JP2002331091A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a loss feeling from being felt by a game player, and at the same time, increase the amusement. SOLUTION: When a game ball, which has entered a starting port during a winning/not winning judgement for whether it is a continuous big win or not is performed, exceeds a maximum value 4 for a stored ball number N, every time when the game ball enters the starting port, a probability variable X for a storage area D, which is set in a RAM, is rewritten by an increment By a value 1 (S207 to S209). Then, at the time of the winning/not winning judgement, a winning range P of a wider range is set as the rewritten probability variable X becomes larger. Then, whether big winning or not is judged by whether an internal random number counter value belongs to the set winning range P or not. As a result, even if a game ball enters the starting port while exceeding the maximum value 4 of the stored ball number N, the feeling of loss is not felt by the game player. As a result, the amusement can be increased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a symbol variation display means for varying a symbol display according to the establishment of a starting condition, and a predetermined symbol variation starting means for the symbol variation display means. A gaming machine including a hit / fail judgment means for judging whether or not a hit has a hit probability and a stop symbol determining means for determining a symbol at the time of stopping the change of the symbol in the symbol change display based on the judgment result by the hit / non-judgment means. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a game machine of this type, a pattern variation display such as a color liquid crystal display arranged at the center of the game board is provided on condition that a ball is entered into a starting winning hole provided at a predetermined position of the game board. There has been proposed a pachinko machine that changes a symbol displayed on a container (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-20209).
No. 5 publication). In this pachinko machine, when a ball is thrown into the winning opening for starting while the symbol is being displayed in a variable manner by the symbol variation indicator, a random number used in determining whether or not to enter the ball and determining a stop symbol is determined. The random numbers determined until a predetermined number of balls (for example, four) are reached are sequentially stored, the start of the symbol variation display by the symbol variation indicator is suspended, and the ball is entered into the starting winning opening beyond the predetermined number. Sometimes, a random number to be used in determining a winning or non-winning decision or a stop symbol for the incoming ball is determined, and it is determined whether or not the determined random number is advantageous to the stored random number. Stores the determined random number in place of the stored random number. As a result, a sense of loss for the player caused by discarding more advantageous random numbers determined upon entering the ball is prevented, and the interest is improved.

[0003]

However, in such a pachinko machine, the start of the variation display of the symbol by the symbol variation display is suspended up to a predetermined number and the random number which is more advantageous for the player is stored instead of the stored random number. for,
It is necessary to determine a random number to be used when determining a winning or losing judgment and a stop symbol when entering the winning opening for starting, and to determine the superiority of the determined random number, which complicates the processing at the time of entering the ball. .

In this pachinko machine, when the same superior random number is determined to exceed a predetermined number, the random number determined to exceed the predetermined number is not advantageous to the stored random number. Because there is no, it is not suspended and is discarded. Discarding such random numbers gives the player a sense of loss and hinders the improvement of interest.

An object of the gaming machine of the present invention is to prevent a player from feeling a loss and to improve the interest.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems and Actions and Effects Thereof The gaming machine of the present invention employs the following means in order to achieve at least a part of the above objects.

Means 1. Symbol variation display means for variably displaying a symbol according to the establishment of a start condition, and hit / fail determination means for determining whether or not to win with a predetermined probability at the start of symbol variability display in the symbol variance display means, A stop symbol determining means for determining a symbol at the time of symbol variation stop in the symbol variation indicator based on the determination result by the hit / fail determination means. A hit probability changing means for changing the predetermined hit probability used for a predetermined hit / fail determination after the hit / hit determination after the successive hit / fail determination based on the number of times the starting condition is satisfied during the hit / fail determination. A gaming machine equipped.

In the gaming machine of the means 1, based on the number of starting conditions that are satisfied during the continuous determination of success / failure, it is used for a predetermined success / failure determination after the success / failure determination of the successive success / failure determination. By changing the predetermined hitting probability, it is possible to prevent the player from having a sense of loss due to abandonment of the establishment of the starting condition during the success / failure determination made continuously and to improve the interest. Can be achieved. Here, "between the success / failure determinations made continuously by the success / failure determination means" means that the success / failure determination made by the success / failure determination means a plurality of times when the symbol variation display means starts the symbol variation display a plurality of times. It means the period between each of the determinations of success / failure, that is, the period from when the success / failure is judged by the success / failure judging means to when the next success / failure is judged. In addition, since the hit / fail judgment by the hit / fail judgment means is performed at the time of the start of the symbol variation display by the symbol variation display means, the symbol variation display is started from the time when the symbol variation display is started by the symbol variation display means. Agree until the launch.

Means 2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the hit probability changing means changes the predetermined hit probability so as to increase the hit probability by the number of times the starting condition is satisfied. In this way, the player can be given a benefit to the establishment of the starting condition without fail, and the player does not feel a loss.

Means 3. In the gaming machine according to the means 2, the hit / fail determination means determines a random number by chance from a random number table set within a predetermined range when the starting condition is satisfied, and displays the symbol in the symbol variation display means. At the start of the fluctuation display, a hit range is set within the predetermined range based on the number of times the starting condition is satisfied, and whether or not the determined random number belongs to the set hit range determines whether or not a hit is made. Gaming machine that is means for determining This makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the hit condition is high by the number of times the start condition is satisfied.

Means 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined range is a range formed by an integer having a maximum number as a reciprocal of a predetermined hit probability before being changed by the hit probability changing means, and the hit range is the hit range. A gaming machine whose range is set by an integer number corresponding to the number of times the starting condition is satisfied. This makes it possible to easily set the hit range.

Means 5. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the symbol change display means determines whether or not the hit symbol is determined to be a hit by the hit / fail determination means and is determined by the stop symbol determination means. A gaming machine which is a means for displaying a predetermined special game figure after displaying as a symbol and stopping the start of the variable display of the pattern according to the starting condition until the display of the predetermined special game figure is completed.
In this way, the player can also benefit from the starting conditions established during the display of the special game map.

Means 6 The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the symbol change display means is means for displaying a predetermined moving image as the predetermined special game figure. The special game diagram displayed by the symbol variation display means includes a moving image as well as a still image.

Means 7 The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein when the starting condition is satisfied during the success / failure determination continuously performed by the success / failure determination means, a condition for suspending the satisfaction of the starting condition a predetermined number of times is satisfied. Holding means, wherein the hit probability changing means changes the predetermined hit probability based on the number of times the start condition is satisfied after the start condition is satisfied by the predetermined number of times by the condition satisfaction holding means. A gaming machine that is a means to do. In this way, the start condition can be held up to the predetermined number of times, and the predetermined hit probability can be changed for the start condition that is satisfied after the start condition has been held the predetermined number of times. Can respond.

Means 8. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the hit probability changing means is configured to determine whether or not any of the starting conditions held by the condition holding holding means is satisfied. A gaming machine that is a means of changing the probability. In this way, by changing the hit probability of any of the held start conditions, it is possible to give the player the benefit of the start conditions that are satisfied after the start conditions have been held a predetermined number of times. it can.

Means 9. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the hit probability changing means is means for changing the predetermined hit probability used for determining whether or not the start condition last held by the condition hold unit is satisfied. Machine. In this way, the benefit of the establishment of the start condition that is satisfied after the start condition has been suspended a predetermined number of times by changing the hit probability with respect to the establishment of the last suspended start condition can be given to the player.

Means 10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein
The gaming machine, wherein the hit probability changing means is means for sequentially changing the predetermined hit probability used for determining whether or not each of the starting conditions held by the condition holding holding means is satisfied. In this way, the benefit of the establishment of the start condition that is satisfied after the start condition is satisfied a predetermined number of times can be given to the player by sequentially changing the hit probability with respect to the establishment of the held start condition.

Means 11 The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein
The gaming machine, wherein the hit probability changing means is means for changing the predetermined hit probabilities used for determining whether or not each of the starting conditions held by the condition satisfaction holding means is satisfied, to be substantially equal. In this case, the hit probabilities with respect to the establishment of the suspended starting conditions are made substantially equal, and
It is possible to give the player the benefit of the establishment of the start condition that is established after the establishment of the start condition is suspended for a predetermined number of times.

Means 12. 12. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined probability is changed by the predetermined probability changing means, the predetermined probability information related to the changed predetermined probability is displayed. A gaming machine comprising means. In this case, the player can be notified of the benefit of the establishment of the starting condition by the displayed hit probability information. As a result, interest can be improved.

Means 13. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein the hit probability information display means is means for displaying the hit probability information based on the number of times the starting condition relating to the change of the predetermined hit probability is satisfied. In this way, the player can be informed of the benefits of the establishment of the start condition based on the number of times the start condition is satisfied.

Means 14. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein the hit probability information display means is means for displaying the hit probability information with a display based on a range of hit probabilities in a plurality of stages. In this way, it is possible to inform the player of the benefits of the establishment of the starting condition based on the displayed range of the hit probability.

Means 15. 15. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein the hit probability information display means is means for displaying the hit information by using a part of the symbol variation display means. In this case, there is no need to provide a display device for displaying the hit probability in addition to the symbol variation display means.

Means 16. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 15, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. As a basic configuration of a pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and a game ball is fired at a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the handle, and the game ball wins an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition, the changing display of the symbol on the display means is started, and during the special game state, the winning opening arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined manner to open the game ball. As a possible prize, there is a case where a valuable value (including not only a prize ball but also writing on a magnetic card) is given according to the number of the prize. Note that such a pachinko machine has a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes game balls. May be present.

Means 17. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 15, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. As a basic configuration of such a slot machine as a gaming machine of the present invention, a display means for variably displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state in accordance with the gaming state and then confirming and displaying the symbol is provided. The fluctuation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the fluctuation of the symbol is caused by the operation of the stopping operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. A gaming machine having special game state generating means for generating a special game state that is stopped and that requires a fixed symbol at the time of the stop to be a specific symbol as a necessary condition, which is advantageous to the player. In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium. In such a slot machine, a special game state (big hit state) which is advantageous for a player who can obtain at least a large number of game media such as coins and medals, and a normal game which is disadvantageous for a player consuming game media A state may exist.

Means 18. 16. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 15, wherein the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. The basic configuration of a gaming machine in which the pachinko machine and the slot machine are integrated is as follows: "a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state is variably displayed, and then the symbol is determined and displayed. A display means, a symbol change is started by operation of a starting operation hand throw (for example, an operation lever),
The fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or after a lapse of a predetermined time, and it is advantageous for the player that the determined symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state, a game ball is used as a game medium, a predetermined number of game balls are required at the start of changing the symbol, and many game balls are required when the special game state is generated. A gaming machine configured to be paid out "
Can be mentioned. Such gaming machines include a special gaming state (big hit state) which is advantageous for a player who can acquire at least a large number of gaming balls, and a normal gaming state which is disadvantageous for a player consuming the gaming balls. There may be different types of gaming states.

As described in the means 16 to 18, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a pachinko machine, a slot machine,
A game machine obtained by fusing a pachinko machine and a slot machine can be cited, but the present invention can also be applied to various game machines.

[0027]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples. FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 20, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection of the pachinko machine 20 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment includes a game board 30 covered with glass fitted to a front frame 22, an upper tray 24 and a lower tray 26 for storing game balls, and a game ball. It includes a firing knob 28 for firing to the panel 30 and a main control device 70 (see FIG. 3) for controlling the entire pachinko machine 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 has a normal symbol display device 32 disposed at the upper center of the game board 30.
And normal symbol display device operation gates 34a, 34b respectively provided on the left and right portions of the game board 30 and having normal symbol start-up switches 36a, 36b for detecting the passage of a game ball, and disposed below the normal symbol display device 32. A special symbol display device 40, a start port 42 having a special symbol start port switch 44 disposed below the special symbol display apparatus 40 for detecting a winning of a game ball, and a tulip attached to the start port 42 and capable of opening and closing. Ordinary electric accessory 46 of the type, a large winning opening 50 arranged below the starting opening 42 and capable of opening and closing, and a normal winning opening 60a to 60d arranged in a total of four at the lower left and right sides of the game board 30.
And an out port 69 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports.

The ordinary symbol display device 32 includes symbols "a" and "x" 32a and 32b, which are displayed in a variable manner by switching the lighting of a lamp (not shown) provided at the back.
Four normal symbol change pending lamps 33a to 33 arranged above the symbols 32a and 32b of "o" and "x"
d. "O" and "X" symbols 32a, 32
b indicates that the game ball is a normal symbol display device operation gate 34a, 3
When it has been detected that the vehicle has passed 4b, the variable display is started, and after the variable display has been performed for a predetermined time, the variable display is ended in a state in which one of the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X" is turned on. Ordinary symbol change holding lamps 33a to 33d
During the fluctuation display of the symbols 32a, 32b of "O" and "X" by the ordinary symbol display device 32, each time the game ball passes the ordinary symbol display device operation gates 34a, 34b, it is lit one by one from the left. Each time the symbol 32a, 32b of "O" and "X" by the symbol display 32 is changed, the symbols 32a and 32b are turned off in the reverse order of lighting, so that the symbol display is changed during the change display. Operation gate 34
The number of passes through a and 34b is shown as the number of suspensions up to a maximum of four times.

The tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 provided at the starting port 42 is used as a hit when the fluctuation display by the ordinary symbol display device 32 is stopped at the symbol 32a of "O" for a predetermined time (for example, 0. 0). (3 seconds).

The special symbol display device 40 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 90 shown in FIG. The special symbol display device 40 is usually, as exemplified in FIG.
Three symbols L, M, and R, which are composed of a character and a number, are displayed on the left, middle, and right. When it is detected that the game ball wins the starting opening 42, the three symbols L are displayed. , M, R
Is displayed in a variable manner. Then, when the predetermined fluctuation time ends, the fluctuation display of the three symbols L, M, and R is stopped in the order of symbol L, symbol R, and symbol M, and the three symbols L, M, and R match. Sometimes a special game video is displayed as a big hit. An example of the special game video is shown in FIGS.

The game board 30 is provided with four special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d between the ordinary symbol display device 32 and the special symbol display device 40. The special symbol change holding lamps 41 a to 41 d are connected to the special symbol display device 4.
During the display of the three symbols L, M, and R by 0, and during the display of the special game video, each time a game ball enters the starting port 42, the ball is lit one by one from the left side. Every time the symbol display device 40 starts the variable display of the three symbols L, M, and R, the symbols are turned off in the reverse order of lighting, so that the variable display and the special game moving image are displayed. The number of balls winning the starting port 42 is shown as the number of reserved balls up to a maximum of four.

The special winning opening 50 is normally in a closed state in which game balls are not received. In a big hit, the special winning opening driving device 52 shown in FIG. The driving is performed such that the state is repeated based on a predetermined condition. The large winning opening 50 includes a 10-count switch 54 (see FIG. 3) for counting the winning of the game ball, and a V-count for detecting that the gaming ball has won a V zone 56 provided at the right portion of the large winning opening 50. Switch 58
(See FIG. 3).

In addition to the above, the game board 30 has a rail 62 for guiding the shot game balls on an arc, and ramp windmills 64a, 64b, disposed on left and right shoulders for guiding to the center of the game board 30.
A total of eight indicators 68a-6 mounted on both sides of the windmills 66a, 66b and the special symbol display device 40 arranged near the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a, 34b.
8h is also attached. It should be noted that a plurality of nails that guide and play the game ball to enhance the playability are not shown.

The main control device 70 is configured as a microcomputer having a CPU 72 as a center.
In addition to a power supply circuit 73 for supplying power to the PU 72, a ROM 74 for storing a processing program, a RAM 76 for temporarily storing data, a clock circuit 78 for outputting a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, and an input / output processing circuit 80 are connected to a bus 82. Connected by The main control device 70 includes a winning signal from the normal symbol starting port switches 36a and 36b, a starting signal from the special symbol starting port switch 44, a count signal from the 10 count switch 54, and a V count switch 58.
, And an input signal from another input device 88 such as a normal winning switch or a prize ball counting switch are input via the input / output processing circuit 80. In addition, the main controller 70 sends a drive signal to the normal symbol display device 32, a drive signal to the special winning opening drive device 52, the normal symbol change holding lamps 33a to 33d, and the special symbol change holding lamp 41.
a to 41d, a driving signal to the ordinary electric accessory 46, a control signal to the audio control device 84 to which the speaker 86 is connected, and a display control device 90 which controls display of the special symbol display device 40. , A drive signal to another output device 89 such as a prize ball control device for controlling the payout of a prize ball, and the like are output via the input / output processing circuit 80. The lighting signals to the indicators 68a to 68h are output from another output device 89.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 20 according to the embodiment constructed as described above, particularly during the special game display device 40 during the variable display of the three symbols L, M, and R or during a big hit, is performed. The game ball is the starting port 4 while displaying the video
The operation when the player wins No. 2 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main routine executed by the main control device 70. This routine is executed every predetermined time (for example, 2 msec).
Is executed repeatedly. When the main routine is executed, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 starts the winning process (step S100) illustrated in FIG. 8, the change start process (step S102) illustrated in FIG. 9, and the change stop process illustrated in FIG. (Step S104), the counter updating process (Step S106) illustrated in FIG. 11 is executed, and thereafter, the lost symbol counter updating process (Step S108) illustrated in FIG. 12 is repeatedly executed. For ease of explanation, first, a counter update process and a lost symbol counter update process will be described, and then other processes will be described.

In the counter updating process, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 72 of the main controller 70 increments each of the internal random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, the big hit symbol counter C3, and the variation pattern counter C4. (Step S24)
0). The internal random number counter C1 is a loop counter used to determine whether or not a big hit has occurred.
To 319 are sequentially incremented by one. The reach random number counter C2 is a loop counter used when determining whether or not to carry out a reach game, and in this embodiment, increments 0 to 11 in order by one. The big hit symbol counter C3 determines a symbol (big hit symbol) at the time of stopping the change of the three symbols L, M, and R left, middle, and right which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the big hit. Is a loop counter used in the embodiment.
To 11 are sequentially incremented by one. The variation pattern counter C4 is located on the left of the special symbol display device 40,
This is a loop counter used to determine a pattern for variably displaying the three symbols L, M, and R on the middle and right sides. In the embodiment, 0 to 99 are sequentially incremented by one. . When each counter is updated in this way, each counter is stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S242), and the counter update processing ends.

In the lost symbol counter updating process, the process shown in FIG.
As shown in (2), the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of incrementing the losing symbol left counter Cl (step S250). The lost symbol left counter Cl is the left symbol among the three symbols L, M, and R, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of a loss, when the variation is stopped (losing symbol). Is a counter used when determining the symbol L. In the embodiment, the counter is incremented by one in order from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols. Subsequently, it is determined whether the value of the lost symbol left counter Cl is 0 (step S252). When the value of the lost symbol left counter Cl is 0, the value of the lost symbol right counter Cr is incremented (step S254). The lost symbol right counter Cr is the right one of the three symbols L, M, and R, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of a loss, when the variation is stopped (losing symbol). Is a counter used when determining the symbol R. In the embodiment, the value is incremented by one in order from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols, similarly to the lost symbol left counter Cl. Similarly, it is determined whether the value of the lost symbol right counter Cr is 0 (step S256), and when the value of the lost symbol right counter Cr is 0, the counter Cm in the lost symbol is incremented (step S258). Here, the lost symbol inside counter Cm is a symbol (losing symbol) when the three symbols L, M, and R, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 in the event of a losing, stop changing. Is a counter used when determining the middle symbol M among the symbols. In the embodiment, the value is sequentially counted from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols in the same manner as the lost symbol left counter Cl and the lost symbol right counter Cr. Increment by one.

Each of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cr, Cm is incremented, or it is determined in step S252 that the lost symbol left counter Cl is not 0, or it is determined in step S256 that the lost symbol right counter Cr is not 0. When it is determined that the loss symbol left counter Cl matches the loss symbol right counter Cr (step S260). If the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr do not match, the losing symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr are stored in the losing symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S).
262), this routine ends. On the other hand, when the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr match, it is determined whether or not the losing symbol counter Cm also matches (step S264). Missing design left counter C
When the lost symbol right counter Cr matches the lost symbol counter Cm, the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr are stored in the lost symbol reach buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S2).
66), this routine ends. If all of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr match, the routine is not a lost symbol, so that this routine is executed without storing each of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr in the lost symbol buffer or the lost reach buffer. finish.

This lost symbol counter updating process is performed in accordance with FIG.
As can be understood from the flowchart of the main routine illustrated in FIG. 7, the process is repeatedly performed at an idle time until the main routine is executed every predetermined time. Therefore, while the other counters such as the internal random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 count up each time the main routine is executed, the lost symbol left counter Cl is vacant in addition to each time the main routine is executed. It counts up each time it is executed repeatedly.

In the start winning process, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 72 of the main control unit 70 first determines whether or not a game ball has won the start port 42 (step S20).
0). This determination can be made based on whether or not the special symbol starting port switch 44 is turned on. When it is determined that the game ball has won the starting port 42, the number of reserved balls N is 4
It is checked whether it is less than (Step S202). This is because, as described above, the number of reserved balls is up to four in the embodiment.

When the number of reserved balls N is less than 4, the number of reserved balls N is incremented by 1 (step S2).
03), one of the special symbol change pending lamps 41a to 41d is turned on in order from the left (step S204). Then, a value 0 is set to the random variable X (step S205), and the random variable X is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 in step S242 of the counter updating process of FIG. 11 or step S262 of the lost symbol counter updating process of FIG. The internal random number counter value, the reach random number counter value, the big hit symbol counter value, and the lost symbol counter value stored in the buffer are stored in the reserved area of the reserved sphere storage area, which is also set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76. (Step S206). FIG. 13 shows an example of the structure of the reserved ball storage area. As shown in the figure, the holding sphere storage area has one execution area and four holding areas that can store the internal random number counter value, the reach random number counter value, the big hit symbol counter value, the loss symbol counter value, and the random variable X one by one. It is composed of

On the other hand, when the number N of reserved balls is 4, the random variable X stored in the last reserved area D of the reserved ball storage area is read (step S207), and the random variable X is read.
Is incremented by 1 (step S208),
Then, the incremented random variable X is calculated in step S2.
07 is stored in the area of the random variable of the reserved area D read in (Step S209). Such a process is repeated each time the winning opening 42 is won when the number of reserved balls N is 4, so the probability variable X of the reserved area D is incremented by one each time.

In step S200, when it is determined that the game ball has not won the starting port 42, after the process of storing each counter value in the reserved ball storage area in step S206 is completed, or in step S209, the game ball is incremented. After the random variable X is stored in the reserved area D, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls N is greater than 0 (step S210).
It is determined whether or not the symbols L, M, and R are being changed and displayed, or whether or not a big hit is being performed (step S21).
2). The number N of reserved balls is not the value 0, and the special symbol display device 40
Is not in the fluctuation display or the big hit, the value 1 is set in the fluctuation permission flag F1 (step S21).
4), this routine is terminated, and when the number of reserved balls N is 0, when the special symbol display device 40 is displaying the fluctuation, or when the big hit is in progress, the main routine is executed without setting the fluctuation permission flag F1. End the routine.

In the variation start process, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process for determining whether or not the variation permission flag F1 is 1 (step S220). When the change permission flag F1 is not the value 1, whether the number N of the reserved balls is the value 0 or whether the special symbol display device 40 is displaying the three symbols L, M, R of the left, the middle, and the right in the variable display, or the big hit This routine is determined to be in either case, and the routine ends.

When the change permission flag F1 has the value 1, the special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d are sequentially turned on from the right side by one.
While the lights are turned off (step S222), the number N of the reserved balls is decremented by 1 (step S224), and a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is performed (step S226). This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the four reserved areas of the reserved ball storage area illustrated in FIG. 13 by one block toward the execution area. That is, the data in the reserved area A is used as the execution area, and the data in the reserved area B is used as the reserved area A
Next, the process of moving the data of the reserved area C to the reserved area B and the data of the reserved area D to the reserved area C are described.

Next, after the three symbols L, M, and R are displayed on the special symbol display device 40 in a variable manner, a stop symbol command and a special symbol display device 40 for setting the symbol when the variable display is stopped. (Step S227), and the determined display command is displayed via the input / output processing circuit 80. The display command is composed of three patterns L, M, and R, which are left, middle, and right symbols. The value is transmitted to the control device 90 (step S228), and the value 0 is set in the variation permission flag F1.
Is set (step S229), and this routine ends. The display control device 90 that has received the display command,
According to the variation pattern command among the display commands, three symbols L, M, left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40 are displayed.
The special symbol display device 4 displays the R in a variable manner and, upon receiving a confirmation command described later, according to the stop symbol command.
The variable display of the three symbols L, M, and R of 0, left, middle, and right is stopped. The display command determination processing in step S227 is performed using the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

In the display command determination process, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 firstly compares the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area with the random variable X. A reading process is performed (step S300). Then, a hit range P is set based on the random variable X (step S302). In the embodiment, the hit range P is set as a range from a value (for example, 7) previously set as a big hit value among 0 to 319 to a value obtained by adding a numerical value set to the random variable X to this value. You. For example, when the big hit value is 7 and the random variable X is 9, the hit range P is set to 7 to 16. When the hit range P is set in this way, it is determined whether or not the read value of the internal random number counter C1 belongs to the hit range P to determine whether or not it is a big hit (whether or not) (step S304). As described above, the hit / fail judgment is made based on whether or not the value of the internal random number counter C1 belongs to the set hit range P. Therefore, the hit / fail judgment can be made by changing the hit probability based on the probability variable X. That is, when the number N of reserved balls is 4, the probability variable X is incremented by one each time a game ball wins at the starting port 42, and the hit range P is set based on the random variable X. After the number N reaches the maximum value of 4, the winning of the game ball to the starting port 42 is compensated by changing the winning probability.

If it is determined that a big hit has occurred, the big hit symbol counter C3 stored in the execution area of the holding ball storage area.
Is set to the stop symbol command (step S31).
0), a big hit variation pattern command determination process illustrated in FIG. 15 is performed (step S312), and this routine ends. In the big hit variation pattern command determination process, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in the buffer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S340). If the variation pattern counter C4 is less than 20, the pattern B is changed to the variation pattern. A command is set (step S342), and the variation pattern counter C4 is set to 2
When the value is not less than 0 and less than 60, the pattern C is set as the variable pattern command (step S344), and when the variable pattern counter C4 is 60 or more, the pattern D is set as the variable pattern command (step S346). Each pattern will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the hit is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the value of the reach random number counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is a hit (step S306). This reach hit determination is performed by determining whether or not the value of the reach random number counter C2 is a value per reach, for example, “7”. In the embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is 0 to
Since the count up to 11 is sequentially counted up, the probability per reach is 1/12. When it is determined that the vehicle has reached the reach, R
Loss symbol counters Cl, Cm, stored in a loss reach symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of AM76.
The value of Cr is set in the stop symbol command (step S32)
0), a loss-reach-time variation pattern command determination process illustrated in FIG. 16 is performed (step S322), and this routine ends. In the losing reach variation pattern command determination process, as in the case of the big hit variation pattern determination process, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in the buffer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S350). When C4 is less than 50, the pattern B is set as the variation pattern command (step S352), and the variation pattern counter C4 is set to 5
When the value is not less than 0 and less than 90, the pattern C is set as the variable pattern command (step S354), and when the value of the variable pattern counter C4 is 90 or more, the pattern D is set as the variable pattern command (step S356). In addition,
If it is determined in step S306 that the vehicle is not hitting a reach,
The values of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area are set as stop symbol commands (step S330), and pattern A is set as a variable pattern command (step S332). End the routine.

In the embodiment, each variation pattern is set as follows. The pattern A starts the variation display of the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right by the special symbol display device 40, stops the left symbol L after 7 seconds, and changes the right symbol R after 8 seconds. The pattern is set as a pattern for stopping and stopping the middle symbol M after 9 seconds. Pattern B is a special symbol display device 4
After starting the variation display of the three symbols L, M, and R by 0, the left symbol L is stopped after 7 seconds, and the right symbol R is stopped after 8 seconds. This is set as a so-called normal reach pattern in which when the right symbol R matches, the middle symbol M is variably displayed at a low speed for 7 seconds and stopped. The pattern C is set as a so-called super-reach pattern in which the fluctuation display of the middle symbol M is stopped at the stop timing of the middle symbol M at the high timing without stopping the fluctuation display of the middle symbol M for another 5 seconds. The pattern D is a so-called special reach in which the variation display of the middle symbol M is stopped at the timing of stopping the middle symbol M at a low speed without stopping the variation display of the middle symbol M at the timing of the pattern C, and then stops at the hit symbol or the symbol before and after the hit symbol. Is set as a pattern. In the super reach and the special reach, not only the left, middle, and right three symbols L, M, and R are variably displayed, but a predetermined reach game is performed.

In the embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the pattern D is more easily set in the big hit variation pattern command determination process than in the loss-reach variation pattern command determination process. The pattern B is more easily set in the variation pattern command determination process during losing reach than in the variation pattern command determination process during a big hit. In other words, the special reach is easily set in the big hit variation pattern command determination process, and the normal reach is easily set in the loss-reach variation pattern command determination process. By setting in this way, it is intended to enhance the game performance and enhance the interest.

In the fluctuation end processing, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not a big hit is occurring (step S230). Here, the big hit includes a special game displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the big hit and a predetermined time after the end of the special game. The predetermined time after the end of the special game is set as, for example, a time required for adjusting each state of the pachinko machine 20 or the like. If it is determined that it is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern has ended (step S).
232). This process is performed by determining whether or not the time has elapsed since the variation time is set for each variation pattern as described in the variation start process. When the fluctuation time has ended, a stop symbol set for stopping and confirming the fluctuation display is transmitted to the display control device 90 as a confirmation command (step S).
234). Then, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (step S236), and if it is a big hit, a big hit execution command is transmitted to the display control device 90, the big winning opening driving device 52 and the like (step S238), and this routine is ended. Here, the jackpot determination in step S236 is performed in the display command determination process (FIG. 14) in step S227 in the variation start process, and the determination result may be used, or the execution area in the reserved ball storage area may be used. May be determined using the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in. It should be noted that when it is determined in step S230 that the big hit is in progress, when it is determined in step S232 that the fluctuation time has not ended, or when it is determined in step S23 that
When it is determined that the hit is not a big hit in the big hit determination of 6,
After the determination, this routine ends.

According to the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment described above, even if the game ball exceeds the maximum value 4 of the number of reserved balls N and wins in the starting port 42 during the continuous success / failure determination, the value is set for each winning. Since the hit range P is set by using the random variable X incremented by one to determine the hit / fail, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling a loss. As a result,
The interest of the pachinko machine 20 can be improved.

In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, four special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d are provided and the maximum value of the number N of the reserved balls is set to 4, but the number N of reserved balls is any integer of 1 or more. There may be.

In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the probability of a normal jackpot is set to 1/320 and the internal random number counter C is set.
Although 1 is created as an integer from 0 to 319, the normal jackpot probability may be any value, and the range in which the internal random number counter C1 counts up may be set as any range according to the normal jackpot probability. Good. Also,
When the pachinko machine 20 is of a type that changes the probability of a big hit when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a type that produces a so-called probable change state), the game balls are held in the starting port 42 between successive success / failure determinations. The probability of the jackpot changed based on the number of wins in which the number of balls N exceeds 4 may be further changed.

Further, in the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the internal random number counter C1 is counted up within the range of 0 to 319, and a determination is made based on the value of the internal random number counter C1. It is not limited to the one used. For example, a random number may be determined from a random number table at the time of winning the starting port 42, and a determination may be made based on the determined random number. In this case, a random number table may be created using integers, or a random number table may be created using numbers other than integers.
When these random number tables are used, the hit range P based on the random variable X may be set in a similar manner within the range of numbers using the random number table.

In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, when a game ball reaches the starting port 42 exceeding the maximum value of the number of reserved balls N of 4 during the continuous success / failure determination, the last stored reserved ball in the reserved ball storage area. Although the random variable X of the area D is incremented by one, the random variable X of any of the first reserved area A, the second reserved area B, or the third reserved area C is incremented by one. Alternatively, the probability variable X of each of the reserved areas A to D in the reserved ball storage area may be incremented by one in order. Further, the probability variables X of the respective reserved areas A to D of the reserved ball storage area may be made substantially equal. That is, each of the reserved areas A to D of the reserved ball storage area
May be read, and the random variable X having the smallest value among the read random variables X may be incremented by one. This makes it possible to increase the probability of the jackpot for all the special symbol display devices 40 whose fluctuations are suspended substantially uniformly.

In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, when a game ball wins over the starting port 42 by exceeding the maximum value 4 of the number N of the reserved balls during the continuous determination of success or failure, the probability variable X of the reserved area D is set to the value 1. Although the value is incremented by one, the value to be incremented may be changed in the middle. For example, the random variable X of the reservation area D is incremented by one until the game ball exceeds the maximum value 4 of the number of reserved balls N and wins a predetermined number in the starting port 42 during successive determination of success / failure, and thereafter, the prize is won. Even if the random variable X is not incremented, after a predetermined number of prizes are won, the value is incremented by one every time two prizes are won, or after the predetermined number of prizes is won, the value is incremented by two each time a prize is won. Can be considered.

In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, while the special symbol display device 40 is displaying three symbols L, M, R in a fluctuating manner or during displaying a special game animation during a big hit. When the number of game balls exceeds the maximum value of the number of reserved balls N of 4, the starting port 42
When the winning is made, the probability variable X of the holding area D is incremented to change the probability of the jackpot.
While the game balls a and 32b are being fluctuated and displayed, the game ball stops at the symbol 32a of "O" when the number of reserved balls exceeds the maximum value of 4 at the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b. It may be applied to increase the probability. In this way, while the symbols 32a, 32b of "O" and "X" are being variably displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 32, the number of the retained balls is displayed at the maximum value on the ordinary symbol display device operation gates 34a, 34b. Can be prevented from occurring when the player wins the game with the value exceeding 4. As a result, interest can be improved. In this case, in the embodiment, 4
Although the number of ordinary symbol change suspension lamps 33a to 33d is provided and the maximum value of the number of reserved balls is set to 4, the number of reserved balls may be any integer of 1 or more.

In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, even if the jackpot probability is changed by the jackpot probability changing process for a special symbol, the changed jackpot probability and information relating thereto are not provided to the player. The big hit probability may be displayed directly or as a level on the game board 30. In this case, a part of the special symbol display device 40 incorporated in the game board 30 may be used to display the changed jackpot probability and its information. Alternatively, the game symbol 30 may be displayed separately from the special symbol display device 40. May be provided with a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays the changed jackpot probability and its information on a part of (for example, above the ordinary symbol display device 32). In addition, as a method of displaying the jackpot probability and the information thereof, for example, as illustrated in FIG.
The probability of the jackpot itself can be displayed as a fraction, and the number of game balls winning in the starting port 42 after the number of reserves N exceeds the maximum value 4 can be displayed as a numerator.
As shown in the example, it is also possible to classify the information into a plurality of levels of the jackpot probability and display it as the current level. In this manner, by displaying the changed jackpot probability, the player can have a further sense of expectation of the jackpot. That is, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the pachinko machine 20. Of course, the display of the big hit probability may be applied as a mode of displaying the hit probability changed by the normal symbol hit probability changing process.

In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, when a game ball exceeds the maximum value 4 of the number of reserved balls N and wins at the starting port 42 during the determination of success or failure of a continuous big hit, the probability variable X of the reserved area D is changed. Although the probability of the big hit is changed from the initial value by incrementing the value by one, the game ball that has won the starting port 42 may be mechanically held on the back of the game board 30 or the like. In this case, the game ball can be held by itself.

In the embodiment, the present invention changes the probability of a big hit under a predetermined condition when a symbol is displayed in a fluctuating manner or during a big hit, that is, when a game ball wins during a continuous hit / fail judgment. Although a pachinko machine has been described as an example of one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a pachinko machine, and all gaming machines that determine whether or not a game is awarded with a prize of a game ball, For example, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a slot machine or a game machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined. As a basic configuration of this slot machine, `` a display means for variably displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state in accordance with the gaming state, and then confirming and displaying the symbols,
The fluctuation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed. And a special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the fixed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium. In such a slot machine, a special game state (big hit state) which is advantageous for a player who can obtain at least a large number of game media such as coins and medals, and a normal game which is disadvantageous for a player consuming game media A state may exist. In addition, as a basic configuration of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, a symbol row including a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state is variably displayed, and then the symbol is determined and displayed. A display means is provided, and a symbol change is started by operation of a starting operation hand throw (eg, an operation lever), and is caused by operation of a stop operation means (eg, a stop button) or by elapse of a predetermined time. A special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the pattern change is stopped, and the fixed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol, and using a game ball as a game medium In addition, a gaming machine that is configured to require a predetermined number of game balls at the start of symbol fluctuation and to pay out many game balls when a special game state occurs. It can gel. Such a gaming machine has a special gaming state (big hit state) that is advantageous for a player who can acquire at least a large number of gaming balls, and a normal gaming state that is disadvantageous for a player consuming gaming balls. It can be present.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, it can be carried out.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection of the pachinko machine 20 according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display diagram displayed on a special symbol display device 40.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special game moving image displayed on the special symbol display device 40.

6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special game moving image displayed on the special symbol display device 40. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main routine executed by the main control device 70.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a start winning process by the main control device 70;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change start process executed by the main control device 70;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change end process executed by a main control device 70;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a counter update process executed by the main control device 70;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a lost symbol counter updating process executed by the main control device 70.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reserved ball storage area.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a display command determination process executed by the main control device 70;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a jackpot variation pattern command determination process executed by the main control device 70.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a loss-reach-time variation pattern command determination process executed by the main control device 70;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a jackpot probability display screen displaying a jackpot probability by a fraction.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a jackpot probability display screen displaying a jackpot probability according to a level.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 pachinko machine, 22 front frame, 24 upper tray, 2
6 lower tray, 28 firing knob, 30 game board, 32
Ordinary symbol display device, 32a, 32b Symbols of "O" and "X", 33a to 33d Ordinary symbol change holding lamp, 34a, 34b Ordinary symbol display device operation gate, 3
6a, 36b Normal symbol start switch, 40 Special symbol display device, 41a-41d Special symbol change holding lamp,
42 starting opening, 44 special design starting switch, 46 ordinary electric accessory, 50 big winning opening, 52 big winning opening drive,
54 count switch, 56 V zone, 58 V switch, 60a-60d normal winning opening, 62 rails,
64a, 64b lamp windmill, 66a, 66b windmill,
68 68a-68h indicator, 69 outlet, 70 main control device, 72 CPU, 73 power supply circuit, 74 ROM, 76 RAM, 78 clock circuit, 80 input / output processing circuit, 82 bus, 84 audio control device, 86 speaker, 88 other input devices, 89
Other output devices, 90 display control device.

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hideyuki Shiratori 7-49 Haruoka-dori, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Japan JT Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shunichi Sekiguchi 7-49, Haruoka-dori, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan J-ti F term (reference) 2C088 AA33 AA36 AA37 AA39 AA42 EB55

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A symbol variation display means for varyingly displaying a symbol in response to the establishment of a starting condition, and a determination as to whether or not a symbol has been hit with a predetermined probability when the symbol variation display means starts symbol variation display. And a stop symbol determining means for determining a symbol at the time of symbol change stop in the symbol variation display means based on the determination result by the hit / fail determination means, Based on the number of times the starting condition is satisfied during the success / failure determination that is continuously performed by the determination means, the predetermined hit probability used in the success / failure determination after the success / failure determination of the successive success / failure determination is determined. A gaming machine provided with a hit probability changing means.