JP2002346083A - Game machine, game method, and provision method for game mode in game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, a game method, and a provision method for a game mode in the game machine, capable of providing an interest game imparting an expectation feeling such that player's effort is reflected on a discharge of prize balls even when a special game caused by a big hit is developed. SOLUTION: This game machine has a game ball shooting part shooting a game ball onto a game board, and plural prize holes allowing entrance of the shot game ball. The prize hole has a special prize hole wherein opening motions as the special game are executed a prescribed number of times when prescribed conditions are satisfied and wherein closing motions are executed after the respective opening motions, and general prize holes except the special prize hole. In an interval of the specific game wherein the special prize hole is closed when the prescribed conditions are satisfied, a continuance decision game wherein it is decided whether the next special game is continued or not is executed according to the number of the game balls entering the general prize holes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, a game method, and a method of providing a game mode in a game machine, and is particularly characterized in a special game mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As the conventional pachinko gaming machines, the following are widely known. That is, aiming at the various winning holes provided on the game board to enter the game balls fired from the game ball launching unit by the operation of the handle of the player, the player can play the game at the starting hole among the plurality of winning holes. When the ball enters the ball luckily, the design as a plurality of identification information images starts to fluctuate on the display unit composed of the liquid crystal screen, and at the same time, an effect image using a character image or the like is displayed. And
If the combination at the time when each identification information image stops is a completely different type of combination, for example, it will be out of state, and the above-mentioned game will be repeatedly performed. A jackpot state is provided, and a special game state that is very advantageous for the player is provided. As this special game, for example, the special winning opening of the winning opening is opened for a long time of 15 seconds or the like, and during this time, if 10 game balls enter, it closes once for a few seconds, and this is repeated about 15 to 16 times. By repeating the process, payout balls are paid out according to the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening. The special winning opening has a relatively large shape with respect to the starting opening and the general winning opening as other winning openings, and is provided at a position on the game board where the game ball easily passes, as described above. The game ball can be easily entered by making it open for a long time, and this is continued 15 to 16 times, so that in a special game, a large amount of game balls can be paid out very easily. . In the display unit, when the special winning opening is opened, a fun effect image relating to the special game using the character image or the like is displayed, and at the same time, the identification information image that contributed to the provision of the special game is displayed. In addition, the number of game balls that are sequentially entered into the special winning opening is displayed in real time, and the player is allowed to confirm the entry status.
In addition, the number of times the special winning opening is opened, that is, the number of rounds, is displayed on the display when the special winning opening is opened. Is recognized to what extent.
By displaying such various information on the display unit, the sense of superiority and satisfaction due to the special game being provided to the player is increased.

[0003] In addition, a game ball that enters the special winning opening is detected each time by a detection sensor provided in the special winning opening, and when the special winning opening is opened, a predetermined number of balls are opened. For example, when the detection sensor detects that ten game balls have entered, the special winning opening is closed.

[0004]

In the conventional device as described above, the number of times the special winning opening is opened and the number of game balls that can be entered when the special winning opening is opened are almost constant, so that the big hit is achieved. In the state, the number of winning balls paid out as a result of the special game hardly changes. Until the detection sensor detects 10 game balls and the special winning opening closes, some game balls may enter, but after all, the total number of game balls entering during the special game On the other hand, the number is very small, and has almost no effect on the number of winning balls paid out. Further, there is almost no difficulty in entering game balls into the special winning opening during the special game. For this reason, even if a player makes an effort for a game, such as using a game technique by handling a handle of his own game launch unit, it is hardly reflected in the number of winning balls paid out as a result, and the player is enthusiasm for a special game. It was a state in which the player did not play the game with much, and played a game lacking in interest that had a very low gaming ability and lacked a sense of expectation. That is,
Many players have an expectation that the number of winning balls provided by their own efforts is reflected more than an uninteresting game in which a special game progresses monotonously and a predetermined winning ball is paid out. There is a demand for the emergence of a gaming machine that provides a game having a high level of playability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to make it possible for a player to exert his / her efforts in paying out winning prize balls even when a special game is developed as a big hit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine, a gaming method, and a method of providing a gaming mode in a gaming machine capable of providing an interesting game with a sense of expectation.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors have conducted intensive studies, and as a result, a special winning opening has been opened and a game ball can be easily entered. During the special game, while the special winning opening is closed, depending on the number of game balls entering the general winning opening, the next special game will be continued or the next special game will be continued If the number of game balls entering the general winning opening exceeds a predetermined number, the game proceeds to the next special game. As a result, it is possible to provide more prize balls to the player depending on the effort for the game at the time of the interval, and to have a desire and expectation for the game at the time of the special game more than before. To provide a game form It was.

Hereinafter, specific means of the present invention will be described. (1) The present invention includes a game ball launching unit that launches a game ball on a game board, and a plurality of winning ports into which the launched game balls enter, wherein the winning port satisfies predetermined conditions. A predetermined condition is satisfied in a gaming machine having a special winning opening in which an opening movement as a special game is performed a predetermined number of times and a closing movement is performed after each opening movement, and a general winning opening other than the special winning opening. At the time of the special game in which the special winning opening is closed, and it is determined whether or not to continue the next special game according to the number of game balls that have entered the general winning opening. The continuation decision game to be performed is performed. According to the invention of (1), in the continuation determination game at the interval of the special game, whether or not to continue the next special game is determined according to the number of game balls entered into the general winning opening. Therefore, the number of special games during a specific game such as a jackpot is not always the same, and the number of prize balls paid out as a result of performing the special game is not constant, and the number of the prize balls depends on the player's playing method. It is possible to provide a game in which the game technique of the player can intervene in the game result, so that the number of times the special game is performed during a specific game that is easy to monotonize for the player is added. By causing the player to play a game while having a sense of expectation, it is possible to play the game happily throughout the entire game. Further, as described above, when a predetermined condition such as a jackpot is established and a specific game state is established, by providing a game in which the game technique of the player can intervene in the game result, the next time the predetermined condition is established It is possible to provide a goal for the player to play the game so that the special game is continued during a specific game, and thus, a lot of winning balls are paid out, and the player can play the game with enthusiasm. It becomes possible. (2) The present invention is the gaming machine according to (1), wherein the number of entering game balls required for continuing the next special game is changed at each of the intervals. .
According to the invention of (2), the number of game balls entering the general winning opening required for the continuation of the next special game is changed at each interval. It is necessary to pay attention to the number of incoming balls and play the game, it is difficult to feel the monotonous feeling of the game, and it is necessary to devise such as changing the operation of the game ball firing unit that fires the game ball at each interval Since the number of winning balls to be paid out varies greatly depending on the player's playing style, a game that is very rewarding for the player can be provided. (3) The present invention is the gaming machine according to (1) or (2), further comprising a notifying unit for notifying the number of entering game balls required for continuing the next special game at the time of the interval. It is characterized by having. According to the invention of (3), since the notifying means notifies the number of game balls entering the general winning opening required for the continuation of the special game at the time of the interval, by displaying this notification content to the player, This makes it possible to further motivate the player to play the game with his own efforts so that the target total number is achieved. (4) The present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the continuation determination game is performed after a predetermined number of special games immediately after a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is performed every time. According to the invention of (4), the predetermined number of special games immediately after the predetermined condition is satisfied,
As before, it is possible to continue the ingenuity of the player's game without requiring much, and even for beginner players, it is possible to pay out a certain amount of winning balls, and it is very easy and fun to enjoy specific games In a special game after a predetermined number of times have elapsed, the number of game balls entering a general winning opening at each interval is limited, and a highly challenging player is required to devise a game. It is possible to play games with. (5) The present invention is the gaming machine according to (3) or (4), wherein the notification unit is a display unit that displays a plurality of identification information images that repeatedly perform a variable display and a stop display. It is characterized by. According to the invention of (5), the number of game balls required to continue the next special game is displayed on the display unit on which the identification information image which is most noticeable when the player plays the game is displayed. Is notified, it is easy for the player to easily recognize the notification, and the player can easily play the game without feeling uncomfortable while grasping a change in the game. (6) The present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the general winning opening is a starting opening that is a trigger for playing a game in response to entering a game ball. There is a feature. According to the invention of (6), since the starting port for aiming at the entry of the game ball most during the game is set as the ball entry target position at the time of the interval, the game ball launching unit is provided to the player even at the time of the interval. The operation can be performed in substantially the same operation state as during the previous game, and the player can easily operate the game ball launching unit. (7) The present invention provides a game in which a game ball is fired from a game ball launching unit onto a game board, the shot game ball is thrown into a winning opening, and a predetermined number of winning balls corresponding to the shot are paid out. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special winning port among the winning ports is caused to perform opening movement as a special game a predetermined number of times, and a game ball fired into the special winning port is thrown in, and A payout of a predetermined number of prize balls according to the method, wherein when the predetermined condition is satisfied and at the time of the special game in which the special prize port is closed, the ball enters the general prize port. A continuation determination game for determining whether or not to continue the next special game is performed according to the number of game balls played. According to the invention of (7), in the continuation determination game at the interval of the special game, it is determined whether or not to continue the next special game in accordance with the number of game balls entered into the general winning opening. However, the number of special games during a specific game such as a jackpot is not always the same, and the number of winning balls paid out as a result of performing a special game is not constant, and the number of the winning balls depends on the player's playing method. It is possible to provide a game method in which the game technique of the player can intervene in the game result, that is, the number of times a special game is performed during a specific game that is easy to monotonize for the player is added. By playing games while having the expectation of doing things,
It is possible to play the game happily throughout the game. (8) The present invention relates to a game in which a game ball is fired from a game ball launching unit onto a game board, the shot game ball is thrown into a winning opening, and a predetermined number of winning balls according to the shot are paid out. A method of providing a game mode in a machine, wherein when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special winning port among the winning ports is opened a predetermined number of times as a special game, and a game ball fired to the special winning port is played. Entering the ball, paying out a predetermined number of winning balls in accordance with the entering ball, and at the time of the special game in which the special winning port is closed, the game balls entered into the general winning port Performing a continuation determination game for determining whether or not to continue the next special game in accordance with the number. According to the invention of (8), in the continuation decision game at the time of the special game interval, in accordance with the number of game balls entered into the general winning opening,
Since it is decided whether or not to continue the next special game, the number of special games during a specific game such as a jackpot is not always the same, and the number of winning balls paid out as a result of performing the special game will not be constant It is possible to provide a game mode in which the player can increase the number of the winning balls according to the way the player plays the game, that is, a game mode in which the player's game technique can intervene in the game result, and the specific form is easily monotonous for the player. During the game, by causing the player to play the game while expecting that the number of times the special game will be performed is added, it is possible to play the game happily throughout the game.

[Definition of terms] [Predetermined conditions] A plurality of identification information images displayed on the liquid crystal display or the LED display, or the identification information images attached to each of the plurality of rotating drums stop at the same type of combination. For example, a condition under which a combination result of a plurality of identification information images that are stopped and displayed has predetermined contents, such as when displayed, is shown. When the "special game" predetermined condition is satisfied, the game provided to the player is advantageous to the player, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the winning opening is opened for a relatively long time. A “winning opening” is provided on the game board, and refers to an opening through which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls when a game ball enters. “Special winning opening” indicates a winning opening that is opened for a long time with an interval closed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. "General winning opening" indicates a winning opening except for a special winning opening among the winning openings provided on the game board. "Starting port" A plurality of identification information images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit or the LED display unit, or an identification information image attached to each of the plurality of rotating drums, so as to be a trigger for variably displaying the game balls, Indicates the winning openings that are possible. When the "interval" specific condition is satisfied, it indicates a period from when the special winning opening is closed to when it is opened next time. "Identification information" refers to visually identifiable information such as characters, symbols, pictures or patterns (patterns). When the “variable display” identification information sequentially changes, for example, when the pattern “7” as one identification information is changed to the pattern “8” as another identification information, or when the pattern “9” is changed to another pattern “☆” In addition to the case where the identification information is moved and displayed while the one identification information is displayed in the display area where the identification information can be displayed, for example, one symbol “7” is displayed. Is a concept including a case in which the object moves while being displayed in the display area. Further, when the display mode of the identification information changes, for example, when one symbol “7” is deformed and displayed horizontally or vertically, or when the symbol is enlarged or displayed, it is displayed in a reduced size. This is a concept that also includes the case where it is performed.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine as a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, but may be applied to a portable game machine, a general-purpose computer on which game software is installed, or a portable terminal.

Further, in the present specification, the pachinko gaming device 10 is a concept including a later-described pachi-con machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a rectangular frame-shaped main frame 12, a rectangular plate-shaped game board 14 incorporated in the main frame 12, and a front face of the game board 14. The window frame 16 of the provided main body frame 12, the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 provided on the front side of the main body frame 12 below the window frame 16, and the game ball firing provided on the right side of the lower plate 22 A firing handle 26 as a part is disposed, and a plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are driven into the front of the game board 14.

The game board 14 is formed of a resin material without using nails, and a metal rod is planted on the game board 14 of this resin material so as to protrude forward of the game board 14. The present invention can be applied to the above-described pachi-con machine having the provided configuration.

Further, the firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12, so that the player can
By operating, the game ball can be fired on the game board 14 to advance the pachinko game.

On the back side of the firing handle 26, a firing motor 28 is provided. When the firing handle 26 is rotated clockwise by a player, the firing motor 28 is turned on.
The game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are supplied with power to the
14 is to be fired sequentially. The strength of the firing power is
It is controlled so as to be determined by the clockwise rotation angle of the firing handle 26.

The launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper portion of the game board 14, and then its traveling direction is changed by the collision with the plurality of obstacle nails described above. Falling downwards under the game board 14 while changing.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged front view of the game board 14. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 also shows the omission of the obstacle nail described above.

As shown in FIG. 2, a display device 32 serving as a display unit, which will be described later, is provided substantially at the center of the front surface of the game board 14, and the display device 32 constitutes a notification means of the present invention. I have.

In the display device 32 described above, a portion for displaying an effect image to be described later may be formed of a liquid crystal display panel or a CRT.

In the above-described example, the display device 32
Shows a case where the display device 32 is provided at substantially the center of the front face of the gaming board 14 of the pachinko gaming device 10 which is a gaming machine, but the display device 32 is located anywhere on the gaming machine as long as the player can see it. It may be provided.

Further, a small display device 52 is provided in the vicinity of the display device 32 in close proximity, and can also serve as a notifying means. The small-sized display device 52 is composed of, for example, a seven-segment display, and is variably displayed so that a symbol usually fluctuates and stops.

On the left and right sides of the display device 32, ball passage detectors 55a and 55b are provided. This ball passage detector 55
a, 55b, when detecting that a game ball has passed in or near the detectors 55a, 55b, the variable display of ordinary symbols is started on the small display device 52 described above, and a predetermined time has elapsed. After that, the normal symbol change display is stopped. The ordinary symbols are information including numbers and symbols, for example, numbers “0” to “9” and symbols such as “☆”. When the normal symbol is displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, "7" and is stopped and displayed, the movable pieces 58a and 58b, which are so-called electric tulips, provided on the left and right sides of the starting port 44 described later are driven. Solenoid 57 (FIG. 4)
The movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven so that the game balls can easily enter the starting port 44 so that the starting port 44 is opened. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the opening of the starting port 44, the movable pieces 58a, 58
By driving b, the starting port 44 is closed to make it difficult for game balls to enter. Here, the starting port 44 is a ball detection sensor 42 that triggers a symbol, which is a plurality of, for example, three identification information images, displayed on the display device 32 to be shifted to a variable display state when a variable display game described later is started. And is provided below the display device 32.

On the right and left sides of the small display device 52, four holding lamps 34a to 34d, which will be described later, are provided.
Is provided.

Further, a jackpot winning device M is provided below the game board 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the jackpot winning device M has components of the device interposed between a front cover 200 and a rear substrate 201, and a special winning port for a game ball formed on the front cover 200. As a special winning opening 38,
The shutter 40 is provided so as to be vertically opened and closed by a solenoid 48 via a shaft 202.

A guide 202 protrudes from the rear surface of the shutter 40 which faces upward when the shutter is opened, and a ball passage hole forming a specific region 203 and a normal region 204 are provided behind the shutter 40.
Is formed, and a swing plate 206 that is tilted left and right by a solenoid 205 is disposed therebetween, that is, at the rear center of the shutter 40.

The shutter 40 is driven by a solenoid 48 so as to be opened when a big hit state occurs due to a variable display game to be described later. Alternatively, the player wins the special winning opening 38 until the predetermined number of winning balls is reached, and outputs a required number of winning balls, and then the shutter 40 is closed.

However, when one of the balls enters the specific area 203 along the guide 202 when the shutter 40 is opened, the shutter 40 promises to open the next shutter 40 even after a predetermined time has elapsed or after a predetermined number of balls have been entered. Then, a specific game state advantageous to the player that can be repeated up to a predetermined limit number of times (for example, 16 times) is realized.

When the shutter 40 is opened, the swing plate 206 is tilted to the left so that at least one game ball can easily enter a specific area on the left side. When the ball is hit, an incoming ball sensor (not shown) senses the incoming ball, the swing plate 206 is tilted rightward by the solenoid 205, and the subsequent game balls enter the normal area on the right.

On the left and right sides of the display device 32, there are provided general winning openings 54a and 54b, and on the lower left and right sides of the display device 32, there are provided general winning openings 54c and 54d.

Further, general prize holes 56a and 56b are provided at the left and right end portions of the game board 14, and general prize holes 56c and 56d are provided at both left and right sides of the large prize hole 38, respectively. As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of winning ports are provided on the game board 14, and the special winning port 38, which is a special winning port,
When a game ball wins in the starting port 44 and the general winning ports 54a to 54d and 56a to 56d, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the lower plate 22 as prize balls according to the type of the winning port. Has been made.

Except for the special winning opening 38, the movable pieces 58a and 58b described above are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the general winning openings 54a to 54d similarly to the starting opening 44. The layout of the number and arrangement of winning ports is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate.

Further, on both left and right sides of the display device 32, rolling guide members 60 for guiding the path of the game ball in a predetermined direction are provided.
a and 60b are provided rotatably. Decorative lamps 36a and 36b are provided on the upper left and upper right sides of the game board 14, respectively.

FIG. 4 shows a control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The above-described firing handle 26 is connected to an interface circuit group 62 of the control circuit 60, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to an input / output bus 64.

The angle signal indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle 26 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 62 and then supplied to the input / output bus 64. In addition, I / O bus
Reference numeral 64 denotes a central processing circuit (hereinafter, referred to as “CPU”) 66 for inputting and outputting data signals or address signals.

The above-described interface circuit group 62
Is connected to a ball detection sensor 42. When a game ball passes through the starting port 44, the ball detection sensor 42 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62.

Further, the interface circuit group 62 includes:
The ball passage detector 55 is also connected.When the ball passage detector 55 detects that a game ball has passed the detector 55 or its vicinity, it supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62. I have.

A timer 61, a counter 63, a ROM (read only memory) 68 and a RAM (random access memory) 70 are also connected to the input / output bus 64 described above.

The timer 61 measures the cumulative time during which power has been supplied to the firing motor 28 of the firing handle 26, and the counter 63 counts the total winning number of the game balls.

The ROM 68 stores a control program for controlling the flow of the entire game of the pachinko gaming device 10.

Further, the ROM 68 stores image data of symbols that are displayed in a variable or stopped state when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, and character image data of characters such as moving objects displayed as an effect screen. , Background image data constituting the background of the display device 32, and moving image video image data, and notification image data for notifying a player of a changeable game mode which is a feature of the present invention described later on the display device 32. In addition, it stores sound data used for the game, initial data for executing a control program, a program for controlling a blinking operation pattern of the decorative lamp 36, and the like. By the way, the above-mentioned symbol image data is displayed on a display device.
It is used when the symbols are displayed in a variable manner or when the symbols are stopped in 32, and includes image data corresponding to various display modes, for example, an enlarged image, a reduced image, and a deformed image.

The character image data, the background image data, and the moving image image data described above are used for displaying a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining them as a screen image on the display device 32 in order to produce a game. Things.

Further, the character image data described above includes image data corresponding to each of the motions for displaying the motion of the character, and the sound data represents a game or a game state to the player. This is for notifying, and is used for emitting a sound such as a sound effect from a speaker 46 described later.

On the other hand, the RAM 70 stores the values of flags and variables used in the above-mentioned programs. For example, it stores new input data, cumulative reach data indicating the result of calculation by the CPU 66 and the history of the game, the cumulative number of fluctuations and the number of jackpots, and the cumulative number of game balls entered.

The CPU 66, which is a control unit, performs arithmetic processing by calling and executing a predetermined program, and based on the result of this arithmetic processing, character image data, background image data, moving image video image data, design image data, Transmission and other controls are performed with the sound data as electronic data.

Further, the CPU 66 reads out the image data of the symbol as the above-mentioned identification information, controls the symbol to be displayed on the display device 32 in a fluctuating manner, and displays the combination of symbols as the plural identification information images. Are controlled to be stopped and displayed on the display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

Further, an interface circuit group 72 is also connected to the input / output bus 64. The interface circuit group 72 includes a display device 32, a speaker 46, a firing motor 28,
The solenoid 48, the hold lamp 34, and the decoration lamp 36 are connected, and the interface circuit group 72 includes a CPU
A driving signal and driving power are supplied to control each of the above-described devices according to the result of the arithmetic processing in 66.

The display device 32, which is a display unit also serving as a notifying means, comprises a variable symbol display unit, an effect screen display unit, and a notification screen display unit. Under the control of the CPU 66, the variable symbol display unit and the effect screen display unit. In addition to combining and displaying both of the screens displayed on the two display units, the notification screen display unit displays an original design image, an image including characters, and the like. Note that the display device 32 is not limited to such a configuration, and may have a configuration having two or less or four or more display units. By combining these display units, an image of a more complicated The effect image may be displayed on the display device 32.

As described above, the screens displayed on the plurality of display units are displayed on the display device 32, so that the symbol change scene displayed on one display unit and the effect screen displayed on the effect screen are displayed. By combining them, a variety of display forms are made possible.

The solenoid 48 is for opening and closing the shutter 40 described above. The hold lamp 34 indicates the number of times that the variable display game can be performed, and stores the number of times that the game ball has entered the starting port 44 and lights up the display for a predetermined number of times (for example, four times). The decoration lamp 36 blinks or lights up to indicate to the player when the game has a big hit or a reach.

In the present embodiment, the control section is constituted by the control circuit 60 including the CPU 66, the notifying means is constituted by the display device 32, and the gaming machine is constituted by the pachinko gaming machine 10.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine having the above-described configuration, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the special winning opening 38 of the plurality of winning openings is opened for a long time of, for example, about 60 seconds. Upon receiving 10 or more game balls and the ball detection sensor 42 detects this, the ball is closed, and the closed state is continued for about 5 seconds and then opened again for a long time. The opening and closing of the special winning opening 38 is repeatedly performed. In the present embodiment, the special winning opening 38 is used.
During the interval until 38 is closed and reopened,
It is determined whether or not the next special game will be continuously performed according to the number of game balls that have entered the starting port 44 among the general winning ports. That is, the predetermined number of times immediately after the predetermined condition is established such that a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the same type of combination on the display device 32 and a big hit is achieved, for example, 12
After each specific game has been performed, at each interval, it is determined whether or not the next special game will be continuously performed according to the total number of game balls that have entered the starting port 44.
Specifically, for example, when the condition that ten game balls enter the special winning opening 38 within a predetermined time is satisfied, the special game is continuously performed 12 times, and the special game is continuously performed at an interval immediately thereafter. The decision game is performed. That is,
In the continuation determination game, if the number of game balls entered into the starting port 44 at each interval is equal to or more than the specified number (for example, three) displayed using the display device 32, the next special game is continued. If the number is equal to or less than the specified number, the next special game is not continued and the specific game state ends. Such a continuation determination game is performed up to four times in a row, and when the number of game balls entering the general winning opening becomes equal to or less than the specified number at each interval, the game is terminated at that time. In the above, when all of the game balls entering the general winning opening are equal to or more than the specified number, the special game is performed four times, and a total of sixteen special games are provided. Details will be described later.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 has been activated, the variables used in the CPU 66 have been initialized to predetermined values, and are operating in a steady state.

FIG. 5 shows a subroutine for detecting a game ball executed in the control circuit 60 described above. This subroutine is executed in a pachinko gaming device that has been executed in advance.
It is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a control program for controlling ten pachinko games.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered a winning opening (step S11). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the winning opening is a general winning opening 50,
54a to 54d and 56a to 56d. In this step S11, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the general winning opening 50, 54a to 54d and 56a to 56d, a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls according to the type of the winning opening is executed ( Step S12).

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting port 44 among the above-mentioned winning ports (step S13).
If it is determined in step S13 that a game ball has entered the starting port 44, a variable display game described later is executed (step S14).

Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through or near the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b (step S15). In this step S15, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through or near the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b, as described above, the small display device 52
In step S16, a process of changing and displaying a normal symbol is executed. Note that, as described above, when a predetermined symbol is displayed when the variably displayed ordinary symbol stops, the movable pieces 58a and 58b provided in the starting port 44 are driven to open the starting port 44. This makes it easier for the game ball to enter the starting port 44.

FIG. 6 shows a subroutine for performing the variable display game process called and executed in step S14 described above.

When this subroutine is called, the fixed screen displayed on the display device 32 is switched to the normal screen, and the variable display game is started.

Here, the fixed screen means that the variable display game executed on the display device 32 is not executed,
This refers to a screen displayed on the display device 32 when only the pachinko game is progressing in the pachinko game device 10.

The normal screen means a reach screen and a big hit as a preview screen for giving a notice of a jackpot of a game after the variable display game is started on the display device 32 and the symbols displayed on the display device 32 are displayed in a variable manner. It is a concept excluding the jackpot effect screen at the time, as well as the notification screen described above, and a concept including an effect screen displayed on the display device 32 until the variable display game reaches a reach or a jackpot. is there.

Further, the variable display game is a game imitating a game played in a slot machine, in which a plurality of symbols, which are images (identification information images) serving as a plurality of identification information, are displayed on the display device 32. Are displayed so as to fluctuate, and then these symbols are displayed so as to stop sequentially at a predetermined timing, and when the combination of the symbols when all the symbols are stopped becomes the predetermined combination, the pachinko game is played. This is a game in which a transition is made to a special game state in which the shutter 40 of the special winning port 38 in the jackpot winning device M is repeatedly opened a plurality of times. This is a game executed as a process.

Here, the identification information refers to information that can be visually identified such as characters, symbols, pictures or patterns (patterns).

The variable display game will be described in detail. For example, a symbol consisting of 12 numbers "1", "2",... For example, while three sets are sequentially displayed in one line in the display device 32, while the symbols are displayed so as to move,
The symbol itself is displayed so as to change.

For example, in the display device 32, the symbol "1" of the first group (the left group in the case of a horizontal row as described later).
Is displayed so as to scroll from the top to the bottom of the display device 32, and then the pattern "2" of the second set (also the middle set) is displayed so as to scroll from the top to the bottom, and then the third set is displayed.
The symbol "3" (similarly to the right group) is displayed so as to be scrolled from top to bottom. After displaying the symbol "1" to the symbol "12" in such a manner, the symbol "1" is displayed so as to be scrolled again, and the same display is sequentially repeated. By displaying the symbols on the display device 32 in this manner, from “1” to “2”,
From "2" to "3", the symbols are displayed up to "12" so that the symbols are sequentially changed while being scrolled, and then "1" is displayed again. The manner in which the symbols themselves are changed while the symbols are displayed as if they are displayed is not limited to scrolling, but also includes a pattern in which the symbols are changed in order. The manner in which a symbol is displayed such that the symbol itself changes sequentially while moving the position of one symbol in this manner is referred to as variable display. A mode in which a certain symbol is stopped and displayed is referred to as a stop display. When the symbols belonging to one set are displayed on the display device 32, the symbols to be displayed are not limited to only one symbol belonging to the set, and a plurality of symbols, for example, two to three symbols are simultaneously displayed. You may do it. For example, the design "5"
Is variably displayed on the display device 32, a part or the whole of the symbol "4" is variably displayed below the symbol "5", and a portion or the entire symbol "6" is displayed above the symbol "5". May be variably displayed. The above-described symbol set is a concept corresponding to the symbol set displayed on one reel used in the slot machine.

Further, when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, symbols belonging to a plurality of sets are displayed. For example, when each of the symbols belonging to the three groups is to be displayed in the horizontal direction, the symbols belonging to one group are displayed on the left side of the display device 32, and the symbols belonging to the other groups are displayed on the display device 32. The symbols displayed in the center and belonging to the remaining sets are displayed on the right side of the display device 32.
By displaying the design that is the identification information in this way,
A plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed on the display device 32 as a display unit. For example, if the variable display is performed so that only one of the symbols belonging to one set is always displayed, the display device 32 displays three symbols,
That is, one symbol is displayed on the left side, one symbol is displayed on the center, and one symbol is displayed on the right side. Further, the number of sets when the variable display game is executed is not limited to three, and symbols belonging to a plurality of sets other than three may be displayed on the display device 32.

By displaying the symbols as described above, a plurality of symbols, that is, a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed on the display device 32 which is a display unit. Further, as described above, a plurality of symbols belonging to one set may be displayed. For example, two symbols belonging to one group may be displayed so as to be simultaneously displayed in a variable manner. If a set is to be displayed, a total of six symbols are variably displayed on the display device 32.

After variably displaying symbols belonging to a plurality of sets,
When all the symbols that have been displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and when the combination of these symbols is stopped and displayed in accordance with the predetermined combination, the pachinko game is determined to have been won as the variable display game has been won. The state shifts to a state where it is advantageous to the player, that is, a specific game state in which the shutter 40 of the special winning opening 38 in the jackpot winning device M is repeatedly opened plural times.

For example, symbols belonging to three sets are displayed on a display device.
If it is displayed at 32, symbols belonging to one set are stopped and displayed at "7", symbols belonging to other sets are also stopped and displayed at "7", and symbols belonging to the remaining sets are also stopped at "7". When it is displayed, it becomes a so-called double-eye, and the combination of the symbols matches the identification information "7"-"7"-"7" which is a predetermined specific combination, and the variable display game has won a jackpot. The state is shifted to a state in which the pachinko game is advantageous to the player, that is, a specific game state in which the special game in which the shutter 40 of the special winning opening 38 in the jackpot winning device M repeatedly opens a plurality of times as described above is provided. .

That is, when the game has shifted to the specific game state in which the shutter 40 of the special winning opening 38 of the jackpot winning device M is repeatedly opened a plurality of times, the current is supplied to the solenoid 48 and the solenoid 48 is provided on the front surface of the game board 14. Great winning opening
By opening the shutter 40 of 38, the game ball can easily enter the special winning opening 38.

As described above, for example, when symbols belonging to three sets are displayed on the display device 32, symbols belonging to one set are stopped and displayed at "7", and symbols belonging to other sets are also displayed. A state in which the symbols belonging to the remaining set are stopped and displayed at “7” and waiting for the symbols belonging to the remaining set to be stopped, that is, a state in which the symbols belonging to the last set have a chance to win a jackpot, is referred to as “reach”. ing.

Further, in the present embodiment, even when the specific gaming state of the big hit of the above-mentioned double eye is set, if the identification information is a specific combination, for example, "3", "3", and "3" In the case where the combination of the identification information of the zigzag pattern of "7", "7", and "7" is obtained, the state is changed to the certain game state with a high probability again. Here, the “probable change state” refers to a control state in which the probability of a big hit is higher than that in a normal game state, such as the display device 32 or the small display device 52 at the upper center of the display device 32. This indicates a state in which the fluctuation time from the change to the stop is shortened, the time of the open state of the starting port 44 is extended, and the probability that the plurality of pieces of identification information of the display device 32 becomes a double-row is increased.

When the above-described variable display game is being executed, an effect screen including a background image, a character image, and the like is also displayed on the display device 32.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the above-described variable display game is started, first, an internal lottery process is executed by a calculation process of the CPU 66 (step S2).
1). This internal lottery process is a process in which all symbols belonging to a plurality of groups that have been variably displayed are stopped and displayed, and a combination of symbols when a symbol is determined is determined in advance,
As will be described later, the CPU 66 performs a process of changing and displaying the symbols so that the symbols are stopped and displayed in a combination of the symbols determined by the internal lottery process.

Next, a background image is displayed (step S2).
2). Such a background image may be appropriately set. For example, by setting a certain theme on the pachinko gaming device 10 and appropriately displaying a background corresponding to the theme, the pleasure of the game can be increased.

Next, the symbol as the identification information is variably displayed (step S23). For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, near the center of the screen of the display device 32,
The three sets are arranged and displayed in a row in a lump state, and the symbol "1" belonging to one of the three lumps is displayed on the left side in the lump state, and the symbol belonging to another one of the lump states "3" is displayed at the center, and the symbol "5" belonging to the remaining one set is displayed on the right side as an initial position.
(FIG. 9 (a)).

Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), each symbol is scrolled upward to display a fluctuating state. In the present embodiment, the symbols are scrolled simultaneously. For example, in FIG. 9B, “2” below “1”, “4” below “3”, "6" can be seen under "5". Note that the three images do not necessarily need to change at the same time, and may be scrolled one by one. Here, each of the displayed symbols "1",
“3”, “5”, “2”, “4”, and “6” are a plurality of pieces of identification information.

Next, a character image is displayed (step S24). In the present embodiment, the character is a mouse and a cat. In FIG. 9A, the character image indicating the mouse is located at the upper right so as to be close to the identification information image, and the character image indicating the cat is displayed at the lower left. are doing.

The above steps S23 and S2
The process of No. 4 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S27 to be described later that all the symbols belonging to a plurality of sets have been stopped and displayed. By repeatedly executing the processing in this manner, the symbols can be displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined manner, and the characters can also be displayed so as to perform predetermined actions.

Next, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display a symbol belonging to one of a plurality of, for example, three sets (step S25). If it is determined that it is time to stop and display the symbol, the symbol is stopped and displayed (step S26).

In step S25 described above, when it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display the symbols, or when the process of step S26 is executed, it is determined whether all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets have been stopped and displayed ( Step S27). If it is determined that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets are not stopped and displayed, the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets have been stopped and displayed, the present subroutine is ended.

As described above, when all the symbols have been stopped at the combination of the slotted eyes (step S in FIG. 6).
27), the big hit processing routine shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed. FIGS. 7 and 8 show steps S27 in FIG.
This is related to a routine after the symbol is stopped and the slot is turned into a specific game state of a big hit, and is processed in the following order. It should be noted that there is almost no difference between the “normal jackpot as a specific game state” and the “big jackpot as a specific game state in a probable change state”.

First, when a specific gaming state due to a jackpot is reached, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the display device 32 was stopped (step S28-1). The winning number (m ') indicating the total number of gaming balls that have entered the special winning opening 38 when the shutter 40 is opened once is set to an initial value "0".

Next, the number of times N of opening the special winning opening 38 is set to n (for example, 16) (step S28-2).

The shutter 40 of the jackpot winning device M
Falls down to the front side to open the special winning opening 38 and enable the winning of the game ball (step S28-3). The shutter 40 of the jackpot winning device M is normally in an upright state (FIG. 3).
(The state shown in the middle and center)
The game ball does not enter the special winning opening 38. However, the shutter 40 falls down to the front side (the state shown in the lower right part of FIG. 3), and the large winning opening 38 is opened, so that the large winning opening 38 which could not be pitched until then is opened. For the first time, game balls can be entered. In this manner, when the shutter 40 falls down to the near side, the back surface of the shutter 40 guides the game ball and the game ball easily enters the large winning opening 38, but the game ball flowing down the game board 14 is nailed. Since various changes are given in the downflow direction, not all the game balls fired toward the top of the game board 14 necessarily enter the large winning opening 38. This is the same as other winning openings.

Next, game balls enter the special winning opening 38 (winning).
It is determined whether or not the process has been performed (step S28-4).

Then, in step S28-4, the special winning opening 38
When it is determined that a game ball has entered the game, "1" is added to the winning number (m ') indicating the total number of game balls having entered the special winning opening 38 when the shutter 40 is opened once. (Step S28-5), and thereafter, the winning number (m ') is displayed on the display device 32.
Is displayed (step S28-6). When a game ball wins in the special winning opening 38, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate per one. On the other hand, step S
If it is determined in 28-4 that no game ball has entered the special winning opening 38, the process proceeds to the next step S28-7.

Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number (m) (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 38 (step S28-7). If a predetermined number (m) or more has been won of the special winning opening 38, the process proceeds to step S28-9, which is a step of closing the special winning opening 38. On the other hand, when only the predetermined number (m) or less is won in the special winning opening 38, the process proceeds to the next step S28-8.

Further, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 38 has reached a predetermined time (step S28-8). If it is determined that the opening time has not reached the predetermined time,
The process returns to step S28-4. On the other hand, when it is determined that the opening time has reached the predetermined time, the next step S2
Go to 8-9.

Next, the previous step (step S28-
When it is determined in step 7) that the number of winning game balls has reached the predetermined maximum number, and when it is determined in the previous step (step S28-8) that the opening time has reached the predetermined time. Returns the shutter 40, which has fallen toward the front side, to its original state, thereby closing the special winning opening 38, making it impossible for game balls to enter the special winning opening 38, and
The special game in which the special game 38 is opened ends, and then the special game interval until the special winning opening 38 is opened is entered (step S28-9).

The above-described routine describes the flow of one-time opening of the shutter 40. When this flow is comprehensively described, the opened shutter 40 reaches a predetermined opening time, or The closing is performed according to the condition that has been achieved earlier among the conditions of whether the number of winning balls has reached a predetermined number. Therefore, even if the predetermined time has not elapsed from the opening of the shutter 40, if a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 38, the shutter 40 closes, and the number of game balls that have won the special winning opening 38 reaches the predetermined number. Even if it is not, the shutter 40 is controlled so as to close when a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter 40 was opened.

Next, the previous step (step S28-
"One time" is subtracted from the number of open times N (n times) of the special winning opening 38 set in 2) (step S28-10). That is, in this processing, the operation from the opening of the winning opening to the closing of the winning opening described above is counted as one opening of the special winning opening 38, and the actual opening from the preset maximum possible number of opening is counted. This means subtracting the number of open times (n =
(N-1)).

Next, the number of times n of opening the special winning opening 38 as a result of the subtraction in step S28-10 is a predetermined number n '.
(For example, four times) or not (n ≦ n ′) is determined (step S28-11). That is, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 38 has been opened 12 times after the specific game state has been entered.

In this embodiment, if the subtracted opening frequency n is not more than the predetermined number n ′, that is, if the special winning opening 38 has already been opened 12 times and the subtracted opening frequency is not less than 4 times, During the operation of the opening of the winning opening to the closing of the winning opening described above, it is determined whether or not there is a game ball passing through the specific area 203 among the game balls winning in the special winning opening 38 (step S28). -12). The case where the number n of times of opening which has been subtracted becomes equal to or less than the predetermined number n 'will be described later.

If there is a game ball that has passed the specific area 203, the next step (step S28-1)
Proceeding to 3), it is determined whether or not the number of times n of opening which has been subtracted again in step S28-13 is equal to or less than a predetermined number of times n '. Then, when it is determined that the subtracted opening number n is not less than or equal to the predetermined number n ′, the process returns to the previously described step (step S28-3). Also, specific area
If no game ball has passed through 203, the jackpot specific game state is terminated and the game returns to the normal game.

Next, the number of open times n, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, is equal to or less than a predetermined number n ′, that is, a special winning opening.
The case where the number 38 has already been released 12 times and the number of times of subtraction that has been subtracted becomes 4 or less will be described.

First, in step S28-14, the number of balls Y entered into the starting port 44 as a general winning port for game balls required for continuation of the next special game at the interval when the special winning port 38 is closed (for example, 5) is displayed on the display device 32 to notify the user. The player recognizes the content of the notification and uses the game ball launching unit 26 to aim the game ball at the starting port 44 and operate the steering wheel. As a result, the game ball enters the starting port 44. Then, the number X of the entered game balls is counted and sequentially displayed on the display device 32 as the notification means (step S2).
8-15). The game in the step S28-14 and the step S28-15 is a continuation determination game provided to the player to determine whether the next special game is continuously performed or ended without being continued (see FIG. 11). ).

Then, during the operation of “opening of the winning opening to closing of the winning opening” described above, whether or not any of the gaming balls which have won the special winning opening 38 has passed through the specific area 203. It is determined (step S28-12) that if no game ball has passed through the specific area 203, the jackpot specific game state is terminated and the game returns to the normal game. If there is a game ball that has passed the specific area 203, the next step (step S
28-13), it is determined whether or not the number n of times of opening, which has been subtracted again in step S28-13, is equal to or less than a predetermined number n ′. At this time, the number of open times n that has been subtracted is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times n ′, and the maximum number of open times of the remaining special winning opening 38 is four.
Go to 8-16).

In step S28-16, it is determined whether or not the result (n) obtained by subtracting the actual number of times of release from the maximum number of times of release in the previous step (step S28-10) is "0". Judge.

If it is determined in step S28-16 that the result of the subtraction is not "0", the flow advances to the next step in which the number X of game balls entering the starting port 44 counted in step S28-15 is calculated. It is determined whether the number of game balls to be entered into the starting port 44 displayed in the step S28-14 is larger or smaller than the number Y (step S28-17).
When the number X (for example, six) of game balls that have entered the starting port 44 at the time of the interval is larger than the number Y (for example, five) of game balls that should enter the starting port 44, the description will be made before. Returning to the step (step S28-3), the special winning opening 38 is opened again, and the special game is provided to the player. However, when the number X (for example, 3) of game balls entering the starting port 44 at the time of the interval is smaller than the number Y (for example, 5) of game balls to enter the starting port 44, the specific game state of the jackpot. Ends and returns to the normal game.

As described above, in the continuation determination game at the time of the special game at which the special winning opening 38 is opened,
Depending on the number of game balls entered into the starting port 44 as a general winning opening, whether or not to continue the next special game is determined, so the number of special games during the jackpot specific game is not always the same No, the number of winning balls paid out as a result of performing the special game a plurality of times throughout the specific game is not constant, and the number of the winning balls can be increased depending on the player's playing method in the continuation determination game. In other words, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's game technique can intervene in the game result, and the player has an expectation that the number of times a special game will be performed will be added during a specific game that tends to be monotonous. By allowing the player to play the game, it is possible to play the game happily throughout the entire game, and in order to continue the next special game, That play a game as prize balls are paid out, can provide a nonbinding target for the player, it is possible to further perform the game with enthusiasm.

Further, the display device 32 as the notifying means notifies the number of game balls entering the continuation of the above-mentioned special game at the time of the interval, so that the content of the notification is shown to the player. This makes it possible to further inspire the player to play the game with his or her own efforts so as to achieve the target total number.

Further, in the present embodiment, the continuation determination game is performed at each interval after the predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) of the special game immediately after the jackpot has been won.
The first predetermined number of special games can be continued in a state in which the player is not required to devise the game as usual, and even a novice player can pay out a certain amount of prize balls. In a special game after a predetermined number of times, the number of game balls entering the general winning opening at each interval is limited, and for players with high difficulty, It is possible to play a very challenging game that requires a special device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a display device that displays a plurality of identification information images that repeatedly displays a variable display and a stop display that is most noticeable when a player plays a game is used as the notification means. Since the number of entering game balls required for the next special game to be continued is notified, it is easy for the player to easily recognize the above notification and to play the game without feeling uncomfortable while grasping changes in the game. Has become.

In the present embodiment, the starting port which is a trigger for playing a game in response to the entry of a game ball is used as a general prize port for counting the entry of a game ball at an interval. Since the starting port for aiming at the entry of the game ball most during the game is set as the entry target position at the time of the interval, the operation of the game ball firing unit for the player during the interval is almost the same as during the previous game. It is possible to perform the operation in the same operation state, and it is very easy for the player to operate the game ball firing unit. Note that the above description is about how many times the shutter 40 is opened in one big hit, and how many times the shutter 40 is opened. If this flow is comprehensively described, a maximum of n shutters 40 can be made in one big hit. However, in order for the shutter 40 to be opened again after one opening is completed, any one of the gaming balls entered into the special winning opening 38 before the shutter 40 closes. However, it is necessary to pass through the specific area 203 of the special winning opening 38.

Therefore, the shutter 40 can be opened at most n times per one jackpot, but the game ball does not pass through the specific area 203 in the special winning opening 38 while the shutter 40 is opened. As long as the shutter 40 is not opened next time. That is, whether or not the shutter 40 is opened the maximum number of times depends on whether or not a game ball enters the specific area 203 of the special winning opening 38.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to change the number of entering game balls required for continuing the next special game at each interval. That is, the number Y of game balls to be entered, which is displayed on the display device 32 in step S28-14, is set to 5 for each interval.
It is possible to change the number to 2, 2, or 6.

With this configuration, the number of game balls entering the general winning opening required for the continuation of the next special game is changed at each interval. It is necessary to pay attention to the required number of incoming balls and play the game, it is difficult to feel the monotonous feeling of the game, and it is necessary to devise such as changing the operation of the game ball firing unit that fires the game ball at each interval Since the number of winning balls to be paid out varies greatly depending on the player's way of playing, a very rewarding game for the player can be provided.

In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls to be entered is equal to or greater than the number Y of game balls to enter the starting port 44. It is also possible to determine whether or not the next special game will be continued on condition that the number or the range of the number Y of game balls to be entered is determined (for example, the range is determined to be 3 to 5). It is possible.
By doing so, it is possible to give a change to the continuation decision game, provide the player with a game that requires the player's game technique more, and have a sense of expectation for paying out more winning balls. Becomes

In this embodiment, a display device on which an identification information image is displayed is used as the notification means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use a display device to display characters or symbols, to use voice or music through a speaker or the like, and to notify the number of game balls to be entered at the time of an interval by displaying an LED display. . In this case, a display device that is very important and noticeable in performing a game, such as an identification information image or an effect image using a character image, is displayed on the display device in a large and professional manner, and the other game balls are entered. Information about the number can be reported by other reporting means.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, whether or not the next special game is continued is determined according to the number of game balls that have entered the starting port as a general winning port.
For example, any general winning opening other than the special winning opening, including the starting opening, can include any general winning opening in the counting of balls, and in this case, even a beginner player can easily cope with it. It is possible for many players to play games with great fun, and it is also possible to change the effective general winning opening at each interval, so that in order to enter the ball that changes at each interval It is necessary to aim at the general winning opening each time and enter the game ball, and for the player, the number of times the special game is performed depending on the manner of the game is added, and the number of the winning balls to be paid out is increased. It is possible to amplify the desire to play the game and to enhance the playability.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the trend of the total number of game balls entered and accumulated in the general winning opening is notified digitally of the number of balls by the notification means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the change in the number of balls is displayed and notified in an analog manner using an image such as a level meter, the current number of balls is announced by sound every time a ball is entered, or the game ball is inserted. Using LED indicators installed according to the total number of balls, it is also possible to notify by lighting or flashing the LED indicator corresponding to the current total number of incoming balls, making it easy for players to understand It is better to provide a notification that makes the game easier to play and further motivates the player to play the game.

In the embodiment described above, the program for controlling the pachinko game, the program for detecting the game ball shown in FIG. 5, the program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the program for executing the processing in the jackpot state is stored in the ROM 68 or the RAM 70 of the pachinko gaming apparatus 10. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the Internet or a local area network (LAN) is used. ), Etc., the operator can operate the terminal C communicably connected to the server S via the telecommunications network N to play a pachinko game. In this case, The server S and the terminal C may have the programs described above and data used in these programs.

In the case where the server S and the terminal C are configured as described above, the server S includes a program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for detecting a game ball shown in FIG. The program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 6 and the program for executing the process in the jackpot state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are stored in advance, and these programs are transmitted to the terminal at a predetermined timing. It is.

On the other hand, the terminal C temporarily stores these transmitted programs, reads out the stored programs as appropriate, and executes them to advance the pachinko game.

A program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for detecting a game ball shown in FIG. 5, a program for executing a variable display game shown in FIG. 6, and a program shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The server S side may execute a program for executing the process in the jackpot state, and transmit a command generated according to the execution result to the terminal C as a control signal or control information. In this case, the terminal device C selects or generates an image for performing a pachinko game in accordance with the transmitted control signal or control information, and displays the image on the display unit.

[0117]

According to the present invention, the number of special games during a specific game such as a jackpot is not always the same, and the number of winning balls paid out as a result of performing the special game is not constant. It is possible to increase the number of prize balls by the way of playing, so to say, a game technique of the player can provide a game that can intervene in the game result, during a specific game that is easy to monotonize for the player, By causing the player to play the game while having an expectation that the number of times the special game will be performed will be added, the player can play the game happily throughout the entire game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a game board surface of the pachinko gaming device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded explanatory view of a variable winning device in the pachinko gaming device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for detecting a game ball executed in the pachinko gaming device.

FIG. 6 is a step S14 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5;
9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a variable display game process called and executed in FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a process after a jackpot in the subroutine of the variable display game process shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a process after a jackpot in the subroutine of the variable display game process shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram specifically showing a screen image appearing on a display device in a variable display game.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram specifically showing an aspect of a variable display of an identification information image in a variable display game.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a game board on which a game form conversion process is being performed.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a server and a terminal communicably connected via an electric communication network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN).

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Pachinko gaming machines (gaming machines) 14 Gaming boards 26 Launch handles (gaming ball launchers) 32 Display devices (notifying means) 38 Large winning opening (special winning opening) 44 Starting opening (general winning opening) 54a-54d General winning opening

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A game ball launching section for launching a game ball on a game board, and a plurality of winning ports into which the launched game balls enter, wherein the winning port is set when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a gaming machine having a special winning opening in which opening movement as a special game is performed a predetermined number of times and a closing movement is performed after each opening movement, and a general winning opening other than the special winning opening. At the time of the special game in which the special winning opening is closed, it is determined whether or not to continue the next special game according to the number of game balls that have entered the general winning opening. A gaming machine characterized in that a continuation decision game is performed. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of game balls required for continuing the next special game is changed at each of the intervals. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying the number of game balls entering the continuation of the special game at the time of the interval. . 4. The game according to claim 1, wherein the continuation determination game is performed at each interval after passing a predetermined number of special games immediately after a predetermined condition is satisfied. Gaming machine. 5. The game according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit is a display unit that displays a plurality of identification information images that repeatedly perform a change display and a stop display. Machine. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the general winning opening is a starting opening that triggers a game to be played in response to a ball being played. . 7. A game method in which a game ball is fired from a game ball launch portion onto a game board, the shot game ball is thrown into a winning opening, and a predetermined number of winning balls according to the shot are paid out. Yes, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special winning port among the winning ports is opened a predetermined number of times as a special game,
A game method in which a game ball fired into the special winning opening is thrown in, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out according to the entering ball, wherein when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed. At the interval of the special game being performed, a continuation determination game for determining whether or not to continue the next special game is performed in accordance with the number of game balls entered into the general winning opening. Method. 8. In a gaming machine, a game ball is fired from a game ball launching unit onto a game board, the shot game ball is thrown into a winning port, and a predetermined number of winning balls according to the shot are paid out. A method of providing a game form, wherein when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special winning port among the winning ports is opened and released as a special game a predetermined number of times, and a game ball fired to the special winning port is entered. Paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in accordance with the winning ball, and at the time of the special game in which the special prize port is closed, the number of game balls entered into the general prize port is reduced. A step of performing a continuation determination game for determining whether or not to continue the next special game in response to the request.