JP2001149586A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent decrease in the sales of a game shop by decreasing an action for stopping a game in the middle by controlling a subsequent play state in accordance with the stored number of a special picture pattern start storage part for storing a special picture pattern start signal. SOLUTION: This game machine has special picture pattern display parts L1, L2 and L3 for varying and displaying picture patterns, and when the picture patterns on the special picture pattern display parts start varying corresponding to the special picture pattern start signal and preset picture patterns are stopped and displayed on the special picture pattern display parts, after the lapse of a prescribed time, a special play state for giving advantages to a player can be made to occur. This machine has a special picture pattern storage means capable of storing the special picture pattern start signal, and corresponding to the number of signals stored in this special picture pattern storage means, playing is enabled in a privilege state for giving advantages to the player later. Therefore, the player continues playing so as to increase the number of signals stored in the special picture pattern storage means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to controlling a subsequent game state by the number of stored special symbol start storage units for storing a special symbol start signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko machine as a gaming machine is provided with a symbol display device having a plurality of (or singular) special symbol display portions capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols. A special symbol start signal is generated when passing through an area (for example, a normal symbol electric accessory (tulip type) is used), the symbols on the respective special symbol display units start to change, and after a predetermined time, the symbols are sequentially stopped. In some cases, when the combination of the stopped symbols is the same symbol, for example, a special game state (big hit) that is advantageous to the player occurs. In this pachinko machine, when a game ball passes a normal symbol start gate, the ordinary symbol of the ordinary symbol display device starts to fluctuate, and if the ordinary symbol stopped after a predetermined time is a hit symbol, the ordinary motor-operated character is activated for a predetermined time. When the game ball is opened and the game ball wins the ordinary electric accessory as described above, a special symbol start signal is generated, and the symbol of each of the special symbol display portions is changed. If the game ball wins a regular electric accessory while the special symbol is fluctuating, up to a maximum of four special symbols are stored in the special symbol storage means, and a special symbol variation process is sequentially performed together with determination of whether or not a big hit has occurred. .

In a pachinko machine of the above-mentioned type (the first type of pachinko machine), the normal symbol fluctuates for 30 seconds at normal time, but after the big hit is completed, the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (for example, Normal pattern fluctuation shortening function (shortening function) with normal pattern fluctuation time of 5 seconds until it becomes 50 times)
Some have. For this reason, after the end of the big hit, since the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is short, the number of hits of the normal symbol per unit time increases compared to the normal time, the number of opening of the normal electric accessory increases, and the game ball is You can play without reducing too much.

[0004] In another type of pachinko machine, when the symbol whose jackpot is displayed on the special symbol display portion is a predetermined symbol, the jackpot is terminated after the jackpot is completed until the next jackpot occurs. Some have a probability variation function to increase the probability of.

[0005]

In the pachinko machine having the shortening function, after the jackpot (special game state) is completed, the number of times the special symbol fluctuates up to fifty times to exhibit the shortening function. Reduce the fluctuation time of symbols and special symbols. As a result, the decrease in the number of game balls consumed can be prevented, but the rate of jackpots for special symbols during that time is about 18.2 for pachinko machines with a jackpot probability of 1/250.
Since the percentage is fixed, the expectation for the jackpot is always the same and the player gets tired.

In a pachinko machine having a probability varying function, when the game reaches a reach, it is determined whether or not the probability of the jackpot becomes high after the jackpot is completed, so that the game during the jackpot is not interesting. Issues. Also, among the players who are familiar with the game contents, if the number of times the special symbol can be changed after the next time (displayed on the special symbol storage display section LR) becomes 4, then the ordinary electric accessory Even if a prize is won, it will not be stored in the special symbol storage means, so stop the launch of the game ball and start after the memory becomes possible, or if the special symbol fluctuates and reach the premise of a big hit, play Some players stop firing the ball. When such an operation is performed, how to reduce the number of game balls is reduced, which may cause an unfair feeling with a player who is not familiar with the game content, and may also cause a decrease in sales for the game store. Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of solving such inconvenience.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having a special symbol display section for displaying symbols in a variable manner, wherein the symbols on the special symbol display section start to change in response to a special symbol start signal, and after a predetermined time. A game machine capable of generating a special game state that brings a value to a player when a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section, and has a special symbol storage means capable of storing a special symbol start signal. Then, depending on the number of stored special symbol storage means, the player can play the game in a preferential state that brings value to the player. Therefore, the player will continue the game so as to increase the number of stored special symbol storage units. In the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the time at which the game can be played in the preferential state is after the end of the special gaming state. In the gaming machine according to the third aspect, during the preferential state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is different from that in the normal state, so that a large number of prize balls can be paid out. In the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, the probability that the special game state occurs during the preferential state is changed, and the probability is selected by the number of stored special symbol storage means. Hit the ball so that the number of stored balls increases.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 (front view) shows a gaming machine as an example.
1 shows a pachinko machine 10 of a well-known type. The pachinko machine 10 forms a pair with a ball lending machine 20, and the ball lending machine 20 has a built-in card reader (not shown). In addition, this ball rental machine 2
The front panel 21 is provided with a display lamp and a card insertion slot 22 when the operation of the ball lending machine is effective.
On the other hand, on the upper plate 12 attached to the front panel 11 of the pachinko machine, operation buttons and the like of the ball lending machine 20 are provided. Specifically, the operation of the card inserted into the card insertion slot 22 is performed. A display 13a for displaying a balance (frequency), a conversion button 13b for supplying a lending ball to a pachinko machine via a ball lending machine 20 by a player's operation, and a return button 13c for returning a card are provided.

A lower plate 17 is provided below the upper plate 12, and stores a prize ball overflowing when the upper plate 12 is full. By operating the handle 18 of the firing device, the game balls supplied from the upper plate 12 for each ball are guided by the guide rails 31 and fired into the game area 19.

At a substantially central portion of the game area 19, a symbol display device L of a liquid crystal display for performing a variable display game through a plurality of symbols is arranged. The symbol display device L includes a special symbol display portion L1, L2 and L3 are provided. The symbols that can be displayed on the special symbol display sections L1, L2, L3 are 1 of "0-9".
There are 0 types of symbols, and the symbols are changed in order. Note that a special symbol storage display section LR (four LEs) as a special symbol storage means is provided above the special symbol display sections L1, L2, L3.
D) is arranged, and indicates the number of stored special symbol changes, as described later in detail.

At the lower part of the symbol display device L, a special symbol starting port (a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory) A is provided, and when a game ball wins the special symbol starting port A, a special symbol starting signal is generated. Then, the special symbol display units L1, L2, L3 start changing display according to a control method described in detail below, and a reach, a jackpot (special game state), or a miss is selected by the determination counter Hc. Corresponding to them, the symbols in the special symbol display sections L1, L2, L3 are stopped and displayed after a predetermined time (8 to 25 seconds in the normal state, and 3 to 5 seconds in the preferential state).

At the upper left and right of the special symbol starting port (ordinary electric accessory) A, normal symbol starting gates 23a and 23b are provided. When a game ball passes, a normal symbol display attached to a large winning port 58 described later is provided. The symbol of the container 56 starts to fluctuate, and stops after a predetermined time elapses as described later (30 seconds after the normal state and 5 seconds after the preferential state), and the stopped symbol matches the preset symbol. The special symbol starting port A is opened for a predetermined time, and when the game ball wins, the special symbol is changed. A normal symbol storage display 56a (eight LEDs) is disposed around the normal symbol display 56, and the normal symbol start gates 23a, 2a,
Up to four game balls having passed through 3b are stored, and the normal symbol storage display 56a is turned on every two to indicate the remaining number of symbol fluctuations.

When a jackpot is selected,
A big hit symbol, for example, “777” is displayed on the special symbol display portions L1, L2, L3, and the opening / closing door 58a of the special winning opening 58 is displayed.
Is kept open for t seconds or closed when a game ball is won. When a game ball passes through a specific area (not shown) provided in the special winning opening 58 while the opening and closing door 58a is being opened, the special winning opening 58 is opened again, and this operation is performed up to X times. Thus, a large amount of prize balls can be paid out.

Next, control (game contents) of the pachinko machine having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 2 shows the general concept of the present invention. When the power is turned on, the normal symbol determination counter Fc and the determination counter Hc are initialized. The normal symbol determination counter Fc forms a circulation counter of 0 to 2 which is incremented by 1 every 2 ms, and is used for determining whether or not a normal symbol is hit. The determination counter Hc is incremented by 1 every 2 ms and 0. A circulation counter of .about.249 is formed, and is used for determining whether or not a big hit has occurred.

When the power is turned on, it is in a normal state (S
51) In this "normal state", the display symbols of the special symbol display portions L1, L2, L3 are 8 to 25 after the start of symbol change.
It stops after the second, and the display symbol of the ordinary symbol display 56 stops after 30 seconds after the symbol change. Then, it is determined whether or not a big hit has occurred (a special symbol such as "777" is displayed on the special symbol display portions L1, L2, L3) (S52). Number of stored special symbol start storage unit (or special symbol storage display unit LR
(Refer to the control flow in FIG. 3))) to set “preferential state (refer to each embodiment described later)” (S).
53).

Then, during the jackpot, for example, if the conditions of the preferential state as in the first embodiment described later are set, the game is played based on the conditions (S54). Then, when the jackpot is finished, after playing the game in the "preferential state" based on the settings as in the second to fifth embodiments described later, or in the third embodiment described later (FIG. 6). As shown in S22), the game returns to the normal state without playing the game in the preferential state (S55).

The gaming machine of the present invention plays a game based on the above concept. Next, control of each unit will be described. (B) Occurrence of "hit" Although a control flow for determining whether or not the hit is not shown, when the game ball passes the normal symbol starting gates 23a and 23b, the symbol variation is started and the normal symbol determination is performed. It is determined whether or not the counter Fc (circulation counter of 0 to 2) is “2”. As a result, when the value of the normal symbol determination counter Fc is “2” (probability 1/3),
"7" is displayed on the ordinary symbol display 56 as a hit, and "-" is displayed after 30 seconds when it comes off. Then, at the time of a hit, since the normal electric accessory A is opened for a predetermined time (3 seconds), the game ball almost wins at this special symbol starting port (ordinary electric accessory) A.

(B) Display modes of the special symbol display sections L1 to L3 (FIG. 3) The display of the special symbol display sections L1 to L3 is performed during the normal state and the preferential state (not performed during the big hit). ), The symbol change time in the preferential state is shorter than in the normal state. It is detected whether or not the game ball has won the special symbol starting port A (S1). Then, when the game ball has won the special symbol starting port A, it is determined whether the value of the determination counter Hc is "7" (probability 1/250), that is, whether or not it is a big hit (S2). Then, the storage state (contents) of the special symbol start storage unit (0th to 4th areas) as special symbol storage means is verified (S3). This special symbol start storage unit (0th area) stores the current state of the symbol change, and the first to fourth areas have the special symbol start port during the symbol change of the special symbol display units L1 to L3. When the player wins A, the result of the determination as to whether or not it is a jackpot can be stored up to four times. Therefore, the special symbol start storage unit can store the determination results of five times including the one currently changing, and
If the area is also stored, the process proceeds to step 7 ignoring the determination result.

On the other hand, if the number of stored special symbol start storage units is less than 5, the above determination result is additionally stored (S
4) One additional special symbol storage display section LR is turned on (S5). That is, the lighting number of the special symbol storage display section LR is:
This is the number stored in the special symbol start storage unit, that is, the remaining number of special symbol changes. On the other hand, step 1
If the special symbol start opening A is not won, it is verified whether or not there is a judgment result in each area of the special symbol start storage unit (S6). If not, the process returns to the main routine. Go to 7.

In step 7, special symbol display sections L1 to L
It is determined whether or not the symbol No. 3 is changing. When the symbol is changing, the process returns to the main routine to continue the change. When the special symbol change is stopped, the special symbol display portions L1 to L
3 starts changing the symbol, turns off one special symbol storage display section LR to indicate the remaining number of symbol changes, and shifts the value of the special symbol start storage section (0th to 4th areas) (to the first area). The value in the 0th area, the value in the 2nd area in the 1st area,
…) In the above process, the special symbol display units L1 to L
At the same time as the start of the symbol variation process of No. 3, the remaining number of processes are sequentially performed.

(C) Setting of a preferential state (execution of S53 in FIG. 2) (First Embodiment) An example of setting of a preferential state of the present embodiment is an example of setting during a big hit (during execution of S54 in FIG. 2). Grand Prize Win 5
8 is set (see FIG. 4). First, when a big hit occurs, a special symbol to be stopped and displayed is checked to determine whether or not a big hit (special game state) has occurred in order to avoid false reports (S11, S1).
2). Then, depending on the special symbol storage means (the number of stored in the special symbol start storage unit (described later) or the number of display in the special symbol special symbol storage display unit LR) when the jackpot is selected, for example, the special symbol start storage When the number of stored copies is "4", the number is selected 40 times, when the number is "3", 30 times,... (S13). By selecting the number of times of opening X in this way, the player can set the special symbol starting port A so that the number of stored symbols in the special symbol starting storage unit is as large as possible during a big hit.
Continue to hit the ball to win.

(Second Embodiment) An example of setting a preferential state according to the present embodiment is executed after a jackpot has been completed (S55 in FIG. 2), and will be described with reference to FIG. Steps 11 and 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When a jackpot occurs, the number of stored special symbol start storage units as special symbol storage means (or
It is determined whether or not the number of lighting of the special symbol storage and display section LR is 4 or more (S15), and when it is 4 or more, the number of times of change is set to 100 (S16). On the other hand, when the content of the special symbol storage means is 0 to 3, the number is set to 10 (S17).
That is, after the big hit is completed, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is reduced and controlled until the fluctuation of the special symbol is performed 100 times on one side and 10 times on the other side. Therefore, the player continues the hitting operation to win the special symbol start-up opening A so that the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display portion LR at the time of the big hit is increased, so that the number of times of variation becomes 100 times. Play games. If the number of changes is large, in a preferential state after the end of the jackpot, the number of game balls can be prevented from decreasing and the chance of the next jackpot increases.

(Third Embodiment) An example of setting a preferential state according to the present embodiment is executed after the jackpot is completed (S55 in FIG. 2), and will be described with reference to FIG. Steps 11 and 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When a jackpot occurs, the number of stored special symbol start storage units as special symbol storage means (or
The number of lighting of the special symbol memory display section LR) is "0-2",
It is determined whether they are “3” and “4” (S21), and “0” is determined.
In the case of ２2 ”, the preferential state is not performed and the state returns to the normal state (S22). Therefore, since the player has no merit after the end of the big hit, the player hits the special symbol start-up opening A so as to increase the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display section LR. When the number is "3", the number of times of change is set to 50 times (S23, S24), and the game can be played as the number of times of change after the end of the big hit. When the number of changes is 50,
The rate at which jackpots occur during a change is about 18.2%. In the case of “4”, the number of changes is set to “1” using another selection counter (for example, a circulation counter of 0 or 1).
00 times ”or“ 200 times ”(S
25). The jackpot rate in the case of "100 times" is about 3
3.0%, and about 55.1% in the case of "200 times"
Therefore, the player is more advantageous as the number of lighting of the special symbol storage and display section LR is more advantageous, so that the player hits the ball in the special symbol starting opening A and further decides whether or not “200 times” is selected. Interested in In addition, this "100 times" or "200
The display of “turn” may be performed on the special symbol display units L1 to L3, or may be performed on another display. The display time is
It may be during the jackpot or at the end.

(Fourth Embodiment) An example of setting a preferential state according to the present embodiment is executed after the jackpot is completed (S55 in FIG. 2), and will be described with reference to FIG. Steps 11 and 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When a jackpot occurs, the number of times of change is selected to be either "10" or "200". In this selection method, selection is made at different probabilities depending on the number of storages in the special symbol start storage unit as the special symbol storage means (or the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display unit LR). If a specific example is shown in step 31, the content of the special symbol storage means is "0"
In the case of "10 times" with a probability of 100%, "10" with a probability of 95% in the case of "1" and 90 in the case of "2"
% Is “10 times” and “3” is 80% with a probability of “10
In the case of "times" and "4", the probability of selecting "200 times" is sequentially increased to "10 times" with a probability of 50%. Therefore, the player plays the game while hoping to turn on the special symbol storage display portion LR more when a big hit occurs.

(Fifth Embodiment) The setting of the preferential state in the present embodiment is executed after the end of the jackpot (S55 in FIG. 2), and will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike the second to fourth embodiments, the special symbol display sections L1 to L1
The symbol change time of L3 and the ordinary symbol display 56 remains in the normal state, but the following number depends on the number of stored special symbol start storage units (or the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display unit LR) as special symbol storage means. Change the probability of a jackpot occurring. More specifically, when a jackpot occurs, if the number of stored special symbol start storage units (or the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display unit LR) as the special symbol storage unit is "0", the value is 1/250. And However, when the number of stored special symbol storage means is "1", 1/23
0, 1/200 for "2", 1 for "3"
In the case of / 180 and “4”, the probability is sequentially increased to 1/150, and then to 1/150. Therefore, even under such conditions, the player plays a game so as to increase the number of lighting of the special symbol storage and display section LR.

The number of changes can be displayed by using special symbol indicators L1 to L3 or by providing a separate indicator. Needless to say, the numbers and the like in each of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the examples, and the game start time in the preferential state is after the end of the big hit. It may be set at intervals or after a continuous big hit has occurred. Further, the preferential state may be set by combining the change of the jackpot probability of the fifth embodiment with the setting of the number of times of change shown in the second to fourth embodiments, and furthermore, the first embodiment And the number of times X of opening of the special winning opening 58 during the jackpot in the form of the above. Further, the symbols displayed on the special symbol display section are not limited to “0 to 9” in the above-described embodiment, and are displayed in a variable manner with a symbol of interest to a player such as an animation, a horse racing scene, etc. May be composed of, for example, a goal scene of a horse race corresponding to those scenes.

[0027]

According to the gaming machine (pachinko machine, etc.) of the present invention, the subsequent game value is set according to the number of stored special symbol start storage units, so that the player increases the number of stored special symbol start storage units. Since the ball is hit in such a manner, the operating rate is also increased for a game store, which is preferable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control flow showing the general concept of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control flow of a special symbol display unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control flow showing setting of a preferential state according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control flow showing setting of a preferential state according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a control flow showing setting of a preferential state according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a control flow showing setting of a preferential state according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a control flow showing setting of a preferential state according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 23a, 23b Ordinary symbol starting gate A Special symbol opening (ordinary electric accessory) 56 Ordinary symbol display 58 Large winning opening L Symbol display device L1 to L3 Special symbol display LR Special symbol storage display

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 27, 2000 (2000.10.
27)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having a special symbol display section for displaying symbols in a variable manner, wherein the symbols on the special symbol display section start to change in response to a special symbol start signal, and after a predetermined time. A game machine capable of generating a special game state that brings a value to a player when a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section, and has a special symbol storage means capable of storing a special symbol start signal. The greater the number of stored special symbol storage means when a special game state occurs, the higher the degree of preferential treatment for a player. Is 30 times, but when the stored number is 4, the number of times the special winning opening is opened increases to 40 times, so that the player continues the game so that the number of stored special symbol storage means is increased. In the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the time at which the game can be played in the preferential state is after the end of the special gaming state. For example, when the number of stored special symbol storage means is four or more, the number of times the special symbol is changed (The number of times of fluctuation time reduction) is 100 times, and when it is 0 to 3, it is 10 times. In the gaming machine according to the third aspect, during the preferential state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened as compared to the normal state, so that the number of gaming balls can be prevented. The gaming machine of claim 4 is
In the preferential state, the probability that the special game state will occur is made higher than that in the normal state, and the probability is selected by the number of stored special symbol storage means. Hit the ball so that there is more.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A special symbol display unit capable of displaying symbols in a variable manner, wherein a symbol on the special symbol display unit starts to change in response to a special symbol start signal, and after a predetermined time, a symbol set in advance on the special symbol display unit is displayed. A game machine capable of generating a special game state that brings a value to a player when stopped and displayed, comprising a special symbol storage means capable of storing the special symbol start signal, and the number of stored special symbol storage means A gaming machine characterized by being able to play in a preferential state that brings value to the player thereafter. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the time at which the game can be played in the preferential state is after the end of the special gaming state. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein during the preferential state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is different from the normal state. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a probability that a special gaming state occurs during a preferential state is changed.