JP2002346152A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure resources for playing a big win game and allow enjoyment of the big win game by delaying putting out of prize balls. SOLUTION: In a game machine such as a Pachinko machine or an arrangement ball machine, a lottery means 4 carrying out a lottery when a detector 2 detects a game ball Ba at a time Ta, a display device 1 starting a pattern variation in response to the detection of the game ball Ba by the detector 2, a game realization means 3 executing the big win game when a result in the lottery by the lottery means 4 satisfies a first condition, and a putting-out delaying means 7 delaying the putting-out of prize balls associated with winning when the first condition is satisfied, are provided. The putting out delaying means 7 actively delays the putting-out of prize balls when the result in the lottery satisfies the first condition. Thus, when the putting-out of prize balls is delayed, resources for playing a big win game can be secured, and in addition, a big win game can be enjoyed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine and, more particularly, to a technique for delaying payout of award balls.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a pachinko machine, which is one of the gaming machines, when a pachinko ball wins a starting port, a symbol change starts on a liquid crystal display device, and a big hit symbol (for example, "777") is displayed. There is a jackpot game in which a jackpot game is played.

[0003]

However, since a normal pachinko machine fires about 100 pachinko balls per minute, even if it becomes a "big hit", the number of pachinko balls that can be fired is small. It may be missing or lost. In this case, the pachinko ball may be replenished, but often there is no fund for replenishment or it takes a long time to replenish the pachinko ball. Therefore, even if it becomes a "big hit", a big hit game cannot be enjoyed. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that delays payout of prize balls, secures resources for performing a jackpot game, and enables the user to enjoy the jackpot game. And

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problem Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) The “first condition” is a condition that can be appropriately set according to the type, date and time, game state, etc. of the gaming machine, and the condition may be fixed or variable. For example, the random number matches a predetermined value, or the symbol displayed on the display device is a specific symbol pattern (for example, symbol combination “555”).
Or "777"). (2) The “winning” includes one or both of a winning that triggers a lottery and a winning that does not trigger a lottery.

According to the means 1, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, when the detector 2 detects the game ball Ba at the time Ta, a lottery means 4 for performing a lottery and the detector 2 detects the game ball Ba. A display device 1 that starts a symbol change in response to this;
When the lottery result by the lottery means 4 satisfies the first condition, the game realizing means 3 performs a jackpot game and the lottery result of the lottery is the first
A payout delay means 7 is provided for delaying the payout of prize balls accompanying winning when a condition is satisfied. The payout delay means 7 actively delays the payout of the prize balls when the lottery result of the lottery satisfies the first condition. In the example of FIG. 1, the detector 5 detects the winning game ball Bb at time Tb, and the payout delay means 7 pays out the prize ball at time Tc in accordance with the winning. The detector 2 and the detector 5 may be the same detector or different detectors. When the payout of the prize balls is delayed as described above, resources for performing the jackpot game can be secured, and the jackpot game can be enjoyed.

[0006]

Means for solving the problem 2 Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 2. Here, the term “second condition” described in claim 2 is a condition that can be appropriately set according to the type, date and time, game state, and the like of the gaming machine, as in the first condition described above. One or more predetermined numbers (for example, four) is applicable. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 2, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, when the detector 2 detects the game ball Bc at the time Td, a symbol change is started on the display device 1, and the symbol change is started. When the detector 2 detects a separate game ball Bd at the time Te during the impossible period, the symbol change is suspended. Further, a counting means 8 for counting the suspended symbol variations.
And a payout delaying means 7 for delaying the payout of prize balls accompanying winning when the number of holds 9 counted by the counting means 8 satisfies the second condition. The payout delay means 7 delays the payout of the prize ball when the hold number 9 satisfies the second condition. In the example of FIG. 2, the detector 5 detects the winning game ball Be at time Tf, and the payout delay unit 7 pays out the prize ball accompanying the winning at time Tg. Note that, similarly to the means 1 described above, the detector 2 and the detector 5 may be the same detector or different detectors. Therefore, by delaying the payout of the prize balls, resources for performing the jackpot game can be secured, and thus the jackpot game can be enjoyed.

[0008]

Means for solving the problem 3 Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 3. Here, the term "third condition" described in claim 3 means a condition that can be appropriately set according to the type, date and time, game state, etc. of the gaming machine, similarly to the first condition and the second condition described above. I do. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 3, the detecting means 6 is provided which can detect the number of playable game balls. Further, the payout delay unit 7 delays the payout of the prize balls accompanying the winning when the number of game balls detected by the detection unit 6 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “remaining amount”) satisfies the third condition. For example, the second
If it is set that the third condition is satisfied when there is almost no remaining amount (or there is no remaining amount), such as a predetermined number (for example, 20) or less, when the fireable game balls are exhausted, Then the payout of prize balls is delayed. On the other hand, for example,
If it is set that the third condition is satisfied when the remaining amount has a margin such as a predetermined number (for example, 50) or more, the payout of the prize ball is delayed until the remaining amount is almost exhausted. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 1, the prize ball may be paid out after the time Tc.
In the example, the prize ball may be paid out after the time Tg. Regardless of the setting, by delaying the payout of prize balls, resources (playable game balls) can be more reliably secured when a jackpot game is started.

[0010]

Means 4 for solving the problem Means 4 for solving the problem are as described in claim 4. Means 4
According to this, the payout delay means 7 pays out prize balls from the time the symbol change is stopped to the time the big hit game is finished.
Since the jackpot game starts after the symbol change is stopped, there is a possibility that even if the prize balls are paid out before the symbol change is stopped, the jackpot game disappears before the jackpot game is started. On the other hand, if the prize ball is paid out after the jackpot game is stopped, the jackpot game cannot be enjoyed. Therefore, if the prize ball is paid out after the symbol change is stopped and before the jackpot game is finished, it becomes a resource for performing the jackpot game, and the jackpot game can be enjoyed.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine, which is one of gaming machines, and the payout of prize balls is delayed according to a lottery result and the number of holds. The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the card unit 10 (CR unit) and the pachinko machine 12.
The card unit 10 inputs and outputs balance information (valuable information) recorded on a recording medium (for example, a magnetic card or an IC card), and a pachinko machine corresponding to an amount desired by a player within the range of the balance information. Ball lending is instructable. The specific configuration, operation, and the like of the card unit 10 are the same as those of a well-known configuration, and thus illustration and description are omitted.

The game board 14 of the pachinko machine 12 has a gate 52 having a gate sensor 50 for detecting passing pachinko balls, and a starting port sensor 4 for detecting winning pachinko balls.
6, a winning opening 26 having an opening / closing lid 28 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid 44 and a specific area sensor 58 for detecting a pachinko ball entering a specific area, a liquid crystal display 22, and holding ball lamps 48, 54, etc. , A notification device 20 having a plurality of displays, and other general winning ports, windmills, obstacle nails, and the like. Here, the liquid crystal display 22 corresponds to the display device 1. Each of the retaining ball lamps 48 and 54 is composed of a predetermined number (for example, four) of light-emitting members. The notification device 20 includes one luminous body or a plurality of luminous bodies (for example, five luminous bodies 20a, 20b,
20c, 20d, and 20e). As a luminous body,
For example, any of a light bulb, a lamp, an LED, a 7-segment element, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and the like are used arbitrarily.

Below the game board 14, an ashtray 38 for holding cigarette butts, a lower plate 36 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, and a touch sensor for detecting whether or not a player is in contact with the ball And a speaker 40 (sound device) which is provided inside the upper plate 30 and emits sound (voice, music, sound effect, etc.). Around the game area, etc., there are provided lamps 18 (light emitters) which emit light according to a game state or the like. Above the upper plate 30, a ball lending sensor 42 for instructing ball lending, a balance display 5 for displaying balance information and the like.
6, a return sensor 60 for instructing the return of the recording medium is provided.

FIG. 4 shows the upper plate 30, which is a tray for receiving prize balls.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the upper plate 30, the pachinko ball PB discharged from the discharge port 30a as a prize ball is stored in the storage unit 30.
b. Storage unit 3 that can store pachinko ball PB
A slope 30c is provided between Ob and the intake port 30d for taking in the pachinko ball PB for firing. The pachinko ball PB moves along the arrow D2 from the storage part 30b to the slope 30c as shown in FIG. 4 (B). The remaining amount sensor 62 for detecting whether the remaining amount of the pachinko balls PB (game balls) reaches a reference amount (for example, about 30) is provided in the passage (the slope 30c in the example of FIG. 4). Note that the remaining amount sensor 62 may be provided in the outlet 30a, the storage unit 30b, or the like as needed, and may be configured using a plurality of sensors.

Next, an example of various types of boards connected to realize a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 12 will be described with reference to FIG. CPU (processor)
A main control board 120 mainly composed of a ROM 122 stores a game control program, necessary data, and the like.
4, a RAM 126 for storing temporary data such as a random number, an upper limit number, and a reference number. Note that the configuration and operation of the main control board 120 are the same as those of a known configuration.
Illustration and description are omitted. The CPU 122 is the ROM 12
The game control program stored in 4 is executed to realize the game by the pachinko machine 12, and the game control program includes a program for realizing procedures such as a start-up process, a hold process, and a winning process described later. EP is stored in the ROM 124
A ROM is used, and a DRAM is used for the RAM 126.
Other types of memories (for example, EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, etc.) may be arbitrarily used. The other components are the same as those of the well-known configuration, and their illustration and description are omitted.

The main control board 120 receives signals from the touch sensor 34 and the payout control board 112 to control the driving of the firing motor 100, and outputs signals from the drive sensor 104, the counting sensor 106, and the like. A payout control board 112 for driving and controlling the payout motor 102 and an interface board 114 connected to the card unit 10 and the payout control board 112 to control data transmission / reception and display of the balance display 56 (“I / F board), a symbol control board 130 for controlling the symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display 22, a voice control board 132 for controlling the sound emitted from the speaker 40, a lamp control for controlling the display of the lamps 18 and the notification device 20. The substrate 134 and the like are connected. Each of these boards is configured around a CPU, similarly to the main control board 120. The drive sensor 104 monitors the drive state of the motor 102 and a payout device that pays out the pachinko ball PB. The counting sensor 106 counts the number of pachinko balls PB actually paid out. These drive sensors 10
4, counting sensor 106, gate sensor 50, starting port sensor 46, specific area sensor 58, remaining amount sensor 62, etc.
A contact sensor (for example, a reed switch, a microswitch, a pressure sensor, or the like) or a non-contact sensor (for example, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like) is used.

In addition to the above-described starting port sensor 46 and the like, the main control board 120 also has an external device capable of transmitting a signal (for example, game information such as a jackpot, a symbol being determined, or a certainty being changed) to an external device of the pachinko machine 12. The terminal plate 136, the holding ball lamps 48 and 54, and the like are directly connected. Further, a device provided at a position distant from the main control board 120 (for example, the gate sensor 50, the specific area sensor 58, the solenoid 4
4) are connected via a relay terminal plate 138 for signal relay.

The procedure executed by the main control board 120 to realize the present invention in the pachinko machine 12 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 6 shows a procedure of a starting port process for realizing a winning determination of the pachinko ball PB to the starting port 24, and FIG. 7 shows a procedure of a holding process for delaying the payout of the prize ball when the fluctuation is impossible. Shows a flowchart of a prize-winning process that can delay the payout of prize balls accompanying a prize. Of these procedures, step S12 in FIG. 6 is processing that embodies the lottery means 4, and step S2 in FIG.
4, steps S44 in FIG. 7 and step S56 in FIG. 8 are processes in which the payout delay unit 7 is embodied. Steps S22 and S26 in FIG. 6 are processes in which the game realizing unit 3 is embodied. S32 is a process in which the counting means 8 is embodied.

First, in the starting port process shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not the pachinko ball PB has won the starting port 24 (step S10). For example, if there is a detection signal from the starting port sensor 46 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES).
O) is determined. If the pachinko ball PB wins in the starting port 24 (YES), various random numbers are read for each of the wins within a range of an upper limit number (for example, 4 or 50) and R is read.
It is stored in the AM 126 [step S12]. Step S
Various random numbers read in 12 use one or both of a software random number using a counter or the like and a hardware random number using an oscillator or the like. It should be noted that the upper limit number may be eliminated, and the number may be stored indefinitely as long as it can be stored in the RAM 126. The various random numbers stored in the RAM 126 include, for example, a jackpot determination random number RA for determining whether or not a jackpot and a jackpot symbol (predetermined symbol display mode) to be displayed when a jackpot is determined based on the jackpot determination random number RA. The jackpot symbol random number RB to be specified, the symbol display random number R to specify the display pattern from the start to the stop of the symbol change, etc.
C, a reach determination random number RD for determining whether or not reach is applicable, and the like.

After storing various random numbers in the RAM 126, a reservation process is executed to process an increase or a decrease in the number of special reservations (step S14). The specific procedure of the suspension processing will be described with reference to FIG. The delay flag is a flag indicating whether or not the payout of the prize ball is delayed. It is assumed that the delay flag is turned on when the payout of the prize ball is delayed, and is turned off when the payout of the prize ball is immediately performed.

In the holding process shown in FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not the current special holding number has reached the upper limit number stored in the RAM 126 in advance (step S30). If the special reservation number does not reach the upper limit number (special reservation number <upper limit number; YE
S), the number of special reservations is increased [Step S32], and it is further determined whether or not the number of special reservations has reached a reference number (≦ upper limit number; for example, 4) [Step S34]. If the number of special reservations does not reach the reference number (special reservation number <reference number; Y
ES), the delay flag is turned off to immediately pay out the prize ball [Step S36], and the payout control board 112
After sending the payout command to [Step S3
8], the suspension processing ends. If the number of special reservations reaches the upper limit number in step S30 (the number of special reservations ≧ the upper limit number;
NO), the payout control board 112 to immediately pay out the prize ball
After sending the payout command to [Step S3
8], the suspension processing ends. In the case of the pachinko machine 12 having no upper limit number, the processing may be executed from step S32.

On the other hand, when the number of special reservations reaches the reference number in step S34 (number of special reservations ≧ reference number; NO), a delay flag is turned on to delay the payout of award balls [step S40], and FIG. It is determined whether or not a lottery result of the lottery based on the jackpot determination random number RA stored for suspension in step S12 has a jackpot [step S12].
42]. If there is a big hit (YES), the number of delayed payouts is increased in order to count the number of prize balls for which payout is delayed [step S44], and the suspension processing ends. On the other hand, if all the lottery results are lost in step S42 (NO), the payout control board 11 immediately pays out the winning ball.
2 after sending a payout command to [Step S3
8], the suspension processing ends. Therefore, in the holding process of the example shown in FIG. 7, the special holding number has reached the reference number,
In addition, the payout of the prize ball is delayed only when the lottery result accompanying the starting opening prize includes a jackpot.

Returning to FIG. 6 after completing the above-mentioned suspension processing,
Alternatively, if the pachinko ball PB has not been won in the starting port 24 in the determination of step S10 (NO), step S16 is executed. That is, it is determined whether it is impossible to change or whether the number of special reservations is smaller than 1 (the number of special reservations ≦ 0) (step S16). When the current game state is during symbol fluctuation, during a jackpot game, or the like, it is determined that fluctuation is impossible. When the number of special reservations is smaller than 1, it means that all the symbol fluctuations relating to the reserved ball have already been completed. If the symbol change is not possible and the number of special reservations ≧ 1 (NO), the number of special reservations is reduced in preparation for future processing [step S18], and the symbol change is started [step S20]. That is, the variation pattern of the symbol variation to be performed this time is determined, and a display command including the determined variation pattern is transmitted to the symbol control board 130. Since a predetermined display period (for example, 30 seconds or the like) is required to complete the symbol change started in this manner, it is necessary to wait for the execution of steps S18 and S20 during the display period.

After waiting until the timing of stopping the symbol change, it is determined whether or not the result of the current lottery is a big hit [Step S22]. The pachinko machine 12 that is less susceptible to extraneous noise or the like and has high reliability determines whether or not a jackpot is determined based on the jackpot determination random number RA, that is, whether the random number value is equal to the jackpot value. The jackpot value is ROM12
4 or the like in advance, and is composed of one or a plurality. If it is a jackpot (YES), a payout command is issued to pay out the prize balls related to the number of delayed payouts, the payout control board 11.
2 [Step S24], and a jackpot process is executed to give the player an opportunity to obtain a prize ball [Step S2].
6]. The payout of the prize balls related to the number of delayed payouts may be performed collectively, but may be performed in two or more times (for example, for each winning or round). The jackpot process realizes a jackpot game. For example, the opening / closing lid 28 of the jackpot 26 is opened for a certain period (specifically, 30 seconds), and according to the number of pachinko balls PB winning the jackpot 26 or the like. Pay out prize balls. Since the specific procedure of the jackpot process is well known, its description and illustration are omitted. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the change cannot be made or the number of special reservations is smaller than 1 (YES),
If the determination at step S22 is a loss (NO), the start-up opening process is terminated.

Next, a specific procedure of the winning process executed in parallel with the start-up process of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the pachinko ball PB has won a specific winning opening (step S50). The specific winning opening is a winning opening excluding the starting opening 24, and corresponds to, for example, a large winning opening 26 or a normal winning opening. The winning determination is performed in the same manner as the winning determination of the starting port 24 in step S10 of FIG. If the pachinko ball PB does not win a specific winning opening (NO), the winning process ends.

On the other hand, when the pachinko ball PB has won a specific winning opening (YES), the state of the delay flag is determined [Step S52], and it is determined whether or not a big hit has occurred [Step S54]. If the delay flag is ON (YES in step S52) and the lottery result based on the jackpot determination random number RA is a jackpot (YES in step S54), a delay is performed to count the number of award balls that delay the payout. Increase the number of payouts [Step S5
6], finish the winning process. The random number RA for the jackpot determination used in the determination of the jackpot may or may not be a random number that is currently changing the symbol, or may be any random number that has been retained without the symbol change being performed yet. On the other hand, step S52
If the delay flag is OFF in the determination of (NO), or if the determination is affirmative in the determination of step S54 (NO), a payout command is immediately transmitted to the payout control board 112 in order to pay out the prize ball accompanying the winning [step S58], the winning process ends. Therefore, the winning processing of the example shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the holding processing, and the payout of the prize ball is performed only when the number of special reservations reaches the reference number and the lottery result accompanying the starting opening winning includes a jackpot. Will be delayed.

Next, an example in which the processing shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 is executed to delay the payout of award balls will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. In FIG. 9, when the starting port sensor 46, the lottery result of the lottery based on the random number RA for jackpot determination, the number of special reservations, the display content of the liquid crystal display 22, the winning sensor, the payout command, and the number of delayed payouts are taken in order from the top. Shows a sequential change (shift from left to right in the drawing). In this example, the lottery result for the second pachinko ball PB that has won the starting port 24 is a jackpot (illustrated by “○”), and the lottery result for the other pachinko ball PB is also lost (“×”). (Shown). It is assumed that the upper limit value is “10”, the reference value is “4”, and the number of award balls to be paid out upon winning is “5”.

In the time chart of FIG. 9, seven pachinko balls PB are generated at times t10, t14, t18, t20,
At t22, t30, and t32, the winning opening 24 wins, respectively, and the starting opening sensor 46 that detects each winning outputs a signal. The first pachinko ball PB is at time t10 (at time T
a, Td), when the start port 24 is won, the time t
The symbol change is performed on the liquid crystal display 22 from 12 to time t26. Since five pachinko balls PB have won the starting port 24 during the symbol change, the number of special reservations has reached the reference value at time t22. In addition, in response to the second pachinko ball PB winning at the starting port 24 at time t14 (time Ta, Te), the symbol fluctuates on the liquid crystal display 22 from time t28 to time t38. Since two pachinko balls PB won the starting port 24 during the symbol change,
At the time t32, the special hold number has reached the reference value.
On the other hand, four pachinko balls PB are at times t16, t24, t
At 30 and t36, a specific winning opening is won, and a winning sensor that detects each winning outputs a signal.

In the situation described above, the case where the number of special reservations has reached the reference number and the lottery result accompanying the winning of the starting opening includes a jackpot corresponds to the case where the starting opening 24
At times t22, t32, and t34, and times t24 and t36 when a specific winning opening is won (time Tb, T
f). Therefore, at these times, the number of delayed payouts increases (step S44 in FIG. 7, step S44 in FIG. 8).
56). On the other hand, times t10 and t1 when the winning opening 24 is won.
4, t18, t20, and the time t when a specific winning opening is won.
At 16 and t30, the condition is not satisfied, and the payout command is immediately transmitted to pay out the prize ball (step S38 in FIG. 7, step S58 in FIG. 8).

After the symbol change based on the lottery result in the winning at time t14 is completed at time t38, payout of the accumulated prize balls corresponding to the number of delayed payouts is performed at time t40 (time Tc, Tg; FIG. 6). Step S24). The timing of payout is arbitrary as long as it is before finishing the jackpot game, that is, before finishing the first round at the latest.
Even if there is no ball when trying to enter the jackpot game, the game can be continued by the pachinko ball PB which is paid out late. Therefore, resources for performing the jackpot game can be secured, and the jackpot game can be enjoyed. More desirably, it is better to pay out the prize balls related to the number of delayed payouts immediately before opening the big winning opening in the first round. In this way, even if the player has run out of balls before attempting to enter the jackpot game, the player can fire the pachinko ball PB in accordance with the opening of the first round big winning opening without panic, without worry.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (A1) In the pachinko machine 12, the starting port sensor 46 (detector 2) provided in the starting port 24 has a pachinko ball PB (game ball B).
When a) is detected, a lottery is performed {lottery means 4; see step S12 in FIG. 6}, and when the starter opening sensor 46 detects the pachinko ball PB, the symbol change is performed on the liquid crystal display 22 (display device 1). Is started and step S20 in FIG.
}, When the lottery result of the lottery is a big hit (when the first condition is satisfied), a big hit game is performed {game realizing means 3; see steps S22 and S26 in FIG. 6}. Further, when the lottery result is a jackpot, the payout of the prize ball accompanying the winning is actively delayed. {Payout delay means 7; Step S24 in FIG. 6, Steps S42 and S44 in FIG. 7, Steps S54 and S56 in FIG. See｝. The payout of prize balls,
Even when a winning sensor (detector 5) provided in a specific winning opening detects a pachinko ball PB (game ball Bb), the delay can be similarly delayed. When the payout of the prize balls is delayed in this manner, a possessed ball (resource) for performing the jackpot game can be secured, and the jackpot game can be enjoyed.

(A2) The starting port sensor 46 detects the pachinko ball P
The pattern change is started on the liquid crystal display 22 in response to the detection of B, and when the starting port sensor 46 detects a separate pachinko ball PB during a period in which the pattern change cannot be started, the pattern change is suspended. Yes. Steps S14 and S in FIG.
16, S20, see FIG. 7}. The retained symbol variations are counted (counting means 8; step S32 in FIG. 7). When the counted number of special reservations (number of reservations 9) reaches the reference number (first predetermined number) (when the second condition is satisfied), The payout of the prize balls accompanying the winning is actively delayed {payout delay means 7; see step S24 in FIG. 6, steps S30 and S44 in FIG. 7}. Therefore, by delaying the payout of the prize balls, it is possible to secure a ball held for performing the jackpot game, and thus to enjoy the jackpot game.

(A3) A prize ball is paid out after the symbol change is stopped until the jackpot game is finished {see step S24 in FIG. 6, FIG. 9}. Even if the prize balls are paid out before the symbol change is stopped, the prize balls may disappear before starting the jackpot game, and if the prize balls are paid out after stopping the jackpot game, the big hit game cannot be enjoyed. Therefore, if the prize ball is paid out between the time when the symbol change is stopped and the time when the jackpot game is finished, the ball becomes a holding ball for performing the jackpot game, and the player can enjoy the jackpot game.

[Second Embodiment] A second embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine 12 as in the first embodiment, and the payout of award balls is delayed in accordance with a lottery result and the remaining amount (holding ball). . The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration and the like of the pachinko machine 12 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and only points different from the first embodiment will be described in the second embodiment to simplify the illustration and the description. Therefore, the same components as those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The suspending process shown in FIG. 10 is a procedure replacing the suspending process of FIG. The difference from the suspension processing in FIG.
The following points. That is, after increasing the number of special reservations in step S32, it is determined whether or not the lottery result of the lottery based on the random number RA for jackpot determination stored in step S12 of FIG.
35]. If there is a big hit (YES), the number of delayed payouts is increased on condition that there is no ball held (NO in step S43) [step S44]. The presence or absence of the ball is determined by, for example, a signal from the remaining amount sensor 62 that detects whether the remaining amount of the pachinko ball PB has reached the reference amount. On the other hand, even if there is a big hit in step S35 (YES), if there is a ball (Y in step S43)
ES), the payout control board 112 to immediately pay out the prize ball
(Step S38).
If all the lottery results are lost in step S35 (N
O), a payout command is transmitted to the payout control board 112 so as to immediately pay out the prize ball [Step S38]. Therefore, in the holding process of the example shown in FIG. 10, the payout of the prize balls is delayed only when there is no ball held and the lottery result accompanying the starting opening winning includes a jackpot.

The winning process shown in FIG. 11 is a procedure replacing the winning process shown in FIG. What is different from the winning process in FIG.
The following points. That is, when the pachinko ball PB has won a specific winning opening in step S50 (YES), it is determined whether or not there is a ball as in step S43 (step S53). If there is no ball held (NO), the number of delayed payouts is increased on condition that there is a big hit in the lottery result of the held lottery (YES in step S54) (step S56). On the other hand, if there is a ball in step S53 (YES), a payout command is transmitted to the payout control board 112 to immediately pay out the winning ball [step S58]. Therefore, the winning processing of the example shown in FIG. 11 is also in a state where there is no holding ball similarly to the holding processing of FIG.
In addition, the payout of the prize ball is delayed only when the lottery result accompanying the starting opening prize includes a jackpot.

Next, FIG. 1 shows an example in which the processing shown in FIGS. 6, 10 and 11 is executed to delay the payout of award balls.
2 will be described with reference to a time chart. Figure 1
9, in the same manner as in FIG. 9, the starting port sensor 46, the lottery result of the lottery based on the random number RA for jackpot determination, the remaining amount sensor 62,
The time-series changes concerning the display contents of the liquid crystal display 22, the winning sensor, the payout command, and the number of delayed payouts are shown. In this example, the conditions are the same as in the example of FIG. 9 except for the remaining amount sensor 62, the payout command, and the number of delayed payouts. Therefore, the description will focus on the differences from the example of FIG.

In the time chart of FIG.
The remaining amount of the pachinko ball PB at 0 has reached the reference amount until time t29, but has not reached the reference amount after time t29. In this situation, “when there is no ball held and the lottery result accompanying the start opening winning includes a jackpot” corresponds to the time t3 when the starting opening 24 is won.
2 and t34, and times t30 and t when a specific winning opening is won.
36. Therefore, at these times, the number of delayed payouts increases (step S44 in FIG. 7 and step S56 in FIG. 8). On the other hand, time t1 when the winning opening 24 is won
At 0, t14, t18, t20, and t22, and at times t16 and t24 when a specific winning opening is won, the payout command is immediately transmitted to pay out the prize ball (FIG. 7). Step S38, Step S58 in FIG. 8).

Then, after the symbol change based on the lottery result in the winning at time t14 is finished at time t38, payout of the accumulated prize balls corresponding to the number of delayed payouts is performed at time t40 (step S24 in FIG. 6). Even if there is no ball held when trying to enter the jackpot game, the game can be continued by the pachinko ball PB paid out late. Therefore, resources for performing the jackpot game can be secured, and the jackpot game can be enjoyed.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (B1) A remaining amount sensor 62 (detecting means 6) capable of detecting the remaining amount of pachinko balls PB (the number of playable game balls) in the upper plate 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). While the remaining amount of the pachinko ball PB detected by the remaining amount sensor 62 has not reached the reference amount (the second predetermined number) (satisfies the third condition), no prize ball is paid out (step S43 in FIG. 10).
(NO in step S53 in FIG. 11), delay the payout {payout delay means 7; step S44 in FIG. 10, FIG.
1 step S56, see FIG. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the pachinko ball PB reaches the reference amount, there is room in the pachinko ball PB for the game, and the prize ball may be paid out. It should be noted that, contrary to this example, the prize balls are not paid out while the reference amount (the third predetermined number) is reached (the third condition is satisfied).
The payout may be delayed. In any case, if the payout of the prize balls is delayed under certain conditions, resources for performing the jackpot game can be more reliably secured, and the jackpot game can be enjoyed. (B2) Other requirements, configurations, operations, operation results, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, the first embodiment
The same effect as that described above can be obtained. (A1) to (a)
See (a3).

[Other embodiments] The above-described pachinko machine 1
In 2 (gaming machine), the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied may be implemented. (C1) In the first and second embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 12. Instead of this form, a game machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a game machine, etc.) having a detector 2, a display device 1, a game realizing means 3, etc. The present invention can be applied to the same manner. Even with the other gaming machines, resources for performing jackpot games by delaying the payout of prize balls can be secured,
You can enjoy the jackpot game.

(C2) As the first condition in the first and second embodiments, the fact that the lottery result of the lottery (special symbol) includes a jackpot is applied {see steps S22 and S26 in FIG. 6}. This means that the obtained random number matches the jackpot value (predetermined value), but the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display 22 is changed to a specific symbol pattern such as symbol combination “555” or “777”. It may be applied as the first condition that the lottery results or that the lottery result of the lottery (ordinary symbol) includes a hit. As the second condition in the first embodiment, the fact that the counted number of special reservations (the number of reservations 9) reaches the reference number (the first predetermined number) is applied. {Step S2 in FIG.
4. See steps S30 and S44 in FIG. Instead of (or in addition to) this condition, the number of pachinko balls that have won / passed a predetermined area (for example, the gate 52) has reached the reference number, or a specific pattern (for example, a character) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22. May be applied as the second condition. As the third condition in the second embodiment,
It is applied that the remaining amount of the pachinko ball PB detected by the remaining amount sensor 62 has not reached the reference amount {see step S44 in FIG. 10, step S56 in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12}. Instead of (or in addition to) this condition, the fact that the balance information recorded on the recording medium has not reached the value corresponding to the reference amount, or the sum of the remaining amount of the pachinko ball PB and the balance information becomes the reference amount The fact that it has not been reached may be applied as the third condition. Even when these conditions are applied, as a result, the payout of the prize balls can be delayed and resources for performing the jackpot game can be secured, so that the jackpot game can be enjoyed. The above-described conditions are merely examples, and the first condition, the second condition,
The same applies to any of the third conditions.

(C3) As a condition for delaying the payout of the prize ball, at least one of the following conditions may be satisfied. Note that an example that satisfies is described in Embodiment 1, and an example that satisfies is described in Embodiment 2. Judgment is made only based on whether or not the pending random number includes a jackpot. Alternatively, a target random number is specified, and determination is made only based on whether or not the specified random number is a jackpot value. The determination is made only based on whether or not the number of special reservations has reached the reference number. The determination is made only based on whether or not the remaining amount of the pachinko ball PB has reached the reference amount. The determination is made based on whether or not an operation unit (for example, the ball lending sensor 42 or the return sensor 60) that can be operated by the player has been operated. In this way, the payout of the prize balls can be delayed according to the game state or the like, so that the resources for performing the jackpot game can be more reliably secured.

(C4) After the number of special reservations reaches the reference number,
Further, when the pachinko ball PB wins the starting opening 24,
The player may be allowed to select whether to pay out the prize balls in accordance with the winning or to continue the holding. For example, it is determined whether a prize ball is paid out or suspended based on whether or not the operation of the operation unit is performed. In this way, when the number of pachinko balls PB that can be fired becomes small (or none), the game can be continued by paying out. it can.

(C5) The present invention is most effective when the possessed ball is exhausted immediately before the big hit game.
That is, as in the example shown in FIG. 13, the condition is that at least the payout for the starting mouth winning determined to be a big hit is delayed to some point between the time when the symbol change is stopped and the big hit game is finished. In the example of FIG. 13, when a small amount of pachinko balls PB are fired, two balls win the starting port 24 and the starting port sensors 46 output signals at times t50 and t54, respectively. In the first prize, the lottery result is lost, so the prize ball is paid out immediately, and the symbol fluctuates from time t52 to time t56. However, in the second prize, the lottery result is a big hit, so the symbol change is performed from time t58 to time t60, and from the time t60 when the symbol change is stopped to the time t64 when the big hit game (big hit display on the liquid crystal display 22) is started. At time t62 during the period. Even in this case,
Since the prize balls are paid out before the jackpot game is completed, the player can enjoy the jackpot game using the pachinko ball PB resulting from the payout as a resource.

[0047]

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. This embodiment has not only the aspects of the invention described in the claims but also other aspects of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be enumerated below, and related explanations will be provided as necessary.

[Aspect 1] Lottery means for performing a lottery when a detector detects a game ball, a display device for starting a symbol change when the detector detects the game ball,
In a gaming machine having a game realizing means for performing a jackpot game when a lottery result by the lottery means satisfies a first condition, a counting means for counting the held symbol fluctuations, and a detectable number of playable game balls. Detecting means, when the lottery result satisfies the first condition, the number of reserves counted by the counting means satisfies a second condition, and the number of the game balls detected by the detecting means satisfies a third condition, A gaming machine having payout delay means for delaying the payout of prize balls upon winning. [Relevant Description of Aspect 1] According to this aspect, according to the above-described embodiment, a prize is obtained only when the lottery result accompanying the starting opening prize includes a jackpot, the number of special reservations reaches the reference number, and no ball is held. This will delay the payout of the ball. Since the payout of prize balls is delayed in a critical situation to continue the jackpot game, resources for performing the jackpot game can be secured, and the jackpot game can be enjoyed.

[Mode 2] In the gaming machine according to mode 1, the payout delay means does not pay out prize balls while the number of game balls detected by the detection means satisfies the third condition. A gaming machine that pays out the prize balls when the number of balls does not satisfy the third condition. [Relevant Description of Aspect 2] According to this aspect, award balls are paid out only when the number of game balls no longer satisfies the third condition, so that payout of award balls can be delayed according to the game state. Therefore, resources for performing the jackpot game can be more reliably secured, so that the player can enjoy the jackpot game.

[0050]

According to the present invention, resources for performing jackpot games by delaying the payout of prize balls can be secured.
You can enjoy the jackpot game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a first outline of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a second outline of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the upper plate.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of various substrates and various devices.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a starting port process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a hold process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a winning process.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example of delaying payout of award balls.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a hold process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a winning process.

FIG. 12 is a time chart showing an example of delaying payout of award balls.

FIG. 13 is a time chart showing an example of delaying payout of award balls.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display device 2, 5 Detector 3 Game realization means 4 Lottery means 6 Detecting means 7 Payout delay means 8 Counting means 9 Reservation number Ba, Bb, Bc, Bd, Be Game ball (game medium) 10 Card unit (CR unit) DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 22 Liquid crystal display (display device) 24 Starting port 46 Starting port sensor (detector) 30 Upper plate 30a Discharge port 30b Storage part 30c Slope 30d Intake port 62 Remaining amount sensor (detection means) 112 Payout control board 114 Interface board 120 Main control board (game realizing means, lottery means, payout delay means, counting means) 122 CPU 124 ROM 126 RAM 130 Symbol control board PB Pachinko ball (game ball, game medium)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenichi Eguchi No. 1 Nishinokawa, Okimura, Nishiharumachi, Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi Prefecture Inside Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Megumi Okada Nishinokawa, Okimura, Nishiharucho, Nishikasuga-gun, Aichi Prefecture 1 Address Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C088 AA35 AA42 BA06 BA30 BA88 BB01 BC02 BC12 EA10 EB44 EB64 EB65 EB68

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A lottery means for performing a lottery when a detector detects a game ball, a display device for starting a symbol change when the detector detects the game ball, and a lottery result by the lottery means. A gaming machine comprising: a game realizing means for performing a jackpot game when a first condition is satisfied; and a payout delay means for delaying payout of a prize ball upon winning if the lottery result satisfies the first condition. 2. A symbol change is started on the display device in response to the detection of the game ball by the detector, and the symbol change is performed when the detector detects a separate game ball during a period in which the symbol change cannot be started. A gaming machine that counts the symbol fluctuations held; and a payout delay means that delays payout of prize balls accompanying winning when the number of holds counted by the counting means satisfies a second condition. Gaming machine. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting the number of playable game balls, wherein the payout delay means detects the number of the game balls which can be fired. A gaming machine that delays the payout of prize balls upon winning if the quantity satisfies the third condition. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout delay means pays out a prize ball during a period after the symbol change is stopped and the jackpot game is completed. Gaming machine.