JP2002336451A - Game machine and method of playing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the profitability of a game arcade by eliminating botheration in games on game machines. SOLUTION: During a game varying in prize-winning probability, a game machine, which has a probability varying function for increasing the probability of a big win after processing the same pertaining to a specific special prize therein and the probability of opening a normal electrically-driven accessory 207, reduces the time of varying patterns, increases the upper limit of number of retained game balls from the conventional four to eight, and reduces the number of start prize winning balls from the conventional five to one in the case where a game ball enters a start prize winning ball opening 203.

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 a gaming method thereof, and more particularly, to a gaming machine and a gaming method capable of varying the opening probability of a normal electric accessory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming machine generally called a pachinko machine, a special symbol display (hereinafter simply referred to as a symbol for the sake of convenience) composed of a plurality of numbers, figures and the like can be variably displayed. Some devices have a device in a game board.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-31, which is related to gaming machines
Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 9252, 11-70229, and 9-140881 disclose general mechanical structures of gaming machines.

[0004] In the current gaming machine, the information of each ball winning the starting winning opening during the change of the symbol is stored in the holding memory for each ball in the RAM, and the symbol can be changed continuously. . In this case, a holding lamp is provided on the gaming board of the gaming machine in order to clearly indicate the storage status of the holding memory to the player. The holding lamp is turned on in conjunction with storing information of each ball that has won the starting winning opening during the change of the symbol in the holding memory for each ball on the RAM (hereinafter, “ball holding”). Call), the number of times the symbol can be changed continuously is reported.

FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) are views showing a conventional example of lighting a holding lamp for holding four balls. FIG.
(A) shows a case where the ball a101, the ball b102, the ball c103, and the ball d104 successively win the winning opening 106 while the special symbol display device 107 is changing the symbol.

[0006] With the successive winning, the holding lamp 112, holding lamp 111, holding lamp 110,
The lamps are turned on in the order of the holding lamp 109, and finally the ball a101
Of the ball b102 is indicated by the holding lamp 110, the holding of the ball c103 is indicated by the holding lamp 111, and the holding of the ball d104 is indicated by the holding lamp 112.
Indicates.

FIG. 1B is a continuation of FIG.
During a symbol change with respect to the ball a101 accompanied by turning off the holding lamp 109 indicating that the ball a101 is held (hereinafter, referred to as "holding digestion" of the ball a101), the ball e105 is set to the starting winning opening 1
06 is shown.

In this case, the holding lamp 109 is turned on again, and finally, the holding lamp 109 indicates that the ball b102 is holding, the holding lamp 110 indicates that the ball c103 is holding, and the holding lamp 111 indicates that the ball d104 is holding. , Ball e105
Is indicated by the hold lamp 112.

Subsequently, when there is no winning in the starting winning opening 106, the holding lamps 109, 110, 111 and 112 are held.
Are sequentially turned off, and the ball b102, the ball c103, and the ball d10
4. The suspension digestion of the ball e105 is performed.

In the gaming machine, a special prize (so-called big hit) is given when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 107 is a combination of a predetermined specific symbol. The special prize is that the game is the first
Is a point where the state is switched from the state to the second state, and the second state is an advantageous state (big hit operation) of giving a predetermined game value to the player. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent gaming machines, there is a gaming machine having a function of changing the probability of a jackpot in a gaming machine increasing after a jackpot operation is completed for a specific special prize in a special prize. Generally, the probability fluctuation of such a gaming machine with a probability fluctuation function is continued until the next jackpot is acquired.

In FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), when a ball passes through a normal symbol display device operation gate (not shown), a lottery for opening the normal electric accessory 108 is performed. Increases the probability of opening the electric accessory 108.
Accordingly, during the probability fluctuation, the ordinary electric accessory 108 is frequently opened, and as a result, the ball easily enters the start winning opening 106, and the symbol fluctuation of the special symbol display device 107 is easily continued. At the same time, one symbol change time is shortened during the probability change, so that the number of symbol changes per unit time increases.

The number of prize balls (balls to be paid out) when a ball is won in the start winning port 106 is five in the present regulations. In combination with this and the above-mentioned four holding lamps, the gaming machine with the probability changing function sets all four holding lamps during the probability changing so that the symbol change can be obtained continuously and quickly to the next big hit. Start winning opening 1 so that the ball does not increase or decrease until the next jackpot in the direction of lighting
06 to adjust the prize ball related to
Controlling the opening lottery.

A state in which the number of balls held does not increase or decrease during a normal game other than such a jackpot operation, that is, a state in which the number of hit balls (IN) of the gaming machine is equal to the number of award balls (OUT) is referred to as OUT / The ratio of IN (called base) is OUT / IN
= 1 (100%), so it is called base 100.

Here, depending on the player, it may be redundant and cumbersome that the state of the base 100 during the probability change of the gaming machine with the probability change function continues until the next big hit. For example, there is a case where the symbol does not hit for a long time, such as when the symbol rotates 300 or 400 despite the probability fluctuation. In addition, during the probability fluctuation, the ordinary electric accessory 108 is frequently opened to allow the ball to easily enter the starting winning opening 106, and the four holding lamps are easily turned on. The winning of the ball into the starting winning opening 106 is a winning unrelated to the symbol change of the special symbol display device 107 (that is, the jackpot lottery). Therefore, 4
A player who does not want to uselessly enter a winning ball into the start winning opening 106 after all the holding lamps are fully lit, stops the launch of the ball (so-called hitting) after all the four holding lamps are lit. There are cases.

[0015] On the other hand, for a gaming arcade that operates with a gaming machine installed, the state of the base 100 during probability fluctuation does not lead to sales, so the next big hit comes early and the probability fluctuation ends. , Normal game (normal, base <10
Returning to 0) will be profitable.

A technique for solving the above-mentioned problem is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-196701. This document describes a method of changing the upper limit value of the number of held balls under predetermined conditions in order to further improve the number of symbol changes per unit time and obtain the next big hit faster during probability fluctuation. It has been disclosed.

However, in the method disclosed in the above document, in order to quickly acquire the next jackpot during probability fluctuation, the symbol fluctuation time is shortened and the upper limit of the number of retained balls is set to, for example, four to eight. Even if it is changed to the above, by controlling the lottery of the opening of the ordinary motorized accessory in the direction in which all the eight holding lamps are turned on, the ordinary electrically powered accessory can be compared with the conventional case of up to four holding lamps. More balls will be won in the start winning prize port that has also been combined. As a result, the base is 10
It will rise above 0, which will be a minus for sales for a game store.

[0018]

As described above, a gaming machine capable of varying the opening probability of a normal electric accessory increases the redundancy of the game when the opening probability of the ordinary electric accessory increases after the jackpot operation. In order to solve the problem, a method has been considered in which the upper limit of the number of retained balls is changed according to a predetermined condition in order to further improve the number of symbol changes per unit time and obtain the next jackpot more quickly. However,
There is still room for improvement in the above prior art in that the profit efficiency of the game store has not yet been improved.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the complexity of a game and improve the profit efficiency of a game store and a game method thereof. Is to provide.

[0020]

In order to achieve such an object, the invention according to claim 1 performs a lottery internally in response to a winning ball and changes a plurality of symbols to change the lottery. Stop changing the plurality of symbols based on the result,
A storage means capable of storing a predetermined number of information on the winning balls in a gaming machine which is in an advantageous state of giving a predetermined game value to a player when the lottery is won; A first changing means for changing the number of winning balls related to the winning balls, and a combination of the plurality of symbols stopped changing when the advantageous state is reached, In the case of a combination, the first variation means varies the predetermined number and the second variation means varies the prize ball number after the advantageous state ends.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the first variation means increases the predetermined number, and the second variation means decreases the number of prize balls. It is characterized by the following.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, when the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuated in the advantageous state is a predetermined combination. Preferably, the game machine further comprises a probability variation function in which the winning probability of the lottery increases after the end of the advantageous state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuated when the advantageous state is attained is determined. Wherein the first variation means varies the predetermined number and the second variation means varies the prize ball number during the advantageous state.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, after the end of the advantageous state,
During the advantageous state, the first change means changes the predetermined number, and the second change means changes the prize ball number.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a lottery is internally performed in response to a winning ball, a plurality of symbols are changed, and the change of the plurality of symbols is stopped based on the result of the lottery. In the case of winning, in the gaming method of the gaming machine which is in an advantageous state of giving a predetermined game value to the player, when the information of the winning ball is acquired, the information of the winning ball is predetermined in the gaming machine. Determining whether or not the number is stored, and when the result of the determination is not stored in a predetermined number, storing the acquired information of the winning sphere in the gaming machine; and A symbol determination step of determining whether or not the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuating when the state is a predetermined combination;
When the combination of the plurality of symbols is determined to be a predetermined combination by the symbol determination step, the first variation step of varying the predetermined number after the advantageous state ends, and the symbol determination step A second changing step of changing the number of prize balls related to the winning balls after the advantageous state ends, when it is determined that the combination of the plurality of symbols is a predetermined combination. And

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, portions having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted. Further, the mechanical structure of the gaming machine can be the same as the conventional example as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-319252, for example. Keep only at the site.

(Apparatus Configuration) FIG. 2 shows an example of a front view of a gaming board of a gaming machine.

In FIG. 2, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a gaming board 201 on which a character or the like of the gaming machine is mounted on a board, a special symbol display device 202, a starting winning opening 203, a normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204. , Ordinary symbol display device operation gate (right) 205, ordinary symbol display device 206, ordinary electric accessory 207, variable winning prize ball device 208, special symbol operation storage indicator lamp (hereinafter referred to as “hold lamp”) 209, 210, 21
1, 212.

The special symbol display device 202 includes, for example, L
CD (Liquid Crystal Display) or CRT (Cathod
There are variable display devices such as e-ray tube displays, 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode), dot matrix display devices, drums and the like. The special symbol display device 202 variably displays a special symbol (hereinafter, symbol) such as a plurality of numbers and figures.

In the present embodiment, the special symbol display device 202 has a variable display device capable of displaying an image such as a background and each of a plurality of symbols as a moving image.
A case where the stop symbol of No. 2 is a combination of predetermined specific symbols is defined as a special prize (so-called big hit). The special prize is a point at which the game switches from the first state to the second state, and the second state is an advantageous state (big hit operation) of giving a predetermined game value to the player.

When the ball hit by the player wins, the start winning port 203 is provided with an internal special symbol start switch 3.
When a trigger of 01 (described later with reference to FIG. 3) is generated, a winning is detected, and a trigger for a symbol change of the special symbol display device 202 is given.

Normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204
When the ball hit by the player passes through the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205, a trigger of the internal normal symbol operation switch 302 (described later with reference to FIG. 3) generates a trigger of the normal symbol display device 206. Gives an opportunity to change the design.

The normal symbol display device 206 variably displays a normal symbol such as a 7-segment LED to be displayed.

The ordinary electric accessory 207 is opened when the ordinary symbol display device 206 stops and displays a specific ordinary symbol (so-called small hit), and assists in winning in the starting winning opening 203.

The variable prize ball device 208 is used when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 202 is a predetermined combination of specific symbols, that is, when a special prize is won, in the subsequent jackpot operation. The opening operation of the big winning opening on the front is performed.

Hold lamps 209, 210, 211, 21
2 is turned on in conjunction with storing information of each ball which has won the starting winning opening 203 during the change of the symbol in a holding memory for each ball on the RAM 310 which will be described later with reference to FIG. , "Ball hold"), and the number of times the symbol can be changed continuously is notified. In addition, the winning prize ball to the starting winning opening 203 which is the target of the suspension of the ball is hereinafter referred to as “reserved ball”.

FIG. 3 shows a control circuit configuration of the gaming machine. In FIG. 3, the control circuit configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a special symbol start switch 301 and a normal symbol activation switch 30.
2. Winner switch 303, reset circuit 305, power supply circuit 306, input port 307, main controller 308, R
OM 309, RAM 310, output port 311, special symbol display device 202, ordinary symbol display device 206, large winning opening operation solenoid 312, ordinary electric accessory operation solenoid 3
13, lamp display device 314, sound effect generator 315,
It has a prize ball payout device 316, a ball firing device 317, and other switches 304.

The special symbol start switch 301 generates a trigger when the ball hit by the player and hits the start winning opening 203 passes through this switch, detects a winning, and detects a symbol change of the special symbol display device 202. Give an opportunity.

The normal symbol operation switch 302 is driven out by the player, and the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 2
When the ball that has passed through the switch 04 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205 passes through this switch, a trigger is generated to give a trigger to change the ordinary symbol of the ordinary symbol display device 206.

When a special prize is won, the special prize port switch 303 is used to change the variable prize ball device 2 in the subsequent jackpot operation.
08 is detected as a winning of the ball.

The reset circuit 305 sets the main control unit 308 in an initial state. The power supply circuit 306 supplies power to the entire circuit of FIG. The input port 307 receives a signal from each unit and transfers the signal to the main control unit 308.

The main control unit 308 is a CPU for controlling the entire game machine. Even if a one-chip CPU having a built-in ROM 309 and RAM 310 is used, the main control unit 308 may be connected to a CPU externally connected to the ROM 309 and RAM 310 via a bus. Is also good.

The ROM 309 stores a program for controlling the gaming machine for the main control unit 308. Specifically, it stores a game control program of FIG. 5 that defines the content of the game control process performed by the CPU of the main control unit 308.
The ROM 309 further stores various parameter values for controlling the gaming machine, including a command ID for instructing the special symbol display device 202.

The RAM 310 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control unit 308, data for arithmetic processing, various counters such as a random number counter related to the game, and the like, and records information of each reserved ball. Has pending memory.

The output port 311 outputs a signal to each unit and transfers the signal from the main control unit 308.

The special winning opening operation solenoid 312 opens the special winning opening on the front surface of the variable winning ball device 208 in the subsequent big hit operation when a special prize is won.

The ordinary electric accessory operating solenoid 313 opens the ordinary electric accessory 207 when the ordinary symbol display device 206 stops displaying the small symbol ordinary symbol.

The lamp display device 314 is a display device for lamps related to a game, and selectively turns on / off a plurality of lamps according to an instruction from the main control unit 308. Accordingly, the holding lamps 209 to 212 are also turned on when information is recorded in the holding memory on the RAM 310 and turned off when the holding ball is used up.

The sound effect generator 315 generates sound related to the game. The prize ball payout device 316 pays out a prize ball when a prize is detected by the special symbol start switch 301, the special winning opening switch 303, the other switch 304, or the like.

When the ball launching device 317 detects the ball launching operation of the player with the handle of the gaming machine, the ball launching device 317 launches the ball to the game board 201.

(Explanation of Operation) In the system configuration described above, the game contents related to the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described below. Note that a description will be given of a gaming machine having a probability variation function in which the probability of the jackpot inside the gaming machine increases and the opening probability of the ordinary electric accessory 207 increases after the jackpot operation of the specific special prize is exhausted. The probability fluctuation of the gaming machine of the present embodiment is continued until the next special prize is obtained.

In the present embodiment, in the game of the gaming machine with the probability fluctuating, the upper limit of the number of reserved balls is increased to four or more in the related art, and at the same time, the number of the winning prize balls when the ball wins in the starting winning opening 203 is increased. Is reduced to less than five in the related art.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a state transition of a game of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, when the gaming state is the normal state 401, the upper limit number 404 of the number of retained balls is four as in the past, and the starting winning opening 203
The number of starting award balls 405 when a ball wins is 5 as in the conventional case. That is, during the change of the special symbol, the starting winning opening 20
With the continuous winning of the ball to No. 3, up to four holding lamps are turned on in the order of the holding lamp 212, the holding lamp 211, the holding lamp 210, and the holding lamp 209.

Subsequently, after a special prize (for example, a combination of symbols 7), if the probability changes after the jackpot operation is completed, that is, if the gaming state is changing the probability 402, the number of balls to be retained is set to the upper limit. The number 404 is increased to, for example, eight, and the number of starting award balls 405 when a ball is awarded in the starting winning opening 203 also changes to, for example, one.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, as in the conventional game machine, the ordinary electric accessory 20 is turned in the direction in which all the holding lamps are turned on.
7 is controlled so as to increase the opening probability, and the open state time during the opening is also extended. That is, the ordinary electric accessory 207
Is opened when the normal symbol display device 206 stops displaying the small symbol normal symbol (for example, 7 display with 7 segment LED), but the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204 (or the normal symbol) When a trigger of the normal symbol operation switch 302 is generated by the passage of the ball of the display device operation gate (right) 205), the winning probability of the small hit of the ordinary symbol selected by the main control unit 308 increases.

In this embodiment, the regular electric accessory 20 is frequently used.
During the change in the probability that the ball will easily enter the starting winning opening 203 by opening the 7, the holding lamp becomes the holding lamp 212 and the holding lamp with the continuous winning of the ball in the starting winning opening 203 during the change of the special symbol. 211, the holding lamp 210, and the holding lamp 209 are turned on in the order of up to four. After that, while the symbol of the special symbol is being changed, the holding lamp 212 blinks in sequence with the continuous winning of the ball in the starting winning opening 203 (5).
The hold lamp 211 blinks (holds the sixth ball), the hold lamp 210 flashes (holds the seventh ball), and the hold lamp 209 flashes (holds the eighth ball). By holding, the holding of up to eight balls can be clearly indicated.

At the same time, during probability fluctuation, as shown in FIG.
As in the past, in a gaming machine, a special symbol change is reduced, and one symbol change time is shortened, so that the number of symbol changes per unit time is increased.

On the other hand, when the probability is fluctuating, the symbol change time is shortened, the upper limit number 404 of the number of retained balls is changed to eight, and the retaining lamp is set so as to clearly indicate the retention of a maximum of eight balls. In order to control the lottery of opening the normal electric accessory 207 in the direction of full lighting, compared to the conventional case of holding up to four balls,
More balls will be awarded in the starting winning opening 203 which also has the ordinary electric accessory 207. In this case, the number of starting award balls 405 when a ball is awarded in the starting winning opening 203 is changed to one less than the conventional five, and the base during the probability change is 100.
We suppress that we rise too much.

(Explanation of Processing of Program) The above processing in this embodiment is performed according to the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processing procedure of FIG. 5 shows the contents of the game control processing executed by the CPU of the main control unit 308. This is an interrupt process started every cycle t (for example, 4 msec). The CPU of the main control unit 308 reads out and executes a game control program stored in the ROM 309 and executes a game control interrupt process. is there.

In FIG. 5, when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, the main control unit 308 performs initial settings relating to images, lamps, sounds, games, and the like (step S500). Thereafter, the main control unit 308 generates a jackpot random number for a special prize by updating (+1) the jackpot random number loop counter by the process of step S510 every cycle t. At the same time, in step S510, the main control unit 308 updates the small random number loop counter (+1) to generate a small random number for a normal symbol.

During the processing of step S520, the main control unit 3
When a winning ball is detected in the starting winning opening 203, a big hit random number is read from a big hit random number loop counter and buffered on the RAM 310. Further, when a ball wins in the start winning opening 203 during the symbol change, the main control unit 30
Numeral 8 reads the jackpot random number from the jackpot random number loop counter and buffers it in the holding memory of the holding ball on the RAM 310 (holding the ball). Each time this step is repeatedly performed during the symbol change, the value of each jackpot random number is continuously stored in the holding memory on the RAM 310 for a plurality of holding balls.

Also, during the processing of step S520, the main control unit 308 normally operates the symbol display device operation gate (left) 204
(Or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205)
Is detected, the small random number is read from the small random number loop counter and buffered in the RAM 310. The process of step S520 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The error occurrence status of the gaming machine is determined by the main controller 30.
8 is checked by performing the process of step S530.

The main control unit 308 performs control related to the game such as symbol change and control of the accessory in the game management process of step S540. At the start of the change of the special symbol due to the winning prize ball into the starting winning opening 203 or the holding of the holding ball, the reach random number read from the reach random number loop counter, the symbol random number read from the symbol random number loop counter, and the RAM
On the basis of the jackpot random number of the winning ball to the starting winning port 203 on the 310 or the jackpot random number stored in the holding memory of the holding ball, the main control unit 308 executes the change pattern designation command and the left, middle, and right stop. Prepare a symbol designating command and the like. This processing is performed by the main control unit 308 in step S
This is performed when it is determined that the symbol change has started during the game management process of 540.

Also, the normal symbol display device operation gate (left)
204 (or normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 2
05) At the start of the change of the ordinary symbol due to the passing of the ball, R
The main control unit 30 based on the small random number on the AM 310
Numeral 8 prepares stop symbol data or the like of a normal symbol. This process is performed when the main control unit 308 determines that the normal symbol change has started during the game management process of step S540. The process of step S540 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the main control unit 308 stores the number of prize balls paid out in the RAM 310 for the prize balls in the start prize port 203 or for the reserved balls that have been prized in the start prize port 203 during the above-mentioned symbol change. (Step S550). The process in step S550 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Further, in order to notify the gaming state to the outside of the gaming machine, the main control unit 308 transmits the information to the outside by performing the process of step S560.

When the gaming machine controls output data such as a lamp, a sound, an image, a payout of a prize ball, and the operation of an accessory, the main control unit 308 controls the output data by the process of step S570. For example, the main control unit 308 instructs the lamp display device 314 to turn on the holding lamp and transmits an image control command to the special symbol display device 202 to notify the holding ball. Further, the main control unit 308 instructs the prize ball payout device 316 to pay out a prize ball.

The main control unit 308 updates the reach random number loop counter and the symbol random number loop counter in step S58.
This is performed by updating these random number counters n times (n is a natural number) using the remaining interrupt time of 0.

FIG. 6 shows the contents of the game management processing in step S540 of FIG. In FIG. 6, the main control unit 30
8 is a jackpot random number (a jackpot random number of a prize ball to the starting winning opening 203 or a jackpot random number of a prize ball in a holding memory) relating to a symbol change to be processed at this time.
If it is determined that it is stored on the AM 310 and the start of the symbol change due to the holding of the winning ball or the holding ball in the starting winning port 203 (step S600), the process proceeds to step S601.

Next, the main control unit 308 calculates the jackpot random number related to the symbol variation stored in the RAM 310,
The start of the symbol fluctuation special prize is determined. Further, the probability variation flag is set to the default OFF. If not a special award,
If the jackpot flag is turned off and it is determined that a special prize,
The big hit flag is turned on (step S601).

The main control unit 308 determines a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 202 from the result of the special prize judgment, the reach random number read from the reach random number loop counter, and the symbol random number read from the symbol random number loop counter. . For example, the special prize judgment is “big hit flag O
N ”, the reach type uniquely determined from the reach random numbers is“ super reach ”, and the left, middle, and right symbol numbers uniquely determined from the symbol random numbers are“ 7H, 7H, 7 ”in that order.
H ”(hexadecimal notation).
08 is a left, middle, and right stop symbol designation command (each command I, in which the left, middle, and right symbol numbers are set as events.
D sets information 1, 2, and 3) in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 in order. Here, assuming that the left, middle, and right symbol numbers are “7H, 7H, 7H” and the symbol is a specific symbol and the probability varies, the main control unit 308 turns on the probability variation flag in this case (step S602). ).

Next, the main control unit 308 determines the fluctuation pattern of the symbol fluctuation based on the above-described determination of the special prize, the reach random number, and the symbol random number. For example, the above "big hit flag O
In the case of “N, super reach, specific symbol”, the variation pattern is “special prize (specific symbol)”, and the variation pattern ID = 3 and the variation pattern event =
The reach type (= reach random number “super reach”) is determined. Then, the main control unit 308 sets information of a fluctuation pattern designation command (command ID = 4) in which the determined fluctuation pattern information is set as an event, in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (step S603).

When the information of each command required for the symbol change is set, the main control unit 308 sets a symbol change timer for monitoring the symbol change to a predetermined value. In particular,
If the probability variation flag is ON, the symbol variation timer is set shorter than normal. As a result, the special symbol variation shortening works, and one symbol variation time is reduced (step S60).
4).

Similarly, in FIG. 6, the main control unit 308
The small random number pertaining to the normal symbol fluctuation is R
When stored in the AM 310, it is checked, and when it is determined that the normal symbol change starts due to the passage of the ball through the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205) ( Step S650) and the process proceeds to step S651.

Next, the main control unit 308 determines the small hit of the normal symbol fluctuation to be started based on the random number of the normal symbol fluctuation stored in the RAM 310. If it is not a small hit, the small hit flag is turned off, and if it is determined that the small hit is made, the small hit flag is turned on (step S651).

The main control unit 308 determines a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 206 from the small hit determination result. For example, it is assumed that the small hit determination is “small hit flag ON”, and the stop symbol data of the ordinary symbol uniquely determined from the small hit determination result is “7H” (hexadecimal notation). Then, the main control unit 308 sets the stopped symbol data of the ordinary symbol in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (step S652).

Next, the main control unit 308 sets fluctuation instruction data for instructing a normal symbol fluctuation in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (step S653).

When the setting of each data required for the ordinary symbol variation is completed, the main control unit 308 sets the ordinary symbol variation timer for monitoring the ordinary symbol variation to a predetermined value (step S654).

When the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 6 to FIG. 5 of the calling source, the main control unit 308 performs the above-described step S570 based on the information of each command required for the symbol change set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310. Through the processing, the variation pattern designation command and the left, middle, and right stop symbol designation commands are sequentially transmitted to the special symbol display device 202.
As a result, the special symbol display device 202 starts symbol fluctuation, and grasps the left, middle, and right symbols to be stopped and displayed when a later symbol stop command is received.

Similarly, when the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 6 to FIG. 5 of the calling source, the main control unit 308 performs the above-described step S570 based on the data required for the ordinary symbol change set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310. , The change instruction data is output to the normal symbol display device 206. Thus, the ordinary symbol display device 206 starts symbol variation.

When the processing of FIG. 6 is called again from the processing of FIG. 5 by the interrupt processing, the main control unit 308
When the symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, when it is determined that the symbol variation is in progress (step S600 → S605), the symbol variation timer is decremented (−1) (step S60).
6).

When the symbol variation timer reaches 0, the main control unit 308 issues a symbol stop command (command ID = 5).
Is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (steps S607 → S608).

The main control unit 308 sets the symbol variation timer to 0,
That is, if the symbol is not changing, the big hit flag is checked (step S609), and if the big hit flag is ON,
The main control unit 308 outputs the jackpot processing instruction data for instructing the special winning opening activation solenoid 312 to open the special winning opening on the front of the variable winning sphere device 208 for a predetermined time.
Set in a predetermined area on M310 (step S61)
0).

Similarly, in FIG. 6, the main control unit 308
When it is determined that the ordinary symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, that the ordinary symbol variation is in progress (step S650 → S655), the ordinary symbol variation timer is decremented (−1) (step S656).

When the normal symbol fluctuation timer reaches 0,
The main control unit 308 sets the symbol stop instruction data for instructing the normal symbol change stop in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (steps S657 → S658).

When the ordinary symbol variation timer is 0, that is, when the ordinary symbol variation is not in progress, the main control unit 308 checks the small hit flag (step S659) and turns on the small hit flag.
In the case of, the main control unit 308 sends the small hit processing instruction data for instructing the ordinary electric accessory operating solenoid 313 to open the ordinary electric accessory 207 for a predetermined time to the RAM 31.
It is set in a predetermined area above 0 (step S660).
In particular, when the probability variation flag is ON, the ordinary electric accessory 20
Set the open time of 7 longer than usual. This makes it easier for the ball to enter the starting winning opening 203 during the probability fluctuation.

When the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 6 to FIG. 5 of the calling source, the main control unit 308 executes the symbol stop by the processing of step S570 based on the information of the command set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310. The command is transmitted to the special symbol display device 202. As a result, the special symbol display device 202 is designated by the variation pattern designation command so as to stop at each of the left, middle, and right symbols grasped when receiving the preceding left, middle, and right stop symbol designation commands. Stop the pattern change with the changed pattern. The main control unit 30
8 is a case where the jackpot processing instruction data is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310, the aforementioned step S57.
By the processing of 0, the jackpot processing instruction data is output to the special winning opening operation solenoid 312. Thereby, the big winning opening on the front of the variable winning ball device 208 is opened for a predetermined time.

Similarly, when the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 6 to FIG. 5 of the calling source, the main control unit 308 executes the symbol stop by the processing of the above-described step S570 based on the data set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310 described above. The instruction data and the stopped symbol data are output to the ordinary symbol display device 206. Thereby, the ordinary symbol fluctuation of the ordinary symbol display device 206 is
Stop at the symbol indicated by the stop symbol data. The main control unit 308 stores the small hit processing instruction data in the RAM 31.
If it is set to the predetermined area above 0, the small hit processing instruction data is output to the ordinary electric accessory actuation solenoid 313 by the processing of step S570 described above. As a result, the ordinary electric accessory 207 is opened for a predetermined time.

FIG. 7 shows the contents of the input check processing in step S520 of FIG. In FIG. 7, the main control unit 308 detects a winning ball in the starting winning opening 203, and when the symbol variation timer is determined to be 0, that is, when the symbol variation is not in progress, the main control unit 308 reads the jackpot random number from the jackpot random number loop counter and stores the random number on the RAM 310. (Steps S700 → S710 → S720).

The main control unit 308 detects a winning ball in the start winning opening 203 and, if the symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, determines that the symbol is being varied, checks the probability variation flag (steps S700 → S710 → S730). ).

When the probability variation flag is OFF, the main control unit 3
In step 08, it is checked whether or not a maximum of four reserved memories of the reserved balls on the RAM 310 are buffered. If there is free space in the hold memory, the main control unit 308 reads the jackpot random number from the jackpot random number loop counter,
Buffer in a reserved memory on 310. And
Hold lamp 212, Hold lamp 211, Hold lamp 21
0, the holding lamp instruction data for instructing lighting of the holding lamp to be turned on next among the holding lamps 209 is stored in the RAM 3.
10 in a predetermined area (step S740 →
S750).

When the probability variation flag is ON, the main control unit 30
8 is the maximum number of the reserved memory of the reserved ball on the RAM 310 is 8
Check if there is buffering for each item. If there is free space in the holding memory, the main control unit 308 reads the jackpot random number from the jackpot random number loop counter and
Buffer in the on-hold memory 10. Then, the holding lamp 212, the holding lamp 211, and the holding lamp 21
0, the holding lamp instruction data for instructing lighting of the holding lamp to be turned on next among the holding lamps 209 is stored in the RAM 3.
10 is set in a predetermined area (step S760 →
S770).

In step S770 in this case, the holding lamp 212, the holding lamp 211, and the holding lamp 21
0, if all four of the hold lamps 209 are on,
The main control unit 308 flashes the hold lamp 212 (holds the fifth ball), flashes the hold lamp 211 (holds the sixth ball), and flashes the hold lamp 210 (holds the seventh ball). ,
Among the blinking of the holding lamp 209 (holding of the eighth ball), the holding lamp instruction data for instructing the blinking of the holding lamp to be blinked next is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310.

Step S72 when the probability is changing
At 0 or since the probability is changing in step S770, the probability that the jackpot random number read from the jackpot random number loop counter is a special prize is increased by a predetermined factor from normal.

Further, the main control unit 308 determines in step S7
At 80, inputs from other switches are detected and processed. For example, a normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204
(Or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205)
Is detected, the small random number is read from the small random number loop counter and buffered in the RAM 310. In addition, in the case of the small hit random number extraction in the case of the probability fluctuation, the probability that the small hit random number read from the small hit random number loop counter is the small hit winning is increased by a predetermined multiple from the normal.

When the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 7 to FIG. 5 of the calling source, the main control unit 308 performs the above-described step S5 based on the data set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310.
By the process of 70, the holding lamp instruction data is output to the lamp display device 314. Thereby, the lamp display device 3
Reference numeral 14 turns on or blinks the holding lamp designated by the holding lamp instruction data.

FIG. 8 shows the details of the award ball setting process in step S550 of FIG. In FIG. 8, the main control unit 3
08 is a new jackpot random number (a jackpot random number of the winning ball to the starting jackpot 203 or a jackpot random number of the winning ball in the holding memory) when the ball is won in the starting winning port 203 is newly stored in the RAM 310 at this time. If it is determined that the jackpot random number has been newly stored in the RAM 310 (step S800), the process proceeds to step S81.
Proceed to 0.

When the probability variation flag is OFF, the main control unit 3
08 sets start prize ball number instruction data for instructing payout of prize balls with a start prize ball number of 5 when a ball wins in the start winning port 203 in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (steps S810 → S820). ).

When the probability variation flag is ON, the main control unit 30
In a step S810, the starting prize ball number instruction data for instructing the payout of the prize ball with the starting prize ball number being one when the ball is won in the starting winning port 203 is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (steps S810 → S830). ).

Further, the main control unit 308 determines in step S8
At 40, data for instructing the payout of payout balls for a special winning opening or other winnings is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310.

When the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 8 to FIG. 5 of the calling source, the main control unit 308 performs the above-described step S5 based on the data set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310.
By the process of 70, the start award ball number instruction data is output to the award ball payout device 316. Thereby, the prize ball payout device 316
Pays out the number of prize balls specified by the starting prize ball number instruction data.

(Effects of Embodiment) As described above,
After the special jackpot operation is completed, the probability of the jackpot inside the gaming machine increases and the ordinary
A game machine with a probability variation function that increases the opening probability of a game, in a game during a probability variation, shortens the symbol variation time, increases the upper limit of the number of held balls from the conventional four to eight, and starts the game at the same time The number of starting prize balls when a ball is won in the winning opening 203 is reduced from the conventional five to one.

For this reason, the gaming machine whose probability is fluctuating moves the ordinary electric accessory 2 in the direction of turning on all eight holding lamps for holding the ball.
By controlling the opening lottery of 07, the conventional maximum of 4
As compared with the case of the individual holding lamps, more balls are won in the start winning opening 203 which also has the ordinary electric accessory 207. As a result, during the probability fluctuation, the player can acquire the next jackpot faster by further improving the number of symbol fluctuations per unit time, while the gaming machine may have a base exceeding 100 or more. It is suppressed, and has an effect of avoiding a negative effect on sales for the game store.

(Other Embodiments) In addition to the above-described embodiments, the following embodiments can be implemented. 1) In the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine that displays special symbols in a fluctuating manner and performs a jackpot operation after a special prize, that is, a first-class gaming machine classified in the so-called gaming machine industry, has been described. The present invention is also applicable to the third-type gaming machines to be classified. 2) In the above-described embodiment, among the gaming machines that perform the special jackpot operation by changing the special symbol and performing the jackpot operation after the special prize, in particular, the probability of the jackpot inside the gaming machine increases after the jackpot operation is completed for the specific prize. The gaming machine which has a function of changing the probability that the opening probability of the accessory 207 increases and in which the special symbol change is reduced during the change of the probability has been described. However, among the gaming machines that display the special symbols and perform the jackpot operation after the special prize, particularly, after the jackpot operation is completed for a specific prize, the probability of the jackpot inside the gaming machine remains normal and the normal electric accessory 207 is opened. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine having a function of increasing the probability and shortening the special symbol fluctuation after the special jackpot operation of the special prize is completed. 3) In the above-described embodiment, the upper limit of the number of retained balls during probability fluctuation is increased from four to eight in the related art. May be used. In this case, instead of the four holding lamps described above,
The indication of holding the ball may be indicated by a 7-segment LED and other methods. 4) In the above-described embodiment, during the probability fluctuation, the starting winning opening 20
The number of starting prize balls when a ball is won in 3 is reduced from the conventional five to one. It just needs to be a number. For example, the lighting status of the base and the holding lamp may be monitored, and the result may be fed back to control the number of starting prize balls during probability fluctuation. 5) In the above-described embodiment, the upper limit of the number of retained balls during probability fluctuation is increased from four to eight in the past, and the number of starting prize balls when a ball is won in the starting winning opening 203 during probability fluctuation is increased. Although the conventional number of balls has been reduced from five to one, the fluctuation of the upper limit number of balls and the number of start prize balls may be performed during the jackpot operation.

[0106]

As described above, according to the present invention, a lottery is internally performed corresponding to a winning ball to change a plurality of symbols, and based on the result of the lottery, the fluctuation of the plurality of symbols is stopped.
If the lottery is a winning, the gaming machine which is in an advantageous state of giving a predetermined game value to the player, if the winning ball information is obtained, does the predetermined number of the winning ball information already be stored? It is determined whether or not a predetermined number is not stored.
The acquired information of the winning ball is stored. Then, if the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuated in the advantageous state is a predetermined combination, the predetermined number is fluctuated. At the same time, the number of prize balls pertaining to the prize balls is changed.

For this reason, the gaming machine further improves the number of symbol fluctuations per unit time when the combination of a plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuated in the advantageous state is a predetermined combination. The next advantageous state can be obtained quickly, and the redundancy of the game can be eliminated, while the base is 10
Excessive rise to 0 or more is suppressed, and the effect of improving the profit efficiency of the game store is achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a lighting example of a hold lamp.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a front view of a gaming board of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a game state transition of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a game control processing procedure executed by a CPU of a main control unit 308 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a game management processing procedure executed by the CPU of the main control unit 308 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an input check processing procedure executed by a CPU of a main control unit 308 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a prize ball setting process executed by a CPU of a main control unit 308 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 109, 110, 111, 112 Hold lamp 201 Game board 107, 202 Special symbol display device 106, 203 Starting winning opening 204 Normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 205 Normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 206 Normal symbol display device 108, 207 Ordinary electric accessory 208 Variable winning prize ball device 209, 210, 211, 212 Hold lamp 301 Special symbol start switch 302 Ordinary symbol activation switch 303 Big winning opening switch 304 Other switches 305 Reset circuit 306 Power supply circuit 307 Input port 308 Main Control unit 309 ROM 310 RAM 311 Output port 312 Large winning opening operating solenoid 313 Normal electric accessory operating solenoid 314 Lamp display 315 Sound effect generator 316 Prize ball dispenser 317 Ball launcher 401, 4 3 gaming state normal 402 hold maximum number the number of gaming state probability change in 404-ball 405 starting prize counts

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A lottery is internally performed in response to a winning ball, a plurality of symbols are changed, and the change of the plurality of symbols is stopped based on a result of the lottery. A gaming machine which is in an advantageous state of giving a predetermined game value to a player, storage means capable of storing a predetermined number of information on the winning sphere, first changing means for changing the predetermined number, A second variation means for varying the number of prize balls pertaining to the winning sphere, wherein when the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped to fluctuate in the advantageous state is a predetermined combination,
A gaming machine, wherein after the advantageous state has ended, the first change means changes the predetermined number, and the second change means changes the prize ball number. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said first variation means increases said predetermined number, and said second variation means decreases said prize ball number. . 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuated when the advantageous state is reached is a predetermined combination. A gaming machine further comprising a probability variation function of increasing the winning probability of the lottery after completion. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuated in the advantageous state is a predetermined combination. A gaming machine, wherein the first change means changes the predetermined number and the second change means changes the prize ball number during the advantageous state. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the first change means changes the predetermined number during the advantageous state instead of after the advantageous state ends. A gaming machine wherein the changing means changes the number of prize balls. 6. A lottery is internally performed in response to a winning ball, a plurality of symbols are changed, and the plurality of symbols are stopped from changing based on a result of the lottery. In a gaming method of a gaming machine which is in an advantageous state of giving a predetermined gaming value to a player, in a case where the information of the winning ball is acquired, whether or not a predetermined number of information of the winning ball is stored in the gaming machine. Is determined, and when the result of the determination is not stored in a predetermined number,
A storing step of storing the information of the obtained winning sphere in the gaming machine, and whether or not the combination of the plurality of symbols stopped and fluctuated when the gaming machine is in the advantageous state is a predetermined combination. A first determining step of, when the combination of the plurality of symbols is determined to be a predetermined combination by the symbol determining step, changing the predetermined number after the advantageous state ends And when the symbol determination step determines that the combination of the plurality of symbols is a predetermined combination, a second variation that varies the number of prize balls related to the winning prize balls after the advantageous state ends. A game method for a gaming machine, comprising: