JP2003024548A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the fact that when many game balls pass a starting region during change display by a figure pattern displaying device and an overflow that a starting ball storing number exceeds a fixed number (for example, four pieces) occurs, ineffective balls results, which is unfavorable to a player, a game is stopped, and the operation rate of a game machine is sometimes reduced. SOLUTION: When many game balls pass a starting region and a change display waiting starting storing number is overflown by a figure pattern displaying device 111, an overflow ball number is counted and maintained by an overflow counting means 101 and is further displayed in an overflow ball counting apparatus 131 placed within a game region 20 to which a player pays attention. Then, the benefit of the player such as big win occurring probability is changed based on this overflow ball number.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, and more particularly, to a process for an overflow of a starting ball memory when a game is played using a game ball in a pachinko machine or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical game machine such as a pachinko machine has a substantially square game board 10 in which a substantially circular game area 20 is formed, as shown in FIG. In this game area 20, a guide rail 21, a center case 22, a pair of left and right gates 23, a plurality of winning openings 24, 25, 26, a starting area (first type starting opening) 27, an electric accessory 27A, a large size. Win 28 and Out 29
Is provided. Further, in the center case 22, a special symbol display device (symbol display device) 30 formed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, for example, three LEDs
Ordinary pattern display device formed by (light emitting diode)
Starting ball memory display lamp (memory display LED) 3 formed by 32 and a fixed number (for example, 4) of LED lamps 3
Includes 1 and 34. Further, on the outside of the game area 20, a plurality of decorative lamps (decorative LEDs) 35 for producing a game are provided.
Are arranged. Furthermore, on the entire surface in the game area 20,
Many nails are planted in a complicated geometric pattern.

When a player grips a launching handle (not shown), a touch sensor detects this, and a gaming ball is emitted from a gaming ball launching device (not shown in FIG. 8), for example, about 100 minutes per minute. Fire continuously at the rate of pieces. The game balls thus launched are driven into the game area 20 along the guide rails 21 with the strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle adjusted by the player. The driven game ball flows down in the game area 20 through a complicated path while colliding with the above-mentioned nail or the like.

The game ball flowing down in the game area 20 is a winning opening
When any one of 24 to 26 is won, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player from a prize ball payout device (not shown in FIG. 8) in the game machine. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 23, the internal detection switch (SW) detects it, extracts a normal symbol random number, changes the display symbol of the normal symbol display device 32, and responds to the extracted random number. Display "hit" or "out". In the case of "hit", the electric accessory (ordinary electric accessory) 27A is opened for a certain period of time to widen the passage (entrance) to the starting area 27 of the game ball.

On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the starting area 27,
The internal detection switch detects this and extracts a special symbol random number. And a plurality of special symbol display devices 30 (for example, 3
Displayed in the symbol display area, for example, "0" ~
Fluctuating the special symbol of "9", taking a relatively long time, "big hit" or "off" depending on the extracted random number
Is displayed by changing (scrolling). After a certain period of time, the variation of the special symbol is sequentially stopped and the fixed display is performed. In the case of a "big hit pattern" in which a plurality of special symbols that are confirmed and displayed are arranged, the gaming machine is in a "big hit state", and the big winning opening 28 having a wide gaming ball winning opening has a predetermined time or a predetermined number of gaming balls. Open until you win the prize.

When another game ball passes through the starting area 27 or the gate 23 during the variable display of these symbol display devices 30, 32,
Immediately, since it is not possible to produce a display on the symbol display devices 30 and 32, the random numbers described above are extracted and stored up to the maximum number (4) predetermined as starting balls. These starting balls are displayed by turning on the memory display LEDs 31 and 34, respectively. Then, when the variable display of the symbol display devices 30 and 32 is completed, the next variable display is performed on the symbol display devices 30 and 32 based on the stored starting balls, and the number of starting memory balls of the starting ball storage means is set to 1 The number is reduced and one memory display lamp is turned off. The player can always know the starting memory state by the lighting state of these memory display lamps 31, 34.

[0007]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention
Memory display LED device stored in the starting ball storage means 30 and 32
Since the maximum number of starting balls stored in 31 and 34 is 4, the starting balls that exceed 4 starting balls (full or full) overflow and become invalid balls. Therefore, the player appropriately monitors the number of starting balls displayed on the memory display LEDs 31, 34 (particularly, the memory display LED 31 of the symbol display device 30), and when the maximum number (4) is reached, the game ball is launched. There is a tendency to avoid wasting game balls by stopping and digesting the starting memory balls. In particular, when the display of the symbol display device 30 is in the "reach state" described above, it is usual to stop the firing of the game ball and see its course (whether it is a "big hit" or "off"). is there. However, if you stop firing the game ball, the operating rate of the game machine will decrease,
Not good for amusement halls.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional gaming machine, and even if the number of starting memory balls overflows, the player can continue the game without stopping the game, and the overflow balls can be kept in the conventional state. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that does not cause a loss to the player as all invalid balls.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems The game machine of the present invention variably displays the symbol display device as the game ball passes through the starting area provided in the game area, and among the game balls that have passed through the starting area. In a device for counting and storing by the starting ball counting means a number of less than a certain number waiting for variable display, overflow ball counting means for counting the number of overflow balls exceeding the certain number of the starting ball counting means is provided, and this overflow ball counting is performed. The profit of the player is changed according to the number of overflow balls of the means.

According to a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, the jackpot occurrence probability is changed for the benefit of the player. An overflow ball number indicator for displaying the overflow ball number is provided in the game area. The jackpot probability is
When the full state of the starting ball counting means is canceled and the game ball first passes through the starting area, it is determined according to the number of overflow balls during the full tank period. The big hit occurrence probability is determined according to the number of overflow balls counted by the overflow ball counting means before the symbol display device starts a new fluctuation.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The configuration and operation of a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of a preferred embodiment of a game machine according to the present invention. The gaming machine according to the present invention has a main board (main control means) 100 that controls the entire gaming machine. This main board 100 is preferably a CPU
(Central processing unit), starting ball counting means 10
1. It includes overflow ball counting means 102 and storage means. Further, the main board 100, the pattern control board 110,
The payout control board 120, the lamp control board 130, and the voice control board 140 are connected, and a predetermined operation described later is performed in response to a control command from the main board 100.

On the symbol control board 110, the special symbol display device 1
11 is connected. The payout control board 120 includes a firing motor 121.
And the prize ball payout device 122 is connected. To the lamp control board 130, an overflow ball number indicator 131, a special symbol memory display LED 132, a normal symbol memory display LED 133, a decoration LED 134, etc. are connected. Voice control board 140
A speaker 141 is connected to the. Also, the main board 100
Includes a first-type starting opening switch 150, a gate switch 151,
An ordinary symbol display device 152, a special winning opening opening solenoid 153, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 154, a count switch 155, a specific area switch 156, etc. are connected.

To the main control means such as a CPU mounted on the main board 100, data relating to the game state from each of the above-mentioned constituent elements 150 to 156 is inputted. A control command is sent to each of the control boards 110 to 140 based on the data. When the game ball passes through the gate, the gate switch 151
Outputs a detection signal to the main board 100. Then, a random number is extracted, and the display of the normal symbol display device 152 is changed in accordance with the extracted random number to perform a variable display.
In the case of "hit", a control command for opening the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 154 for a certain period of time is sent.

The symbol control board 110 extracts a random number according to the detection signal output from the first-type starting port switch 150 by passing the game ball through the starting region (first-type starting port), Based on the change (scroll) of the special symbol, the effect is displayed. In the case of "big hit", a command is sent to the special winning opening opening solenoid 153 to open it and "big hit operation" is performed. This "big hit operation" is defined as one round in which a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are won by a specific area switch 156 provided in a specific area or a specific area in which the special winning opening solenoid 153 is open. , 16 rounds at maximum, for example.
Every time the game ball passes (wins) the specific area switch 156 of the special winning opening, the number of passing game balls is counted by the count switch 155.

Each time one main board passes, the main board 100 sends a control command to the payout control board 120 to pay out a fixed number (for example, 15) of prize balls from the prize ball payout device 122 to the player. When the count switch 155 counts a predetermined number of game balls, the special winning opening opening solenoid 153 is closed,
Finish one round and start the next round. Further, during the “big hit operation”, the main board 100 sends a “big hit operation” command to the lamp control board 130 and the sound control board 140 to cause the decorative LED 134 to blink in a predetermined pattern, and the speaker 141 to send a sound signal. Is generated, and the "big hit motion" is visually and audibly produced. The above operation is repeated until the final round. It takes about 5 minutes from the start to the end of the "big hit operation". However, the probability of "big hit" is usually about 1/315, and 315 game balls pass through the starting area (first type starting opening) on average, and one big hit occurs at a rate.

Next, during the above-mentioned "big hit operation", when another game ball passes through the starting area of the first kind, which is the starting area, and the first kind start opening switch 150 outputs a detection signal to the main board 100. Will be explained. In this case, since the symbol display device 111 is displaying the "big hit operation", a new operation cannot be started. Therefore, the main board 100 counts the number of starting balls by the starting ball counting means 101 that counts the starting balls that are the detection signals from the first-type starting port switch 150 when the pattern display device 111 is changing, Up to a certain number (up to 4),
It is stored and stored in a storage means (memory) in the main board 100 together with the randomly selected random numbers. The number of starting balls turns on the corresponding number of LEDs of the special symbol memory display LED 133 via the lamp control board 130. This memory display LED that lights up
The number of 132 allows the player to check the starting ball memory number at any time. In addition, the normal symbol display device 152
Similarly, the number of starting memories that are changing is counted and stored by the counting means, and the normal symbol memory display LED 13
It is displayed by turning on the LED of 3.

The gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the overflow ball counting means 102 counts the start balls that overflow when the count of the start ball counting means 101 exceeds the maximum value (4). This overflow ball is displayed on the overflow ball number indicator 131 via the lamp control board 130, and as will be described later, the player's profit, for example, the “big hit” occurrence probability is changed according to the overflow ball number. Therefore, since the overflow balls are not all invalid balls as in the conventional case, it can be expected that the player will not interrupt the firing of the game balls.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. In this first embodiment, the detection switch detects that the game ball has passed through the first-type starting opening, which is the starting area, and at the time of extracting the big hit random number, extracts the big hit random number value corresponding to the overflow ball described above. Is. First,
The first type starting opening SW process shown in FIG. 2 will be described. Whether the first-type starting opening SW (hereinafter referred to as starting opening SW) 150 is ON,
That is, it is determined whether or not the starting opening SW150 detects the passage of the game ball (step S1). When the starting opening SW150 is not ON (step S1: NO), the reset is waited (step S10).

On the other hand, when the starting opening SW150 is ON (step S1: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of stored starting points by the starting ball counting means 101 is 4 or more, which is the maximum value (step S2). If 4 or more (step S2: YE
S), the overflow state, the overflow ball counting means 10 every time the starting opening SW150 detects the passage of the game ball.
The count value (F) of 2 is incremented to F = F + 1 (step S3). When the number of starting memory is less than 4 (step S2: NO), it is not an overflow state, so the number of starting memory (P) is incremented to P = P + 1.
(Step S4).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of overflow balls F = 0 (step S5). When F = 0 (step S5: YES), the jackpot random number when F = 0 is extracted. In this case, for example, a big hit random number 0 to 314 in total 31
The jackpot probability is set to 5, and the jackpot probability is set to a normal value, for example, 1/315 by making the specific number, for example, 7 a jackpot (step S6). When F = 0 is not satisfied (step S5: NO), a big hit random number value corresponding to the number F of overflows is extracted and stored in the storage means of the main board 100 described above (step S7), and the F value is cleared to 0. Yes (step S8). Finally, the jackpot symbol random number, the outlier symbol random number and the like are extracted based on the random numbers extracted and stored in steps S6 and S7 and stored in the storage means (step S9).

The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a big hit judging process. First, it is determined whether it is a big hit determination timing (step S11). When it is the big hit determination timing (step S11: YES), it is determined whether the extracted random number value is a big hit (step S12). In the case of a big hit (step S12: YES), a big hit flag is set (step S13). After this step S13 and when the random number value is not a big hit (step S12: NO), the number P of starting memories of the starting ball counting means 101 is decremented (P = P-1) (step S14). After this step S14 and when it is not the determination timing (step S11: NO), reset is awaited (step S1).
5).

Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5. In the second embodiment, a big hit random number corresponding to the number of overflow balls, which has been generated up to that time, is used for the big hit determination. FIG. 4 shows the starting opening SW processing operation, and FIG.
Indicates a big hit judging operation.

In FIG. 4, it is determined whether the starting opening SW150 is ON (step S21). If the starting opening SW is ON (step S21: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of stored memories is 4 or more, which is the maximum number (step S22).
When the number P of stored memories is 4 or more (step S22: Y
ES), the number of overflow balls F is incremented (F =
F + 1) (step S23). When the number P of starting memories is less than 4 (step S22: NO), the number P of starting memories
Is incremented (P = P + 1) (step S2
4). Then, the jackpot random number values prepared for each of the above-mentioned overflow balls are extracted and stored (step S2).
5). Further, the jackpot symbol random number and the outlying random number are extracted and stored (step S26).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The jackpot determination process will be described. It is determined whether it is a big hit determination timing (step S31). In the case of the determination timing (step S31: YES), it is determined whether the overflow ball number F is 0 (F = 0) (step S32).
When F = 0 (step S32: YES), F = 0
The big hit random number value at the time of is loaded (step S3
3). If F = 0 is not satisfied (step S32: N
O), the corresponding random number value is loaded from the big hit random number values stored for each of the Overflow sphere numbers F (step S34),
The F value is cleared (step S35). Next, it is determined whether or not the random number is a big hit (step S36). In the case of a big hit (step S36: YES), a big hit flag is set (step S37). On the other hand, if it is not a big hit (step S36: NO), the start memory number P is decremented (P = P-1) (step S38). Then, a random number value for each unused F number of overflow balls is cleared (step S39). After this step S39 and when it is not the determination timing (step S31: N
In (O), the reset is awaited (step S40).

Next, FIG. 6 shows an example of the jackpot probability for determining the profit of the player for each of the above-mentioned overflow ball numbers F. In the normal (or initial) state in which the display number F of the overflow ball number counting means 102 and the display number F of the memory display LED 132 is 0, the “big hit probability” is 1/315. Here, the "big hit probability" means passing through the starting area,
The game ball detected in the first-class starting opening SW150 is a "big hit"
It means that the "big hit state" occurs once every 315 game balls pass through the starting area on average. When the number of overflow balls F is 1, the jackpot occurrence probability is 1/300. Similarly, when F is two, the jackpot occurrence probability is 1/285.
When F is three, the jackpot occurrence probability is 1/270. Thus, in this specific example, each time the overflow ball number F increases, the jackpot occurrence probability in the next variable display of the symbol display device is sequentially increased, so that the player is in a gaming state advantageous to the player. Change the profit of.

As mentioned above, overflow sphere counting means
The number 102 is counted and held, and the overflow ball number F displayed on the memory display LED 132 is directly connected to the player's profit. Therefore, the player pays attention to the overflow ball number F, and continues the game so as to obtain a larger overflow ball number F even if the starting memory number is full. In this way, it is preferable to inform the player of the overflow ball number F, which directly affects the player's profit.
FIG. 7 shows an overflow ball number display section (special symbol memory display LED 13 in FIG. 1) for displaying the overflow ball number F.
(Corresponding to 2) 50 is a specific example of the game board of the gaming machine according to the present invention. In the specific example shown in FIG. 7, an overflow ball number indicator 50 by light emitting diodes (LEDs) of 7 segments is arranged in the vicinity of the starting area 27 provided in the game area 20 of the game board 10. However, the overflow sphere count display 50 may have another known display format.

The configuration and operation of the preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention have been described above in detail. However, these embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the present invention in any way. Various modifications and changes can be made according to the specific application without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configuration and position of the overflow ball number indicator 50 can be arbitrarily selected. According to the number of overflow balls, divide the number of overflow balls into several groups,
The profit of the player may be changed for each group, and the number of overflow balls and the profit of the player do not necessarily have to be in one-to-one correspondence. When the player's profit due to the number of overflow balls is a change in the jackpot occurrence probability as in the above-described specific example, the current jackpot occurrence probability is changed to, for example, 1/315 (or simply 31 instead of the overflow ball number.
5), 1/300 (or 300), ... May be displayed on the display unit, for example, a part of the special symbol display device 30 as numbers.

[0029]

As can be understood from the above description, according to the gaming machine having the configuration described in claim 1 of the present invention, the following remarkable practical effects can be achieved. First,
In recent game machines, such as long reach and special reach, there is a tendency that the variable display time by the symbol display device becomes long and it takes a long time to settle. The player conventionally stopped the firing of the game sphere during that time, but according to the present invention, the overflow sphere counting means is provided and the number of overflow spheres increases as the variable display time becomes longer. Since the player's profit is provided, the player can be expected to continue to shoot the game ball. Further, even when the starting memory number is full, it is possible to prevent the player from stopping the firing of the game ball.

Furthermore, since the jackpot occurrence probability that greatly affects the profit of the player is changed according to the number of overflow balls, it is possible to raise the interest of the player. By arranging the overflow ball indicator in the vicinity of the starting area (first type starting opening), it is possible to attract the player's attention to the number of overflow balls without dispersing the player's concentration. In addition, it is possible to change the game by selecting how the player gives a profit.

According to the gaming machine of the second aspect, since the jackpot probability changes according to the number of overflow balls, for example, one if the jackpot probability monotonously changes to a high probability according to the number of balls. However, the game will continue in order to generate many overflows, and as the overflow ball changes from a state that the player hates the player to a preferable state, such as when the overflow ball was just an invalid ball, the game itself New interest is born.

According to the gaming machine having the structure described in claim 3, since the number of overflow balls generated is provided in the game area, the player can always recognize the generation status / number of overflow balls. It is possible to play while grasping the situation and the degree of advantage of one's own.

According to the gaming machine having the structure described in claim 4, since the extraction timing of the big hit random number is when the start opening is passed, it is advantageous depending on how many overflow balls occur during the full tank period. Degree (profit) changes,
A random number value is extracted from the prepared jackpot random numbers having different jackpot probabilities and corresponding to the jackpot random number. Therefore, the longer the previous fluctuation time is, the more balls can be overflowed, such as normal reach rather than normal stop, special reach than normal reach, etc. Since it is changed to a game in which continuous firing is continued to increase the number of overflow balls, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the machine operating rate.

According to the gaming machine having the structure described in claim 5, since the big hit determination is performed at the start of the fluctuation of the symbol, the overflow balls counted from the start of the previous fluctuation until the new fluctuation is started. Since the jackpot probability changes according to the number, the longer the previous fluctuation time, that is, the longer the overflow period, the more advantageous it is that it is possible to prevent the interruption of the game as described above, and the jackpot probability for the next fluctuation. The advantage is that there is immediacy in the results obtained, as it is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a starting opening switch operation of the first embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a big hit determination processing operation in the case of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a starting opening switch operation of the second embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a big hit determination processing operation in the case of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a specific example of changing the player's profit depending on the number of overflow balls of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a game board of a preferred embodiment of the game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a game board of a typical game machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 amusement machines 20 Game area 27 Starting area (Type 1 starting port) 30,111 Design display device 50, 131 overflow sphere indicator 100 Main board (main control means) 101 Starting ball counting means 102 Overflow ball counting means

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A symbol display device is variably displayed by a game ball passing through a starting area provided in the game area,
In a gaming machine in which the number of game balls that have passed through the starting area and which is less than the certain number waiting for the fluctuation display is counted and stored by the starting ball counting means, the number of overflow balls that exceeds the certain number of the starting ball counting means A gaming machine, characterized in that overflow ball counting means for counting is provided, and the profit of the player is changed according to the number of overflow balls of the overflow ball counting means. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a jackpot occurrence probability is changed as a profit for the player. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein an overflow ball number indicator for displaying the overflow ball number is provided in the game area. 4. The big hit occurrence probability depends on the number of overflow balls during the full tank period when the full ball state of the starting ball counting means is canceled and a game ball first passes through the starting area. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, which is determined. 5. The big hit occurrence probability is determined according to the number of overflow balls counted by the overflow ball counting means before the symbol display device starts a new fluctuation. The gaming machine described in 2 or 3.