth unit hold display area Da8 is selected by the customization operation. The probability that the special movement occurs when the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the jackpot result moves from the eighth unit hold display area Da8 to the seventh unit hold display area Da7 is determined by the corresponding hold icon in another unit display area or execution target. It is configured to have a higher probability than the above-described special movement when moving to the display area Db, and the corresponding hold icon corresponding to the deviation result is changed from the eighth unit hold display area Da8 to the seventh unit hold display area Da7. The probability that the special movement will occur when moving is configured to be lower than the probability that the special movement will occur when the corresponding hold icon moves to another unit display area or execution target display area Db. That is, if the special movement occurs when the hold icon is moved from the eighth unit hold display area Da8 under the condition that the eighth unit hold display area Da8 is selected by the customization operation, a big hit in the corresponding hold. The expectation of the result is higher.

As described above, by arranging the player's selection to narrow down the points to be noticed when the hold icon is shifted, it is possible that a special movement occurs in a structure in which a large number of hold icons are displayed together. It is possible to suitably reduce the chance that the movement is missed.

When the unit display area that should be focused on is narrowed down by the customization operation, it may be difficult for the player to know which unit display area is selected, which may confuse the player. One of the features of the present embodiment is that measures are taken to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. Hereinafter, the configuration related to this device, specifically, the selection target notification process executed as part of the regular process in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 39.

(Selection notification process)
In the selection target notification process, first, in step S2301, it is determined whether the selection target is notified. If a negative decision is made in step S2301, the operation proceeds to step S2302. In step S2302, it is determined whether or not the customized state, that is, any one of the lottery tables A1 to A8 is referred to. When a negative determination is made in step S2302, the main selection target notification process is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2302, the operation proceeds to step S2303.

In step S2303, it is determined whether the open/close execution mode is in effect. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2303, the main selection object notification processing is ended immediately. If a negative decision is made in step S2303, the operation proceeds to step S2304. In step S2304, it is determined whether or not the number of holdings stored at present is equal to or larger than the set number, that is, the number of holdings corresponding to the selected unit holding display area. For example, when the third unit hold display area Da3 is selected, the set number=“3”. If a negative determination is made in step S2304, the main selection target notification processing is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S2304, the selection target notification process is executed in step S2305, and then the present selection target notification process ends.

In the selection target notification process of step S2305, a selection target notification command is output to the display control device 212. The display control device 212 displays the selection cursor IG which is the selection target notification image based on the reception of the selection target notification command (see FIG. 39(b2)). In other words, the selection cursor IG is displayed when the player is in the normal game state and the number of holdings is equal to or more than the set number under the situation customized by the player.

Returning to the description of step S2301, if a positive determination is made in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2306. In step S2306, it is determined whether it is in the customized state. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2306, the operation proceeds to step S2307, and it is decided whether or not the opening/closing execution mode is being executed. If a negative decision is made in step S2307, the operation proceeds to step S2308. In step S2308, it is determined whether or not the number of holdings stored at present is equal to or larger than the set number, that is, the number of holdings corresponding to the selected unit display area. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2308, then the processing for informing of the main selection object is immediately terminated.

If a negative determination is made in step S2308, a negative determination is made in step S2306, or an affirmative determination is made in step S2307, the notification cancellation process is executed in step S2309, and then the main selection target notification process is executed. finish. In the notification cancellation process of step S2309, a notification cancellation command is output to the display control device 212. The display control device 212 hides the selection cursor IG that is the selection target notification image based on the reception of the notification cancellation command (see FIG. 39(b1)). That is, the selection cursor IG is hidden not only when it is not customized by the player but also when it is in the special game state or when the number of holdings is less than the set number.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described third embodiment, a special movement occurs when the hold icon moves from the unit display area selected by the player, so that the expectation of a jackpot result for the corresponding hold icon is increased. Although it is configured, it can be modified as follows. That is, in the unit display area selected by the player, the probability that a special movement occurs when the holding icon moves may be higher than in other unit display areas.

<Modification 2>
In the third embodiment, the display area in which the movement mode is highly likely to change is set to any of the first unit hold display area Da1 to the eighth unit hold display area Da8. Here, in consideration of the probability of entering the actuating ports 33a, 33b, etc., the first unit hold display area Da1>the second unit hold display area Da2>... >The eighth unit hold display area Da8 in that order. The hold icon is less likely to be displayed. Since such a difference occurs, for example, when the eighth unit hold display area Da8 or the like is selected, the function of increasing the probability of a change in the movement mode in the selected unit display area cannot be performed well. Therefore, for example, it is possible to change the contents of customization on the downstream side and the upstream side of the selected unit hold display area. For example, for a player who selects the eighth unit hold display area Da8, there is a high possibility that the player does not like that the particular unit hold display area is preferentially treated. Therefore, when the hold icon is additionally displayed on the downstream side of the selected unit hold display area, the opportunity to change the movement mode is leveled, and the opportunity to change the movement mode increases toward the upstream side. You may provide a difference in probability.

<Modification 3>
In the third embodiment, the player can specify (select) a position where the degree of expectation is high when a special movement occurs, but the present invention is not limited to this. The player may be allowed to specify a position where the degree of expectation increases when the color of the hold icon changes.

<Fourth Embodiment> Correction of bias due to customization according to game situation In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned first-type notice effect (not compatible with step-up) and second-type notice effect according to the player's taste. The configuration is different from that of the first embodiment and the like in that it has a customization function capable of adjusting the appearance rate (corresponding to step-up), more specifically, the appearance rate. The customization function will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 40(a) is a schematic diagram showing a customization window displayed on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, and FIG. 40(b) is a schematic diagram showing a difference in the effect distribution table.

When the predetermined waiting period has elapsed without the game proceeding, the player can perform the customization operation. Specifically, by operating the operation button, the customization window is displayed and the custom menu for the notice effect is displayed (see FIG. 40(a)). In the custom menu, it is possible to change the appearance rate of the first-type notice effect in which the step-up does not occur and the second-type notice effect in which the step-up occurs for the change in the display mode of the hold icon.

Specifically, as a notice mode for determining the mode of the hold notice effect, the first notice mode LV1 and the probability of occurrence of the second notice effect are higher than those of the first notice mode and the probability of occurrence of the first notice effect. 2nd notice mode LV2 that is low, and a third notice mode in which the probability of occurrence of the type 2 notice effect is higher and the probability of occurrence of the type 1 notice effect is lower than that of the second notice mode are provided. It is possible to switch from the first notice mode to the third notice mode. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second notice mode LV2 is selected as the notice mode when no special customization is performed.

In the first notice mode LV1 to the third notice mode LV3, although the total occurrence frequency of the hold notice effects is unified, as shown in FIG. 40B, the first notice effect and the second notice effect are changed. The fractions are different. Specifically, in the first notice mode, when the hold notice effect is generated, the first-type notice effect is more likely to occur than the second-type notice effect, and the first-type notice effect is generated in the second notice mode. The distribution probability to the effect and the distribution probability to the second-type notice effect are the same, and when the hold notice effect is generated in the third notice mode, the second-type notice effect is the first. It is more likely to occur than the seed notice production.

Here, during the high-frequency support mode, the electric accessory 34 assists the ball entering the lower operation port 33b, and the number of stored hold information is likely to reach the upper limit (eight in the present embodiment). Become. When the number of pieces of hold information has reached the upper limit, and when a new prize for the lower working opening 33b or a prize for the upper working opening 33a occurs, the holding information based on the winning is not acquired. Then, with respect to a ball that does not have a chance of winning or losing lottery based on a winning in the operation openings 33a and 33b, it may become a factor of increasing investment. Under such circumstances, when the number of stored hold information has reached the upper limit, there is a possibility that the launch of a game ball may be refrained from in order to suppress investment. In particular, when the display mode of the hold icon corresponding to the last stored hold information changes to a high expectation that a big hit result (for example, "red"), it causes the game ball to stop firing. It is easy to become. Such refraining from firing (so-called irregular hitting) is an obstacle to improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

Further, when comparing the upper working port 33a and the lower working port 33b, the second ball entering portion 33e in which the game ball in the lower working port 33b is more advantageous to the player than the game ball in the upper working port 33a. There is a high probability of being distributed to. Therefore, when the above-described launching operation is performed, there is a high possibility that the player misses the benefit that the player should originally have, which is not preferable. In particular, for a player who is not familiar with the specifications of the gaming machine, there is a high possibility that he/she will be lost if he/she stops the shooting operation poorly due to the above circumstances.

In particular, when the customization function is set to increase the frequency of occurrence of the first-type notice effect, it is a factor that promotes the occurrence of the inconveniences by improving the player's willingness to play the game by the customization function. Is worried about. Therefore, one of the features of the present embodiment is that, in consideration of such a situation, a device for suppressing the occurrence of the inconvenience is made. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 41(a), a configuration related to the device will be described. FIG. 41A is a flowchart showing a mode switching process (reference table switching process) executed by the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 as part of a regular process.

(Reference table switching process)
In the reference table switching process, first, in step S2401, it is determined whether the drawing table corresponding to the second notice mode LV2 is being temporarily switched. Specifically, it is determined whether the lottery table referred to by the player under the situation where the first notice mode LV1 is selected is switched to another table. If a negative decision is made in step S2401, the operation proceeds to step S2402.

In step S2402, it is determined whether the support mode is the high frequency support mode. When a negative determination is made in step S2402, this reference table switching processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2402, the operation proceeds to step S2403. In step S2403, it is determined whether it is the timing at which the new hold information is stored. When a negative determination is made in step S2403, this reference table switching processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2403, the operation proceeds to step S2404. The reference table switching process shown in the present embodiment is a process that is executed as a pre-process of the suspension notice effect pattern determination process.

In step S2404, it is determined whether or not the number of pieces of hold information stored (hold number) has reached the upper limit. When a negative determination is made in step S2404, this reference table switching processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2404, the operation proceeds to step S2405. In step S2405, it is determined whether or not the notice mode is the first notice mode LV1 by the player's customization operation. When a negative determination is made in step S2405, the reference table switching processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2405, then in step S2406, after performing a temporary switching process for temporarily switching the lottery table to be referred to the lottery table corresponding to the second notice mode LV2, this reference table switching The process ends. The customization by the player is temporarily invalidated by executing the temporary switching process.

Returning to the description of step S2401, if a positive determination is made in step S2401, the process proceeds to step S2407. In step S2407, it is determined whether the support mode is the high frequency support mode. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2407, the operation proceeds to step S2408. In step S2408, it is determined whether or not the number of currently held information items (held number) is a predetermined number smaller than the upper limit number, more specifically, four less than the upper limit number (specifically, “4”). judge. When a negative determination is made in step S2408, this reference table switching processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2408 or a negative decision is made in step S2407, the operation proceeds to step S2409.

In step S2408, in order to end the above-mentioned temporary switching of the lottery table, switching to the lottery table corresponding to the first notice mode LV1 is performed. As a result, the game is returned to the first notice mode selected by the player.

Thus, even when the player selects the first notice mode LV1, if the predetermined condition is satisfied as the game progresses, the second notice mode LV2 which is the initial setting mode is forced. It has been switched to.

As shown in the schematic view of FIG. 41(b), when the number of holdings reaches the upper limit, the second notice mode LV2 is switched to the first notice mode LV1 and thereafter the number of holdings is the predetermined number (“4”). The first advance notice mode LV1 will be maintained until it reaches. In other words, the preferential treatment of the first-type notice effect is avoided when the notice effect is distributed also for the hold icon corresponding to the newly added hold information during this period, and even when the hold icon moves due to the shift occurrence, The preferential treatment of type 1 notice production is avoided. In general, the occurrence frequency of the first-type notice effect is pushed down to the initial level (reference level), and the occurrence of the first-type notice effect is suppressed.

According to the fourth embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are achieved.

It is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game if the expectation degree that is a jackpot result is notified to the hold information before the game times related to the stored hold information are started. For example, when the appearance (color) of the hold icon is "red", which is a display mode with a high degree of expectation, when it is "red" from the beginning (first-type notice effect), "blue" is displayed as the game progresses. There is a case where it is switched from "yellow" to "red" (second type notice production). In this way, by diversifying the notification mode, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention.

However, when the color of the hold icon becomes “red”, the expectation of a jackpot result in the game times related to the hold icon increases. In addition, when the number of stored hold information has reached the storage upper limit number, the jackpot lottery right cannot be obtained even if a prize is newly generated in the operating ports 33a and 33b. Due to these circumstances, the display mode of at least one of the hold icons (especially, the eighth hold icon) suddenly becomes "red" makes it easy to interrupt the game ball launching operation. It is not preferable that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted because it causes a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Also, when the jackpot result is obtained with the corresponding hold icon, the interruption of the firing of the game ball may be a factor that makes the subsequent game progress disadvantageous to the player. Specifically, it is feared that the winning of the relatively unfavorable upper working opening 33a is likely to be interrupted, which may reduce or impair the chance of lottery based on the winning of the relatively working lower working opening 33b.

Here, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, when the number of stored hold information has reached the upper limit number, an opportunity to execute the first-type notice effect, specifically, step up is performed. The chance of suddenly jumping to the final display mode decreases. As described above, the interruption of the above-described firing operation can be suppressed by reducing the opportunities for executing the first-type notice effect. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences resulting from the diversification of the production.

It should be noted that since the occurrence of the first type notice production is reduced, the amount of occurrence of the entire notice production is reduced because the second type notice production is complemented.

Further, when the support mode by the electric accessory 34 is the high frequency support mode, it is easier to enter the lower working port 33b than in the low frequency support mode. For this reason, when the high-frequency support mode is set, the number of stored pieces of pending information increases the chances of reaching the upper limit number. In the high frequency support mode, it is easy to continuously perform the game ball launching operation because the game can be advanced while the reduction of the number of balls held is suppressed. In such a gaming machine, it is assumed that, when the first type announcement effect is executed when the latest hold information is stored, the effect causes an interruption of the game ball launching operation. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if the configuration is such that the probability of occurrence of the first-type notice effect is reduced when the number of holdings reaches the upper limit number, while diversifying the notification mode, the operation resulting from that is achieved. It is possible to preferably solve problems such as a decrease in the rate.

In the configuration shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to change the frequency of occurrence of the first type notice effect/the second type notice effect according to the operation of the player. Satisfaction can be expected to be improved by giving advance notice to the player's taste. However, when such a function is provided, it is feared that the above-described inconvenience becomes remarkable due to the frequent occurrence of the first-type notice effect.

Here, in this feature, when the first notice mode is set by the player's operation and the probability of occurrence of the first-type notice effect is increased, when the number of holdings reaches the upper limit number, , The notice mode is switched to the standard second notice mode, and the occurrence probability of the first-type notice effect is forcibly reduced. That is, even when the first announcement mode is set and the occurrence probability of the first announcement effect is rising, the occurrence probability is reduced on condition that the number of holdings has reached the upper limit number. Therefore, the chance of sudden change to a display mode (color) with high expectation without going through step-up is reduced. In this way, by reducing the chances of the display mode having a high expectation at an early stage, it is possible to reduce the chances that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences due to the diversification of the production and the improvement of the satisfaction of the player.

<Modification 1>
In the fourth embodiment, the maximum number of storable reservations is set to “8” in total, and when the number of reservations reaches “8”, the occurrence probability of the first-type notice effect is corrected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the configuration in which the main entry destination is the second entry portion 33e during the high-frequency support mode, the above-mentioned upper limit number is substantially the same as the upper limit number of the reserve numbers associated with the second entry portion 33e. Less. In view of such circumstances, a practically preferable configuration can be realized by performing the above-mentioned correction when the number of holdings of the second ball entry portion 33e reaches the upper limit number "4".

<Modification 2>
In the above-described fourth embodiment, in each of the notice modes LV1 to LV3, the occurrence probability of the first-type notice effect is increased by increasing the occurrence probability of the first-type notice effect, and the occurrence probability of the first-type notice effect is generated. It is configured such that the probability of occurrence of the second-type notice effect increases due to a decrease in the, and the total occurrence probability of the notice effect is the same in any notice mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if at least the probability of occurrence of the first type announcement effect is lowered in the order of first announcement mode LV1> second announcement mode LV2> third announcement mode LV3, and the occurrence probability of the second type announcement effect is arbitrary. is there.

<Modification 3>
In the fourth embodiment, when the predetermined temporary switching condition is satisfied, the first notice mode LV1 is switched to the second notice mode LV2. However, this is changed so that the predetermined temporary change condition is satisfied. In this case, it is possible to switch from the first notice mode LV1 to the third notice mode LV3.

<Modification 4>
In the fourth embodiment, when the predetermined temporary switching condition is satisfied, the frequency of occurrence of the first-type notice effect is reduced, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the occurrence of the type 1 preliminary announcement effect is avoided when a predetermined temporary switching condition is satisfied.

<Modification 5>
In the fourth embodiment, when the number of stored hold information reaches the upper limit, the notice mode is forcibly switched from the first notice mode LV1 to the second notice mode LV2 which is the standard mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of pieces of pending information that triggers forced switching of the advance notice mode is arbitrary. For example, the configuration may be such that the advance notice mode is compulsorily switched when the upper limit number is reached.

<Modification 6>
In the above-described fourth embodiment, the notice mode is changed based on the operation of the player, but the notice mode may be changed, for example, by determining the player's preference on the gaming machine side. ..

<Modification 7>
In the above fourth embodiment, the advance notice mode can be changed in three stages. It suffices that at least two notice modes with different effect ratios are provided, and the specific number of notice modes is arbitrary.

<Fifth Embodiment> Change in Occurrence Probability of Special Movement According to Game Situation In the first embodiment, the attention mode of the game is improved by devising the movement mode of the hold icon. In this embodiment, the configuration relating to the occurrence of special movement is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, first, with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 42(a) and 42(b), a supplementary description will be given of the configuration on which the above differences are based.

As already explained, in the game times related to the complete deviation result, that is, in the game times that result in the deviation without passing through the reach display, it is displayed in a variable manner depending on the number of hold information stored at the start timing of the game time. It is structured to change time. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 42(a), the variable display time is shortened as the number of pieces of hold information stored at the start of the game (when determining the variable display time) is increased. Has been done.

More specifically, in the low frequency support mode, when the number of held information items stored is “0”, the average variable display time is 12 seconds, and the number of held information items stored is “1” or “2”. In the case of ", the average of the variable display time is 10 seconds, the average of the variable display times is 4 seconds, and the number of the retained information stored is "3" or "4". In the case of "5" to "8", the average of the variable display time is set to 3 sec. In the high-frequency support mode, when the number of stored hold information is “0”, the average of the variable display time is 8 sec, and the number of stored hold information is “1” or “2”. In the case, the average of the variable display time is 6 sec, the average of the variable display time is 2 sec, and the number of the hold information stored is 5 when the number of stored information is “3” or “4”. In the case of "" to "8", the average of the variable display time is set to 1 sec.

In this way, compared to the low frequency support mode, the high frequency support mode not only shortens the variable display time when compared with the same number of pending information, but also increases the number of pending information. The degree of shortening of the variable display time is large. As a result, the progress of the game in the high-frequency support mode is accelerated, and the monotony of the game is suppressed by changing the sharpness of the progress of the game depending on the support mode.

Further, in each game time, the symbol combination corresponding to the game result is displayed through the variable display, and the display of the symbol combination (fixed display) is continued for a certain period (fixed display time). As shown in FIG. 42B, the confirmed display time (1.2 sec) in the high frequency support mode is also shortened to be shorter than the confirmed display time (0.6 sec) in the low frequency support mode. As a result, the progress of the game in the high frequency support mode is further accelerated.

In this way, if a difference is provided between the low frequency support mode and the high frequency support mode and the progress speed of the game by shortening the variable display time and the fixed display time, it is possible to emphasize the sharpness of the game progress, but low. As compared with the frequency support mode, it is assumed that the grace period for executing the special movement in the high frequency support mode becomes shorter and it becomes difficult to secure the execution period of the special movement. For example, it is possible to cope with such a time difference by making the movement of the hold icon agile. However, when the movement of the hold icon is made fast, it becomes difficult to see the movement, and it is feared that the effect of improving the attention degree of the player by the special movement cannot be exerted well. In particular, for the second special movement, the confirmation display time is used to advance the corresponding hold icon, but since the confirmation display time is shorter than the variable display time, it is necessary to realize the preceding movement. It becomes difficult to secure time. One of the features of the present embodiment is that the structure relating to special movement is devised in view of such circumstances.

Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 42(c), when the number of holdings stored in the high frequency support mode is “5” or more, that is, the number of stored holding information (total number). If the number exceeds the upper limit number “4” of the number of pieces of reservation information related to the second ball entering portion 33e, the second special movement is excluded from the special movement candidates, and the occurrence of the second special movement is avoided. .. In addition, when the number of hold numbers stored in the high frequency support mode is less than “5”, that is, the number (total number) of hold information stored is the number of hold information related to the second ball entering portion 33e. If the upper limit number of 4 is less than or equal to "4", both the first special movement and the second special movement are included as the special movement candidates, but the start timing of the second special movement is changed. Specifically, in the first embodiment described above, the second special movement is started based on the fact that the variable display of the symbols ends and the fixed display is performed, but in the present embodiment, the variation of the symbols The start timing is changed so that the second special movement is started during the display.

As described above, when the number of stored hold information is “5” or more, the average of the variable display time is shortened to 1 sec, and the fixed display time is shortened to 0.6 sec. To be done. Under such a situation, it is difficult to secure a sufficient time for setting the movement mode of the hold icon to the second special movement. Therefore, under such a situation, the occurrence of the above-mentioned various inconveniences can be suppressed by restricting the second special movement.

When the number of stored hold information is "4" or less, the average of the variable display time is 2 sec or more. Therefore, as described above, by using a part of the variable display time to secure the execution time for performing the preceding movement of the hold icon, it is possible to secure the execution opportunity of the second special movement.

<Modification 1>
In the above fifth embodiment, the probability of occurrence of the second special movement is reduced when the high frequency support mode is set, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the high frequency support mode, the special movement may be restricted in the high frequency support mode in view of the fact that the time lag for performing the special movement is shorter than that in the low frequency support mode. In this case, for example, the display mode may be changed instead of the movement mode.

<Modification 2>
In the fifth embodiment, during the high frequency support mode, the execution time of the second special movement is ensured by generating the second special movement so as to cross the variable display time to the fixed display time. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the second special movement can be executed so as to cross the variable display time to the fixed display time even in the low frequency support mode.

<Sixth Embodiment> Decrease in occurrence rate of special effects depending on the number of consecutive chans Regarding the re-variation display (re-variation effect) shown in the second embodiment, a situation relatively disadvantageous to the player ( For example, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game by generating it in the low probability mode). However, on the other hand, if the situation continues to be relatively advantageous to the player (for example, if the progress speed of the game is fast due to the high-frequency support mode), it will be troublesome for the player to perform the re-variation display. There is concern that it will make an impression. In other words, if it is shown that the result is a deviant result and then the big hit result is reported, it is feared that the process is likely to be a tedious process.

One of the features of the present embodiment is that measures are taken to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. Specifically, whether or not the re-variation display is performed is determined based on the effect distribution table. In the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82, a reference table switching process is executed to switch the table to be referred to from the effect distribution table according to the situation. Hereinafter, the reference table switching process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The reference table switching process is a process executed by the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 as part of the regular process.

(Reference table switching process)
Regarding the reference table switching processing, first, in step S2501, it is determined whether or not it is the transition timing to the normal game state corresponding to the low frequency support mode. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2501, the operation proceeds to step S2502. After the effect distribution table referred to in step S2502 is switched to the table X0, the successive number counter CC provided in the various counter areas 265 of the RAM 244 is cleared in subsequent step S2503, and this reference table switching processing ends. To do. The continuous number counter CC is a counter for counting the number of times the jackpot result is obtained under a predetermined continuous condition. It is referred to when specifying the number of times the jackpot results are consecutive (so-called consecutive chan number) without going through the normal game state corresponding to the low frequency support mode and the low probability mode.

In the present embodiment, tables X0 to X5 are provided as effect distribution tables. Here, the difference between these tables X0 to X5 will be described with reference to the schematic view of FIG. The production distribution table X0 is a table that is referred to when the number of consecutive big hits is "0", and the probability that a variable display corresponding to the re-variable display is 50% in the game times related to the big hit result, re-variation. It is set so that the probability of a variable display that does not correspond to the display is 50%. The production distribution table X1 is a table that is referred to when the number of consecutive big hits is "1", and the probability that a variable display corresponding to the re-variable display is 40% in the game times related to the big hit result, re-variation It is set such that the probability of a variable display that does not correspond to the display is 60%. The effect distribution table X2 is a table that is referred to when the number of consecutive big hits is “2”, and the probability that a variable display corresponding to the re-variable display is 30% in the game times related to the big hit result, re-variation. It is set such that the probability of a variable display that does not correspond to the display is 70%. The production distribution table X3 is a table that is referred to when the number of consecutive big hits is “3”, and the probability that a variable display corresponding to the re-variable display is 20% in the game times related to the big hit result, re-variation. It is set so that the probability of a variable display that does not correspond to the display is 80%. The production distribution table X4 is a table that is referred to when the number of consecutive big hits is "4", and the probability of a variable display corresponding to the re-variable display in the game times related to the big hit result is 10%, re-changing. It is set so that the probability of a variable display that does not correspond to the display is 90%. Then, the effect distribution table X5 is a table that is referred to when the number of consecutive big hits is “5” or more, and the probability of a variable display corresponding to the re-variable display in the game times related to the big hit result is 0%. The probability of a variable display that does not support re-variable display is set to 100%. That is, as the number of consecutive jackpot results increases, the probability of occurrence of re-variation display decreases.

Returning to the description of step S2501 in FIG. 43(a), if a negative determination is made in step S2501, the process proceeds to step S2504. In step S2504, it is determined whether or not it is the transition timing to the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2504, the operation proceeds to step S2505. In step S2505, the updating process (more specifically, the adding process) of the continuous number counter CC is performed when the opening/closing execution mode corresponding to the current jackpot result is ended. After executing the updating process of step S2505, the process proceeds to step S2506. In step S2506, the value of the game number counter CC updated in step S2505 is referred to, and the process of switching the table to be referred to is performed.

Specifically, when the value of the game number counter CC is “1”, the effect distribution table X1 is set as a reference target, and when the value of the game number counter CC is “2”, the effect distribution is set. When the table X2 is set as a reference target and the value of the game number counter CC is "3", the effect distribution table X3 is set as a reference target, and when the value of the game number counter CC is "4". Sets the effect distribution table X4 as a reference target, and when the value of the game number counter CC is "5" or more, sets the effect distribution table X5 as a reference target (see FIG. 43(b)).

Returning to the description of step S2504, when a negative determination is made in step S2504, that is, when it is determined that it is not the transition timing to the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, the process proceeds to step S2507. In step S2507, it is determined whether or not it is in the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the low probability mode. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2507, the operation proceeds to step S2508. In step S2508, it is determined whether or not the number of games executed in the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the low probability mode has reached the switching reference number. In the present embodiment, the first switching reference number (80 times) and the second switching reference number (90 times) are set as the switching reference number.

When a negative determination is made in either step S2508 or step S2507, this reference table switching process ends as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2508, the flow advances to step S2509 to execute the table switching processing when the reference number of times is reached. Specifically, when the number of games reaches the first switching reference number or the second switching reference number, if possible, the referred production distribution table is switched to the production distribution table with a younger number. .. For example, when the first switching reference number of times is reached under the situation where the effect allocation table X3 is referred to, the effect allocation table X2 is switched and the effect allocation table X2 is referred to. When the second switching reference number of times is reached below, switching to the effect distribution table X1 is performed. If there is no production distribution table with a smaller number, the production distribution table being referred to is continued.

Here, with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 44, a flow of switching of the effect distribution table accompanying the progress of the game will be described.

When the opening/closing execution mode corresponding to the probability variation jackpot result is completed, the game mode shifts to the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the high probability mode. This gaming state continues at least until the next big hit result. As shown in FIG. 44(a), the effect distribution table set when the opening/closing execution mode ends in such a case becomes a reference target at least until the transition to the next opening/closing execution mode. For example, when the effect distribution table X3 is set, the effect distribution table X3 is referred to until the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the high probability mode ends.

On the other hand, when the opening/closing execution mode corresponding to the normal jackpot result ends, the game state shifts to the high frequency support mode and the low probability mode compatible normal game state. This gaming state is continued until the number of games played in the gaming state reaches a specified number (“100” in the present embodiment), and after the specified number of times, the low frequency support mode and the low probability mode are supported. Transition to the normal gaming state.

As shown in FIG. 44( b ), in the effect distribution table set when the opening/closing execution mode ends in such a case, the number of games executed in the game state is the first switching reference number ( When it reaches 80 times, it switches to the younger production distribution table. This increases the probability that the effect corresponding to the re-variation display is executed. Even after that, the game progresses without a big hit result, and when the number of games executed in the game state reaches the second switching reference number (90 times), the production distribution table is switched to one younger one. This increases the probability that the effect corresponding to the re-variation display is executed.

When the number of executed games reaches the specified number without causing a big hit result, the game mode shifts to the normal game state corresponding to the low frequency support mode and the low probability mode. At the same time, the effect distribution table to be referred to is switched to the effect distribution table X0 that has no correction related to the effect probability. As a result, the probability that the effect corresponding to the re-variation display is executed will be returned to the initial setting before the success of the jackpot.

A configuration that temporarily stops (temporary stop display) the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result and then displays the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result (resurrection effect, re-fluctuation effect), that is, it looks as if it is an outlier result. According to the configuration for notifying that it is a jackpot result later, even if it is notified that the result is out of the jackpot, it is possible to suppress a rapid decrease in the expectation of becoming a jackpot result, and to the game. It is possible to improve the degree of attention of. In a situation where the jackpots are not continuous, it is easy for the player's immediate goal to win the jackpot. For this reason, it is effective to interlock the above-mentioned re-variation display to notify the jackpot result, in order to give the player a psychological boost. On the other hand, when the jackpots are continuous, the player's attention is likely to quickly turn to whether or not the jackpots are continuous. Under such circumstances, there is a high possibility of giving an impression that the re-variation display, which is a false result, is troublesome. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if the probability that the re-variation display is executed is decreased due to the increase in the number of consecutive big hits (the number of consecutive games), a good flow can be achieved without interruption. It is possible to preferably suppress a decrease in the game motivation of the player who wants to follow the flow. That is, in a situation where the player's feeling of uplifting is continuously increasing with jackpots, the reduction of uplifting feeling can be suitably suppressed by intentionally reducing the re-variation display.

As described above, when switching to the normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode in the opening/closing execution mode (hereinafter referred to as the high-probability game state), there are many repetitions of the high-probability game state→the opening/closing execution mode→the high-probability game state. It becomes a chance to win the ball, and the player's psychological enhancement can be given. Here, regarding the above-mentioned re-variation display, due to the characteristic that it is a big hit result after making it look like a disengagement result, a normal game state corresponding to a low frequency support mode and a low probability mode (hereinafter, a low certainty game state However, although it is possible to improve the degree of attention to the game, it is easy to give the player an annoyance in the highly accurate game state. In other words, although the uplifting feeling is fueled in the flow of the game, the interposition of the re-variation display may act to reduce the uplifting feeling even temporarily. Therefore, it is technically significant that the probability of occurrence of re-variation display is reduced according to the number of consecutive games in the high-probability gaming state.

As the game state to be transferred after the end of the opening/closing execution mode, the first high-probability game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode and the low-probability mode, and the second high-probability game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode and the high-probability mode are provided. ing. The first high-probability gaming state and the second high-probability gaming state are similar in that the game can be advantageously advanced compared to the low-probability gaming state, but the latter is not limited in the number of continuations. On the other hand, the former has a limit of 100 times. In other words, while the second high-probability gaming state promises the next big hit, the first high-probability gaming state is a pinch of end of consecutive chan. Under these circumstances, in the first high-accuracy gaming state, a game is played with the expectation that the jackpot result will be reached before reaching the limit number of times, and in the second high-accuracy gaming state, the jackpot result will be achieved as soon as possible. It is assumed that the game is played in the expectation of. That is, in the second high-accuracy gaming state, the sense of speed is important, whereas in the first high-accuracy gaming state, it is important that the jackpot result itself is obtained rather than the speed.

Therefore, in the second-class high-accuracy gaming state where speed feeling is important, the probability of occurrence of re-variation display, which tends to lengthen the sensational variation display time, is lowered to make it appear that the game is progressing rapidly. In the first-class high-accuracy gaming state in which is important, the above-described probability correction is relaxed as the number of times of the limit is approached, so that the player's emotions in each situation are appropriately reflected in the game effect. Is possible. That is, in the first high-accuracy gaming state, the probability of re-variation display is not extremely lowered, but the downward revision of the occurrence probability is eased at the end of the first high-accuracy gaming state, so that the re-fluctuation is re-varied. It is possible to preferably exert the effect of increasing the player's expectation by the display.

In the configuration in which the mode of the display effect is determined by the variation display time from the main control device 81, the variation display time for reach display that supports re-variation and the variation display time for reach display that does not support re-variation can be separated. Is. However, in such a configuration, it is feared that the control load on the main control device 81 increases in changing the probability of occurrence of the reach display corresponding to the re-variation depending on the number of consecutive big hits. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, the variation display time of the reach display that supports re-variation and the variation display time of the reach display that does not support re-variation are unified, and the decision right is given to the notification/effect control device. With the configuration entrusted to the MPU 242 of 82, it is possible to preferably solve the above-mentioned problem regarding the control load.

<Modification 1>
When the jackpots are continuous under a predetermined condition, the probability of re-variation display as a special effect is reduced. For example, when a gaming state corresponding to the low frequency support mode and the high probability mode occurs with a limited number of times, the jackpot may be continuous even when the jackpot result is obtained in this gaming state. In addition, regardless of the game state, if the jackpot result is reached again by the predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the jackpot is over, the jackpot may be regarded as consecutive jackpots. Good.

<Modification 2>
In the sixth embodiment, the re-variation display is set as the special effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the occurrence probability of the special movement shown in the first embodiment is lowered in accordance with the number of consecutive big hits.

<Modification 3>
In the sixth embodiment, the regulation of the re-variation display is relaxed as the continuous jackpot approaches the end, but such a configuration is optional. For example, the regulation may not be relaxed, and the probability of occurrence of re-variation display may be increased beyond the initial state.

<Modification 4>
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the referenced table is changed according to the number of pieces of pending information stored. For example, when the number of stored hold information items has reached the upper limit number, a table (for example, the effect distribution table X5) in which the reach display corresponding to the re-variation is most difficult to be selected is set regardless of the number of consecutive times. It is also possible to adopt a configuration.

In addition, when the number of stored hold information is less than the predetermined number (when it does not reach the predetermined number), the number of stored hold information is smaller than that when the number of stored hold information reaches the predetermined number. A configuration may be adopted in which the effect distribution table is selected so that the regulation regarding the reach display corresponding to the variation is relaxed.

In a game machine of a type to which a so-called time saving function is added, the progress speed of the game becomes faster when the number of stored hold information is large. As described above, in the case of temporarily displaying the pattern when shifting to the opening/closing execution mode, the variable display period for the user's sensation can be lengthened by interposing the temporary display. This is assumed to be a factor that gives the player the impression that the effect is unnecessarily extended. Therefore, when the number of stored reservations is large (for example, the upper limit is reached), the possibility of becoming a special mode is reduced to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience as described above. It becomes possible to give an impression that the game is progressing smoothly.

Note that when the subsequent hold information is present, it is highly possible that the player is actively trying to advance the game, as compared with the case where the subsequent hold information is not present. On the other hand, if the subsequent hold information does not exist, it is highly possible that the game is being played at my own pace. Therefore, when the subsequent hold information is present, the reduction range of the occurrence probability of the revariation display is made smaller than when the subsequent hold information is not present, and the subsequent hold information is present. In this case, by increasing the degree of reduction in the possibility of becoming the special mode, it is possible to provide a production suited to the style of the player.

<Other Embodiments>
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be applied individually to each of the above-described embodiments, or part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above-described embodiments. Further, it is possible to arbitrarily combine all or part of the various configurations shown in the above respective embodiments. In this case, it is preferable to ensure the technical significance (effect to be exerted) of each configuration to be combined. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration formed by combining the embodiments, or a part or all of the configurations may be applied in combination.

(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the holding advance notice generation lottery is configured to be performed when the shift command or the hold command is received, but the trigger of the hold advance notice generation lottery is not limited to the time of receiving the command. For example, it may be configured to periodically (periodically) determine whether or not to give an advance notice.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, in the variable display area ME of the display screen 41a, the upper symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the lower symbol row are variably displayed in the horizontal direction. The symbols, the middle symbols, and the lower symbols may be switched and displayed in the individually set display areas. That is, the symbols displayed in the display area may be sequentially switched in ascending or descending order.

(3) A game time based on a ball entering the upper working port 33a and a game time based on a ball entering the lower working port 33b may be performed in parallel. For example, when there is the hold information based on the ball entering the upper working port 33a and the hold information based on the ball entering the lower working port 33b, the pattern corresponding to the hold information related to the upper working port 33a. The variable display area and the variable display area of the symbol corresponding to the hold information related to the lower operation opening 33b are respectively formed in the display screen 41a, and both variable displays may be performed in parallel in each of the variable display areas. Good.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the details of the stop result of the symbol are determined according to the variable display time, but the details of the stop result of the symbol are determined regardless of the variable display time. Is also possible.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the hold information related to the upper working opening 33a (corresponding to the "ball entering portion") and the hold information related to the lower working opening 33b (corresponding to the "ball entering portion") are sequentially ( (Alternatively) Digestion composition, more specifically, the composition in which digestion occurs in the order in which the ball enters. It is possible to change this as follows. That is, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one of the hold information related to the upper working port 33a and the hold information related to the lower working port 33b is preferentially consumed. For example, when the difference in the degree of advantage is set between the lottery related to the upper working opening 33a (holding information) and the lottery related to the lower working opening 33b, the working opening set to be advantageous to the player is selected. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the pending information is digested preferentially.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the upper working opening 33a and the lower working opening 33b are configured as the "ball-in portion", but the number of working openings does not necessarily have to be plural, and is one. Good.

(6) It is also possible to unify (same) the process relating to the pending notice effect (so-called prefetch effect) executed by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 and the process executed in the game time control process. is there. For example, with respect to the confirmation processing for notice of holding shown in step S306 and the holding command setting processing shown in step S307, various processing other than the command setting processing is made common to the various processing shown in steps S701 to S708. Good. If the processing content and the flow of a series of processing are made common, it is not necessary to store the control program and the like separately, and the fact that the function of executing the pending notice effect is installed becomes a factor that puts a strain on the storage capacity of the ROM 203. It can be suppressed appropriately.

(7) In the above embodiment, the notification/effect control device 82 and the display control device 212 are provided separately, but a single control device that integrates the functions of these control devices 82 and 212 may be provided.

(8) In the third embodiment and the like, the production is performed by the player performing the customization operation during the demo screen (after the lapse of a predetermined waiting period from the end of the last game time). Although the frequency and the like can be customized, the invention is not limited to this. For example, when moving to the open/close execution mode, first, the jackpot result in the lottery is used as a trigger to enter the transition preparation state, and in this transition preparation state, the ball enters the condition actuation ball unit (condition actuation device). In the gaming machine of the type in which the opening/closing execution mode is started upon occurrence of the occurrence, the customization operation may be possible during the transition preparation state.

(9) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, for example, pachinko machines in which the electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine in which a right is generated when a ball enters and a big hit, a pachinko machine provided with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a game machine such as a sparrow ball.

Also, a non-ball-ball type gaming machine, for example, provided with a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the reel is started by inserting a medal and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. Therefore, the present invention also applies to a slot machine that gives a player a privilege such as payout of medals when a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line visible from a display window after the reel is stopped. Can be applied.

Further, the gaming machine main body supported by the outer frame to be openable and closable includes a storage portion and a loading device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage portion are loaded by the loading device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined so that the reels start to rotate.

<Regarding invention groups extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described, showing effects and the like as necessary. Note that, in the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above-described embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration shown in brackets or the like.

The following feature group is "some gaming machines such as pachinko machines have a pattern display device for displaying a pattern on a display screen in a variable manner. In this type of gaming machine, for example, it is provided in a game area. With the winning of the operating opening as a trigger, a lottery is carried out as to whether or not a particular game state advantageous to the player, such as a winning state, is generated, and the variable display of the pattern is started. Regarding the background art that a specific picture combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen and the game state shifts to the specific game state (for example, Patent Document 1), "in recent years, the degree of attention to the game is increased. However, there is still room for improvement in the structure of the gaming machine in order to increase the degree of attention to the game.” With the problem to be solved by the invention, is there.

<Characteristic A group> Operation mode of hold icon during shift Characteristic A1. An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images (holding icon MP) corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is displayed as the holding display. A hold display control means (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that sequentially moves from the area to the determination display area (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
A pattern display unit (a pattern display device 41) having a display unit (display screen 41a) capable of variably displaying a pattern and stopping and displaying the pattern corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit on the display unit;
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result (for example, a winning result) corresponding to predetermined determination information, a game state transition unit (of the main control device 81) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening/closing execution mode) With the function of executing the game state transition process in MPU202),
As a moving mode of the reserved image when moving the reserved image from one display area to an adjacent display area, a normal moving mode and a special moving mode different from the normal moving mode (for example, the first special moving mode or the second special moving mode). Special movement mode) is provided,
The holding display control means has means for setting either the normal movement mode or the special movement mode as a movement mode when moving the reserved image.

In the configuration for displaying the reserved image, its main function is to clearly indicate the number of stored special information, that is, the remaining reserved number to the player. In recent years, there has been proposed a technique of suggesting the degree of expectation of privilege granting by changing the appearance (color, pattern, etc.) of a reserved image. As a result, the degree of attention to the reserved image (for example, the game time to be executed later) is improved.

Here, it is common knowledge that, for example, each of these reserved images moves in a similar manner each time the game time progresses, and the movement manner (operation manner or shift manner) is extremely monotonous. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the normal movement mode/special movement mode is set as the movement mode of the reserved image, not only the appearance of the reserved image but also its movement becomes characteristic. Therefore, by diversifying the movement mode of the reserved image, a novel display effect which has never been possible can be realized, which can contribute to further improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

In addition, as a moving mode of the holding image when moving the holding image from one display area to another display area shown in this feature, a normal moving mode and a special moving mode different from the normal moving mode (for example, 1 special movement mode and second special movement mode) are provided, and the hold display control means sets either the normal movement mode or the special movement mode as a movement mode when moving the reserved image. “Having means” means “first movement mode and first movement mode as movement modes of the reserved image when moving the reserved image from one display area to another display area”. Different second movement modes are provided, and the hold display control means has means for setting the first movement mode and the second movement mode as movement modes when moving the hold image. It is also possible to say.

Feature A2. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images (holding icon MP) corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is displayed as the holding display. A hold display control means (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that sequentially moves from the area to the determination display area (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
A pattern display unit (a pattern display device 41) having a display unit (display screen 41a) capable of variably displaying a pattern and stopping and displaying the pattern corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit on the display unit;
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result (for example, a winning result) corresponding to predetermined determination information, a game state transition unit (of the main control device 81) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening/closing execution mode) With the function of executing the game state transition process in MPU202),
As a moving mode of the reserved image when the reserved image is moved from one display area to an adjacent display area, a normal moving mode and a special moving mode different from the normal moving mode (first special moving mode or second special moving mode) Movement mode) is provided,
The holding display control means has means for setting either the normal movement mode or the special movement mode as a movement mode when moving the reserved image.

In the configuration for displaying the reserved image, its main function is to clearly indicate the number of stored special information, that is, the remaining reserved number to the player. In recent years, there has been proposed a technique of suggesting the degree of expectation of privilege granting by changing the appearance (color, pattern, etc.) of a reserved image. As a result, the degree of attention to the reserved image (for example, the game time to be executed later) is improved.

Here, it is common knowledge that, for example, each of these reserved images moves in a similar manner each time the game time progresses, and the movement manner (operation manner or shift manner) is extremely monotonous. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the normal movement mode and the special movement mode are set as the movement mode of the reserved image, not only the appearance of the reserved image but also its movement becomes characteristic. Therefore, by diversifying the movement mode of the reserved image, a novel display effect which has never been possible can be realized, which can contribute to further improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

In addition, as a moving mode of the holding image when moving the holding image from one display area to another display area shown in this feature, a normal moving mode and a special moving mode different from the normal moving mode (for example, 1 special movement mode and second special movement mode) are provided, and the hold display control means sets either the normal movement mode or the special movement mode as a movement mode when moving the reserved image. “Having means” means “first movement mode and first movement mode as movement modes of the reserved image when moving the reserved image from one display area to another display area”. Different second movement modes are provided, and the hold display control means has means for setting the first movement mode and the second movement mode as movement modes when moving the hold image. It is also possible to say.

Features A3. The holding display control means, when a plurality of the holding images are displayed in the holding display area, when the holding images are moved to the adjacent holding display areas, the holding display control means moves one of the holding images. The gaming machine according to the feature A1 or the feature A2, characterized in that it has means for setting the mode as the special movement mode and for moving other holding images as the normal movement mode.

As shown in the characteristic A3, if there are other reserved images (corresponding to the normal movement mode) to be compared, it is possible to compare the movements of the respective reserved images. Therefore, even if the movement of the reserved image in the special movement mode is not excessively exaggerated, it is possible to suitably inform the player that the movement mode is different. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience that the special movement is overlooked as compared with the case where the special movement occurs alone.

When, for example, a variable display area for a picture and a display area for a reserved image are made to coexist in the display unit of the picture display means, an attempt to exaggerate the movement of the reserved image causes a pressure on the variable display area. Can be. In this respect, if the special movement mode can be identified by the difference with the movement of other reserved images, the necessity of exaggeration as described above can be reduced and the expansion of the movement area of the reserved image can be avoided. Therefore, coexistence with the variable display area of the design and the display area for the reserved image can be suitably realized.

Features A4. The pending display control means, when three or more of the pending images are displayed in the pending display area, when the pending images move to the adjacent pending display areas, respectively. The gaming machine according to the feature A1 or the feature A2, which has a means for setting the movement mode as the special movement mode and for setting the movement mode of another reserved image as the normal movement mode.

As shown in the characteristic A4, if there are other reserved images (corresponding to the normal movement mode) to be compared, it is possible to compare the movements of the respective reserved images. For this reason, it is possible to suitably inform the player that the movement mode is different, without excessively exaggerating the movement in the special movement mode. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience that the special movement is overlooked as compared with the case where the special movement occurs alone. Further, since the number of reserved images in the normal movement mode exceeds the number of reserved images in the special movement mode, it becomes easy to identify which of the reserved images is in the "special" movement mode.

When, for example, a variable display area for a picture and a display area for a reserved image are made to coexist in the display unit of the picture display means, an attempt to exaggerate the movement of the reserved image causes a pressure on the variable display area. Can be. In this respect, if the special movement mode can be identified by the difference with the movement of other reserved images, the necessity of exaggeration as described above can be reduced and the expansion of the movement area of the reserved image can be avoided. Therefore, coexistence with the variable display area of the design and the display area for the reserved image can be suitably realized.

Features A5. The holding display control means performs the special operation as a moving mode of a part of the holding images when a plurality of holding images are displayed in the holding display area, as compared with a case where a plurality of holding images are not displayed. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A4, which is configured to increase a possibility of setting a movement mode.

If there is another reserved image to be compared (corresponding to the normal movement mode), it is possible to suitably inform the player that the movement mode is different without excessively exaggerating the movement in the special movement mode. You can Therefore, as shown in this feature, when a plurality of reserved images are displayed, the possibility that special movement will occur is higher than that when a plurality of reserved images are not displayed. It is possible to reduce the chance that the special movement occurs independently, and suitably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience that the special movement is missed.

Features A6. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (for example, hit/miss information) Function to execute)
A pattern display unit (a pattern display device 41) having a display unit (display screen 41a) capable of variably displaying a pattern and stopping and displaying the pattern corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit on the display unit;
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result (for example, a winning result) corresponding to predetermined determination information, a game state transition unit (of the main control device 81) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening/closing execution mode) With the function of executing the game state transition process in MPU202),
A plurality of types of movement modes (for example, a normal movement mode, a first special movement mode, and a second special movement mode) are used as the movement mode of the reserved image when the reserved image is moved from one display area to another display area. Is provided,
The pending display control means, when a plurality of pending images are displayed in the pending display area, moves the pending images from one pending display area to an adjacent display area. A gaming machine having means for setting a movement mode of a predetermined reserved image among them so as to be a movement mode different from the movement modes of other reserved images.

In the configuration for displaying the reserved image, its main function is to clearly indicate the number of stored special information, that is, the remaining reserved number to the player. In recent years, there has been proposed a technique of suggesting the degree of expectation of privilege granting by changing the appearance (color, pattern, etc.) of a reserved image. As a result, the degree of attention to the reserved image (for example, the game time to be executed later) is improved.

Here, it is common knowledge that, for example, each of these reserved images moves in a similar manner each time the game time progresses, and the movement manner (operation manner or shift manner) is extremely monotonous. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the normal movement mode and the special movement mode are set as the movement mode of the reserved image, not only the appearance of the reserved image but also its movement becomes characteristic. Therefore, by diversifying the movement mode of the reserved image, a novel display effect which has never been possible can be realized, which can contribute to further improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

Features A7. As the movement mode of the reserved image, a normal movement mode and a special movement mode (first special movement mode or second special movement mode) different from the normal movement mode are provided,
In the case where the special movement mode (for example, the first special movement mode) is set as the movement mode of the reserved image, compared to the case where the normal movement mode is set as the movement mode of the reserved image, The game machine according to any one of the features A1 to A6, characterized in that the movement to the display area is delayed.

According to the characteristic A7, the movement of the reserved image to which the special movement mode is applied (hereinafter referred to as the relevant reserved image) is delayed compared to the movement of other reserved images. With such a configuration, it is possible to preferably realize the diversification of the movement mode while suppressing the movement of the reserved image from becoming excessively complicated.

Feature A8. In the normal movement mode, the reserved image is moved to the adjacent display area at the start of the next game time,
In the special movement mode, the movement of the reserved image in the special movement mode is configured to be completed later than the start of the next game time, the gaming machine according to the feature A7.

The reserved image in the normal movement mode is moved to the adjacent display area at the start of the next game time. On the other hand, for the reserved image in the special movement mode, the completion timing of the movement will be delayed from the start of the next game time. As described above, by arranging the movement of the corresponding reserved image to be delayed by delaying the timing of the actual movement completion, it is possible to clearly show that the movement of the corresponding reserved image is delayed.

Features A9. With the transition to the next game time, the variable display of the pattern in the pattern display means is started,
In the normal movement mode, the movement to the display area next to the reserved image in the normal movement mode is configured to be completed in accordance with the start of the variable display of the pattern,
In the special movement mode, the movement to the display area adjacent to the reserved image in the special movement mode is completed later than the start of the variable display of the pattern. The game machine described.

The movement of the reserved image in the normal movement mode is completed at the start of the next variable display of the pattern. On the other hand, the movement of the reserved image in the special movement mode is completed after the next variable display of the pattern is started. In this way, by providing the difference between the normal movement mode and the special movement mode in association with the movement of the pattern that the player mainly pays attention to, even if the reserved image in the normal movement mode and the reserved image in the special movement mode are not compared with each other. The fact that there is a delay in the movement of the reserved image in the special movement mode can be appropriately notified to the player.

Feature A10. In the special movement mode, the reserved image moving in the special movement mode is configured to be stopped at a position across the reserved display area where the reserved image has been displayed until then and the adjacent display area which is the movement destination. The gaming machine according to any one of features A7 to A9.

Intentionally delaying the movement of the reserved image is preferable in order to realize diversification of the movement mode of the reserved image. However, when the movement of the corresponding held image is delayed, there is concern that the movement of the subsequent held image may be affected. That is, if the relevant held image and the subsequent held image overlap, for example, the original function of clearly indicating the number of holdings by the held image may not be performed well. In this regard, as shown in this feature, the corresponding suspended image in the special movement mode does not continue to stay on the spot but is stopped at a position slightly displaced to the adjacent display area side, and It is possible to preferably generate the delay while avoiding the interruption of the reserved image. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience that the original function is impaired due to the diversified movement of the held image.

Feature A11. After the variable display of the picture in the picture display means is started with the transition to the next game time, the picture corresponding to the judgment result by the judgment means is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period,
The special movement mode is configured such that the movement to the display area next to the reserved image in which the special movement mode is set and the movement of which is delayed is completed at least by the start of the subsequent game time. The gaming machine according to any one of features A7 to A10.

In the configuration in which the remaining number of reservations is notified by the holding image, it is feared that the function of the notification cannot be performed well due to the excessive delay described above. Therefore, if the delay degree is limited so that the movement of the corresponding reserved image is completed at least before moving to the next game time, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience.

Feature A12. As the movement mode of the reserved image, a normal movement mode and a special movement mode (first special movement mode or second special movement mode) different from the normal movement mode are provided,
In the case where the special movement mode (for example, the second special movement mode) is set as the movement mode of the reserved image, compared to the case where the normal movement mode is set as the movement mode of the reserved image, The game machine according to any one of features A1 to A6, characterized in that the movement toward the display area is started first.

According to the characteristic A12, with respect to the movement of the reserved image (hereinafter referred to as the corresponding reserved image) in which the special movement mode is set, the movement start is earlier than the movement of the other reserved images. With such a configuration, it is possible to preferably realize the diversification of the movement mode while suppressing the movement of the reserved image from becoming excessively complicated.

Features A13. After the variable display of the picture in the picture display means is started with the transition to the next game time, the picture corresponding to the judgment result by the judgment means is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period,
In the normal movement mode, the movement to the display area next to the reserved image in the normal movement mode is configured to start in accordance with the start of the variable display of the pattern,
In the special movement mode, the movement to the display area next to the reserved image in the special movement mode is configured to start while the stop display is being performed. Game machine.

The movement of the reserved image in the normal movement mode is started at the start of the next variable display of the pattern. On the other hand, the movement of the reserved image in the special movement mode is started before the next variable display of the pattern is started, specifically, during the stop display (fixed display) of the pattern. It In this way, by providing the difference between the normal movement mode and the special movement mode in association with the movement of the pattern that the player mainly pays attention to, even if the reserved image in the normal movement mode and the reserved image in the special movement mode are not compared with each other. In the special movement mode, it is possible to suitably inform the player that the movement of the reserved image is ahead.

Feature A14. In the special movement mode, the holding image moving in the special movement mode is configured to be decelerated at a position across the holding display area where the holding image was previously displayed and the adjacent display area which is the movement destination. The gaming machine described in the feature A12 or the feature A13.

Intentionally accelerating the movement of the reserved image is preferable in order to realize diversification of the movement mode of the reserved image. However, when the movement of the relevant held image is accelerated, there is a concern that the movement of the preceding held image may be affected. That is, if the relevant held image and the preceding held image overlap, for example, there is a possibility that the original function of clearly indicating the number of holdings by the held image may not be performed well. In this respect, as shown in this feature, the corresponding suspended image in the special movement mode is not immediately moved to the adjacent display area, but is decelerated before reaching the adjacent display area side. As a result, it becomes possible to wait for the movement of the reserved image in the normal movement mode, and it is possible to avoid the relevant reserved image from interfering with the preceding reserved image. Therefore, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience that the original function is impaired due to the diversification of the movement of the reserved image.

Feature A15. In the special movement mode, the movement of the reserved image in the special movement mode is completed when the movement of the other reserved image in the normal movement mode is completed. The gaming machine described in any one of the characteristics A12 to A14.

With respect to the reserved image that has begun to move prior to the other reserved images, the movement is finally completed together with the other reserved images. In this way, by adopting a configuration that avoids the preceding run (movement completion) of the corresponding reserved image, it is possible to preferably suppress the interference between the preceding reserved image and the corresponding reserved image.

Feature A16. As the movement mode of the reserved image, a normal movement mode and a special movement mode (first special movement mode or second special movement mode) different from the normal movement mode are provided,
At least one of the moving speed of moving to the adjacent holding display area and the moving period required for the moving are different between the reserved image in the special moving mode and the holding image in the normal moving mode. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A15.

As shown in the characteristic A16, by making at least one of the moving speed and the moving period of the held image different, it is possible to provide a difference in the movement of the held image. In the conventionally known gaming machine, the movement modes of a plurality of holding images are unified and the movement is monotonous. However, by changing the movement modes of the holding images as shown in this feature, such monotonicity is preferable. Can be resolved.

Features A17. The gaming machine according to any one of features A7 to A16, wherein the reserved display areas are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction so as to have a constant interval.

As shown in the features A7, A12, A16, etc., in order to differentiate the movement of the reserved image in the special movement mode from the movement of the reserved image in the normal movement mode, By arranging the reserved display areas so as to be at regular intervals, it is possible to make it easier to understand the difference in movement (starting movement) of the reserved images.

Feature A18. A first display mode (for example, white) and a second display mode (for example, blue to red) are provided as display modes (for example, color or pattern) of the reserved image,
Display mode changing means for changing the display mode of the reserved image from the first display mode to the second display mode (the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 executes the first-type notice effect or the second-type notice effect). Function),
The display control means makes the movement mode of the reserved image more likely to be the special movement mode when changing the display mode as compared with the case where the display mode is not changed by the display mode changing means. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A17, which is configured.

As indicated by the characteristic A18, if the moving mode of the reserved image is more likely to be the special mode when the display mode is changed than when the display mode is not changed by the display mode changing unit, the moving mode is changed. The change can be used as a sign of the change of the display mode, the change of the display mode can be used as a sign of the change of the movement mode, and the cooperation of the display and the movement of the reserved image can be strengthened. As a result, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention to the game by the display effect using the reserved image.

It should be noted that the configuration shown in this feature is “a first display mode (for example, white) and a second display mode (for example, blue to red) are provided as a display mode (for example, color or pattern) of the reserved image, and the reserved image is displayed. Display mode changing means for changing the display mode of the display mode from the first display mode to the second display mode (the function of executing the first kind notice effect and the second kind notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82). When the special mode is set as the movement mode of the reserved image, the changing unit displays the reserved image more than when the normal movement mode is set as the movement mode of the reserved image. The gaming machine according to any one of the features A1 to A17, characterized in that the aspect is easily configured to be the second display aspect."

Features A19. A first display mode (for example, white) and a second display mode (for example, blue to red) are provided as display modes (for example, color or pattern) of the reserved image,
Display mode changing means for changing the display mode of the reserved image from the first display mode to the second display mode (the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 executes the first-type notice effect or the second-type notice effect). Function),
The display mode changing means has means for changing the display mode of the reserved image when the transfer of the reserved image is completed by the reserved display control means. The gaming machine described in any one of the above.

According to the characteristic A19, the display mode of the reserved image changes after the reserved image moves to the adjacent display area in the special movement mode. When the change in the display mode of the hold image occurs with the special movement of the hold image as a trigger, the special movement can function as a sign of the change in the display mode. In this way, by strengthening the relationship between the change of the display mode and the special movement, it is possible to more preferably exert the above-described attention level improving effect.

In addition, if the player does not always pay attention to the reserved image, not only is it more likely to overlook a special movement mode, but even if it is noticeable We cannot deny the possibility of being recognized as a mistake. In this respect, if the display mode is changed when the special movement mode is used as a trigger, it is not mistaken that the special movement mode goes back from the change in the display mode of the reserved image, and it is actually generated. It can be preferably suggested that there is.

Feature A20. The gaming machine according to Feature A19, wherein the display mode changing unit has a unit for changing the display mode of the suspended image that has been moved in the special movement mode by the suspended display control unit.

When the movement mode of the reserved image is special, the player's attention is likely to be directed to the reserved image. In a configuration in which a plurality of reserved images are displayed, even if the display mode of another reserved image changes under such a situation, it is assumed that the effect of improving the attention due to the change of the display mode will not be exerted well. .. In this respect, if the display mode is changed for the reserved image in the special movement mode, that is, the reserved image to which the player's attention is directed, the effect of the change in the display mode can be suitably exerted. ..

<Characteristic B group> Incitement of revival effect by behavior of reserved image Characteristic B1. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
A pattern display means (symbol display device 41) having a display unit (display screen 41a) and variably displaying a plurality of patterns on the display unit;
After variably displaying the plurality of patterns, the variable display control means for stopping and displaying the pattern combination corresponding to the determination result by the determination means (the process for displaying symbols by the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) is performed. Function to execute)
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result (for example, a winning result) corresponding to predetermined determination information, a game state transition unit (of the main control device 81) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening/closing execution mode) With the function of executing the game state transition process in MPU202),
The variable display control means,
First variable display means (a function for performing reach display that does not support re-variation) for stopping and displaying a predetermined pattern combination after variably displaying the pattern;
Second variable display means for temporarily stopping and displaying the same or different picture combination as the predetermined picture combination in the process of stopping and displaying the predetermined picture combination after variably displaying the picture (reach display corresponding to re-variation is executed. Function)
The hold display control means may reach the determination display area with the predetermined hold image displayed in the hold display area when the predetermined pattern combination is temporarily stopped and displayed by the second variable display means. With special moving means for moving toward the judgment display area so that the player can recognize,
The second variable display means changes means for changing the temporarily stopped and displayed different picture combination to the predetermined picture combination after the hold display control means starts moving the held image. A gaming machine characterized by having.

According to the feature B1, for example, even if the pattern corresponding to the removal result is stopped and displayed, for example, the variable display of the pattern is restarted, and the pattern corresponding to the hit result may be changed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a sharp decrease in the degree of attention to the game even when the design corresponding to the result of the disengagement is stopped and displayed.

Here, when the temporarily stopped pattern is changed (for example, re-variable display), the reserved image tries to move toward the determination display area before that. Such a movement of the reserved image can be made to function as a suggestion means for suggesting that a change (for example, revariable display) of the pattern combination may occur. Even if the pattern corresponding to the disengagement result is stopped and displayed and the reserved image is shifted to the next game time, it is possible to show that there is room for changing the pattern combination (for example, revariable display). Therefore, the effect of improving the degree of attention described above can be more suitably exerted.

Feature B2. Characteristic B1 characterized in that the special moving means has a returning means for returning the holding image moving toward the determination display area to the display area where the holding image was displayed before the movement. Gaming machine described in.

If the change of the pattern combination shown in the characteristic B1 (for example, re-variable display) occurs, if the held image is moved to the determination display area as it is, is the display (variable display) of the pattern combination re-variable display? , Or it becomes difficult to understand whether the variable display is for the next game. Therefore, as shown in this feature, such a misunderstanding can be preferably avoided by adopting a configuration in which the hold image is returned to the position before the movement.

Further, when the hold image starts moving, there is a branch of whether to move to the determination display area as it is or to return to the original display area. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the subsequent expansion differs depending on the movement of the reserved image, it is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the movement of the reserved image.

Feature B3. The special moving means ends the movement of the reserved image toward the determination display area before changing the temporarily stopped and displayed pattern combination, and returns the reserved image to the display area before the movement. The gaming machine described in the feature B1 having the following.

When the change (revariable display) of the picture combination shown in the feature B1 occurs, the reserved image moves to the determination display area as it is, and whether the change is included in the corresponding game time (whether it is revariable display or not). ), or it becomes difficult to understand whether it corresponds to the next game time (whether it is a variable display corresponding to the next game time). Therefore, as shown in this feature, such a misunderstanding can be preferably avoided by adopting a configuration in which the hold image is returned to the position before the movement.

Further, when the hold image starts moving, there is a branch of whether to move to the determination display area as it is or to return to the original display area. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the subsequent expansion differs depending on the movement of the reserved image, it is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the movement of the reserved image.

In particular, if the variable display of the picture and the movement of the held image overlap, there are many places where the player should pay attention. Considering that the main focus is on the design, it is feared that the overlap will hinder the appeal of the return movement itself. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the design is changed (revariable display) after the hold image is restored, such an inconvenience can be preferably avoided.

Feature B4. During the period from the start of the movement of the reserved image by the special movement means to the return to the original display area, the fixed display for confirming and displaying the judgment result while keeping the pattern combination corresponding to the judgment result stopped The gaming machine described in the feature B2 or the feature B3, which is shorter than the period.

When suggesting the possibility that the variable display is restarted due to the movement of the held image as shown in the feature B1 or the like, the presence or absence of the change of the picture combination (for example, re-variable display) may be specified from the movement. Not preferable. Therefore, by limiting the movement period of the hold image so that it is within the final display period of the determination result (game result), it is specified whether the movement of the hold image leads to the change of the pattern combination (revariable display). Can be difficult to do. In this way, it is preferable to realize the diversification of the effect by devising the relationship with the existing configuration in order to increase the attention degree to the game while suppressing the complexity of the configuration of the gaming machine.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the characteristic group A to the characteristic group B described in detail above.

<Characteristic C group> Production bias is canceled when the hold upper limit is reached Characteristic C1. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result (for example, a winning result) corresponding to predetermined determination information, a game state transition unit (of the main control device 81) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening/closing execution mode) Function to execute the game state transition process in MPU202),
A pattern display means (symbol display device 41) which has a display unit (display screen 41a) and variably displays a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means, the variable display of the pattern is started in the pattern display means, and the stop result corresponding to the result of the determination. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game time, and the variable display of the pattern of each game time is performed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (a function for executing the game time control processing in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81),
Information corresponding to the determination result in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the determination target by the determination means is set before the predetermined special information becomes the determination target. A destination specifying unit (a function of executing a process for announcing suspension in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) specified at timing;
When the identification result by the destination identification means is a predetermined identification result, special notification means (announcement/effect control) for performing special notification before the game time related to the special information specified by the destination specifying means. The function of executing the process of the pending notice effect in the MPU 242 of the device 82),
As the special notification, a first special notification (for example, blue display) and a second special notification (for example, red display) set so that the degree of expectation of shifting to the special game state is higher than the first special notification. Is provided,
The special notification means,
First special notification means for executing the first special notification and switching from the first special notification to the second special notification in accordance with the progress of the game (for the second kind notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) Function to execute processing),
A second special notification means for executing the second special notification without passing through the first special notification (a function of executing the process for the first type notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82);
And a notification setting unit (a function of executing the setting process for the pending notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) for setting the special notification by the first special notification unit and the second special notification unit. Becomes
When the number of special information items stored in the acquired information storage unit has reached a predetermined number (for example, eight), the notification setting unit determines the number of special information items stored in the acquired information storage unit. Is configured so that the probability of performing the special notification by the second special notification means is lower than that in the case where the number does not reach the predetermined number.

As shown in the characteristic C1, if the configuration is such that the degree of expectation corresponding to the transition to the special game state regarding the special information is notified before the game times related to the stored special information are started. , It can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to the game. Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, as a flow of executing the second special notification having a relatively high degree of expectation, when the second special notification is executed from the beginning and from the first special notification along with the progress of the game. There is a case where switching to the second special notification is performed. In this way, by diversifying the notification mode, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention.

However, when the second special notification having a high degree of expectation is given, the special information stored at that time includes information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. Expectations increase. As a result, it is highly possible that the game ball launch operation is avoided until the stored special information is consumed. It is not preferable that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted because it causes a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, when the second special notification leads to the special game state, the interruption of the firing of the game ball may be a factor to make the subsequent game progress disadvantageous to the player.

Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, when the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number, there is an opportunity to execute the second special notification without passing through the first special notification. decrease. In this way, by reducing the opportunity to execute the second special notification early, it is possible to reduce the opportunity to interrupt the game ball launching operation. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences resulting from the diversification of the production.

Feature C2. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
Game state transition means (MPU 202 of main controller 81) for transitioning the game state to the special game state (open/close execution mode) when the determination result by the determination means is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information (e.g., a winning result). With the function to execute the game state transition process),
A pattern display means (symbol display device 41) which has a display unit (display screen 41a) and variably displays a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means, the variable display of the pattern is started in the pattern display means, and the stop result corresponding to the result of the determination. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game time, and the variable display of the pattern of each game time is performed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (a function for executing the game time control processing in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81),
Information corresponding to the determination result in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the determination target by the determination means is set before the predetermined special information becomes the determination target. A destination specifying unit (a function of executing a process for announcing suspension in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) specified at timing;
When the identification result by the destination identification means is a predetermined identification result, special notification means (announcement/effect control) for performing special notification before the game time related to the special information specified by the destination specifying means. The function of executing the process of the pending notice effect in the MPU 242 of the device 82),
The special notification means,
The display mode (for example, color or pattern) of the reserved image corresponding to the special information that is the specific target is shifted to the special game state from the first special display mode (for example, blue) and the first special display mode. The special notification is performed by setting the second special display mode (for example, red) set to have a high expectation,
The display mode of the reserved image is the first special display mode, and the first special notification means is switched to the second special display mode according to the progress of the game (for the second kind notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82). Function that executes the processing of
Second special notifying means for setting the display mode of the reserved image to the second special display mode without passing through the first special display mode (process for first-class notice effect by MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) Function to execute)
And a notification setting unit (a function of executing a setting process for holding notice effect in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) for setting a special notification by the first special notification unit and the second special notification unit. Tena,
When the number of special information items stored in the acquired information storage unit has reached a predetermined number (for example, eight), the notification setting unit determines the number of special information items stored in the acquired information storage unit. Is configured so that the probability of performing the special notification by the second special notification means is lower than that in the case where the number does not reach the predetermined number.

As shown in the characteristic C2, if the configuration is such that the degree of expectation corresponding to the transition to the special game state is notified for the special information before the game times related to the stored special information are started. , It can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to the game. Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, as a flow of executing the second special notification having a relatively high degree of expectation, the case where the second special notification is executed from the beginning and the first special notification according to the progress of the game There is a case where switching to the second special notification is performed. In this way, by diversifying the notification mode, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention.

However, when the second special notification with high expectation is given, it is expected that the special information stored at that time includes information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. Will increase. As a result, an event occurs in which the game ball is prevented from being ejected until the stored special information is consumed. It is not preferable that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted because it causes a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, when the second special notification leads to a special game state, the interruption of the firing of the game ball may be a factor to make the subsequent game progress disadvantageous to the player.

Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, when the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number, there is an opportunity to execute the second special notification without passing through the first special notification. decrease. In this way, by reducing the opportunity to execute the second special notification early, it is possible to reduce the opportunity to interrupt the game ball launching operation. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences resulting from the diversification of the production.

Feature C3. If the notification setting means has reached the predetermined number, the acquisition information storage means stores the special information that triggered the arrival of the predetermined number and the special information added after the special information. The feature C1 or the feature C2 is characterized in that the probability that the special notification by the second special notification means is performed is lower than that in the case where the number of the special information that is present does not reach the predetermined number. Gaming machine described in.

As shown in the characteristic C3, if the second special notification targeting a predetermined number or more of special information is configured to be reduced in number, the effect shown in the characteristic C1 or the like can be suitably exerted.

Feature C4. Guide means (electric accessory 34) capable of switching between a guide state (support state) for guiding the game ball to the starting ball entering portion and a non-guide state (non-support state) in which the guide is not performed,
And a switching control unit (a function of executing a support process in the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for switching the guide unit between the guide state and the non-guide state.
As a switching mode (support mode) by the switching control means, a first switching mode (low frequency support mode) and a second switching mode that is set so that the starting ball entering frequency is higher than in the first switching mode. Switching mode (high frequency support mode) is provided,
The predetermined number is an upper limit number that can be stored by the acquired information storage unit,
In the case where the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means has reached the upper limit number under the condition that the switching mode by the switching control means is the second switching mode, the notification setting means Is configured such that the probability that the special notification by the second special notification means is executed is lower than that in the case where the number of stored special information does not reach the upper limit number. The gaming machine described in any one of C1 to C3.

In the second switching mode indicated by the feature C4, it is easier to enter the starting ball entering portion than in the first switching mode. For this reason, when the second switching mode is set, the number of times the stored special information reaches the upper limit increases. For example, it is possible to set the number smaller than the upper limit number of storable special information as the above-mentioned predetermined number, but in such a configuration, by combining the first special notification and the second special notification, various notification modes are possible. The effect of trying to achieve this will not be achieved well. In addition, generally, in the first switching mode, the game ball is continuously ejected for the reason that the game can be advanced while suppressing the reduction of the number of balls held. In such a gaming machine, if the second special notification is executed when the latest special information is stored, it is assumed that the notification triggers the suspension operation of the game ball. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the predetermined number=the upper limit number is set and the probability of occurrence of the second special notification is reduced when the upper limit number is reached, while diversifying the notification mode, the operation resulting from the diversification It is possible to preferably solve problems such as a decrease in the rate.

Feature C5. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
Game state transition means (MPU 202 of main controller 81) for transitioning the game state to the special game state (open/close execution mode) when the determination result by the determination means is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information (e.g., a winning result). With the function to execute the game state transition process),
A pattern display means (symbol display device 41) which has a display unit (display screen 41a) and variably displays a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means, the variable display of the pattern is started in the pattern display means, and the stop result corresponding to the result of the determination. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game time, and the variable display of the pattern of each game time is performed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (a function for executing the game time control processing in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81),
Information corresponding to the determination result in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the determination target by the determination means is set before the predetermined special information becomes the determination target. A destination specifying unit (a function of executing a process for announcing suspension in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) specified at timing;
When the identification result by the destination identification means is a predetermined identification result, special notification means (announcement/effect control) for performing special notification before the game time related to the special information specified by the destination specifying means. The function of executing the pending notice effect in the device 82),
The special notification means,
It is expected that the display mode of the reserved image corresponding to the special information that is the specific target is higher than the first special display mode (for example, blue) and the first special display mode and the degree of expectation of shifting to the special game state is higher. The second special display mode (for example, red) set to
The display mode of the reserved image is the first special display mode, and the first special notification means is switched to the second special display mode according to the progress of the game (for the second kind notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82). Function that executes the processing of
Second special notification means for setting the display mode of the reserved image to the second display mode without going through the first special display mode (the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 performs the processing for the first type announcement production) Function to execute)
And a notification setting unit (a function of executing a setting process for holding notice effect in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) for setting a special notification by the first special notification unit and the second special notification unit. Tena,
Guide means (electric accessory 34) capable of switching between a guiding state (supporting state) for guiding the game ball to the starting ball entering portion and a non-guiding state (non-supporting state) in which the guidance is not performed,
And a switching control unit (a function of executing a support process in the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for switching the guide unit between the guide state and the non-guide state.
As a switching mode (support mode) by the switching control means, a first switching mode (low frequency support mode) and a second switching set so that the frequency of entering the starting ball entering portion is higher than that of the first mode. Mode (high frequency support mode) is provided,
In the situation where the switching mode by the switching control means is the second switching mode, the notification setting means, regarding the special information in which the following special information does not exist among the stored special information, The gaming machine is configured so that the probability that the special notification is executed by the second special notification means is lower than that in which subsequent special information is stored.

As shown in the characteristic C5, if the configuration is such that the degree of expectation corresponding to the transition to the special game state regarding the special information is notified before the game times related to the stored special information are started. , It can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to the game. Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, as a flow of executing the second special notification having a relatively high degree of expectation, when the second special notification is executed from the beginning and from the first special notification along with the progress of the game. There is a case where switching to the second special notification is performed. In this way, by diversifying the notification mode, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention.

However, when the second special notification with high expectation is given, it is expected that the special information stored at that time includes information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. Will increase. As a result, an event occurs in which the game ball is prevented from being ejected until the stored special information is consumed. It is not preferable that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted because it causes a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, when the second special notification leads to a special game state, the interruption of the firing of the game ball may be a factor to make the subsequent game progress disadvantageous to the player.

In particular, in the second switching mode, it is easier to enter the starting ball entering section than in the first switching mode, and the number of stored special information items reaches the upper limit number. In such a gaming machine, if the second special notification is executed when the latest special information is stored, it is assumed that the notification triggers the suspension operation of the game ball. Therefore, as for the special information that does not have the following special information among the special information stored as shown in this feature, the second special notification is executed as compared with the case where the following special information is stored. If the probability that the game ball will be lowered is reduced, it is possible to reduce the chance that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences resulting from the diversification of the production.

Feature C6. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
Game state transition means (MPU 202 of main controller 81) for transitioning the game state to the special game state (open/close execution mode) when the determination result by the determination means is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information (e.g., a winning result). With the function to execute the game state transition process),
A pattern display means (symbol display device 41) which has a display unit (display screen 41a) and variably displays a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means, the variable display of the pattern is started in the pattern display means, and the stop result corresponding to the result of the determination. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game time, and the variable display of the pattern of each game time is performed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (a function for executing the game time control processing in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81),
Information corresponding to the determination result in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the determination target by the determination means is set before the predetermined special information becomes the determination target. A destination specifying unit (a function of executing a process for announcing suspension in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) specified at timing;
When the identification result by the destination identification means is a predetermined identification result, special notification means (announcement/effect control) for performing special notification before the game time related to the special information specified by the destination specifying means. The function of executing the pending notice effect in the device 82),
The special notification means,
It is expected that the display mode of the reserved image corresponding to the special information that is the specific target is higher than the first special display mode (for example, blue) and the first special display mode and the degree of expectation of shifting to the special game state is higher. The second special display mode (for example, red) set to
The display mode of the reserved image is the first special display mode, and the first special notification means is switched to the second special display mode according to the progress of the game (for the second kind notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82). Function that executes the processing of
Second special notifying means for setting the display mode of the reserved image to the second special display mode without passing through the first special display mode (process for first-class notice effect by MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) Function to execute)
And a notification setting unit (a function of executing a setting process for holding notice effect in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) for setting a special notification by the first special notification unit and the second special notification unit. Tena,
As a setting mode by the notification setting unit, a first setting mode and a second setting mode in which the special notification by the second special notification unit is more likely to occur than the first setting mode are provided.
In the case of the second setting mode based on the player's operation, the second special mode is set based on the fact that the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means has reached a predetermined number. A gaming machine having means for lowering the probability of notification.

As shown in the feature C6, if the configuration is such that the degree of expectation corresponding to the transition to the special game state is notified to the special information before the game times related to the stored special information are started. , It can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to the game. Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, as a flow of executing the second special notification having a relatively high degree of expectation, when the second special notification is executed from the beginning and from the first special notification along with the progress of the game. There is a case where switching to the second special notification is performed. In this way, by diversifying the notification mode, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention.

However, when the second special notification with high expectation is given, it is expected that the special information stored at that time includes information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. Will increase. As a result, an event occurs in which the game ball is prevented from being ejected until the stored special information is consumed. It is not preferable that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted because it causes a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, when the second special notification leads to a special game state, the interruption of the firing of the game ball may be a factor to make the subsequent game progress disadvantageous to the player.

In the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to change the frequency of occurrence of the second special notification according to the operation of the player. Satisfaction can be expected to be improved by performing special notification according to the player's preference. However, when such a function is provided, it is feared that the above-mentioned inconvenience becomes remarkable due to the frequent occurrence of the second special notification.

Here, in this feature, when the number of stored special information has reached a predetermined number under the situation of the second setting mode, the occurrence probability of the second special notification is forced. Be reduced to. That is, even when the probability of occurrence of the second special notification increases in the second setting mode, the probability of occurrence of the special information is reduced on condition that the number of special information has reached a predetermined number. Therefore, the chance that the second special notification is suddenly executed without passing through the first special notification is reduced. In this way, by reducing the opportunity to execute the second special notification early, it is possible to reduce the opportunity to interrupt the game ball launching operation. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences due to the diversification of the production and the improvement of the satisfaction of the player.

Feature C7. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
Game state transition means (MPU 202 of main controller 81) for transitioning the game state to the special game state (open/close execution mode) when the determination result by the determination means is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information (e.g., a winning result). With the function to execute the game state transition process),
A pattern display means (symbol display device 41) which has a display unit (display screen 41a) and variably displays a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means, the variable display of the pattern is started in the pattern display means, and the stop result corresponding to the result of the determination. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game time, and the variable display of the pattern of each game time is performed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (a function for executing the game time control processing in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81),
Information corresponding to the determination result in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the determination target by the determination means is set before the predetermined special information becomes the determination target. A destination specifying unit (a function of executing a process for announcing suspension in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) specified at timing;
When the identification result by the destination identification means is a predetermined identification result, special notification means (announcement/effect control) for performing special notification before the game time related to the special information specified by the destination specifying means. The function of executing the pending notice effect in the device 82),
The special notification means,
It is expected that the display mode of the reserved image corresponding to the special information that is the specific target is higher than the first special display mode (for example, blue) and the first special display mode and the degree of expectation of shifting to the special game state is higher. The second special display mode (for example, red) set to
The display mode of the reserved image is the first special display mode, and the first special notification means is switched to the second special display mode according to the progress of the game (for the second kind notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82). Function that executes the processing of
Second special notification means for setting the display mode of the reserved image to the second display mode without going through the first special display mode (the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 performs the processing for the first type announcement production) Function to execute)
And a notification setting unit (a function of executing a setting process for holding notice effect in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) for setting a special notification by the first special notification unit and the second special notification unit. Tena,
A first setting mode and a second setting mode in which the probability of occurrence of the second special display mode by the second special notification means is higher than that of the first setting mode are set as the setting modes in which the notification setting means performs the setting. Is provided,
A mode switching means for switching the setting mode based on the operation of the player,
Under the condition that the setting mode is the second setting mode, the setting mode is set to the first setting mode when the number of special information stored by the acquired information storage means reaches a predetermined number. And a means for switching to a gaming machine.

As shown in the characteristic C7, if the configuration is such that the degree of expectation corresponding to the transition to the special game state regarding the special information is notified before the game time related to the stored special information is started. , It can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to the game. Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, as a flow of executing the second special notification having a relatively high degree of expectation, when the second special notification is executed from the beginning and from the first special notification along with the progress of the game. There is a case where switching to the second special notification is performed. In this way, by diversifying the notification mode, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention.

However, when the second special notification with high expectation is given, it is expected that the special information stored at that time includes information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. Will increase. As a result, an event occurs in which the game ball is prevented from being ejected until the stored special information is consumed. It is not preferable that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted because it causes a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, when the second special notification leads to a special game state, the interruption of the firing of the game ball may be a factor to make the subsequent game progress disadvantageous to the player.

In the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to change the frequency of occurrence of the second special notification according to the operation of the player. Satisfaction can be expected to be improved by performing special notification according to the player's preference. However, when such a function is provided, it is feared that the above-mentioned inconvenience becomes remarkable due to the frequent occurrence of the second special notification.

Here, in this feature, when the number of stored special information has reached a predetermined number in the second setting mode, the setting mode is switched to the first setting mode, The occurrence probability of the second special notification is forcibly reduced. That is, even when the probability of occurrence of the second special notification is increased in the second setting mode, the probability of occurrence is reduced on condition that the number of special information has reached the predetermined number. Therefore, the chance that the second special notification is suddenly executed without passing through the first special notification is reduced. In this way, by reducing the opportunity to execute the second special notification early, it is possible to reduce the opportunity to interrupt the game ball launching operation. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences due to the diversification of the production and the improvement of the satisfaction of the player.

Feature C8. A starting ball entry portion (actuation ports 33a, 33b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means (function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81);
The number of holding images corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the holding display area (holding number display area Da), and the holding image is determined from the holding display area. A hold display control unit (for example, a hold display function in the notification/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212) that is sequentially moved to the (execution target display area Db),
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
Game state transition means (MPU 202 of main controller 81) for transitioning the game state to the special game state (open/close execution mode) when the determination result by the determination means is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information (e.g., a winning result). With the function to execute the game state transition process),
A pattern display means (symbol display device 41) which has a display unit (display screen 41a) and variably displays a pattern on the display unit;
Prior to the determination made by the determination means or based on the determination made by the determination means, the variable display of the pattern is started in the pattern display means, and the stop result corresponding to the result of the determination. Is displayed and the variable display of the pattern is terminated as one game time, and the variable display of the pattern of each game time is performed according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A game time control means for controlling the pattern display means (a function for executing the game time control processing in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81),
Information corresponding to the determination result in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the determination target by the determination means is set before the predetermined special information becomes the determination target. A destination specifying unit (a function of executing a process for announcing suspension in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) specified at timing;
When the identification result by the destination identification means is a predetermined identification result, special notification means (announcement/effect control) for performing special notification before the game time related to the special information specified by the destination specifying means. The function of executing the pending notice effect in the device 82),
The special notification means,
It is expected that the display mode of the reserved image corresponding to the special information that is the specific target is higher than the first special display mode (for example, blue) and the first special display mode and the degree of expectation of shifting to the special game state is higher. The second special display mode (for example, red) set to
The display mode of the reserved image is the first special display mode, and the first special notification means is switched to the second special display mode according to the progress of the game (for the second kind notice effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82). Function that executes the processing of
Second special notification means for setting the display mode of the reserved image to the second display mode without going through the first special display mode (the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 performs the processing for the first type announcement production) Function to execute)
And a notification setting unit (a function of executing a setting process for holding notice effect in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) for setting a special notification by the first special notification unit and the second special notification unit. Tena,
The notification setting means performs the setting by referring to any one of a plurality of notification setting tables configured so that the occurrence probability of the second special notification is different.
First switching means for switching the notification setting table to be referred to based on the operation of the player,
Under the situation where the first switching unit switches to the notification setting table in which the occurrence probability of the second special notification is higher than the predetermined probability, the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage unit is When the predetermined number is reached, a second switching means is provided for switching the notification setting table whose occurrence probability of the second special notification is lower than the notification setting table so as to be a reference target. Amusement machine.

As shown in the characteristic C8, if the configuration is such that the degree of expectation corresponding to the transition to the special game state regarding the special information is notified before the game times related to the stored special information are started. , It can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to the game. Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, as a flow of executing the second special notification having a relatively high degree of expectation, when the second special notification is executed from the beginning and from the first special notification along with the progress of the game. There is a case where switching to the second special notification is performed. In this way, by diversifying the notification mode, it is possible to more suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention.

However, when the second special notification with high expectation is given, it is expected that the special information stored at that time includes information corresponding to the transition to the special gaming state. Will increase. As a result, an event occurs in which the game ball is prevented from being ejected until the stored special information is consumed. It is not preferable that the operation of launching the game ball is interrupted because it causes a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Further, when the second special notification leads to a special game state, the interruption of the firing of the game ball may be a factor to make the subsequent game progress disadvantageous to the player.

In the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to change the frequency of occurrence of the second special notification according to the operation of the player. Satisfaction can be expected to be improved by performing special notification according to the player's preference. However, when such a function is provided, it is feared that the above-mentioned inconvenience becomes remarkable due to the frequent occurrence of the second special notification.

Here, in this feature, the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number under the condition that the probability of occurrence of the second special notification is adjusted by the player to be higher than the predetermined probability. If so, the notification setting table to be referred to is switched to one having a lower occurrence probability of the second special notification than the current one, and the occurrence probability of the second special notification is forcibly reduced. That is, even when the probability of occurrence of the second special notification is increased by the operation of the player, the probability of occurrence is reduced on condition that the number of special information has reached a predetermined number. Therefore, the chance that the second special notification is suddenly executed without passing through the first special notification is reduced. In this way, by reducing the opportunity to execute the second special notification early, it is possible to reduce the opportunity to interrupt the game ball launching operation. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences due to the diversification of the production and the improvement of the satisfaction of the player.

Feature C9. The game according to Feature C8, wherein the second switching unit is configured to switch to a notification setting table in which the occurrence probability of the second special notification is equal to or lower than the predetermined probability. Machine.

As indicated by the characteristic C9, when the probability of occurrence of the second special notification is increased by the player, the probability of occurrence of the second special notification is decreased to at least the predetermined probability. Thereby, the effect shown in the feature C8 can be suitably exhibited.

Feature C10. Guide means (electric accessory 34) capable of switching between a guide state (support state) for guiding the game ball to the starting ball entering portion and a non-guide state (non-support state) in which the guide is not performed,
And a switching control unit (a function of executing a support process in the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for switching the guide unit between the guide state and the non-guide state.
As a switching mode (support mode) by the switching control means, a first switching mode (low frequency support mode) and a second switching set so that the frequency of entering the starting ball entering portion is higher than that of the first mode. Mode (high frequency support mode) is provided,
In the case where the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means has reached the upper limit number under the condition that the switching mode by the switching control means is the second switching mode, the notification setting means The feature C6 to C6 is characterized in that the probability of performing the special notification by the second special notification means is reduced as compared with the case where the number of stored special information does not reach the upper limit number. The gaming machine described in any one of the features C9.

In the second switching mode indicated by the feature C10, it is easier to enter the starting ball entering portion than in the first switching mode. For this reason, when the second switching mode is set, the number of times the stored special information reaches the upper limit increases. For example, it is possible to set the number smaller than the upper limit number of storable special information as the above-mentioned predetermined number, but in such a configuration, by combining the first special notification and the second special notification, various notification modes are possible. The effect of trying to achieve this will not be achieved well. In addition, generally, in the first switching mode, the game ball is continuously ejected for the reason that the game can be advanced while suppressing the reduction of the number of balls held. In such a gaming machine, if the second special notification is executed when the latest special information is stored, it is assumed that the notification triggers the suspension operation of the game ball. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the predetermined number=the upper limit number is set and the probability of occurrence of the second special notification is reduced when the upper limit number is reached, while diversifying the notification mode, the operation resulting from the diversification It is possible to preferably solve problems such as a decrease in the rate.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the characteristics A group to the characteristics B group to the characteristics C group described in detail above.

<Characteristic D group> Decrease in occurrence probability of re-variation display according to the number of holiday makers Characteristic D1. An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) when a predetermined acquisition condition is satisfied;
An acquisition information storage unit capable of storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition unit (a function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81);
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result (for example, a winning result) corresponding to predetermined determination information, a game state transition unit (of the main control device 81) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening/closing execution mode) Function to execute the game state transition process in MPU202),
A continuous number storage means (a function of storing the continuous number in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) for storing the number of continuous times that the special game state is transitioned until a predetermined ending condition is satisfied,
Special effect executing means for executing special effect (reach display corresponding to re-variation) (function of executing reach display for re-variation in the notification/effect control device 82 and the display control device 212);
And a determination unit that determines whether or not to execute the special effect in accordance with the number of consecutive times stored by the number-of-consecutive-times storage unit (a function of determining an effect mode by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82). A gaming machine characterized by being.

According to the feature D1, when the transition to the special game state occurs continuously, it is possible to change the occurrence probability of the special effect in accordance with the number of continuous times. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the generation mode of the effect changes according to the number of consecutive times, it is possible to preferably suppress monotonization of the game.

Feature D2. An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring hold information by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81) for acquiring special information (hold information) when a predetermined acquisition condition is satisfied;
An acquisition information storage unit capable of storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition unit (a function of storing pending information in the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81);
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information) (the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 performs a judgment processing etc.). Function to execute)
Informing means for informing the determination result by the determining means when the determination is made by the determining means (a function of executing the game time effect by the informing/effect control device 82 or the display control device 212),
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result (for example, a winning result) corresponding to predetermined determination information, a game state transition unit (of the main control device 81) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening/closing execution mode) With the function of executing the game state transition process in MPU202),
The notifying means is
Special effect executing means for executing a special effect (reach display corresponding to re-variation or reach display not corresponding to re-variation) corresponding to the transition to the special game state at a game time that triggers the transition to the special game state. (Function of executing reach display by the notification/production control device 82 and the display control device 212),
A continuous number storage means (a function of storing the continuous number in the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) for storing the number of times the continuous game has transitioned to the special game state until the continuous end condition is satisfied.
And a special effect mode determining unit (a function of determining an effect mode by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) that determines the mode of the special effect in accordance with the number of times of continuation stored in the continuous number storage unit. A gaming machine characterized by being present.

According to the feature D1, when the transition to the special game state occurs continuously, it is possible to change the occurrence probability of the special effect in accordance with the number of continuous times. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the generation mode of the effect changes according to the number of consecutive times, it is possible to preferably suppress monotonization of the game.

Feature D3. The notifying means has a display section (display screen 41a) capable of variably displaying a picture, and the picture corresponding to the judgment result by the judging means is variably displayed and stopped and displayed on the display section. Equipped with a display device 41),
As a mode of the special effect, in the process of stopping and displaying the pattern corresponding to the transition to the special game state, there is a special mode in which the pattern not corresponding to the transition to the special game state is temporarily stopped and displayed,
The special effect mode determination means is configured so that the possibility of setting the special mode as the mode of the special effect becomes low as the number of consecutive times stored by the continuous number storage means increases. A gaming machine described in Feature D2.

A configuration in which a pattern that does not correspond to the transition to the special game state is stopped and displayed, and then a pattern that corresponds to the transition to the special game state is stopped and displayed, that is, a configuration in which the result is hit and then the result is notified ( For example, by using a revival effect or a re-changing effect), even if the result is off in another game, it is possible to prevent the expectation of the winning result from rapidly decreasing, and Improvement can be realized. In a situation where the transition to the special game state is not continuous, the immediate goal of the player may be the transition to the special game state. For this reason, it is effective to interweave the notification in the above-mentioned special mode to perform the display effect for each game, in order to give the player a psychological enhancement. On the other hand, when the transition to the special game state is continuous, the player's attention is likely to quickly turn to the next special game state. In other words, a sense of speed tends to be emphasized. The effect in the special mode described above looks like if the effect is unnecessarily extended even if the actual variable display period is not so long because the deviation pattern is temporarily stopped, and the flow of the effect of making it appear to be disengaged is a game. There is a high possibility that the person will feel annoyed.

Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the possibility that the special mode is set as the mode of the special effect is reduced due to the increase in the number of consecutive times, the special mode is a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. It can be preferably avoided. In addition, in a situation where the player's feeling of uplifting is increasing due to continuous transition to the special game state, it is configured to avoid a temporary stop that acts to lower the feeling of uplifting even temporarily, Since the picture corresponding to the shift to the open/close execution mode is stopped and displayed, the uplifting feeling can be appropriately maintained.

It should be noted that “as one game time, after the variable display of the patterns is started in a plurality of variable display areas, a plurality of unit displays for displaying the symbols in each variable display area in a stopped display or a temporary stop display are performed. In the configuration including the “control means”, the “temporary stop display” corresponds to the “temporary stop display”. Incidentally, "temporary stop" shown in this feature means that the movement of switching the design is stopped, and whether the design is stationary or not is arbitrary. In view of such circumstances, "temporary stop" may be "stopped" in order to distinguish it from the final stop display.

Feature D4. The notifying means has a display section (display screen 41a) capable of variably displaying a picture, and the picture corresponding to the judgment result by the judging means is variably displayed and stopped and displayed on the display section. Equipped with a display device 41),
As a mode of the special effect, in the process of stopping and displaying the pattern corresponding to the transition to the special game state, there is a special mode in which the pattern not corresponding to the transition to the special game state is temporarily stopped and displayed,
The special effect mode determination means sets the special mode as the mode of the special effect after the number of consecutive times stored in the consecutive number storage means reaches the predetermined number of times rather than until the number of consecutive times reaches the predetermined number. The gaming machine according to Feature D2, which is configured to have a low possibility.

A configuration in which a pattern that does not correspond to the transition to the special game state is stopped and displayed, and then a pattern that corresponds to the transition to the special game state is stopped and displayed, that is, a configuration in which the result is hit and then the result is notified ( For example, by using a revival effect or a re-changing effect), even if the result is off in another game, it is possible to prevent the expectation of the winning result from rapidly decreasing, and Improvement can be realized. In a situation where the transition to the special game state is not continuous, the immediate goal of the player may be the transition to the special game state. For this reason, it is effective to interweave the notification in the above-mentioned special mode to perform the display effect for each game, in order to give the player a psychological enhancement. On the other hand, when the transition to the special game state is continuous, the player's attention is likely to quickly turn to the next special game state. In other words, a sense of speed tends to be emphasized. The effect in the special mode described above looks like if the effect is unnecessarily extended even if the actual variable display period is not so long because the deviation pattern is temporarily stopped, and the flow of the effect of making it appear to be disengaged is a game. There is a high possibility that the person will feel annoyed.

Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the possibility that the special mode is set as the mode of the special effect is reduced when the number of consecutive times exceeds the predetermined number, the special mode reduces the player's willingness to play the game. It can be preferably avoided that it becomes a factor. In addition, in a situation where the player's feeling of uplifting is increasing due to continuous transition to the special game state, it is configured to avoid a temporary stop that acts to lower the feeling of uplifting even temporarily, Since the picture corresponding to the shift to the open/close execution mode is stopped and displayed, the uplifting feeling can be appropriately maintained.

It should be noted that “as one game time, after the variable display of the patterns is started in a plurality of variable display areas, a plurality of unit displays for displaying the symbols in each variable display area in a stopped display or a temporary stop display are performed. In the configuration including the “control means”, the “temporary stop display” corresponds to the “temporary stop display”. Incidentally, "temporary stop" shown in this feature means that the movement of switching the design is stopped, and whether the design is stationary or not is arbitrary. In view of such circumstances, "temporary stop" may be "stopped" in order to distinguish it from the final stop display.

By the way, the configuration shown in this feature is described as follows: "The notifying means has a display section (display screen 41a) capable of variably displaying a pattern, and variably displays the pattern corresponding to the judgment result by the judging section. It is provided with a pattern display means (symbol display device 41) for stopping and displaying, and as a mode of the special effect, in the process of stopping and displaying the pattern corresponding to the shift to the special game state, the shift to the special game state is performed. The special effect mode determining means has a special mode of temporarily stopping and displaying a pattern that does not correspond, and the special effect mode determining means has a lower probability of becoming the special mode than the first selecting means (for example, the effect distribution table X0) and the first selecting means. It has the second selection means (for example, the effect distribution table X1) set so that the special effect is performed by the first selection means until the number of consecutive times stored by the consecutive number storage means reaches a predetermined number. Is determined, and when the number of consecutive times reaches the predetermined number of times, it is configured to determine the mode of the special effect by the second selecting means, the game according to the feature D2. Machine."

Feature D5. The gaming state transition means changes the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the special gaming state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state when the determination result by the determination means is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information. It is a first game state transition means to transition,
When the special game state ends, a second game state transition means for transitioning the game state from the special game state to the normal game state is provided,
As the normal game state, a first normal game state (a normal game state corresponding to a low frequency support mode and a low probability mode) and a second normal game state that is more advantageous to the player than the first normal game state (for example, high frequency support) Mode and high probability mode compatible normal game state),
The gaming machine according to the feature D3 or the feature D4, wherein the consecutive number storage means is configured to store the number of times the special game state is entered without shifting to the first normal game state.

As shown in the characteristic D5, when the first normal game state (disadvantage side)/second normal game state (advantage side) is provided, the second normal game state→special game state→second normal game state By repeating the above, it becomes a chance to obtain many benefits, and the player's psychological enhancement can be given.

Regarding the above-mentioned special mode, it is possible to improve the degree of attention to the game in the first normal gaming state (the disadvantage side) because of the characteristic that the result is hit and then the winning result is notified. In the second normal game state (advantageous side), the player is likely to feel annoyed. In other words, although the feeling of uplifting is fueled in the flow of the game, the presence of the special mode may act to reduce the feeling of uplifting even temporarily. By applying the technical idea shown in the feature D1 or the like to such a configuration, a configuration that is practically preferable can be realized.

Note that, for example, "as the determination mode by the determination means, there is a first determination mode and a second determination mode in which a result corresponding to the predetermined determination information is more likely than the first determination mode, and a game is entered into the starting ball entering section. A guide means for switching between a guidance state for guiding the ball and a non-guidance state for not performing the guidance, and a switching means for switching the guidance means between the guidance state and the non-guidance state, and switching by the switching means As the modes, a first switching mode and a second switching mode that is more likely to be in the guidance state than the first switching mode are provided.” In the configuration, the determination mode is the first determination mode and the switching mode is the first switching mode. When it is, it corresponds to the "first normal game state", and the other cases correspond to the "second normal game state".

Feature D6. A third game state transition means for shifting the game state to the first normal game state when the number of times the determination is performed in the second normal game state reaches a prescribed number,
The special effect mode determination means reduces the decrease in the probability of being in the special mode by the number of times the determination is performed in the second normal game state approaching the specified number of times. The gaming machine according to feature D5, which is configured as described above.

As shown in the characteristic D6, the number of times limit is set in the second normal game state (advantageous side), and in the second normal game state, if the special game state is not transitioned to before the specified number of times, the first normal game state ( In the configuration of shifting to the disadvantage side, if the regulation of the special mode is relaxed by approaching the specified number of times, the chance of becoming the special mode increases immediately before the end of the second normal gaming state. Since it is assumed that the player expects continuation rather than exhilaration as the number of times approaches the specified number, it is easy for the player to be in a special mode when the second regular game state is over and the extended game is likely to stop. It is possible to provide a production that matches the emotions of the player. Therefore, the satisfaction level of the player can be suitably improved.

Feature D7. As the second normal game state,
A first type game state configured to shift to the first normal game state when the number of times the determination is performed in the second normal game state reaches a prescribed number,
In the case of the second normal game state, a second type game state configured to maintain the second normal game state until the special game state is transitioned to by the first game state transition means. Is provided,
Characteristic D5 or characteristic D6, wherein the special effect mode determination means is configured such that the probability of the special mode in the second type game state is lower than that in the first type game state. Gaming machine described in.

According to the characteristic D7, in the second type game state (advantage side) where the number of times is not limited, the probability of being a special mode is lower than in the first type game state where the number of times is limited (adverse side). If there is no limit on the number of times, there is no break in continuity. Therefore, in the second type game state, it is assumed that the player performs the game with the expectation of shifting to the special game state as soon as possible. Therefore, particularly in the second type game state, by lowering the probability of being in the special mode, such a player's feeling can be appropriately reflected in the effect. On the other hand, when the number of times is limited, the player's attention is directed to the transition to the special game state itself, and it becomes difficult to give importance to the sense of speed of the game and the like. Therefore, in the first type gaming state, the possibility of becoming a special mode is not extremely lowered, but the following effects can be expected by leaving room for the special mode. That is, when the type 1 game state is finished and the holidaymaker is likely to stop, it is possible to provide an effect in accordance with the player's emotions by facilitating a special mode. Therefore, the satisfaction level of the player can be suitably improved.

Feature D8. The acquisition information storage means is capable of storing a plurality of the special information,
The special effect mode determination means determines the mode of the special effect according to the number of continuous times stored by the continuous number storage means and the number of special information stored by the acquired information storage means. The gaming machine described in any one of the features D2 to D7, characterized in that the possibility of becoming the special mode is reduced by increasing the number of special information.

In a game machine of a type to which a so-called time saving function is added, the progress speed of the game becomes faster when the number of stored special information is large. As described above, when the display is temporarily stopped when shifting to the special game state, although the actual variable display period is not always long when such a display is not performed, the stop display is sandwiched. As a result, the variable display period for sensation can be lengthened. This is assumed to be a factor that gives the player the impression that the effect is unnecessarily extended. Therefore, when the number of stored reservations is large, the possibility of becoming a special mode is reduced, so that the inconvenience described above is suppressed and the game proceeds smoothly. It becomes possible to make an impression.

In addition, the configuration shown in this characteristic is that "the acquired information storage means is capable of storing a plurality of the special information, and the special effect mode determination means is configured to store the continuous number and the acquired number stored in the continuous number storage means. The gaming machine according to any one of features D2 to D7, which is configured to determine a mode of the special effect according to the number of special information stored by the information storage means. It is also possible to say. In addition, "the acquisition information storage means is capable of storing a plurality of the special information, and the special effect mode determination means is stored by the continuation number and the acquisition information storage means stored by the continuation number storage means. The special effect mode is determined according to the number of the special information, and when the number of the special information is less than a predetermined number, a decrease in the probability of the special mode is configured to be reduced. The gaming machine according to any one of the characteristics D2 to D7."

Feature D9. The acquisition information storage means is capable of storing a plurality of the special information,
The special effect mode determination means determines the mode of the special effect according to the number of consecutive times stored by the consecutive number storage means and the number of special information stored by the acquired information storage means. Characteristic D2 to characteristic characterized in that the possibility of becoming the special mode is lower when the special information is stored than in the case where the subsequent special information is not stored. The gaming machine described in any one of D8.

As described above, when the display is temporarily stopped when shifting to the special game state, although the actual variable display period is not always long when such a display is not performed, the stop display is sandwiched. As a result, the variable display period for sensation can be lengthened. This is assumed to be a factor that gives the player the impression that the effect is unnecessarily extended. Here, when the subsequent special information is present, it is highly possible that the player is actively trying to advance the game, as compared with the case where the subsequent special information is not present. On the other hand, when the subsequent special information does not exist, there is a high possibility that the game is being played at my own pace. Therefore, when the following special information exists, the possibility of becoming the above-mentioned special mode is reduced more than when the following special information does not exist, and the following special information exists. In this case, by reducing the reduction width of the possibility of becoming the above special mode, it is possible to provide an effect tailored to the style of the player.

Feature D10. A variable display period setting means for setting a variable display period for executing variable display of the pattern on the pattern display means based on the special information;
The special effect mode determination means determines the mode of the special effect based on the variable display period set by the variable display period setting means,
The special mode is a first special mode in which a pattern corresponding to the determination result is stopped and displayed via a reach display disconnection,
A second special mode in which the pattern corresponding to the determination result is stopped and displayed without passing through the reach display deviation,
Any of the features D3 to D9 characterized in that the variable display period associated with the first special mode and the variable display period associated with the second special mode match. The gaming machine described in one.

According to the characteristic D10, the variable display periods are unified in the first special mode and the second special mode. Therefore, in the case where the mode is changed according to the number of consecutive times as shown in the feature D2 or the like, even if the first special mode (special mode) is avoided, such diversity is controlled. It is possible to favorably suppress a factor that extremely increases the load and the like.

The technical ideas described in the features D2 to D10 may be applied to the feature D1.

Incidentally, it is also possible to apply the respective technical ideas shown in the characteristic groups A to C to the characteristic group D described in detail above.

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

Pachinko gaming machine: operating means operated by a player (launching handle 54), gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball based on the operation of the operating means (gaming ball launching mechanism 53), and the launched gaming ball A ball passage (rail portions 51, 52) that guides the game area to a predetermined game area, and game parts (game nails 38, etc.) arranged in the game area (game area PE) are provided. A gaming machine that gives a bonus to a player when a game ball passes through a passage portion (general winning opening 31 or the like).

Rotating machine game machines such as slot machines: Variable display means for displaying the final stop of the symbol row after variable display of the symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols is provided, and the variation of the symbol starts due to the operation of the starting operation means. The fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating device for stop or after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a special game advantageous to the player on condition that the final symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Belt-type gaming machine using a ball: Variable display means for displaying the final stop of the symbol row after variably displaying the symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols, the variation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the starting operation means, and stopped. Due to the operation of the operation means or after a lapse of a predetermined time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a special game state advantageous to the player (bonus) as a necessary condition that the final stopped symbol at that time is a specific symbol. A loading device that is configured to generate a game or the like) and further includes a ball tray to perform a loading process for loading a game ball from the ball tray, and a dispensing device that dispenses the game ball to the ball tray. A game machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when a game ball is thrown in.

10... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 33... Actuation opening unit, 33a... Upper actuation opening as ball entry portion, 33b... Design display device as design display means, 41... Design display device as design display means, 41a... Display screen, 81... Main control device constituting game time control means, 82... Notification/production control device, 202... MPU, 203... ROM, 204... RAM, 242... MPU, 243... ROM, 244... RAM, 212... Display control device, Da... Hold number display area, Db... Execution target display area, ME... Variable display area, MP... Hold icon, NE... Hold display area, PE... Game area, Z1 to Z3... Symbol row.

Claims (4)

Starting entrance ball provided in the game area,
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the entrance into the starting entrance part,
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Hold display control for displaying a hold image of a number corresponding to the number of the special information currently stored in the acquired information storage means in a hold display area and sequentially moving the hold image from the hold display area to a determination display area. Means and
Determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information,
A pattern display unit that has a display unit and variably displays a plurality of patterns on the display unit;
Variable display control means for stopping and displaying a pattern combination corresponding to the determination result by the determination means after variably displaying the plurality of patterns,
And a game state transition unit that transitions the game state to a special game state when the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information,
The variable display control means,
First variable display means for stopping and displaying a predetermined pattern combination after variably displaying the pattern,
A second variable display means for temporarily stopping and displaying a pattern combination that is the same as or different from the predetermined pattern combination in the process of stopping and displaying the predetermined pattern combination after variably displaying the pattern.
The hold display control means may reach the determination display area with the predetermined hold image displayed in the hold display area when the predetermined pattern combination is temporarily stopped and displayed by the second variable display means. With special moving means for moving toward the judgment display area so that the player can recognize,
The second variable display means changes means for changing the temporarily stopped and displayed different picture combination to the predetermined picture combination after the hold display control means starts moving the held image. A gaming machine characterized by having. The special moving means includes a returning means for returning the holding image moving toward the determination display area to the display area where the holding image was displayed before the movement. The gaming machine described in 1. The special moving means ends the movement of the reserved image toward the determination display area before changing the temporarily stopped and displayed pattern combination, and returns the reserved image to the display area before the movement. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: During the period from the start of the movement of the reserved image by the special movement means to the return to the original display area, the fixed display for confirming and displaying the judgment result while keeping the pattern combination corresponding to the judgment result stopped The gaming machine according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the gaming machine is shorter than the period.

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