gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a high performance effect.SOLUTION: A game machine includes operation means, display means, sound output means, sound volume operation means, and performance control means, a performance includes an operation means performance in which an operation means image regarding the operation means is displayed on the display means, sound outputted in the operation means performance includes an appearance notice sound for giving notice of appearance of an operation means image, and an appearance sound for reporting appearance of the operation means image, sound volume of the appearance notice sound and the appearance sound is lowered when the sound volume of the appearance sound is larger than that of the appearance notice sound and the sound volume is lowered, the operation means image includes a first operation means image, and a second operation means image having a higher predetermined expectation degree than the first operation means image, the appearance notice sound is common when the first operation means image appears and when the second operation means image appears, and the sound volume of the appearance sound is larger when the second operation means image appears than when the first operation means image appears.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming machines, effects are produced by using sound (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in gaming machines, the sound volume of the effects can be adjusted by operation by a player or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-168794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such gaming machines, it is required to enhance the presentation effects.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine with a high presentation effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: a sound output means (for example, a speaker 14) for outputting sound; a volume control means (for example, volume control means 155) that receives an operation to adjust the volume of the sound output from the sound output means; A performance control means (for example, performance control means 300) for controlling the execution of a performance including sound, The effect control means controls the sound such that, when the volume is lowered by an operation on the volume operation means, a reduction in the volume of a first sound output in an effect related to the provision of a special benefit is smaller than a reduction in the volume of a second sound different from the first sound. It is characterized by:

[0007] In this configuration, even if a player or the like operates the volume control means to lower the output volume from the sound output means, the reduction in the volume of the first sound output in the effect related to the awarding of a bonus is smaller than the reduction in the volume of the second sound different from the first sound, so that even in the reduced volume state, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the first sound is drowned out by ambient sounds in the gaming facility. Therefore, the effect of the effect related to the awarding of a bonus (or the notification of the awarding of a bonus) can be spread not only to the player who operated the volume control means but also to a wide range of the gaming environment, including players around him or her. In particular, when the first sound and the second sound are output in the same effect, the reduction in the volume of the first sound is smaller than the reduction in the volume of the second sound, so that the first sound is emphasized relative to the second sound, thereby realizing an effective effect in which the first sound related to the awarding of a bonus is exaggerated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a gaming machine with a high presentation effect can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Figure 6] This is a diagram to explain the performance patterns. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation means presentation. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation means presentation. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing an example of a volume reduction range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of a gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear," "up and down" means the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means the left-hand side of a player playing on the gaming machine is "left" and the right-hand side is "right."

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used for playing games using gaming balls (gaming values) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the exterior surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move, an inner frame 7 holding the gaming board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that closes the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

[0012] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. In addition, speakers 14 (sound devices) that output sounds to enhance the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

[0013] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A grip unit 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise facing the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0014] A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

[0015] In addition, a performance button (performance operation means) 26 is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed in the gaming machine changes.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a circular outer rail 27 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 27 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 28 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 27, and the outer rail 27 and the inner rail 28 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 to the gaming area 4.

[0017] At the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 (display means) that displays effect images and the like to enhance the game, and an effect unit 36 ​​that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. Above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, the display frame 34 is provided with display frame lamps 38, 39 that output effect lights and the like to enhance the game.

[0018] In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area (left-hitting area) 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 or the game area (right-hitting area) 4b on the right side. In addition, in the game area 4, many game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, and the moving direction of the game ball moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0019] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, through which game balls can fall downward from the stage 44, and game balls that fall from the passage 42 onto the stage 44 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0020] A first start opening 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44, through which gaming balls that have fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. A first start opening switch 100 (see FIG. 4) that detects gaming balls that have entered the first start opening 46 is also provided within the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a gaming ball (entry of a gaming ball into the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes a first special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the gaming balls that have entered the first start opening 46 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0021] To the left of the first starting opening 46 in the gaming area 4, multiple (three) general winning openings 47 (upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, and lower left general winning opening 47c) are provided. The gaming board 6 is also provided with a general winning opening switch 101 (see FIG. 4) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c. When the general winning opening switch 101 detects a gaming ball (entry of a gaming ball into the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the general winning opening switch 101, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of prize balls. One general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or only one may be provided for multiple (for example, three) general prize openings 47. Furthermore, in addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, a passage gate 48 through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine is provided in the gaming area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A gate switch 102 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of a gaming ball is disposed within the passage gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a gaming ball (passage of the gaming ball through the passage gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not a normal win has been won.

[0023] In addition, a second start opening 49 is provided below the passage gate 48 in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start opening switch 103 (see FIG. 4) is disposed within the second start opening 49 to detect a game ball that has entered the second start opening 49. When the second start opening switch 103 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the second start opening 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, the main control board 200 executes a second special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103. Furthermore, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103. Furthermore, the game ball that has entered the second start opening 49 is collected inside the gaming machine.

[0024] The second starting opening 49 is provided with a normal accessory 54 (assistance means) that can operate between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assistance state) in which it is difficult for the gaming ball to enter the second starting opening 49 and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, an assist state) in which it is easy for the gaming ball to enter. The normal accessory 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery.

[0025] A special prize opening 50 is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see FIG. 4) is disposed within the special prize opening 50 to detect game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the special prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of prize balls. Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50. Game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0026] The large prize opening 50 is provided with a special device 56 that can operate between a closed state (second state, no-entry state) in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 50 and an open state (first state, entry-enabled state) in which game balls can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery).

[0027] In addition, an outlet 62 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 into the game machine. Inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. This game machine is configured so that all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) pass through the discharge path. That is, game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, game balls that enter each of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 disposed in the winning openings, and then guided to the discharge path. Furthermore, the gaming balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see FIG. 4) is disposed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a gaming ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of a gaming ball from the gaming area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, the main control board 200 counts the number of gaming balls discharged from the gaming area 4 based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106.

[0028] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4b on the right side of the LCD display 32.

[0029] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-side game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, passage 42 and stage 44 to win the first starting hole 46 (left-handed hit), or so that it falls through the right-side game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or wins the second starting hole 49 or wins the big winning hole 50 (right-handed hit).

[0030] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a gaming ball falls through the left gaming area 4a, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter (win) the second starting opening 49 or the large winning opening 50. In addition, when a gaming ball falls through the right gaming area 4b, the gaming ball does not enter the first starting opening 46, the upper left general winning opening 47a, the middle left general winning opening 47b, and the lower left general winning opening 47c.

[0031] At the lower right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, there is provided a status display section 70 that indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0032] 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 80, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0033] The normal symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal symbol lottery is held, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps, and the normal symbol is displayed in a static manner by turning on or off the two lamps, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery.

[0034] The normal hold display unit 74 is composed of two lamps, and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of the reserved random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery when the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are reserved because the normal pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are obtained, such as when the normal pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and displays the normal hold number from 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0035] The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a first special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the first starting hole 46, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special pattern lottery.

[0036] The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values ​​when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting hole 46, and the random number value for the special pattern lottery is reserved as the first special random number value because a special pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number value for the special pattern lottery (lottery information) is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 first special reserve numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0037] The second special pattern display unit 80 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a second special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the second starting hole 49, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the second special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the second special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special pattern lottery.

[0038] The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of the reserved second special random number value when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the second starting hole 49, and the random number value for the special pattern lottery is reserved as the second special random number value because a special pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number value for the special pattern lottery is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 second special reserve numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0039] The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps. In this embodiment, four types of game status can be set: a normal status (low probability status), a probability variable status (high probability status / special status) in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than in the normal status, a special game status that starts when a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery, and a time-saving status (special status) in which the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is shortened to trigger the execution of the special symbol lottery more frequently. The currently set game status is displayed by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps.

[0040] 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (main control means) and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control means). The functions of each board, such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROMs, etc.

[0041] The main control board 200 controls the progress of the game. The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the first start gate switch 100, the general winning gate switch 101, the gate switch 102, the second start gate switch 103, the count switch 104, or the out switch 106, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the status display unit 70, the normal device 54, the special device 56, or the payout device 130 based on the calculation results.

[0042] The sub-control board 202 controls the execution of effects based on information sent from the main control board 200. The sub-control board 202 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150 that detects operation of the effect button 26, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 32, lamps 12, 38, 39, speaker 14, and effect object drive devices based on the calculation results.

[0043] The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal symbol lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal device control means 224, a special symbol lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0044] The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, the term "random number value" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0045] The normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires a normal symbol lottery random number value from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102 that detects each gaming ball passing through the passage gate 48, stores the normal symbol lottery random number value in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has occurred based on the normal symbol lottery random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912. Specifically, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs a normal win determination process, etc., as the normal symbol lottery.

[0046] The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether a normal win has been won. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects, according to the game state, which normal symbol lottery table to refer to for random number determination processing from among a plurality of types of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290. Here, each normal symbol lottery table associates a normal win or a loss with each of 100 normal symbol lottery random number values ​​from 0 to 99. Then, the normal symbol lottery means 220 determines whether a normal win has been won by referring to the selected normal symbol lottery table and determining whether one normal symbol lottery random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912 is associated with a normal win. Then, when a normal win is won, the normal symbol lottery means 220 sets a winning flag for the normal win to an ON state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and when a loss occurs, sets the winning flag for the normal win to an OFF state.

[0047] In addition, the normal symbol lottery table selected when the gaming state is in the probability variable state or the time-shortened state is set to have a higher probability of winning a normal win than the normal symbol lottery table selected when the gaming state is neither the probability variable state nor the time-shortened state. In other words, the normal symbol lottery performed when the gaming state is in the probability variable state or the time-shortened state has a higher probability of winning a normal win than the normal symbol lottery performed when the gaming state is neither the probability variable state nor the time-shortened state.

[0048] The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0049] In the normal symbol display control process, the normal symbol display control means 222 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until a predetermined variable time has elapsed, and displays the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 72 by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 to stop the normal symbol display depending on whether a normal symbol win has been won in the normal symbol win determination process.

[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the game state at the time the normal pattern lottery is performed is neither a special state nor a time-saving state, the normal pattern variation time is set to 20 seconds, and if the game state at the time the normal pattern lottery is performed is a special state or a time-saving state, the normal pattern variation time is set to 1 second, so that the opportunity to perform the normal pattern lottery occurs more frequently when the game state is a special state or a time-saving state.

[0051] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, depending on the number of random number values ​​for normal pattern lottery stored in the normal random number memory means 2912.

[0052] The normal role control means 224 is a means for controlling the normal role 54 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery. When the gaming state is neither a variable probability state nor a time-saving state, the normal role control means 224 controls the normal role 54 to operate so that the normal role 54 expands and then returns to the reduced state until 0.1 seconds have elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win. Also, when the gaming state is a variable probability state or a time-saving state, the normal role control means 224 controls the normal role 54 to operate so that the normal role 54 expands and then returns to the reduced state until 20 seconds have elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win.

[0053] Therefore, when a normal win occurs in the normal symbol lottery, if the game state is neither a probability variable state nor a time-limited state, the normal device 54 operates so as to hardly increase the ease with which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49, but if the game state is a probability variable state or a time-limited state, the normal device 54 operates so as to increase the ease with which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49.

[0054] The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, which detects gaming balls entering the first start port 46 one by one, and stores the value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. Also, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, which detects gaming balls entering the second start port 49 one by one, and stores the value as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won.

[0055] Specifically, the special random number memory means 2914 has four first special reserve memory areas, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number values, and four second special reserve memory areas, second special reserve memory area 1 to second special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number values, and one special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value or second special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 or second special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the varying and stopping display of the first special pattern or second special pattern ends.

[0056] When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery based on the detection signal being input from the first start port switch 100, if the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special symbol lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for special symbol lottery as a first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, and the game state is not a special game state, the special symbol lottery means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special pattern or the second special pattern is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or if the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or if the game state is a special game state, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0057] Furthermore, when a first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the first start port switch 100 to obtain a random number value for the special pattern lottery, the special pattern lottery means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the first special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of first special random number values ​​reserved in the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the first special reserve number is less than four.

[0058] Furthermore, when the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special symbol lottery based on the detection signal being input from the second start port switch 103, if the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random number value for the special symbol lottery as the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the game state is not a special game state, it immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random number value used for the special symbol lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, that is, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

[0059] Furthermore, when a second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the second start port switch 103 to obtain a random number value for the special pattern lottery, the special pattern lottery means 230 stores the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of second special random number values ​​reserved in the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the second special reserve number is less than four.

[0060] Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol ends, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special reservation memory area. Then, if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the special symbol lottery means 230 reads the first special random number value from the first special reservation memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the special reservation memory area, on condition that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4 and the game state is not a special game state. On the other hand, when a second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, even if a first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, provided that the gaming state is not a special gaming state, and the second special random number value used in the special symbol lottery is stored in the special reserve memory area. That is, in this embodiment, the second special random number value is consumed with priority over the first special random number value. Note that, regardless of whether it is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read in the order stored in the special random number storage means 2914 to perform the special symbol lottery. That is, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read in the order in which the gaming ball enters the first start hole 46 or the second start hole 49 to perform the special symbol lottery.

[0061] Furthermore, if the first special random number value remains in the first special reserve memory area 2 or later at the time the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, or if the second special random number value remains in the second special reserve memory area 2 or later at the time the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, the remaining first special random number value or second special random number value is moved from the original special reserve memory area to a special reserve memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, if a first special random number value remains in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, the first special random number value stored in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is moved to each of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 3, and if a second special random number value remains in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3 when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, the second special random number value stored in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3 is moved to each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2.

[0062] As described above, in the special random number memory means 2914, the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which a special pattern lottery has been conducted is reserved in the special reservation memory area up to a maximum of one, the first special random number value for which a special pattern lottery has not been conducted is reserved in the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4 up to a maximum of four, and the second special random number value for which a special pattern lottery has not been conducted is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0063] The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a jackpot determination random number value and a symbol determination random number value, as random number values ​​for special symbol lottery based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and stores these multiple types of random number values ​​as first special random number values ​​or second special random number values ​​in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, using the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914. Specifically, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, etc. as the special symbol lottery.

[0064] The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred by reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0065] In the jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to for random number determination process, depending on the game state. Here, each jackpot lottery table associates a jackpot or a miss with each of 65,536 jackpot determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether or not a jackpot has been won by referring to the selected jackpot lottery table and determining whether or not one of the read jackpot determination random number values ​​is associated with a jackpot. Furthermore, if a jackpot has been won, the special symbol lottery means 230 sets the jackpot winning flag in the flag storage means 2916 to ON, and if a miss occurs, sets the jackpot winning flag to OFF.

[0066] In addition, the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is in the probability variable state is set to have a higher probability of winning a jackpot compared to the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is in the normal state or the time-saving state. In other words, the jackpot determination process (special symbol lottery) performed when the gaming state is in the probability variable state has a higher probability of winning a jackpot compared to the jackpot determination process (special symbol lottery) performed when the gaming state is in the normal state or the time-saving state.

[0067] The symbol determination process is a process performed when a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, and is a process of reading out one symbol determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914 and determining whether the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot) will be a 16-round probability variable symbol, a 4-round probability variable symbol, a 16-round normal symbol, or a 4-round normal symbol. Here, one symbol determination random number value is obtained from 100 symbol determination random numbers from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0068] In the symbol determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the read symbol determination random number value was stored as a first special random number value or a second special random number value. Here, each symbol lottery table associates one of 16-round probability variable symbols, 4-round probability variable symbols, 16-round normal symbols, and 4-round normal symbols with each of 100 symbol determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99. The special symbol lottery means 230 then refers to the selected symbol lottery table to determine which of the multiple jackpot symbols the read symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple jackpot symbols has been selected. The special symbol lottery means 230 also sets a winning flag corresponding to the winning jackpot symbol to an ON state in the flag storage means 2916.

[0069] The special display control means 240 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the results of the special pattern lottery, and performs first special pattern display control processing, second special pattern display control processing, first special hold display control processing, and second special hold display control processing.

[0070] The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special pattern lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 until a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0071] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined to correspond to each of the four types of jackpot patterns and misses, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a mode depending on whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a mode depending on the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0072] The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special pattern lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 until a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a predetermined manner.

[0073] The special display control means 240 then lights up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a manner depending on whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner depending on the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, thereby causing the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner, and causes the second special pattern display unit 80 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0074] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 depending on the number of first special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0075] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 second special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, depending on the number of second special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, the game state transition control means 250 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, special game state, probability variable state, and time-saving state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are established, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0077] The normal state is the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the special game state. In the normal state, the normal symbol lottery is performed by referring to the normal symbol lottery table, where the probability of winning a normal jackpot is set at approximately 1 / 20, and the special symbol lottery is performed by referring to the jackpot lottery table, where the probability of winning a jackpot is set at 1 / 319.

[0078] In the normal state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is low at about 1 / 20, and the normal symbol variation time is set long, so that the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is short at 0.1 seconds, making it difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49.

[0079] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special symbol lottery during the normal state, the special symbol state, or the time-saving state, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of special games are played according to the type of jackpot symbol.

[0080] Specifically, when the special game state is initiated based on the fact that the winning flag for the 16-round probability variation pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 16 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 16th round have been executed.

[0081] In addition, when a special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 4-round probability variable pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 4 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 4th round have been executed.

[0082] In addition, when the special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag for the 16-round normal pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 16 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 16th round have been executed.

[0083] In addition, when a special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 4-round normal pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 4 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 4th round have been executed.

[0084] The probability variable state begins when the special game state, which was initiated based on the setting of the winning flag for the 16-round probability variable symbol or the 4-round probability variable symbol (probability variable symbol), ends. From the probability variable state, it is possible to transition to the special game state or the normal state. In the probability variable state, the normal symbol lottery is performed with reference to a normal symbol lottery table, which sets the winning probability of a normal win at approximately 19 / 20, and the special symbol lottery is performed with reference to a jackpot lottery table, which sets the winning probability of a jackpot at 1 / 31. This gives the player an advantage over the normal state. The probability variable state ends when the number of special symbol lotteries in the probability variable state reaches 9,999, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0085] Specifically, when the special game state ends, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 9999) corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 9999) to the probability variable end determination counter 2930 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one game count from the stored value of the probability variable end determination counter 2930 each time a special symbol lottery is performed in the probability variable state. Then, when the stored value of the probability variable end determination counter 2930 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the probability variable state ends and the normal state begins. However, since the probability variable state has a jackpot probability of 1 / 31, the special game state begins before the number of special symbol lotteries performed in the probability variable state reaches 9999, and transition from the probability variable state to the normal state is unlikely.

[0086] In addition, in the probability variable state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is high at about 19 / 20, the normal symbol variation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is long at 20 seconds, so it is advantageous for the player in that it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state.

[0087] In addition, in the probability variation state, the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is often set to a shorter time regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to draw the special symbol lottery occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0088] The time-saving state begins when the special game state, which was initiated based on the setting of the winning flag for the 16-round normal symbol or the 4-round normal symbol, ends. The time-saving state can be transitioned to either the special game state or the normal state. In the time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery is performed using a normal symbol lottery table with a normal win probability of approximately 19 / 20, just like in the probability-variable state. However, the special symbol lottery is performed using a jackpot lottery table with a jackpot win probability of approximately 1 / 319, just like in the normal state. This makes the time-saving state more disadvantageous to the player than the probability-variable state. The time-saving state ends when 100 special symbol lotteries have been performed in the time-saving state, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0089] Specifically, when the gaming state is shifted to the time-shortened state, the gaming state shift control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 100) corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 100 games) to the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one game play from the stored value of the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 every time a special symbol lottery is performed in the time-shortened state. Then, when the stored value of the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the time-shortened state is terminated.

[0090] In addition, in the time-saving state, just like in the special state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is high at about 19 / 20, and the normal symbol variation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is long at 20 seconds, so it is easier for the player to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state, which is advantageous for the player.

[0091] Also, in the time-saving state, similar to the special jackpot state, the first or second special symbol change time is often set to a shorter time regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to draw the special symbols occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0092] The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the result of the special symbol lottery, and performs special game execution processes 1 to 4 and the like.

[0093] The special game execution process 1 is executed based on the fact that a 16-round probability variable symbol is won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 16) equivalent to 16 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 16-round probability variable symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 16), the special game state ends.

[0094] Specifically, in the special game execution process 1, in the special game of each of the first to sixteenth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special device 56 is opened or when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball and the value of the big prize number counter 2936 is added with a value equivalent to one game ball (for example, 1), the special device 56 is controlled to be in a closed state. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0095] The special game execution process 2 is executed based on the fact that a 4-round probability variable symbol is won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 4) equivalent to four times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 4-round probability variable symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 4), the special game state ends.

[0096] Specifically, in the special game execution process 2, in the special game of each of the first to fourth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0097] The special game execution process 3 is executed based on the fact that a 16-round normal symbol has been won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 16) equivalent to 16 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 16-round normal symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 16), the special game state ends.

[0098] Specifically, in the special game execution process 3, in the special game of each of the 1st to 16th rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0099] The special game execution process 4 is executed based on the fact that a four-round normal symbol has been won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 4) equivalent to four times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the four-round normal symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 4), the special game state ends.

[0100] Specifically, in the special game execution process 4, in the special game of each of the first to fourth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0101] The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal, based on the input of a detection signal from the first start opening switch 100, a detection signal from the general winning opening switch 101, a detection signal from the second start opening switch 103, or a detection signal from the count switch 104. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one, and the number of prize balls paid out for each of the first start opening switch 100, the general winning opening switch 101, the second start opening switch 103, and the count switch 104 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls.

[0102] The payout device 130 operates to pay out the number of game balls instructed by the payout control means 270. The payout device 130 has a payout motor attached to a game ball tank that stores game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 is also provided with a payout switch that operates each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on a payout signal from the payout switch.

[0103] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated in accordance with the results of various calculations in the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 is possible, and information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 202 to the main control board 200.

[0104] Next, the sub-control board 202 will be described. The sub-control board 202 is equipped with a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302. The sub-memory 302 is equipped with multiple types of RAM and ROM, and various data stored in the sub-memory 302 is stored in each RAM and ROM. The performance control means 300 controls the performance devices, such as displaying performance images on the liquid crystal display 32, turning on light-emitting elements such as lamps 12, 38, and 39, outputting performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance objects, based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 302, thereby causing the performance device to execute performances to liven up the game or assist the game.

[0105] The liquid crystal display 32 performs a performance by displaying a performance image on its display surface. The performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 is a composite image formed by overlapping multiple layers in which drawing materials (material images) are arranged.

[0106] The effect screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 is made up of, for example, 30 frames (hereinafter referred to as frames) per second (a so-called frame rate of 30 fps). Therefore, in the case of an effect pattern having a length of, for example, one minute, the effect screen is made up of a total of 1,800 frames, that is, 60 seconds x 30 frames. Note that, for example, one second may be made up of 60 frames.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, the performance control means 300 executes a performance in which a performance pattern (demo pattern) 350 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stationary display of the special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern display unit 80, and notifies the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0108] FIG. 6(a) shows the state before the special symbols start to change. The left symbol 350a, the middle symbol 350b, and the right symbol 350c are displayed in the display area of ​​the LCD display 32 as the symbol 350. The left symbol 350a is displayed on the left side of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, the middle symbol 350b is displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, and the right symbol 350c is displayed on the right side of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32. The left symbol 350a, the middle symbol 350b, and the right symbol 350c each form nine different symbol sequences representing the numbers "1" through "9." Each symbol 350 representing the numbers "1" through "9" may include decorative elements such as characters in addition to the numbers.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6 (b), based on the start of the variable display of the special pattern, the variable display (variable display performance) of the performance pattern 350 starts. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the performance pattern 350 is being displayed (scrolling) at high speed in the vertical direction.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 6(c), the effect symbol 350 is displayed in a stopped state based on the stopped display of the special symbol. The effect symbol 350 is displayed in a stopped state according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery, the effect symbol 350 is displayed in a stopped state according to the jackpot symbol determined in the symbol determination process.

[0111] In other words, each time the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special pattern lottery is performed, the performance control means 300 causes the left performance pattern 350a, the middle performance pattern 350b and the right performance pattern 350c to be displayed in a variable manner in conjunction with the start of the variable display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76, or each time the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special pattern lottery is performed, the performance control means 300 causes the liquid crystal display 32 to execute a performance in which the left performance pattern 350a, the middle performance pattern 350b and the right performance pattern 350c are displayed in a variable manner in accordance with whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process in the special pattern lottery, and if a jackpot has been won, in a manner in accordance with the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process.

[0112] The effect control means 300 executes the operation means effect at a predetermined opportunity during the variable display of the effect symbol 350. Fig. 7 shows an example of the operation means effect (a display example of the operation means effect when a winning result, which will be described later, is displayed). Fig. 8 shows another example of the operation means effect (a display example of the operation means effect when a losing result, which will be described later, is displayed).

[0113] In the operation means performance, the performance control means 300 displays an operation means image 400 on the liquid crystal display 32, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The operation means image 400 is an image that imitates the performance operation means 26. In other words, the operation means image 400 can also be said to be the performance operation means 26 displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. The operation means image 400 is an image that instructs (prompts) the player to operate the performance operation means 26. The display of the operation means image 400 ends when the performance operation means 26 is operated while it is displayed, or when a predetermined period of time has passed since the start of display without the performance operation means 26 being operated. This predetermined period can also be said to be a period during which operations on the performance operation means 26 are valid. Hereinafter, this predetermined period will also be referred to as the operation valid period. The effect operation means 26 may be, for example, a button, a predetermined lever, or an object resembling a predetermined object (for example, a gun or a sword). There may be a plurality of effect operation means 26.

[0114] In this embodiment, multiple types of operation means images 400 are prepared. Specifically, multiple types of operation means images 400 with different colors are prepared, such as a default button (white operation means image 400), a red button (red operation means image 400), a gold button (gold operation means image 400), and a rainbow button (rainbow operation means image 400), and a predetermined expectation level (for example, the expectation level for a win or the expectation level for a winning result display, which will be described later) differs depending on the type (color) of the operation means image 400 displayed. Specifically, the predetermined expectation level increases in the following order: default button < red button < gold button < rainbow button.

[0115] Furthermore, in the operation means performance, the performance control means 300 displays a meter 410 on the liquid crystal display 32. The meter 410 is a display that notifies the remaining time (progress) of the valid operation period.

[0116] In the operation means performance, before the operation means image 400 is displayed, an appearance effect is displayed as an effect display related to the appearance of the operation means image 400 (see FIGS. 7(b) and 8(b)). The appearance effect is a display that notifies the user that the operation means image 400 will appear. That is, in the operation means performance, first, a display in which the operation means image 400 appears is executed. Furthermore, as the appearance of the operation means image 400 is completed, the display of the meter 410 begins (see FIGS. 7(c) and 8(c)). Furthermore, when the appearance of the operation means image 400 is completed and the meter 410 is displayed, a display is executed in which the remaining time of the valid operation period indicated by the meter 410 decreases (see FIGS. 7(d) and 8(d)). Furthermore, if the performance operation means 26 is operated within the valid operation period, a display (notification display) that gives a predetermined notification is executed (see FIGS. 7(e), (f) and FIGS. 8(e), (f)). Here, the notification displays that are executed when the presentation operation means 26 is operated within the valid operation period in the operation means presentation include a winning result display (see Figures 7(e) and (f)) that notifies that a predetermined result has been obtained (the first result has been obtained), and a losing result display (see Figures 8(e) and (f)) that notifies that the predetermined result has not been obtained (the second result has been obtained).

[0117] The winning result display may, for example, notify that a predetermined hit (e.g., a jackpot) has been achieved, or that a predetermined effect (a high-expectation effect: e.g., an effect in which the expectation of a hit is above a predetermined level) has been achieved, or that a continuing change in the effect pattern 350 has been achieved, etc.

[0118] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(e) and FIG. 8(e), whether a winning result is displayed or a losing result is displayed, an effect display (operation effect) indicating that the performance operation means 26 has been operated is displayed in response to an operation on the performance operation means 26 during the operation valid period. Then, along with the display of the operation effect, the operation means image 400 disappears from the screen of the liquid crystal display 32. In this embodiment, the same operation effect can be displayed when a winning result is displayed and when a losing result is displayed. Specifically, the portion where the operation means image 400 is displayed is illuminated strongly, and an operation effect is displayed that emphasizes the disappearance of the operation means image 400 (that it has been operated). Note that different operation effects may be displayed when a winning result is displayed and when a losing result is displayed. In other words, the operation effect may be at least a part of the winning result display or the losing result display.

[0119] In this embodiment, while the appearance effect is being displayed, the type of operation means image 400 (whether it is the default button, red button, gold button, or rainbow button) is not visible on the display. Then, once the appearance of the operation means image 400 is complete, the type of operation means image 400 becomes identifiable on the display. This state in which the type of operation means image 400 is identifiable on the display may be referred to as a state in which the operation means image 400 is being displayed or a state in which the operation means image 400 has appeared. In other words, the state in which the display related to the performance operation means 26 has reached a steady state may be referred to as a state in which the operation means image 400 is being displayed or a state in which the operation means image 400 has appeared.

[0120] The performance control means 300 outputs a plurality of types of performance sounds to the speaker 14 in the operation means performance, including an operation means appearance start sound, an operation means appearance sound, a meter decrease sound (sound indicating the expiration of the valid operation period), a winning result sound or a losing result sound (failure / fake sound), etc.

[0121] The operation means appearance start sound is a sound effect that notifies the appearance of the operation means image 400. In other words, the operation means appearance start sound is a sound related to the appearance of the operation means image 400, and is a sound effect that is output while the display related to the appearance of the operation means image 400 is being displayed. In further other words, the operation means appearance start sound is a sound effect that is output before the appearance of the operation means image 400 is completed. In this embodiment, the operation means appearance start sound is a sound effect that is output from the speaker 14 while the appearance effect is being displayed, and can also be said to be a sound effect related to the appearance effect.

[0122] In this embodiment, the operation means appearance start sound is the same regardless of the type (color) of the operation means image 400 to be displayed. This prevents the player from knowing in advance which operation means image 400 will be displayed based on the type of operation means appearance start sound. However, the operation means appearance start sound may differ depending on the type of operation means image 400 to be displayed. Furthermore, when multiple types of effect displays are prepared as appearance effects, different operation means appearance start sounds may be prepared for each appearance effect. Furthermore, multiple types of effect displays may be prepared that differ in the time from the start of display to the end of display (in other words, the display on the liquid crystal display 32), such as an appearance effect in which the time from the start of the appearance effect until the operation means image 400 is displayed is approximately 0.5 seconds, and an appearance effect in which the time is approximately 2 seconds.

[0123] The operation means appearance sound is an effect sound that notifies the user that the operation means image 400 has appeared. That is, the operation means appearance sound is an effect sound that is output when the appearance of the operation means image 400 is completed (when the operation means image 400 is displayed).

[0124] In this embodiment, the operation means appearance sound varies depending on the type (color) of the displayed operation means image 400. When various operation means images 400 are displayed, the volume of the operation means appearance sound increases as follows: default button < red button < gold button < rainbow button. In other words, the higher the predetermined expectation level of the displayed operation means image 400, the louder the volume of the operation means appearance sound.

[0125] The meter decrease sound is an effect sound that is output in accordance with the decrease in the remaining time of the valid operation period indicated by meter 410. In other words, the meter decrease sound is an effect sound that is output from the start to the end of the valid operation period, and is an effect sound that notifies that the valid operation period is elapsed.

[0126] In this embodiment, multiple types of operation means effects with different operation valid periods (decrease speed of meter 410) are provided, and the length of time for which the meter decrease sound is output varies depending on the length of the operation valid period.

[0127] The winning result sound is a sound effect that is output when the effect operation means 26 is operated within the valid operation period in the operation means effect and a winning result display is performed, i.e., when a predetermined result is obtained. In other words, the winning result sound can also be said to be a sound effect that notifies that a predetermined result (a first result) has been obtained. The winning result sound can also be said to be a sound effect related to a specific effect (display) that is executed based on (as a result of) an operation on the effect operation means 26. Note that the output of the winning result sound (and the winning result display) is triggered by an operation on the effect operation means 26 within the valid operation period, but it may also be executed when the effect operation means 26 is not operated within the valid operation period.

[0128] In this embodiment, the winning result sound is a sound that corresponds to the type of winning result display (the image that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in response to an operation on the operation means 26), regardless of the type of the displayed operation means image 400. If multiple types of displays are prepared as winning result displays, different winning result sounds may be output depending on the type of winning result display.

[0129] The loss result sound is a sound effect that is output when the effect operation means 26 is operated within the operation valid period in the operation means effect and a loss result display is performed, i.e., when a predetermined result is not obtained. In other words, the loss result sound can also be said to be a sound effect that notifies that a predetermined result has not been obtained (a second result has been obtained). The loss result sound can also be said to be a sound effect related to a second specific effect (display) that is executed based on (as a result of) an operation on the effect operation means 26. Note that the output of the loss result sound (and the loss result display) is triggered by an operation on the effect operation means 26 within the operation valid period, but may also be executed when the effect operation means 26 is not operated within the operation valid period.

[0130] In this embodiment, the loss sound is a common (identical) sound regardless of the type of the displayed operation means image 400. Also, only one type of loss sound may be provided. In other words, the number of types of loss sounds may be fewer than the number of types of win sounds. This configuration can prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable because no effect sound is output when a loss display is displayed, and can minimize the impression of the effect of a loss display.

[0131] That is, when the operation means effect is executed and it is announced that a predetermined result has been obtained (when the winning result display and winning result sound are output), an operation means appearance start sound, an operation means appearance sound, a meter decrease sound, and a winning result sound are output. The volume relationship of each effect sound at this time is as follows: meter decrease sound < operation means appearance start sound < operation means appearance sound < winning result sound. The volume relationship between the various effect sounds may be as follows: meter decrease sound<operation means appearance start sound<winning result sound<operation means appearance sound.

[0132] Furthermore, when the operation means effect is executed and it is notified that the predetermined result has not been obtained (when a loss result display and a loss result sound are output), an operation means appearance start sound, an operation means appearance sound, a meter decrease sound, and a loss result sound are output. The volume relationship of each effect sound at this time is as follows: meter decrease sound < operation means appearance start sound < operation means appearance sound < loss result sound. The volume relationship between the various effect sounds may be as follows: meter decrease sound<operation means appearance start sound<losing result sound<operation means appearance sound. Also, the volume relationship may be as follows: meter decrease sound<losing result sound<operation means appearance start sound<operation means appearance sound.

[0133] The volume relationship between the winning and losing result sounds is such that the losing result sound is smaller than the winning result sound.

[0134] It is also possible to configure the system so that one or more of the various effect sounds are not output, for example, the meter decrease sound or the operation means appearance start sound is not output.

[0135] The relationship in volume between the various effect sounds can be expressed as the relationship in dB (decibel) values ​​of the volume. Specifically, it can be expressed as the relationship in volume between the RMS values ​​or maximum output amplitudes of the output volumes from the speaker 14 for each effect sound. In other words, the relationship in volume between the various effect sounds is the relationship in volume that the player perceives when listening to each effect sound output from the speaker 14.

[0136] In the operation means presentation, if the presentation operation means 26 is not operated within the operation valid period, the same presentation (output of display and presentation sound) as that in the case where the presentation operation means 26 is operated within the operation valid period may be performed. Hereinafter, such an operation means presentation is referred to as a first operation means presentation. Also, in the operation means presentation, if the presentation operation means 26 is not operated within the operation valid period, the presentation (output of display and presentation sound) different from that in the case where the presentation operation means 26 is operated within the operation valid period may be performed. Hereinafter, such an operation means presentation is referred to as a second operation means presentation. First operation means presentation and second operation means presentation in one gaming machine Both of the above may be executed, or only one of them may be executed.

[0137] In the first operation means performance, if the performance operation means 26 is not operated within the operation valid period, the performance is executed as if the performance operation means 26 had been operated when the operation valid period has elapsed. That is, in the first operation means performance, regardless of whether the performance operation means 26 has been operated within the operation valid period, the same win result display or loss result display is displayed and a win result sound or loss result sound is output.

[0138] In the second operation means performance, if the operation means 26 is operated within the operation valid period, a sound (operation sound) indicating that the operation means 26 has been operated is output from the speaker 14, and the first result image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. On the other hand, in the second operation means performance, if the operation means 26 is not operated within the operation valid period, a sound (disappearance sound) relating to the disappearance of the operation means image 400 is output from the speaker 14, and the second result image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 (the first result image is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 32). The display time of the first result image (the time from the start of display to the end of display) is longer than the display time of the second result image (the time from the start of display to the end of display). The first result image and the second result image may be moving images (movies) or still images.

[0139] The operation sound indicating that the effect operation means 26 has been operated can also be considered a type of loss sound. That is, the volume relationship between the operation sound and other effect sounds can be considered similar to that of the loss sound. The volume of the disappearance sound may be the same as that of the meter decrease sound, for example. In other words, the volume of the disappearance sound may be lower than the sound indicating the start of appearance of the operation means and the loss sound.

[0140] There are multiple types of operation modes of the operation means 26 in the operation means performance. In other words, there are multiple types of operation modes of the operation means 26 instructed (prompted) by the operation means image 400. Specifically, there are, for example, an operation means performance (operation means image 400) instructing to press the operation means 26 once, an operation means performance (operation means image 400) instructing to hit the operation means 26 repeatedly (press multiple times), and an operation means performance (operation means image 400) instructing to press and hold the operation means 26. There are also multiple types of durations for the effective operation period in the operation means performance. Furthermore, in the operation means performance, the effective operation period differs depending on the instructed operation mode. Furthermore, the operation means performance instructing to hit the operation means 26 repeatedly has the longest effective operation period. In other words, the operation means effect that instructs the user to repeatedly tap the operation means 26 has a longer effective operation period than the operation means effect that instructs the user to press the operation means 26 once or the operation means effect that instructs the user to press and hold the operation means 26. In addition, in an operation means effect that instructs the player to repeatedly tap the operation means 26, an operation sound may be output each time the operation means 26 is operated, and a winning result sound or a losing result sound may be output when the valid operation period has elapsed.

[0141] In this embodiment, sound data for the operation means appearance start sound, sound data for the operation means appearance sound, sound data for the meter decrease sound, sound data for the win result sound, sound data for the loss result sound, and sound data for the disappearance sound are each stored as separate data in sound data storage means 310 (ROM) of sub-memory 302. Then, effect control means 300 reproduces each sound data to output various effect sounds to speaker 14. Note that sound data for a plurality of types of effect sounds may be combined into one sound data. However, in this embodiment, the sound data for the operation means appearance start sound, which is a common (identical) sound regardless of the type (color) of the displayed operation means image 400, and the sound data for the operation means appearance sound, which is a different sound depending on the type (color) of the displayed operation means image 400, are separate data, so that the operation means appearance start sound is always a common (identical) sound.

[0142] Furthermore, when there are multiple patterns for various sound effects, separate sound data for each pattern may be stored in the sound data storage means 310, or sound data commonly used for multiple patterns may be stored in the sound data storage means 310. For example, as described above, in this embodiment, multiple types of operation means effects with different operation valid periods (decrease speed of meter 410) are prepared, and the length of time for which the meter decrease sound is output varies depending on the length of the operation valid period. However, common sound data may be used regardless of the output time of the manufacturer decrease sound. In this case, for example, the pitch (tone interval) of the meter decrease sound may change over time (for example, gradually increase). The sound data may be prepared such that the pitch of the sound increases stepwise from the lowest note (for example, C) to the highest note (for example, C one octave higher), and in an operation means performance in which the operation validity period is relatively long, the meter decrease sound may be output so that the pitch changes from the lowest note to the highest note, and in an operation means performance in which the operation validity period is relatively short, the meter decrease sound may be output so that the pitch changes from the lowest note to a note between the lowest and highest notes (or from a note between the lowest and highest notes to the highest note).

[0143] The effect data (image data) for displaying the operation means image 400 (an image simulating the effect operation means 26) on the liquid crystal display 32 and the effect data for displaying various effects may be separate data or may be the same data. Furthermore, the effect data for displaying the operation means image 400 may be used to realize various effect displays by, for example, changing parameters (such as transparency) over time when drawing the operation means image 400.

[0144] The gaming machine of this embodiment is an operation means (performance operation means 26); Display means (liquid crystal display 32) for displaying images; a sound output means (speaker 14) for outputting sound; A performance control means 300 for controlling the execution of the performance, The effect includes an operation means effect in which an operation means image 400 relating to the operation means is displayed on the display means, and the operation of the operation means is encouraged; The sound output from the sound output means in a predetermined operation means performance includes: an appearance start sound (operation means appearance start sound) that announces the appearance of the operation means image; an appearance sound (operation means appearance sound) that notifies the user that the operation means image has appeared; a result sound (a winning result sound or a losing result sound) that is output in response to an operation of the operating means, the appearance sound is louder than the appearance start sound; The resulting sound has a louder volume than the appearance sound.

[0145] In this embodiment, the volume of the result sound (win result sound or loss result sound) is set to the loudest among the sounds output in the operation means presentation, so that the timing when the player's operation is accepted can be clearly notified. Therefore, the player can be given a strong sense that the presentation is progressing based on his / her own operation, and the presentation effect can be improved.

[0146] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The sound output from the sound output means in the operation means performance informing that a predetermined result has been obtained includes: an appearance start sound (operation means appearance start sound) that announces the appearance of the operation means image; an appearance sound (operation means appearance sound) that notifies the user that the operation means image has appeared; a first result sound (a winning result sound) that is output in response to an operation of the operating means, The sound output from the sound output means in the operation means performance informing that a predetermined result has not been obtained includes: the appearance start sound; The appearance sound; a second result sound (a loss result sound) that is output in response to an operation of the operating means, the appearance sound is louder than the appearance start sound; the first resultant sound and the second resultant sound have a louder volume than the appearance sound; The first resultant sound has a louder volume than the second resultant sound.

[0147] In this embodiment, the volume of the result sound (win result sound) is set to the loudest among the sounds output in the operation means presentation, thereby clearly notifying the timing when the player's operation is accepted. Therefore, the player can be given a strong sense that the presentation is progressing based on his or her operation, thereby improving the presentation effect. Furthermore, the volume of the result sound output when a predetermined result is obtained is set to be louder than when no notification is given, thereby clearly distinguishing between when a predetermined result is obtained and when it is not obtained.

[0148] Furthermore, in gaming machines, players or workers (gaming parlor managers, gaming parlor staff), etc., can adjust the volume (i.e., volume) of the sound output from the speaker 14, which serves as a sound output means, by performing a predetermined operation. However, in this case, if the volume is lowered below a certain level, a situation may arise in which the sound effects that are important in the progress of the game (in other words, important parts of the machine's characteristics) are drowned out by the ambient sounds in the gaming parlor. Therefore, the following describes a configuration that allows a high level of sound effects to be maintained without relying on volume control.

[0149] 4, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a volume control means 155 that accepts an operation to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speaker 14. This volume control means 155 may be provided on the front frame 10 so that a player can operate it to set the volume during play (for example, it may be a button or the like provided on the front frame 10), or it may be provided on the back side or inside the gaming machine so that an operator can operate it to set the volume (for example, it may be a rotary switch or the like provided on the sub-control board 202), or both. A signal associated with the volume setting from this volume control means 155 is transmitted to the performance control means 300 of the sub-control board 202, and the performance control means 300 controls the operation of the speaker 14 so that sound, including performance sounds, is output from the speaker 14 at the set volume based on the input signal from the volume control means 155.

[0150] Furthermore, in controlling the sound output from the speaker 14 in accordance with such volume adjustment, the performance control means 300 controls the sound so that when the volume is lowered by the volume operation means 155, the reduction in the volume of the first sound output in the performance related to the granting of a special benefit is smaller than the reduction in the volume of the second sound different from the first sound.

[0151] Here, the volume adjustment by the volume control means 155 may be continuous, or may be stepwise, or both. The granting of a bonus may include, for example, winning a jackpot, granting the right to transition to a gaming state more advantageous to the player than the normal state, granting the right to transition to a second presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than a first presentation state among multiple presentation states related to the bonus (e.g., a second presentation state in which the player has a higher expectation of gaining gaming value than the first presentation state due to a presentation that assists in gaining gaming value), granting the right to participate in a specific lottery, or extending the duration of these various advantageous states (e.g., an extension of the assist time by a so-called bonus in a slot machine). The term "a bonus-related effect" may refer to any effect related to the bonus (e.g., an effect that suggests the bonus), regardless of whether the bonus is actually granted, including an effect associated with the bonus (e.g., an effect performed before, during, or after the bonus is granted).

[0152] The first sound may be, for example, a sound that notifies the player of the start of a specific advantageous state when a special benefit is awarded. The first sound may also be, for example, a sound that notifies the player of the acquisition of the right to transition to a specific advantageous state. Specifically, the first sound may be output when an effect suggesting the acquisition of the right is displayed (e.g., an effect of fighting a specific enemy character is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32) and the acquisition of the right is notified (e.g., an effect indicating a victory over the specific enemy character is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32). In other words, the first sound may be output when a definitive notification of the award of a special benefit is made. The first sound may also be output when, for example, an effect instructing the player to perform a specific operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in the effect related to the award of a special benefit (e.g., an effect prompting the player to perform an operation on a specific operating means at a specific timing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32). The first sound may also be output when, for example, an extension of the duration of the advantageous state (e.g., the aforementioned additional bonus) is notified. In other words, the first sound may be a "final sound."

[0153] The second sound may include sounds other than the first sound among the sounds output by the gaming machine. In other words, the first sound and the second sound being different simply means that the first sound and the second sound are distinct sounds, and does not necessarily mean that the sound quality, whether they are sound effects (SE), voices (e.g., character voices), or music (e.g., background music), etc. are different.

[0154] The first sound may include one or more of sound effects (SE), audio (e.g., a character's voice), and music (e.g., background music). The second sound may include one or more of sound effects (SE), audio (e.g., a character's voice), and music (e.g., background music). Note that, for example, the first sound and the second sound may be output in an overlapping manner (in other words, simultaneously). For example, when a specific advantageous state begins or when the granting of a benefit is definitively notified, a predetermined sound effect may be output as the first sound and a character's voice as the second sound. In other words, some of the overlapping sound effects (SE), audio (e.g., a character's voice), and music may be the first sound, and the rest may be the second sound. Note that the first sound and the second sound may be effect sounds output in completely different scenes. In other words, the second sound may be output in the same effect as the first sound, or in an effect different from the effect in which the first sound is output. Furthermore, the first sound is a performance sound that is output for a performance, but the second sound that is different from the first sound may be a sound other than the performance sound.

[0155] The first sound may be, for example, the winning sound in the example of the operation means effect described above. The second sound may also be any other effect sound other than the winning sound, such as an operation means appearance start sound, an operation means appearance sound, a meter decrease sound, a losing sound, or any other sound output simultaneously with or at a different timing from the winning sound.

[0156] Furthermore, as a specific example of control for reducing the extent to which the volume of the first sound is reduced less than the extent to which the volume of the second sound is reduced by operating the volume operation means 155, the control form shown in FIG. 9 can be given. In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the volume (dB) output from the speaker 14, and the horizontal axis represents the volume level that can be adjusted in stages by the volume operation means 155. It is assumed here that the volume level can be adjusted in seven stages from 1 to 7 by the volume operation means 155. In addition, in FIG. 9, the output volume (dB) corresponding to each volume level 1 to 7 is plotted, and a line graph connecting the plots with straight lines is shown as a control diagram. In this case, the output plot of the first sound is indicated by the solid line L1, and the output plot of the second sound is indicated by the dashed line L2. It is to be noted that the line L1 and the line L2 overlap in the portion corresponding to output levels 4 to 7.

[0157] As shown in the figure, the output volume (dB) of the first sound and the second sound is set to the same value at volume levels 4 to 7. That is, even if the volume is adjusted by the volume operation means 155 (i.e., even if the volume level is increased or decreased in stages between 4 and 7), there is no difference in the volume setting (in other words, the amount of volume reduction) output from the speaker 14 for the first sound and the second sound. This is because, at volume levels 4 and above, the first sound will not be drowned out by ambient sounds in the amusement arcade, and the sound effects produced by the first sound can be expected to reverberate throughout a desired range of areas within the amusement arcade. However, at these volume levels 4 to 7, the amount of reduction in the volume of the first sound resulting from the volume reduction operation of the volume operation means 155 may be smaller than the amount of reduction in the volume of the second sound.

[0158] In contrast, at volume levels 1 to 4, the extent to which the volume of the first sound is reduced in response to a volume reduction operation by volume operation means 155 is set to be smaller than the extent to which the volume of the second sound is reduced. Specifically, when the volume level is reduced from volume level 4 to volume level 3, the extent to which the volume of the first sound is reduced is smaller than the extent to which the volume of the second sound is reduced. Also, when the volume level is reduced from volume level 3 to volume level 2, the extent to which the volume of the first sound is reduced is smaller than the extent to which the volume of the second sound is reduced. Also, when the volume level is reduced from volume level 2 to volume level 1, the extent to which the volume of the first sound is reduced is smaller than the extent to which the volume of the second sound is reduced. And when the volume level is reduced from volume level 4 to volume level 1, the extent to which the volume of the first sound is reduced is smaller than the extent to which the volume of the second sound is reduced. More specifically, at volume level 3, the output volume of the first sound is set to be substantially the same as the output volumes of the first and second sounds at volume level 4 (and therefore louder than the output volume of the second sound at volume level 3). At volume level 2, the output volume of the first sound is set to be substantially the same as the output volume of the second sound at volume level 3 (and therefore louder than the output volume of the second sound at volume level 2). At volume level 1, the output volume of the first sound is set to be smaller than the output volume of the second sound at volume level 3 but louder than the output volume of the second sound at volume level 2 (and therefore considerably louder than the output volume of the second sound at volume level 1). The reduction in the volume of the first sound from the second volume level (e.g., volume level 4) to the first volume level (e.g., volume level 1) is set to be smaller than the reduction in the volume of the first sound from the third volume level (e.g., volume level 7) to the second volume level. Note that "a small reduction amount" includes the case where the smaller reduction amount is "0" (in other words, the case where the volume does not decrease).

[0159] In addition, the above-mentioned relationship in volume between various sound effects related to the operation means (operation means appearance start sound, operation means appearance sound, meter decrease sound, win result sound, and loss result sound, etc.) may be true regardless of the volume level setting, or may be true at a specific volume level (for example, when the volume level is 4 or higher).

[0160] 9 (i.e., control that makes the volume reduction amount of the first sound and the volume reduction amount of the second sound different when the volume is reduced by the volume reduction operation of the volume operation means 155) may not be performed for sounds that are already being output. That is, for example, if output of the first sound is started when the volume level is already set to 1, the first sound is output at an output volume of 85 dB (a state in which the volume reduction amount of the first sound is smaller than the volume reduction amount of the second sound) in accordance with the control specifications shown in Fig. 9. However, if output of the first sound is started when the volume level is set to 4 and the player operates the volume operation means 155 to reduce the volume level from 4 to 1 while this first sound is being output, the first sound being output may not follow the reduction amount along the solid line in Fig. 9 (in other words, not to 85 dB), but may be output at the same output volume as the second sound at volume level 1 (in other words, at 80 dB). That is, when the volume operation means 155 is operated while a sound is being output, both the first sound and the second sound may be controlled to have a volume reduction range as shown by the dashed line. After the output of the first sound has finished, the performance control means 300 may set the output volume of the first sound in accordance with the control specifications shown in Fig. 9 (in other words, the output volume of the first sound may be increased).

[0161] The gaming machine of this embodiment is a sound output means (for example, a speaker 14) for outputting sound; a volume control means (for example, volume control means 155) that receives an operation to adjust the volume of the sound output from the sound output means; A performance control means (for example, performance control means 300) for controlling the execution of a performance including sound, When the volume is reduced by operating the volume operation means, the performance control means controls the sound so that the reduction in the volume of a first sound output in a performance related to the granting of a special benefit is smaller than the reduction in the volume of a second sound different from the first sound.

[0162] In this embodiment, even if a player or the like operates the volume control means to lower the output volume from the sound output means, the reduction in the volume of the first sound output in the effect related to the awarding of a bonus is smaller than the reduction in the volume of the second sound different from the first sound. Therefore, even in the volume-reduced state, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the first sound is drowned out by ambient sounds in the gaming facility. Therefore, the effect of the effect related to the awarding of a bonus (or the notification of the awarding of a bonus) can be spread not only to the player who operated the volume control means but also to a wide range of the gaming environment, including players around him or her. In particular, when the first sound and the second sound are output in the same effect, the reduction in the volume of the first sound is smaller than the reduction in the volume of the second sound, so that the first sound is emphasized relative to the second sound, thereby realizing an effective effect in which the first sound related to the awarding of a bonus is exaggerated.

[0163] (Application to slot machines) In this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko gaming machine that uses gaming balls as gaming value has been described, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals or electronic information as gaming value, the reels are rotated by operating the start lever to start the game, the rotating reels are stopped by operating the stop button to stop them, and prizes can be won depending on the type of pattern or combination of patterns when the reels stop.

[0164] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the game control configuration and structure of a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the above-described control operation can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as medalless gaming machines.

[0165] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified or omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 14 Speaker (sound output means) 155 Volume control means 300 Production control means

Claims

[Claim 1] An operating means; a display means for displaying an image; a sound output means for outputting a sound; a volume control means for controlling the volume of the sound output from the sound output means; a performance control means for controlling the execution of the performance; the effect includes an operation means effect in which an operation means image relating to the operation means is displayed on the display means, and the operation of the operation means is encouraged; The sound output from the sound output means in a predetermined operation means performance includes: an appearance notification sound associated with the gradual appearance of the operation unit image, which notifies the user of the appearance of the operation unit image; an appearance sound that notifies the user that the operation means image has appeared; The appearance sound is louder than the appearance advance sound, When the volume is lowered by operating the volume operation means, the volume of the appearance notice sound and the appearance sound is lowered; The operation means images include a first operation means image and a second operation means image having a predetermined expectation level higher than that of the first operation means image, the appearance notice sound is common to both the first operation means image and the second operation means image; The volume of the appearance sound is louder when the second operation means image appears than when the first operation means image appears. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images