JP2001149576A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, with which the interest in an entire game can be more improved by applying expectations on various reaches to a player even before achieving a reach (ready-to-win) state. SOLUTION: When a special play picture pattern mode of failure reach picture pattern mode through a reach state is selected out of three kinds of modes by a mode selecting means, a prescribed background picture is selected out of plural reach background pictures and the reach state is reported to the player by a reach reporting means. Afterwards, a stop picture pattern display means displays stop picture patterns corresponding to respective picture pattern modes on a display screen 15a of a display device 15. Thus, an advance notice is enabled before reporting the reach state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a plurality of symbol display portions, wherein a combination of the symbol display portions provides a player with a gaming benefit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine which varies a plurality of kinds of symbols and the like and displays them on a plurality of symbol display portions in a predetermined arrangement to provide a gaming benefit according to the arrangement is known. ing. In such a pachinko machine, the symbols and the like in the symbol display section start to change based on the winning in the starting port, and the large winning port is opened according to the arrangement of the stopped symbols and the like (stop symbols) to obtain a large amount of prize balls. A special game state (big hit state) occurs. This special game state occurs, for example, in the case of a predetermined special stop symbol such that all the symbols match after the plurality of symbol display sections have reached the reach state. Here, the reach state is a state in which the stopped symbols of all the symbol display units other than the symbol display unit that stops last satisfy the condition of being in the special game state, or the symbols of all the symbol display units are special games. It refers to a state that fluctuates while satisfying the condition for the state. In the reach state, there are a case where the state reaches the jackpot state through the state and a case where the state ends. The reach in the case where the symbols and the like in the special game state stop after the symbols and the like in the special game state are finally completed despite the reach state is referred to as “missing reach”. On the other hand, if the stop symbol stops without going through the reach state, it will simply be
That.

[0003]

As the reach state raises the expectation of the jackpot, the player longs for the reach state itself, which is the premise of the jackpot, with great expectation. However, the reach state was only recognizable when the state was actually attained, and before the reach state, there was no excitement about the transition to the special reach state. In addition, since the change time from the reach state to the jackpot state or the out-of-reach state is relatively short, the expectation of the jackpot is correspondingly short.

There are two types of reach: a reach with a high expected value that shifts to a jackpot (such a reach is referred to as a super reach), and a reach with a low expectation that sometimes shifts to a jackpot but ends up almost at the end of the reach. Such a reach is referred to as a normal reach). Expectations of the jackpot will increase as soon as the player reaches the reach with super reach, but at present, such super reach can only be recognized after it actually reaches the state of reach, so expectation of the super reach itself There was no way to enhance the feeling. The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems existing in the conventional technology. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can give a player a sense of expectation of various reach even before reaching a reach state, and can further enhance the interest of the entire game.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a display device for displaying various symbols on a symbol display portion in a predetermined arrangement while changing the symbols is provided. A game situation detecting means for detecting a game situation that changes in accordance with an operation, a variable display executing means for executing a variable display of the symbol of the display device based on the detection result of the detecting means, and an advantageous effect after passing through a reach state. A special game symbol mode for generating a special game state, a non-special game state after passing through the reach state A non-reach symbol mode for generating a reach state and a special game state without passing through the reach state Mode selection means for selecting one of the out-of-design modes for generating a state, and a special game design mode or out-of-game mode by the mode selection means. When the reach symbol mode is selected, reach notification control means for notifying the player of the reach state, and a stop symbol display for displaying a stop symbol corresponding to each symbol mode on the display unit of the display device. In the gaming machine having the means, the reach announcement notification control means for informing that the vehicle is in the reach state before the reach state notification is provided.

With this configuration, when the game situation detecting means detects the game situation, the variation display executing means causes the symbol display section of the display device to display the symbols in a predetermined arrangement while varying the symbols. Then, one mode is selected from the special game symbol mode, the out-of-reach symbol mode, and the out-of-off symbol mode by the selection means. At this time, if the vehicle goes through the reach state, the reach state is notified by the reach information control means. A stop symbol corresponding to the mode selected by the stop symbol display means is determined. Here, before the reach notification notification control means notifies the reach state, it is recognized that the player is near to reach.

In the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the structure of the invention according to claim 1, the reach notification control means controls the display unit to display a special reach state having a high expected value of a jackpot, The gist of the present invention is that the reach announcement notification control means is configured to give an advance notice of at least a special reach state before the occurrence of the special reach state.
With this configuration, when the game situation detecting means detects the game situation, the variation display executing means causes the symbol display section of the display device to display the symbols while varying the symbols in a predetermined arrangement. And
One mode is selected from the special game symbol mode, the out-of-reach symbol mode, and the out-of-off symbol mode by the selection means. At this time, if the vehicle goes through the reach state, the reach state is notified by the reach information control means. A stop symbol corresponding to the mode selected by the stop symbol display means is determined.
Here, the special reach state having a high expectation value to be a big hit is displayed on the display unit by the reach notification control means, and the special reach state having a high expected value to be the big hit is near by the reach notification notification control means. Recognized by the player.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the reach state is notified in advance, the sense of expectation of the reach is first raised prior to the expectation of the jackpot, thereby increasing the interest of the game.
According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, it is possible to recognize that the special reach state having a high expectation value, which is particularly a big hit, is near, and the sense of expectation is further enhanced as compared with the case of the normal reach. You.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a pachinko machine with a start port (hereinafter simply referred to as a pachinko machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 2 is mounted on the outer frame 1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. In FIG. 1, the front frame 2 is in a closed state. On the front frame 2, a game board 3, a glass frame 4, an upper plate 5, a lower plate 6, a handle portion 7, and the like are mounted. A speaker 8 is embedded in the front frame 2 on the side of the upper plate 5. The speaker 8 emits various sound effects as the game progresses, and notifies the player of the game state by voice. As shown in FIG. 2, various mechanisms are provided inside the outer frame 1.

A symbol display unit 9 is disposed in the center of the outer frame 1. A control device unit 10 for electronically controlling the pachinko machine is disposed adjacent to the unit 9. Above the symbol display unit 9, a prize ball tank 11 is provided. In FIG. 2, an input / output board 12 is provided on the right side of the prize ball tank 11. The input / output board 12 serves as an input port for a power supply voltage and constitutes a power supply circuit for supplying power to an internal load. A ball supply mechanism P is provided below the input / output base 12 to collectively supply a predetermined number of balls flowing out of the prize ball tank 11. Below the ball supply mechanism P, a prize ball supply mechanism Q for detecting a winning ball and supplying a prize ball is provided. On the left side of the prize ball supply mechanism Q, a ball mechanism R for launching a game ball in accordance with the operation of the handle 7 is disposed.

Next, the configuration of the game board 3 on the game surface will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a special symbol display device (hereinafter simply referred to as a display device) 15 is incorporated in the center of the game board 3. The display device 15 will be described later. On the upper part of the display device 15, a normal symbol display device 16 is provided. Ordinary symbol display device 16 is a light emitting diode (LED)
Four hold lamps 16a to 16 serving as a hold display section
7-segment display unit 1 consisting of d and an LED as a normal symbol display unit
7.

Below the display device 15, a first type starting port 18 which is usually an electric accessory is arranged. Type 1 starting port 1
8 is provided with a proximity switch 18a serving as a ball detecting means (on the back side of the game board 3). A pair of opening and closing blades 19 are provided at the entrance of the first-type starting port 18, and can take an open position for guiding a game ball and a closed position where a game ball hardly enters the first-type starting port 18. The display device 15 is driven based on the winning in the first type start port 18. In the present embodiment, there are seven prize balls by winning the first kind starting port 18.
/ Prize ball. The opening and closing blade 19 is driven by a solenoid 19a disposed on the back side of the game board 3.

A pair of passing gates 20 are arranged on both sides of the display device 15. The gate 20 is provided with a proximity switch 20a as ball detection means for detecting the passage of a game ball (on the back side of the game board 3). When the game ball passes through the passage gate 20, the ordinary symbol display device 16 operates. The normal symbol display device 16 variably displays numbers from “0” to “9” in the present embodiment, causes the 7-segment display unit 17 to display segments, and displays a predetermined number (“9” in the present embodiment). In case of stopping, the opening / closing blade 1 of the first type starting port 18
9 is continuously opened for a certain period of time. Ordinary symbol display device 1
Numeral 6 can store up to four times the number of times a game ball has passed through the pass gate 20, and the number of reservations is displayed on the reservation lamps 16a to 16d. Therefore, the four holding lamps 16a-
Even if the game ball passes through the passage gate 20 in a state where 16d is lit, it is not counted.
As long as 6a to 16d are lit, the normal symbol display device 16 is operated by the number of times corresponding to the number of reservations even if the vehicle does not pass through the passage gate 20. Below each pass gate 20, an ordinary winning opening 21 is arranged. The normal winning opening 21 is provided with a proximity switch 21a as ball detection means (on the back side of the game board 3). In the present embodiment, the number of prize balls for winning in the normal winning opening 21 is 10 / prize ball.

A large winning opening 22 is arranged below the first type starting opening 18. The big winning opening 22 is always Shata 2.
3 is closed, and is opened when the display device 15 is operated to enter a special game state. Shata 23 is a game board 3
Is driven by a solenoid 23a disposed on the back side of the. A V zone 24 is provided in the passage of the special winning opening 22. The V zone 24 is provided with a proximity switch 24a as ball detection means for detecting a game ball passing through the V zone 24 (on the back side of the game board 3). In addition, a proximity switch 22a, which is a ball detecting means for detecting the entire game ball that wins the large winning opening 22, is provided. In the present embodiment, 15 prize balls per prize ball at the special winning opening 22 are prize balls.

An electronic decoration 25 is arranged on the game board 3 so as to surround the game surface and the display device 15. The lightning decoration part 25 is a transparent or translucent plastic panel, and the decoration lamp 2 made of LED is provided on the back surface of the panel.
5a to 25o are arranged at predetermined intervals. Each of the decorative lamps 25a to 25o blinks according to the game state.

Next, the display device 15 will be described in more detail. The display device 15 is a liquid crystal display (LC
D) is provided. Display device 1
5 and on the upper part of the display screen 15a, four holding indicators 34a to 34d, which are LEDs, are provided. The holding lamps 34a to 34d correspond to the display device 1.
5 is mounted on the back surface of the mounting board. Display screen 15
In a, three display columns of a left symbol column 30, a middle symbol column 31, and a right symbol column 32 are displayed. Each pattern row 30, 31, 32
Is composed of a numeral pattern from “0” to “9”, two kinds of character patterns, and a gold coin pattern G which is an almighty pattern.
The screen is scrolled every 1 and 32 and displayed on the display screen 15a.

A plurality of patterns are prepared for the background screen of the display screen 15a on which the symbol rows 30, 31, 32 are displayed. And three symbol rows 30, 3 according to each background
The method of displaying the symbols on the display screens 15a and 15a is different. For example, as shown in FIG.
At 0, 31, and 32, there are cases where three symbols, upper, middle, and lower, appear on the display screen 15a while scrolling downward from above. Further, for example, when only one symbol appears in each symbol row 30, 31, 32 as shown in FIG. 4B, or alternatively, the symbols of the left and right symbol rows 30, 32 are determined as shown in FIG. 4C. After that, there are various patterns such as the middle symbol row 31 being scrolled from right to left on the screen as if pushing out the previous symbol.

The symbols in the symbol rows 30, 31, and 32 start to change when the game ball enters the first-type starting port 18. After the change is started, one of the big hit symbol, the off-reach symbol, and the off symbol is selected and set as a stop symbol. In this embodiment, the left symbol row 30, the right symbol row 32, and the middle symbol row 31 are stopped in this order. If the next game ball wins the first type starting port 18 during the variable display operation on the display screen 15a, the variable display of the game ball is performed after the currently performed variable display operation is completed. That is, the variable display operation is on standby (held). The number of suspensions of the variable display operation is determined by the four suspension lamps 34a to 34a.
The player is notified by lighting 34d. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of times the variable display operation is suspended is four.
Set to times, but can be changed.

The expected value of the jackpot depends on the background screen. In other words, there is a background screen that is unlikely to be a big hit state even in the same reach state. Here, the background screen refers to a screen portion other than the fluctuating symbols scrolled on the display screen 15a. For example, an animation screen is displayed on the display screen 15a, a character appears, and a display process for inviting a player's attention is performed. A display process in which the player attracts the player's attention by displaying the symbol by enlarging or reducing the symbol, a display process in which the character operates around the fluctuating symbol to attract the player's attention, and the like can be given. In particular, the reach on the background screen that always goes into the jackpot state and the background screen with a high expected value that goes into the jackpot state is called super reach. A plurality of super reach screens are prepared, and the expected values may be different from each other. Reach other than super reach is called normal reach. Here, the jackpot state refers to a state in which a large winning opening 22 is opened after the reach state, and a large number of winning balls can be obtained in a state where the winning is greatly increased. In this embodiment, each symbol row 30, 3
When the stop symbols 1 and 32 are of the same type (for example, “11
1 "," 444 ", etc.), or when the last stop symbol is the gold coin symbol G (for example," 7G7 "), the big hit state is set.

When the big hit state is reached, the screen changes to a "big hit screen" in which the hit symbol and the character "big hit" are displayed again (FIG. 5). And to get the player's attention,
As shown in (a) and FIG. 5 (b), "big hit"
Are alternately displayed in different colors. Then, the special winning opening 22 is opened. Once the special winning opening 22 is opened,
The game is closed either after 29.5 seconds have elapsed or when 10 gaming balls have won the large winning opening 22 within 29.5 seconds. One round from the opening of the special winning opening 22 to the closing thereof is defined as one round. V zone 24 within 29.5 seconds
Can be shifted to the next round as long as the game ball passes, but if the game ball does not pass, the big hit state ends in that round. In the present embodiment, the jackpot state continues up to a maximum of 16 rounds.

Here, the display state of the display screen 15a of the display device 15 while the special winning opening 22 is open will be described with reference to FIG. The screen of FIG. 6 is a screen displayed on the display screen 15a in a state where the special winning opening 22 is open. At the top of the screen, the left, middle, and right contact status display sections 33, 3
4, 35 are displayed. The left hit state display section 33 displays the current number of rounds as a numeric symbol. For example, the display in FIG. 6 shows the first round. The right hit state display section 35 displays the number of gaming balls that have won the special winning opening 22.

In the middle hit state display section 34, a symbol for notifying the stop symbol pattern that has become a big hit is displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, in the case of a big hit with "777", "7" is displayed. In the case of a jackpot including a gold coin symbol G of an almighty symbol, for example, “7G
In the case of “7”, “7” and “gold coin symbol G” are displayed on the display screen 15.
a is displayed blinking alternately. In the past, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 was displayed immediately after the jackpot to determine what kind of symbol was the jackpot. However, since the display was only displayed immediately after the jackpot, it was difficult for the pachinko hall side to confirm in what situation the player had the jackpot. In the pachinko hall side, it is possible to confirm the situation in which the player has hit the jackpot in the middle of the round by the notifying means for notifying the pattern of the jackpot in the gaming situation after the jackpot as described above. It is possible to provide a unique service (for example, in the case of a big hit with "777", a privilege to play an unlimited game by giving a ball is given). In addition, in the case of a jackpot including the gold coin symbol G of the almighty symbol, "7" and "gold coin symbol G" are alternately flashed on the display screen 15a. Can be easily distinguished from the case of the jackpot with a single symbol. Therefore, when there is a difference in the unique service on the hall side between these hits, it is possible to easily recognize this. The blinking interval when “7” and “gold coin symbol G” are alternately blinked and displayed on the display screen 15a can be freely set.

Further, among the jackpot combination patterns, particularly in the present embodiment, "333", "555" and "77" are used.
The case of “7” is referred to as “specific symbol”, and a more advantageous game state is given to the player in the selected combination. In this embodiment, as this more advantageous game state,
The scroll timing of the ordinary symbol display device 16 is advanced, and when the ordinary symbol display device 16 is operated, the probability of stopping at “9” (probability of an ordinary electric accessory), that is, the opening / closing blade 19 of the first-type starting port 18 The probability of being opened increases, and when the opening and closing blade 19 is opened, the opening time becomes longer. Gives three benefits. A state in which such a more advantageous game state is provided is referred to as a “probability and time variation mode of an ordinary electric accessory (hereinafter referred to as a time reduction mode)”. Once the big hit state is reached with a specific symbol, the simultaneous short mode is set, so that the winning in the first type starting port 18 increases dramatically. As a result, the probability of a big hit again becomes extremely high. Usually, the simultaneous short mode is continued for a plurality of winnings or a plurality of jackpots. In the present embodiment, the simultaneous short mode continues until the fifth jackpot.
That is, it is easy to win the first-type starting port 18 until the fifth jackpot.

FIG. 7 shows a display example of the display screen 15a when a big hit occurs with a specific symbol. A character pattern 37 "Chance Time" is displayed below the display screen 15a. The character pattern 37 is displayed as hollow characters composed only of the outline of the character, and blinks. The chance time means that the time saving mode is set. The chance time in the time saving mode is continued, for example, over a plurality of winnings and a plurality of jackpots. Therefore, even if the display on the display screen 15a fluctuates depending on the game situation, when the time saving mode is set so that the player always recognizes that it is a chance time, the chance time is displayed on the display screen 15a until the same mode ends. Is done.

In this case, in order to prevent the character design 37 from obscuring the background and the fluctuating design, only the outline of the character is displayed so that the background and the fluctuating design can be seen through in the display of the time saving mode. It is desirable to display as hollow characters composed of In addition, we call attention of player,
It is desirable to blink as much as possible so as not to hide the background and the fluctuating symbols. Further, since it is only necessary to be able to notify that the time saving mode is set, when the time saving mode is set, the fact may be periodically notified by voice. Also, as long as the notification is that the time saving mode is set, any notification means may be used. For example, in the case of the time saving mode, various means such as giving a voice notification to that effect, vibrating the pachinko machine, and releasing an odor from the pachinko machine can be considered. Further, the notification may be performed by both the display on the display screen 15a and the voice notification, or a combination of these specific notification means may be used.

Next, an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the control unit 10, a read-only memory (ROM) 41, a random access memory (RAM) 42, and a central processing unit (CPU) 43 are provided. The ROM 41 as a first main storage device stores in advance a pachinko machine control program and initial data for executing the control program. The RAM 42 serving as a second main storage temporarily stores new input data and a calculation result by the CPU 43. The CPU 43 executes programs and data in these memories,
Further, the proximity switches 18a, 20a, 21a,
Various arithmetic processes are executed based on the detected values of 22a and 24a. The CPU 43 includes the speaker 8 and the display unit 15.
a, 7-segment display unit 17, solenoids 19a and 23a, hold lamps 16a to 16d, 34a to 34d, and decorative lamps 25a to 25o.

The CPU 43 serving as the variable display executing means, the mode selecting means, the reach notification control means, the reach notification notification control means, and the time saving mode control means have symbol random number buffers B1 to B6 as auxiliary storage devices and a winning determination flag FE. ing. As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the symbol random number buffers B1 to B6 are three out-of-left symbol random numbers buffers B1 to B3, left, middle, and right, and the three out-of-left reach symbol random number buffers B4 to B6. And is constituted by. Also,
The CPU 43 has various counters C. The counter C includes a round counter CR, a winning counter CV, a hold counter CH, an internal random number counter CI, a missed reach random number counter CO, a jackpot symbol random number counter CB,
Three symbol random number counters CDL, CDC, C left, middle, right
DR and reach type determination counter CL.

Here, the round counter CR is for counting the number of rounds. Winning counter C
V is for counting the winning balls to the special winning opening 22. The suspension counter CH is for counting the number of suspensions of the variable display operation, and is "0""1""2"
The values of “3” and “4” are taken in order. When CH = 0, it means that the state is not suspended or that the variable display operation is currently being performed. The internal random number counter CI is for determining a jackpot. The off reach random number counter CO is
This is for determining whether or not to display the out-of-reach. The jackpot symbol random number counter CB is for determining a jackpot symbol.

Each of these counters CI, CO, and CB is incremented (updated) by "1" every predetermined time (2 ms in this embodiment). The CPU 43 sets the above counter C
Each time I, CO, and CB are added, a random number corresponding to each counter is extracted from the random number table in the ROM 41. Each of the counters CI, CO, and CB forms a loop, and is returned to the initial value after each round.

Left, middle and right symbol random number counter CD
L, CDC and CDR are for determining a stop symbol. The left symbol random number counter CDL is incremented by "1" every predetermined time (2 ms in the present embodiment). The left symbol random number counter CDL forms a loop, and is returned to the initial value after each round. The middle symbol random number counter CDC is incremented by "1" each time the left symbol random number counter CDL makes one round and returns to the initial value. In addition, the right symbol random number counter CDR is incremented by "1" every time the medium symbol random number counter CDC makes one round and returns to the initial value. That is, the medium symbol random number counter C
DC is the carry of the left symbol random number counter CDL, and the right symbol random number counter CDR is the carry of the medium symbol random number counter CDC. The reach type determination counter CL is used to select one of a plurality of types of reach types (patterns). The reach type determination counter CL is incremented by "1" each time the left symbol random number counter CDL makes one round and returns to the initial value.

The RAM 42 has a symbol random number area and a stop symbol area therein. As shown in FIG. 9B, the symbol random number area is composed of an internal random number area R1, an out-of-touch reach random number area R2, and three out-of-point symbol random number areas R3 to R5 of left, middle, and right. Each of the areas R1 to R5 is "0" or "1" of the hold counter CH.
Each area is divided into five areas according to the values of “2”, “3”, and “4”. For example, when the value of the hold counter CH indicates “1”, the random number value of the internal random number area R1 is stored in the area of the address corresponding to “1”. FIG.
As shown in (c), the stop symbol area includes left, center, and right stop symbol random number areas S1 to S3.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine configured as described above will be described. First, a “buffer storage processing routine” for distributing and storing the random number values of the symbol random number counters CDL, CDC, and CDR to corresponding buffers will be described with reference to FIG. This routine is executed by the CPU 43, and is executed every 2 ms in the present embodiment after the power of the pachinko machine is turned on.

In step S1, the CPU 43 adds "1" to the internal random number counter CI, the out-of-reach reach random number counter CO, and the jackpot random number counter CB, and updates the random number value of each counter. Next, in step S2, the CPU 43 adds "1" to the left symbol random number counter CDL of the symbol random number counters CDL, CDC, CDR to update the random number value. Here, if the left symbol random number counter CDL is updated to the initial value by updating the left symbol random number counter CDL, the middle symbol random number counter CDC is set to “1” at that timing.
Is added. Similarly, if "1" is added to the medium symbol random number counter CDC and the medium symbol random number counter CDC returns to the initial value, the right symbol random number counter CD at that timing.
Add “1” to R.

When the random number value is updated by adding "1" to the reach type determination counter CL in step S3, the combination of the random number values of the symbol random number counters CDL, CDC, and CDR is determined in step S4 as a combination of a predetermined out-of-design symbol. It is determined whether or not. If the determination condition is satisfied, the symbol random number counters CDL and CD are set in step S5.
The random numbers of C and CDR are deviated respectively, and the symbol buffers B1 and B
2, stored in B3. On the other hand, if the determination condition is not satisfied, the symbol random number counter CDL,
It is determined whether or not the combination of the random numbers of the CDC and CDR is a combination of a predetermined out-of-reach reach symbol. If the determination condition is satisfied, the random number values of the symbol random number counters CDL, CDC, CDR are stored in the out-of-reach symbol buffers B4, B5, B6 in step S7. Here, when the condition of step S6 is not satisfied, the combination of the random number values of the symbol random number counters CDL, CDC, CDR is a combination of the big hit symbols. In the case of a combination of jackpot symbols, the random number value is not stored.

Next, the "area storage processing routine" executed by the CPU 43 will be described with reference to FIG. The routine is a random number counter CI, CO, CDL, CD, C, CD each time a game ball wins the first kind starting port 18.
The random number value of R is stored in the symbol random number area corresponding to the number of holds of the hold counter CH.

First, in step S11, the CPU 43 determines whether or not a game ball has won the first type starting port 18 based on the detection result of the proximity switch 18a of the first type starting port 18. If this determination condition is not satisfied, the process ends once. If this determination condition is satisfied, it is determined in step S12 whether the value of the hold counter CH is smaller than the maximum number of hold times “4”. When this determination condition is satisfied, the CPU 43 increments the hold counter CH in step S13. On the other hand, if this determination condition is not satisfied, the hold counter CH holds the winning only up to four times, and thus the process is temporarily terminated.

Next, in step S14, the random number value of the internal random number counter CI is stored in the internal random number area R1. In step S15, the random number value of the off-reach random number counter CO is stored in the off-reach random number area R2. Then, in step S16, three out-of-design symbol random number buffers B, left, middle, and right
The random number values of 1, B2, and B3 are stored in three out-of-design symbol random number areas R3 to R5 on the left, middle, and right.

Next, the "special electric accessory control routine" will be described with reference to FIG. This routine is for controlling the special electric accessory based on the calculation results of the above-mentioned "buffer storage processing routine" and "area storage processing routine". This routine is executed by the CPU 43, and is executed at a predetermined timing of the pachinko machine in the present embodiment.

The CPU 43 determines in step S21 whether the value of the hold counter CH is not "0". In the case of "0", it is determined that there is no prize in the first-type starting port 18 at present, and the process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the condition of step S21 is satisfied (CH = 1, 2, 3,
4) In step S22, the addresses of the storage areas of the internal random number area R1, the outreach reach random number area R2, and the three outlying symbol random number areas R3 to R5 of left, middle, and right are temporarily set to "0". I do.

Next, at step S23, the hold counter C
It is determined whether the value of H is the same as the address (“0” to “4”) of the storage area in each of the areas R1 to R5. If this determination condition is not satisfied (that is, if the value of the hold counter CH is not the same as the address value of the storage area in each of the areas R1 to A5), in step S24, each area R1
In addition, the address in each of the areas R1 to R5 is incremented by 1 in step S25.
It shifts to the previous address and returns to the processing of step S23.

On the other hand, when the determination condition is satisfied in step S23 (that is, when the value of the hold counter CH and each area R1
(When the address value of the storage area in A5 is the same)
In step S26, "1" is subtracted from the hold counter CH. Next, in step S27, a symbol change start process is executed. An auxiliary routine of the fluctuation start process executed by the CPU 43 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S101, the CPU 43 determines whether or not the random number value at the address 0 of the internal random number area R1 is a "big hit" value. Here, if it is determined that the value is "big hit", the symbol corresponding to the value of the big hit symbol random number counter CB is stored as a stop symbol in each of the stop symbol random number areas S1 to S3 in step S102, and each of the display screens 15a is displayed in step S103. Pattern rows 30, 31,
Then, the scroll of 32 is started, and the process is temporarily ended.

On the other hand, if the condition of step S101 is not satisfied, then in step S104, the out-of-reach reach random number area R2
It is determined whether or not the random number value at the address 0 is “out of reach”. Here, if it is determined that the value is "missing reach", the symbol corresponding to the value of the off-reach symbol buffer B4, B5, B6 is stored as a stop symbol in each of the stop symbol random number areas S1 to S3 in step S105. Is transferred to step S103, and the process is temporarily terminated.
If the condition of step S104 is not satisfied, step S
At 106, the symbols corresponding to the off symbol random number areas R3 to R5 are stored as stop symbols in the respective stop symbol random number areas S1 to S3. Then, the process proceeds to step S103, and the process is temporarily terminated.

Subsequently, the flow returns to step S28 to execute a reach announcement notification process. An auxiliary routine of the reach announcement notification process executed by the CPU 43 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the reach announcement notification is an operation of notifying the player that the possibility of the reaching state is high before the reaching state. The reach announcement includes a plurality of super reach announcements that notify super reach and a normal reach announcement that informs normal reach. The reach notification is an operation of notifying the player that the vehicle has reached the reach state. The reach notification includes a super reach notification that notifies the super reach and a normal reach notification that notifies the normal reach.

First, in step S201, the CPU 43 determines whether the value of the internal random number area R1 in the variation start routine is a jackpot value or the value of the outreach reach random number area R2 is an outreach reach value. When the determination condition is satisfied, the reach type is determined in step S203 based on the value of the reach type determination counter CL. That is, one reach type included in any of the first super reach group, the second super reach group, and the normal reach is determined. On the other hand, when the condition of step S201 is not satisfied, in step S202, the CPU 43 determines whether or not the combination of the symbol random number counters is a predetermined out-of-design symbol. The determination in step S202 is based on the assumption that the reach notification is not performed because of the out-of-design, but only the reach announcement is performed even in the out-of-design. Step S20
In the case of the predetermined out-of-design to notify the reach announcement in 2, the process proceeds to step S <b> 203. On the other hand, if it is not a predetermined deviation symbol, the process is temporarily ended.

Next, in step S204, the CP
U43 determines whether the determined pattern is the pattern of the first super reach, and if this determination condition is satisfied, notifies the player of the first super reach in step S205. As the notification method, in the present embodiment, the symbol of the left stop symbol 30 which stops first is scrolled in the reverse direction for a moment, and the speaker 8 emits a sound unique to the super reach announcement notification.
Then, in step S206, the CPU 43 determines whether or not to actually reach, and when the determination condition is satisfied, in step S207, the background screen of the super reach is displayed on the display screen 15a to perform the super reach notification. At the same time, a sound specific to the super reach notification is output from the speaker 8. On the other hand, if the determination condition is not satisfied in step S206 (if it is not a predetermined outlier), the process is temporarily terminated. In other words, in step S206, the notification of the first super-reach is always performed in the case of the jackpot value and the out-of-reach value, and the notification of the first super-reach is performed only in the case of the outlier in the case of the predetermined value. Becomes

On the other hand, if the determination condition in step S204 is not satisfied, in step S208, the CPU 43 determines whether or not the determined pattern is the second super-reach pattern, and if the determination condition is satisfied,
In step S209, the player is notified of the normal reach in advance. As this notification method, in the present embodiment, the symbol of the left stop symbol 30 which stops first blinks and the speaker 8 emits a sound unique to the normal reach announcement notification. Next, in step S210, the CPU 43 displays the normal reach background screen on the display screen 15a to notify the normal reach. At the same time, a sound specific to the normal reach notification is output from the speaker 8. Subsequently, the CPU 43 makes a super reach announcement notice in a step S211. In the notification method of the present embodiment, in the normal reach state, the symbol in the middle symbol row 31 which is the last stopped symbol is scrolled in the reverse direction for a moment. Subsequently, in step S212, the CPU 43 causes the display screen 15a to display a super-reach background screen and performs super-reach notification. In this notification, the super-reach notification is displayed by displaying the super-reach background screen on the display screen 15a as in step S207, but is a background screen different from the first super-reach notification.

On the other hand, when the determination condition in step S208 is not satisfied, in step S213, the CPU 43 notifies the normal reach of the advance notice that the determined pattern is the normal reach pattern. This notification is the same as in step S207. Then, the CPU 43 determines in step S214 whether or not to actually reach, and when the determination condition is satisfied, performs normal reach in step S215. This notification is the same as in step S210. On the other hand, if the determination condition is not satisfied in step S214 (in the case of a predetermined outlier), the process is temporarily terminated.

Subsequently, the flow returns to step S29 to execute a jackpot process. An auxiliary routine of the jackpot process executed by the CPU 43 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the CPU 43 adds “1” to the round counter CR in step S301. Next, step S30
At 2, the winning counter CV and the winning determination flag FE are set to "0". Next, in step S303, the CPU
43 excites the solenoid 23a to open the special winning opening 24 (shutter 23).

Next, at step S304, the winning counter C
V is a predetermined value (corresponding to the number of winning balls, 10 in this embodiment)
Is set to be smaller than the above. If this condition is satisfied, it is determined in step S305 whether the opening time of the special winning opening 24 (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed.
That is, it is determined whether the closing time has come. In this manner, the opening of the special winning opening 24 is continued unless the predetermined winning number of balls is counted after the special winning opening 24 is opened or the closing time comes otherwise. On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S304 is not satisfied or when the determination condition of step S305 is satisfied, the CPU 4 determines in step S306.
Numeral 3 demagnetizes the solenoid 23a and closes the special winning opening 24 (shutter 23).

Next, in step S307, it is determined whether or not the round counter CR is smaller than a predetermined value (corresponding to the number of rounds, set to 16 in the present embodiment). If this condition is satisfied, it is determined in step S308 whether or not the winning determination flag FE is “1”. If this determination condition is satisfied, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if the determination condition in step S307 is not satisfied, it means that the game has been continued until the last round, and the present routine ends once. Step S30
If the determination condition of No. 8 is not satisfied, it means that there is no winning in the V zone 24 in that round, and the round continuation condition is not satisfied, and thus this routine is also once ended.

With this configuration, the present embodiment has the following effects. -The game ball wins the first kind starting port 18 and the display screen 15a.
When the symbols in the symbol rows 30, 31, and 32 start to change, a super-reach-specific advance notice is given as a prerequisite for super-reach. Therefore, the player waits for the super reach state with a higher degree of expectation than at the time of the normal reach notification, and the interest of the game is increased more than before.・ Notification of not only normal reach but also super reach is announced, and different announcement methods are used. Therefore, detailed information corresponding to the game situation is given to the player, and the interest of the game is further increased.

In the second super-reach pattern, after a normal-reach notice is first notified, a super-reach notice is notified, and as a result, the mode is changed to the super-reach mode. The expectation value of the jackpot in the normal reach is low, and the player has not waited for the reach state with much expectation in the past simply by the notice of the normal reach. However, in the present embodiment, even in the case of the normal-reach notification, the notification of the super-reach is performed on the way and the control is switched to the super-reach notification mode. It is expected to be in a normal reach state with a higher degree of expectation than before, without being neglected. -When notifying the reach, not only the display on the display screen 15a but also the notification by the sound from the speaker 8 is used, so that the player can be reliably notified of the reach both visually and by hearing. it can.

In the time saving mode, the character pattern 37 of "CHANCE TIME" is always displayed on the display screen 15a as shown in FIG. 7 by the CPU 43, which is a notification control means for notifying and controlling the time saving mode. This character pattern 37
Is a hollow character composed only of the outline of the character, so that the visual field at the time of visually recognizing the symbol rows 30, 31, 32 and the animation of the background is not easily disturbed. Are also easily visible.

The present invention can be embodied with the following modifications. In the reach announcement notification processing routine in the above embodiment, both the normal reach and the super reach are announced in advance. However, for example, only the normal reach or the super reach may be notified in advance. Although both the first super reach announcement and the second super reach announcement are prepared according to the reach type (reach pattern), either one may be used. In the above-described reach announcement notification processing routine, the first and second super reach announcement notifications are classified into two types. However, only one type may be used, or three or more types may be used. In the above-described embodiment, the setting is such that if the value is a predetermined value even if it is an outlier, only the notification of the super reach is given. However, in the case of an outlier, the control may be such that the notification of the super reach is not notified. In the above-described reach notification notification processing routine, super reach notification is performed in step S211. However, super reach notification may be omitted and super reach notification may be performed immediately from normal reach notification. Even with such control, the player does not disregard the notice of normal reach and waits for the normal reach state with a higher degree of expectation than before. In the above embodiment, the reach announcement is displayed on the display screen 15a.
It was performed by both display and audio notification. However, it is not always necessary to provide audio notification. The present invention is not limited to the above, and any other information may be used as long as the reach notification can be notified. For example, various means such as vibrating the pachinko machine or releasing the odor from the pachinko machine can be considered. Further, these specific notification means may be combined.

In the above embodiment, the setting is such that the jackpot continues up to 16 rounds. this is,
For example, a maximum of 1 in the case of a specific symbol (for example, an odd symbol such as “777”) in a combination of jackpot stop symbols.
Up to six rounds can be set, and the setting of the number of rounds is changed depending on the stop symbol so that the other symbols (for example, even symbols such as "444") have half the number of eight rounds. Of course, the number of rounds may not be set depending on the stop symbol. The change of the setting condition of the number of rounds is not limited to the case based on the type of the stop symbol, but may be based on other conditions, for example, the type of the super reach. For example, it is possible to set up to a maximum of 16 rounds in the case of a jackpot after the first super reach notification, and to limit it to 8 rounds in the case of a jackpot in other cases. -The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine with a type 3 starting port as long as it has a display device. In addition to the pachinko machines, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as areaches and arrangement balls. The display screen 15a of the display device 15 is an LCD in the above embodiment, but a CRT, a dot matrix, an LED electroluminescence (EL), a fluorescent display tube, or the like may be used instead. Also, the display method may be represented by 3D or polygon. Counters related to random numbers (internal random number counter CI, out-reach random number counter CO, jackpot symbol random number counter C
B and three symbol random number counters CDL and C for left, middle and right
DC, CDR) need not be provided individually. For example, a single random number counter may be used to determine a jackpot state, out-of-reach state, or the like based on the value. In the above embodiment, the proximity switch is used as the game situation detecting means. However, other detecting means such as a limit switch and a photoelectric switch may be used as long as the passing of the game ball can be detected. In addition, the present invention can be freely implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0057]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board of the same pachinko machine.

FIGS. 4A to 4F are examples of display screens of the display device, and show display screens when a symbol display column is changing.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations of a display screen of a display device, which is a display screen immediately after a jackpot.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrations of a display screen of the display device, and show the display screen during the operation of the special electric accessory.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrations of a display screen of a display device, showing a display screen in a time saving mode;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the same pachinko machine.

FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of a buffer,
(B) is an explanatory view showing the concept of a symbol random number area, and (c) is an explanatory view showing the concept of a stopped symbol random number area.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a buffer storage processing routine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an area storage processing routine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a special electric accessory control routine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a fluctuation start processing routine.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a reach announcement notification processing routine.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a jackpot processing routine.

[Explanation of symbols]

15: display device, 15a: display screen as a symbol display unit, 1
8a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 24a: Proximity switch as a game situation detecting means; 43: CPU 43 as variation display executing means, mode selecting means, reach notification control means, reach notification notification control means, and time reduction mode control means.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A display device for displaying various symbols in a predetermined arrangement while changing various symbols on a symbol display unit, a game status detection unit for detecting a game status that changes according to an operation of a player, and a detection by the detection unit. A variable display performing means for performing a variable display of the symbol of the display device based on the result; a special game symbol mode for generating an advantageous special game state after the reach state; and a special game state after the reach state. Mode selecting means for selecting one mode from an out-of-reach symbol mode for generating an out-of-reach reach state in which no special game state is generated without passing through the reach state; When the special game symbol mode or the out-of-reach symbol mode is selected by the mode selecting means, the player is notified of the reach state. In a gaming machine having reach notification control means to perform, and a stop symbol display means for displaying a stop symbol corresponding to each of the symbol modes on the display unit of the display device, a notice that the reach state will be made before the notification of the reach state. An amusement machine comprising a reach announcement notification control means for notifying. 2. The reach notification control means controls a special reach state having a high expected value, which is a big hit, to be displayed on the display unit, and the reach notification notification control means sets a special reach state at least before the special reach state occurs. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine notifies the user of a reach state.