JP2003000867A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To raise a game player' interest for a game and also to change patterns concerning a held pattern number which exceeds an upper limit value within the range for preventing an excessive disadvantage for the side of an amusement hall. SOLUTION: A game machine such as a pachinko game machine or an arrange ball game machine is provided with a counting means 5 for counting held pattern changes as a first holding number 3 and further counting a portion where the first holding number 3 exceeds a first specified number as a second holding number 4, and a change performing means 6 for successively completing the pattern changes within the range of the first holding number 3 when the pattern changes are ended and successively completing the pattern changes within the range of the second holding number 4 provided that a required condition (except the end of the pattern change) is established. The game player plays the game to satisfy the required condition since the pattern changes are not performed unless the required condition is satisfied concerning the second holding number 4. Thus an operation rate of the game machine is prevented from being reduced. In the meantime, the game player plays the game with a feeling of expectation for expecting a privilege since the pattern changes are conducted when the required condition is met.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of holding a symbol variation.

[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 opening, the liquid crystal display device starts to change symbols, and a specific symbol pattern such as "777" is displayed. There are some that play jackpot games. Here, the "symbol change" is a change using a symbol group as described later, and the "big hit game" is a big winning opening, for example, 1
It is a game that opens and closes five times to give you a chance to win a prize. Since it takes time to finish the symbol fluctuation started by the starting opening winning, a separate pachinko ball may win the starting opening during the fluctuation. In this example, the symbol variation cannot be started immediately, so a holding function is provided to enable the next symbol variation after finishing the symbol variation that is currently being performed. By the way, the number of holdings that can be held by the holding function cannot exceed the upper limit value (currently 4), and even if the prize can be won, there is no change in the symbols for the excess. Since such measures reduce the player's willingness to play pachinko games, the removal of the upper limit is required.

[0003]

However, if the upper limit value is simply abolished, the player tends to stop firing pachinko balls as the number of holdings increases. As a result, the operating rate of the pachinko machine is reduced, which is disadvantageous for the game hall (hall) side. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and it is possible to improve the player's willingness to play, and to perform a symbol variation with respect to the number of reserves exceeding the upper limit within a range that does not become an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that has

[0004]

Means 1 for solving the problems Means 1 for solving the problems are as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) "Symbol variation" means performing variation using a symbol group. The design group is composed of almost the same design or different designs arbitrarily, and the "design" is a special character consisting of characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji, etc.), symbols, codes, figures (characters, etc.), and images. Designs, ordinary designs, decorative designs (background designs), etc. are applicable, and may be still images or moving images such as animations. (2) "1st hold number", during the period when the symbol fluctuation cannot be started (for example, during symbol fluctuation or big hit game, etc.), the fluctuation of the symbol held by the first detector detecting the game ball. Means the number of. (3) The "required condition" is an arbitrary condition excluding the end of the symbol variation, and is appropriately set according to the type of game machine, the date and time, the game state, and the like. The content of the required condition may be unchanged or may be changed during the game or the like.

According to the means 1, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, when the first detector 1 detects the game ball B, the display device 2 starts the symbol variation, and the symbol variation cannot be started. When the first detector 1 detects the game ball B during a certain period, the symbol variation is suspended, and when the symbol variation is finished, the suspended symbol variation is digested. Furthermore, the counting means 5 that counts as a first hold number 3 for the held symbol fluctuations and counts as the second reserved number 4 when the first reserved number 3 exceeds the first specific number (for example, 4), and a symbol fluctuation. After completing the first hold number 3 within the range of the symbol variation is sequentially digested, and the condition is satisfied except the end of the symbol variation is satisfied The condition is satisfied within the range of the second hold number 4 variation variation is sequentially digested The execution means 6 is provided. For the first number of reserves 3, the variation of symbols is digested as in the conventional case with the end of the variation of symbols, but for the number of second reserves 4 the variation of symbols is not digested unless the required condition is satisfied. Even if the number of holdings increases, for the second number of holdings 4, if the required conditions are not satisfied, the symbol is not changed, and therefore the player plays the game while trying to meet the required conditions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from decreasing. On the other hand, as long as the required conditions are satisfied, a large number of symbols are changed, so that the player can play with a sense of expectation of expecting a privilege. Therefore, it is possible to improve the player's willingness to play, and to change the symbols for the number of holdings that exceeds the first specific number (upper limit value) within a range that does not become an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side.

[0006]

Means 2 for solving the problems Means 2 for solving the problems are as described in claim 2. The means 2
According to the above, the variation executing means 6 determines that the second holding number 4 reaches the second specific number (for example, 10) as the required condition.
Each time the second reserved number 4 reaches the second specific number, the symbol is actively changed, so that the player's motivation for the game is further improved, and the game hall side does not become an excessive disadvantage.

[0007]

Means 3 for solving the problems Means 3 for solving the problems are as described in claim 3. The means 3
According to the above, the change execution means 6 fulfills the required condition that a predetermined display mode (for example, a combination of symbols “111”, “333”, etc.) is achieved. The predetermined display mode may be displayed on the display device 2 that changes the design, may be displayed on a display device other than the display device 2, or may be displayed on both display devices. Since the symbols are positively changed every time a predetermined display mode is achieved, the player's willingness to play the game is further improved, and it is not an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side.

[0008]

Means 4 for solving the problems Means 4 for solving the problems are as described in claim 4. The means 4
According to the above, the variation executing means 6 establishes the required condition that the second detector different from the first detector 1 detects the game ball B. Each time the second detector detects the game ball B, the symbol is actively changed, so that the player's willingness to play the game is further improved, and it is not an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side.

[0009]

Means 5 for solving the problems Means 5 for solving the problems are as described in claim 5. The means 5
According to the above, the variation executing means 6 determines that the required condition is satisfied when the first reserved number 3 is less than the first specified number. First hold number 3
Since the symbol fluctuation is positively performed every time when the number is less than the first specific number, the player's willingness to play the game is further improved, and it is not excessively disadvantageous to the game hall side.

[0010]

Means 6 for solving the problems Means 6 for solving the problems are as described in claim 6. The means 6
According to the above, the variation executing means 6 sequentially digests all the symbol variations related to the second reserved number 4 on condition that the required condition is satisfied. After the required condition is satisfied, the symbols are changed for all the numbers held by the second holding number 4, so that the player's willingness to play the game can be further improved, and an expectation for the privilege can be given.

[0011]

Means 7 for solving the problems Means 7 for solving the problems are as described in claim 7. The means 7
According to the above, the variation executing means 6 makes the variation mode of the symbol variation associated with the consumption of the first reserve number 3 different from the variation configuration of the symbol variation associated with the exhaustion of the second reserve number 4. For the first hold number 3, the symbol variation is performed in the conventional variation mode, but for the second reserve number 4, the symbol variation is performed in a variation mode different from this (for example, a variation pattern or a variation time). Depending on the variation mode, the result may be linked to the privilege, so that the player's motivation for playing the game can be further improved and an expectation for the privilege can be provided.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine, which is one of the gaming machines, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8.

First, in FIG. 2, the card unit 10 (CR
The external appearance of the unit) and the pachinko machine 12 is shown in a front view. The card unit 10 has balance information (value information) recorded on a recording medium (for example, a magnetic card or an IC card).
Is an input / output, and it is possible to instruct lending of a pachinko ball corresponding to the amount of money desired by the player within the range of the balance information. Since the specific configuration and operation of the card unit 10 are the same as the known configuration,
Illustration and description are omitted.

On the game board 14 of the pachinko machine 12, a gate 52 having a gate sensor 50 for detecting a pachinko ball,
A starting port 24 having a starting port sensor 46 for detecting a pachinko ball, an opening / closing lid 28 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid 44, and a specific area sensor 5 for detecting a pachinko ball that has entered a specific area.
A special winning opening 26 having 8 or the like, a compound accessory device 16 having a liquid crystal display 22 or a hold number display 19, 48, 54, or the like, required game information (for example, the presence or absence of a jackpot or the degree of expectation).
A notification indicator 20 having a plurality of light emitters to notify
In addition, general prize holes, windmills, obstacle nails, etc. are properly arranged. Here, the liquid crystal display 22 for displaying the symbol variation of the special symbol corresponds to the display device 2. Hold number indicator 1
9 uses a 7 segment LED, for example, and displays the special reservation number (second reservation number 4). The number-of-holds indicators 48 and 54 are
Both have, for example, a predetermined number (for example, four) of light emitters. The number-of-holds display 48 displays the number of ordinary-holds required to hold the symbol fluctuation of the ordinary symbol, and the number-of-holds display 54 displays the number of ordinary-holds (the first number-of-holding 3). Examples of the luminous body include a light bulb, a lamp, an LED, a 7-segment element,
Any one of a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, etc. is used.

Below the game board 14, an ashtray 38 for storing 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 therewith. A handle 32 having 34, a speaker 40 (sound device) which is provided inside the upper plate 30 and outputs a sound (voice, music, sound effect, etc.), and the like. Around the game area and the like, there are provided lamps 18 including light emitting bodies that emit light according to the game state and the like. Above the upper plate 30, there are provided a ball lending sensor 42 for instructing ball lending, a balance indicator 56 for displaying balance information and the like, a return sensor 60 for instructing return of a recording medium, and the like.

Next, an example of various boards having a connection structure for realizing a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 12 will be described with reference to FIG. CPU (processor)
The main control board 120 mainly composed of 122 is a ROM 12 that stores a game control program, required data, and the like.
4. RAM 126 for storing temporary data such as various random numbers, special reserved number, normal reserved number, upper limit number, lower limit number, and each reference number
And so on. The CPU 122 executes the game control program stored in the ROM 124 to realize the game by the pachinko machine 12, and the game control program realizes procedures such as a starting opening process, a holding process, a digesting process, a condition determining process, etc., which will be described later. Including the program. EP in ROM124
Although ROM is used and RAM126 is DRAM,
Other types of memory (for example, EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, etc.) may be arbitrarily used. The specific configuration of the main control board 120, other components, operations, and the like are the same as those known in the art, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

The main control board 120 receives signals from the touch sensor 34 and the payout control board 112 and outputs signals from the firing control board 110, which drives and controls the firing motor 100, the drive sensor 104, the counting sensor 106, and the like. A payout control board 112 that receives and controls the payout motor 102, and an interface board 114 that is connected to the card unit 10 and the payout control board 112 to control data transmission / reception and display on the balance indicator 56 (in FIG. "F board"), a symbol control board 130 that controls the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display 22, a voice control board 132 that controls the sound emitted from the speaker 40, a lamp that controls the display of the lamps 18 and the notification indicator 20. The control board 134 and the like are connected. Similar to the main control board 120, each of these boards mainly includes a CPU. The drive sensor 104 monitors the drive state of the motor 102, a payout device for paying out pachinko balls, and the like.
The counting sensor 106 counts the number of pachinko balls actually paid out. The drive sensor 104, the counting sensor 106, the gate sensor 50, the starting opening sensor 46, the specific area sensor 58, and the like include a contact sensor (for example, a reed switch, a micro switch, a pressure sensor, etc.) and a non-contact sensor (for example, a sensor). Proximity sensor, optical sensor, infrared sensor, etc.) is used.

In addition to the above-described starting opening sensor 46 and the like, the main control board 120 is also capable of transmitting a signal (including game information such as a big hit, a symbol determination, a probability change, etc.) to an external device of the pachinko machine 12. The terminal board 136 and the number-of-holding indicators 48 and 54 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.

In the pachinko machine 12 configured as described above, the procedure executed by the main control board 120 to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 4 shows the procedure of the starting opening process for realizing the winning judgment of the pachinko ball to the starting opening 24, FIG. 5 shows the procedure of the holding processing for holding the symbol variation when the fluctuation is impossible, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the exhaustion process for exhausting the reserved number when it is variable, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the procedure for the condition determination process for determining the condition of whether to exhaust the special reserved number. Of these procedures, the holding process in FIG. 5 is a process embodying the counting means 5, and the digesting process in FIG. 6, the condition determining process in FIG. 7 and step S22 in FIG. 4 embody the variation executing means 6. Processing.

In the starting port process shown in FIG. 4, first, the starting port 2
It is determined whether or not a pachinko ball is won in 4 (step S10). For example, the starting opening sensor 46 shown in FIGS.
If there is a detection signal from the (first detector 1), the prize is won (Y
ES), and if there is no such detection signal, it is determined that no prize has been won (NO). If a pachinko ball wins the starting opening 24 (YES), various random numbers are read corresponding to each winning and stored in the RAM 126 [step S1.
2]. As the random number read in step S12, 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 are used. RAM
The random number stored in 126 is, for example, a jackpot determination random number RA for determining whether or not it is a jackpot, or a jackpot symbol random number RB for specifying a jackpot symbol to be displayed when the jackpot is determined based on the jackpot determination random number RA, The symbol display random number RC that specifies the display pattern and the like from the start to the stop of the symbol variation, the reach determination random number RD that determines whether or not the reach is applicable.

When various random numbers are stored in the RAM 126, the payout control board 1 for paying out the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning.
The payout command is transmitted to 12 [step S1
4], hold processing is executed in order to process increase / decrease of the number of reservations [step S16]. Here, a specific procedure of the holding process will be described with reference to FIG.

In the hold processing shown in FIG. 5, it is first judged whether or not the current normal hold number has reached a first reference number (for example, 4 or 50) stored in advance in the RAM 126 [step S].
30]. If the normal hold number has not reached the first reference number (normal hold number <first reference number; YES), the normal hold number is increased and the counting result is displayed on the hold number display 54 (step S32). . After the normal hold number is increased in step S32, or when the normal hold number reaches the first reference number in step S30 (normal hold number ≧ first reference number; NO), the special hold number is stored in the RAM 126 in advance. It is determined whether or not the upper limit number (for example, 10 or 100) has been reached [step S34]. If the number of special reservations has not reached the upper limit (the number of special reservations <the upper limit; YES), the number of special reservations is increased and the counting result is displayed on the number of reservations display 19 [step S36], and the reservation process is executed. finish. On the other hand, when the number of special reservations reaches the upper limit (the number of special reservations ≧ the upper limit; NO), the reservation processing is ended as it is. Therefore, in the holding process of the example shown in FIG. 5, the fluctuation of the held symbols is usually counted as the normal holding number, but the normal holding number exceeding the first reference number is counted as the special holding number. .

Returning to FIG. 4 after the above-mentioned holding process is completed,
It is determined whether it is impossible to change, or whether the number of holdings (both the number of normal holdings and the number of special holdings) is 0 [step S1.
8]. That is, when the current game state is changing the symbol or during the big hit game, it is determined that it cannot be changed, and when it is not in any of the states, it is determined that it is variable. If the number of reservations is 0, all the symbol fluctuations related to the reservation balls have already been completed. If it is possible to change the design and the number of holdings is> 0 (NO in step S18), a digestion process is performed to reduce the number of holdings in preparation for future processing [step S20]. Here, about the specific procedure of digestion processing,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In the digestion process shown in FIG. 6, first, it is determined whether or not the current normal holding number has reached the first reference number [step S40]. If the normal hold number reaches the first reference number (normal hold number ≧ first reference number; YES), the normal hold number is reduced and the counting result is displayed on the hold number display 54 [step S54]. After determining one or more fluctuation patterns [step S56], the digestion process ends.
Note that, in the determination of step S52, since the number of normally reserved numbers has reached the first reference number, the processes of steps S54 and S56 are naturally performed. Further, the one or more fluctuation patterns determined in step S56 are selected by lottery or the like from the fluctuation patterns (a plurality of patterns) for the normal holding number stored in advance in the ROM 124 or the like. In this case, if the variation pattern is determined such that the variation period becomes shorter as the number of normally retained numbers increases, the number of normally retained numbers can be reduced faster.

On the other hand, when the normal hold number does not reach the first reference number (NO in step S40), but the special hold number is 1 or more (special hold number>0; YE in step S42).
S), the condition determination processing is executed to determine the condition whether or not to change the symbol [step S44]. The condition determination process is a process performed to exhaust the special reserved number under a certain condition, and a specific procedure will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

In the condition determining process shown in FIG. 7, first, if the current special pending number reaches the second reference number (≦ upper limit number; for example, 5) (first condition; YES in step S62), the special pending number is reached. The condition flag is turned on to enable the digestion of [step S72], and the condition determination process ends. Similarly, a specific symbol (for example, the symbol “77
6 ") is displayed (second condition; step S6)
4), a specific sensor (for example, the gate sensor 50)
Etc.) detects a pachinko ball (third condition; YES in step S66), or when the current normal pending number falls below the third reference number (≦ first reference number; eg, 2) (fourth condition). ; YES in step S68), the condition flags are both turned on [step S72], and the condition determination process ends.

On the other hand, when none of the above-mentioned first to fourth conditions is satisfied, the condition flag is turned off in order to maintain the special reserved number [step S70], and the condition determining process is terminated. Although the first to fourth conditions are shown as an example in this example, the condition flag is turned on when other conditions are satisfied, or the condition flag is turned on only when two or more conditions are simultaneously satisfied. May be Other conditions include, for example, that a random number (a big hit determination random number RA or the like) read at the time of winning at the starting port 24 has reached a predetermined value, or that the starting port 24 is set within a certain time (for example, 1 minute).
The fact that a certain number (for example, five) of pachinko balls has won or passed through the gate sensor 50 or the like corresponds to the above. Also,
A condition may be added or deleted at any timing during the game. Therefore, it is possible to optimally consume the special reserved number according to the game state and the like.

Upon completion of the condition determination processing, returning to FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not a condition for exhausting the special reserved number is satisfied [step S46]. Specifically, the determination is made by turning on / off the condition flag set in steps S70 and S72 of FIG. If the condition is satisfied (condition flag is ON; YES), the special pending number is reduced and the counting result is displayed on the pending number display 19 [step S4.
8], determine one or more fluctuation patterns [Step S5
0], the digestion process is terminated. The one or more fluctuation patterns determined in step S50 are fluctuation patterns (a plurality of patterns) for the special reserved number stored in the ROM 124 or the like in advance.
Select by lottery etc. In this case,
If the fluctuation pattern is determined such that the fluctuation period becomes shorter as the number of special reservations increases, the number of special reservations can be reduced faster.

On the other hand, if the condition is not satisfied in step S46 (condition flag is OFF; NO), the condition is that the number of normally reserved is 1 or more (normally reserved number>0; YES in step S52). The number of holdings is reduced and the counting result is displayed on the number of holdings display 54 [step S54], and one or more fluctuation patterns are determined, and then [step S54].
56], the digestion process ends. In addition, the normal hold number does not reach the first reference number (normal hold number <first reference number; NO in step S40), and in the state where the special hold number is 0 (NO in step S42), symbol variation is performed. Since there is no such thing, the digestion process is terminated as it is.

When the processing for exhausting the number of holdings is completed in this way, returning to FIG. 4 again, the liquid crystal display 22 starts changing the symbol [step S22]. That is, steps S50 and S5 in FIG.
By transmitting a display command including the variation pattern determined in 6 to the symbol control board 130, the symbol variation is realized.
Since a predetermined display period (for example, 30 seconds) is required to finish the symbol variation started in this way, it is necessary to wait for execution of steps S24 and S26 during the display period.
When the number of special reservations is 0 (NO in step S42 of FIG. 6) and the number of normal reservations is 0 (step S5 of FIG. 6).
No in 2), the pattern cannot be changed because the change pattern is not determined.

After waiting until the timing of stopping the fluctuation of the symbols, it is judged whether or not the result of this lottery is a big hit [step S24]. The pachinko machine 12 that is not easily affected by external noise and has high reliability determines whether or not it is a big hit based on the big hit determination random number RA, that is, whether or not the random number value = the big hit value. The jackpot value is ROM12
It is stored in advance in 4 or the like and is composed of one or a plurality. If it is a big hit (YES), a big hit process is executed to give the player a chance to achieve a big hit game and obtain a prize ball [step S26]. In the jackpot process, for example, the opening / closing lid 28 of the special winning opening 26 is opened for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds), and the prize balls are paid out according to the number of the pachinko balls that have won the special winning opening 26 or the like. To do. Since the specific procedure of the jackpot process is well known, its description and illustration are omitted. On the other hand, step S
If it is immovable or the number of holdings is 0 in 18 (YES), and if it is lost in step S24 (NO), the starting opening process is ended as it is.

Next, an example in which each process shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is executed to hold and eliminate the symbol variation will be described with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. 8, the start port sensor 46, the number of normal holdings, the number of special holdings, the condition determination, and the time-series change in the display content of the liquid crystal display 22 are shown in order from the top (shift from the left side to the right side of the drawing). .
In the present example, FIG. 8 shows a case where the condition flag is off (illustrated by “×”) as a result of the condition determination processing of FIG. 7, and similarly, a case where the condition flag is on (illustrated by “◯”). It shows in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the first reference number is 4.

In the time chart of FIG. 8, nine pachinko balls are shown at times t10, t12, t14, t16, t1.
Since the winning opening 24 is won at 8, t22, t30, t32, and t34, the starting opening sensor 4 that has detected each winning
6 outputs a signal. After the first pachinko ball wins the starting opening 24 at time t10, the symbol variation z on the liquid crystal display 22 from time t10 to time t20.
1 is being performed {step S22 in FIG. 4}. Similarly,
After receiving the second pachinko ball that won the prize at the time t12, the symbol variation z2 is performed from the time t24 to the time t26, and the time t
Time t28 after receiving the third pachinko ball that won the 14th prize
Thereafter, the symbol variation z3 is performed {step S in FIG.
22}.

Regarding the winning (time t12, t14, t16, t18) that occurs while the symbol variation z1 is displayed, the number of normally reserved numbers gradually increases (step S32 in FIG. 5).
However, with respect to the winning (time t22) that occurs after the normal holding number becomes 4, the special holding number is increasing because the first reference number is reached {step S36 in FIG. 5}.
This also applies to the winning (time t34) that occurs during the display of the symbol variation z3, and the number of special reserves is increasing {step S36 in FIG. 5}. Since there is no winning in the starting opening 24 during the display of the symbol variation z2, the values of the normal reserved number and the special reserved number have not changed.

Then, the result of the condition flag being turned off by the condition determining process executed in preparation for the symbol variation z3 starting from time t28 {NO in step S46 of FIG. 6},
The number of special reservations has not changed and the number of normal reservations has decreased {Fig. 6
Step S54}. On the other hand, in the time chart of FIG. 9, the result of the condition flag being turned on by the condition determination process executed in preparation for the symbol variation z3 starting from time t28 {NO in step S46 of FIG. 6}, the number of special reservations is reduced. {Step S48 in FIG. 6}. Therefore, symbol fluctuation z3
With respect to the winning that occurs during the display of, the number of special holdings increases not only at time t34 but also at time t32 {step S36 in FIG. 5}.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (A1) It is counted as the number of ordinary reservations (the first number of reservations 3) about the fluctuation of the symbols that are reserved, and the number of special reservations (the second number of reservations) exceeds the first reference number (the first specific number).
The number of reservations was counted as 4) {counting means 5; see FIG. 5}. When the symbol fluctuation is finished, the pattern fluctuations are sequentially extinguished within the range of the normally reserved number, and the condition fluctuations excluding the end of the symbol fluctuation are satisfied. Means 6; refer to step S22 in FIG. 4 and steps S48 and S54 in FIG. 6}. As for the number of ordinary reservations, the pattern fluctuations will be digested as in the past with the end of the symbol fluctuations, but for the number of special reservations, the pattern fluctuations will not be digested unless the required conditions are satisfied. Even if the number of holdings increases, if the required condition (see the condition determination process of FIG. 7) is not satisfied for the special number of holdings, the symbols will not be changed, so the player plays the game to meet the required conditions. .
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from decreasing. On the other hand, many symbols are changed if the conditions are satisfied, so that the player can play with a sense of expectation of expecting a privilege. Therefore, it is possible to improve the motivation of the player to play the game, and to change the symbols for the number of holdings which exceeds the number of holdings normally within a range that does not become an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side.

(A2) It is assumed that the required condition is satisfied when the special reserved number reaches the second reference number (second specific number) {first condition; see step S62 in FIG. 7}. Second special reserve
Since the symbols are positively changed every time the reference number is reached, the player's willingness to play the game is further improved, and it is not an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side. (A3) It is determined that a specific symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22 (in a predetermined display mode) {second condition; see step S64 of FIG. 7}. Since the symbols are positively changed every time the particular symbol is displayed, the player's motivation for the game is further improved, and it is not an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side.

(A4) The requirement that the specific sensor (second detector) detects a pachinko ball is satisfied {third
Condition; see step S66 of FIG. 7}. Each time a specific sensor detects a pachinko ball, the symbol is positively changed, which further improves the player's willingness to play, and does not cause an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side. (A5) It is determined that the required condition is satisfied when the number of normally held calls is less than the third reference number (first specified number) {fourth condition; see step S68 in FIG. 7}. Normally, the symbol variation is positively performed every time the number of holdings falls below the third reference number, so that the player's willingness to play the game is further improved, and there is no excessive disadvantage to the game hall side.

(A6) In the above embodiment, each time one of the first condition to the fourth condition is satisfied, the number of special reservations is reduced to eliminate the fluctuation of the symbol. {Steps S62 to S6 of FIG.
8}, once any of the first condition to the fourth condition is satisfied (provided that the required condition is satisfied), the number of special reservations may be reduced to 0 to eliminate the symbol variation. That is, if any of the first to fourth conditions is satisfied, the condition flag is turned on (see step S7 in FIG. 7).
2}, if the condition flag is ON at the beginning of the condition determination process, the process is ended as it is {step S70 in FIG. 7}. Then, since the condition flag remains on, the number of special reservations decreases (step S48 of FIG. 6), and it becomes possible to absorb the variation of the symbols until the number of special reservations becomes 0 (step S22 of FIG. 4). . When the number of special reservations becomes 0 when subtraction is performed, the condition flag needs to be turned off (FIG. 6).
Step S48}. In this way, since the symbols are changed for all of the special reserved numbers, it is possible to further improve the player's willingness to play the game and to expect the privilege.

(A7) A fluctuation pattern (variation mode of symbol fluctuation) associated with the exhaustion of the normal reserved number and a fluctuation pattern associated with the exhaustion of the special reserved number are made different (step S5 in FIG. 6).
0, S56}. Normally, the number of holdings is changed in the same manner as the conventional one, but the number of special holdings is changed in a different manner. Depending on the variation mode, the result may be linked to the privilege, so that the player's motivation for playing the game can be further improved and an expectation for the privilege can be provided.

[Other Embodiments] The pachinko machine 1 described above
In 2 (gaming machine), the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, etc. of the other parts are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, each of the following modes to which the above-described embodiment is applied can be implemented. (B1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 12. Instead of this form, other gaming machines other than pachinko machines (for example, arrange-ball machines, sparrow-ball game machines, video game machines, etc.) that are configured to hold and consume design fluctuations are also the same. The present invention can be applied. Even with the other gaming machines, it is possible to improve the player's willingness to play the game, and change the symbols for the number of holdings exceeding the upper limit value within a range that does not become an excessive disadvantage to the gaming machine side.

(B2) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the number of normal fluctuations (the first number of reservations 3) and the number of special reservations (the second) are used to suspend the fluctuation of the symbols.
The number of reservations 4) was managed separately (see FIG. 5, etc.). Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the normal hold number and the special hold number may be unified. That is, the design fluctuation is held and extinguished with one holding number, but it is necessary to define a normal range (for example, 1 to 4) corresponding to the normal holding number and a special range (for example, 5 to 100) corresponding to the special holding number. is there. However, when digesting, there is no classification of the special reserve number of the normal reserve number, so it is simply reduced. Therefore, in this example, when the number is 4 or less, only the number of normal holdings is set, and when the number is 5 or more, the number of normal holdings and the number of special holdings are added. Even if the mode of the number of holding is changed in this way, it is possible to obtain the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.

(B3) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the symbol variation of the special symbol {see FIGS. 4 to 7}. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the present invention may be applied to a symbol variation of a normal symbol. That is, the same processing as the normal reservation number and the special reservation number is performed for the normal reservation number. By doing this, it is possible to improve the player's motivation for the game even with respect to the symbol fluctuation of the normal symbol, and to perform the symbol fluctuation with respect to the number of holdings exceeding the upper limit within a range that does not become excessively disadvantageous to the game hall side. .

(B4) Based on the player's intention, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which the symbol fluctuation is sequentially extinguished within the range of the second reserved number {steps S46 and S48 of FIG. 6}. The intention of the player is, for example, the first after stopping the firing of the game ball.
A predetermined period (30 seconds, etc.) has elapsed, a second predetermined period (30 seconds, etc.) has elapsed since the first hold number reached a specific number (0, etc.), a predetermined switch (return sensor 60
And other switches) are operated.
In this way, the intention of the player is reflected and the second hold number is consumed, so that the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

[0045]

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the player's willingness to play a game, and to change the symbols for the number of holdings exceeding the upper limit within a range that does not cause an excessive disadvantage to the game hall side.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of various substrates and various devices.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a starting opening process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a holding process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a digestion process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of condition determination processing.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing an example of reservation and digestion.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example of reservation and digestion.

[Explanation of symbols]

1st detector 2 display 3 First number of reservations 4 second hold number 5 Counting means 6 fluctuation execution means B game ball 10 card unit 12 Pachinko machines (gaming machines) 19 Hold number indicator (display of special hold number and second hold number) 22 Liquid crystal display (display device) 24 Starting port 46 Starter sensor (first detector) 50 Gate sensor (second detector) 52 gate 48 Hold number display (normal hold number display) 54 Hold number display (normal hold number, first hold number display) 110 firing control board 112 Dispensing control board 114 interface board 120 Main control board (counting means, fluctuation executing means) 122 CPU 124 ROM (storage medium) 126 RAM (storage medium) 130 Design control board 132 voice control board 134 lamp control board z1, z2, z3 symbol fluctuation

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. When the first detector detects a game ball, the display device starts a symbol variation, and when the first detector detects a game ball during a period when the symbol variation cannot be started, In the gaming machine configured to hold the symbol variation and to finish the held symbol variation when the symbol variation is finished, the held symbol variation is counted as the first retained number, and the first retained number is For the number exceeding the first specific number, counting means for counting as the second number of reserves, and when the symbol variation is finished, the symbol variations are sequentially digested within the range of the first number of reserves, and the end of the symbol variation is excluded. A game machine having a variation executing means for sequentially extinguishing the symbol variation within the range of the second reserved number on condition that a required condition is satisfied. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the variation executing means fulfills a required condition that the second holding number reaches a second specific number. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the variation executing means makes a predetermined display condition a necessary condition. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the variation executing means satisfies a condition that a second detector different from the first detector detects a game ball. And a gaming machine. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the variation executing means determines that a required condition is satisfied when the first hold number is less than a first specified number. 6. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variation executing means is a second device provided that a required condition is satisfied.
A game machine that sequentially digests all the symbol fluctuations related to the number of holdings. 7. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the variation execution means accompanies the variation of the symbol variation with the exhaustion of the first pending number and the exhaustion of the second pending number. A gaming machine that has a different variation pattern.