JP2002346097A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having various properly-changeable ready- to-win modes to suppress impairment of interest in a game. SOLUTION: In this pachinko game machine, when the number of successive selections of a ready-to-win state C reaches an upper limit number (=20 times), a ready-to-win state A having high hit possibility (possibility that a big hit game is generated) compared to the ready-to-win state C is forcibly selected. Accordingly, the frequent successive selections of the ready-to-win state C, or the like, can suppress the impairment of the interest in the game.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many game machines such as pachinko game machines have a liquid crystal display device, and such a game machine determines whether or not a game has hit or missed due to establishment of a judgment condition. A determination means and a prize value providing means for providing a player with a prize value (for example, a jackpot game called a so-called special game) due to the determination result being a hit are provided. Then, the plurality of symbols are scrolled and displayed in a fluctuating manner on the liquid crystal display device, and then the symbols are determined and displayed, and the determination result (that is, a game hit or miss) by the determination means is displayed based on a combination of the symbols that have been determined and displayed. Further, in such a gaming machine, a fixed display by a liquid crystal display device may be performed through a reach state in order to notify a player of a state in which a game is likely to be hit. For example, when the liquid crystal display device determines and displays the determination result in a combination of three symbols, the three symbols are variably displayed, and then stopped and displayed in the order of left symbol → middle symbol → right symbol. In this process, a state in which the left symbol and the middle symbol are stopped and displayed in the same symbol and the right symbol is changing corresponds to the reach state described above. Specifically, the state in which the “left symbol / middle symbol / right symbol” is changed to “7.7 / variable” corresponds to the reach state.

In such a reach state, the reach state is produced in various reach modes selected under predetermined conditions, and thereafter, the final symbol (right symbol) is stopped, and
One symbol combination is determined. Here, each reach mode, for example, based on the display image on the liquid crystal display device,
The player can recognize which reach mode has been executed. Further, among the plurality of reach modes, a high reliability reach where the reliability with which the determination result is hit is set relatively high, a low reliability reach where the reliability is set relatively low, and the like. By switching to the reach mode with various degrees of reliability, the sense of expectation of winning a game is improved.

[0004]

However, in a conventional gaming machine, for example, a specific reach mode may be frequently displayed continuously, and the interest of the game may be impaired. For example, in the case where a lot of low-reliability reach in which the reliability with which the determination result is a hit is set relatively low continuously appears, the expectation of the hit decreases, and further, the player's willingness to play is reduced. There was a risk of loss.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing a loss of the interest of a game by appropriately switching to various reach modes. I do.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine for achieving the above object, comprising: a judging means for judging whether a game has been hit or missed due to establishment of a judging condition; After the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the final display is performed, and the combination of the plurality of finally displayed symbols is used to display a determination result by the determination unit, and the determination result by the determination unit is a hit. A prize value providing means for providing a prize value to a player, and a reach mode for producing a reach state when the final display of the determination result by the determination result display means is performed through the reach state, a plurality of reach modes. And reach counting means for counting the number of times a specific reach mode is selected from among a plurality of reach modes. When it reaches the set upper limit number of times,
The feature is that another reach mode is forcibly selected.

A second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect, wherein the counting means counts the number of consecutive selections when the specific reach mode is continuously selected as the number of selections. Have.

[0008] The invention of claim 3 is claim 1 or claim 2.
In the described gaming machine, when the reach state is produced by another reach mode as compared with the case where the reach state is produced by the specific reach mode, the possibility that the determination result by the determination means is a hit is set higher. It has features where it is done.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the result of the determination by the determining means is a hit, the number of times counted by the counting means is reset. Having.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further comprises an upper limit number selecting means for selecting the upper limit number from a plurality of types of upper limit numbers.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the number of times the specific reach mode is selected reaches a predetermined upper limit, the reach mode is achieved. Since another reach mode is compulsorily selected by the selecting means, it is possible to suppress a loss of the interest of the game due to the frequent selection of the specific reach mode.

<Invention of Claim 2> According to the gaming machine of the invention of Claim 2, when the number of consecutive selections in which the specific reach mode is continuously selected reaches a predetermined upper limit number, the reach is reached. Since another reach mode is forcibly selected by the mode selecting means, it is possible to suppress a loss of the interest of the game due to, for example, frequently selecting a specific reach mode.

<Invention of Claim 3> According to the gaming machine of the invention of Claim 3, when the number of selections or the number of continuous selections in the specific reach mode reaches a predetermined upper limit number, the game is switched to the specific reach mode. In comparison, the reach mode is likely to be selected by the reach mode selecting means in another reach mode in which the determination result is highly likely to be a hit. Can be prevented from being impaired, and a good sense of expectation can be obtained.

<Invention of Claim 4> According to the gaming machine of the invention of claim 4, when the result of the determination by the determining means is a hit, the number of times counted by the counting means is reset. The balance of forced selection can be moderated.

<Invention of claim 5> According to the gaming machine of the invention of claim 5, from the state where the specific reach mode is selected,
When another reach mode is forcibly selected, the reason is that the number of selections of the specific reach mode has reached the upper limit number. Is selected and switched, it is difficult for the player to find out that the reach is forcibly selected.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine to which the present invention is applied will now be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a game board 11 of this pachinko game machine has a liquid crystal display device 13 at the center of a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails 12.
(Corresponding to “determination result display means” of the present invention), and a seven-segment LED 24 is provided at the upper center of the decorative frame 23 arranged around the liquid crystal display device 13.

Below the liquid crystal display device 13 of the game board 11, a starting winning port 14, a large winning port 15, and a missed ball receiving port 16 are arranged side by side at intervals from the top. Further, on both left and right sides of the liquid crystal display device 13 and the like, a lamp windmill 17, a start gate 18
In addition, a windmill 19 and general winning openings 20 and 21 are provided, and arc-shaped side lamps 22 and 22 are provided on both sides along the guide rail 12. Further, in addition to these winning ports, a plurality of nails (not shown) stand in the game area.

As shown in FIG. 1, an upper plate 27A and a lower plate 27B are provided below the game board 11 of the pachinko game machine in two vertical stages. By operating the operation knob 28 provided at the right end of the lower plate 27B, the upper plate 2
The game ball accommodated in 7A is flipped out toward the game board 11. Also, by pressing the button 29 provided on the upper plate 27A,
Game balls move from the upper plate 27A to the lower plate 27B and are accommodated therein.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the back of the game board 11, the above-mentioned starting gate 18, starting winning port 14, large winning port 15, and general winning ports 20, 21 are provided with game balls. Winning ball detection switches SW1 to SW for detecting winning
5 are provided.

Next, the required parts will be described in more detail. The 7-segment LED 24 is connected to the starting gate 1
When the prize ball detection switch SW1 (see FIG. 2) provided in 8 detects the passing of the game ball, the number from "0" to "9" is displayed in a variable manner over a predetermined period, and then the predetermined number is displayed. Is displayed. More specifically, the winning ball detection switch SW
The main control circuit 50, which will be described later, having received the detection signal from 1 performs a hit / miss determination and selects any one of the numbers “0” to “9” as a symbol corresponding to the determination result. For example, if the determination result is a hit, "0" to
Any odd number is selected from “9”, and if it is off, any even number is selected. And the selected number is 7
The segmented LED 24 is determined and displayed, and when the determined and displayed number is a winning symbol (odd number), the movable wing pieces 14C, 14C described below provided in the starting winning opening 14 are activated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the starting winning port 14 has first and second starting winning ports 14A and 14B arranged vertically, and the upper first starting winning port 14A is always provided with a game ball. Can be awarded, but the lower second starting winning port 14B is provided with movable wing pieces 14C, 14 provided on both sides thereof.
By setting C, the winning of the game ball is regulated. And
When the fixed display of the 7-segment LED 24 becomes an odd number, the solenoid 14S (see FIG. 2) provided on the back of the game board 11 is driven, and the movable wing pieces 14C, 14C are moved for a predetermined period (for example, 0.4 seconds). It is in a state of allowing the winning in the second winning opening 14B. When a game ball wins in one of the first and second starting winning openings 14A and 14B (hereinafter simply referred to as “starting winning opening 14”), a winning provided in each of the starting winning openings 14A and 14B. The ball detection switches SW2 and SW2 (see FIG. 2) detect a game ball, and the liquid crystal display device 13 variably displays a plurality of symbols and then displays the symbols. Note that if there is a winning ball in the starting winning port 14 while the liquid crystal display device 13 is performing the variable display,
The winning balls are counted up to four. In addition, every time a prize is won in the start winning port 14, a prize ball (for example, 5 balls) is paid out by the payout device.

The special winning opening 15 is formed to be horizontally long, and is always closed by the movable door 15T. Then, when the pachinko gaming machine is brought into a "big hit state" by the establishment of a predetermined condition described later, a solenoid 15S (see FIG. 2) provided on the back of the game board 11 is driven, and the movable door 15T is moved forward for a predetermined period. To fall. Thereby, the special winning opening 15 is opened, and many game balls can be won in the special winning opening 15 by using the movable door 15T as a guide. Here, the movable door 15T
However, when a period from opening to closing is referred to as a “round”, in one round, the opening time of the movable door 15T is 2 hours.
The process is terminated when either of the following conditions is satisfied: 9 seconds or 10 gaming balls in the special winning opening 15.

Inside the special winning opening 15, there is a continuous winning opening 30.
(See FIG. 2) and a counting winning port 31 (see FIG. 2) are provided. These continuous winning port 30 and counting winning port 31 are provided.
Are selectively opened. More specifically,
When the movable door 15T is opened, first, the continuous winning opening 3
0 is open, and after winning the continuous winning opening 30, the solenoid 32S (see FIG. 2) is driven to close the continuous winning opening 30, while the counting winning opening 31 is opened. The winning ball detection switch SW provided in the continuous winning opening 30
When 3 (see FIG. 2) detects a winning of the game ball, the next round is continuously executed after the round is completed by satisfying the end condition described above. When the winning ball detection switch SW4 (see FIG. 2) provided in the counting winning opening 31 detects the winning of the game ball, the winning ball to the large winning opening 15 is combined with the winning ball to the continuous winning opening 30. Are counted, and it is checked whether or not these have reached a total of ten as described above.

In the liquid crystal display device 13, the inside of the decorative frame 23 is depressed from the game board 11, and the TFT-L
It has a CD module. In addition, transfer holes 23A, 23A for guiding game balls to the inside of the decorative frame 23 are provided on the left and right side walls of the decorative frame 23, and the lower inner surface of the decorative frame 23 is gently inclined to play the game. A groove (not shown) for guiding the ball to the opening of the first winning opening 14A is provided. Further, the decorative frame 23 has four
The two LEDs 25 are arranged, and the cumulative count of winning balls to the starting winning opening 14 is displayed by turning on the LEDs 25.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. FIG. The liquid crystal display device 13 usually has three special symbols 70, as shown in FIG.
71 and 72 are displayed side by side. When distinguishing these special symbols, "left special symbol 70", "middle special symbol 71",
It will be referred to as “right special symbol 72”. Each of these special symbols 70, 71, 72 is, for example, "0"-
It is composed of a plurality of types in which the number “9” is indicated. Usually, a predetermined type of each of the special symbols 70, 71, 72 is fixedly displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. Then, when the game ball wins in the starting winning opening 14, the special symbols 70, 71, 72 are scrolled up and down as shown in FIG. The scroll change stops in the order of the symbol 70, the middle special symbol 71, and the right special symbol 72, and the stopped symbol is fixedly displayed.

As described above, each of the special symbols 70, 71, 72
May be sequentially established and displayed, a reach state may be established. As one of the display modes of the reach state in the present embodiment, while only the right special symbol 72 among the three special symbols 70, 71, 72 is variably displayed, the other two special symbols 70, 71 are in a specific combination ( (For example, the same design)
(Combination that constitutes part of the winning symbol) is set so as to be confirmed and displayed.

It should be noted that the reach state is not limited to the above-described state. When the determination result by the determination means is displayed in a plurality of symbol combinations, some of the plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed. , While other symbols are changing,
This means that the symbols that are stopped and displayed constitute a part of a symbol combination that means a win.

Now, in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment,
In order to produce a reach state, a plurality of types of reach modes are set in advance, and a predetermined one of these reach modes is selected and executed. Specifically, for example, three types of reach modes A, B, and C described below are set.

The image (reach screen) displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 when the reach mode A is executed is shown in FIG. 4, and the special symbols 70 and 71 on the left and the middle are the same symbol. And the right special symbol 72 is displayed in a fluctuating manner. For example, a character C such as a hero of a cartoon appears here, and as if the character C depresses the right special symbol 72, the right special symbol 72 is displayed. The fluctuation display of the special symbol 72 is produced. Further, the reach mode A has a high degree of reliability (probability) as described later,
It is called "Super Reach A".

An image (reach screen) displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 when the reach mode B is executed is shown in FIG. 5, and the left and middle special symbols 7 having the same symbol are displayed.
For example, 0, 71 is changed to a smaller similar shape as compared with the normal time (see FIG. 3), and the right special symbol 72 is
For example, it is set so as to be moved upward from the lower side to be scroll-displayed, and the middle special symbol 71 is reduced so as to gradually move away with the movement. Also,
The reach mode B has the second highest reliability (probability) next to the reach mode A, and is referred to as “super reach B”, as will be described in detail later.

The image (reach screen) displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 when the reach mode C is executed is shown in FIG. 6, and the three special symbols 70, 71 and 72 are all of the same size. The left and middle special symbols 70, 71,
The same symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the right special symbol 72 is scrolled and displayed. Further, as will be described in detail later, the reach mode C has a lower reliability (probability) than the reach modes A and B, and is referred to as “normal reach C”. In the present embodiment, the reach mode C corresponds to the specific reach mode according to the present invention, and as will be described in detail later, when the reach mode C is continuously selected for a predetermined number of times or more, the reach mode is forcibly set. Next, reach mode A as another reach mode is selected.

When each of the reach modes A to C is executed, not only the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 but also the drive modes of the lamps provided in the pachinko game machine and the sound effects from the speakers are changed. It is changed for each reach mode.

Next, an electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 50 denotes a main control circuit, which is a CPU.
A main part includes a one-chip microcomputer 51 formed by packaging a combination of a RAM 51A, a RAM 51B, and a ROM 51C.

An initialization pulse circuit 52 outputs an initialization signal to a reset terminal of the one-chip microcomputer 51 when the power of the pachinko game machine is turned on. Reference numeral 53 denotes a periodic pulse circuit which is periodic (for example, 4.000 msec).
c), an interrupt pulse is output to the one-chip microcomputer 51. Each time the one-chip microcomputer 51 receives the interrupt pulse, it runs the control main program M (see FIG. 9) stored in the ROM 51C. In addition, each of the winning ports 14, 20, 21, 30, 31 and the starting gate 1
Winning ball detection switches SW1 to SW5 provided in correspondence with No. 8
From the one-chip microcomputer 5 via an interface or the like provided in the main control circuit 50 as a binary signal.
It is taken into 1.

A payout control circuit 54 drives a prize ball device (not shown) based on a signal received from the one-chip microcomputer 51, thereby discharging a predetermined number of prize balls to the upper plate 27A. You. Reference numeral 55 denotes a firing control circuit, which outputs a signal to the main control circuit 50 in accordance with the turning operation of the operation knob 28. Then, based on this, the main control circuit 50 controls the driving of a ball-and-ball device (not shown) to
A game ball is launched on 1. Reference numeral 56 denotes a power supply circuit, which supplies power to each part and outputs a signal related to power on / off to the main control circuit 50.

The output line of the one-chip microcomputer 51 is connected to the 7-segment LED via a driver 57.
24, LED 25, side lamp 22, movable wing piece 14C
And a solenoid 14S for opening and closing the movable door 15T,
15S etc. are connected. The driver 57 is, for example,
A switch (not shown) for switching each power line to the 7-segment LED 24 and the like between a conductive state and a non-conductive state
These switches are on / off controlled based on a signal from the one-chip microcomputer 51 to drive the 7-segment LED 24 and the like.

Reference numeral 58 denotes an information output circuit, which outputs a gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine to a management device 58K provided in the pachinko hall.

Reference numeral 59 denotes a voice synthesizing circuit which takes out a predetermined voice signal from a ROM (not shown) based on a binary signal received from the one-chip microcomputer 51, converts this into an analog signal, amplifies the analog signal, and amplifies the analog signal. Output to

Reference numeral 60 denotes a display control circuit. The display control circuit 60 is shown in detail in FIG. 8. The display control circuit 60 processes the binary signal received from the main control circuit 50 by the display CPU 61, and outputs the VDP based on the processing result of the display CPU 61.
62 generates image data, which is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13
It is configured to output to.

More specifically, the display CPU 61 exchanges data with the control data ROM 63 provided in the display control circuit 60 to perform data processing. VDP62
The character data relating to the special design, the reach mode, and the like are used to generate image data.
And the VRAM 67 is used as a work memory. Further, the image data output from the VDP 62 is converted into RGB signals through a D / A conversion circuit 68, and this is converted into an RGB signal via an output circuit 13A.
Given to. The VDP 62 also supplies a synchronization signal to the liquid crystal display device 13 via the output circuit 13A. The liquid crystal display device 13 displays an image on the TFT-LCD module based on the RGB signal and the synchronization signal. I do.

Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, the one-chip microcomputer 51 is operated at a predetermined cycle (for example, 4.0).
(Every 00 msec), the control main program M shown in FIG. 9 is taken out from the ROM 51B and run. In the initial setting (S1), which is the first step of the control main program M, for example, stack setting, constant setting, CPU setting, SIO, PIO, and CTC (controller for interrupt time) are performed. The processing required only when the power is turned on is determined by the control main program M
It is executed only when the run is executed for the first time after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

In the input process (S2) performed after the initial setting (S1), various sensor signals (each of the switches SW1 to SW1) are set.
SW5 output signal and other detection signals)
It is stored in a sensor signal storage area provided in M51B.

Next, a random number updating process (S3) is performed. In the present embodiment, the counters C1 to C7 shown in Table 1 are provided.

[0045]

[Table 1]

Each of the power counters C1 to C7 is set to "0" when the power is turned on, is incremented by 1 at a predetermined timing, and reaches the upper limit of the numerical range shown in Table 1, that is, What is counted up,
It is reset to “0” and is incremented again from “0” by one. Although it is the timing of the increment, regarding the counters C1, C2, and C6, the random number update processing (S
Each time 3) is executed (for example, every 4 msec). As for the counters C3 to C5, when the counter C2 is counted up, the counter C3 is incremented by 1. When the counter C3 is counted up, C4 is incremented by 1. When the counter C4 is counted up, C5 is incremented. Is incremented by one.
This prevents the values of the counters C3, C4, C5 from being updated with the same value. The specific reach counter C7 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. The values of the counters C1 to C6 updated as described above are stored one by one in the counter value storage area provided in the RAM 51B, and the process exits from the random number update process (S3).

Upon exiting from the random number update processing (S3),
The presence or absence of a winning ball in the starting winning port 14 is checked based on the detection result of the winning ball detection switch SW2 (S
4). If there is a winning ball in the starting winning opening 14, the next random number acquisition process (S5) and the big hit determination process (S5)
6), special symbol determination processing (S7), reach mode determination processing (S8), and specific reach count processing (S9) are executed. On the other hand, when there is no winning ball in the starting winning port 14, the process jumps to a special game execution process (S10) described later.

In the random number acquisition process (S5), the starting winning opening 1
When the winning ball No. 4 is detected by the winning ball detection switch SW2, the updated numerical values of the counters C1 to C6 stored in the counter numerical value storage area in the RAM 51B are obtained, and the obtained numerical values are stored in the RAM 51B. Is stored in the acquired numerical value storage area provided in the.

The jackpot determining process (S6) corresponds to the determining means according to the present invention, and checks whether or not the acquired value of the counter C1 is a jackpot value. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the big hit value is set to, for example, “7”, and when the counter C1 is “7”, the big hit flag F1 is set to “1”. The data on whether or not the jackpot is received is transmitted to the display control circuit 60.

In the special symbol determination process (S7), the combination of the special symbols 70, 71 and 72 to be definitely displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 is determined based on the big hit flag F1 as a result of the judgment in the big hit judgment process (S6). . That is, in the special symbol determination process (S7), first, it is checked whether the big hit flag F1 is "1". When the jackpot flag F1 is "1", that is, when the jackpot is a jackpot, the special symbols 70, 71, and 72 are all set to the counter C2 as the jackpot symbol combination definitely displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13.
Is determined to be a so-called double-patterned combination of symbols having the same design corresponding to the numerical value of. Specifically, the counter C2 =
In the case of "0", the big hit symbol combination is determined to be "0 0 0", which is, for example, a sequence of three "0" s. When the counter C2 = "1", the big hit symbol combination is determined. As a combination, for example, three “1” s are determined to be “1 1 1”, which is a row of three, and similarly, any one of “0” to “9” is determined according to the value of the counter C2. An assortment of three numerical values is determined as a jackpot symbol combination.

On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag F1 is not "1", that is, if it is determined that the winning has occurred, a winning symbol combination corresponding to the acquired values of the counters C3, C4 and C5 is determined. For example, counter C3 = “1”,
If the counter C4 = “2” and the counter C5 = “3”, it is like “1 2 3”. However, if the value of the jackpot flag F1 is not “1”, the counter C
If all of the acquired numerical values of 3, C4, and C5 are the same, that is, if the winning combination is a big hit symbol, the value of the counter C5 is decremented by 1 so as not to be a big hit symbol combination. .

The reach mode determination processing (S8) is shown in FIG. 10. First, it is checked whether the value of the jackpot flag F1 is "1" (S20). And
When the jackpot flag F1 is "1", that is, when the jackpot is a jackpot, the reach state is always established, so that any one of the reach modes A, B, and C is selected as the effect of the reach state. The selection of the reach mode is performed based on the numerical value obtained by the counter C6. That is, when the acquired numerical value of the counter C6 is any of 0 to 24 (Y in S21)
es), reach mode A is selected (S22), and if the acquired value of counter C6 is any of 25 to 39 (No in S21 and Yes in S23), reach mode B is selected (S24). ), The acquired value of the counter C6 is
If it is any of 40 to 49 (No in S23), reach mode C is selected (S25). Then, data indicating which reach mode is selected is transmitted to the display control circuit 60.

On the other hand, if the value of the big hit flag F1 is not "1" (No in S20), that is, if it is not a big hit, it is checked whether or not the reach is reached (S26). Here, "reach out of reach" refers to a case in which the vehicle finally reaches the out-of-reach state after reaching the reach state. , 72 are determined. Specifically, the combination of the special symbols 70, 71, 72 determined in the special symbol determination process (S7) is, for example,
As in “7.7.5”, the left and middle special symbols 70 and 71 that are stopped and displayed first are the same symbol, and the right special symbol 72 that is finally stopped and displayed is the left and middle special symbol 72. Special pattern 7
When the symbol is different from 0, 71, the reach is lost (Yes in S26). On the other hand, the case where the reach is not out of reach (No in S26) means that the left and middle special symbols 70 and 71 which are stopped and displayed earlier are different symbols, for example, "6.5.7". In this case, since the reach state does not occur, there is no need to select the reach mode, and the process exits from the reach mode determination process (S8).

If the vehicle is out of reach (Y in S26)
es) includes a specific reach number counter C7 described below.
It is checked whether or not the upper limit number “20” has been reached (S27). Then, the specific reach counter C7
Is less than the upper limit number (= “20”) (No in S27), based on the acquired value of the counter C6,
Any of the reach modes A, B, and C is selected as the effect of the reach state. That is, when the acquired numerical value of the counter C6 is one of 0 to 24 (Yes in S28)
s), reach mode C is selected (S29), and counter C
6 is any one of 25 to 39 (S
(No at 28 and Yes at S30), reach mode B is selected (S31), and the acquired value of the counter C6 is 40
If it is any of Nos. To 49 (No in S30), reach mode A is selected (S32). Then, data indicating which reach mode is selected is transmitted to the display control circuit 60.

Table 2 shows a case where each of the reach modes A, B, and C is selected together with the case of the jackpot and the case of the out of reach.

[0056]

[Table 2]

Referring to Table 2, the apparent reliability of each reach, that is, the effect of each of the reach modes A, B, and C, excluding the forced selection (to be described in detail later), becomes a jackpot. The reliability (probability) can be obtained as follows. That is, regarding reach mode A, the reach mode A
The number of values that the counter C6 can take in order to achieve a jackpot after the execution of the above is 25 (= 0 to 24), and the counter C6 can take the number of values out of the reach through the execution of the reach mode A. The number of numerical values is 10
(= 40-49). Accordingly, the reach mode A is executed irrespective of the hit or miss, and the total number of values that can be taken by the counter C6 is 35 (= 25 + 1).
0) Yes. As a result, the reliability (probability) of the jackpot through the execution of the reach mode A is 25/35 (= about 7).
0%). Similarly, the reliability (probability) of the reach mode C to the jackpot is 50%, and the reliability (probability) of the reach mode C to the jackpot is about 30%.

By the way, in the case of the out-of-reach condition, the number of values that the counter C6 can take to reach the reach mode C among the 50 values (= 0 to 49) that the counter C6 can take is: There are 25 (= 0 to 24). Therefore, in the case of the out of reach, the reach mode C is selected with a probability of 25/50 = 1/2. However, in some cases, the reach mode C may be continuous many times. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the specific reach number counting process (S9) described below, the specific reach number counter C7 counts the number of continuous selections of the reach mode C (normal reach C), and the counting result is set as the upper limit number. Is reached ("Ye" in S27)
In s), the reach mode A is forcibly selected as the effect of the reach state regardless of the numerical value acquired by the counter C6. That is, in the present embodiment, the specific reach counter C7 corresponds to the counting unit according to the present invention, the reach mode C corresponds to the specific reach mode according to the present invention,
The reach mode A that is forcibly selected corresponds to another reach mode according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the specific reach counter C7 is fixed to “20”. In the second embodiment, the upper limit number is changed.

The specific reach number counting process (S9)
As shown in FIG. 11, first, it is checked whether the value of the jackpot flag F1 is "1" (S40). If the jackpot flag F1 is not "1", that is, if the jackpot is not a jackpot (No in S40), it is checked whether the specific reach counter C7 has reached the upper limit (= "20") (S41). If the upper limit has not been reached (No in S41), it is checked whether the reach mode C has been selected (S42). If reach mode C has been selected (Yes in S42),
The specific reach counter C7 is incremented by one, and the process exits from the specific reach count processing (S9).

On the other hand, when the jackpot flag F1 is "1", that is, when the jackpot is a jackpot (Yes in S40), or
When the specific reach counter C7 reaches the upper limit (= “2
0 ”) (Yes in S41),
When reach mode C is not selected (No in S42)
In either case, the specific reach counter C7
Is reset to "0", and the process exits from the specific reach number counting process (S9).

Thus, in the specific reach number counting process (S9), the specific reach number counter C7 counts the number of continuous selections of the reach mode C (normal reach C) up to 20, and the number of continuous selections becomes 20. If the game is a big hit before reaching, or if another reach mode A or B is selected, the specific reach counter C7
Is returned to "0", and then a new count is started.

The special game execution process (S10) corresponds to the prize value providing means according to the present invention. First, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot flag F1 is "1", that is, whether or not the jackpot is established. To check. And the jackpot flag F1
Is "1", it is checked whether or not a jackpot game is being played. Here, the jackpot flag F1 is “1”, and
If a big hit game is being played, the special game execution process (S10) is immediately terminated. On the other hand, the jackpot flag F
If 1 is "1" and you are not playing a jackpot,
After resetting the jackpot flag F1 to “0”,
Start executing the jackpot game. That is, the large winning opening opening solenoid 15S is driven to move the movable door 1 of the large winning opening 15.
5T is opened so that many game balls can enter the large winning opening 15. More specifically, during the execution of the special game, the movable door 15T has a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10) after a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) elapses, or when the number of winning balls to the special winning opening 15 is increased. Close when it becomes. In addition, winning opening 1
5 each time a prize is won in the continuous winning opening 30 in the movable door 15
The continuation right to repeat the opening of T again occurs, and the movable door 15 is opened.
Maximum number of times T is released (for example, 15 times)
Repeat until The special game is terminated when any of the special game end conditions, that is, when there is no winning in the continuous winning opening 30 during opening of the movable door 15T or when the opening of the movable door 15T of the maximum number of times ends, is established. I do. It should be noted that a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls for one winning in the big winning opening 15.

After exiting the special game execution process (S10), an output process (S11) is executed. Then, an operation signal is output to each drive circuit, various solenoids provided in a predetermined winning device, a speaker 59S, a side lamp 22 and the like are driven, and further, other sub-control circuits including a display control circuit 60, a pachinko machine, and the like. Predetermined data is output to the hall management device 58K. In addition, the signals output to the display control circuit 60 include a signal related to a game hit or miss reflected in the big hit flag F1, a signal related to a combination of special symbols processed in the special symbol determination processing (S7), and a reach mode determination. The signal related to the reach mode processed in the process (S8), the signal related to the symbol variation pattern, and other game state signals are included.

Further, before or after the output process (S11), another process (not shown) is executed to exit the control main program M. Then, after 4 msec, the control main program M is run again, and the process is repeated from step S1.

The control main program M in which the one-chip microcomputer 51 runs at a predetermined cycle has been described above. At the same cycle (for example, every 4.000 msec), the display control circuit 60 has a display control circuit M. CPU 61
Retrieves the display processing program N from the control data ROM 63 and runs it.

This display processing program N is shown in FIG. 12. In the initial setting (50) which is the first step, for example, stack setting, constant setting, CPU setting, SIO, PIO, CTC setting And so on. The processing required only when the power is turned on is the display processing program N
Is executed only during the first run after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

In the input process (S51) performed after the initial setting (S50), the signal output from the main control circuit 50 in the output process (S11) of the control main program M is taken into the display CPU 61. It is.

Then, whether or not a special game is being executed (S5)
2) presence or absence of a display instruction from the main control circuit 50 (S5
3) It is checked whether or not the liquid crystal display device 13 is displaying the symbols in a variable manner (including not only during the scroll display of the special symbols 70, 71, and 72 but also during the display of a jackpot game) (S54).

In each of the above steps S52, S53 and S54, when the special game is being executed (Yes in S52).
s), or when there is no display instruction from the main control circuit 50 (No in S53), or when the liquid crystal display device 13 is displaying the symbols in a variable manner (Yes in S54), Exit from the display processing program N.

On the other hand, when the special game is not being executed (N in S52)
o) and there is a display instruction from the main control circuit 50 (S
If Yes at 53, and if the liquid crystal display device 13 is not performing variable display (No at S54), it is further checked whether or not a reach effect is present (S55). Then, in the one-chip microcomputer 51 of the main control circuit 50, the special symbols 70, 71, 72 determined in the special symbol determination process (S7).
Is not a symbol combination that produces a reach state (the combination of special symbols 70, 71, and 72 is, for example, “6.5. When the special symbols 70 and 71 in the middle are different symbols), it is determined that there is no reach effect (No in S55), and normal fluctuation display and stop display processing are performed (S56). That is, three special symbols 70, 7
After changing and scrolling all of 1, 72,
The left special symbol 70, the middle special symbol 71, and the right special symbol 72 are sequentially stopped and displayed. In addition, when there is no reach effect, after the special symbols 70, 71, and 72 are variably displayed,
The time from when all the special symbols 70, 71, 72 are stopped and displayed until the symbol is determined (hereinafter referred to as "variable display time") is set to about 8.5 seconds.

Now, in the one-chip microcomputer 51 of the main control circuit 50, when the combination of the special symbols 70, 71, 72 determined in the special symbol determination processing (S7) is a symbol combination for producing the reach state. Determines that there is a reach effect (Yes in S55), and
The predetermined reach selected in the reach mode determination process (S8) from the start of the fluctuation display of 0, 71, 72 to the time when all the special symbols 70, 71, 72 are stopped and displayed and the symbols are fixed. In the embodiment, a reach effect is performed. Therefore, when there is a reach effect, the fluctuation display time is longer than when there is no reach effect.

When the reach mode A is selected,
It is as follows. That is, left and middle special symbols 70 and 71
Is stopped and displayed in the same pattern, the effect of reach mode A is executed, and as shown in FIG. 4, a character C such as a hero of a cartoon appears, and as if that character C For example, by pressing down, the right special symbol 72 is scroll-displayed and then stopped and displayed. And these three special symbols 7 that are stopped and displayed
According to 0, 71, 72, it is a big hit symbol combination,
Any one of the out-of-design symbol combinations is definitely displayed.

When the reach mode B is selected,
It is as follows. That is, left and middle special symbols 70 and 71
Are displayed in the same pattern and stop display is performed, and the reach effect B is executed, as shown in FIG. 5, the left and middle special symbols 70 and 71 are smaller than normal times (see FIG. 3). The special symbol 72 is changed to a similar shape, and the right special symbol 72 is scrolled so as to gradually decrease as the right special symbol 72 moves upward and downward, and then stopped and displayed. And these three special symbols 7 that are stopped and displayed
According to 0, 71, 72, it is a big hit symbol combination,
Any one of the out-of-design symbol combinations is definitely displayed.

When reach mode C is selected,
It is as follows. That is, left and middle special symbols 70 and 71
Are displayed in the same symbol and stopped and displayed, the effect of the reach mode C is executed, and as shown in FIG. 6, the right special symbol 72 is scroll-displayed for a longer time than when no reach effect is provided, for example. Stopped from the display. And
These three special symbols 70, 71, 72 stopped and displayed.
As a result, either the symbol combination of the jackpot corresponding to the processing result of the special symbol determination processing (S7) or the symbol combination out of the jackpot is definitely displayed.

Now, the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment operates as follows when viewed from the player side. That is, when the game ball wins the starting winning opening 14, the special symbols 70, 71, 72 displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 are scrolled up and down and displayed in a fluctuating manner (see FIG. 3). After a while, the left special symbol 70 and the middle special symbol 71 are fixedly displayed in this order, and only the right special symbol 72 is variably displayed. At this time, the left and middle special symbols 70 and 71 coincide with each other to enter the reach state, and the left and middle special symbols 70 and 71
71 may not match, and the vehicle may not enter the reach state.

In the case of the reach state, the effect of any one of the reach modes A, B, and C is executed at random, and the player is required to obtain a big hit after the effect of each of the reach modes. Play while wishing. Here, in many cases, the player is aware of the pachinko information magazine and the like, and recognizes that when any of the reach modes is executed, a jackpot is likely to be hit. Then, when Super Reach A as Reach Mode A is executed, as shown in Table 2, a jackpot is achieved with a 70% reliability (probability), and when Super Reach B as Reach Mode B is executed, , 50% reliability (probability), and when the normal reach C as the reach mode C is executed, the jackpot is known to be 30% reliability (probability).

Therefore, when a large number of normal reach C with low reliability to the jackpot are executed in succession, there is a possibility that the player's expectation of the jackpot may decrease. However, in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the normal reach C (reach mode C) is continuously executed 20 times, the super reach A (reach) having the highest reliability (probability) to the jackpot is forcibly performed. Since the mode A) is selected and executed, the player feels that the fortune has risen at a stretch, the expectation of the jackpot increases, and the interest in the game can be maintained.

As described above, according to the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of consecutive selections in which reach mode C as a specific reach mode is continuously selected is increased to the predetermined upper limit number (= “2
0 "), the reach mode determination processing (S8)
As a result, the reach mode A, which is another reach mode, is forcibly selected, so that it is possible to suppress the loss of the interest of the game due to the frequent and continuous selection of the reach mode C. . In addition, reach mode A, which is forcibly switched and selected from the state in which reach mode C is continuously selected, is more likely than the reach mode C in the result of the jackpot determination process (S6) to be a hit (big hit). (The possibility of becoming a game) is high, the player thinks that fortune has risen sharply when the effect in reach mode C is switched from the state in which the effect is continuous to the effect in reach mode A, and the expectation of hitting is reduced. Can hold well. Further, when the result of the determination by the big hit determination processing (S6) is a hit, the count of the specific reach counter C7 for counting the number of continuous selections of the reach mode C is reset to "0". The balance of the forced selection in the embodiment A can be well balanced.

<Second Embodiment> This embodiment is described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 16, when compared with the configuration of the first embodiment, the configuration of the reach mode determination process (S15) in the control main program M is different, and the specific reach number counting process (S9) is followed by the specific The difference is that a reach count upper limit number determination process (S16) is provided (see FIG. 13). Hereinafter, only the configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described, and redundant description of the common configuration will be omitted.

The reach mode determination process (S1) of this embodiment
5) is shown in FIG. 14, and it is checked whether the jackpot flag F1 is "1" (S20), and if it is "1",
That is, in the case of a jackpot (Yes in S20), the same step S as the reach mode determination processing (S8) of the first embodiment is performed.
According to 21 to S25, any one of the reach modes A, B, and C is selected.

On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag F1 is not "1" (No in S20), it is checked whether the vehicle is out of reach (S26), and if it is not out of reach (No in S26). Since there is no need to select a reach mode, the process exits from the reach mode determination process (S15), as in the first embodiment.

If it is out of reach (S26)
In FIG. 14, after performing the upper limit number check process (S90) indicated by the two-dot chain line, the same step S as the reach mode determination process (S8) of the first embodiment is performed.
According to 29 to S33, any one of the reach modes A, B, and C is selected.

In the upper limit number check process (S90), the reach mode C as the specific reach mode is set to the upper limit number of continuous selections of, for example, 10, 15 and 20 based on the flags F2, F3 and F4. Choose from among them. The flags F2, F3, and F4 are set and reset in a specific reach count upper limit frequency determination process (S16) described later. That is, in the present embodiment, the upper limit count check processing (S90) and the specific reach count upper limit count determination processing (S16) described later constitute an upper limit count selection unit according to the present invention.

Specifically, the upper limit number of times check processing (S9
In (0), it is checked whether the flag F2 is "1" (S2).
60), if the flag F2 is “1” (Yes in S60)
s), "10" is selected as the upper limit number, and it is checked whether or not the specified reach number counter C7 has reached the upper limit number (= "10") (S61). Also, the flag F2
Is not “1” (No in S60), it is checked whether or not the flag F3 is “1” (S62). If the flag F3 is “1” (Yes in S62), the upper limit count is “15”. Is selected, and it is checked whether or not the specified reach number counter C7 has reached the upper limit number (= “15”) (S61). Further, if the flag F3 is not “1” (No in S62), “20” is selected as the upper limit number,
It is checked whether or not the specific reach number counter C7 has reached the upper limit number (= “20”) (S64).

Then, the above steps S61, S63, S
In 64, if the specific reach counter C7 has not reached the upper limit number (No in S61, S63, or S64), the same steps S29 to S33 as the reach mode determination processing (S8) in the first embodiment are performed. Selects one of the reach modes A, B, and C.

On the other hand, the above steps S61, S63, S6
In 4, if the specific reach counter C7 has reached the upper limit number (Yes in S61, S63, or S64), the flag reset processing illustrated in FIGS. 15A to 15C is performed. , The reach mode A is forcibly
Select As the flag resetting process, when the specific reach counter C7 has reached “10” as the upper limit number (Yes in S61), the flag F2 is set to “0” as shown in FIG. When the specific reach number counter C7 has reached “15” as the upper limit number (Yes in S63), the flag F3 is reset to “0” as shown in FIG. If the specific reach counter C7 has reached "20" as the upper limit number (Yes in S64), FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5 (C), the flag F4 is reset to “0”.

When the reach mode determination processing (S15) is exited, the specific reach number counting processing (S9) is executed. As described in the first embodiment, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the specific reach number counter is set. C7 is incremented by one, and if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the specific reach counter C7 is reset to "0". Then, when exiting from the specific reach number counting process (S9),
The specific reach count upper limit number determination process (S16) is executed.

The specific reach count upper limit number determination process (S
16) is shown in FIG. 16. When the specific reach counter C7 is reset to “0”, the upper limit of the specific reach counter C7 is set to “10” or “15”.
It is configured to select from "20". In particular,
It is checked whether or not the specific reach counter C7 has been reset to "0" (S70). If it has not been reset to "0" (No in S70), the specific reach count upper limit number determination process (S16) is performed. If the flag has been reset to "0" (Yes in S70), based on the counter C8, the flags F2, F3, and F4 corresponding to the respective upper limit times of "10", "15", and "20" are set to " 1 ”is set.

The counter C8 is updated by the same updating process as the counters C1 and C2 described in the first embodiment.
The value is randomly switched to any one of “0”, “1”, and “2”. If the value of the counter C8 is "0" (Yes in S71), "1" is set to the flag F2 (S72). If the value of the counter C8 is "1" (No in S71 and S73
Is Yes), and "1" is set to the flag F3 (S7).
4). Further, when the value of the counter C8 is not "1" (No in S73), "1" is set in the flag F4 (S75).

As a result, when the flag F2 is "1" in the above-mentioned upper limit number check process (S90), "10" is selected as the upper limit number.
When the flag F3 is “1”, the upper limit count is “1”.
5 has been selected, and when the flag F4 is "1", that is, when the flags F2 and F3 are not both "1", "20" has been selected as the upper limit count. In this manner, in the specific reach count upper limit number determination process (S16), the upper limit number is selected from a plurality of options. In the initial setting (S1) when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, only the flag F2 is set to "1", so that in the initial stage, the upper limit number is set to 10 times.

According to the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, when reach mode A is forcibly selected, it is because the number of continuous selections of reach mode C as the specific reach mode has reached the upper limit number. However, the upper limit number is determined to be plural (10 times, 1 time) by the upper limit number check process (S90).
(5 times, 20 times), it is difficult for the player to find out that the reach is forcibly selected, and the interest of the game is improved.

<Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
In addition to the following, various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. (1) In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine has been exemplified as an example of a pachinko gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a slot machine or the like as long as it is a gaming machine.

(2) In the above embodiment, the number of continuous selections of reach mode C as a specific reach mode is counted, and when the number of continuous selections reaches a predetermined number, reach mode A as another reach mode is determined. However, when the number of selections of the specific reach mode (regardless of whether it is continuous) reaches a predetermined upper limit number, the other reach modes are forcibly selected. May be selected.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the other reach mode that is forcibly selected is only one type of reach mode A. For example, when another reach mode is forcibly selected, The reach mode A and the reach mode B may be alternately switched and selected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the liquid crystal display device performs a variable display.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an effect in reach mode A.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an effect in reach mode B.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an effect in reach mode C.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a display control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control main program.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing reach mode determination processing;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific reach number counting process;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a display processing program;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control main program according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing reach mode determination processing;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flag reset process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a specific reach count upper limit number determination process.

[Explanation of symbols]

13 ... Liquid crystal display device (judgment result display means) C7 ... Specific reach number counter (counting means) S6 ... Big hit judgment processing (judgment means) S8, S15 ... Reach mode determination processing (reach mode selection means) S9 ... Specific reach count Processing (counting means) S10 ... Special game execution processing (prize value giving means) S16 ... Specific reach count upper limit number determination processing (upper limit selection means) S90 ... Upper limit check processing (upper limit selection means)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A determination means for determining whether a game has been hit or missed due to the establishment of a determination condition; A judgment result display means for displaying a judgment result by the judgment means; a prize value giving means for giving a prize value to a player due to a result of the judgment by the judgment means being a hit; When the confirmed display of the determination result is performed through the reach state, the reach mode for producing the reach state is selected from a plurality of reach modes. Counting means for counting the number of selections in which the specific reach mode has been selected, wherein the reach mode selection means, when the number of selections reaches a preset upper limit number, Game machine and selects the other reach aspect the manner. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the counting means counts the number of continuous selections when the specific reach mode is continuously selected as the number of selections. 3. When the reach state is produced by the other reach mode as compared with the case where the reach state is produced by the specific reach mode, the determination result by the determination means may be a hit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is set to be high. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of times counted by said counting means is reset when the result of determination by said determining means is a hit. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an upper limit number selecting means for selecting the upper limit number from a plurality of types of upper limit numbers.