JP2001046656A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a player visually enjoy further and to increase thrills and excitements in a game. SOLUTION: A pattern matching game is executed in a variable display device 30 based on the entry of a ball to a start winning port 20 and there is a case that special reach display for which other adjacent respective display frames excluding the display frame where a pattern is to be stopped at last are changed to one extended special display frame on one of lines appears other than normal reach display in the middle. When special large winning display is established through such special reach display, similarly to the case of normal large winning display, the special prize of opening and closing a variable winning device 50 for the maximum of 16 times is generated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a special prize advantageous to a player is generated when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game in which a ball is hit on a game board. Here, the gaming machine
It mainly refers to pachinko machines. Further, the variable display device of the gaming machine can be applied to a slot machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of pachinko machines have been known as this kind of game machines. On the game board surface of the pachinko machine, a main role for determining a model and enhancing playability is arranged. As a representative main accessory, a variable display device including a liquid crystal screen or the like is known.
Those equipped with such a variable display device are generally called fever machines, and have been widely used.

[0003] In a fever machine, when a ball wins in a starting winning opening established on a game board, various symbols are scroll-displayed on the variable display device. Then, when the symbol combination after the scroll is stopped becomes a big hit display, a special prize (so-called fever) is generated, and the variable winning opening is repeatedly opened and closed up to a predetermined number of times.

The variable display device generally has three display columns arranged in a horizontal line, and the symbols stopped and displayed in each display column are all the same, such as "1,1,1". And a special prize was generated as a jackpot display. If the reach display matches the symbol stopped in the other display columns while leaving one display column before the jackpot display is determined, a so-called reach action is performed on the display to increase the player's expectation. Some devices have been devised.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned general fever device, even if the reach action is provided in the variable display device, the scroll display speed in the last display section after the reach display is simply changed slowly or the screen is not displayed. Many of them have relatively simple display contents such as a new character appearing on top.

In any of the reach actions, there is no significant change in the display content on the screen of the variable display device, and the display content for determining whether or not a special prize is generated is simple and uniform to the end, and lacks interest. There was a problem. As described above, in the display of the conventional variable display device, there is a limit in producing an effect to increase a player's expectation of the occurrence of a special prize.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. The present invention enhances a novel and unprecedented recreation of the display on the variable display device, and allows the player to visually recognize the display. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can further entertain and increase the thrill and excitement in a game.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object lies in the following inventions. [1] When a predetermined starting condition is satisfied in a game in which a ball is hit on the game board surface (11), a symbol matching game using various symbols is executed, and if the result of the symbol matching game corresponds to a predetermined jackpot display, In a gaming machine (10) in which a special prize advantageous to a player is generated, a variable display device (30) which can display the symbol matching game and is arranged on a game board surface (11).
And a game control device (100) for controlling at least the symbol matching game or the occurrence of a prize. The variable display device (30) includes a plurality of display frames (31) each capable of displaying various symbols. Each of the display frames (31) is arranged in a matrix, and the symbol matching game is set to the content that stops after the various symbols are switched and changed in each of the display frames (31) of the variable display device (30). A state in which the symbols that have already stopped, except for one symbol that stops last on any of the lines in which the display frames (31) are arranged by the same number, is the same as the reach display, and any one of the lines is displayed through the reach display. The state in which the symbols stopped above are all the same is displayed as a jackpot, and the game control device (100) uses the variable display device (30) when the predetermined starting condition is satisfied during the game. In the symbol matching game, apart from the reach display, except for one display frame (31) at which the symbol is stopped last on any one of the lines, the other adjacent display is performed. The frames (31) are changed to one extended special display frame (31A), and a case where one of the symbols is stopped and displayed in the special display frame (31A) is set as a special reach display with a predetermined probability. In addition to the case where the jackpot display is confirmed via the reach display as a result of the symbol matching game as a result of the symbol matching game, the line is displayed on any line passing through the special display frame (31A) via the special reach display. The special prize is generated in each of the other upper display frames (31) when the same special symbol as the symbol stopped in the special display frame (31A) and the stopped special jackpot display is determined. Gaming machine 10).

[2] The game control device (100) includes a lottery executing means (111) and a symbol matching executing means (11).
3), display frame expansion means (114), special display control means (115), and special prize generation means (116), and the lottery execution means (111) determines whether a predetermined starting condition is satisfied during a game. Due to the establishment, a random lottery using random numbers is executed, and the symbol matching executing means (113) executes the random display device (30) according to the lottery result of the lottery executing means (111). To start the symbol matching game, and the display frame expanding means (114) executes the lottery execution means (11
According to the lottery result of 1), in the symbol matching game, on any line of the variable display device (30),
Finally, except for one display frame (31) where the symbol stops, the other adjacent display frames (31) are changed to one extended special display frame (31A), and the special display control means ( 115), when the special reach display appears according to the lottery result of the lottery execution means (111), another line on the line passing through the special display frame (31A) A special display frame (31A) is also provided for the display frame (31).
The special jackpot display in which the same symbols as the symbols stopped in the game are stopped together is determined with a predetermined probability, and the special prize generating means (1) is determined.
16) The special prize is generated when the jackpot display is determined via the reach display as a result of the symbol matching game and when the special jackpot display is determined via the special reach display. Gaming machine (1
0).

[3] According to the difference of any one of the lines in which the special reach display has appeared, the probability of determining the special jackpot display thereafter is set differently [1] or [2]. A gaming machine (10) as described.

[4] The special prize generated when the jackpot display is determined and the special prize generated when the special jackpot display is determined are set to have different values from each other [1]. , [2] or [3].

[5] In the symbol matching game, apart from the jackpot display and the special jackpot display, the game control device (100) may display all display frames ( 31) are changed to one extended maximum display frame (31B), and the maximum display frame (31B) is changed.
In the case where one of the symbols is stopped and displayed one at a predetermined probability as a maximum jackpot display, and, as a result of the symbol matching game, the maximum jackpot display is determined in addition to the jackpot display and the special jackpot display The gaming machine (1) is characterized in that the special prize is generated.
0).

[6] The special prize generated when the jackpot display is determined, the special prize generated when the special jackpot display is determined, and the special prize generated when the maximum jackpot display is determined are mutually valued. Are set to be different from each other.

[7] In the symbol matching game, in a state where the maximum jackpot display is determined, another display frame (31) on the line on any line passing through the maximum display frame (31B) In addition, when the same symbol as the symbol stopped in the maximum display frame (31B) is stopped, a value advantageous to the player is generated separately from the special prize [5] or [6]. ] The gaming machine (10) described above.

[8] The gaming machine (10) according to [7], wherein a probability that a prize is generated as a result of the symbol matching game is increased as the added value.

[9] As the added value, the number of times the symbol matching game is executed per unit time is increased by shortening the required time per symbol matching game [7]. A gaming machine (10) as described.

[10] A variable winning device (50) is provided on the gaming board surface (11), and the variable winning device (50)
It has a movable plate (51) that can open and close the winning opening,
The movable plate (51) is normally maintained in a closed state, and the movable plate (51) is repeatedly opened and closed up to a predetermined number of times,
[1], [2],
A gaming machine (10) according to [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9].

[11] A starting winning port (20) is provided on the game board surface (11), and the starting condition is set such that a ball wins in the starting winning port (20). 1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6],
A gaming machine (10) according to [7], [8], [9] or [10].

Next, the operation based on the above-mentioned solution will be described. According to the gaming machine (10) of the present invention, when the starting condition is successfully established in the game in which the ball is hit on the gaming board surface (11), the symbol matching game is started on the variable display device (30) based on the starting condition. That is, for each display frame (31) of the variable display device (30), after various symbols are exchanged and changed, one of the symbols is stopped in various combinations.

As a result of the symbol matching game, the variable display device (3
0) The display frames (31) are stopped on the same line through reach display, leaving one symbol that stops last on one of the lines in which the same number of display frames (31) are arranged, and reaching the already stopped symbols. When all the symbols are displayed in the jackpot display in which all the symbols are the same, a special prize advantageous to the player is generated.

In the symbol matching game, on one of the lines, one display frame (31) at which the symbol stops last is removed, and the other adjacent display frames (31) are expanded by one. May change to the special display frame (31A). In such a case, in the state where one of the symbols is stopped and displayed in the special display frame (31A), the special reach display is performed separately from the reach display.

Through such a special reach display, on any line passing through the special display frame (31A), the special display frame (31A) is also displayed on another display frame (31) on the line.
When a special jackpot display in which the same symbols as the symbols stopped within the game are stopped is determined, a special prize is generated in the same manner as in the normal jackpot display described above.

As described above, in the present gaming machine (10), in the symbol matching game in the variable display device (30), as a so-called reach action effect, a special display frame (31A) is provided in addition to the normal reach display. In some cases, a special reach display will appear when it appears. Therefore, in the process of apparently determining whether or not a special prize is to be generated, the player can be sufficiently enjoyed visually, and the interest in the symbol matching game can be enhanced.

A series of game processes from the symbol matching game to the occurrence of a special prize are controlled by a game control device (100). Here, as described in the above item [2], the game control device (100) may be configured to be divided for each means of each function. In such a case, if a predetermined starting condition is satisfied during the game, the lottery execution means (11
1) first executes a random lottery using random numbers. Based on the lottery execution, a symbol matching game is started in the variable display device (30), and based on the result of the lottery, the content of the symbol change or the presence or absence of a special prize is determined.

When a special reach display appears in the symbol matching game, the special display frame (31) is displayed.
Depending on the difference of the line in which A) has appeared, the probability of determining the special jackpot display thereafter may be set differently. For example, when the special display frame (31A) appears on a horizontal line rather than a vertical line, the jackpot display is determined with a higher probability after that. As a result, the content of the game is varied and interesting, and the player can easily know the possibility of the occurrence of the special prize.

If the special prize generated when the jackpot display is determined and the special prize generated when the special jackpot display is determined are set to have different values from each other,
It is interesting because the game content is full of changes. For example, the special prize that occurs when the special jackpot display is confirmed,
And so on.

In the symbol matching game, apart from the jackpot display and the special jackpot display, on any one of the lines, all the display frames (31) on the line are set to one.
Even if one of the symbols is stopped and displayed in the maximum display frame (31B) at a predetermined probability, the maximum display frame (31B) may be changed to one of the extended maximum display frames (31B). You can enjoy novel display contents that are not available.

In such a case, if the maximum jackpot display is determined, a special prize is naturally generated. Here, if the special jackpot display is determined, the special jackpot display is determined, and the maximum jackpot display is determined, if the special prizes that occur are set to have different values from each other, further in the game, It can enhance interest.

Further, in the symbol matching game, in a state where the display of the maximum jackpot is determined, another display frame (31) on the line on any line passing through the maximum display frame (31B) Also has the maximum display frame (31
When the same symbol as the symbol stopped in B) is stopped, it is interesting to generate an added value advantageous to the player separately from the special prize.

Here, the added value may be in any form as long as it is advantageous to the player. Specifically, for example, if the result of the symbol matching game is fluctuated with a higher probability of being determined to be a display that causes a special prize, or if the number of executable symbols per unit time of the symbol matching game is increased,
Interest in the game can be further enhanced.

The special prize may include various states such as a temporary increase in the ratio of the number of prize balls, a change of a specific character into an easy-to-win form, and a so-called probability fluctuation or time-saving mode. Can be Specifically, for example, if the movable plate (51) of the variable winning device (50) is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, a winning chance with a relatively higher probability than usual is clearly and easily provided to the player. Can be given.

Furthermore, various conditions can be considered as the starting condition. For example, a starting winning port (20) is provided on the game board surface (11) so that a ball can win.
The starting condition may be that a ball wins in the starting winning port (20). In such a case, the condition can be satisfied according to the skill of the player, so that the ambition can be satisfied.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments representing the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 11 show a gaming machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a pachinko machine in which a special prize advantageous to a player is generated when predetermined conditions are satisfied in a game in which a ball is hit on the gaming board surface 11. This pachinko machine is a so-called fever machine, but may be applied to other types of pachinko machines and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, a rotatable handle 12 is provided at the lower right end of the front of the game machine 10. By rotating the handle 12 by an angle corresponding to the launching force of the ball, a firing device (not shown) in the fuselage is driven, and the balls are launched one by one onto the game board surface 11. ing.

Loan balls and prize balls to be used for the game are stored in an upper plate 13 provided on the front of the machine. When a large amount of balls are paid out at the special prize, the upper plate 1 is placed below the upper plate 13.
A lower plate 14 for receiving a ball overflowing from 3 is provided. The lower plate 14 is provided with a ball release lever 14a for dropping a ball into a ball box (not shown) installed below the lower plate 14.

The front surface of the game board surface 11 is covered with a glass door forming a space for moving a ball between the game board surface 11 and the game board surface 11. At the outer edge of the game board surface 11, a guide rail 11 a for sending a ball hit by a rotation operation of the handle 12 to a position vertically above the game board surface 11 is provided.

At the approximate center of the game board surface 11, a variable display device 30 and a reserved ball display device 40 are provided. These are configured as one integrated main accessory.
Further, below the reserved ball display device 40, a starting winning port 20 is provided, and further below that, a variable winning device 50 is provided.

In addition, on the game board surface 11, a number of obstacle nails for changing the falling speed or direction of the struck ball, and various accessories such as a windmill 15 are provided at appropriate places. At the bottom of the game board surface 11, there is provided an out port 17 for collecting a ball which has not won.

Above the game board surface 11, there are provided display lamps 18 for displaying various game states and the like and increasing the fun of the game. A game control device 100 (FIG. 1) for centrally managing the game state is provided on the back side of the game board surface 11.
Reference). The game control device 100 will be described later in detail.

The starting winning port 20 shown in FIG. 2 is generally called a starting chucker, and is provided on the game board surface 11 so that a ball can win. This starting winning opening 2
The winning of a ball at 0 is set as a starting condition for executing a symbol matching game described later. Also,
The starting winning opening 20 has a pair of movable pieces that can be opened and closed, and is configured as a so-called tulip-type accessory.

As shown in FIG. 1, the starting winning port 20 has a starting winning detecting switch 21 for detecting a winning of a ball. The start winning detection switch 21 is set to output a start winning signal to the game control device 100 when a winning ball is detected and turned on. Start winning detection switch 2
1 may be configured by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

As shown in FIG. 2, the variable display device 30 has a screen 30a on which various images can be displayed, and is specifically constituted by a color liquid crystal display. However, the variable display device 30 is not limited to this, and may be configured using a fluorescent display tube, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or the like, as well as a monochrome liquid crystal display.

A symbol matching game is displayed on the screen 30a of the variable display device 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the variable display device 30 includes a plurality of display frames 31 capable of displaying various symbols on a screen 30a, and the display frames 31 are arranged in a matrix of three rows and three columns. Are located.

In the variable display device 30, the starting winning opening 2
Every time the ball wins at 0, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), usually, various symbols are scrolled so as to be switched from top to bottom for each display frame 31, and then an arbitrary symbol is displayed one by one. The symbol matching game of the content to be stopped is displayed. Here, various images such as numbers, characters, symbols, and symbols are prepared in advance as symbols.

In the symbol matching game, each of the display frames 31 is vertically, horizontally, or diagonally arranged on any one of three lines, for example, as shown in FIG. The state in which the two symbols that have already stopped coincide with each other corresponds to reach display. Also, as shown in FIG. 5C, a state in which symbols stopped on any one of the lines after the reach display are all the same is equivalent to the big hit display. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5D, a state in which three identical symbols are not finally arranged on any line corresponds to a loss display.

Also, in the symbol matching game, FIG.
As shown in (c), on one of the lines, one display frame 31 at which the symbol stops last is removed, and the other adjacent display frames 31 are combined into one extended special display frame 31A. It may change, and any one of the symbols may be stopped and displayed in the special display frame 31A. Such a state is defined as a special reach display separately from the reach display, and is set so as to appear at a predetermined probability in the symbol matching game, similarly to the reach display.

After the special reach display, the special display frame 3
On any one of the lines passing through the line 1A, a state where the same symbols as the symbols stopped in the special display frame 31A are also stopped in other display frames 31 on the line corresponds to a special jackpot display. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the display frame 3 whose symbol is not determined
When the symbol "1" stops at any one of 1 to 1, a special jackpot is displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 6B, when the symbol "1" is stopped in any of the display frames 31 to 31 for which the symbol has not been determined, a special jackpot is displayed. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6C, when the symbol "1" is stopped in any of the display frames 31 in which the symbol is not determined, the special jackpot is displayed.

The lines on which the special reach display or the like appears are not limited to the lines in which the display frames 31 are vertically arranged as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. As shown, the display frames 31 arranged on the horizontal line appear to be expanded in the horizontal direction, or as shown in FIG. 7B, the display frames 31 arranged on the diagonal line are expanded in the oblique direction. May appear.

As a result of the symbol matching game, in addition to the case where the jackpot display is determined via the reach display and the case where the special jackpot display is determined via the special reach display,
A special prize is generated in which the variable prize device 50 described later is repeatedly opened and closed up to a predetermined number of times.

If the result of the symbol matching game does not finally correspond to the jackpot display or the special jackpot display, all the symbols correspond to the loss display and no special prize is generated. When the reach display, the jackpot display, and the special reach display or the special jackpot display appear, the display lamp 18 is blinked, music is played from the speaker 70, etc., so that the player is notified in an easy-to-understand manner. May be set as follows.

The holding ball display device 40 shown in FIG. 2 is used during the symbol matching game or the special prize generation on the variable display device 30.
When a ball is won in the start winning port 20, the number of pending symbol matching games that are not executed is displayed. The holding ball display device 40 is set to display the number of times of holding stored in the game control device 100 based on a signal from the game control device 100 described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the holding ball display device 40
There are four holding lamps 41, 41,..., And the unexecuted symbol matching game can be held up to four times. That is,
The number of the holding lamps 41 corresponding to the number of holdings is controlled to be turned on. When the held symbol matching game is executed, the number of executions is subtracted from the number of holdings, updated and stored in the game control device 100, and the number of times is newly displayed on the held ball display device 40.

The variable winning device 50 shown in FIG. 2 is generally called a large winning opening (attacker), and includes a movable plate 51 driven to open and close by a solenoid 52.
The variable prize device 50, when the jackpot display and the special jackpot display in the symbol matching game, the game control device 100
Is controlled so as to produce a special prize based on the signal from. Here, the special prize means that the movable plate 51 is held for a predetermined time (for example, 2
This is a state in which the opening / closing operation of opening for 9 seconds) and then closing for a short time (for example, 2 to 3 seconds) is repeatedly performed up to a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 16 times).

As shown in FIG. 1, inside the variable winning device 50, a winning detection switch 53 for detecting a winning ball is provided. Based on the signal from the winning detection switch 53, a predetermined number (for example, 10) is set for each round.
At the time when the winning ball of the movable plate 51 is counted by the winning counting machine 54,
It is controlled to close once.

Also, a V winning opening 55 is provided inside the variable winning device 50, and winning in the V winning opening 55 for each round is a continuation condition for shifting to the next round. I have. The winning of a ball in the V winning opening 55 is V
It is detected by the winning detection switch 56.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game control device 100
Centrally controls the operation of the entire gaming machine 10,
It comprises a microcomputer including a CPU 110, a ROM 120, a RAM 130, and the like. The game control device 100 is formed as a unit, and is mounted inside the machine such as the back side of the game board surface 11.

The CPU 110 functionally includes a lottery executing unit 111, a right holding unit 112, a symbol matching executing unit 113, a display frame expanding unit 114, and a special display controlling unit 11.
5, and a special prize generating means 116 and the like. Note that the game control device 100 is a hall management terminal 200 that centrally controls the operation and operation of various devices in the game hall from an output unit 140 via a local information network (LAN).
(See FIG. 3).

The lottery executing means 111 is provided with the starting winning opening 2
A random lottery using a random number is executed due to a ball winning at 0, and a symbol random number corresponding to a jackpot, a special jackpot, or a loss as a result of the lottery is output. In the present embodiment, a series of display contents for each time on the variable display device 30 are all determined based on a symbol random number as a result of one lottery.

When the symbol random number corresponds to a big hit, a reach display is made in the symbol matching game, and then the big hit display is determined. When the symbol random number corresponds to a special jackpot, a special reach display is performed in the symbol matching game, and thereafter, the special jackpot display is determined. on the other hand,
When the symbol random number corresponds to a loss, a loss display is performed, and the following three types of display contents are provided in advance until the loss display is determined.

One is a case where the loss display is determined as it is without the reach display or the special reach display in the symbol matching game. The remaining two are reach display and special reach display, respectively, in the symbol matching game, but the loss display is eventually determined as a result of the subsequent symbol matching game.

The symbol random numbers output from the lottery executing means 111 are temporarily stored in the RAM 130 and then input to the symbol matching executing means 113, the display frame expanding means 114, and the special prize generating means 116. The lottery execution means 11
The random number table used in 1 is stored in the ROM 120, and the probability corresponding to the jackpot, the special jackpot, or the loss is appropriately set in advance.

The right holding means 112 is provided with the starting winning opening 2
When the ball wins at 0, it is determined whether or not the symbol matching game or the special prize is being generated. If the symbol is being played, a new symbol based on the symbol random number drawn by the lottery executing means 111 is determined. This is a control for temporarily suspending the execution of a simple symbol matching game.

The reserved symbol random number, that is, the number of the right to execute the symbol matching game, is also stored in the right retaining unit 11.
Based on the control of 2, up to a maximum of four pending ball display devices 40
Will be displayed. Specifically, the number of suspended execution rights (symbol random numbers) is displayed by the number of lighting of the pending lamp 41 in the reserved sphere display device 40.

The symbol matching execution means 113, when a ball wins in the starting winning opening 20, receives the variable display device 3 shown in FIG.
In each of the display frames 31 of 0, a symbol matching game in which one of the symbols is stopped after each symbol is changed so as to be exchanged is executed. More specifically, the symbol matching execution means 113 executes the symbol matching game based on the symbol random numbers once stored in the RAM 130.

In accordance with the symbol random numbers, the display contents of the symbol matching game include various displays corresponding to a normal reach display, a jackpot display, a special reach display preceding the special jackpot display, and other loss displays. The combination is programmed in advance so as to be stopped and displayed. The combination pattern of the stop symbols is registered in advance in the display control program data stored in the ROM 120.

The display frame expanding means 114 sets a display frame at which a symbol is finally stopped on any one of the lines of the variable display device 30 in the symbol matching game in accordance with the lottery result of the lottery executing means 111. Except for one, the other adjacent display frames 31 are connected to one extended special display frame 31A.
Is executed to change the display control to.

When the special reach display appears according to the result of the lottery performed by the lottery executing means 111, the special display control means 115 selects one of the lines passing through the special display frame 31A. In the other display frame 31, a special jackpot display in which the same symbol as the symbol stopped in the special display frame 31A is stopped together is determined with a predetermined probability.

The special prize generating means 116 generates a special prize when the jackpot display is determined via the reach display and when the special jackpot display is determined via the special reach display as a result of the symbol matching game. The control is executed.

Here, the special prize means that the movable plate 51 of the variable winning device 50 repeatedly opens and closes up to 16 rounds. The special prize generating means 116 includes a solenoid circuit for driving the solenoid 52 of the variable winning device 50 according to a game control program.

In the ROM 120 of the game control device 100, game control program data for controlling the variable prize device 50 and the like, display control program data relating to the display contents of the variable display device 30, and prizes for various bonuses are produced. Fixed data such as a lighting pattern of the display lamp 18 and a sound generation pattern from the speaker 70 are stored. The RAM 130 temporarily stores winning data and the like related to the game, including signals from various winning ports.

As shown in FIG. 1, a prize ball payout means 60 is also provided inside the gaming machine 10. The prize ball payout means 60 includes a prize ball payout counter 61, a payout setting means 62 for setting a predetermined number of prize balls for each winning port, and a calculation means 63 for counting the number of prize balls. The prize ball payout means 60 is also connected to the CPU 110 of the game control device 100 via a signal line.
It is connected to the.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a game management device including the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. Such a game management device is an LON (Local Operating)
Network: It is constructed as a decentralized network to which Esharon (registered trademark) technology is applied.

In the game island, a plurality of stand controllers 150 as repeaters are installed.
, The gaming machine 10 and the game ball lending device 2 are connected. The stand controller 150 detects, monitors, and controls various operations of the corresponding gaming machine 10 and the transmission and reception of signals.

Various information is directly input to the stand controller 150 from the output unit 54 of the gaming machine 10. Each controller 150 is connected to the island controller 3 also serving as a gateway via a HALL-BUS. The island controller 3 temporarily accumulates and stores each data of the gaming machine 10 and the like, which are the equipment in the corresponding gaming island 1.

The island controller 3 is connected to a LAN, and a hall management terminal 200, an information display terminal 300, and the like are connected to the LAN. A display (CRT), a printer, a modem, an audio output device, and the like are further connected to these various devices.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine 10 will be described. In FIG. 2, the player rotates the handle 12 to launch a ball on the game board surface 11 to play a game. First, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, when the hit ball has successfully won the start winning opening 20 (Y in S111), a start winning signal is output from the start winning detection switch 21 to the game control device 100.
Output to When this signal is received by the lottery executing means 111, a lottery using a random number is executed (S112).

When the random number lottery is performed, is the symbol random number (synonymous with the reserved ball) stored in the RAM 130 of the game control device 100 less than the maximum number of four that can be displayed on the reserved ball display device 40? It is determined whether or not it is (Y in S113). If the limit is less than four, a symbol random number (right to execute a symbol matching game) as the lottery result is newly stored up to a maximum of four times (S114). At this time, the stored number of the symbol random numbers, that is, the number of times the symbol right game is held, is added and displayed by turning on the holding lamp 41 of the holding ball display device 40 (S115).

On the other hand, even if the random number lottery is performed in a state where the symbol random number is stored up to the maximum number of four (N in S113),
No new symbol random numbers are stored, and the right to execute the symbol matching game is abandoned (S117). Thereafter, a predetermined number of prize balls based on the winning in the starting winning opening 20 are paid out including the case where the right to execute the symbol matching game is discarded (S116).

Next, in the flowchart shown in FIG.
If it is not during a symbol matching game or a special prize (S12)
0 and N), it is determined whether or not the right to execute the symbol matching game is suspended (S121). If the execution right is reserved (Y in S121), one symbol random number corresponding to the execution right is read from the RAM 130 (S122). At this time, when one of the holding lamps 41 of the holding ball display device 40 is turned off, the subtraction display is performed (S
123).

In accordance with the symbol random number as the lottery result, first, a symbol matching game is started on the screen 30a of the variable display device 30 shown in FIG. 4 based on a command from the symbol matching executing means 113 (S124). . In this symbol matching game, various symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom in each display frame 31 on the screen 30a as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, on one of the lines of the variable display device 30, one display frame 31 at which the symbol stops last is removed, and the other adjacent display frames 31 are removed. In some cases, they may change to one extended special display frame 31A. The special display frame 31A may appear from the beginning of the symbol matching game and the special reach display may be displayed, or the normal reach display may be changed to the special reach display.

The details of the symbol matching game will be described later. If the result of the game is determined to be a predetermined big hit display or a special big hit display (Y in S125), the lottery is executed by the lottery executing means 111. A prize is generated based on the symbol random number under the control of the prize generating means 116 (S1).
26). The details of the special prize will also be described later.

If the result of the lottery performed by the lottery executing means 111 is a loss (N in S125), the loss display other than the jackpot display and the special jackpot display is finally determined (S128). In such a case, no special prize will be generated. The above-described game process is repeated until the player finishes the game (S127).

The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 shows details of the symbol matching game. Such a pattern matching game,
The process is started under the control of the symbol matching execution unit 113 based on the lottery result of the lottery execution unit 111. First, as shown in FIG. 5A, various symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom in each display frame 31 on the screen 30a of the variable display device 30.

If the symbol random number is a random number corresponding to a jackpot (Y in S130), first, as shown in FIG. 5B, two symbols are of the same type on any line. A matching reach display appears (S131). Subsequently, FIG.
As shown in (c), the jackpot display in which all three symbols are determined to be the same type on any line is determined (S
132).

If the symbol random number does not correspond to a jackpot (N in S130) and is a random number corresponding to a special jackpot (Y in S133), first, the display frame expanding means 1
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, on one of the lines of the variable display device 30, except for one display frame 31 at which the symbol stops last, and the other adjacent display frames 31, as shown in FIGS. One special display frame 31A that has been extended appears (S
134).

Next, under the control of the special display control means 115, on any line passing through the special display frame 31A,
The same symbols as the symbols stopped in the special display frame 31A are also stopped in the other display frames 31 on the line, and the special jackpot display is determined (S135). In the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the symbol “1” stops in any of the display frames 31 to 31 in which the symbol is not determined, the special jackpot display is performed.

Further, if the symbol random number is a loss (N in S133, S136), the result of the symbol matching game is determined to be a loss display (S137), but the display contents until the loss display is determined. Has the following three patterns. One is a case where the loss display is determined as it is without being a reach display or a special reach display in the symbol matching game. The other two are the reach display and the special reach display in the symbol matching game, respectively, and thereafter, the loss display is finally determined.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 shows a special prize generation process executed when the result of the symbol matching game is a big hit display or a special big hit display. In this process, first, the variable winning device 50 is opened (S
141). More specifically, if the symbol random number selected by the lottery executing means 111 is a big hit or a special big hit, a special prize signal is output from the special prize generating means 116 to the variable prize device 50 based on this. Then, the solenoid 52 of the variable winning device 50 is driven to open the movable plate 51 for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds).

While the variable prize device 50 is open, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number, for example, 10 prizes have been won based on a prize signal from the prize detection switch 53 (S14).
2). If ten prizes are won (Y in S142), the solenoid 52 is driven based on a signal from the special prize generating means 116, and the movable plate 51 is driven for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).
And the variable winning device 50 is closed (S144).

If there are no 10 winnings (S
In N), it is determined whether or not a timeout of 29 seconds has occurred (S143). If a timeout has occurred (Y in S143), the variable winning device 50 is closed (S144). If it is not time-out (N in S143), 10
The process returns to the determination of whether or not there is a winning.

After the variable winning device 50 is closed for 2 seconds,
Again, the variable winning device 50 is opened for 29 seconds,
Before that, it is determined whether or not the number of rounds (the period from the opening of the variable winning device 50 to the closing thereof to one closing is one round) has reached a predetermined upper limit of 16 rounds (S145). ).

If the upper limit number of rounds has not yet been reached (Y in S145), it is determined whether or not a winning has been made in the V winning opening 55 (S146). Here, if no prize has been won in the V winning opening 55 (N in S146), the special prize ends at that time (S147). On the other hand, if the player has won the V winning opening 55 (Y in S146), the variable winning device 50 is opened again as the next round (S141). Also, when the maximum number of rounds has been reached (N in S145), the special prize ends (S1).
47).

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, in the symbol matching game on the variable display device 30, as a so-called reach action effect, in addition to the normal reach display, the special reach when the special display frame 31A appears. It may be displayed. Therefore, in the process of apparently determining whether or not a special prize is to be generated, the player can be sufficiently enjoyed visually, and the interest in the symbol matching game can be enhanced.

As a second embodiment, when a special reach display appears in the symbol matching game, a special jackpot display is thereafter determined according to the difference in the line on which the special display frame 31A appears. The probabilities may be set differently. Such a change in the probability can be easily set by the lottery executing means 111.

More specifically, for example, when the special display frame 31A appears on the horizontal line shown in FIG. 7A, compared to the vertical line shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, After that, the special jackpot display is confirmed with a high probability, and FIG. 7 (b)
In the case where the special display frame 31 </ b> A appears on the diagonal line shown in FIG. As a result, the content of the game is varied and interesting, and the player can easily know the possibility of the occurrence of the special prize.

Further, as a third embodiment, a special prize generated when the jackpot display is determined and a special prize generated when the special jackpot display is determined may be set to have different values from each other. Good. Specifically, for example,
The special prize that is generated when the special jackpot display is determined is set such that the movable plate 51 of the variable prize device 50 repeatedly opens and closes up to a maximum of 20 times so that the value becomes higher. . In this way, the contents of the game are varied and interesting.

As a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the symbol matching game, apart from the big hit display and the special big hit display, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, all the display frames 31 on the line may be changed to one expanded maximum display frame 31B. The case where one of the symbols is stopped and displayed in the maximum display frame 31B is set as a maximum jackpot display so as to appear with a predetermined probability. In this way, more novel display contents can be enjoyed.

Even if the maximum jackpot display is determined as a result of the symbol matching game, the special prize is naturally set to be generated. Here, the special prize that occurs when the jackpot display is determined, the special jackpot display is determined, and the maximum jackpot display is determined are mutually valued (for example, the maximum number of times the variable prize device 50 is opened and closed). Is set to be different, it is possible to further enhance the interest in the game.

Further, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the symbol matching game, in a state where the maximum jackpot display is determined, and further on any line passing through the maximum display frame 31B, If the same symbols as the symbols stopped in the maximum display frame 31B are also stopped in the other display frames 31, it may be interesting to generate the added value separately from the special prize. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the case where the symbol "1" stops in any of the display frames 31 to 31 where the symbol is not determined corresponds to the case.

Here, the added value may be in any form as long as it is advantageous to the player. Specifically, for example, if the result of the symbol matching game is fluctuated to increase the probability of being determined to be a display causing a special prize (probability variation), or if the number of executable symbol matching games per unit time is increased, (Time saving), it is possible to further enhance the interest in the game. Further, as the added value, the movable plate 51 of the variable winning device 50 may be opened and closed a predetermined number of times similarly to the above-mentioned special prize.

More specifically, in the probability fluctuation,
The lottery result in the lottery execution means 111 becomes a big hit, that is, the probability that the big hit display is determined in the symbol matching game is changed to a high probability, for example, from 1/300 to 1/200 of the normal time. Therefore, the sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special prize is increased, and the thrill and excitement in the game can be increased.

The duration of the probability variation mode may be set as appropriate until the next occurrence of the special prize. In addition,
In the probability variation mode, the probability may be controlled so as to be appropriately changed not only in two stages of normal time and a predetermined high probability but also in three or more stages.

In the above-mentioned time saving, the time from the start to the end of the symbol matching game is reduced from, for example, normally 60 seconds to about 6 seconds. for that reason,
The probability of a jackpot per unit time increases,
It is possible to further excite the player's expectations. In addition,
The duration of the time saving mode may be restricted based on the number of occurrences of the symbol matching game during the time saving mode.

In the various embodiments described above, a case has been described in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine. However, the gaming machine is not limited to a pachinko machine, but may be applied to other similarly functioning gaming machines. Applicable. For example, the present invention can be applied to various game machines using a ball as a game medium, such as an arrangement ball machine.

Further, the variable display device 30 can be applied to a slot machine. In the symbol matching game, the display frame 31 of the variable display device 30 is partitioned into a matrix of three rows and three columns, but, for example, the number of display frames 31 is increased to four rows and four columns. And the like.

[0108] In addition, although the ball winning in the starting winning opening 20 is set as a starting condition for executing the symbol matching game, other auxiliary variable display games, such as a display for opening and closing operation, Satisfying a certain condition in a winning device or the like for playing a game may be set as the starting condition.

The lottery executing means 111, the right holding means 112, the symbol matching executing means 113, the display frame expanding means 114, the special display controlling means 115, and the special prize generating means 116 are provided for each gaming machine 10. Although realized by one game control device 100, for example, only a specific function may be incorporated in the hall management terminal 200, and the respective means may be distributed and provided between different devices.

[0110]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, in the symbol matching game in the variable display device, as a so-called reach action effect, in addition to the normal reach display,
Special reach display when a special display frame appears is also set, so in the process of apparently determining whether or not a special prize will be generated, the player can be sufficiently enjoyed visually, and the variable display device Unprecedented novel entertainment with respect to display is enhanced, and the thrill and excitement in the game can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a game management device including a gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a variable display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a symbol matching game displayed on the variable display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special display frame displayed on the variable display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special display frame displayed on the variable display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flow chart which shows processing when a ball enters a starting winning opening.

FIG. 9 shows a gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart which shows a symbol matching game or special prize generation roughly.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of a symbol matching game in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of a special prize generation process in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a maximum display frame displayed on the variable display device of the gaming machine according to the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game machine 11 ... Game board surface 13 ... Upper plate 14 ... Lower plate 17 ... Out opening 18 ... Display lamp 20 ... Start winning prize opening 21 ... Start winning detection switch 30 ... Variable display device 31 ... Display frame 31A ... Special display frame 31B ... Maximum display frame 40 ... Holding ball display device 41 ... Holding lamp 50 ... Variable winning device 51 ... Movable plate 52 ... Solenoid 53 ... Winning detection switch 54 ... Winning counter 55 ... V winning opening 56 ... V winning detection switch 60 ... Winning Ball payout means 100 Game control device 110 CPU 111 Lottery execution means 112 Right holding means 113 Symbol matching execution means 114 Display frame expansion means 115 Special display control means 116 Special prize generation means 120 ROM 130 RAM 150: stand controller 200: hall management terminal

Claims (11)

[Claims] When a predetermined starting condition is satisfied in a game in which a ball is hit on a game board, a symbol matching game using various symbols is executed, and if the result of the symbol matching game corresponds to a predetermined jackpot display, the game A game machine in which a special prize advantageous to a player is generated, comprising: a variable display device which can display the symbol matching game and is disposed on a game board surface; and a game control device which controls at least the symbol matching game or the prize generation. The variable display device includes a plurality of display frames each capable of displaying various symbols, and the display frames are arranged in a matrix. The symbol matching game includes the display frames of the variable display device, It is set to the content that stops after the various symbols are changed and changed, and the symbols that have already stopped coincide with each other, leaving one symbol that stops last on any of the lines in which the display frames are arranged by the same number The state where all symbols stopped on any one of the lines after the reach display is the same as the jackpot display, and the game control device is configured to execute a predetermined start condition during the game. Then, a symbol matching game is started on the variable display device, and in the symbol matching game, apart from the reach display, on one of the lines, except for one display frame where the symbol is stopped last, Are changed to one extended special display frame, and a case where one of the symbols is stopped and displayed in the special display frame is caused to appear as a special reach display with a predetermined probability, and As a result of the symbol matching game, in addition to the case where the jackpot display is determined via the reach display, via the special reach display, on any line passing through the special display frame, to another display frame on the line Also A gaming machine, wherein the special prize is generated when a special jackpot display in which the same symbol as the symbol stopped in the special display frame is stopped is determined. 2. The game control device includes a lottery executing means, a symbol matching executing means, a display frame expanding means, a special display controlling means, and a special prize generating means. A predetermined lottery condition is established, a random lottery using a random number is executed, and the symbol matching execution means, in accordance with the lottery result of the lottery execution means, the variable display device, the symbol display In accordance with the lottery result of the lottery execution means, the display frame expanding means, in the symbol matching game, on any one of the lines of the variable display device, the display frame at the end of the symbol Excluding one, the other adjacent display frames are changed to one extended special display frame, and the special display control means sets the special reach display in accordance with a lottery result of the lottery execution means. If it appears, On any line passing through the special display frame, a special jackpot display in which the same symbol as the symbol stopped in the special display frame is stopped also in other display frames on the line is determined with a predetermined probability, The special prize generating means generates the special prize when the jackpot display is determined via the reach display as a result of the symbol matching game and when the special jackpot display is determined via the special reach display, respectively. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein 3. The game according to claim 1, wherein a probability of determining a special jackpot display after that is different according to a difference of any one of the lines where the special reach display appears. Machine. 4. A special prize that is generated when the jackpot display is determined and a special prize that is generated when the special jackpot display is determined are set to have different values from each other. The gaming machine according to 2 or 3. 5. The game control device according to claim 5, wherein, in the symbol matching game, apart from the jackpot display and the special jackpot display, all display frames on the line are expanded by one on any of the lines. Is changed to the maximum display frame, and a case where one of the symbols is stopped and displayed in the maximum display frame is caused to appear with a predetermined probability as a maximum jackpot display, and, as a result of the symbol matching game, the jackpot display, the special jackpot A gaming machine, wherein the special prize is generated when the maximum jackpot display is determined in addition to the display. 6. A special prize that is generated when the jackpot display is determined, a special prize that is generated when the special jackpot display is determined, and a special prize that is generated when the maximum jackpot display is determined have a mutual value. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the setting is different. 7. In the symbol matching game, in a state where the maximum jackpot display is determined, further on any line passing through the maximum display frame, another display frame on the line is also included in the maximum display frame. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein when the same symbol as the stopped symbol is stopped, an added value advantageous to the player is generated separately from the special prize. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein a probability that a prize is generated as a result of the symbol matching game is increased as the added value. 9. The number of executions of the symbol matching game per unit time is increased by shortening a required time per symbol matching game as the added value. Gaming machine. 10. A variable winning device provided on the game board, the variable winning device having a movable plate capable of opening and closing the winning opening, and the movable plate is normally maintained in a closed state; The movable plate is repeatedly opened and closed a certain number of times,
Claim 1, 2, 3, 3, characterized in that said special prize
The gaming machine according to 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. 11. A start winning prize port is provided on the game board surface, and the starting condition is set such that a ball wins in the start prize port. ,
The gaming machine according to 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.