JP6891416B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

For example, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, those provided with an operating means operated by a player are known. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1, an operating means is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine, and in order to make the player expect the occurrence of a special gaming state or the like that is advantageous to the player, a special effect is produced according to the operation of the player. Is configured to be displayed on the screen or the like. In a gaming machine that employs operating means in this way, how to raise the degree of attention of the player to the game by using the operating means has become an important issue.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-29764

Here, there is a concern that simply performing a special effect according to the operation of the operating means will make the operation monotonous and the freshness will be diminished, and the interest in the operation itself will easily decrease. On the other hand, if various special effects are executed according to each operation, it is possible to suppress the monotony of the game, but it is assumed that the operation mode becomes complicated and the player is likely to be confused. To. In this way, there is still room for improvement in the composition in order to raise the degree of attention to the game by special production.

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

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

The present invention
In a gaming machine provided with an operating means operated by a player and an effect executing means for executing an operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operating means.
The effect executing means is based on the first effect executing means for executing the first operation corresponding effect based on the operation of the operation means during the first operation valid period and the operation of the operation means during the second operation valid period. It has a second effect executing means for executing a second operation-compatible effect different from the first operation-compatible effect.
When the second operation-compatible effect is executed after a predetermined period of time after the end of the first operation-compatible effect, the operation mode of the operation means that triggers the execution of the second operation-compatible effect is described in the first operation-compatible effect. An operation mode setting means for setting based on the operation mode of the operation means is provided.
The first demonstration execution means, said first operating lifetime the operation means in the said operating means during when said first operating lifetime operated in the first operating mode is operated in the second operating mode In either case, the first operation-corresponding effect can be executed.
The operation mode setting means is the operation that triggers the execution of the second operation correspondence effect when the first operation correspondence effect is executed based on the operation of the operation means in the first operation mode. When the first operation mode is set as the operation mode of the means and the first operation correspondence effect is executed based on the operation of the operation means in the second operation mode, the second operation correspondence effect is performed. The second operation mode is set as the operation mode of the operation means that triggers the execution of the above.

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

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of a pachinko machine viewed diagonally from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an unfolded manner. It is a perspective view which shows the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an unfolded manner. It is a front view which shows the structure of the inner frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of the inner frame. It is a perspective view which shows the back structure of the game board. It is a front view which shows the structure of the back pack unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. (A) A flowchart showing a variation display control process executed by the MPU of the notification / effect control device, and (b) a flowchart showing a variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows the process for operation determination. It is a flowchart which shows the process for the 1st effect. (A) is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the second effect, and (b) is a flowchart showing the second effect setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd production process. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of a game. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between the 1st effect and the 2nd effect in 2nd Embodiment. (A) A flowchart showing a setting content update process executed by the MPU of the notification / effect control device, and (b) a timing chart showing the flow of the game. It is the schematic which shows the state of the transition from the 1st production to the 2nd production. It is a flowchart which shows the process for operation determination. (A) is a flowchart showing the setting content update process in the third embodiment, and (b) is a timing chart showing the flow of the game. (B) is a flowchart showing the setting content update process in the fourth embodiment, and (b) is a timing chart showing the flow of the game. 6 is a flowchart showing various processes related to the second effect in the sixth embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of a game.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment 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. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 viewed diagonally from the front, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the main configurations of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 3, the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in the game area is omitted for convenience.

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 game machine main portion 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting plate members on all four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed on the island equipment of the amusement park by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. The outer frame 11 is not an indispensable configuration in the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in the island equipment of the amusement park.

The outer frame 11 supports the main portion 12 of the gaming machine in a state where it can be opened and closed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further, the lower frame portion and the left frame in the outer frame 11 are fixed. The lower support metal fitting 18 is fixed to the connecting portion with the portion. A support mechanism is composed of the upper support metal fittings 17 and the lower support metal fittings 18, and the support mechanism causes the game machine main portion 12 to rotate on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11. The right side is the rotation tip side, and the pachinko machine 10 can be rotated forward.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine main portion 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack arranged behind the inner frame 13. It includes a unit 15 (see FIG. 4). The inner frame 13 of the main portion 12 of the gaming machine is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11.

A front door frame 14 is rotatably attached to the end of the inner frame 13 on the rotation base end side, and the front door frame 14 rotates with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side in front view. It can rotate forward as the tip side. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to an end portion of the inner frame 13 on the rotation base end side, and the back pack unit 15 rotates on the left side in front view. It is possible to rotate backward with the moving base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side.

Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a frame body 20 made of synthetic resin having an outer shape substantially the same shape as the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 13. ing. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 (see FIG. 1) is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of the gaming area PE, which will be described later, can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. 21 is covered by the glass unit 30 from the back side of the front door frame 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, a glass unit installation portion 22 is formed in the frame body 20 so as to surround the window portion 21. Specifically, the glass unit installation portion 22 is arranged on the back side of the frame body 20 and is recessed toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the window portion 21 is arranged at the bottom thereof. The glass unit 30 is fitted into the glass unit installation portion 22 to regulate displacement in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

The glass unit 30 includes transparent glass panels 31, 32 and a glass holder 33 that holds the glass panels 31, 32. The glass holder 33 has an annular frame portion formed along the window portion 21, and the glass panels 31 and 32 are housed in the area surrounded by the frame portion.

To explain again with reference to FIG. 1, various lamps and other light emitting means are provided around the window portion 21. For example, an annular illumination portion 24 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the peripheral edge of the window portion 21. The annular illumination unit 24 is lit or blinked according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. More specifically, a top lamp portion 25 having a function of lighting when a predetermined error is provided is provided at the center of the annular illumination portion 24 and at the uppermost portion of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize is given to both the left and right sides of the window portion 21. A side lamp portion 26 provided with a function of lighting during ball payout is provided. Further, on both the left and right sides of the top lamp unit 25, speaker units 27 for outputting sound effects and the like according to the game state are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 28 and a lower bulging portion 29 bulging toward the front side are vertically arranged side by side. The upper bulging portion 28 is provided with an upper plate 28a that is open upward, and the lower bulging portion 29 is provided with a lower plate 29a that is also opened upward. The upper plate 28a has a function of temporarily storing the game balls paid out from the payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism side described later while arranging them in a row. Further, the lower plate 29a has a function of storing excess game balls in the upper plate 28a.

An operation button 40 operated by the player (specifically, a pressing operation or a pressing operation) is provided on a portion of the upper bulging portion 28 that is on the front side of the upper plate 28a (storage area of the game ball). The operation button 40 is an operation device for the player to give a predetermined instruction in the process of progress of the game for the purpose of performing a predetermined effect on the display screen or the like of the symbol display device described later. The effect executed based on the operation of the operation button 40 will be described in detail later.

A game ball launching handle 45 is provided at a position side by side with the lower bulging portion 29 so as to project toward the front side. By operating the game ball launching handle 45, the game ball is launched from the game ball launching mechanism described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of synthetic resin and has a front door side upper plate passage leading to the upper plate 28a and a front door side lower plate passage leading to the lower plate 29a. A receiving portion 53 that protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed in the upper corner portion of the passage forming unit 50, and the front door side upper plate passage is formed by partitioning the receiving portion 53 to the left and right by a partition wall 54. An entrance portion and an entrance portion of the lower plate passage on the front door side are formed. The upper plate passage on the front door side and the lower plate passage on the front door side lead to the game ball distribution section described later on the upstream side, and the game balls entering the upper plate passage on the front door side are guided to the upper plate 28a and lower on the front door side. The game ball that has entered the plate passage is guided to the lower plate 29a.

Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. Note that, in FIG. 5, the configuration in the gaming area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted as in FIG.

The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 60 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 5) on the front surface of the resin base 60. Further, bearing metal fittings 57 and 58 are provided on the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 2) on the back surface of the front door frame 14 in correspondence with the support metal fittings 71 and 72. Shafts are formed on the support metal fittings 71 and 72, and the front door frame 14 is rotated with respect to the inner frame 13 by inserting these shaft parts into the bearing holes of the bearing metal fittings 57 and 58 of the front door frame 14. It is movably supported. That is, these support metal fittings 71 and 72 and bearing metal fittings 57 and 58 form an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

A locking device 75 is provided on the front surface of the inner frame 13. The locking device 75 has a plurality of front door hook members 76 extending toward the front door frame 14. Corresponding to these front door hook members 76, a plurality of hook receiving members 59 extending toward the inner frame 13 are provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 (see FIG. 3). When the front door hook member 76 is hooked on the hook receiving member 59, the front door frame 14 is locked in a closed state. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the locking device 75 has an inner frame hook member 77 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. The inner frame hook member 77 is hooked on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11 to lock the gaming machine main portion 12 in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

A cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75 is installed in the lower right corner of the resin base 60. The cylinder lock 78 is integrated with the locking device 75, and its tip portion (keyhole portion) is exposed in front of the pachinko machine 10 through a hole provided in the front door frame 14. Turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 to the right unlocks the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13, and turning the key to the left unlocks the inner frame 13 to the outer frame 11. ..

A game board accommodating portion 61 for accommodating the game board 80 is formed in a substantially central portion on the front surface of the resin base 60. The game board accommodating portion 61 is recessed behind the pachinko machine 10 to form an accommodating space for accommodating the game board 80, and the game board 80 attached to the resin base 60 is fitted in the accommodating space. It has become.

The game board 80 has a wooden plywood and a sheet material covering the front side plate surface of the plywood, and the front surface thereof is exposed to the front side of the resin base 60 through the open portion of the game board accommodating portion 61. .. A game area PE on which the game ball flows down is formed on the exposed portion, that is, on the front surface of the game board 80. As described above, the game area PE is covered with the glass panels 31 and 32. The glass panel 32 on the rear side is arranged so that the gap with the front surface of the game board 80 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game ball flowing down the game area PE is moved back and forth at the same position in the game area PE. It is arranged so that it does not line up. As a result, ball clogging in the game area PE is suppressed. The game board 80 is not limited to wood, and may be made of synthetic resin.

Hereinafter, the game board 80 (particularly various configurations arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board 80.

The game board 80 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings that penetrate in its own thickness direction (front-back direction) by being subjected to router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 81, a variable ball entry device 82, operating openings 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, a variable display unit 85, and the like. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable ball entry device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b, the game balls are detected by a detection switch described later, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. Will be done. In addition, an out port 86 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 80, and a game ball that does not enter various winning openings or the like is discharged from the game area PE through the out port 86.

Further, in the game board 80, a large number of nails 87 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are arranged. Depending on the various configurations of the nail 87, the windmill, and the like, the flow path of the game ball is differentiated, and the above-mentioned general winning opening 81 and the like are adjusted so as to generate a prize with an appropriate probability.

The variable ball entry device 82 is normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot win or is difficult to win, and can be switched to a predetermined open state in which the game ball can easily win a prize at the time of a big hit. As an opening mode of the variable ball-entry device 82, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is set as one round, and the variable ball-entry device 82 is opened for a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds). ) Is set to be repeated up to the upper limit.

The variable display unit 85 is arranged near the center of the game board 80, and the operating ports 83a and 83b are arranged below the variable display unit 85. More specifically, the actuating ports 83a and 83b are arranged side by side with the actuating port 83a on the upper side and the actuating port 83b on the lower side. The lower operating port 83b (lower operating port 83b) is provided with an electric accessory 91 as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces. The electric accessory 91 is in a closed state (non-supported state or non-guided state) in which it is impossible or difficult to enter the operating port 83b, and an open state (support) in which the game ball is easier to enter than in the closed state. It is possible to switch between the state and the guide state), and when the lottery based on the winning of the through gate 84 is won, the main control device controls the opening state. As the opening / closing mode of the electric accessory, a low frequency support mode set so that the winning frequency to the lower operating port 83b is lower than that of the upper operating port 83a (upper operating port 83a) and the upper operating port 83a When a high-frequency support mode is set so that the winning frequency to the lower operating port 83b is high, and a predetermined winning result is obtained by a lottery based on the entry into each operating port 83a, 83b. The configuration is such that the low-frequency support mode is switched to the high-frequency support mode.

The variable display unit 85 and the operating ports 83a and 83b are parts that control the game playability, and the player's attention is easily gathered. By arranging the variable display units 85 and the operating ports 83a and 83b side by side in the center of the gaming machine, the amount of movement of the line of sight between the two is suppressed, which contributes to the reduction of the burden on the player's eyes.

The variable display unit 85 includes a symbol display device 94 that variably displays a symbol triggered by winning a prize in the operating ports 83a and 83b. The symbol display device 94 is configured as a liquid crystal display device provided with a liquid crystal display (display screen 94a), and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. Specifically, on the display screen 94a, the symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are variably displayed so as to be scrolled in the vertical direction. Then, when a big hit occurs, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset effective line, and the game shifts to a special gaming state. The display mode on the display screen 94a may be changed as follows. That is, the symbols may be displayed side by side in the upper, middle, and lower rows, and the symbols may be scrolled in the left-right direction for variable display.

Further, the variable display unit 85 includes a center frame 95 formed so as to surround the symbol display device 94. A first specific lamp portion 96 and a second specific lamp portion 97 are provided on the upper portion of the center frame 95. Further, holding lamp portions 98 and 99 are provided on the upper portion and the lower portion of the center frame 95, respectively. The lower hold lamp section 98 corresponds to the symbol display device 94 and the first specific lamp section 96, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the operating ports 83a and 83b is held up to four times, and the hold lamp section 98 is held. The number of holdings is displayed by lighting. The upper holding lamp unit 99 corresponds to the second specific lamp unit 97, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is held up to 4 times, and the number of holdings is displayed by lighting the holding lamp unit 99. It has become so.

A main display unit 89 is arranged on the side of the variable ball entry device 82. The main display unit 89 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 80 to the front of the pachinko machine 10. The front surface of the main display unit 89 faces the glass unit 30 (specifically, the glass panel 32 on the rear side) that makes the game area PE visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and further with the glass panel 32 on the rear side. The distance between them is narrower than one game ball. As a result, the game ball is prevented from falling in front of the front surface of the main display unit 89.

A main display unit D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided on a portion of the main display unit 89 facing the glass unit 30. The main display unit D has an upper operating port display unit that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a, and a lower operating port that displays the lottery result performed based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b. It has a display unit for use.

In the display unit for the upper operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the upper operating port 83a, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a is performed. The result is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a is the winning result (big hit result) corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the upper operating port display unit. After the predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode.

In the display unit for the lower operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the lower operating port 83b, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b is performed. The result is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b is the winning result (big hit result) corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the lower operating port display unit. After a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode according to the result.

Here, based on the winning of any of the operating ports 83a and 83b, the variation display is started on the corresponding operating port display unit, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the above variation display is stopped (confirmed display). Up to is equivalent to one game. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, and for example, a single display area is provided, and even if any of the operating ports 83a and 83b is won a prize, the single display area is provided. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the game starts until the variable display is started in the single display area, and the variable display is stopped (confirmed display) while the predetermined stop result is displayed. It shall be once.

Further, in addition to the display units for both operating ports, the main display unit D of the main display unit 89 is provided with a through gate display unit that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the through gate 84. In the through gate display unit, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the through gate 84, and as the stop result of the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 84 is clearly shown. Will be done. If the result of the internal lottery (support lottery) based on the winning of the through gate 84 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric service open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit. After the fluctuation display is stopped, the state shifts to the electric service open state. In the electric service open state, the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operating port 83b is opened in a predetermined mode.

Further, in the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is held up to 4 times, but the number of times held is displayed on the main display unit D of the main display unit 89. A display unit for the number of pending numbers is provided.

Each of these display units (main display unit D) can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 30 of the front door frame 14, and the game ball is prevented from moving in front of these various display units. Visibility is guaranteed by being done.

To explain again with reference to FIG. 5, a game ball that launches a game ball into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 45 below the game board accommodating portion 61 (game board 80) in the resin base 60. A launch mechanism 110 is provided. The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball arranged at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines a launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying balls and a base plate 114 on which these various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as a main configuration, and the base plate 114 is attached to the resin base 60 via a reinforcing plate described later. ing.

The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in a state of being inclined obliquely so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80 side. At a position closer to the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the launch rail 112, a ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 to the launch standby position described above is arranged. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream from the ball stopper.

The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply / emission control device described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion and contraction direction based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply / launch control device, so that the game ball placed in the launch standby position is on the game board 80 side, in detail, the game. It is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80.

The guide rail 100 is formed by partitioning the game area PE together with the game area partition member described later so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. Further, the guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the guide passage 103 is divided by both rails 101 and 102. It is formed. The guidance passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 opened to the tip end side (obliquely downward) of the launch rail 112, and an exit portion 105 located above the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the launch rail 112 → the guidance rail 100 (entrance portion 104 → exit portion 105). In the game board 80, a reversion prevention member 106 for preventing the reversal of the game ball that has reached the game area PE into the guidance passage 103 is attached to the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101. This prevents the game ball that has reached the game area PE in advance from hindering the launch of the subsequent game ball.

The guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 diagonally face each other with a gap between them. A foul ball passage 55 (see FIG. 3) is arranged below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage 55 is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. If the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns in the guidance passage 103 as a foul ball, the foul ball enters the foul ball passage 55 through the gap. It becomes. The foul ball passage 55 leads to the lower plate passage on the front door side, and the game ball that has entered the foul ball passage 55 is discharged to the lower plate 29a shown in FIG. 1 and the like. As a result, the interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next is suppressed.

Further, the resin base 60 is provided with a plurality of lock devices that can be switched between a locked state in which the game board 80 cannot be removed from the game board accommodating portion 61 and an unlocked state in which the game board 80 can be removed. Has been done. The lock device has an abutting portion that abuts on the front surface of the game board 80 in the locked state, and the abutting portion abuts on the front surface of the game board 80 to the front door frame 14 side of the game board 80. The displacement will be suppressed.

In the resin base 60, a through hole is formed on the left side of the launch rail 112 (specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14) to penetrate the resin base 60 in the front-rear direction so as to cover the through hole. The passage forming member 121 is arranged. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 60, and has an upper plate passage 122 on the main body side and a lower plate passage 123 on the main body side. The upstream side of the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 leads to a game ball distribution section described later. Further, a receiving portion 53 (see FIG. 3) of the passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side is below the upper plate passage 122 on the main body side. The upper plate passage is arranged, and the upper plate passage on the front door side is arranged below the lower plate passage 123 on the main body side.

Below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 60, a shutter 124 for restricting the outflow of the game ball from the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 is provided. The shutter 124 is supported by the resin base 60 in a state where it can be switched between a blocking position that narrows the exit portions of both passages to prevent the outflow of the game ball and an allowable position that allows the outflow of the game ball. Further, an urging member for urging the shutter 124 toward the blocking position is attached to the resin base 60, and when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the shutter is urged by the urging force of the urging member. The structure is such that 124 stays in the blocking position. As a result, when the front door frame 14 is opened while the game balls are stored in the main body side upper plate passage 122 or the main body side lower plate passage 123, the inconvenience that the stored balls spill out is avoided. .. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the shutter 124 is pushed back to the allowable position against the urging force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other, and the game ball is allowed to move.

Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (resin base 60 and game board 80) will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

A bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 7) on the back surface of the resin base 60. Bearing portions 133 are formed on the bearing fitting 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Further, on the back surface of the resin base 60, a plurality of fixing levers 134 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame 13 are provided.

As described above, the bottom portion of the game board accommodating portion 61 of the resin base 60 is formed with a central opening 64 that penetrates in the thickness direction of the resin base 60 and is open on the back side of the resin base 60. The central opening 64 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board 80 housed in the game board accommodating portion 61. Various configurations such as a control device are mounted on the back surface of the game board 80, and these various configurations are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the central opening 64. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 80 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the game board 80 as viewed from the rear.

A synthetic resin pedestal member 141 for mounting the variable display unit 85 (see FIG. 6) on the game board 80 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 80. The pedestal member 141 has a substantially box shape open to the game board 80 side and covers almost the entire back surface of the game board 80. A part of the pedestal member 141 projects to the back side of the resin base 60 through the central opening 64 of the resin base 60, and the above-mentioned symbol display device 94 (see FIG. 6) and the symbol display thereof are used for the protruding portion. A display control device for driving the device 94 is attached. The symbol display device 94 and the display control device are arranged so as to be stacked so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the resin base 60). Further, the game board 80 is equipped with a notification / effect control device unit so as to be located behind the display control device. The notification / effect control device unit is configured to include a notification / effect control device 142 and a mounting base 144, and the notification / effect control device 142 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

The notification / effect control device 142 includes a notification / effect control board that controls voice and lamp display and control of the display control device according to instructions from the main control device described later, and the notification / effect control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 145 made of the above.

Below the notification / effect control device unit, a main control device unit 160 is provided so as to cover the pedestal member 141 from behind. The main control device unit 160 has a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back surface of the game board 80, and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 163 made of the above.

The substrate box 163 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a box sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side portions of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened. However, by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole portion constituting the box sealing portion 164, the box can be used. The base and the box cover are combined so that they cannot be opened. The sealing process by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the illegal opening is performed. Even after opening the package, it is possible to perform the sealing process again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking pin into at least one locking hole of the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the board box 163 is opened when a defect occurs in the housed main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the main body of the board box 163 is formed. To disconnect. As a result, the box base of the board box 163 and the box cover are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the board box 163 is left in the board box 163, it can be easily found by looking at the board box 163 that the illegal opening has been performed.

The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected to each other by a pedestal sealing portion 165 so as not to be opened. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin as in the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole portion to form a board box 163. It is designed so that it is inseparably connected to the mounting base 161. This makes it easier to grasp the fact when the board box 163 is illegally removed.

The portion of the pedestal member 141 facing the back surface of the game board 80 corresponds to the game board openings of the general winning opening 81, the variable ball entry device 82, the upper operating port 83a, and the lower operating port 83b, and is on the downstream side. There is a collection passage that gathers in one place. As a result, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 or the like are gathered below the game board 80 via the collection passage. That is, the pedestal member 141 is provided with a function of collecting the game balls that have won prizes in various winning openings.

A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board 80 are led out into the discharge passage by the collection passage. The out port 86 is also connected to the discharge passage, and the game ball that has not won a prize in any of the winning ports is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 86.

Further, in the collection passage, a winning opening switch for detecting a game ball winning a prize in the general winning opening 81 on the front side of the game board 80, a count switch for detecting a game ball winning a prize in the variable ball entry device 82, and an operating port 83a , 83b is equipped with an operation port switch that detects the game ball, and these various switches constitute a winning detection mechanism. Further, on the left and right sides of the variable display unit 85 in the pedestal member 141, gate switches for detecting a game ball passing through the through gate 84 are provided. These various switches are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and the detection information by each switch is output to the main control device 162.

Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 9. FIG. 9 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. As shown in FIG. 9, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device collecting unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201.

The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 85.

The base portion 211 is provided with an external terminal plate at the upper right portion thereof. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal board, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower hooking pins 214 at the right end portion when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the hooking pins 214 are inserted through the bearing portion 133 provided in the inner frame 13. , The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions 215 through which the fixing lever 134 provided in the inner frame 13 is inserted, and is rearward to the base portion 211 with the fixing lever 134 inserted through the insertion portion 215. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by abutting from the inner frame 13.

The payout mechanism portion 202 is arranged on the base portion 211 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism unit 202 is provided with a tank 221 arranged at the uppermost part of the back pack 201 and opened upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. To. A tank rail 222 that gently inclines toward the downstream side is connected below the tank 221 and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution section 225 provided on the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any of the upper plate 28a, the lower plate 29a, or the discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. Formed so that it leads to the upper plate 28a via the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening leads to the lower plate 29a via the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been done.

A discharge passage board and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion back and forth. The discharge passage board is formed with a discharge passage that is open to the rear on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and the open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island equipment of the game hall, etc., and the game ball led out from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like to the discharge passage passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. It is discharged.

The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and the payout control device 242 and the power supply / emission control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to be stacked in the front-rear direction so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is housed in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is cleared.

In the power supply / launch control device 243, the power supply / launch control board is housed in the board box 246, and the board generates and outputs a predetermined power supply required by various control devices and the like, and further, a game ball by a player. The launch of the game ball is controlled according to the operation of the launch handle 45. Further, the power supply / emission control device 243 is provided with a power supply switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between an on state (on state) and a cutoff state (off state).

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a storage and retention function for various data, retains the state at the time of a power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure, and returns to the state at the time of a power failure when recovering from the power failure. You can do it. For example, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure as in the case of the closing of the game hall, the state before the shutoff is stored in memory. The main control device 162 is provided with a RAM erase switch 166. When the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166, the RAM data is initialized.

(Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The MPU 602 is mounted on the main control board 601 provided in the main control device 162. The MPU 602 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing a ROM 603 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 602 and a control program stored in the ROM 603. It is an element having a built-in RAM 604, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like.

The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. On the input side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605 provided in the main control device 162, a payout control device 242, various detection sensors 151a to 151e, and the like are connected. A power supply / emission control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 605, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 via the power failure monitoring board 605. Further, as a part of various detection sensors 151a to 151e, it is provided in a winning ball entry section (payout compatible ball entry section) such as a general winning opening 81, a variable ball entry device 82, operating ports 83a, 83b, and a through gate 84. A plurality of detection sensors are connected to each other, and the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 makes a winning determination (ball entry determination) for each ball entry unit. Further, in the MPU 602, the jackpot generation lottery is executed based on the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b, and the support generation lottery is executed based on the winning of the through gate 84.

A power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 242, and a notification / effect control device 142 are connected to the output side of the MPU 602. A prize ball command is output to the payout control device 242, for example, based on the winning determination result for the winning ball unit corresponding to the winning. In this case, the command information storage area 603e of the ROM 603 is referred to when the prize ball command is output. Then, when the prize to the general prize opening 81 is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the prize to the variable ball entry device 82 is specified, 15 are output. When the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the game ball is output and the winning of the upper operating port 83a is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the three game balls is output and the upper operating port 83a is output. When the prize is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

Various commands such as a fluctuation start command (variation command), a type command, a fluctuation end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the notification / effect control device 142. In this case, the command information storage area 603e of the ROM 603 is referred to when outputting these various commands. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each of the above commands is configured as information on a predetermined number of bytes, and includes various information as information on the predetermined number of bytes.

Further, on the output side of the MPU 602, a variable ball entry drive unit 82c that opens and closes the opening / closing door of the variable ball entry device 82, an electric accessory drive unit 91c that opens and closes the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b, and a main display. The unit 89 (main display unit D) is connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 601, and the MPU 602 controls these various configurations through the driver circuits.

Specifically, the drive control of the variable ball entry drive unit 82c is executed in the MPU 602 so that the variable ball entry device 82 is opened and closed in the open / close execution mode. Further, when the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b is won in the open state, the drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 91c is executed in the MPU 602 so that the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. Further, the MPU 602 executes display control of the ball entry unit display unit, the hold number display unit, and the like of the main display unit D.

The power failure monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power supply / emission control device 243, and monitors the voltage of DC stable 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / emission control device 243. The payout control device 242 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

The power supply / launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a playground or the like. Then, the operating power required for each of the main control board 601 and the payout control device 242 is generated based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. To do. Further, the power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is satisfied.

The MPU 612 is mounted on the notification / effect control board 611 provided in the notification / effect control device 142. The MPU 612 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing a ROM 613 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 612 and a control program stored in the ROM 613. It has a built-in RAM 614, interrupt circuit, timer circuit, data input / output circuit, and so on.

The MPU 612 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. In addition to the main control device 162, an operation button 40 (specifically, a detection sensor built into the operation button 40) and the like are connected to the input side of the MPU 612. Based on the detection signal (detection information) from the operation button 40, it is possible to grasp the presence or absence of operation. Light emitting units 24 to 26, a speaker unit 27, a light emitting board with a built-in operation button 40, and the like are connected to the output side of the MPU 612.

The MPU 612 controls the variable display unit 85 based on the command input from the main control device 162. Specifically, the notification / effect control device 142 grasps the fluctuation display time of the symbol (whether or not the reach effect is generated) in the symbol display device 94 based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and finally. Determine the type of combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed, and determine the details of the reach effect.

The display control device 620 has a display control board on which the MPU is mounted, and the MPU has various control programs, a program ROM storing fixed value data, and various control programs stored in the program ROM. Built-in work RAM, which is a memory for temporarily storing data, video display processor (VDP), character ROM for storing image data, video RAM for temporarily storing image data read from the character ROM, etc. Has been done.

The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display unit driver incorporated in the symbol display device 94. Since VDP is an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and its substance can be said to be a microcomputer chip with a built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP adjusts the timings of the MPU, the video RAM, and the like to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the image data stored in the video RAM from the character ROM at a predetermined timing and displays it on the symbol display device 94.

The character ROM plays a role as an image data library for storing character data such as a symbol displayed on the symbol display device 94. The character ROM holds bitmap format image data of various display symbols, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like. These image data, tables, etc. are stored in the character ROM.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs and share the image data and the like in each character ROM. Further, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 623 is stored in the character ROM.

The video RAM is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the symbol display device 94, and the display content of the symbol display device 94 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM.

The MPU of the display control device 620 executes the display control of the symbol display device 94 based on the command input from the notification / effect control device 142. Specifically, the variation display is performed for each game according to the content of the variation display finally determined by the notification / effect control device 142 and the type of combination of the symbols to be stopped and displayed. Here, the display contents of the symbol display device 94 (display screen 94a) will be supplementarily described.

On the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, three symbol rows of left, middle, and right are set. Each symbol row is configured by arranging the main symbol and the sub symbol in a predetermined order. Specifically, in the left symbol row, 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 right symbol row, nine types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. That is, the upper symbol row and the lower symbol row are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row, nine types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and then between the main symbol of "9" and the main symbol of "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, 10 main symbols are arranged and composed of 20 symbols. Then, on the display screen 94a, the symbols in each of these symbol rows are variably displayed so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Further, on the display screen 94a, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed.

Further, on the display screen 94a, five effective lines, that is, an upper line, a middle line, a lower line L3, a right-down line, and a right-up line are set. Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the left symbol column → the right symbol column → the middle symbol column, and the variable display of all the symbol columns is displayed in a state where a combination of symbols with the same number is formed on one of the effective lines. When finished, a jackpot video showing that the normal jackpot result and the probability variation jackpot result, which will be described later, have been obtained is displayed.

In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to "specific symbols", and when a probability variation jackpot result occurs, the same specific symbols are combined. Is stopped and displayed. In addition, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to "non-specific symbols", and when a normal jackpot result occurs, the same combination of non-specific symbols is stopped and displayed. To.

The mode of variable display of symbols in the symbol display device 94 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary, such as the number of symbol rows, the direction of variable display of symbols in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol row, and the like. Can be changed as appropriate. Further, the design that is variablely displayed by the symbol display device 94 is not limited to the above-mentioned symbols. For example, only the numbers may be variablely displayed as the symbols, and the symbols without numbers may be displayed. It may be composed of only the symbols included or not numbered.

Further explaining the mode of the variation display of the symbols in the symbol display device 94, in the pachinko machine 10, the reach display is performed as a stage before the combination of the corresponding symbols is stopped and displayed when the jackpot result is notified as described above. Is set to. The reach display (reach effect or reach state) includes a symbol display device 94 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture), and is a game time in which the variable ball entry device 82 is opened / closed. Then, in a gaming machine in which the stop display result after the variation display is a special display result, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variation display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 94 is started. The display state is used to make the player think that the special display result is a variable display state.

In other words, by stopping and displaying some of the symbols among the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode is established. It is a display state in which a combination of reach symbols that may be displayed is displayed, and in that state, a variable display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol rows.

More specifically, as a preliminary step to end the variable display of the symbol, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode is established on the preset effective line in the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of reach symbols that may be formed, and in a situation where the reach line is formed, a variable display of symbols is performed by the final stop symbol sequence.

To give a supplementary explanation of the reach display, the same number is attached to one of the effective lines in the state where the variable display of the symbol is first completed in the left symbol column and then the variable display of the symbol is completed in the right symbol column. The reach line is formed by the stop display of the main symbol, and the reach display is performed by the variable display of the symbol by the middle symbol string in the situation where the reach line is formed. Then, when the open / close execution 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 the symbol changes in the middle symbol row. The display ends.

Further, in the reach display, in the state where the combination of the reach symbols is displayed as described above, the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen to reach the reach. Includes 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 94a after reducing or hiding the combination of reach symbols.

Then, in the pachinko machine 10, when the above reach display is performed, the degree of expectation that a jackpot result will occur after that, that is, the main symbol having the same number as the main symbol forming the reach line in the reach display is attached. As one of the effects indicating the degree of expectation that the symbol is stopped and displayed on the reach line, an operation-compatible effect using the operation button 40 is set, and the game effect is diversified. Specifically, when the operation button 40 is operated (specifically, a pressing operation) as a part of various reach effects, the effect display on the display screen is different from the case where the operation is not performed. The effect such as the display of is set.

(About various counters)
Next, an electrical configuration for performing various lottery by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 will be described with reference to FIG.

The MPU 602 uses various counter information during the game to perform a jackpot generation lottery, setting the display of the operation port display unit, setting the outline of the symbol display of the symbol display device 94, and the like. The jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery, the jackpot type counter C2 used to determine the jackpot type such as the probability variation jackpot result and the normal jackpot result, and the symbol display device 94 when performing variable display corresponding to the deviation result. The reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery and the like, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the variable type counter for determining the variable display time in the operation port display unit and the symbol display device 94. It is decided to use CS. Further, the electric accessory opening counter C4 used for lottery as to whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b is set to the electric service open state (support state) is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in various counter areas 604d of the RAM 604.

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 the counter is updated, and the counter returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 604a set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604. The information stored in the lottery counter buffer 604a (information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3) is stored in the RAM 604 when a prize is generated in the operating ports 83a and 83b. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b provided as "acquisition information storage means".

The holding ball storage area 604b includes a holding area for an operation port and an execution area. The holding area includes a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, and a jackpot random number counter stored in the lottery counter buffer 604a according to the winning history of the operating ports 83a and 83b. Each numerical information of C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as hold information in any of the first area to the fourth area. The reserved information corresponds to "special information".

In the 1st to 4th areas, when the operating ports 83a and 83b are awarded a plurality of times in succession, each numerical information is displayed in the order of the 1st area → the 2nd area → the 3rd area → the 4th area. It is stored in chronological order. By providing the four areas in this way, up to four game ball entry histories into the operating ports 83a and 83b can be reserved and stored. Further, the reserved ball storage area 604b is provided with a total reserved number storage area, and the total reserved number storage area is the stored number of reserved information acquired and stored based on the entry into the operating ports 83a and 83b. Information for identifying is stored.

The execution area is an area for moving each numerical information stored in the first area of the hold area when starting the variable display of the operation port display unit, and is set to the execution area at the start of one game. Whether or not it is correct is determined based on various stored numerical information.

The jackpot random number counter C1 has a configuration in which, for example, 1 is added in order within the range of 0 to 599, and after reaching the maximum value, it 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 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the operating ports 83a and 83b.

The value of the random number that wins the jackpot is stored as a hit / miss table (win / miss information group) in the hit / miss table storage area 603a as the hit / miss information group storage means in ROM 603. As the pass / fail table, a pass / fail table for the low probability mode (low probability pass / fail information group) and a pass / fail table for the high probability mode (high probability pass / fail information group) are set. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode in the winning / losing lottery means.

In the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the low probability mode is referred to in the lottery, the value of the random number that wins the big hit is two. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to in the lottery, the value of the random numbers for winning the big hit is 20. In this case, the value group of the jackpot random number counter C1 that wins the jackpot in the low probability mode is included in the value group of the jackpot random number counter C1 that wins the jackpot in the high probability mode. 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 incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, reach the maximum value (that is, 29), and then return to 0. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the holding area of the holding ball storage area 604b of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the operating ports 83a and 83b.

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 603b as the distribution information group storage means in the ROM 603. In the distribution table, the probability variation jackpot result and the normal jackpot result are set as the distribution destinations of the game results.

The probability variation jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the variable ball entry device 82 is opened 15 times in the open / close execution mode. After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the high-probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. The gaming state corresponding to the high probability mode and the high frequency support mode (hereinafter referred to as the high probability gaming state) is continued until the next big hit result is obtained.

The normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the variable ball entry device 82 is opened 15 times in the open / close execution mode. After the opening / closing execution mode ends, the lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. In the gaming state corresponding to the low probability mode and the high probability support mode (hereinafter referred to as the high probability gaming state), the number of games executed after the transition to the high probability gaming state is the end reference number (upper limit number: specifically 100). It is continued until the number of times is reached, and when the end reference number of times is reached, the game state is switched to the low probability mode and the low frequency support mode compatible game state (hereinafter referred to as the low probability game state).

The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 238, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the operating ports 83a and 83b. More specifically, the game balls are stored in the holding area of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game balls are won in the operating ports 83a and 83b. Then, it is decided whether or not to generate the reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 603. However, in the game round that shifts to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 602 determines the reach generation regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3.

The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 602 to determine the variation display time in the operation port display unit and the variation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 94. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time the normal processing described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal processing. Then, when the symbol display device 94 determines the fluctuation pattern at the start of the fluctuation of the symbol, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired.

When determining the fluctuation display time in the symbol display device 94 or the main display unit D (display unit for the operating port), the buffer values of the reach random number counter C3 and the fluctuation type counter CS are stored in the fluctuation display time table storage area 603c of the ROM 603. The variable display time table is referenced. Further, in the MPU 602, the stop result (picture) in the operation port display unit is determined by using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area. The stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 603d of the ROM 603 is used.

The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 249, reach the maximum value (that is, 249), and then return to 0. The electric accessory opening counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the electric service holding area 604c of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 91 attached to the lower operating port 83b to the open state according to the value of the stored electric accessory opening counter C4. For example, if C4 = 0 to 199, the electric accessory 91 is controlled to the open state, and if C4 = 200 to 249, the electric accessory 91 is not controlled to the open state.

(About various processes executed by MPU 602 of the main control board 601)
Next, each control process executed by the MPU 602 of the main control board 601 will be described. The processing of the MPU 602 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a normal processing that is executed after the main processing is completed, and a timer interrupt processing that is started by interrupting the normal processing periodically. For convenience of explanation, timer interrupt processing will be described first, and then normal processing will be described.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is periodically started by the MPU 602 (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec).

In step S101, reading processing of various detection sensors, for example (the detection sensors 151a to 151e), is executed. That is, the state of various detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, the state of the detection sensor (detection information from the detection sensor) is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved. For example, when it is determined that a ball has entered the upper operating port 83a, the winning detection flag for the upper operating port is stored in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604, and the ball has entered the lower operating port 83b. If it is determined that the flag has been set, the winning detection flag for the lower operating port is stored in the various flag storage areas 604e. Further, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 84, the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604.

After that, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and 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 buffer area of the RAM 604.

In the following 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 the counter values reach the maximum values, they are cleared to 0, respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

In the following step S104, a winning process for through winning is executed in association with winning the through gate 84. In the through winning process, it is determined whether or not the through gate winning detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604, and if the flag is stored, it is stored in the electric service holding area 604c. The value of the electric accessory release counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electric service holding area 604c on condition that the number of stored accessories held is less than 4. When the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage areas 604e, the winning detection flag for the through gate is deleted and the winning process for the through gate is completed.

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 operating port accompanying the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b is executed, and the timer interrupt process ends. To do.

In the winning process for the operating port, first, whether or not the game ball has won the upper operating port 83a (starting winning) is determined whether or not the winning detection flag for the upper operating port is stored in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604. Judge by. When it is determined that the prize detection flag is stored, that is, when the game ball receives a detection signal indicating that a prize has been generated in the upper operating port 83a, three game balls are paid to the payout control device 242. Set the prize ball command to issue. Then, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal indicating that the game ball has won a prize to the upper operating port 83a to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC grasps that a prize has been generated for the upper operating port 83a. After that, information acquisition processing for storing each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the main winning process is completed.

On the other hand, when the winning detection flag for the upper operating port is not stored in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604, that is, when the lower operating port 83b is won instead of the upper operating port 83a, the payout control is performed. A prize ball command for paying out four game balls is set in the device 242. The set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in the external output process of the normal process described later. Subsequently, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal indicating that the game ball has won a prize to the lower operating port 83b to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC grasps that a prize has been generated for the lower operating port 83b. After that, information acquisition processing for storing each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the main winning process is completed.

On the other hand, if the game ball does not win in any of the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b, the main winning process is terminated as it is.

In the information acquisition process, first, it is determined whether or not the set start hold storage number is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). If the number of start-holding storage is the upper limit, this information acquisition process is terminated as it is, and if it is less than the upper limit, the number of start-holding storage in the corresponding result display hold area is incremented by 1 and the total number is increased. The value stored in the hold number storage area (hereinafter referred to as the common hold number) is incremented by 1.

After that, the updated jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and variable type counter CS are stored in the first storage area, that is, 1 in the free storage area of the corresponding result display reservation area. Store in the storage area corresponding to the incremented hold storage number.

That is, when the start hold storage number for the operation port is set, the updated 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 are held for the operation port. It is stored in the first storage area of the free storage area of the area, that is, the hold area corresponding to the start hold storage number for the lower operation port incremented by 1.

Subsequently, it is a process for causing the notification / effect control device 142 and the display control device 620, which are the control devices on the sub side (secondary side), to recognize that a prize has been generated in the upper operation port 83a or the lower operation port 83b. Executes the hold information confirmation process and the hold command setting process. After that, if the winning detection flag is stored, the flag is deleted and the information acquisition process is terminated. The hold command set in the hold command setting process is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 142 in the external output process of the normal process described 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 in this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processes of steps S201 to S206 are executed as periodic processes having a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processes of steps S208 and S209 are executed in the remaining time.

In the normal processing, in step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt processing or the previous normal processing is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of the prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 242. In addition, if a command for production such as a command corresponding to the production for game rounds such as a fluctuation start command, a type command, and a fluctuation end command, or a command corresponding to the production for open / close execution mode is set, it is notified. -Transmit to the effect control device 142. The output is set for the external terminal plate 213 according to the information set in the external output buffer of the RAM 604.

Next, in step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

In the following step S203, a game time control process for advancing the game of each game time is executed. In this game time control process, a hit / fail judgment such as a big hit and a distribution judgment of a big hit type are performed, an outline setting of a symbol variation display mode is set by the symbol display device 94, and an operation port in the main display unit 89 (main display unit D). Controls the display of the display unit, etc.

After that, in step S204, a game state transition process for shifting the game state is executed. By this game state transition process, the game state shifts to the open / close execution mode, the high probability mode, the high frequency support mode, and the like.

In step S205, an electric service support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operating port 83b is executed. In this electric service support process, the electric service is released depending on whether or not the electric service 91 is opened by using the numerical information acquired from the electric service release counter C4 stored in the electric service holding area 604c of the RAM 604. A lottery (support lottery) is performed, and when the electric accessory is won in the open state, the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. Further, the display control of the through gate display unit in the main display unit 89 (main display unit D) is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric service opening lottery.

As described above, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as the support modes by the electric accessory 91, and the game state transition process shifts to either of the support modes. In this case, if the high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604, the high-frequency support mode is set, and if the flag is not set, the low-frequency support mode is set.

Incidentally, when the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604.

In the following step S206, the game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, a predetermined launch is performed on condition that a launch permission signal output from the power supply / launch control device 243 is input when the launch operation is performed on the game ball launch handle 45. The solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 is excited once in a period (0.6 sec in the present embodiment). As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE. That is, when an irregular hit such as a so-called stop hit is not performed, the firing of the game ball is repeated at a predetermined cycle on condition that the firing operation is performed.

In the following step S207, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the previous normal process. 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 is reached. That is, in step S208, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S209, the variation type counter CS is updated.

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S206 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random, and similarly. The variable type counter CS can also be updated at random.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the outline of the variation display mode of the symbol on the display screen 94a is specified by the notification / effect control device 142 with reference to the command from the main control device 162, and based on the specific result. The details of the variation display mode are determined by the notification / effect control device 142. In order to perform such an operation, the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142 executes a variable display control process (process for game rounds) as a part of a periodic process started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec). Hereinafter, the variation display control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14A.

(Process for variable display control)
In the variation display control process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the game is being played, that is, whether or not the symbol display device 94 is executing the variation display or the definite display of the symbols for one game. If it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S302, and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation start command transmitted from the main control device 162 is received.

If a negative determination is made in step S302, the variation display control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S302, the variation start processing is executed in step S303, and then the variation display control process is terminated. The variation start process is a process for starting the effect for game rounds based on the reception of the variation command transmitted from the main control device 162. In the fluctuation start processing, the reach display and the above-mentioned operation-corresponding effect are set as the effect for the game round.

Returning to the description of step S301, if an affirmative determination is made in step S301, that is, if it is determined that the game is in progress, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation end command transmitted from the main control device 162 is received. If a negative determination is made in step S304, the variable display control process is terminated after the variable intermediate processing is executed in step S305. The variable mid-use process is a process of executing various effects and changing the determined effect in the game times started by the variable start process.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S304, the process proceeds to step S306, the variation end process is executed in step S306, and then the variation display control process ends. In the variation end processing, the variation display of the symbol and the effect being executed are terminated (fixed and stopped) so as to correspond to the hold information related to the game times. In such a process, the speaker unit 27 and the lamp units 24 to 26 are driven and controlled to produce an effect corresponding to the fixed stop. Then, after outputting the confirmation command to the display control device 620, the process for ending the fluctuation is terminated. The MPU of the display control device 620 controls the symbol display device 94 to confirm and stop the symbol based on the received confirmation command.

(Process for starting fluctuation)
Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14B, the variation start processing in step S303 will be supplementarily described.

In the fluctuation start processing, first, the fluctuation start command received this time is read in step S310, and the information on the presence / absence of reach occurrence and the information on the fluctuation display time are specified from the command. Further, as described above, when the fluctuation start command is transmitted from the main control device 162, the type command is also transmitted. In step S310, the type command received together with the variable command received this time is read, and the game result information such as the probability variation jackpot result information, the normal jackpot result information, or the deviation result information is specified from the command. Then, in step S310, from the above-specified information, information on whether or not a jackpot has been won, information on the type of jackpot if the jackpot has been won, information on whether or not a reach has occurred if the jackpot has not been won, and variable display time. Information is grasped, and the grasped information is stored in the register of MPU612.

In the following step S311, the stop result of the symbol at the end of the current game round is determined (the stop result determination process is performed) based on the information grasped in step S310. Further, in the effect setting process, the variation display mode of the symbol is determined (the variation display mode determination process (effect pattern determination process) is performed). The variation display mode of the symbol executed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 is roughly classified into five: complete off, normal reach A, normal reach B, super reach A, super reach B, and super reach C. Each of these variable display modes is set so that the variable display time is different, and the outline of the variable display mode for each game is grasped based on the information related to the variable display time given to the command from the main control device 162. It is possible.

After executing the process of step S311, the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, the details of the effect to be executed in the game round are determined. In the present embodiment, as this kind of effect, it corresponds to an effect (so-called look-ahead effect) in which the possibility of a big hit result in a later game time is executed in the preceding game time and an operation of the operation button 40. There is an effect corresponding to the operation that is executed. In the process of step S312, it is determined whether or not to execute these various effects in the game times.

After executing the process of step S312, the process proceeds to step S313. In step S313, the information determined in the processes of steps S311 and S312 is added to the fluctuation start command. After adding the effect information to the fluctuation start command in this way, a process of transferring the fluctuation start command to the display control device 620 is performed in step S314. Based on the reception of this variation start command, the display control device 620 grasps the variation display mode of the symbol, the presence / absence of various effects, and the like, and starts the variation display (game times) of the symbol.

After executing the transfer process in step S314, the process for starting the effect for game rounds is executed in step S315, and then the process for starting this variation is terminated. Specifically, the speaker unit 27 and the lamp units 24 to 26 are controlled based on the effect patterns determined in steps S311 and S312 to start the effect for the game.

In the present embodiment, the first effect and the second effect are provided as the effects corresponding to the operation of the operation button 40. Although these first and second effects are common in that they are executed after shifting to the reach display, there is a difference between the mode of operation and the change in display content caused by the operation.

Further, in the flow of the effect corresponding to the operation of the operation button 40, both the case where the first effect is executed independently, the case where the second effect is executed independently, and the case where both the first effect and the second effect are executed are included. It may be executed. When both the first effect and the second effect are executed, the second effect is started at the end of the first effect, and the operations corresponding to the operation are continuous in the order of the first effect → the second effect. Become.

(1st production)
In the first effect, when the player operates the operation button 40, an effect that surrounds the variable display area of the symbol is generated on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. Five patterns of white, blue, yellow, green, and red are provided for this effect, and the color of the effect is different in the order of white <blue <yellow <green <red so that the expectation of a jackpot result increases. Is given. Specifically, when the first effect is executed in the game times that result in a big hit, it is easy to select in the order of white <blue <yellow <green <red, and in the game times that result in a loss, the first effect is played. When one effect is executed, it is easy to select in the order of red <green <yellow <blue <white.

When the first effect is executed, a button icon consisting of an image imitating the operation button 40 and an image imitating the operation direction of the operation button 40 is displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 as an image suggesting the operation. Is displayed. When the button icon is displayed and the operation button 40 is operated (initial operation), an effect is generated on the display screen 94a. The display of the button icon is continued even after the effect is generated, and by repeating the operation of the operation button 40 in response to this, the color of the effect may change (step up) according to the repeated operation.

Specifically, when the first effect is executed, the colors that can be finally reached and the colors that are displayed according to the initial operation are determined. The colors displayed according to the initial operation are the same as or lower than the colors that can be finally reached, and it is regulated that the color of the effect is downgraded. If there is a difference between these two colors, the step-up of the difference is allowed, and if there is no difference, the step-up does not occur even if the operation is repeated.

For example, when red is set as the finally reachable color and yellow is set as the color corresponding to the initial operation, a step-up from yellow to green to red may occur depending on the operation. At this time, the condition for stepping up the display color (the number of operations in the present embodiment) is set when the decision to perform the first effect is made. For example, when "number of operations = 5 times" is set as the condition for step-up in the first step and "number of operations = 10 times" is set as the condition for step-up in the second step, the first step is performed. The yellow effect is generated by the operation of, and then the effect changes from yellow to green at the timing when the operation button 40 is repeatedly hit and the number of operations reaches 5, and at the timing when the number of operations reaches 10. The effect will change from green to red.

Since the degree of expectation increases as the color becomes higher, it is assumed that the player who expects a jackpot result will repeatedly hit the operation button 40 in anticipation of stepping up the effect.

In the first effect, an operation acceptance period for accepting the operation of the operation button 40 is set, and when the operation acceptance period elapses, the final effect is displayed. Specifically, the effect flashes in the final displayed color, suggesting that the effect has been confirmed. Although the display of this effect is continued until the end of the game round, the change of the effect is restricted after the operation acceptance period has elapsed.

If the operation button 40 is not operated during the first effect (during the operation acceptance period), the first effect ends without any effect.

In a gaming machine of a type in which an effect assuming repeated hits of the operation buttons 40 is executed as in the first effect described in detail above, it is possible to suppress monotony of the game by diversifying the operation modes of the operation buttons 40. it can. However, since repeated hitting of the operation button 40 causes an increase in the burden on the player, it cannot be denied that the operation may not be performed in the manner actually assumed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is considered that the operation support function is provided in view of such a situation, specifically, that the repeated hits are performed when a predetermined operation is performed. One of the features is that the burden on the player is reduced. Hereinafter, the operation determination process executed as a part of the periodic process by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142 in order to exert the operation support function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15 (a).

(Process for operation judgment)
In the operation determination process, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the operation detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. If an affirmative determination is made in step S401, the operation detection flag is deleted. The operation detection flag is a flag stored in various flag storage areas 614a when it is determined that an operation has been performed, and in other processing executed by the notification / effect control device 142, the operation detection flag is used. Grasp the operation status based on the presence or absence.

After executing the process of step S402, or when a negative determination is made in step S401, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, it is determined whether or not the HI level signal is received from the operation button 40 (specifically, the attached detection sensor). In the present embodiment, when the operation button 40 is in the standby position (non-operation position), a LOW level signal is input to the notification / effect control device 142, and the operation button 40 is pushed to the operation position. Is configured so that the HI level signal is input to the notification / effect control device 142. In step S403, the presence or absence of an operation is grasped based on the detection information (signal) from the operation button 40. The relationship between the binary signals is reversed, and the LOW level signal is input when the operation button 40 is operated, and the HI level signal is input when the operation button 40 is not operated. Is also possible.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, it is determined whether or not the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S404, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, it is determined whether or not the value of the mode switching counter provided in the various counter areas 614b of the RAM 614 is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S405, the process proceeds to step S406 to execute the mode switching counter update process. Specifically, the mode switching counter is added by "1".

After executing the process of step S406, the operation corresponding process is executed in step S407, and then the operation determination process is terminated. In the operation correspondence process, the operation detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614, and a light emission signal is output so as to temporarily emit the operation lamp unit built in the center frame 95.

Returning to the description of step S405, if a negative determination is made in step S405, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, it is determined whether or not the mode switching counter has a predetermined value. As described above, the mode switching counter is configured to be updated when the HI level signal is received from the operation button 40. Regarding the above-mentioned predetermined value, the period (number of times) during which the HI level signal is continuously received is specified to be a predetermined period (2 sec in the present embodiment). That is, when the period during which the HI level signal is continuously received (the duration of the pressing operation of the operation button 40) is 2 sec, an affirmative determination is made in step S408.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S408, the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. As a result, the operation support function will be enabled after that (shift to the operation support mode). After executing the process of step S409, the operation corresponding process is executed in step S407, and then the operation determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S408, that is, if it is determined that the mode switching counter has not yet reached the "predetermined value", the process proceeds to step S410. After executing the same update process as in step S406 in step S410, the operation determination process is terminated as it is.

Returning to the description of step S404, if it is determined that the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614, that is, if the operation support function is enabled, the process proceeds to step S411. In step S411, it is determined whether or not the timing is such that a preset interval period (0.2 sec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the storage of the operation detection flag. In the present embodiment, when it is confirmed that the operation button 40 is held down for 2 seconds, the long press is continued as it is, which is the same as when the operation button 40 is repeatedly hit. Automatic repeated hits that generate events are possible. The above interval period is set as an operation interval when performing this automatic continuous striking.

Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 15B, an actual operation reception mode will be illustrated. When the operation button 40 is manually repeatedly pressed, the detection signal switches from LOW level → HI level → LOW level each time the operation is performed, as shown in the left portion of FIG. 15B. In this case, it is determined that the operation has been performed when the detection signal rises to the HI level.

On the other hand, when the operation button 40 is maintained in the pressed state, the detection signal rises to the HI level at the timing when the operation is started, as shown in the right portion of FIG. 15B. At this time, it is determined that the first operation has been performed. After that, when the pressing state is continued for 2 seconds, it is determined that the support function is activated and the second operation is performed. After that, it is determined that the operation has been performed in a 0.2 sec cycle until the hand is released from the operation button 40 and the operation button 40 returns from the operation position. For example, when the first effect is being performed, the automatic continuous striking is executed by pressing and holding the operation button 40 for a long time. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player and suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience.

With reference to FIG. 15A again, if a negative determination is made in step S403, that is, if a LOW level signal from the operation button 40 is received, the process proceeds to step S412. In step S412, the mode switching counter is cleared (reset) to 0. In the following step S413, it is determined whether or not the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S412, the operation determination process is terminated as it is.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S413, the operation support flag is cleared in step S414, and in the following step S415, a temporary relaxation process of the mode transition condition to the operation support mode is executed to perform this operation determination process. finish. That is, the operation support function is invalidated when the pressed state of the operation button 40 is released.

In a configuration in which the operation support is released when the signal from the operation button 40 drops from the HI level to the LOW level, for example, the signal temporarily drops to the LOW level due to the influence of noise or the like, or unintentionally. Even if the hand is removed from the operation button 40, the operation support is released. In this regard, after the operation support is released, the condition for returning to the operation support mode is set for a certain period (in the present embodiment, a period having the same length as the above-described transition determination period to the operation support mode: 2 sec). Is relaxed (preferred). Specifically, the determination value (predetermined value) of the mode switching counter shown in step S408 is reduced to a value corresponding to 0.2 sec. As a result, the condition for returning to the operation support mode is set on the condition that the pressing operation is continued for 0.2 sec (a period having the same length as the above interval period).

The specific configuration related to the determination of transition to the operation support mode and the determination of return is arbitrary. For example, when the operation support mode is canceled, the HI level signal is displayed until the LOW level signal is continuously detected the first predetermined number of times (for example, eight times) after the operation support mode is canceled. The operation support mode may be restored when the number of consecutive detections of the above becomes the second predetermined number of times (for example, twice). Further, the return conditions do not necessarily have to be the same each time, and it is possible to change the return conditions according to the situation. For example, the return condition may be relaxed as the operation support mode is continued for a longer period of time.

Since such an operation support function is installed, the operation mode in the first effect can be various. That is, when automatic repeated hits are performed using the operation support function (when the operation button 40 is pressed and held), and when the operation button 40 is repeatedly hit by itself without using the operation support function (operation button 40). Is manually repeatedly hit), and the operation button 40 may be operated once.

In the present embodiment, when the first effect is continuously changed to the second effect, the operation mode in the second effect (the operation that triggers the execution of the operation-compatible effect) is determined according to the operation mode during the first effect. Aspect) is determined. That is, when the operation-corresponding continuous effect in which the first effect and the second effect are continuous is selected at the start of the game round, the operation mode in the second effect is undecided at that time, and the operation mode is undecided during the first effect. The operation mode is determined. Here, the first effect processing executed by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The first effect processing is a process performed as a part of the variable display control process (see FIG. 14 (a)) during the variable process (step S305).

(Processing for the first production)
In the first effect processing, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the game times are related to the operation-corresponding continuous effect. If a negative determination is made in step S501, the first production process is terminated as it is. In addition, when the first effect is executed independently, not as a part of the operation-corresponding continuous effect, the determination of the process in step S501 determines whether or not the game is related to the first effect (single).

If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, it is determined whether or not the operation in the first effect (hereinafter referred to as the first operation) is being accepted. If a negative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, it is determined whether or not it is the reception start timing of the first operation. If a negative determination is made in step S503, the first production process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S503, the process proceeds to step S504.

In step S504, the acceptance start process of the first operation is executed. Specifically, the first operation acceptance flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614, and a predetermined value is set in the first operation acceptance period counter of the various counter areas 614b. The counter for the first operation acceptance period is updated (subtracted) every time the above fluctuation display control process is executed, and the first operation acceptance flag is cleared when the value of the counter for the first operation acceptance period returns to the initial value. Will be done.

After executing the start process of step S504, the suggestion start process of the first operation is executed in the following step S505 to end the first effect process. In the suggestion start processing of the first operation, the first operation suggestion start command is output to the display control device 620. As a result, the button icon described above is displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94.

Returning to the description of step S502, if an affirmative determination is made in step S502, that is, if it is determined that the acceptance period for the first operation is in progress, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, it is determined whether or not the first operation has been performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the operation detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S506, the first production process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S560, the process proceeds to step S507.

In step S507, the operation reception notification process is executed. In the operation reception notification process, the speaker unit 27 is driven to output a sound effect indicating that the operation has been accepted, and an operation reception command is output to the display control device 620. The display control device 620 changes the display mode of the button icon displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on this operation reception command. Specifically, the button icon is temporarily recessed to resemble the movement of the actual operation button 40.

After executing the process of step S507, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the first operation corresponding effect execution process is performed. In the effect execution process corresponding to the first operation, it is grasped how many times this operation is the operation (number of operations) since the reception of the first operation is started, and the grasped number of operations is the effect generation or effect update. To determine if it corresponds to.

As described above, in the first production, the effect is generated by the first operation, and the number of operations related to the subsequent effect update is determined. When this operation is the first operation, the speaker unit 27 is driven to output a sound effect corresponding to the effect generation, and an effect generation command is output to the display control device 620. The display control device 620 displays the effect on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on the reception of this effect generation command. When this operation corresponds to the effect update, the speaker unit 27 is driven to output the sound effect corresponding to the effect generation, and the effect update command is output to the display control device 620. The display control device 620 updates (changes the color) the effect displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on the reception of this effect update command.

In the following step S509, it is determined whether or not the first operation acceptance period has elapsed with reference to the first operation acceptance period counters stored in the various counter areas 614b of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S509, the first production process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S509, the process proceeds to step S510 on condition that the first effect processing does not form a part of the operation-compatible continuous effect, and the first effect process operates. The process proceeds to step S511 on condition that a part of the corresponding continuous effect is formed.

In step S510, the suggestion end processing of the first operation is executed. Specifically, the first operation suggestion end command is output to the display control device 620. As a result, the button icon displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 is hidden. After executing the process of step S510, the process proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, when the first effect → the second effect are continued, the process of step S510 is avoided and the operation suggestion is continued.

In step S511, the acceptance termination process of the first operation is executed. Specifically, the first operation acceptance flag stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614 is erased. In addition, a reception end command is transmitted to the display control device 620. The display control device 620 updates the display content on the display screen 94a when the reception end command is received. If an effect is displayed in the first effect this time, this effect is temporarily flashed. On the other hand, when the effect is not displayed in the first effect this time, the hidden state of the effect is maintained as it is.

After executing the process of step S511, the process proceeds to step S512 on condition that the transition from the first effect to the second effect is performed. In step S512, the operation mode grasping process performed during the first effect is executed. In the present embodiment, it is monitored in what manner the operation button 40 is operated from the start of acceptance of the first operation to the end of the acceptance (during the acceptance period). Specifically, it was first confirmed whether or not the operation support flag was stored during the reception period, and if there was a fact that the operation support flag was stored, "long press" was performed with the operation button 40. Judge as a thing. If the operation support flag is not stored, it is confirmed whether or not the number of operations of the operation button 40 during the reception period is a predetermined number of times (twice in the present embodiment) or more, and the operation is performed more than the predetermined number of times. If there is a fact that it has been performed, it is determined that the operation button 40 has been used to perform "continuous hitting" by itself. If the operation support flag is not stored, it is confirmed whether or not the operation button 40 has been operated once during the reception period, and if there is a fact that one operation has been performed, it is confirmed. It is determined that the "single operation" has been performed by the operation button 40.

After executing the step S512 grasping process, the second effect setting process is executed in step S513, and then the first effect process ends. If the first effect is not a part of the operation-compatible continuous effect and is executed independently, the processes of step S512 and step S513 are omitted.

As described above, when the operation-compatible continuous effect is executed, the mode of the operation (second operation) that triggers the execution of the operation-compatible display (cut-in effect) in the second effect is the operation button in the first effect. The configuration is determined according to the 40 operation modes (first operation mode). In the second effect setting process of step S513, the second operation is determined according to the mode of the first operation grasped in step S512. Here, the outline of the second effect will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 17A.

(2nd production)
In the second effect, the player operates the operation button 40 during the reach display to temporarily interrupt (insert) a predetermined image on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 (hereinafter, cut-in display). (Simply called cut-in) occurs. Specifically, a message indicating the degree of expectation that will result in a big hit will be displayed. This cut-in corresponds to the "second operation corresponding display" or the "second operation corresponding effect".

The messages that are interrupted and displayed at the cut-in are roughly divided into three types: "CHANGE", "BIG CHANCE", and "Gekiatsu". These messages are classified into "CHANCE" <"BIG CHANCE" <"Gekiatsu". The difference is given so that the degree of expectation that the big hit result will be higher in this order. Specifically, when the first effect is executed in the game times that result in a big hit, it is easy to select in the order of "CHANGE" <"BIG CHANCE" <"super hot", which is a game that results in a loss. When the first effect is executed at each time, a difference is provided in the selection rate so that it is easy to select in the order of "super hot" <"BIG CHANCE" <"CHANCE".

Regarding the above first effect, the operation mode when generating the effect change as the first operation compatible display (first operation compatible effect) is continuous operation (automatic continuous striking by long press or manual continuous striking by oneself). Although it was unified, the second effect A to the second effect C are provided so that the process (suggested operation mode) until the cut-in occurs is different for the second effect.

In the second effect A, "long press" is set as the second operation related to the second effect A. When the second effect A starts, the same icon as the button icon displayed in the first effect is displayed, and the charge gauge CG is displayed side by side with the button icon. The display mode of this charge gauge CG changes when the operation button 40 is pressed and held (specifically, the colored portion in the operation gauge increases from left to right according to the duration of the operation). The operation condition is satisfied when either the operation acceptance period elapses or the charge gauge CG is full, and the above cut is made according to the operation status (charge gauge CG accumulation condition). In occurs.

There is a difference in the cut-in selection mode between the case where the charge gauge CG is operated until it is full and the case where the operation acceptance period elapses before the charge gauge CG is full. Specifically, in the latter case, the cut-in that occurs may be downgraded, and in the latter case, the cut-in that is selected tends to be lower than the former. That is, even if "BIG CHANCE" is normally displayed as a cut-in, demotion may occur so that "CHANCE" lower than that is displayed. In the second effect A, a lower limit operation period (for example, 2 sec) for generating a cut-in is set, and if the operation period does not reach this lower limit operation period, the occurrence of the cut-in is canceled. It becomes.

In the second effect B, "continuous hitting" is set as the second operation related to the second effect B. When the second effect B starts, the same icon as the button icon displayed in the first effect is displayed, and the charge gauge CG is displayed side by side with the button icon. The display mode of this charge gauge CG changes when the operation button 40 is operated (continuously hit) (specifically, the colored portion in the operation gauge increases from left to right according to the number of times the operation is accepted). .. When either the operation acceptance period elapses or the charge gauge CG is full, the operation condition is satisfied, and the above cut-in is performed according to the operation status (charge gauge CG accumulation condition). Occurs.

There is a difference in the cut-in selection mode between the case where the charge gauge CG is operated until it is full and the case where the operation acceptance period elapses before the charge gauge CG is full. Specifically, in the latter case, the cut-in that occurs may be downgraded, and in the latter case, the cut-in that is selected tends to be lower than the former. That is, even if "BIG CHANCE" is normally displayed as a cut-in, demotion may occur so that "CHANCE" lower than that is displayed. In the second effect B, the lower limit number of operations (for example, 10 times) for generating the cut-in is set, and if the number of operations does not reach the lower limit number of operations, the occurrence of the cut-in is cancelled. Will be done.

In the second effect C, a "single operation" is set as the second operation related to the second effect C. When the second effect C starts, the same icon as the button icon displayed in the first effect is displayed, and the impact gauge IG and the pointer P are displayed side by side with the button icon. The pointer P reciprocates left and right along the impact gauge IG, and the pointer P stops at the timing when the operation button 40 is operated. The operation condition is satisfied by performing a one-shot operation that triggers the stop of the pointer P, and the cut-in occurs according to the operation status (stop position of the pointer P).

The impact gauge IG has a configuration in which a difference in superiority or inferiority can occur depending on the stop position of the pointer P. Specifically, the impact area IE is set in a predetermined range in the central portion of the impact gauge IG in the left-right direction, and the impact point IP is set in the center of the impact area IE. When the pointer P stops outside the impact area IE (when a single operation is performed at the timing when the pointer P stops outside the impact area IE), the message corresponding to the removal of the impact area IE is ". NORMAL! ”Is displayed. On the other hand, when the pointer P stops in the impact area IE (when a single operation is performed at the timing when the pointer P stops in the impact area IE), it corresponds to capturing the impact area IE. "GREAT!" Is displayed as a message to be displayed, and especially when the pointer P stops at the impact point IP (when a single operation is performed at the timing when the pointer P stops at the impact point IP), the impact point IP is displayed. "JUST IMPACT!" Is displayed as a message corresponding to the captured message.

The cut-in selection mode differs depending on the stop position of the pointer P, that is, the operation timing of the operation button 40. Specifically, when the impact area IE is removed, the cut-in selected is likely to be lower than when the impact area IE is captured. That is, even if "BIG CHANCE" is normally displayed as a cut-in, demotion may occur so that "CHANCE" lower than that is displayed. If the operation is not performed during the operation acceptance period in the second effect C, the occurrence of the cut-in will be cancelled.

Incidentally, in order to promote the understanding of the player, a message that the charge gauge CG can be accumulated by operating the operation button 40 when the second effect A and the second effect B are executed (for example, "press the button repeatedly"). ”) May be displayed, or the operation button 40 is operated at the timing when the pointer P reaches a predetermined position (impact point IP) of the impact gauge IG when the second effect C is executed. You may want to display a message (for example, "press a button and aim at the center of the gauge") that advises you to time.

As described above, in the transition from the first effect to the second effect, which of the second effect A to the second effect C is executed according to the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect. It has a fixed structure. Here, with reference to FIG. 17B, the second effect setting process shown in step S513 will be supplementarily described.

(Setting process for the second production)
In the second effect setting process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the mode of the operation (first operation) of the operation button 40 in the first effect is a long press. If an affirmative determination is made in step S601, the process proceeds to step S602, and the second effect A is set as the second effect. That is, when the automatic continuous striking by the "long press" of the operation button 40 is executed in the first effect, the "long press", which is the same operation mode as this, is set in the second effect.

If a negative determination is made in step S601, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether or not the mode of the operation (first operation) of the operation button 40 in the first effect is manual continuous striking. If an affirmative determination is made in step S603, the process proceeds to step S604, and the second effect B is set as the second effect. That is, when the "continuous hitting" of the operation button 40 is executed in the first effect, the "continuous hitting" which is the same operation mode as this is set in the second effect. In the present embodiment, the operation support function is provided as described above, and when the player who is tired of repeated hits presses the operation button 40 "long press" in the second effect, the automatic repeated hits are performed. It is handled in the same way as when you hit it manually.

In the present embodiment, when both "long press" and "continuous hit" are performed in the first effect, the former is given priority. However, the priority is not limited to this, and it is possible to give priority to the final operation. For example, if it is executed in the order of "continuous hit" → "long press", the first operation = "continuous hit", and if it is executed in the order of "long press" → "continuous hit", the first operation = "long press". ], The operation mode related to the second effect may be determined.

When a negative determination is made in step S603, that is, when the operation button 40 is operated only once in the first effect (when a "single operation" is performed) or when the operation button 40 is not operated. In, the process proceeds to step S605, and the second effect C is set as the second effect. That is, for example, when the "single-shot operation" is performed in the first effect, the "single-shot operation" which is the same operation mode as this is set in the second effect.

In each setting process of steps S602, S604, and S605, information indicating which of the second effect A to the second effect C is to be executed as the second effect is transmitted to the display control device 620 by the second effect type command. The Rukoto.

Next, the second effect processing executed by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The second effect processing is a process performed as a part of the variable display control process (see FIG. 14 (a)) during the variable process (step S305).

(Processing for the second production)
In the second effect processing, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the game times are related to the second effect. If a negative determination is made in step S701, the second production process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S702. In step S702, it is determined whether or not the operation (second operation) in the second effect is being accepted. If a negative determination is made in step S702, the process proceeds to step S703. In step S703, it is determined whether or not it is the reception start timing of the second operation. If a negative determination is made in step S703, the second production process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S703, the process proceeds to step S704.

In step S704, the acceptance start process of the second operation is executed. Specifically, the second operation acceptance flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614, and a predetermined value is set in the second operation acceptance period counter of the various counter areas 614b. The counter for the second operation acceptance period is updated (subtracted) every time the above fluctuation display control process is executed, and the second operation acceptance flag is cleared when the value of the counter for the second operation acceptance period returns to the initial value. Will be done.

After executing the start process of step S704, the suggestion start process of the second operation is executed in the following step S705 to end the second effect processing. In the suggestion start processing of the second operation, the second operation suggestion start command is output to the display control device 620. As a result, the above-mentioned button icon or the like is displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. More specifically, when the second effect of this time corresponds to the second effect A or the second effect B, the button icon and the charge gauge CG are displayed, and the second effect of this time becomes the second effect C. If it is supported, a button icon, impact gauge IG and pointer P are displayed.

Returning to the description of step S702, if an affirmative determination is made in step S702, that is, if it is determined that the acceptance period for the second operation is in progress, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the gauge and the like are updated. Specifically, when the second effect A or the second effect B is being executed, a process of generating a visual change is performed by raising or lowering the light emission level of the charge gauge CG. When the second effect C is being executed, a process of changing the position of the pointer P is performed.

In the following step S707, it is determined whether or not the second operation has been performed. Incidentally, the determination of the second operation differs depending on which of the second effect A to the second effect C is being executed. Specifically, when the second effect A is being executed, the operation determination is performed based on whether or not the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. That is, when the operation support flag is stored, it is determined that "long press" is performed. When the second effect B or the second effect C is being executed, it is determined whether or not the operation detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. That is, when the operation detection flag is stored, it is determined that the operation is being performed.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S707, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S708, the operation reception notification process is executed. In the operation reception notification process, the speaker unit 27 is driven to output a sound effect indicating that the operation has been accepted, and an operation reception command is output to the display control device 620. The display control device 620 changes the display mode of the button icon displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on this operation reception command. Specifically, the button icon is recessed to resemble the movement of the actual operation button 40.

After executing the process of step S708, the process proceeds to step S709. In step S709, it is determined whether or not the execution condition of the second operation corresponding effect is satisfied. Specifically, when the second effect A is being executed, it is determined whether or not the period during which the long press is executed (the period during which the operation support flag is stored) is a preset period. .. When the second effect B is being executed, it is determined whether or not the number of operations of the operation button 40 has reached a preset number of times. When the second effect C is being executed, it is determined whether or not the operation button 40 has been operated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S709, the process proceeds in step S710 and the execution process of the second operation corresponding effect is performed. Specifically, the speaker unit 27 is driven to output a sound effect corresponding to the cut-in generation, and a cut-in generation command is output to the display control device 620. The display control device 620 displays the cut-in on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on the reception of this cut-in generation command. This cut-in generation command contains information about the type of cut-in to be generated.

In step S711, the acceptance termination process of the second operation is executed. Specifically, the second operation reception flag stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614 is erased. Then, in the following step S712, the suggestion end processing of the second operation is executed. Specifically, the second operation suggestion end command is output to the display control device 620. As a result, the button icons, gauges, and the like displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 are hidden.

If a negative determination is made in step S707 or step S709, that is, if it is determined that the second operation has not been performed, or if it is determined that the execution condition of the second operation corresponding effect is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S713. .. In step S713, it is determined whether or not the second operation acceptance period has elapsed with reference to the second operation acceptance period counters stored in the various counter areas 614b of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S713, the second production process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S713, the process proceeds to step S714 to determine whether or not the cancellation condition for the second effect is satisfied. That is, when the second effect A is being executed, the execution condition is not satisfied because the period during which the "long press" is executed is less than the above lower limit operation period (for example, 2 sec), and the second effect B is executed. If the number of times the "continuous hit" is executed is less than the above lower limit number of operations (for example, 10 times), the execution condition is not satisfied, and if the second effect C is executed, the "single operation" is performed. If is not performed, the execution condition is not satisfied.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S714, each process of step S711 and step S712 is executed, and then the second effect processing is terminated. As a result, the cut-in display as the effect corresponding to the second operation is avoided. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S714, each process of steps S710 to S712 is executed, and then the second effect processing is terminated. Regarding the second operation-corresponding effect executed on the condition that the operation acceptance period has elapsed, the probability that a cut-in with a low expectation will occur is higher than that of the second operation-corresponding effect executed via step S709.

Here, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 19, the flow of the game when the operation-corresponding continuous effect (first effect → second effect) is executed will be described. In FIG. 19, a case where the second effect A is executed as the second effect is illustrated.

At the timing of ta1, the variable display of the symbol is started on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, and at the timing of ta2, the display shifts to the reach display. When the first effect is started at the timing of ta3 after shifting to the reach display, a button icon for suggesting an operation is displayed in the center of the display screen 94a. When the operation button 40 is operated at the timing of ta4 after the operation suggestion is started, an effect surrounding the variable display area of the symbol is generated on the display screen 94a. Since the color of the effect at the start of display is blue, there is room to change to a higher-expected (upper) color.

If the operation button 40 pressed down at the timing of ta4 is maintained in the pressed state, the operation support mode is entered at the timing of ta5 and automatic repeated hits are possible. Since the pressed state is maintained even after that, it is considered that the operation button 40 is repeatedly hit, and the color of the effect changes from blue → yellow → green → red according to the number of repeated hits. Since the color of the effect is red when the operation acceptance period ends, the red effect flashes at the end of the operation acceptance period, and the first effect ends. As described above, the effect displayed on the display screen 94a suggests the degree of expectation that will result in a big hit in the game, and the color of the effect changes based on the operation from the initial stage of the effect display. However, expectations for the jackpot result will increase.

At the timing of ta6 when the first production is finished, the second production is started immediately. In the present embodiment, since the second effect is started when the end of the first effect is completed, a substantial time lag does not occur between the two effects. The button icon displayed on the display screen 94a continues to be displayed even after the transition to the second effect. However, the charge gauge CG will be displayed in addition to the above button icon at the timing of ta6 when the second effect is started.

The display of the charge gauge CG changes as the automatic continuous striking started in the first effect is continued in the second effect. Then, at the timing of ta7 when the charge gauge CG is full, the characters "CHANGE" are cut-in displayed on the display screen 94a as a message suggesting the degree of expectation that a big hit result will be obtained in the game times.

The game times illustrated in FIG. 19 correspond to the out-of-game results. Therefore, at the timing of ta8 when the game round ends, the combination of symbols corresponding to the off result is stopped and displayed, and the game result is clearly shown.

According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

The operation mode that triggers the execution of the second operation-compatible effect is determined according to the operation mode of the operation that was performed during the first effect and triggered the execution of the first operation-compatible effect. It is possible to add relevance to the operation mode when performing the first operation-compatible effect → the second operation-compatible effect, and it is possible to enhance the sense of unity by using both effects together.

The combined use of the first effect and the second effect is advantageous in suppressing the monotony of the game and increasing the degree of attention to the game. However, in view of the fact that both the first effect and the second effect are effects associated with the operation of the operation button 40, the operation that triggers the execution of the effect becomes complicated, so that, for example, a game unfamiliar with the game. It is feared that it will be difficult for beginners and the like to exert the above-mentioned attention-improving effect because they cannot participate in the game well. In this respect, by unifying the operation modes in the first effect and the second effect as shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of these various inconveniences.

In a configuration in which the first effect and the second effect are continuous, for example, an event that the second effect is started (under the situation where the first effect is performed) before the operation started by combining the first effect is completed. Can occur. For example, at the time of transition to the second production, the operation may be repeated with the momentum / rhythm of the first production. In this case, there is a concern that the intention of the player's operation will not be reflected well in the production due to a discrepancy between the actual operation mode and the set operation mode. In this regard, by adopting a configuration in which the gaming machine side determines (adjusts) the mode of the subsequent operation according to the mode of operation of the player in the first production, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience is suppressed, and a practically preferable configuration is obtained. It can be realized.

In the operation-compatible continuous production that shifts from the first effect to the second effect, after the display of the button icon suggesting the operation of the operation button 40 is started in the first effect, the button icon is displayed in the second effect. It is continuously displayed until the two-operation compatible effect (cut-in display) is executed. As long as the operation is continued in response to this operation suggestion, it matches the mode set as the execution trigger of the second operation corresponding effect. In this way, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the first effect and the second effect by suppressing the operation mode itself from being complicatedly changed while diversifying the effect patterns.

In a configuration in which an operation is suggested by a button icon or the like, if the button icon is visually confirmed and the operation is actually performed accordingly, a certain time lag may occur between the suggestion and the operation. On the other hand, if the operation suggestion is started in advance, the influence of the above-mentioned time lag can be alleviated and the progress of the production can be smoothly advanced. In the present embodiment, the button icon is already displayed before the second effect is started. Therefore, it is possible to inform the player that the operation should be performed at a timing before the second effect is started and the operation reception is started. As a result, the period from the start of the operation reception to the actual operation (the time lag) can be reduced, and it is not necessary to set the second effect in consideration of such a period. Improving the responsiveness in this way is a preferable configuration for improving the degree of freedom such as the execution period and the progress of the second effect.

The button icon displayed in the first effect and the button icon displayed in the second effect are common. This is advantageous in promoting the understanding that the operation mode that triggers the execution of the operation response effect is common. In the first place, in the first production, a certain degree of freedom is set in the operation mode. Specifically, three modes of "long press", "continuous hitting", and "single operation" are allowed. Therefore, the button icon displayed in the first effect is not provided with information that can identify a specific operation mode. On the other hand, in the second effect, an operation mode that triggers the execution of the second operation-compatible effect is defined. Therefore, when a button icon similar to this is displayed in the second effect, it may be difficult to grasp the relationship between the actual operation mode and the defined operation mode with only the information. In this respect, in the present embodiment, as described above, the mode of the operation that triggers the execution of the second operation-compatible effect is defined according to the mode of the operation that triggered the execution of the first operation-compatible effect. Therefore, even if the operation suggestion icon is not provided with information for clarifying the operation mode, it is understood from the background of the first effect that the operation in the second effect is the same as that in the first effect. It becomes easy. That is, even if the display of the icon is simplified, it can be suppressed that it becomes a factor that confuses the player.

The second effect C is provided for the second effect, which corresponds to the "single operation". In the second effect C, the type of cut-in display as the second operation corresponding effect may change depending on the timing when the player operates the operation button 40. Here, when the operations are continuously performed during the first effect, the operation means is not necessarily separated from the operation means when the first effect is completed. For example, there is a possibility that the operation is intentionally continued in anticipation that some step-up or the like will occur in response to the continuous operation, or the operation may be continued due to inertia. When the second effect is started in the situation where the continuous operation is continued in this way, the second operation-corresponding effect can be executed triggered by the above-mentioned operation. More specifically, the operation corresponding to the second operation can be executed in a form that does not match the original intention of the player, such as the operation being accepted at a timing not intended by the player. This is terrible for a player who actively operates the operating means. Therefore, when the operation of the operation means during the first effect is continuously performed, the dependence on the above timing is made as a configuration in which the "single operation" is removed from the mode of the operation that triggers the second operation-compatible effect. By avoiding it, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In particular, considering that the first production and the second production are continuous and there is no substantial interval period between them, the operation started in the first production can continue until the second production. The sex becomes high. If such circumstances are taken into consideration, the effect of defining the operation mode that triggers the execution of the second operation-corresponding effect becomes remarkable.

In a gaming machine of a type in which an operation-corresponding effect is executed according to the number of pressing operations (number of repeated hits) of the operation button 40, various operations can be performed by using the operation means in combination with a configuration in which it is sufficient to operate only once. A preferable configuration can be realized in order to secure the property and suppress the monotony of the game. However, increasing the operational burden on the player when the pressing operation is repeated may be a factor that makes the operation of the operating means jealous. In this regard, if the operation button 40 is maintained in the pressed state as shown in the present embodiment, the same effect as when the pressing operation of the operation button 40 is repeated (support effect by automatic repeated striking) can be obtained. , The occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

However, although such an automatic continuous striking function is advantageous in improving the convenience of operation, it cannot be denied that the function may be abused by reducing the operation load. For example, an event may occur in which the game is performed with the hand on the operation means regardless of the presence or absence of the operation suggestion. In this case, it cannot be denied that the second operation-corresponding effect may be executed at a timing that does not match the player's intention as a result of the automatic continuous striking in the second effect C. In particular, considering that the first effect triggers the start of the operation, there is a high possibility that the above-mentioned inconvenience will occur in the transition from the first effect to the second effect. In this regard, as described above, the mode of operation that triggers the execution of the second operation-compatible effect is defined according to the operation mode in the first effect, and the second effect C is selected when the "long press" is performed. By removing it from the above, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as the second effect not being performed well due to the improvement in convenience.

<Modification example 1>
Regarding the second effect (effect corresponding to the second operation: cut-in display), it is sufficient if the configuration is executed after the start of the first effect (effect corresponding to the first operation: effect change), and not necessarily after the first effect is completed. It is not necessary that the configuration is executed so as to be continuous with the first effect. For example, a blank may be generated between the first effect and the second effect, or the second effect may be overlapped with or interrupted by a part of the first effect during the execution period of the first effect. May be executed.

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment described above, when the second effect is executed following the first effect, the operation mode related to the second effect is determined at the start of the second effect. The timing of determining the operation mode is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to determine the operation mode related to the second effect while the first effect is being executed. Further, the operation mode related to the second effect may be temporarily set at the start of the game round or the like, and the operation mode related to the second effect may be rewritten according to the operation mode of the player at the time of the first effect.

<Modification example 3>
In the first embodiment, the button icon as an operation suggestion image suggesting the operation of the operation button 40 is continuously displayed in the first effect to the second effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. It is also possible to hide the button icon at the connecting part of both effects. Specifically, the button icon may be hidden at the end of the operation acceptance period in the first effect, and the button icon may be redisplayed at the start of the operation acceptance period in the second effect.

Further, it is not necessary to standardize the button icon displayed at the time of the first effect and the button icon displayed at the time of the second effect. That is, it is sufficient if it can be suggested that the operation button 40 should be operated in each effect, and the button icon for the first effect and the button icon for the second effect should be differentiated. Does not deny. For example, it is possible to make the size, color, shape, etc. of the button icon different in each production.

<Modification example 4>
In the first embodiment described above, the start timing of the operation suggestion and the start timing of the operation reception are aligned, but it is possible to shift both of these timings. For example, after the operation suggestion is started, the operation reception may be started later than the operation suggestion. In making such a change, if a continuous operation such as "long press" or "continuous hit" is performed in the first effect, a notification prompting the continuation of the operation at the beginning of the second effect (specifically). May be configured to perform "continue continuous striking to accumulate gauge 3.2.1 start", "continue long press to accumulate gauge 3.2.1 start", etc.). In addition, when a "single operation" is performed in the first production, a notification prompting the operation at the beginning of the second production (specifically, "Aim at the impact point 3.2.1 start" etc.) is sent. It is good to have a configuration to do.

<Modification 5>
When shifting from the first effect to the second effect, it is possible to have a configuration (a configuration in which advance notification is performed) that prompts an operation corresponding to the second effect prior to the start of operation reception in the second effect. For example, before the end of the first production (during the first production), a notification prompting the operation corresponding to the second production (specifically, "Continue repeated hits and accumulate the gauge 3.2.1. Start", It may be configured to perform "continue long press to accumulate gauge 3.2.1 start" etc.).
<Modification 6>
In the first embodiment described above, when the automatic continuous striking is executed during the first effect, the operation in the second effect provides assistance by the automatic continuous striking, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. When the automatic continuous striking is executed at the time of the first effect, the operation in the second effect may not be assisted by the automatic continuous striking (for example, it may be avoided).
<Modification 7>
As shown in the above embodiment, when the auto continuous striking function is provided, the player is instructed that the automatic continuous striking is possible on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. It is good to do. Further, it may be configured to clearly indicate that the auto continuous striking function is operating when the auto continuous striking is actually performed.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, the first effect and the second effect are continuously executed without any interval, but in the present embodiment, between the first effect and the second effect. By allowing an interval period to occur, the degree of freedom related to the insertion of effects is improved. In such a configuration, it is feared that the individual operation suggestions make it easier for the player to give the impression that the operation is troublesome and make it difficult to concentrate on the game. One of the features of the present embodiment is that the device is devised in consideration of such circumstances. Hereinafter, the configurations related to the first effect and the second effect will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 20, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, both the first effect and the second effect may be executed during one game. Here, by providing a plurality of start timings of the second effect, it is possible to suppress the monotonous progress of the game. Specifically, the second effect is started at the timing of tb3 after a relatively short interval period (2 sec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the timing of tb2 at which the first effect has ended (hereinafter,). It is roughly classified into a type 1 second effect) and a method that starts at a later timing of tb4 (hereinafter, referred to as a type 2 second effect). The first type second production and the second type second production have the same basic flow and execution period of the production, and suppress the increase in the amount of data due to the diversification of the production.

Here, since the first effect and the second effect are separated from each other, the operation suggestion in the first effect mainly ends when the operation acceptance period in the first effect elapses, and the operation suggestion in the second effect is the second effect. 2 It starts when the production starts and ends when the operation acceptance period in the second production elapses. However, in a specific situation, the suggestion in the first effect is extended until the start of the second effect (specifically, until the operation suggestion is started in the second effect). Specifically, in the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142, the start timing and the end timing of the suggestion are set at the start of the first effect, but when the above specific situation occurs, the suggestion ends. The timing is rewritten. Here, with reference to FIG. 21A, a process for updating the suggestion end timing (setting content update process) executed by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142 will be described. The setting content update process is a process executed as a part of the above-mentioned fluctuation display control process (process during fluctuation) which is a periodic process.

(Setting content update process)
In the setting content update process, first, it is determined in step S801 whether or not the update determination timing has come. The first effect described in the first embodiment is configured so that the execution period is constant regardless of the operation mode of the player. Although the details will be described later, the first effect shown in the present embodiment has a configuration in which the execution period of the first effect can be changed depending on the operation mode. Regarding the timing of the update determination, it is determined whether or not approximately half of the execution period (minimum period) of the first effect has elapsed since the start of the first effect (see the schematic diagram of FIG. 21B). .. In the present embodiment as well, the operation support function is enabled by pressing and holding the operation button 40, but the operation support is provided for the period from the start timing of the first effect (specifically, the start of operation reception) to the timing of the update determination. It is set to be longer than the long press period required to switch to the mode. If a negative determination is made in step S801, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S801, the process proceeds to step S802.

In step S802, it is determined whether or not the interval period between the first effect and the second effect is within a predetermined range. Specifically, when the first type second effect having a relatively short interval period is executed as the second effect, an affirmative determination is made in step S802, and the second effect having a relatively long interval period is performed as the second effect. When the seed second effect is executed, a negative determination is made in step S802. If a negative determination is made in step S802, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S802, the process proceeds to step S803.

Regarding the first effect, as in the first embodiment, any of "long press", "continuous hit", and "single press" is allowed as the operation mode of the operation button 40. However, in the first embodiment, based on the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect, the second operation mode (second effect A to No. 2) that triggers the execution of the second operation-corresponding effect in the second effect. The configuration is such that the 2 effects C) are determined, but in the present embodiment, the mode of the second operation that triggers the execution of the second operation corresponding effect in the second effect is determined at the start of the game round. It is different in that it is.

In step S803, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect and the operation mode related to the second effect match. More specifically, when "long press" is performed in the first effect, whether "long press" is set in the second effect (whether the second effect A is selected). When the determination is made and the "continuous hit" is performed in the first effect, it is determined whether the "continuous hit" is set in the second effect (whether the second effect B is selected). If a negative determination is made in step S803, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S801, the process proceeds to step S804.

In step S804, the button icon display continuation process as the operation suggestion image is executed. In this case, the button icon displayed on the display screen 94a with the start of the first effect is not hidden based on the end of the operation acceptance period, and the interval period between the first effect and the second effect is also displayed. Is continued. That is, the display of the button icon is extended until the start of the second effect, and the display of the button icon continues from the first effect to the second effect (see FIG. 21B).

Here, the flow of the first production will be supplementarily described. In the first effect, the color of the effect on the display screen 94a is changed by operating the operation button 40. In the first embodiment, the operation acceptance period and the execution period of the first effect are defined regardless of the number of operations of the operation button 40. On the other hand, in the first effect shown in the present embodiment, the operation reception period and the number of operation receptions in the first effect are defined when the first effect is executed, and the number of operation receptions is specified before the operation reception period elapses. Is configured to end the first production when the specified number of times is reached. Therefore, the execution period of the first effect depends on the operation of the player.

As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 22A, when the operation button 40 is pressed and held in accordance with the operation suggestion after the first effect is started, the automatic repeated hits are executed and the number of operation receptions is increased within the operation reception period. The configuration is such that the specified number of times can be reached. That is, as for the valid period of the operation support, a sufficient period is secured to reach the specified number of times by automatic repeated hits. After the end of the first production, the second production will be started after a predetermined interval period.

As illustrated in the schematic views of FIGS. 22 (b) and 22 (c), it is uncertain what kind of operation will be performed in the first effect. By performing both manual and automatic repeated hits, the time until the above-mentioned specified number of hits is reached will change. Regarding the second effect executed after the first effect, the start timing of the second effect changes according to the progress of the first effect. Incidentally, it is also possible to configure the start timing of the second effect not to be affected by the progress of the first effect, and to determine the start timing in advance at the start of the game round or the like.

Here, the update determination number is set as a number slightly less than the specified number. When the number of operations reaches the number of update determinations, the condition for the update determination in step S801 is satisfied. At this timing, the processes of steps S802 to S804 are executed.

When shifting from the first effect to the second effect, the display of the button icon may be continued when various conditions related to continuation are satisfied. In such a case, the operation support period is automatically extended. This makes it possible to prevent the operation support function from being invalidated in the middle when the operation is continued in response to the operation suggestion. Whether or not the validity period can be extended is determined by the operation determination process executed by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142. Hereinafter, the operation determination process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23.

(Process for operation judgment)
In the operation determination process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the operation detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. If an affirmative determination is made in step S901, the operation detection flag is deleted. The operation detection flag is a flag stored in various flag storage areas 614a when it is determined that an operation has been performed, and in other processing executed by the notification / effect control device 142, the operation detection flag is used. Grasp the operation status based on the presence or absence.

After executing the process of step S902, or when a negative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, it is determined whether or not the HI level signal is received from the operation button 40 (specifically, the attached detection sensor). Also in the present embodiment, when the operation button 40 is in the standby position (non-operation position), a LOW level signal is input to the notification / effect control device 142, and the operation button 40 is pushed to the operation position. Is configured so that the HI level signal is input to the notification / effect control device 142. In step S903, the presence or absence of an operation is grasped based on the detection information (signal) from the operation button 40. The relationship between the binary signals is reversed, and the LOW level signal is input when the operation button 40 is operated, and the HI level signal is input when the operation button 40 is not operated. Is also possible.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, the process proceeds to step S904. In step S904, it is determined whether or not the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S904, the process proceeds to step S905. In step S905, it is determined whether or not the value of the mode switching counter provided in the various counter areas 614b of the RAM 614 is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S905, the process proceeds to step S906 to execute the mode switching counter update process. Specifically, the mode switching counter is added by "1".

After executing the process of step S906, the operation corresponding process is executed in step S907 to end the operation determination process. In the operation correspondence process, the operation detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614, and a light emission signal is output so as to temporarily emit the operation lamp unit built in the center frame 95.

Returning to the description of step S905, if a negative determination is made in step S905, the process proceeds to step S908. In step S908, it is determined whether or not the mode switching counter has a predetermined value. As described above, the mode switching counter is configured to be updated when the HI level signal is received from the operation button 40. The predetermined value is defined so that the period during which the HI level signal is continuously received is the predetermined period (2 sec in the present embodiment). That is, when the period during which the HI level signal is continuously received (the duration of the pressing operation of the operation button 40) is 2 sec, an affirmative determination is made in step S908.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S908, the process proceeds to step S909. In step S909, the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. As a result, the operation support mode is entered, and the operation support function is enabled thereafter. After executing the process of step S909, the valid period of the operation support mode is set in the following step S910. Specifically, a predetermined value (for example, 4 sec: corresponding to a period shorter than the longest execution period of the first effect) is set in the validity period counter provided in various counter areas 614b of the RAM 614. The validity period counter is updated (subtracted by 1) each time the operation determination process is executed, and the operation support ends when the value returns to the initial value "0". After executing the process of step S910, the operation corresponding process is executed in step S907 to end the operation determination process.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S908, that is, if it is determined that the mode switching counter has not yet reached the above-mentioned "predetermined value", the process proceeds to step S911. After executing the same update process as in step S906 in step S911, the operation determination process is terminated as it is.

Returning to the description of step S904, if it is determined that the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614, that is, if the operation support function is enabled, the process proceeds to step S912. In step S912, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the validity period ends by referring to the value of the validity period counter.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S912, the process proceeds to step S913. In step S913, it is determined whether or not the condition for extending the valid period is satisfied. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the operation suggestion is continued even after the end of the first effect. When a negative determination is made in step S913, that is, when the operation suggestion is discontinued, the operation support flags stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614 are deleted. If an affirmative determination is made in step S913, the process proceeds to step S915.

In step S915, a process of extending the validity period of the operation support mode is executed. Specifically, the validity period counter is added so that the validity period continues until the end of the second effect. As a result, the operation support function continues until the end of the first effect without interruption.

After executing the processes of steps S915 and S914, or when a negative determination is made in step S912, the process proceeds to step S916. In step S916, it is determined whether or not the timing is such that a preset interval period (0.2 sec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the storage of the operation detection flag. In the present embodiment, when it is confirmed that the operation button 40 is held down for 2 seconds, the long press is continued as it is, which is the same as when the operation button 40 is repeatedly hit. It is possible to perform automatic repeated hits that generate an event. The above interval period is set as an operation interval when performing this automatic continuous striking.

Returning to the description of step S903, if a negative determination is made in step S903, that is, if a LOW level signal from the operation button 40 is received, the process proceeds to step S917. In step S917, the mode switching counter is cleared (reset) to 0. In the following step S918, it is determined whether or not the operation support flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 614a of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S412, the operation determination process is terminated as it is.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S918, the operation support flag is cleared in step S919, and the mode switching condition is temporarily relaxed in the following step S920 to end the operation determination process. That is, the operation support function is invalidated when the pressed state of the operation button 40 is released.

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

When the first effect and the second effect associated with the operation of the operation button 40 are performed as shown in the second embodiment, the operation may be individually urged during each effect period. It is possible. In such a configuration, the first operation-compatible effect and the second operation-compatible effect can be generated by individually performing operations according to, for example, information from the gaming machine. However, repeating the operation and stopping may cause the operation to become complicated and reduce the attention to the production. In addition, if an instruction for the next operation is issued in a situation where the player's attention is reduced after the operation is completed, there is a concern that the instruction may be easily overlooked. In this way, it cannot be denied that the interruption of the operation instruction may hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game when performing a plurality of operation-compatible effects. In this regard, if the display of the button icon for suggesting the operation is continued between the first effect and the second effect as shown in the present embodiment to encourage the continuation of the operation over both effects, the above-mentioned It is possible to suppress the occurrence of such annoyance and oversight, and to preferably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention by the operation-responsive effect.

If the continuation of the operation is urged regardless of the period (interval period) between the first effect and the second effect, there is a concern that the operation will be prolonged and the burden on the player will increase. It is feared that an excessively large burden may lead to a decrease in motivation to play, which may hinder the promotion of active participation. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the guidance for continuing the operation is limited to the case where the first effect → the second effect is performed during one game rotation, and when the interval period becomes excessively large. Is configured to refrain from the above-mentioned induction, so that the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

As described above, the problem that arises when a plurality of effects associated with the operation button 40 are used in combination becomes remarkable when the interval between each effect (non-execution period, interval period) is small. Therefore, in the case of the first period in which the non-execution period is relatively large, inconvenience caused by the above induction is unlikely to occur even if the configuration is set to refrain from the above induction. Further, it is advantageous for the above-mentioned guidance to encourage the active participation (operation) of the player in the configuration in which the operation is suppressed so as not to increase the burden on the player due to the unimplicitly prolonged operation. That is, the above-mentioned guidance for continuation of operation is not set when a relatively long first period is set as the interval period (when the type 1 second effect is executed), but a relatively short second period is set. It is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience by adopting the configuration in which the above-mentioned inconvenience occurs.

In guiding the operation of the operation button 40 to be continued in the first effect to the second effect, giving the impression that the operation is practically meaningless reduces the motivation for operation. In this case, the above-mentioned guidance function cannot be exerted well. In the first effect, as a result of performing the operation in response to the operation suggestion by the button icon, the first operation corresponding effect is executed. In this way, by making the player recognize that some kind of response is generated in response to the suggestion and then performing the above guidance so that the suggestion continues, it is as if the ongoing operation has some meaning. It becomes possible to make the player aware of it. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

If the above guidance is performed when the mode of the operation that triggers the first operation-compatible effect and the mode of the operation that triggers the second operation-compatible effect match, the operation can be performed over the two effects. Even if it is continued, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such as the production not proceeding well due to the difference in the operation mode or the like. As a result, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the production corresponding to the operation.

In particular, when a predetermined operation is continuously performed, it is assumed that if the operation is interrupted and then restarted in the middle, it is easy to give the player the impression that the operation is troublesome. Therefore, a practically preferable configuration can be realized by configuring the configuration to encourage the continuation of the operation when the first effect and the second effect correspond to the continuous operation (“long press” or “continuous hit”).

In the first place, the operation mode of the operation means depends on the player. Therefore, even if the operation mode is suggested, the operation is not always performed as it is. Therefore, for example, when the operation mode in the first effect is maintained and the process shifts to the second effect, the operation mode that triggers the execution of the second operation-corresponding effect in the second effect and the operation mode during execution If there is a difference between the two, it cannot be denied that the second operation corresponding effect may not be performed well. Therefore, if the configuration is such that whether or not to guide the operation continuation is performed according to the operation mode in the first effect as shown in the present embodiment, as a result of inducing the continuation of the operation, the second operation corresponding effect is produced. It is possible to preferably avoid the failure.

More specifically, for example, in the second operation-compatible production, the timing of the operation is important, and when the operation means is repeatedly hit during the first production to prompt the continuation of the repeated hits, the second operation is performed. It is expected that it will be difficult to perform timed operations in the production. On the other hand, when the execution trigger of the second operation corresponding effect is premised on the repeated hitting of the operation means, the above inconvenience does not occur. In this way, it is technically significant to have a configuration that determines whether or not guidance is possible after grasping the actual operation mode.

In a configuration in which the operation corresponding to the first operation is completed by operating the operation button 40 once (“single operation”), the harmful effect due to the intervening period between the operation button 40 and the second effect is relatively small. .. On the other hand, if a blank occurs in the case of continuous operation ("long press" or "continuous hit") → continuous operation ("long press" or "continuous hit"), it is like "redo" of continuous operation. It becomes easy to give a negative impression. Therefore, at least in the case of continuous operation → continuous operation, if the configuration is such that the occurrence of blanks is avoided, the various effects described above can be suitably exhibited.

<Modification example 1>
In the second embodiment, the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect is "long press", and in the second embodiment, "long press" is the operation mode that triggers the second operation corresponding effect. Is set, or the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect is "continuous hitting", and in the second embodiment, "continuous hitting" is set as an operation mode that triggers the second operation corresponding effect. The configuration is such that the operation suggestion is continued on the condition that the operation suggestion is continued, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is a condition that the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect is "long press" and "continuous hitting" is set as the operation mode that triggers the second operation corresponding effect in the second embodiment. As one, the configuration may be such that the operation suggestion is continued. In a gaming machine to which an operation support function as shown in the present embodiment is provided, automatic continuous striking can be performed by "long press". Therefore, there is substantially no difference in the operation mode of the operation button 40 even if "long press" → "continuous hit". It should be noted that the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect is "continuous hitting", and "long press" is set as the operation mode that triggers the second operation corresponding effect in the second embodiment. As one of the conditions, it is possible to have a configuration in which the operation suggestion is continued. However, in such a configuration, it is preferable to notify that the specific operation mode has been changed to "long press".

<Modification 2>
In addition to the operation suggestion image (button icon) shown in the second embodiment, an image (for example, a timer icon) indicating the operation acceptance period (remaining period) may be displayed. In this case, in order to encourage the continuation of the operation when shifting from the first effect to the second effect, it is preferable to update the display of the timer icon so as to indicate that the reception period has increased (extended or returned).

<Modification example 3>
When the operation suggestion is continued between the first effect and the second effect, it is also possible to add the effect to the interval period between the first effect and the second effect. For example, it is advisable to execute a connecting effect connecting the first effect and the second extension. If the player recognizes that the first effect and the second effect are a series of effects, the connection between the first effect and the second effect can be strengthened.

<Modification example 4>
When the operation suggestion is continued between the first effect and the second effect, it is not necessary to continue to display the button icon as the image for the operation suggestion in the same mode. For example, when the operation suggestion is continued, the color, shape, size, etc. of the button icon may be changed.

<Third embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the interval period between the first effect and the second effect is secured. The existence of the interval period is advantageous in clarifying the transition of the production, but it cannot be denied that the existence of this interval period may be a factor that lowers the player's attention. Therefore, one of the features of the present embodiment is that a device is devised to avoid the occurrence of such inconvenience. Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 24, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. FIG. 24A is a flowchart showing the setting content update process, and FIG. 24B is a timing chart showing the flow of the game.

(Setting content update process)
In the setting content update process, first, it is determined in step S1001 whether or not the update determination timing has come. In the present embodiment, the update determination timing is set to be earlier than that in the second embodiment. Specifically, the number of operations related to the update determination is set to be smaller than the upper limit number of operations (specified number of times) related to the operation of the operation button 40 determined when the first effect is started. The same as the second embodiment described above, but the number of operations related to the update determination is half of the specified number of times, and it is determined at an early stage whether or not the suggestion can be continued. If a negative determination is made in step S1001, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002.

In step S1002, it is determined whether or not the interval period between the first effect and the second effect is within a predetermined range. Specifically, when the first type second effect having a relatively short interval period is executed as the second effect, an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, and the second effect having a relatively long interval period is determined as the second effect. When the seed second effect is executed, a negative determination is made in step S1002. If a negative determination is made in step S1002, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003.

In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect and the operation mode related to the second effect match. More specifically, when "long press" is performed in the first effect, whether "long press" is set in the second effect (whether the second effect A is selected). When the determination is made and the "continuous hit" is performed in the first effect, it is determined whether the "continuous hit" is set in the second effect (whether the second effect B is selected). If a negative determination is made in step S1003, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1004.

In step S1004, the display continuation process of the button icon as the operation suggestion image is executed. In this case, the button icon displayed on the display screen 94a with the start of the first effect is not hidden based on the end of the operation acceptance period, and the display of the button icon is extended until the start of the second effect. As a result, the display of the button icon will continue from the first effect to the second effect (see FIG. 24 (b)).

After executing the button icon display continuation process in step S1004, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, the extension process of the first operation corresponding effect is executed. Specifically, the above-mentioned specified number of times is added, the operation acceptance period is extended, and the effect emphasis period (flash generation period) executed at the end of the operation acceptance period is extended. By extending the first effect in this way, the interval period that was originally secured between the first effect and the second effect is filled (see FIG. 24B).

Here, with reference to FIG. 24B, the flow of the first effect to the second effect will be supplementarily described. In the first effect, the color of the effect on the display screen 94a is changed by operating the operation button 40. In the first effect shown in the present embodiment, the operation reception period and the number of operation receptions in the first effect are defined when the first effect is executed, and the number of operation receptions reaches the specified number before the operation reception period elapses. As a result, the first production is completed. Therefore, the execution period of the first effect depends on the operation of the player.

However, when the operation mode of the implementation in the first effect matches the operation mode set in the second effect, the end condition of the first effect is relaxed. That is, the above-mentioned specified number of times is added and the operation acceptance period is extended. As a result, the first effect is extended, and the player can be preferably urged to continue the operation even during this extension period.

When the first production is completed, the second production is started. That is, the first effect and the second effect are directly connected, and the process immediately shifts to the second effect. Since the operation suggestion is continued during this period, it is possible to suppress the temporary interruption of the operation. Even in this case, there may be a period during which the operation is not accepted, but the period is shorter than when the interval period is set. As a result, it is difficult to give the player the impression that it is useless even if the operation is performed according to the operation suggestion.

<Modification example 1>
In the third embodiment described above, the first effect is extended as a configuration in which the end timing of the first effect is delayed to the start timing of the second effect, but the extent to which the first effect is extended is arbitrary. , It is not always necessary to set the interval period between the first effect and the second effect to 0.

<Modification 2>
In the third embodiment described above, both the operation acceptance period (effect change period) and the effect confirmation display period are extended in the first effect, but which part in the first effect is extended is arbitrary. Is. However, for example, when only the effect confirmation display period is extended, it becomes conspicuous that the operation acceptance period is out of time, or the final part of the first production is postponed. This can be a factor that deteriorates the appearance of the first production. In view of these circumstances, when the operation acceptance period (effect change period) is extended, it is possible to make it less noticeable that the end timing is delayed as compared with the case where only the confirmed display period is extended. It has technical significance.

<Modification example 3>
In the third embodiment described above, the update determination timing is advanced to secure a margin for extending the first effect, but at what timing (what kind of condition is satisfied). (In some cases) It is optional whether to make an update judgment. For example, when the operation support flag is stored, the update determination (affirmative determination) is performed at that time, and when the operation button 40 is operated at least twice, the update determination (affirmative determination) is performed at that time. It is also possible to configure it. When none of these conditions are satisfied, an update determination (negative determination) may be performed (extension of the first effect is avoided).

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the interval period between the first effect and the second effect is secured. The existence of the interval period is advantageous in clarifying the transition of the production, but it cannot be denied that the existence of this interval period may be a factor that lowers the player's attention. Therefore, one of the features of the present embodiment is that a device is devised to avoid the occurrence of such inconvenience. Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 25, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. FIG. 25A is a flowchart showing the setting content update process, and FIG. 25B is a timing chart showing the flow of the game.

(Setting content update process)
In the setting content update process, first, it is determined in step S1101 whether or not the update determination timing has come. In the present embodiment, the update determination timing is set to be earlier than that in the second embodiment. Specifically, the number of operations related to the update determination is set to be smaller than the upper limit number of operations (specified number of times) related to the operation of the operation button 40 determined when the first effect is started. The same as the second embodiment described above, but the number of operations related to the update determination is half of the specified number of times, and whether or not the suggestion can be continued is determined at an early stage. If a negative determination is made in step S1101, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1102.

In step S1102, it is determined whether or not the interval period between the first effect and the second effect is within a predetermined range. Specifically, when the first type second effect having a relatively short interval period is executed as the second effect, an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, and the second effect having a relatively long interval period is determined as the second effect. When the seed second effect is executed, a negative determination is made in step S1102. If a negative determination is made in step S1102, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1103.

In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the operation button 40 in the first effect and the operation mode related to the second effect match. More specifically, when "long press" is performed in the first effect, whether "long press" is set in the second effect (whether the second effect A is selected). When the determination is made and the "continuous hit" is performed in the first effect, it is determined whether the "continuous hit" is set in the second effect (whether the second effect B is selected). If a negative determination is made in step S1103, the update process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S1103, the process proceeds to step S1104.

In step S1104, the display continuation process of the button icon as the operation suggestion image is executed. In this case, the button icon displayed on the display screen 94a with the start of the first effect is not hidden based on the end of the operation acceptance period, and the display of the button icon is extended until the start of the second effect. As a result, the display of the button icon continues from the first effect to the second effect (see FIG. 25 (b)).

After executing the button icon display continuation process in step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, the interval period shortening process is executed. Specifically, the start timing of the second effect is matched with the end timing of the first effect so that the second effect is executed ahead of schedule. By moving the second effect forward in this way, the interval period that was originally secured between the first effect and the second effect is closed (see FIG. 25 (b)).

Here, with reference to FIG. 25 (b), the flow of the first effect to the second effect will be supplementarily described. In the first effect, the color of the effect on the display screen 94a is changed by operating the operation button 40. In the first effect shown in the present embodiment, the operation reception period and the number of operation receptions in the first effect are defined when the first effect is executed, and the number of operation receptions reaches the specified number before the operation reception period elapses. As a result, the first production is completed. Therefore, the execution period of the first effect depends on the operation of the player.

When the operation mode of the execution in the first effect matches the operation mode set in the second effect, the start timing of the second effect to be executed thereafter is earlier, and when the first effect is completed, it is performed. The second production is started with the opportunity. That is, the first effect and the second effect are directly connected, and the process immediately shifts to the second effect. Since the operation suggestion is continued during this period, it is possible to suppress the temporary interruption of the operation. Even in this case, there may be a period during which the operation is not accepted, but the period is shorter than when the interval period is set. As a result, it is difficult to give the player the impression that it is useless even if the operation is performed according to the operation suggestion.

<Modification example 1>
In the fourth embodiment described above, the start timing of the second effect is advanced to the end timing of the first effect, but at least it is sufficient if the interval period is shortened, and how much the second effect is advanced. Is optional.

Further, the interval period can be shortened by combining with the extension function of the first effect shown in the third embodiment.

<Modification 2>
In the fourth embodiment, the entire second effect is shifted to the first effect side. It is also possible to change this so that only the start timing of the second effect is advanced.

<Fifth Embodiment>
As shown in the second to fourth embodiments, in the configuration where there is an invalid period during which the operation reception is not performed between the first effect and the second effect, the operation suggestion is performed. Regardless, the fact that the change corresponding to the operation does not occur can be a factor that confuses the player. One of the features of the present embodiment is that a device is devised to avoid the occurrence of such inconvenience.

Specifically, when the operation suggestion of the operation button 40 is continued so as to straddle the first effect to the second effect, from the end of the operation reception in the first effect to the end of the first effect. The operation performed during the above period is reflected in the second production. More specifically, the period from the completion of the reception of the first operation in the first effect to the end of the first effect is the valid period of the second operation for the second effect. If the operation button 40 is operated during this period, it is memorized and the operation result is reflected in the second effect.

For example, when "long press" is performed as the first operation in the first effect and the operation mode in the second effect is "long press", the acceptance period of the first operation in the first effect ends. With this as an opportunity, acceptance of the second operation is started. If the "long press" is continued during this period, the duration is memorized. If an interval period exists, this interval period is also set as the reception period for the second operation, and if "long press" is continued during the interval period, the continuation period is stored. .. In this way, when the period of "long press" by the pre-operation is accumulated, the period accumulated at the start of the second production etc. is applied, and the remaining period of the required "long press" is applied. It will be shortened.

In addition, when "continuous hitting" is performed as the first operation in the first production and the operation mode in the second production is "continuous hitting", the acceptance period of the first operation in the first production has ended. With this as an opportunity, acceptance of the second operation is started. If the "continuous hit" is continued during this period, the number of times is memorized. Further, when an interval period exists, this interval period is also set as a reception period for the second operation, and if "continuous hitting" is continued during the interval period, the number of times is stored. In this way, when the number of "continuous hits" by the prior operation is accumulated, the number of times accumulated at the start of the second production or the like is applied, and the remaining number of required "continuous hits" is reduced. ..

In this way, by configuring the operation reception for the second production during the first production or the interval period, the operation is not performed when the operation is continued in response to the continuation of the operation suggestion. You can avoid making sense. In this way, moving the operation reception forward is also a preferable configuration in order to prevent the continuation of the operation suggestion from becoming a factor that increases the burden on the player.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, a suggestion image (button icon) for prompting the operation of the operation button 40 is displayed in the first effect, and the first effect corresponding to the operation of the operation button 40 is performed during the corresponding game rotation. Clarified that. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, each of the above points is configured so as to make it unclear that the first effect is performed during the corresponding game without suggesting the operation in the first effect. The embodiment and the configuration are different. Further, the first effect executed in the present embodiment corresponds to the same cut-in display as the second effect, and the operation button 40 is operated (“single-shot operation”) at a preset timing. In this case, the cut-in display is executed. By making the presence / absence of the first effect generation and the timing at which the first operation should be performed unclear in this way, it is possible to enhance the unexpectedness and contribute to the suppression of the monotonicity of the game.

However, if the presence or absence of the first effect and the timing at which the first operation should be performed are intentionally hidden, the following inconveniences may occur because the operation is performed randomly in anticipation of the occurrence of the first effect. For example, when the second effect C is set as the second effect, it is preferable to operate the operation button 40 in a timely manner aiming at the impact area IE (see FIG. 17A). However, if the second effect C is executed in a situation where the operation is performed automatically or manually at random, the player immediately responds to the operation and the pointer P is stopped, so that the player can perform the operation. Unintentionally, you will miss the actual opportunity to participate in the second production C. In this case, there is a concern that the effect of improving the degree of attention to the game by executing the second effect C will not be exhibited well. In addition, if the operation button 40 is not operated at all in a situation where the second effect is not executed while being wary of such an event, the significance of providing the first effect of the unspecified type is diminished. It ends up. One of the features of this embodiment is that measures are taken in consideration of such circumstances. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the countermeasure will be described.

When the second effect is executed, the operation status of the operation button 40 immediately before the second effect is monitored. Specifically, in the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142, the operation monitoring process is executed as a part of the variation display process (process during variation). Here, the operation monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG. 26A.

(Process for operation monitoring)
In the operation monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S1201 whether or not the operation status is being monitored. If a negative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1202. In step S1202, it is determined whether or not it is time to start monitoring the operation status. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the timing precedes a predetermined timing before the start of the second effect, specifically, a period (for example, 2 sec) longer than the interval when the automatic continuous striking is performed. ..

If a negative determination is made in step S1202, the operation monitoring process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, the operation status monitoring start process is executed in step S1203, and then the operation monitoring process ends. By executing the operation status monitoring start process, the operation status during the monitoring period can be grasped.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the second effect. If a negative determination is made in step S1204, this operation monitoring process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1205. In step S1205, the monitoring result is stored. Specifically, if the operation support flag is present during the monitoring period, it is memorized that the "long press" was performed, and the operation button 40 was operated a plurality of times (specifically, twice) during the monitoring period. In that case, it is memorized that the "continuous hit" was performed.

After executing the process of step S1205, the operation monitoring end process is executed in step S1206 to end the operation monitoring process.

In the variable processing, the second effect setting process is executed following the operation monitoring process. Hereinafter, the second effect setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 26B.

(Second production setting process)
In the second effect setting process, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the start timing of the second effect has come. If a negative determination is made in step S1301, the second effect setting process is terminated as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, the operation status during the monitoring period is grasped based on the information stored in step S1205.

After executing the process of step S1302, the process proceeds to step S1303. In step S1303, it is determined whether or not the "long press" is performed during the monitoring period. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1303, the process proceeds to step S1304, the second effect A is set as the second effect, and then the second effect setting process ends. As described above, the second effect A performs a cut-in display as a second operation-compatible effect based on the fact that a "long press" is performed during the second effect A.

If a negative determination is made in step S1303, the process proceeds to step S1305. In step S1305, it is determined whether or not "continuous hitting" has been performed during the monitoring period. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1305, the process proceeds to step S1306, the second effect B is set as the second effect, and then the second effect setting process ends. As described above, the second effect B performs a cut-in display as a second operation-corresponding effect based on the fact that "continuous hitting" is performed during the second effect B.

If a negative determination is made in step S1305, the process proceeds to step S1307, the second effect C is set as the second effect, and then the second effect setting process ends. As described above, the second effect C performs a cut-in display as a second operation corresponding effect based on the fact that the "single operation" is performed during the second effect C.

As described in detail above, when the second effect is performed, it is determined which operation mode the effect corresponds to based on the operation status immediately before the second effect. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second effect C from being improperly executed.

Hereinafter, a specific state of the production progress will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 27. FIG. 27 illustrates a case where an operation-corresponding continuous effect in which the first effect → the second effect are continuous is executed.

At the timing of tk1, the flow of the effect in the current game round is determined, and at the same time, the variable display of the symbol is started on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. After shifting to the reach display at the timing of tk2, the situation is such that the first effect can occur. However, the fact that the production will occur and the timing thereof are not specified, and it is difficult for the player to identify it. Regarding the first effect, the probability of occurrence is high in the game times that result in a big hit, and the probability of occurrence is low in the game times that result in a miss. Therefore, when the first effect occurs, the expectation that a big hit result will increase.

When a player who expects the first effect operates the operation button 40 at the timing of tk3, this timing is out of the reception period (reception timing) of the first operation, so that the first operation-compatible effect may occur. Absent. After that, when the operation button 40 is maintained in the pressed state, the operation support is activated at the timing of tk4, and thereafter, the automatic continuous striking is executed until the hand is released from the operation button 40.

When the acceptance period (acceptance timing) of the first operation is reached at the timing of tk5, the operation 1 by the automatic continuous hitting is effectively accepted, and the first operation corresponding effect is executed based on the operation. Specifically, "CHANGE" is cut-in-displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 as a message indicating the degree of expectation that will result in a big hit. After that, at the timing of tk6, the second production is started.

Here, just before the timing of tk6, the above-mentioned monitoring of the operation status is started. The operation button 40, which was started at the timing of tk3, continues to be pressed, and the operation support function is enabled. The second effect A is set as the second effect based on the fact that the "long press" is performed during the monitoring period.

When the second effect A is started at the timing of tk6, the suggestion of the second operation in which the button icon and the charge gauge CG are displayed on the display screen 94a is started. When the charge gauge CG is accumulated by continuing the operation of the operation button 40 and the charge gauge CG is full at the timing of tc7, "BIG CHANCE" is cut-in displayed as a message indicating the degree of expectation that will result in a big hit. To.

Since the game times illustrated in FIG. 27 correspond to the out-of-game results, the symbol combination corresponding to the out-of-game times is stopped and displayed at the timing of tk8 when the game times end.

According to the sixth embodiment described in detail above, the player cannot grasp in advance whether or not the first effect actually occurs, and the first effect is assumed to occur. Even if it is detected, it is difficult to find out the reception timing of the first operation, which is the trigger for executing the first operation corresponding effect. In consideration of such circumstances, by allowing automatic repeated hits by the operation support, the operation aiming at the period when the operation reception is likely to be performed is facilitated. That is, it is not necessary to repeat the operation of the operation button 40 in anticipation of an effect in which it cannot be determined whether or not it actually occurs. Even if the timing of the operation reception is set to be severe, the operation at the timing can be performed by the support by the automatic repeated hits.

However, when this type of effect and the support function are used in combination, the possibility that the second effect is started while the automatic continuous hitting is being performed cannot be denied. If the above-mentioned automatic repeated hits are performed when the second effect C, in which the content of the effect corresponding to the second operation changes according to the operation timing, is executed, the operation is accepted at an unexpected timing, and the second effect is performed. C can end in a way different from the player's expectations.

In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the situation of the operation in advance is grasped when the second effect is performed and the content of the second effect is determined based on the grasped result, the above The occurrence of inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

<Modification example 1>
In the sixth embodiment, the presence / absence of the first effect and the reception period (reception timing) of the first operation are not specified, but this may be changed to cause the first effect. It is also possible to have a configuration that suggests that there is a possibility that the first operation will be accepted. In other words, it is difficult to distinguish whether the first effect is executed or another effect (development to reach display or spar reach) is executed, but some change occurs at a predetermined timing during the game. It may be configured to suggest that it is obtained. For example, it is also possible to display the progress status during the game round using a progress gauge, and to give discriminating power by using a checkpoint at a place where some change occurs in the production or the like.

<Modification 2>
In the sixth embodiment, only the execution possibility of the second effect is determined at the start of the game round, and the details are determined by the execution timing of the second effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. The details of the second effect may be determined at the start of the game round. In this case, the operation status is not monitored in all the game times in which the second effect is performed, but the operation status is monitored only in the game times in which the second effect C can be executed. When it is grasped that "long press" or "continuous hitting" is being performed, the second effect C may be rewritten to the second effect A or the second effect B according to the grasped operation situation.

<Other embodiments>
The content is not limited to the description of each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above-described embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above-described embodiments. Further, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or a part of the various configurations shown in each of the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effect to be exerted) of each configuration to be combined is guaranteed. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration consisting of a combination of embodiments, or may be partially or wholly applied in combination.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, it is determined whether or not to perform the first effect and the second effect at the start of the game round, and then the details of the effect contents are determined, but the present invention is limited to this. It's not a thing. For example, the details may be determined at the start and the contents may be rewritten according to the situation, or the presence or absence of the effect generated in the situation during the game and the details thereof may be determined.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, when the first operation corresponding to the operation is performed, the operation icon is displayed but the specific operation mode is not instructed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. It is also possible to have a configuration that indicates the operation mode. When actually playing a game, even if the effect is completed by one operation, the operation may be continued in anticipation of something more occurring, or the operation may be continued due to inertia or the like. .. Further, even when the repeated hits are instructed, the repeated hits are not always performed, and the possibility that the operation is not performed or the operation is performed only once cannot be denied. As described above, considering that the operation is not always performed in a manner in accordance with the instruction, a practically preferable configuration can be realized by the above configuration.

(3) The operation support function when the operation button 40 shown in each of the above embodiments is "long-pressed" can be changed as follows.

(3-1) If the detection signal drops to the LOW level during the execution of automatic continuous striking by the operation support, the start condition (return condition) of the operation support may be temporarily relaxed. For example, it is possible to shorten the pressing duration required to shift to the operation support mode at the next long press.

More specifically, if the number of continuous detections of the LOW level signal is within a predetermined number, it is preferable to reduce the number of continuous detections of the HI level under the transition condition to the next operation support. By relaxing the return condition in this way, even if the detection signal is interrupted due to the influence of noise or the like during the automatic continuous striking, the automatic continuous striking can be smoothly continued.

(3-2) When the operation button 40 is switched from the continuous press operation to the long press operation, the start condition of the operation support is relaxed as compared with other cases (for example, when the operation button 40 is switched from no operation to long press operation). May be good. As described above, it is expected that the fatigue of the player who is repeatedly hitting by himself / herself will be increased when the operation such as repeated hitting is repeatedly performed due to the continuous production. Therefore, in such a case, by promptly exerting the operation support function, it is possible to contribute to the smooth utilization of the operation support function. In addition, when the responsiveness is simply increased, the player's intention is not reflected well because the responsiveness reacts and the repeated hits occur even though the situation is not desired. In this respect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience by increasing the responsiveness only in the case of repeated hits → long press.

(3-3) The end timing of the operation support mode may be configured to match the end timing of the effect of shifting to the operation support mode. However, when the end condition of the operation support mode is changed in this way, if the operation modes in each of the previous and next effects are common, the operation is performed without determining whether or not the operation support is possible at the time of the later effects. It is preferable to use a configuration that continues to support.

(3-4) It may be explained that automatic continuous striking is possible by long-pressing the operation button 40. For example, in a situation where the player is urged to repeatedly hit, it is preferable to display a message or the like explaining the above function together with the operation icon.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the symbol display device 94 (display screen 94a) is configured to perform both the first effect and the second effect, but which device is used for the first effect and the second effect. It is optional as to whether to execute it. For example, it may be executed with a lamp, a movable accessory, or the like. Further, the execution target of the first effect and the execution target of the second effect may be separated.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the first effect and the second effect are performed during the reach display, but the present invention is not limited to this. The execution timing of the first effect and the second effect is arbitrary. For example, the first effect may be executed before the reach display, or both the first effect and the second effect may be executed before the reach display.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, the first effect and the second effect are executed during one game, but the first effect and the second effect are executed so as to straddle the two game times. It may be configured to be. For example, the first effect may be executed in the previous game round, and the second effect may be executed in the later game round. In this case, it is practical to use a configuration in which the first effect → the second effect are executed on condition that the hold information for the later game time is stored when the previous game time is executed. The above preferable configuration can be realized.

(7) In each of the above embodiments, the operation suggestion is performed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, but the specific configuration for suggesting is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the operation is suggested by the voice output from the speaker unit, or the operation may be suggested by causing the operation button to emit light from a built-in light emitting board (light emitter) or the like.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, the operation button 40 is adopted as the "operation means", but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other contact-type operating means such as a touch panel or a lever may be adopted, or non-contact-type operating means such as an optical sensor may be adopted.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, if no operation is performed, the operation-compatible effect is canceled. In this case, the non-operation-compatible effect is executed instead of the operation-compatible effect. It is also possible to do.

(10) In each of the above embodiments, the operation suggestion is started at the same time as the operation reception is started, but the operation reception is started after a predetermined preparation period has elapsed from the start of the operation suggestion. It is also possible.

(11) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, for example, pachinko machines in which the electric accessory is opened a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of the special device, or a game in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to pachinko machines that generate a right when a ball enters and become a big hit, pachinko machines equipped with other accessories, arrange ball machines, and game machines such as sparrow balls.

In addition, a non-ballistic gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction is provided, the reels are started to rotate by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. The present invention also applies to a slot machine that gives a player a privilege such as paying out a medal when a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line that can be visually recognized from a display window after the reel is stopped. Can be applied.

Further, the gaming machine body supported to be opened and closed by the outer frame is provided with a storage unit and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts the rotation of the reel.
<About the invention group extracted from each of the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing the effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for the sake of easy understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiment are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic A group>
The following feature A group is described as follows: "For example, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, it is known that the gaming machine is provided with an operating means operated by a player. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1, the pachinko gaming machine is known. An operating means is provided on the front of the gaming machine, and in order to make the player expect the occurrence of a special gaming state or the like that is advantageous to the player, a special effect is displayed on the screen or the like according to the operation of the player. In a gaming machine that employs operating means in this way, how to raise the player's attention to the game by using the operating means is an important issue. " Here, there is a concern that simply performing a special effect according to the operation of the operating means will make the operation monotonous and the freshness will be diminished, and the interest in the operation itself will easily decrease. If the configuration is such that various special effects are executed according to the operation, it is possible to suppress the monotony of the game, but it is assumed that the operation mode becomes complicated and the player is likely to be confused. There is still room for improvement in the composition of the game in order to raise the degree of attention to the game by special production. ”The invention was made with the problem to be solved.

Features A1. A game including an operation means (operation button 40) operated by a player and an effect execution means (design display device 94 and notification / effect control device 142) for executing an operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means. In the machine
The effect executing means includes a first effect executing means that executes a first operation-compatible effect (effect change) according to the operation of the operation means, and a second operation-compatible effect (cut-in display) according to the operation of the operation means. ) With a second effect execution means to execute
When the second operation-compatible effect is executed after the first operation-compatible effect is executed, the operation mode of the operation means that triggers the execution of the second operation-compatible effect is the operation means in the first operation-compatible effect. A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with an operation mode setting means (a function of setting an operation mode by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142) which is set based on the operation mode of the above.

According to the feature A1, the operation mode that triggers the execution of the second operation correspondence effect is set according to the operation mode in the first operation correspondence effect. As a result, it is possible to add relevance to the operation mode when performing the first operation-corresponding effect → the second operation-corresponding effect, and suppress the operation from becoming difficult or complicated. As a result, the effect of improving the degree of attention to the game can be suitably exhibited by using the two operation-compatible effects together.

Feature A2. The operation mode setting means has a means for setting an operation mode that can be an execution trigger of the second operation correspondence effect so as to be the same operation mode as the operation mode of the operation means in the first operation correspondence effect. The gaming machine according to feature A1, which is characterized by being present.

According to the feature A2, an operation mode that can be an execution trigger of the second operation correspondence effect is set in the same manner as the operation mode in the first operation correspondence effect. That is, in the case of the first operation corresponding effect → the second operation corresponding effect, the operation corresponding effect is executed by the same operation. In this way, by aligning the operation mode that triggers the execution with the operation mode that triggered the execution of the previous operation-corresponding effect, the operation becomes complicated when the effects are continuous, and the player is confused or mistaken. It is possible to preferably suppress the operation from being performed.

Feature A3. The first effect executing means executes the first operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means during the first effect.
The second effect executing means executes the second operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means during the second effect.
The second effect executing means is a means for executing the second effect so as to be continuous with or overlap the first effect when the second effect is started after the start of the first effect. The gaming machine according to feature A1 or feature A2, which is characterized by having.

As shown in feature A3, in a configuration in which the first effect and the second effect are continuous or overlapped, for example, an event occurs in which the second effect is started in a situation where the operation according to the first effect is performed. Can be. For example, at the time of transition to the second production, the operation may be repeated with the momentum / rhythm of the first production. In this case, there is a concern that the intention of the player's operation will not be reflected well in the production due to a discrepancy between the actual operation mode and the set operation mode. The technical idea shown in the feature A1 or the like is applied to such a configuration, and the configuration is such that the gaming machine determines (adjusts) the mode of the subsequent operation according to the mode of the player's earlier operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience and realize a practically preferable configuration.

Feature A4. The first effect executing means executes the first operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means during the first effect.
The second effect executing means executes the second operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means during the second effect.
The reception start means for starting the reception of the operation of the operation means during the second production, and the reception start means.
The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A1 to the feature A3, which comprises an operation suggestion means for starting the suggestion of the second operation before the reception start means starts accepting the operation. ..

According to the configuration in which the mode of operation in the second effect is set according to the mode of operation in the first effect as shown in the feature A1 and the like, the operation becomes excessively complicated when the first effect → the second effect. It can be suppressed. In such a configuration, even if advance notification is performed as shown in this feature, for example, as long as the operation is continued obediently, the second operation corresponding effect will be executed, and the operation will not be performed well. For some reason, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as interruption of the flow of the effect when shifting to the second effect (effect corresponding to the second operation).

Further, if it is visually confirmed that the operation suggestion has been made and the operation is actually performed accordingly, a certain time lag may occur between the suggestion and the operation. On the other hand, if the operation suggestion is started in advance, the influence of the above-mentioned time lag can be alleviated and the progress of the production can be smoothly advanced.

For example, the operation suggestion for the second effect is started during the first effect (just before the end, etc.), or the operation suggestion for the second effect is started during the interval period between the first effect and the second effect. It is good to do it.

Feature A5. When the second effect is executed after the first effect is executed, the suggestion mode of the operation corresponding to the first effect and the suggestion mode of the operation corresponding to the second effect are the same. The gaming machine according to feature A4, wherein the suggestion is made.

According to the configuration in which the operation suggestion precedes as shown in the feature A4, the operation suggestion is made in advance, which contributes to the improvement of responsiveness (smoothing of the production progress) in the progress of the production. Can be done. Here, by making the suggestion mode of the operation in the first effect and the suggestion mode of the operation in the second effect the same, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience that the operation becomes complicated and the player is confused. ..

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "providing a suggestion means for suggesting the operation of the operation means to the player, and the suggestion means is an operation of the operation means that triggers the execution of the second effect by the operation mode setting means. When the mode is set based on the operation mode of the operation means in the first effect, the suggestion mode of the operation corresponding to the second effect is the same as the suggestion mode of the operation corresponding to the first effect. The gaming machine according to any one of the features A1 to A4, which is characterized by having the means for making the above suggestion. "

Feature A6. The second effect executing means is
A means for executing the second operation corresponding effect according to the timing of the operation of the operation means during the second effect, and a means for executing the second operation corresponding effect.
It has a means for executing the second operation-corresponding effect according to the number or period of operations of the operation means during the second effect.
Based on the fact that the operation means are continuously performed in the preceding first effect, the operation mode setting means performs the subsequent second effect according to the number or period of operations of the operation means. The gaming machine according to any one of feature A1 to feature A5, which is configured to be set so that the second operation-corresponding effect is executed.

When the operating means are continuously operated during the first effect, the operation means is not always separated from the operation means when the first effect is completed. For example, there is a possibility that the operation is intentionally continued in anticipation that some step-up or the like will occur in response to the continuous operation, or the operation may be continued due to inertia. When the second effect is started in the situation where the continuous operation is continued in this way, the second operation-corresponding effect can be executed triggered by the above-mentioned operation. More specifically, when the second operation-corresponding effect depends on the timing of the operation, the operation is accepted at a timing not intended by the player, and the second operation does not match the original intention of the player. Two operation correspondence effects can be executed. This is terrible for a player who actively operates the operating means. Therefore, when the operation of the operation means during the first effect is continuously performed, the mode of the operation that triggers the second operation-compatible effect corresponds to the number of operations or the operation period. By doing so, the dependence on the above timing is avoided. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In particular, when the first effect and the second effect are continuous or partially overlapped and an interval period is not secured between them, it is assumed that the above inconvenience is likely to occur. In view of such circumstances, it is technically significant to apply the technical idea shown in this feature to the configuration shown in feature A3.

Feature A7. The second effect executing means is
A means for executing the second operation corresponding effect according to the timing of the operation of the operation means during the second effect, and a means for executing the second operation corresponding effect.
It has a means for executing the second operation-corresponding effect according to the number or period of operations of the operation means during the second effect.
In the operation mode setting means, the operation means is continuously performed in the preceding first effect under the situation where the second operation corresponding effect can be performed according to the operation timing of the operation means. Based on this, the feature A1 is characterized in that the second effect has means for rewriting the second effect so as to be an effect in which the second operation-corresponding effect is executed according to the number or period of operations of the operation means. The gaming machine according to any one of the features A5.

When the operating means are continuously operated during the first effect, the operation means is not always separated from the operation means when the first effect is completed. For example, there is a possibility that the operation is intentionally continued in anticipation that some step-up or the like will occur in response to the continuous operation, or the operation may be continued due to inertia. When the second effect is started in the situation where the continuous operation is continued in this way, the second operation-corresponding effect can be executed triggered by the above-mentioned operation. More specifically, when the second operation-corresponding effect depends on the timing of the operation, the operation is accepted at a timing not intended by the player, and the second operation does not match the original intention of the player. Two operation correspondence effects can be executed. This is terrible for a player who actively operates the operating means. Therefore, when the operation of the operation means during the first effect is continuously performed, the mode of the operation that triggers the second operation-compatible effect corresponds to the number of operations or the operation period. By doing so, the dependence on the above timing is avoided. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In particular, when the first effect and the second effect are continuous or partially overlapped and an interval period is not secured between them, it is assumed that the above inconvenience is likely to occur. In view of such circumstances, it is technically significant to apply the technical idea shown in this feature to the configuration shown in feature A3.

Feature A8. The operating means is a pressing operating means (operation button 40) that is pressed by the player.
It is provided with an operation determination means (determination function in the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control device 142) for determining the operation of the operation means.
The operation determination means switches to a special determination state (operation support mode) when the pressing operation means is maintained in the pressing state for a predetermined period, and the pressing state is maintained in the special determination state. A1 to A7, which are configured to determine that the operation of the operating means is repeatedly performed until a predetermined release condition (for example, elapse of the support period or release of the pressed state) is satisfied. The gaming machine described in any one.

In a gaming machine of the type in which an operation-corresponding effect is executed according to the number of pressing operations (number of repeated hits) of the operating means, a variety of operations can be performed by using the operating means in combination with a configuration in which the operating means only needs to be operated once. It is possible to realize a preferable configuration in order to suppress the monotony of the game. However, increasing the operational burden on the player when the pressing operation is repeated may be a factor that makes the operation of the operating means jealous. In this respect, if the operation means is maintained in the pressed state as shown in this feature, the same effect as when the pressing operation of the operating means is repeated (support effect by automatic repeated hitting) can be obtained, which is inconvenient as described above. Occurrence can be suitably suppressed.

However, although such an automatic continuous striking function is advantageous in improving the convenience of operation, it cannot be denied that the function may be abused by reducing the operation load. For example, an event may occur in which the game is performed with the hand on the operation means regardless of the presence or absence of the operation suggestion. In this case, as shown in the feature A6 and the like, it cannot be denied that the second operation corresponding effect of the type depending on the operation timing may be executed as a result of the automatic continuous striking. In particular, considering that the first effect triggers the start of the operation, there is a high possibility that the above-mentioned inconvenience will occur in the transition from the first effect to the second effect. By applying the technical idea shown in the feature A5 or the like to such a configuration, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as the production not being performed well due to the improvement of convenience.

Feature A9. Conditions for switching to the special determination state when shifting to the second effect after the special determination state is reached during the first effect under the situation of shifting from the first effect to the second effect. The gaming machine according to feature A8, which is characterized in that the re-judgment of is avoided.

According to the feature A9, after the operating means is pressed in the first effect, the special determination state is maintained even during the second effect by maintaining the pressed state. In this way, the convenience of the support function can be suitably improved by avoiding redoing the setting of the special determination state.

Feature A10. Both the operation mode that triggered the execution of the first effect in the first effect and the operation mode that triggered the execution of the second operation-corresponding effect in the second effect are continuous operations (for example, length) of the operation means. In the case of pressing or repeated hitting), the special determination state is maintained at least until the second operation corresponding effect is executed, provided that the operating means is maintained in the pressing state. The gaming machine according to the feature A8 or the feature A9, which is characterized in that the game is played.

According to the feature A10, in the case of the first effect → the second effect, once the special determination state is reached during the first effect, the special determination state is maintained until the second operation corresponding effect is executed. It will be. That is, as long as the operating means is maintained in the pressed state, the support function can be enjoyed collectively in the first and second effects, and the convenience of the support function can be suitably improved.

<Characteristic B group>
The following feature B group is described as follows: "For example, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, it is known that the gaming machine is provided with an operating means operated by a player. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1, the pachinko gaming machine is known. An operating means is provided on the front of the gaming machine, and in order to expect the player to generate a special gaming state or the like that is advantageous to the player, a special effect is displayed on the screen or the like according to the operation of the player. In a gaming machine that employs operating means in this way, how to raise the player's attention to the game by using the operating means is an important issue. " Here, there is a concern that simply performing a special effect according to the operation of the operating means will make the operation monotonous and the freshness will be diminished, and the interest in the operation itself will easily decrease. If the configuration is such that various special effects are executed according to the operation, it is possible to suppress the monotony of the game, but it is assumed that the operation mode becomes complicated and the player is likely to be confused. There is still room for improvement in the composition of the game in order to raise the degree of attention to the game by special production. ”The invention was made with the problem to be solved.

Feature B1. A game including an operation means (operation button 40) operated by a player and an effect execution means (design display device 94 and notification / effect control device 142) for executing an operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means. In the machine
The effect executing means is
The first effect executing means for executing the first operation-corresponding effect (effect change) in response to the operation of the operation means during the first effect, and the first effect executing means.
It has a second effect executing means for executing a second operation-corresponding effect (cut-in display) in response to an operation of the operation means during the second effect.
When the second effect is executed after the first effect is executed, the guiding means (display) that guides the player to continue the operation of the operating means over the first effect and the second effect. A gaming machine characterized in that it has a function (a function of continuing to display a button icon on the screen 94a).

When the first effect and the second effect associated with the operation of the operation means are performed as shown in the feature B1, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the operation is individually urged during each effect period. In such a configuration, the first operation-compatible effect and the second operation-compatible effect can be generated by individually performing operations according to, for example, information from the gaming machine. However, repeating the operation and stopping may cause the operation to become complicated and reduce the attention to the production. In addition, if an instruction for the next operation is issued in a situation where the player's attention is reduced after the operation is completed, there is a concern that the instruction may be easily overlooked. In this way, it cannot be denied that the interruption of the operation instruction may hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game when performing a plurality of operation-compatible effects. In this regard, if the guidance means is used to encourage the continuation of the operations in the first and second effects as shown in this feature, the above-mentioned annoyance and oversight can be suppressed, and attention will be paid to the operation-responsive effects. The effect of improving the degree can be suitably exhibited.

Feature B2. A pattern display means (main display unit 89, symbol display device 94) having a display unit (main display unit D, display screen 94a) and variablely displaying a pattern on the display unit, and
When the fluctuation start condition of the pattern is satisfied, the pattern display means is set as one game time to start the variation display of the pattern, display the variation according to a predetermined variation mode, and then end the variation display. It is provided with display control means (main control device 162, notification / effect control device 142, display control device 620) for display control.
The guide means is described in feature B1 characterized in that the guidance means is configured to perform the guidance when the second effect is executed after the first effect is executed during one game rotation. Gaming machine.

If the continuation of the operation is urged regardless of the period (interval period) between the first effect and the second effect, there is a concern that the operation will be prolonged and the burden on the player will increase. It is feared that an excessively large burden may lead to a decrease in motivation to play, which may hinder the promotion of active participation. In this regard, as shown in this feature, the above-mentioned guidance is limited to the case where the first effect → the second effect is performed during one game round, and the above-mentioned guidance is refrained from when the interval period becomes excessively large. With the configuration, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature B3. A game including an operation means (operation button 40) operated by a player and an effect execution means (design display device 94 and notification / effect control device 142) for executing an operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means. In the machine
The effect executing means is
The first effect executing means for executing the first operation-corresponding effect (effect change) in response to the operation of the operation means during the first effect, and the first effect executing means.
It has a second effect executing means for executing a second operation-corresponding effect (cut-in display) in response to an operation of the operation means during the second effect.
When the second effect is executed after the first effect is executed, there is a non-execution period (interval period) in which the first effect and the second effect are not executed.
As the non-execution period, a first period and a second period, which is a period shorter than the first period, are provided.
When the non-execution period is the second period, the guiding means (button on the display screen 94a) that guides the player to continue the operation of the operating means over the first effect and the second effect. A gaming machine characterized by having a function to continue displaying icons).

When the first effect and the second effect associated with the operation of the operation means are performed as shown in the feature B3, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the operation is individually urged during each effect period. In such a configuration, the first operation-compatible effect and the second operation-compatible effect can be generated by individually performing operations according to, for example, information from the gaming machine. However, repeating the operation and stopping may cause the operation to become complicated and reduce the attention to the production. In addition, if an instruction for the next operation is issued in a situation where the player's attention is reduced after the operation is completed, there is a concern that the instruction may be easily overlooked. As described above, when a plurality of operation-compatible effects are performed, the interruption of the operation instruction may hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game. In this regard, if the guidance means is used to encourage the continuation of the operations in the first and second effects as shown in this feature, the above-mentioned annoyance and oversight can be suppressed, and attention will be paid to the operation-responsive effects. The effect of improving the degree can be suitably exhibited.

Here, if the continuation of the operation is urged regardless of the interval between the first effect and the second effect (interval period), there is a concern that the operation will be prolonged and the burden on the player will increase. Excessive burden can be an obstacle to encouraging active participation. In this regard, as shown in this feature, the above induction is performed not when a relatively long first period is set as the non-execution period but when a relatively short second period is set as the non-execution period. The above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by the configuration.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "a grant determination means for determining whether or not to grant a privilege to a player when a preset determination condition is satisfied, and a result of the grant determination by the grant determination means. However, based on the granting result corresponding to the granting of the privilege to the player, the privilege granting means for granting the privilege to the player and the granting determination by the granting determination means are performed. Based on this, starting the game rotation operation by a predetermined notification means and ending the game rotation operation as a notification result corresponding to the result of the grant determination is defined as one game rotation, and the game rotation operation is performed. In a gaming machine provided with a game rotation control means for controlling the predetermined notification means, the operation means (operation button 40) operated by the player and the operation correspondence according to the operation of the operation means. The effect executing means (the symbol display device 94 and the notification / effect control device 142) for executing the effect is provided, and the effect executing means is the first operation-compatible effect (effect) according to the operation of the operation means during the first effect. The game has a first effect executing means for executing a change) and a second effect executing means for executing a second operation-corresponding effect (cut-in display) in response to an operation of the operation means during the second effect. When the second effect is executed after the first effect is executed, the effect setting means for setting the first effect and the second effect to be performed during the game rotation is provided when the rotation operation is started. , There is a non-execution period in which the first effect and the second effect are not executed, and as the non-execution period, a first period and a second period, which is a period shorter than the first period, are provided. When the non-execution period between the 1 effect and the 2nd effect is the 2nd period, the player is guided to continue the operation of the operating means over the 1st effect and the 2nd effect. A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with a guiding means (a function of continuing to display a button icon on the display screen 94a). "

Feature B4. The feature B3 is described in the feature B3, wherein when the non-execution period between the first effect and the second effect is the first period, the guidance by the guidance means is not performed. Pachinko machine.

As shown in the feature B1 and the like, the problem that occurs when a plurality of effects associated with the operating means are used in combination becomes remarkable when the interval between each effect (non-execution period, interval period) is small. Therefore, in the case of the first period in which the non-execution period is relatively large, inconvenience caused by the above induction is unlikely to occur even if the configuration is set to refrain from the above induction. Further, it is advantageous for the above-mentioned guidance to encourage the active participation (operation) of the player in the configuration in which the operation is suppressed so as not to increase the burden on the player due to the unimplicitly prolonged operation.
Feature B5. The reception start means for starting the reception of the operation of the operation means, and the reception start means.
It is provided with an operation suggestion means for starting the suggestion of the operation of the operation means when the reception of the operation is started by the reception start means.
When the guidance by the guiding means is performed, the suggestion mode of the operation corresponding to the second effect can be the same as the suggestion mode of the operation corresponding to the first effect. The gaming machine according to any one of B1 to B4.
By making the suggestion mode of the operation in the first effect and the suggestion mode of the operation in the second effect the same, the player is confused when telling the player that the operation should be continued. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of such inconveniences.

Feature B6. When performing the first effect, a first suggestion means (display function such as an icon) that suggests the player to operate the operation means, and
When performing the second effect, it is provided with a second suggestion means (display function such as an icon) that suggests the player to operate the operation means.
The guiding means is used from the start of the suggestion by the first suggestive means to the end of the suggestion by the second suggestive means so that the suggestion by the first suggestive means and the suggestion by the second suggestive means are continuous. A gaming machine characterized by having a means for continuing suggestions.

In guiding the operation of the operating means to be continued in the first to second effects, giving the impression that the operation is practically meaningless reduces the motivation for operation. In this case, the above-mentioned guidance function cannot be exerted well. In the first effect, as a result of performing the operation in response to the suggestion by the first suggestion means, the first operation-corresponding effect is executed. In this way, by making the player recognize that some kind of response is generated in response to the suggestion and then performing the above guidance so that the suggestion continues, it is as if the ongoing operation has some meaning. It becomes possible to make the player aware of it. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature B7. The first suggestion means suggests that the operation means continuously perform a predetermined operation as a suggestion by the first suggestion means.
When the second suggesting means suggests an operation in the same manner as the first suggesting means by the operating means, the guiding means performs the predetermined operation over the first effect and the second effect. The gaming machine according to feature B6, characterized in that it is configured to suggest.

If the above guidance is performed when the mode of the operation that triggers the first operation-compatible effect and the mode of the operation that triggers the second operation-compatible effect match, the operation can be performed over the two effects. Even if it is continued, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such as the production not proceeding well due to the difference in the operation mode or the like. As a result, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the production corresponding to the operation.

In particular, when a predetermined operation is continuously performed, it is assumed that if the operation is interrupted and then restarted in the middle, it is easy to give the player the impression that the operation is troublesome. Therefore, when the first effect and the second effect correspond to a predetermined continuous operation, a practically preferable configuration can be realized by configuring the configuration to encourage the continuation of the operation.

Feature B8. In the guidance means, the operation that triggers the first operation-corresponding effect is a predetermined operation that continuously operates the operating means, and the operation that triggers the second operation-corresponding effect is the first operation-corresponding effect. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B1 to the feature B7, characterized in that it has a means for performing the guidance when the operation is the same as the operation that triggers the above.

If the above guidance is performed when the mode of the operation that triggers the first operation-compatible effect and the mode of the operation that triggers the second operation-compatible effect match, the operation can be performed over the two effects. Even if it is continued, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such as the production not proceeding well due to the difference in the operation mode or the like. As a result, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the production corresponding to the operation.

In particular, when a predetermined operation is continuously performed, it is assumed that if the operation is interrupted and then restarted in the middle, it is easy to give the player the impression that the operation is troublesome. Therefore, when the first effect and the second effect correspond to a predetermined continuous operation, a practically preferable configuration can be realized by configuring the configuration to encourage the continuation of the operation.

Feature B9. An operation mode grasping means for grasping the operation mode in the first effect,
The gaming machine according to any one of feature B1 to feature B8, which comprises means for determining whether or not the guidance can be performed by the guidance means based on the operation mode grasped by the operation mode grasping means. ..

In the first place, the operation mode of the operation means depends on the player. Therefore, even if the operation mode is suggested, the operation is not always performed as it is. Therefore, for example, when the operation mode in the first effect is maintained and the process shifts to the second effect, the operation mode that triggers the execution of the second operation-corresponding effect in the second effect and the operation mode during execution If there is a difference between the two, it cannot be denied that the second operation corresponding effect may not be performed well. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if it is configured to determine whether or not to guide the operation continuation according to the operation mode in the first effect, as a result of inducing the continuation of the operation, the second operation corresponding effect is successfully performed. It can be preferably avoided from disappearing.

More specifically, for example, in the second operation-compatible production, the timing of the operation is important, and when the operation means is repeatedly hit during the first production to prompt the continuation of the repeated hits, the second operation is performed. It is expected that it will be difficult to perform timed operations in the production. On the other hand, when the execution trigger of the second operation corresponding effect is premised on the repeated hitting of the operation means, the above inconvenience does not occur. In this way, it is technically significant to have a configuration that determines whether or not guidance is possible after grasping the actual operation mode.

When the technical idea shown in the present feature is applied to the feature B6 or the feature B7, the configuration shown in the present feature is described as "an operation mode grasping means for grasping the operation mode in the first effect and the operation mode grasping means". The gaming machine according to feature B6 or feature B7, which comprises means for determining whether or not the suggestion can be continued by the suggestion means based on the operation mode grasped in the above. "

Feature B10. The guiding means is a continuous operation mode in which the operation mode of the operation means in the first effect is a continuous operation mode of the operation means, and an operation mode that triggers the execution of the second effect is the continuous operation mode. The gaming machine according to feature B9, wherein the gaming machine has a means for performing the guidance in the case of the pachinko machine.

In a configuration in which the first operation-corresponding effect is completed by operating the operation means once, the adverse effect due to the intervention of a period during which the operation is not promoted is relatively small with the second effect. On the other hand, when a blank occurs in the case of continuous operation → continuous operation, it is easy to give a negative impression such as “redo” of continuous operation. Therefore, at least in the case of continuous operation → continuous operation, if the configuration is such that the occurrence of blanks is avoided, the effect shown in the feature B1 or the like can be suitably exhibited.

Feature B11. When the guidance is performed by the guidance means, the first shortening means for shortening the non-execution period between the first effect and the second effect by delaying the end timing of the first effect is provided. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B1 to the feature B10, which is characterized by being present.

According to the feature B11, the period in which the continuation of the operation is induced by extending the first effect and shortening the non-execution period between the first effect and the second effect is substantially irrelevant to the operation. It is possible to make it difficult to give such an impression.

Feature B12. The first shortening means is characterized in that the end timing of the first effect is delayed by extending the operation acceptance period for receiving the operation of the operation means in the first effect. The gaming machine described in.

The appearance of the first effect can change depending on which part of the first effect is extended. Here, the operation acceptance period is secured to a certain length in order to widen the range of operation timings of the player. In consideration of such circumstances, if the part corresponding to this reception period is extended, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discomfort due to the extension of the first production and suppress the deterioration of the appearance of the first production. it can.

Feature B13. When the guidance is performed by the guidance means, a second shortening means for shortening the non-execution period between the first effect and the second effect is provided by advancing the start timing of the second effect. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B1 to the feature B12, which is characterized by being present.

According to the feature B13, the period in which the continuation of the operation is induced by shortening the non-execution period between the first effect and the second effect by advancing the second effect is substantially unrelated to the operation. It is possible to make it difficult to give such an impression.
Feature B14. A game including an operation means (operation button 40) operated by a player and an effect execution means (design display device 94 and notification / effect control device 142) for executing an operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operation means. In the machine
The effect executing means is
The first effect executing means for executing the first operation-corresponding effect (effect change) in response to the operation of the operation means during the first effect, and the first effect executing means.
It has a second effect executing means for executing a second operation-corresponding effect (cut-in display) in response to an operation of the operation means during the second effect.
A non-execution period (interval) in which the second effect is executed after the first effect is executed and the first effect and the second effect are not executed between the first effect and the second effect. When there is a period), a guiding means (a function of continuing the display of the button icon on the display screen 94a) for guiding the player to continue the operation of the operating means over the first effect and the second effect. ) Is provided.
When the first effect and the second effect associated with the operation of the operation means are performed as shown in the feature B14, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the operation is individually urged during each effect period. In such a configuration, the first operation-compatible effect and the second operation-compatible effect can be generated by individually performing operations according to, for example, information from the gaming machine. However, repeating the operation and stopping may cause the operation to become complicated and reduce the attention to the production. In addition, if an instruction for the next operation is issued in a situation where the player's attention is reduced after the operation is completed, there is a concern that the instruction may be easily overlooked. In this way, it cannot be denied that the interruption of the operation instruction may hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game when performing a plurality of operation-compatible effects. In this regard, if the guidance means is used to encourage the continuation of the operations in the first and second effects as shown in this feature, the above-mentioned annoyance and oversight can be suppressed, and attention will be paid to the operation-responsive effects. The effect of improving the degree can be suitably exhibited.
In addition, the technical idea shown in feature B2 to feature B12 may be applied to the configuration shown in this feature.

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

Pachinko game machine: An operating means operated by a player (game ball launching handle 45), a game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means (game ball launching mechanism 110), and the launching thereof. A ball passage (guidance passage 103 of the guidance rail 100) for guiding the game ball to a predetermined game area (game area PE) and each game part (nails 87, etc.) arranged in the game area are provided, and each of these game parts. A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion (general winning opening 81, etc.).

Revolving gaming machine such as a slot machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a variable display of a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols and then displays the final stop display of the symbol sequence, and the symbol changes start due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special game that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means or the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-using belt-type gaming machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays the symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displays the symbol sequence in the final stop, and the symbol variation is started and stopped due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special gaming state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means or the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. (Game, etc.) is generated, and further, a throwing device provided with a ball saucer and a throwing device for taking in a game ball from the ball saucer and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball saucer is provided. A gaming machine configured so that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when the gaming ball is thrown in.

10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 14 ... Front door frame constituting the front part of the game machine, 27 ... Speaker unit, 28 ... Upper bulging part, 40 ... Operation buttons as operation means, 94 ... Symbol display device, 94a ... Display screen, 142 ... Notification / effect control device constituting the effect execution means, 162 ... Main control device, 601 ... MPU, 612 ... MPU.

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine provided with an operating means operated by a player and an effect executing means for executing an operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operating means.
The effect executing means is based on the first effect executing means for executing the first operation corresponding effect based on the operation of the operation means during the first operation valid period and the operation of the operation means during the second operation valid period. It has a second effect executing means for executing a second operation-compatible effect different from the first operation-compatible effect.
When the second operation-compatible effect is executed after a predetermined period of time after the end of the first operation-compatible effect, the operation mode of the operation means that triggers the execution of the second operation-compatible effect is described in the first operation-compatible effect. An operation mode setting means for setting based on the operation mode of the operation means is provided.
The first demonstration execution means, said first operating lifetime the operation means in the said operating means during when said first operating lifetime operated in the first operating mode is operated in the second operating mode In either case, the first operation-corresponding effect can be executed.
The operation mode setting means is the operation that triggers the execution of the second operation correspondence effect when the first operation correspondence effect is executed based on the operation of the operation means in the first operation mode. When the first operation mode is set as the operation mode of the means and the first operation correspondence effect is executed based on the operation of the operation means in the second operation mode, the second operation correspondence effect is performed. A gaming machine characterized in that the second operation mode is set as the operation mode of the operation means that triggers the execution of the above. The effect executing means has a display device provided with a display screen, and has a display device.
The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the first operation corresponds effect and the second operation corresponding effect is characterized by the display effect der Rukoto executed by the display screen.

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