JP2003071016A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make use of an advantage of reservation by changing the maximum reservation value of random number for determination to realize the balance between a player and a game parlor in an pinball game machine. SOLUTION: When starting a special game, the maximum reservation value is set to the maximum reservation value when playing the special game (S304), and the maximum reservation value is set at the maximum reservation routine upon completion of the special game (S311). Since the maximum reservation value can be set in accordance with respective situations before the special game, during the special game, and after the special game, a disadvantage which occurs when the maximum reservation value is fixed can be eliminated to realize the balance between the player and the game parlor.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention belongs to the technical field of ball game machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a ball game machine represented by a pachinko machine, a lottery value extracted due to a game ball entering a lottery area (for example, a starting opening) is collated with a hit value and missed. There is a ball game machine provided with a determination means for determining, a result display means for displaying the determination result, and a suspending storage means for storing information on the determination as the suspending data, in which the operation of displaying the determination result cannot be immediately started. , It is usual to execute a special game advantageous to the player on the condition that the judgment result by the judgment means is a win.

Furthermore, a variable winning device such as an electric tulip is provided as the above-mentioned lottery area, and the ordinary symbol lottery value extracted due to the game ball entering the ordinary symbol lottery opening (for example, the starting gate) is hit value. Matches with and determines the hit or miss (ordinary symbol determination), displays the result of the ordinary symbol determination, and if the ordinary symbol determination is a hit, open the variable winning device that becomes the lottery area after the normal symbol is confirmed There is also a configuration that makes it.

In this type of ball game machine, for example, since the symbol for displaying the preceding determination result is being variably displayed, the next display operation cannot be started without waiting for its confirmation, that is, the determination. The result display operation may not start immediately. Therefore, information about the determination that the display operation of the determination result cannot be started immediately is stored as hold data, and the display operation is performed after waiting for the display operation (variable display) to become possible. Had erased.

If the determination result is a hit, which is an essential condition of the special game (big hit game), the display of the determination result is performed with a special symbol. It is often called memory.
In addition, when the determination result is used to open the variable winning device or the like which becomes the above-mentioned lottery area, the hold data is often called a normal symbol hold storage.

[0006]

In the conventional ball game machine, the upper limit (maximum holding value) of the number of holding data stored by the holding storage means is fixed. For example, special symbol hold memory,
The maximum holding value is set to 4 in any game state, and the holding data was not stored even if the game ball entered the lottery area in that state. Therefore, there are the following problems.

First, even if the lottery area is entered, if the hold data of the maximum hold value is already stored,
Since the entry into the lottery area is not subject to the determination, it was wasted. In addition, the lottery area for determination relating to the special symbol is usually a winning opening (starting opening), but the number of prize balls for winning the starting opening is smaller than other winning openings (for example, 3 pieces or the like). Since it is set to 4), there was little merit in winning the prize at the starting opening in the state where the maximum holding value was stored.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to sufficiently increase the maximum reserved value for the purpose of preventing the above problems. If this is set to 20, for example, it is difficult to store up to the maximum holding value in the normal state, but since the variable display of the special symbol is not displayed during the big hit game, there is a possibility that even 20 pieces are accumulated. Then, even if the high-probability game does not have a high probability (even at the normal probability), there is a high possibility that the large amount of reserved data will be a big hit (so-called reserved ball continuous chan). Therefore,
This is not preferable because the player becomes unilaterally advantageous (the gaming shop side is disadvantageous).

[0009] Incidentally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-288175 discloses an invention for changing the maximum holding value in accordance with a special game state that has occurred, and as a specific configuration, it is displayed when a big hit (special game) is reached. It is disclosed that when the lucky number is 7, the maximum holding value in the jackpot is changed from 4 to 15.

Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-107396 discloses an invention in which the maximum holding value is changed when the number of fluctuations that has not been a big hit (that is, the number of deviations) has reached a predetermined number. There is. However, these JP-A Nos. 2000-288175 and 2000-1
In the technology described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 07396, there remains a problem that the player is unilaterally advantageous (the gaming shop side is disadvantageous).

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problem and Effect of the Invention A ball game machine according to claim 1 for solving the above problem, is a lottery value extracted due to the game ball entering the lottery area. Judgment means for collating with a hit value to judge whether or not there is a hit, result display means for displaying the judgment result, and hold storage means for storing, as hold data, information related to the judgment for which the display operation of the judgment result cannot be immediately started. In the ball game machine equipped with, since the maximum holding value changing means for changing the upper limit (maximum holding value) of the number of storages of the holding data by the holding storage means is provided, the maximum depending on the playing state You can change the pending value.

For example, in the normal game state where there is a low possibility that the reserved data is excessively accumulated, the maximum reserved value is increased, and a lot of entry into the lottery area (for example, winning in the starting opening) is targeted for determination, and the starting opening is entered. In order to give the player the full merit of winning the prize (to increase the player's profit), or because the special symbol display operation is not performed, the maximum holding value is reduced in the special gaming state where reserved data is likely to accumulate, It is possible to reduce the possibility of holding balls after playing a game (do not disadvantage the game store), etc., while keeping the maximum profit value of the player and the profit of the game store at a fixed value. By (currently 4), the disadvantage of the player can be prevented.

The above is merely an example, and the setting of changing the maximum holding value according to the gaming state is not limited to this (increasing in the normal gaming state and decreasing in the special gaming state). Further, although a special symbol is taken as an example in the above description, the present invention can also be applied to reserved data of a normal symbol. That is, the determination of the hit or miss by the determination means may be the determination of the special symbol or the determination of the normal symbol, the result display means may display the special symbol or the ordinary symbol, and the reserved data and the information regarding the determination of the special symbol are also ordinary. It may be information about the determination of the symbol.

The ball game machine according to claim 2 is the ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the maximum holding value changing means is
The maximum holding value is determined by lottery. The relationship between the gaming state and the maximum holding value is, for example, the maximum holding value is 5 in the A gaming state, and the maximum holding value is 1 in the B gaming state.
It may be fixed such as 0, but even if it is not fixed, the interest will increase. In addition, it is easy to balance the profit of the player and the profit of the game shop. Therefore, the ball game machine according to claim 2 is excellent in these points.

The ball game machine according to claim 3 is the ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value according to a change in the game state. In this case, since the changed maximum holding value is maintained while the changed gaming state continues, the correspondence between the gaming state and the maximum holding value becomes clear.

The ball game machine according to claim 4 is the ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value according to a change in the game state. When, for example, the number of stored pending data (the number of pending storage) is decreased from 10 to 5 (for example, 8) In this case, the number of reserved memories at that time (8 in the example) is set as a temporary maximum reserved value, and the number of reserved memories decreases with the execution of the display operation of the determination result. When the maximum holding value (5 in the example) or less is set, the planned maximum holding value (5 in the example) is set as a new maximum holding value. Reserved memory (3 in the example, which exceeded 5) ) It is not wasted.

The ball-ball game machine according to claim 5 is the ball-ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which a special game advantageous to the player is provided on condition that the judgment result is a hit. It is provided with special game executing means for executing, and the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value with the start or end of the special game.

In the ball game machine, the game state changes most clearly when the special game starts or ends,
The bullet-ball game machine according to claim 5 changes the maximum holding value at that time, so that it is easy for the player to understand. The ball-playing machine according to claim 5 is a ball-playing machine that executes a special game advantageous to a player, on the condition that the result of the determination by the determination means is a hit with the ball-playing game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. It is limited to gaming machines. Therefore, the determination by the determination means is a determination for the special game, that is, a determination regarding the special symbol, the result display means displays the special symbol, and the hold data is also information regarding the determination of the special symbol.

The ball-playing machine according to claim 6 is the ball-playing machine according to claim 5, wherein the judgment by the judgment means is successful, and the judgment probability by the judgment means is higher than usual. Probability lottery means for lottery whether or not the probability of winning is high, high probability display means for displaying the result of the lottery, and if the probability change display means displays that the high probability is displayed, It is provided with probability setting means for setting the determination probability to a high probability with the end of a special game, and the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value between the high probability time and the low probability time. And

The ball game machine provided with the probability lottery means, the probability variation display means and the probability setting means is known as a so-called probability variation machine. In the probability variation machine, the maximum holding value is changed depending on whether the probability is high or low, so that the interest is enhanced. Claim 7
The ball game machine according to claim 5 is, in the ball game machine according to claim 5, assuming that the judgment by the judgment means is a hit, and the probability of the hit by the judgment means is higher than usual. Probability lottery means for lottery whether to make a high probability, probability variation display means for displaying the result of the lottery,
The probability change display means is provided with probability setting means for setting the determination probability to a high probability with the end of the special game when the high probability is displayed, and the maximum holding value changing means is the high probability. When the state of (2) continues across the special game, the maximum holding value is changed according to the number of times the state of high probability is continued.

According to another aspect of the ball game machine of the present invention, in the probability variation machine, the maximum withdrawal value is changed according to the number of times the high probability state is continued. For example, by increasing the maximum withdrawal value by +1 or -1 each time the number of times the high-probability state is continued increases, the maximum withdrawal value is increased / decreased according to the number of times the high-probability state is continued.

The ball-ball game machine according to claim 8 is the ball-ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the reserved data is stored (reserved storage) with the end of the special game.
And holding reset means for resetting Normally, during the special game, the display operation for the determination of the special symbol (variable display of the special symbol) is not performed. Then, all the pending memories during the special game are reset (disappeared) and do not carry over after the end of the special game. Since this configuration is advantageous to the game store, it may be combined with a configuration in which the player is advantageous (for example, a configuration in which the maximum holding value is increased when the probability is high).

A ball-ball game machine according to claim 9 is characterized by:
In the ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 8, since the maximum holding value for each game state can be set at the game shop, variously depending on the business policy of the game shop, for example, a plurality of ball game machines. Different settings can be made for each.

A bullet-ball game machine according to a tenth aspect is the first aspect.
In the ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 8, since the maximum holding value changing means can set the selection ratio when the maximum holding value is selected and selected from a plurality of candidates by lottery, It has the same effect as the item 9.

The ball-ball game machine according to claim 11 is claim 1
In the ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 10, the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value when a specific state occurs during the display operation of the determination result by the result displaying means. Is characterized by.

As a specific state during the display operation,
Reach or special reach is exemplified. When the reach is displayed, the player tends to temporarily stop firing and wait for the reach result. In particular, when the reach state has a long duration (so-called long reach), the tendency becomes stronger. Therefore, during this long reach, the firing continues to be stopped, resulting in a decrease in sales as an amusement store. That is, in such a case, if it is possible to prompt the continuation of the firing, it is possible to prevent a decrease in sales. However, if there is no merit, the player will not continue firing.

Therefore, as described in claim 11, the maximum holding value is changed (increased) when a specific state (for example, long reach) occurs during the display operation of the judgment result by the result display means, It is possible to encourage the continuation of the launch.
In this case, it is preferable to increase the maximum holding value during the period from the occurrence of a specific state (for example, long reach) to the determination of the determination result (confirmed display of the symbol).

The ball game machine according to claim 12 is claim 1
In the ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 11, since the maximum holding value display means for displaying the maximum holding value is provided, the current maximum holding value can be clearly shown to the player.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Examples of the present invention.

[0030]

1 is a front view of a game board 10 of a pachinko machine, which is a kind of ball game machine. In this embodiment, the mechanical structure of the pachinko machine other than the game board 10 (including the mounted parts) is in accordance with a known technique, and therefore the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

The outer shape of the game board 10 is substantially rectangular, and is provided with a notch 10a used for positioning when mounted on, for example, a middle frame of a pachinko machine and a notch 10b for avoiding interference with the passage of prize balls. ing. On the game board 10, a substantially circular game area 13 surrounded by an outer rail 11 and an inner rail 12 is formed.

A center case 14 is attached to the center of the game area 13, and an LCD panel 16a of a symbol display device 15 (the entire illustration is omitted) is arranged so as to be surrounded by the center case 14. There is. The symbol display device 15 corresponds to result display means, normal symbol display means, maximum holding value display means, and normal symbol maximum holding value display means.

The center case 14 has a warp inlet 14a, a warp gutter 14b, and a stage 14 as well known in the art.
c and the like are provided. However, the upper part (above the LCD panel 16a) is configured with two 7-segment LED pair, special symbol maximum holding value indicator 17 (hereinafter, special figure maximum holding value LED17) and normal symbol maximum holding value display This is different from the known device in that a device 18 (hereinafter, the maximum reserved value LED 18 in the general figure) is mounted. In addition,
The special figure maximum hold value LED17 corresponds to the hold number display means,
The ordinary figure maximum holding value LED 18 corresponds to a normal symbol holding number display means.

Lamp windmills 19 are installed above and below the center case 14, and windmills 20 are installed below them. Further, on the diagonally upper side of the wind turbine 20, a gate (passage port) 21 corresponding to a lottery area and corresponding to an ordinary symbol lottery port is arranged. A tulip-type variable winning device 22 is installed just below the center case 14. This variable winning device 22 corresponds to a special symbol starting device which becomes a lottery area. The variable winning device 22 is opened for a set time when a winning occurs in a normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the gate 21. In the present embodiment, this set time is about 0.3 seconds in the normal probability mode, but is set to about 2.6 seconds in the high probability mode. However, if there are three winnings in one opening, the opening will end even if the time is not reached. The normal probability mode and the high probability mode will be described later.

Below the gates 21 are the ordinary winning openings 2
4 are arranged. Further, below the variable winning device 22, a big winning device 27 having a big winning opening 25 opened and closed by an opening / closing plate 25a and right and left normal winning openings 26 is arranged, and an outlet 28 is provided at the bottom of the board. It is provided.

Although a large number of game nails are planted in the game board 10, they are well known and therefore the illustration and description thereof are omitted. The control system of the pachinko machine of this embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. This pachinko machine has a main control board 3
0, a prize ball control board 32, a launch control board 34, a sound control board 36, a lamp control board 38, and an image control board 40. Although not shown in detail, each of these control boards has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. The main control board 30 is provided with random number counters (plurality) used for various kinds of lottery and selection, and the sound control board 36 is provided with a sound source IC.

The main control board 30, the determination means, the normal symbol determination means, the special game execution means, the starting device control means, the hold storage means, the normal symbol hold storage means, the maximum hold value change means,
It corresponds to the normal symbol maximum holding value changing means. On the main control board 30, a full tank switch (full SW) that detects that the lower bowl is full, a replenishment switch (replenishment SW) that detects that the ball tank is empty, and a firing Touch switch (touch SW) that detects that the player is touching (operating) the handle, and the game ball is the winning hole 25
V switch (VSW) for detecting passage through a specific area provided inside, a count switch (count SW) for detecting a winning ball to the special winning opening 25, a winning ball to normal winning openings 24, 26 A prize ball payout switch (prize ball payout SW), a first-class starting opening switch (first-class starting opening SW) for detecting a winning ball to the variable winning device 22, and a game ball passing through the gate 21. A detection signal such as a normal symbol operation switch (normal symbol operation SW) for detecting is input.

The main control board 30 operates according to a program installed therein to generate various commands relating to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, the prize ball control board 32, the launch control board 34, and the sound. Ordinary accessory solenoid that outputs to the control board 36, the lamp control board 38, the image control board 40, and opens / closes the variable winning device 22, the big winning device 27
It controls the operation of the V solenoid that opens and closes the specific area and the special winning opening solenoid that drives the opening / closing plate 25a, and outputs information such as winning and jackpots to the outside (hall computer) via the external connection terminal board.

The prize ball control board 32 operates a ball cutting motor in response to a command sent from the main control board 30 to pay out prize balls, and also sends and receives data to and from a prepaid card unit (so-called CR unit). Then, the ball cutting motor is operated in response to the lending request inputted from the CR settlement display board to dispense the lent balls, and the balance display on the CR settlement display board is controlled.

The firing control board 34 includes a command sent from the main control board 30 (reflecting a touch SW signal and a game situation), a rotation signal of a firing handle, and a firing stop switch (firing stop SW). The launch motor is controlled based on the signal to launch and stop the game ball, and the lighting of the touch lamp is controlled.

The sound control board 36 generates an audio signal in response to the command sent from the main control board 30, and drives the speaker by the audio signal to output the audio. The lamp control board 38 controls the display of the special figure maximum holding value LED 17 and the general figure maximum holding value LED 18 in accordance with the command sent from the main control board 30, and other various LEDs.
Controls lighting and extinguishing of various lamps.

The image control board 40 constitutes the symbol display device 15 together with the LCD panel unit 16 and the attached unit. The LCD panel 16a described above is a part of the LCD panel unit 16. The image control board 40 controls the display of the LCD panel unit 16, that is, the LCD panel 16a according to the command sent from the main control board 30. The symbol display device 15 (particularly the LCD panel unit 16) is a result display means, a normal symbol display means, a maximum holding value display means and a normal symbol maximum holding value display means, and the image control board 40 becomes a control means for each of these means. .

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine will be described. First,
The normal symbol determination will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, when the main control board 30 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 21 by the normal symbol operation SW (S
11: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbol hold storage (normal symbol hold number) stored in the normal symbol lottery random number storage area of the RAM has already reached the maximum value (maximum hold value) ( S12). In this embodiment, the maximum holding value changes, which will be described later.

If the maximum holding value has not been reached, the main control board 30 extracts one random number value from the random number counter for normal symbol determination and stores it in the normal symbol lottery random number storage area of the RAM as a normal symbol lottery random number. The number of ordinary symbols is +1
Then, (S13), it is determined whether or not the number of ordinary symbols held has reached the maximum holding value (S14). When the maximum hold value is reached (S14: YES), the normal symbol hold number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S15), and subsequently, the maximum value display signal is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S16). If the maximum holding value is not reached (S14: NO), only the normal symbol holding number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S17).

In the hold display routine shown in FIG. 4, the image control board 40 first determines whether or not the normal symbol hold number or the maximum value display signal is received (S21), and the normal symbol hold number is received. For example, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to display the normal symbol reservation number on the LCD panel 16a (S22). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5 (a) on the LCD panel 16a, the normal symbol holding number (the number of normal symbol lottery random numbers stored in the main control board 30)
Is displayed.

When the maximum value display signal is received, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to cause the LCD panel 16a to display the maximum hold storage (S23). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the character "MAX" is displayed as the maximum reserved memory display next to the number of ordinary symbols reserved.

Ordinary symbol hit or miss, that is, normal symbol determination is performed as shown in FIG. The main control board 30 first determines whether or not the normal display of variable display is being performed on the symbol display device 15 (LCD panel 16a) (S100). If the determination is affirmative, the process returns without performing the actual process.

When the negative determination, that is, the normal symbol is not changing, it is determined whether or not there is a normal symbol lottery random number stored in the normal symbol lottery random number storage area in the above-mentioned holding storage routine (FIG. 3) (S101). . If the determination is negative, the process returns from this process. If there is an affirmative judgment, that is, the normal symbol lottery random number stored in the above-mentioned routine, the oldest one is read out and it is determined whether or not there is a hit (S1
02). Specifically, the normal symbol lottery random number is a match if it matches any of the set winning values, otherwise it is out. In addition, the lottery random number that is the target of the determination is deleted from the normal symbol lottery random number storage area.

If the judgment is successful (S108: YE
S), a normal symbol hit command for displaying the hit is generated and transmitted to the image control board 40 (S109). Upon receiving this command, the image control board 40 variably displays the normal symbol on the LCD panel 16a, and after the time designated by the variable time data included in the command, hits and normally displays the normal symbol.

The main control board 30 normally waits for the symbol to be determined, and then performs a variable winning device control process for controlling the opening and closing of the variable winning device 22 (S110). As described above, the opening time of the variable winning device 22 is about 0.
In 3 seconds, it is about 2.6 seconds in the high probability mode.

If the determination in S102 is incorrect (S
108: NO), a normal symbol removal command for displaying the removal is generated and transmitted to the image control board 40 (S11).
1). This command also includes variable time data, and the image control board 40 variably displays the normal symbol upon receipt of this command, and disengages the normal symbol after the time specified by the variable time data.

The above is the description of the normal symbol determination and the opening of the variable winning device 22. In this series of operations,
The gate 21 corresponds to a normal symbol lottery port, the main control board 30 corresponds to a normal symbol determination means, and the symbol display device 15 corresponds to a normal symbol display means. The image control board 40 is a normal symbol control means because it controls the display of normal symbols. Further, the main control board 30 corresponds to a starting device control means in that it controls the variable winning device 22 as a special symbol starting device.

When the variable winning device 22 is won, a special symbol determination (so-called jackpot determination) is performed.
This will be described with reference to 4, 5 and 7. Although the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 are also used in the explanation of the normal symbol determination, the display of the reserved memory and the reserved number is shared because there is no big difference between the special symbol and the ordinary symbol.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the winning of the variable winning device 22 is detected by the first type starting opening SW of the main control board 30 (S31: YES), the special symbol lottery random number storage area of the RAM. It is determined whether the number of special symbol holding random numbers stored in (special symbol holding number) is already the maximum holding value (S32). In this embodiment, the maximum holding value changes, which will be described later.

If it is not the maximum holding value, the main control board 30 extracts one random number value from the random number counter for special symbol determination and stores it in the special symbol lottery random number storage area as a special symbol lottery random number, and the special symbol. The number of reservations is incremented by 1 (S33), and it is determined whether the number of special symbol reservations has reached the maximum reservation value (S34). If the maximum holding value is reached (S34: YE
S), the special symbol reservation number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S35), and subsequently, the maximum reservation value display signal is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S36). If the maximum holding value is not reached (S34: NO), only the special symbol holding number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S37).

In the hold display routine shown in FIG. 4, the image control board 40 first determines whether or not the special symbol hold number or the maximum value display signal is received (S41), and the special symbol hold number is received. For example, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to display the special symbol reservation number on the LCD panel 16a (S42). As a result, the special symbol reservation number is displayed on the LCD panel 16a as illustrated in FIG.

When the maximum value display signal is received, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to display the maximum hold storage on the LCD panel 16a (S43). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the character "MAX" is displayed as the maximum reserved memory display next to the special symbol reservation number.

The hit or miss of the special symbol, that is, the special symbol determination is performed as shown in FIG. In this process, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not variable display of special symbols can be executed (S200). Specifically, the pattern display device 15
It is determined whether the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner on the (LCD panel 16a) or the special game is being executed. If the determination is negative, the process returns without performing any actual process.

If affirmative determination, that is, variable display of special symbols is possible, it is determined whether or not special symbol lottery random numbers are stored in the special symbol lottery random number storage area (S20).
1). If the determination is negative, the process returns from this process. If there is an affirmative judgment, that is, the special symbol lottery random number stored in the above-mentioned reserved storage routine (FIG. 3), the oldest one is read out and this is deleted from the special symbol lottery random number storage area (S202). The special symbol lottery random number is held in the register, for example, by the main control board 30, so the lottery random number itself does not disappear.

Next, the main control board 30 determines whether or not it is in the high probability mode (S203). If it is the high probability mode (S203: YES), the special symbol lottery random number that has been read is determined in the high probability mode (high probability determination) (S204). In addition, when a negative determination is made in S203,
The judgment in the normal probability mode (low probability judgment) is performed (S20).
5). The determination in S204 or S205 is performed depending on whether or not the special symbol lottery random number matches any of the preset winning values (if they match, otherwise, it is a winning), and in the case of the present embodiment, a high probability. The winning probability in the lottery mode is about 1/70, and the winning probability in the normal probability lottery mode is about 1/315.

If the lottery is successful (S206: YE
S) Then, it is determined by lottery whether or not the high probability mode is set after the end of the special game due to this hit, that is, whether or not there is so-called probability fluctuation (S208). If the probability of this lottery changes due to a win, the probability variation flag F2 is set to 1 (S209).

When the lottery does not fluctuate due to failure in S208 or after S209, the winning flag F1 is set (S210), and the variation pattern from the variation start of the special symbol to the fixed display is determined and corresponds to the content. Processing (S211) for generating a special symbol display command and transmitting it to the image control board 40 is performed. If the lottery is missed (S2
06: NO), jump from S208 to S210 to S2
Proceed to 11.

In the variation pattern determination process of FIG.
It is determined whether or not the lottery in 4 or S205 was a win (S221), and if a positive determination is made, the winning symbol is determined (S222), and then the reach pattern is determined (S22).
3). In the case of the present embodiment, the special symbol indicating the result of the special symbol lottery (a winning symbol and a deviating symbol) is a form in which three numerical symbols 0 to 9 are arranged, so-called three-digit alignment (000,
111, 222, 333, 444, 555, 666, 7
77, 888, 999) is a winning symbol, and all other than these are deviating symbols. In addition, a winning symbol (111, 333, 555, 777, 9) composed of odd number symbols
99) is set as a probability variation pattern indicating that the high probability mode is set (the probability changes) after the end of the special game. Therefore, in S222, one of the above winning symbols is determined, but the probability variation flag F2 is set to 1 (S
209), one of the probability variation symbols is determined.

If a negative judgment is made in S221, an out symbol is determined (S224), and if it is out through the reach (S225: YES), the reach pattern is determined (S).
226). Although there are various reach patterns, they are not related to the present invention, so the description thereof will be omitted.

Then, the design including the data designating the reach pattern, the data designating the stop timing of each of the left, right, and middle designs constituting the special design, the data designating the special design to be finally confirmed and displayed, and the like. A command is generated and transmitted to the image control board 40 (S227).

Upon receipt of this command, the image control board 40 controls the LCD panel unit 16 to variably display the special symbol on the LCD panel 16a (see FIG. 5) and then confirms the special symbol. By changing (increasing) the maximum holding value when a specific state (for example, long reach) occurs during the display operation of this special symbol, it is possible to prompt the continuation of the firing. In this case, it is preferable to increase the maximum holding value during the period from the occurrence of a specific state (for example, long reach) to the confirmation of the determination result (confirmation display of the symbol).

When the result of the special symbol determination is a hit, the main control board 30 waits for the symbol to be fixedly displayed on the LCD panel 16a and starts the special game. As shown in FIG. 9, in the special game routine, the main control board 3
For 0, it is determined whether or not the hit flag F1 is set to 1 (S301), and if the determination is negative, substantial processing is not performed (no special game is executed). Needless to say, until the winning symbol is confirmed and displayed, the routine returns without executing S302 and thereafter even if the winning flag F1 is set to 1.

If a positive determination is made in S301, it is determined whether or not the special game execution flag F3 is set to 1 (S302). If the special game execution flag F3 is not set, set it to 1 (S303),
The maximum holding value of the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number is set to the maximum holding value during the special game, and the lamp control board 38
To display the special game maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value LED 18 for the special game maximum holding value (S
304). In the case of the present embodiment, the special game maximum holding value is 20 for both the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number.

When the special game in-execution flag F3 is already set (S302: YES) or after S304, various processes relating to the execution of the special game, for example, a special winning opening 25 opening / closing control, a big hit fanfare on the LCD panel 16a. Various processes such as a process of generating a command for displaying the screen, the number of rounds, the jackpot pattern, the number of counts, passage display of a specific area, an interval screen, etc., and sending the command to the image control board 40 are performed (S305). Note that these processes are executed by repeating S305 many times.

Then, for example, if the number of times of opening the special winning opening 25 reaches a prescribed number, or the game ball that has won the special winning opening 25 does not pass through the specific area, the special game ends (S306: YES). ), For example, direct the jackpot ending screen to display with the jackpot ending command,
The hit flag F1 and the special game execution flag F3 are reset (S307).

In the present embodiment, such a special game is performed when the special symbol judgment is successful, but the form of the special game executed on condition that the judgment is successful is not limited to this. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag F2 is set to 1 (S308), the affirmative determination is set to the high probability mode, and the probability variation flag F2 is reset (S309), and the negative determination is set to the normal probability mode. Yes (S310).

Then, following S309 or S310, the maximum holding routine (S311) is executed to set the maximum holding values of the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number after the end of the special game. Some of this setting processing will be illustrated. Note that the special symbol hold number and the normal symbol hold number are set in the same process, so in order to avoid duplication of explanation, the following explanation does not particularly distinguish between the two, and is simply referred to as the "hold number", the special symbol hold number. And the setting of the number of ordinary symbols is collectively explained.

In the explanation from the above special symbol determination to the special game, the variable winning device 22 is in the lottery area (special symbol starting port), the main control board 30 is the determining means, and the symbol display device 15 is the result display. It corresponds to each means. The image control board 40 serves as special symbol control means because it controls the display of special symbols. In addition, the main control board 30 is the special winning opening 2
It is also a special game execution means because it controls the opening and closing of 5 to execute the special game.

Further, since the main control board 30 changes the maximum holding values of the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number with the start of the special game (S304), it is also a maximum holding value changing means, which will be described next. It also functions as a maximum reserved value changing means in executing the maximum value setting processing example. (Maximum Value Setting Processing Example 1) In the example shown in FIG. 10, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not it is in the normal probability mode (S40).
1) If the determination is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the maximum holding value is set to 20 (S402). If a negative decision is made here, the process returns. In this example, the maximum pending value is set to 20 and 1.
Since there are two types, 0, the negative determination in S402 means that the maximum holding value is set to 10.

If the determination in S402 is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the current number of holdings is 11 or more (S403). If an affirmative determination is made, 11 or more holding memories are deleted (S404), then the maximum holding value is set to 10, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to set the special drawing maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value. The maximum reserved value (here, 10) is displayed on the LED 18 (S405). If a negative determination is made in S403 (the number of reservations is 10 or less), the process jumps to S404 and S405.
To execute.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S401 (high probability mode), it is determined whether the maximum holding value is set to 20 (S406). If a negative determination is made here, the maximum holding value is set to 20, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to set the special holding maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value LED1.
The maximum hold value (here, 20) is displayed on 8 (S40
7).

In the above embodiment, the special game maximum holding value is 20, so a positive judgment is always made here, but the special game maximum holding value is different from the maximum probability holding value in the high probability mode. Is also possible, so S406 and S4
The processing of 07 is provided.

Further, the maximum holding value at the time of high probability is set to 20.
However, it is also possible to change the setting to 25 at the game shop. In this case, the setting by the amusement store may be an arbitrary value, or may be configured to be selected and set from a plurality of kinds of prepared values. (Maximum value setting processing example 2) FIG. 11 shows an example in which when the maximum holding value is decreased, the excessive amount is not deleted (S404) as in the case of the above-mentioned example 1 and the disadvantage of the player is avoided. is there. The same processes as those in the example 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this example, if the current number of holdings is 10 or less (S403: NO), the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S).
405). However, if the current number of holdings is 11 or more (S4
03: YES), the number of holdings at that time is set as a temporary maximum holding value, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to display it on the special figure maximum holding value LED 17 and the general figure maximum holding value LED 18 (S409). In this case, the special symbol reservation number and the normal symbol reservation number do not necessarily match, so the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 and the normal symbol maximum reserved value LED 18 are not always the same.

When the temporary maximum holding value is set, the setting of the temporary maximum holding value is canceled when the holding number decreases due to the variable display of the symbols and becomes the maximum holding value in the normal probability mode. The original maximum pending value in stochastic mode is set. When the maximum holding value is reduced from 20 to 10, for example, the excess of the new maximum holding value is not deleted, so that the disadvantage for the player can be avoided.

In the pachinko machine of the first embodiment, the maximum holding value at the time of special game is set to 20, so a large number of winnings to the variable winning device 22 occur during the special game in which the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. However, most of them can be stored as a reserved memory. Therefore, if the maximum value setting processing example 1 or 2 is adopted, many of the reserved memories accumulated during the special game can be the target of the special symbol determination. Therefore, compared to the conventional ball game machine (the maximum holding value is 4), the merit of winning the variable winning device 22 during the special game can be sufficiently given to the player. As a result, there is a high possibility that a pending memory during a special game will result in a big hit (reserved ball consecutive chan).

Particularly, in the maximum value setting processing example 2, when the maximum pending value is reduced from 20 to 10, the excess of the new maximum pending value is not deleted, so that all of the pending storage is judged. It is possible to avoid the disadvantage of the player. Further, since the maximum holding value in the high probability mode is increased (20 in the above example), the variable winning device 22
The number of special symbols held does not frequently reach the maximum holding value even if the winning of the winning occurs frequently. Therefore, since most of the winnings to the variable winning device 22 are subject to the special symbol determination, the merit of winning the variable winning device 22 can be fully utilized.

Since the maximum pending value of the normal symbol during the special game and the high probability mode is increased (2 in the above example)
0), the number of times of normal symbol determination is sufficiently large. As a result, there are many opportunities for winning in the normal symbol determination (the variable winning device 22 is opened for a long time), and there is a high possibility of winning in the special symbol determination early. That is, the duration of the high probability mode (the period from the last big hit to the present big hit) can be shortened, and the consumption amount of the game balls in the high probability mode can be reduced. (Maximum value setting process example 3) This example is an example in which when the setting of the maximum hold value is changed, all the hold storages up to that time are reset.

As shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not a big hit with the non-probable variation pattern is made (S411), and if the determination is affirmative, all the currently held storages are reset (S41).
2), the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S413). Further, when a negative determination is made in S411 (big hit with probability variation pattern), all the currently stored reservation memories are reset (S414), and the maximum reservation value is set to 20 (S41).
5).

In this way, when changing the setting of the maximum hold value, all the hold memories up to that point are reset. Since the variable display of the special symbols is not performed during the special game (the special symbol determination process is not executed), even if the special symbols are held and stored during the special game, they are not targeted for the special symbol determination process. Therefore, after the special game is finished, the game is started from the state of the reserved memory 0, and there is no possibility of being a big hit (reserved ball continuous chan) in the reserved memory during the special game.

Therefore, when the maximum value setting processing example 3 is adopted, the player is not necessarily advantageous.
However, since the maximum hold value in the high probability mode is made large (20 in the above example), the merit of the player by this is the above two examples both for the special symbol hold number and for the normal symbol hold number. Secured as well.

Processing example 1 when decreasing the maximum reserved value
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted as described above or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Maximum value setting processing example 4) This example is an example of increasing the maximum pending value according to the number of times the high-probability mode is continued (that is, according to the number of consecutive big hits in the probability variation pattern).

As shown in FIG. 13, in this process, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S511), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with a probability variation symbol is made (S512). When the big hit with the probability variation pattern, the maximum pending value is 10
It is determined whether or not it is less than (S513). Maximum pending value is 10
If it is less than this, add 1 to this to make a new maximum holding value (51
4) If the maximum holding value is 10 or more, do not change. If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern (S512: NO), the maximum holding value is set to 4. Before the first big hit, the maximum holding value starts from 4 as usual.

If it is not a big hit in the probability variation pattern, the normal probability mode is set, so the maximum reserved value is 4 at that time.
On the other hand, when the high probability mode is a big hit with a probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is 5 (4 + 1), and if the next big hit is a probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is 6, if the next big hit is a probability variation pattern. The maximum pending value increases to a maximum of 10, such as 7.

As the high-probability mode continues (with a special game in between), the maximum withdrawal value increases, so the possibility of jackpots occurring earlier is increased accordingly. Therefore, the enjoyment of the player is increased. However, since all the current pending storage is reset (S511), after the special game is finished, it will start from the state of the pending storage 0 as in the case of the processing example 3 above. There is no possibility of a big hit (reserved ball consecutive Chan).

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible not to do so.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Maximum value setting processing example 5) This example is an example in which the maximum holding value is decreased according to the number of times the high-probability mode is continued (that is, according to the number of times the jackpot in the probability variation pattern is continuous).

As shown in FIG. 14, in this processing, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S521), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with a probability variation symbol is made (S522).
If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S523). If it is a jackpot with a probability variation pattern,
It is determined whether or not the high probability mode is continued for the first time (before that, the normal probability mode) (S524). If the determination is affirmative, the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S525). on the other hand,
If a negative judgment is made, it is judged whether or not the maximum holding value exceeds 4 (S526), and if an affirmative judgment is made here (the maximum holding value is 5 or more), this is decremented by 1 to obtain a new maximum holding value (S5).
27). Before the first big hit, the maximum holding value starts from 4 as usual.

If it is not a big hit in the probability variation pattern, the normal probability mode is set, and at that time, the maximum reserved value is 4.
On the other hand, when the probability variation pattern is a big hit and the high probability mode is reached, the maximum holding value is 10 first, the maximum holding value is 9 if the big hit in the probability variation pattern is the next, and the maximum holding value is the big hit in the probability variation pattern if the next. Decreases to 8 and so on until it reaches 4.

In this example, if the high-probability mode continues for the first time, the maximum holding value is large, and the next jackpot is likely to occur early. However, as the number of times the high-probability mode continues increases, the maximum holding value increases. As it gets smaller, the chances diminish. That is, it is the opposite of the processing example 4 described above.

However, since all the current reserved memories are reset (S521), after the special game is finished, the game is started from the state of the reserved memories 0 as in the case of the processing examples 3 and 4, and the special game is started. There is no possibility of being a big hit (reserved ball consecutive chan) with the reserved memory inside.

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which they are not reset.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Example 6 of maximum value setting process) In this example, the maximum holding value is determined by lottery.

As shown in FIG. 15, in this process, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S531), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with a probability variation symbol is made (S532).
If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S533). If it is a jackpot with a probability variation pattern,
A random number value (maximum pending random number) for determining the maximum pending value is checked (S534). In this example, a counter (a maximum holding value determination counter) that repeatedly counts an integer value of 0 to 3 is used, and if the value is 0, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S5
35), if the value is 1, the maximum holding value is set to 6 (S5
36), if the value is 2, the maximum holding value is set to 8 (S5
37), if the value is 3, the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S538).

If it is not a big hit in the probability variation pattern, the normal probability mode is set, and at that time, the maximum reserved value is set to 4.
On the other hand, when it comes to a high probability mode with a big hit with a probability variation pattern, the maximum pending value is set according to the maximum pending random number, so
Sometimes it becomes the same as in the normal probability mode (S5
35), sometimes more than double (S537, S
538). Even if it becomes a high probability mode, the maximum holding value is decided by the lottery each time (it is not fixed), so it is interesting. In addition, it is easy to balance the profit of the player and the profit of the game shop.

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible not to do so.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Maximum value setting process example 7) This example is also an example of determining the maximum holding value by lottery, but the difference from the above processing example 6 is that if the lottery hits, the maximum holding value is large, and if it is out, it is small. That is the point.

As shown in FIG. 16, in this processing, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S541), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with the probability variation symbol is made (S542).
If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S543). If it is a jackpot with a probability variation pattern,
The random number value for changing the maximum holding value (holding value changing random number) is checked to determine whether the maximum holding lottery is missed (S544). In this example, a counter (reserved value change counter) that repeatedly counts an integer value of 0 to 9 is used, and if the value matches any of the winning values, it is a win. If it is a hit in S544, the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S545), and if it is out of the range, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S543).

When the probability variation pattern is a big hit and the high-probability mode is set, if the holding value change random number is a hit, the maximum holding value is large, and if it is out, it is not large. Therefore, it is simple as compared with the above processing example 6. However, if the number of hit values used in S544 is large, it is easy to hit, and if it is small, it is hard to hit. Therefore, by adjusting the number of hit values, the degree to which the player is advantageous can be adjusted. At that time, the number of winning values (or the lottery rate for winning) can be configured to be settable on the game shop side. Specifically, a lottery ratio setting means (for example, a digital switch) is provided, and by operating it, it is possible to input and set the number of winning values (winning lottery ratio). The lottery in S544 may be carried out according to the number of winning values (winning lottery ratio to be won) set as above.

As an example, there is the following configuration. As the holding value change counter, a counter that repeatedly counts an integer value of 0 to 9 is used in the same manner as described above, and the digital switch serving as the lottery ratio setting means can select 10 types of settings of 1 to 10. Needless to say, this digital switch can be operated by the game store side (store manager or clerk). Then, as shown below, the value (number) per setting, the lottery rate 1 1 1 10 2 2 2/10 3 3 3/10 4 4 4/10 5 5 5/10 6 6 6/10 7 7 7 7 / It corresponds to 10 8 8 8/10 9 9 9/10 10 10 10/10.

The game store may set the lottery rate higher when it gives a profit to the player, and may set it lower in the opposite case. This can be set variously depending on the business policy of the game store, for example, different for each of the plurality of ball game machines. The lottery rate can be set individually for each ball game machine, and high and low lottery rates can be appropriately mixed.

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible not to do so.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2.

[0105]

[Example of setting maximum holding value during special game smaller than during normal game] In the above processing examples 1 and 2, the maximum holding value during special game (20 in the embodiment) is set during normal game (10 in normal probability mode). , 20) or higher in the high probability mode, but it is also possible to set the maximum holding value during the special game to be smaller than that during the normal game. A maximum value setting process example in such a case will be described below.

In the example described below, the maximum holding value during the special game is set to 4, so the set value (20 in the embodiment) of the special game maximum holding value (S304) in the embodiment is set to 4 Should be read as (Maximum value setting process example 8) In the example shown in FIG. 17, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not it is in the normal probability mode (S42).
1) If the determination is negative (that is, the high-probability mode), it is determined whether the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S42).
2). If a negative decision is made here, the process returns. In this example,
Since there are two types of setting of the maximum holding value, 4 (maximum holding value at the time of special game and high probability mode) and 10 (normal probability mode), a negative judgment in S422 means that the maximum holding value is set to 4. That's what it means.

When the affirmative judgment is made in S422, it is judged whether or not the current number of holdings is 5 or more (S423). If an affirmative determination is made, five or more holding memories are deleted (S424), then the maximum holding value is set to 4, and this is instructed to the lamp control board 38, and the special figure maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value are set. L
Display the maximum hold value (4 here) on the ED 18 (S
425). If a negative determination is made in S423 (the number of reservations is 4 or less), S424 is skipped and S425 is executed.

On the other hand, if an affirmative judgment (normal probability mode) is made in S421, it is judged whether or not the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S426). If a negative determination is made here, the maximum hold value is set to 10, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to set the special figure maximum hold value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum hold value LED1.
The maximum reserved value (10 here) is displayed on 8 (S42).
7).

In this example, the special game maximum holding value is 4, so a negative determination is always made here, but it is also possible to make the special game maximum holding value the same as the normal probability mode maximum holding value. Therefore, the processes of S426 and S427 are provided. Also in this example, when the setting of the maximum hold value is changed, all the hold storages up to that point can be reset. (Maximum value setting processing example 9) FIG. 18 shows an example in which when the maximum holding value is decreased, the excessive amount is not deleted (S424) as in the above-described example 8 to avoid a disadvantage for the player. is there. Example 8 The same processing is denoted by the same reference numeral, and description thereof is omitted.

In this example, if the current number of holdings is 4 or less (S
423: NO), the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S42).
5). However, if the current number of holdings is 5 or more (S423:
YES), with the number of holdings at that time as the temporary maximum holding value,
This is instructed to the lamp control board 38 and the special drawing maximum holding value L
It is displayed on the ED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value LED 18 (S429). In this case, the special symbol reservation number and the normal symbol reservation number do not necessarily match, so the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 and the normal symbol maximum reserved value LED 18 are not always the same.

When the temporary maximum holding value is set, the setting of the temporary maximum holding value is canceled when the holding number decreases due to the variable display of the symbols and becomes the maximum holding value in the high probability mode. The original maximum pending value in stochastic mode is set. When the maximum withholding value is reduced from 10 to 4, for example, a new maximum withholding value does not cause an excessive amount to be deleted, so that a disadvantage for the player can be avoided.

Also in this example, when the setting of the maximum hold value is changed, all the hold storages up to that time can be reset. In the above processing examples 8 and 9, since the maximum holding value during special game is set to 4, even if a large number of winnings to the variable winning device 22 occur during the special game in which the variable display of the special symbol is not performed, Most of them are not stored as pending storage. Therefore, if the maximum value setting processing example 8 or 9 is adopted, most of the winnings to the variable winning device 22 during the special game will be excluded from the target of the special symbol determination. Therefore, winning a prize in the variable winning a prize device 22 during the special game hardly gives a merit to the player. As a result, the possibility of a big hit (reserved ball continuous chan) in the reserved memory during the special game is reduced. That is, the player is not advantageous unlike the maximum value setting processing examples 1 and 2.

However, in the maximum value setting processing example 9, when the maximum pending value is reduced from 10 to 4, the excess of the new maximum pending value is not deleted, so all the pending storage is judged. It is possible to avoid the disadvantage of the player in that respect. In addition, since the maximum holding value in the high probability mode is set to be smaller than that in the normal probability mode (4 in the above example), the number of special symbols held when the winnings to the variable winning device 22 occur frequently. Will soon reach the maximum pending value. Therefore, in the high-probability mode, most of the winnings to the variable winning device 22 are excluded from the special symbol determination, so that the merit of winning the variable winning device 22 becomes relatively small.

Since the maximum reserved value of the normal symbol during the special game and the high probability mode is reduced (4 in the above example),
Usually the number of symbol judgments does not increase. As a result, there is not much opportunity to be won by the normal symbol determination (the variable winning device 22 is opened for a long time), and the possibility of winning the special symbol determination early does not increase. In other words, the duration of the high-probability mode (the period from the previous jackpot to the present jackpot) is not shortened so much, so that the consumption amount of the game balls in the high-probability mode is not reduced. This point is advantageous to the game store side (a disadvantage to the player). (Maximum value setting process example 10) In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset.

As shown in FIG. 19, it is judged whether or not a big hit with a probability variation pattern has been made (S431), and if the judgment is affirmative, all the currently held storages are reset (S43).
2), the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S433). Also,
When a negative determination is made in S431 (a big hit with a non-probable variation pattern), all the currently stored reservation memories are reset (S434), and the maximum reservation value is set to 10 (S43).
5).

In this way, when changing the setting of the maximum hold value, all the hold storages up to that point are reset. Since the variable display of the special symbols is not performed during the special game (the special symbol determination process is not executed), even if the special symbols are held and stored during the special game, they are not targeted for the special symbol determination process. Therefore, after the special game is finished, the game is started from the state of the reserved memory 0, and there is no possibility of being a big hit (reserved ball continuous chan) in the reserved memory during the special game.

Therefore, when this maximum value setting processing example 10 is adopted, the maximum holding value in the high probability mode is also small (4 in this example), and the merit of the player by this is that the special symbol holding number is Also, the number of ordinary symbols is small as in the above two examples, and the gaming shop side is greatly advantageous.

Processing example 1 when decreasing the maximum reserved value
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted as described above or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. As explained above, the pachinko machine of the embodiment can change the upper limit (maximum hold value) of the number of stored hold data according to the game state, for example, the maximum hold value in the normal game state where there is a low possibility that the hold data is excessively accumulated. Is set to be large, and a lot of entry into the lottery area (for example, winning in the variable winning device 22) is targeted for determination, and the merit of the lottery area is sufficiently given to the player (the player's profit is increased), Since the display operation of special symbols is not performed, the maximum hold value is reduced in the special game state where the hold data is likely to accumulate, and the possibility of holding ball continuous chan after the special game is reduced (does not disadvantage the game store), etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage of the player due to the fixed maximum reserve value being small while balancing the profit of the player and the profit of the game store.

In the above example, a random number value for determination is used as the hold data, but a determination result or a symbol displayed according to the determination result (special symbol, ordinary symbol) may be used as the hold data. Since the variable winning device 22 is provided as the lottery area for the special symbol and the normal symbol is hit to open the variable winning device 22, the variable winning device 22 is opened when the normal symbol hits, which makes it easier to win the prize. This will increase the number of judgment opportunities), which will increase the enjoyment of the player.

Further, since the information about the normal symbol determination is also configured to be stored on hold, the normal symbol maximum holding value of the normal symbol holding data can be changed according to the gaming state, and not only the special symbol but also the number of ordinary symbols held. While balancing the profit of the player and the profit of the game store, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage of the player due to the normal maximum symbol holding value being fixed to be small.

Since the maximum reserved value of the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 and the maximum reserved value of the ordinary symbol is displayed on the general figure maximum reserved value LED 18, the current maximum reserved value is displayed to the player. Can be specified. Also, LCD panel 1
At 6a, the number of reserved special symbols and the number of reserved regular symbols are displayed, so that the number of each reserved can be clearly shown to the player.

In the embodiment, the LCD panel 16a displays the number of special symbols reserved, the number of ordinary symbols reserved, the ordinary symbol and the special symbol, and the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 shows the maximum reserved value of the special symbol. Although the maximum holding value of the normal symbol is displayed on the figure maximum holding value LED 18, respectively, the number of holdings of these special symbols, the number of holdings of the normal symbol, the ordinary symbol, the special symbol,
The maximum holding value of the special symbol, the device and the device for displaying the maximum holding value of the normal symbol are not limited to these examples. Also, the number of special symbols on hold, the number of ordinary symbols on hold, ordinary symbols,
It is also possible to display the special symbol, the maximum reserved value of the special symbol, and the maximum reserved value of the ordinary symbol on separate display devices or the like, or to collectively display these on one display device.

In the embodiment, the specified value (20 or 4) is set in the setting of the special game maximum holding value (S304) executed at the start of the special game. Or, it should be configured to set the special game maximum hold value according to the number of holds at that time (for example, the special game maximum hold value is set by the same processing as the maximum value setting processing examples 1 to 10). Is possible. In this way, the special game maximum holding value can be variously set according to the type of the special symbol, and can be varied. Further, this makes it possible to balance the profit between the player and the game store side.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a pending storage routine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a hold display routine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of displaying the number of holdings, a normal symbol, and a special symbol in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a normal symbol determination routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a variation pattern routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a special game routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 1.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 2.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 3.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 4.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 5.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 6;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 7.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 8.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 9.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 10.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 game board 15 symbol display device (result display means, reserved number display means, probability variation display means) 16a LCD panel 17 special symbol maximum reserved value display (maximum reserved value display means) 18 normal symbol maximum reserved value display 21 gate 22 Variable winning device (lottery area) 25 Big winning mouth 27 Big winning device 30 Main control board (determination means, holding storage means, maximum holding value changing means, special game executing means, probability lottery means, probability setting means, holding reset means) 38 lamp control board 40 image control board

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 23, 2002 (2002.8.2)
3)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Document name] Statement

[Title of Invention] Ball game machine

[Claims]

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention belongs to the technical field of ball game machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a ball game machine represented by a pachinko machine, a lottery value extracted due to a game ball entering a lottery area (for example, a starting opening) is collated with a hit value and missed. There is a ball game machine provided with a determination means for determining, a result display means for displaying the determination result, and a suspending storage means for storing information on the determination as the suspending data, in which the operation of displaying the determination result cannot be immediately started. , It is usual to execute a special game advantageous to the player on the condition that the judgment result by the judgment means is a win.

Furthermore, a variable winning device such as an electric tulip is provided as the above-mentioned lottery area, and the ordinary symbol lottery value extracted due to the game ball entering the ordinary symbol lottery opening (for example, the starting gate) is hit value. Matches with and determines the hit or miss (ordinary symbol determination), displays the result of the ordinary symbol determination, and if the ordinary symbol determination is a hit, open the variable winning device that becomes the lottery area after the normal symbol is confirmed There is also a configuration that makes it.

In this type of ball game machine, for example, since the symbol for displaying the preceding determination result is being variably displayed, the next display operation cannot be started without waiting for its confirmation, that is, the determination. The result display operation may not start immediately. Therefore, information about the determination that the display operation of the determination result cannot be started immediately is stored as hold data, and the display operation is performed after waiting for the display operation (variable display) to become possible. Had erased.

If the determination result is a hit, which is an essential condition of the special game (big hit game), the display of the determination result is performed with a special symbol. It is often called memory.
In addition, when the determination result is used to open the variable winning device or the like which becomes the above-mentioned lottery area, the hold data is often called a normal symbol hold storage.

[0006]

In the conventional ball game machine, the upper limit (maximum holding value) of the number of holding data stored by the holding storage means is fixed. For example, special symbol hold memory,
The maximum holding value is set to 4 in any game state, and the holding data was not stored even if the game ball entered the lottery area in that state. Therefore, there are the following problems.

First, even if the lottery area is entered, if the hold data of the maximum hold value is already stored,
Since the entry into the lottery area is not subject to the determination, it was wasted. In addition, the lottery area for determination relating to the special symbol is usually a winning opening (starting opening), but the number of prize balls for winning the starting opening is smaller than other winning openings (for example, 3 pieces or the like). Since it is set to 4), there was little merit in winning the prize at the starting opening in the state where the maximum holding value was stored.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to sufficiently increase the maximum reserved value for the purpose of preventing the above problems. If this is set to 20, for example, it is difficult to store up to the maximum holding value in the normal state, but since the variable display of the special symbol is not displayed during the big hit game, there is a possibility that even 20 pieces are accumulated. Then, even if the high-probability game does not have a high probability (even at the normal probability), there is a high possibility that the large amount of reserved data will be a big hit (so-called reserved ball continuous chan). Therefore,
This is not preferable because the player becomes unilaterally advantageous (the gaming shop side is disadvantageous).

[0009] Incidentally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-288175 discloses an invention for changing the maximum holding value in accordance with a special game state that has occurred, and as a specific configuration, it is displayed when a big hit (special game) is reached. It is disclosed that when the lucky number is 7, the maximum holding value in the jackpot is changed from 4 to 15.

Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-107396 discloses an invention in which the maximum holding value is changed when the number of fluctuations that has not been a big hit (that is, the number of deviations) has reached a predetermined number. There is. However, these JP-A Nos. 2000-288175 and 2000-1
In the technology described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 07396, there remains a problem that the player is unilaterally advantageous (the gaming shop side is disadvantageous).

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problem and Effect of the Invention A ball game machine according to claim 1 for solving the above problem, is a lottery value extracted due to the game ball entering the lottery area. determination means for off per against the contact value, a result displaying means for displaying the determination result, and hold storage means for storing information relating to not immediately be started the determination operation of displaying the result of judgment as pending data , The above
The player is required to have the fixed result as a win.
In a ball game machine provided with a special game execution means for executing an advantageous special game, in connection with the execution of the special game,
Hold reset to reset the hold data storage (hold storage)
It is characterized in that it is provided with a shutting means. Also, claim 2
The mounted ball game machine is the ball game machine according to claim 1.
Then, the holding reset means is accompanied by the end of the special game.
The holding storage is reset by resetting. Ordinary
Communication, display operation for special symbol judgment during special games (special
(Variable display of other symbols) is not performed. And during the special game
All pending memories are reset (disappeared) and the end of special games
Do not carry over after completion. Is this configuration advantageous for game stores?
A configuration in which the player has an advantage (for example, when the probability is high, the maximum
It is recommended to combine this with a configuration in which the hold value is increased). Claim
The ball game machine according to claim 3, in the ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2 , the maximum of the number of storages of the reservation data by the reservation storage means (maximum reservation value) is changed according to the game state. Since the holding value changing means is provided, the maximum holding value can be changed according to the gaming state.

For example, in the normal game state where there is a low possibility that the reserved data is excessively accumulated, the maximum reserved value is increased, and a lot of entry into the lottery area (for example, winning in the starting opening) is targeted for determination, and the starting opening is entered. In order to give the player the full merit of winning the prize (to increase the player's profit), or because the special symbol display operation is not performed, the maximum holding value is reduced in the special gaming state where reserved data is likely to accumulate, It is possible to reduce the possibility of holding balls after playing a game (do not disadvantage the game store), etc., while keeping the maximum profit value of the player and the profit of the game store at a fixed value. By (currently 4), the disadvantage of the player can be prevented.

The above is merely an example, and the setting for changing the maximum holding value according to the game state is not limited to this (enlarge in the normal game state and decrease in the special game state). In addition, the judgment by the judgment means is a special game.
Determination, that is, a determination regarding special symbols, the result
It is a special symbol that is displayed by the display means and is held
The data is also information regarding the determination of the special symbol.

The ball-ball game machine according to claim 4 is the ball-ball game machine according to claim 3 , wherein the maximum holding value changing means is
The maximum holding value is determined by lottery. The relationship between the gaming state and the maximum holding value is, for example, the maximum holding value is 5 in the A gaming state, and the maximum holding value is 1 in the B gaming state.
It may be fixed such as 0, but even if it is not fixed, the interest will increase. In addition, it is easy to balance the profit of the player and the profit of the game shop. Therefore, the ball game machine according to claim 4 is excellent in these points.

The ball game machine according to claim 5 is the same as claim 3.
Or in the ball game machine according to 4 , when the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value in accordance with a change in the gaming state, the changed holding state is maintained while the changed gaming state continues. Since the maximum holding value is maintained, the correspondence between the gaming state and the maximum holding value becomes clear.

The ball game machine according to claim 6 is the same as claim 3.
In the ball game machine according to any one of item 5, the maximum holding value changing means stores the number of holding data when changing the maximum holding value from 10 to 5, for example, in accordance with the change of the game state. When the (reserved storage number) exceeds the maximum reserved value (5 in this example) scheduled after the decrease change (for example, when it is 8), the reserved storage number at that time (8 in the example) Is set as a temporary maximum holding value, and when the number of held storages decreases with the execution of the display operation of the determination result and becomes less than or equal to the planned maximum holding value (5 in the example), the scheduled holding value is set. The maximum pending value (5 in the example) is set as the new maximum pending value, so when the maximum pending value is decreased, the pending storage that was accumulated before that (3 in the example that exceeded 5) Is not wasted.

The ball game machine according to claim 7 is the same as claim 3.
In the ball game machine according to any one of item 6, the maximum
The holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value with the start or end of the special game.

In the ball game machine, the game state changes most clearly when the special game starts or ends,
The ball game machine according to claim 7 changes the maximum holding value at that time, so it is easy for the player to understand.

According to the ball-ball game machine according to claim 8, in the ball-ball game machine according to claim 7 , on the assumption that the judgment by the judgment means is successful, the judgment probability by the judgment means is higher than usual. Probability lottery means for lottery whether or not the probability of winning is high, high probability display means for displaying the result of the lottery, and if the probability change display means displays that the high probability is displayed, It is provided with probability setting means for setting the determination probability to a high probability with the end of a special game, and the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value between the high probability time and the low probability time. And

The ball game machine provided with the probability lottery means, the probability variation display means and the probability setting means is known as a so-called probability variation machine. In the probability variation machine, the maximum holding value is changed depending on whether the probability is high or low, so that the interest is enhanced. Claim 9
The ball game machine according to claim 7 is, in the ball game machine according to claim 7 , assuming that the judgment by the judgment means is a hit, and the probability of the hit by the judgment means is higher than usual. Probability lottery means for lottery whether to make a high probability, probability variation display means for displaying the result of the lottery,
The probability change display means is provided with probability setting means for setting the determination probability to a high probability with the end of the special game when the high probability is displayed, and the maximum holding value changing means is the high probability. When the state of (2) continues across the special game, the maximum holding value is changed according to the number of times the state of high probability is continued.

In the bullet game machine according to the ninth aspect , in the probability variation machine, the maximum holding value is changed according to the number of times the high probability state is continued. For example, by increasing the maximum withdrawal value by +1 or -1 each time the number of times the high-probability state is continued increases, the maximum withdrawal value is increased / decreased according to the number of times the high-probability state is continued.

[0022]

A ball-and-ball game machine as set forth in claim 10,
In the ball game machine according to any one of 3 to 9 , since the maximum holding value for each game state can be set at the game shop, variously, for example, a plurality of ball games depending on the business policy of the game shop. It is possible to set different settings for each machine.

The ball-and-ball game machine according to claim 11 is claim 3
In to ball-shooting game machine according to any one of 9, since the maximum hold value changing means has a settable at the game arcade selection ratio when selecting determined by lottery the maximum hold value from a plurality of candidates, according It has the same effect as the item 10 .

A ball-ball game machine according to claim 12 is claim 3
11. In the ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 11, the maximum holding value changing unit changes the maximum holding value when a specific state occurs during the display operation of the determination result by the result displaying unit. Is characterized by.

As a specific state during the display operation,
Reach or special reach is exemplified. When the reach is displayed, the player tends to temporarily stop firing and wait for the reach result. In particular, when the reach state has a long duration (so-called long reach), the tendency becomes stronger. Therefore, during this long reach, the firing continues to be stopped, resulting in a decrease in sales as an amusement store. That is, in such a case, if it is possible to prompt the continuation of the firing, it is possible to prevent a decrease in sales. However, if there is no merit, the player will not continue firing.

Therefore, as described in claim 12 , the maximum holding value is changed (increased) when a specific state (for example, long reach) occurs during the display operation of the determination result by the result display means, It is possible to encourage the continuation of the launch.
In this case, it is preferable to increase the maximum hold value during the period from the occurrence of a specific state (for example, long reach) to the determination of the determination result (confirmation display of the symbol).

A ball-and-ball game machine according to a thirteenth aspect is the third aspect.
In the ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 12 , since the maximum holding value display means for displaying the maximum holding value is provided, the current maximum holding value can be clearly shown to the player.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Examples of the present invention.

[0030]

1 is a front view of a game board 10 of a pachinko machine, which is a kind of ball game machine. In this embodiment, the mechanical structure of the pachinko machine other than the game board 10 (including the mounted parts) is in accordance with a known technique, and therefore the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

The outer shape of the game board 10 is substantially rectangular, and is provided with a notch 10a used for positioning when mounted on, for example, a middle frame of a pachinko machine and a notch 10b for avoiding interference with the passage of prize balls. ing. On the game board 10, a substantially circular game area 13 surrounded by an outer rail 11 and an inner rail 12 is formed.

A center case 14 is attached to the center of the game area 13, and an LCD panel 16a of a symbol display device 15 (the entire illustration is omitted) is arranged so as to be surrounded by the center case 14. There is. The symbol display device 15 corresponds to result display means, normal symbol display means, maximum holding value display means, and normal symbol maximum holding value display means.

The center case 14 has a warp inlet 14a, a warp gutter 14b, and a stage 14 as well known in the art.
c and the like are provided. However, the upper part (above the LCD panel 16a) is configured with two 7-segment LED pair, special symbol maximum holding value indicator 17 (hereinafter, special figure maximum holding value LED17) and normal symbol maximum holding value display This is different from the known device in that a device 18 (hereinafter, the maximum reserved value LED 18 in the general figure) is mounted. In addition,
The special figure maximum hold value LED17 corresponds to the hold number display means,
The ordinary figure maximum holding value LED 18 corresponds to a normal symbol holding number display means.

Lamp windmills 19 are installed above and below the center case 14, and windmills 20 are installed below them. Further, on the diagonally upper side of the wind turbine 20, a gate (passage port) 21 corresponding to a lottery area and corresponding to an ordinary symbol lottery port is arranged. A tulip-type variable winning device 22 is installed just below the center case 14. This variable winning device 22 corresponds to a special symbol starting device which becomes a lottery area. The variable winning device 22 is opened for a set time when a winning occurs in a normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the gate 21. In the present embodiment, this set time is about 0.3 seconds in the normal probability mode, but is set to about 2.6 seconds in the high probability mode. However, if there are three winnings in one opening, the opening will end even if the time is not reached. The normal probability mode and the high probability mode will be described later.

Below the gates 21 are the ordinary winning openings 2
4 are arranged. Further, below the variable winning device 22, a big winning device 27 having a big winning opening 25 opened and closed by an opening / closing plate 25a and right and left normal winning openings 26 is arranged, and an outlet 28 is provided at the bottom of the board. It is provided.

Although a large number of game nails are planted in the game board 10, they are well known and therefore the illustration and description thereof are omitted. The control system of the pachinko machine of this embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. This pachinko machine has a main control board 3
0, a prize ball control board 32, a launch control board 34, a sound control board 36, a lamp control board 38, and an image control board 40. Although not shown in detail, each of these control boards has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. The main control board 30 is provided with random number counters (plurality) used for various kinds of lottery and selection, and the sound control board 36 is provided with a sound source IC.

The main control board 30, the determination means, the normal symbol determination means, the special game execution means, the starting device control means, the hold storage means, the normal symbol hold storage means, the maximum hold value change means,
It corresponds to the normal symbol maximum holding value changing means. On the main control board 30, a full tank switch (full SW) that detects that the lower bowl is full, a replenishment switch (replenishment SW) that detects that the ball tank is empty, and a firing Touch switch (touch SW) that detects that the player is touching (operating) the handle, and the game ball is the winning hole 25
V switch (VSW) for detecting passage through a specific area provided inside, a count switch (count SW) for detecting a winning ball to the special winning opening 25, a winning ball to normal winning openings 24, 26 A prize ball payout switch (prize ball payout SW), a first-class starting opening switch (first-class starting opening SW) for detecting a winning ball to the variable winning device 22, and a game ball passing through the gate 21. A detection signal such as a normal symbol operation switch (normal symbol operation SW) for detecting is input.

The main control board 30 operates according to a program installed therein to generate various commands relating to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, the prize ball control board 32, the launch control board 34, and the sound. Ordinary accessory solenoid that outputs to the control board 36, the lamp control board 38, the image control board 40, and opens / closes the variable winning device 22, the big winning device 27
It controls the operation of the V solenoid that opens and closes the specific area and the special winning opening solenoid that drives the opening / closing plate 25a, and outputs information such as winning and jackpots to the outside (hall computer) via the external connection terminal board.

The prize ball control board 32 operates a ball cutting motor in response to a command sent from the main control board 30 to pay out prize balls, and also sends and receives data to and from a prepaid card unit (so-called CR unit). Then, the ball cutting motor is operated in response to the lending request inputted from the CR settlement display board to dispense the lent balls, and the balance display on the CR settlement display board is controlled.

The firing control board 34 includes a command sent from the main control board 30 (reflecting a touch SW signal and a game situation), a rotation signal of a firing handle, and a firing stop switch (firing stop SW). The launch motor is controlled based on the signal to launch and stop the game ball, and the lighting of the touch lamp is controlled.

The sound control board 36 generates an audio signal in response to the command sent from the main control board 30, and drives the speaker by the audio signal to output the audio. The lamp control board 38 controls the display of the special figure maximum holding value LED 17 and the general figure maximum holding value LED 18 in accordance with the command sent from the main control board 30, and other various LEDs.
Controls lighting and extinguishing of various lamps.

The image control board 40 constitutes the symbol display device 15 together with the LCD panel unit 16 and the attached unit. The LCD panel 16a described above is a part of the LCD panel unit 16. The image control board 40 controls the display of the LCD panel unit 16, that is, the LCD panel 16a according to the command sent from the main control board 30. The symbol display device 15 (particularly the LCD panel unit 16) is a result display means, a normal symbol display means, a maximum holding value display means and a normal symbol maximum holding value display means, and the image control board 40 becomes a control means for each of these means. .

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine will be described. First,
The normal symbol determination will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, when the main control board 30 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 21 by the normal symbol operation SW (S
11: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of ordinary symbol hold storages stored in the random symbol random number storage area of the RAM (normal symbol hold number) has already reached the maximum value (maximum hold value) (S12). ). In this embodiment, the maximum holding value changes, which will be described later.

If the maximum holding value has not been reached, the main control board 30 extracts one random number value from the random number counter for normal symbol determination and stores it in the normal symbol lottery random number storage area of the RAM as a normal symbol lottery random number. The number of ordinary symbols is +1
Then, (S13), it is determined whether or not the number of ordinary symbols held has reached the maximum holding value (S14). When the maximum hold value is reached (S14: YES), the normal symbol hold number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S15), and subsequently, the maximum value display signal is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S16). If the maximum holding value is not reached (S14: NO), only the normal symbol holding number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S17).

In the hold display routine shown in FIG. 4, the image control board 40 first determines whether or not the normal symbol hold number or the maximum value display signal is received (S21), and the normal symbol hold number is received. For example, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to display the normal symbol reservation number on the LCD panel 16a (S22). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5 (a) on the LCD panel 16a, the normal symbol holding number (the number of normal symbol lottery random numbers stored in the main control board 30)
Is displayed.

When the maximum value display signal is received, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to cause the LCD panel 16a to display the maximum hold storage (S23). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the character "MAX" is displayed as the maximum reserved memory display next to the number of ordinary symbols reserved.

Ordinary symbol hit or miss, that is, normal symbol determination is performed as shown in FIG. The main control board 30 first determines whether or not the normal display of variable display is being performed on the symbol display device 15 (LCD panel 16a) (S100). If the determination is affirmative, the process returns without performing the actual process.

When the negative determination, that is, the normal symbol is not changing, it is determined whether or not there is a normal symbol lottery random number stored in the normal symbol lottery random number storage area in the above-mentioned holding storage routine (FIG. 3) (S101). If the determination is negative, the process returns from this process. If there is an affirmative judgment, that is, the normal symbol lottery random number stored in the above-mentioned routine, the oldest one is read out and it is determined whether or not there is a hit (S10).
2). Specifically, the normal symbol lottery random number is a match if it matches any of the set winning values, otherwise it is out. In addition, the lottery random number that is the target of the determination is deleted from the normal symbol lottery random number storage area.

If the judgment is successful (S108: YE
S), a normal symbol hit command for displaying the hit is generated and transmitted to the image control board 40 (S109). Upon receiving this command, the image control board 40 variably displays the normal symbol on the LCD panel 16a, and after the time designated by the variable time data included in the command, hits and normally displays the normal symbol.

The main control board 30 normally waits for the symbol to be determined, and then performs a variable winning device control process for controlling the opening and closing of the variable winning device 22 (S110). As described above, the opening time of the variable winning device 22 is about 0.
In 3 seconds, it is about 2.6 seconds in the high probability mode.

If the determination in S102 is incorrect (S
108: NO), a normal symbol removal command for displaying the removal is generated and transmitted to the image control board 40 (S11).
1). This command also includes variable time data, and the image control board 40 variably displays the normal symbol upon receipt of this command, and disengages the normal symbol after the time specified by the variable time data.

The above is the description of the normal symbol determination and the opening of the variable winning device 22. In this series of operations,
The gate 21 corresponds to a normal symbol lottery port, the main control board 30 corresponds to a normal symbol determination means, and the symbol display device 15 corresponds to a normal symbol display means. The image control board 40 is a normal symbol control means because it controls the display of normal symbols. Further, the main control board 30 corresponds to a starting device control means in that it controls the variable winning device 22 as a special symbol starting device.

When the variable winning device 22 is won, a special symbol determination (so-called jackpot determination) is performed.
This will be described with reference to 4, 5 and 7. Although the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 are also used in the explanation of the normal symbol determination, the display of the reserved memory and the reserved number is shared because there is no big difference between the special symbol and the ordinary symbol.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the winning of the variable winning device 22 is detected by the first type starting opening SW of the main control board 30 (S31: YES), the special symbol lottery random number storage area of the RAM. It is determined whether the number of special symbol holding random numbers stored in (special symbol holding number) is already the maximum holding value (S32). In this embodiment, the maximum holding value changes, which will be described later.

If it is not the maximum holding value, the main control board 30 extracts one random number value from the random number counter for special symbol determination and stores it in the special symbol lottery random number storage area as a special symbol lottery random number, and the special symbol. The number of reservations is incremented by 1 (S33), and it is determined whether the number of special symbol reservations has reached the maximum reservation value (S34). If the maximum holding value is reached (S34: YE
S), the special symbol reservation number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S35), and subsequently, the maximum reservation value display signal is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S36). If the maximum holding value is not reached (S34: NO), only the special symbol holding number is transmitted to the image control board 40 (S37).

In the hold display routine shown in FIG. 4, the image control board 40 first determines whether or not the special symbol hold number or the maximum value display signal is received (S41), and the special symbol hold number is received. For example, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to display the special symbol reservation number on the LCD panel 16a (S42). As a result, the special symbol reservation number is displayed on the LCD panel 16a as illustrated in FIG.

When the maximum value display signal is received, the LCD panel unit 16 is controlled to display the maximum hold storage on the LCD panel 16a (S43). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the character "MAX" is displayed as the maximum reserved memory display next to the special symbol reservation number.

The hit or miss of the special symbol, that is, the special symbol determination is performed as shown in FIG. In this process, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not variable display of special symbols can be executed (S200). Specifically, the pattern display device 15
It is determined whether the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner on the (LCD panel 16a) or the special game is being executed. If the determination is negative, the process returns without performing any actual process.

If affirmative determination, that is, variable display of special symbols is possible, it is determined whether or not special symbol lottery random numbers are stored in the special symbol lottery random number storage area (S20).
1). If the determination is negative, the process returns from this process. If there is an affirmative judgment, that is, the special symbol lottery random number stored in the above-mentioned reserved storage routine (FIG. 3), the oldest one is read out and this is deleted from the special symbol lottery random number storage area (S202). The special symbol lottery random number is held in the register, for example, by the main control board 30, so the lottery random number itself does not disappear.

Next, the main control board 30 determines whether or not it is in the high probability mode (S203). If it is the high probability mode (S203: YES), the special symbol lottery random number that has been read is determined in the high probability mode (high probability determination) (S204). In addition, when a negative determination is made in S203,
The judgment in the normal probability mode (low probability judgment) is performed (S20).
5). The determination in S204 or S205 is performed depending on whether or not the special symbol lottery random number matches any of the preset winning values (if they match, otherwise, it is a winning), and in the case of the present embodiment, a high probability. The winning probability in the lottery mode is about 1/70, and the winning probability in the normal probability lottery mode is about 1/315.

If the lottery is successful (S206: YE
S) Then, it is determined by lottery whether or not the high probability mode is set after the end of the special game due to this hit, that is, whether or not there is so-called probability fluctuation (S208). If the probability of this lottery changes due to a win, the probability variation flag F2 is set to 1 (S209).

When the lottery does not fluctuate due to failure in S208 or after S209, the winning flag F1 is set (S210), and the variation pattern from the variation start of the special symbol to the fixed display is determined and corresponds to the content. Processing (S211) for generating a special symbol display command and transmitting it to the image control board 40 is performed. If the lottery is missed (S2
06: NO), jump from S208 to S210 to S2
Proceed to 11.

In the variation pattern determination process of FIG.
It is determined whether or not the lottery in 4 or S205 was a win (S221), and if a positive determination is made, the winning symbol is determined (S222), and then the reach pattern is determined (S22).
3). In the case of the present embodiment, the special symbol indicating the result of the special symbol lottery (a winning symbol and a deviating symbol) is a form in which three numerical symbols 0 to 9 are arranged, so-called three-digit alignment (000,
111, 222, 333, 444, 555, 666, 7
77, 888, 999) is a winning symbol, and all other than these are deviating symbols. In addition, a winning symbol (111, 333, 555, 777, 9) composed of odd number symbols
99) is set as a probability variation pattern indicating that the high probability mode is set (the probability changes) after the end of the special game. Therefore, in S222, one of the above winning symbols is determined, but the probability variation flag F2 is set to 1 (S
209), one of the probability variation symbols is determined.

If a negative judgment is made in S221, an out symbol is determined (S224), and if it is out through the reach (S225: YES), the reach pattern is determined (S).
226). Although there are various reach patterns, they are not related to the present invention, so the description thereof will be omitted.

Then, the design including the data designating the reach pattern, the data designating the stop timing of each of the left, right, and middle designs constituting the special design, the data designating the special design to be finally confirmed and displayed, and the like. A command is generated and transmitted to the image control board 40 (S227).

Upon receipt of this command, the image control board 40 controls the LCD panel unit 16 to variably display the special symbol on the LCD panel 16a (see FIG. 5) and then confirms the special symbol. By changing (increasing) the maximum holding value when a specific state (for example, long reach) occurs during the display operation of this special symbol, it is possible to prompt the continuation of the firing. In this case, it is preferable to increase the maximum holding value during the period from the occurrence of a specific state (for example, long reach) to the confirmation of the determination result (confirmation display of the symbol).

When the result of the special symbol determination is a hit, the main control board 30 waits for the symbol to be fixedly displayed on the LCD panel 16a and starts the special game. As shown in FIG. 9, in the special game routine, the main control board 3
For 0, it is determined whether or not the hit flag F1 is set to 1 (S301), and if the determination is negative, substantial processing is not performed (no special game is executed). Needless to say, until the winning symbol is confirmed and displayed, the routine returns without executing S302 and thereafter even if the winning flag F1 is set to 1.

If a positive determination is made in S301, it is determined whether or not the special game execution flag F3 is set to 1 (S302). If the special game execution flag F3 is not set, set it to 1 (S303),
The maximum holding value of the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number is set to the maximum holding value during the special game, and the lamp control board 38
To display the special game maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value LED 18 for the special game maximum holding value (S
304). In the case of the present embodiment, the special game maximum holding value is 20 for both the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number.

When the special game in-execution flag F3 is already set (S302: YES) or after S304, various processes relating to the execution of the special game, for example, a special winning opening 25 opening / closing control, a big hit fanfare on the LCD panel 16a. Various processes such as a process of generating a command for displaying the screen, the number of rounds, the jackpot pattern, the number of counts, passage display of a specific area, an interval screen, etc., and sending the command to the image control board 40 are performed (S305). Note that these processes are executed by repeating S305 many times.

Then, for example, if the number of times of opening the special winning opening 25 reaches a prescribed number, or the game ball that has won the special winning opening 25 does not pass through the specific area, the special game ends (S306: YES). ), For example, direct the jackpot ending screen to display with the jackpot ending command,
The hit flag F1 and the special game execution flag F3 are reset (S307).

In the present embodiment, such a special game is performed when the special symbol judgment is successful, but the form of the special game executed on condition that the judgment is successful is not limited to this. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag F2 is set to 1 (S308), the affirmative determination is set to the high probability mode, and the probability variation flag F2 is reset (S309), and the negative determination is set to the normal probability mode. Yes (S310).

Then, following S309 or S310, the maximum holding routine (S311) is executed to set the maximum holding values of the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number after the end of the special game. Some of this setting processing will be illustrated. Note that the special symbol hold number and the normal symbol hold number are set in the same process, so in order to avoid duplication of explanation, the following explanation does not particularly distinguish between the two, and is simply referred to as the "hold number", the special symbol hold number. And the setting of the number of ordinary symbols is collectively explained.

In the explanation from the above special symbol determination to the special game, the variable winning device 22 is in the lottery area (special symbol starting port), the main control board 30 is the determining means, and the symbol display device 15 is the result display. It corresponds to each means. The image control board 40 serves as special symbol control means because it controls the display of special symbols. In addition, the main control board 30 is the special winning opening 2
It is also a special game execution means because it controls the opening and closing of 5 to execute the special game.

Further, since the main control board 30 changes the maximum holding values of the special symbol holding number and the normal symbol holding number with the start of the special game (S304), it is also a maximum holding value changing means, which will be described next. It also functions as a maximum reserved value changing means in executing the maximum value setting processing example. (Maximum Value Setting Processing Example 1) In the example shown in FIG. 10, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not it is in the normal probability mode (S40).
1) If the determination is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the maximum holding value is set to 20 (S402). If a negative decision is made here, the process returns. In this example, the maximum pending value is set to 20 and 1.
Since there are two types, 0, the negative determination in S402 means that the maximum holding value is set to 10.

If the determination in S402 is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the current number of holdings is 11 or more (S403). If an affirmative determination is made, 11 or more holding memories are deleted (S404), then the maximum holding value is set to 10, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to set the special drawing maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value. The maximum reserved value (here, 10) is displayed on the LED 18 (S405). If a negative determination is made in S403 (the number of reservations is 10 or less), the process jumps to S404 and S405.
To execute.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S401 (high probability mode), it is determined whether the maximum holding value is set to 20 (S406). If a negative determination is made here, the maximum holding value is set to 20, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to set the special holding maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value LED1.
The maximum hold value (here, 20) is displayed on 8 (S40
7).

In the above embodiment, the special game maximum holding value is 20, so a positive judgment is always made here, but the special game maximum holding value is different from the maximum probability holding value in the high probability mode. Is also possible, so S406 and S4
The processing of 07 is provided.

Further, the maximum holding value at the time of high probability is set to 20.
However, it is also possible to change the setting to 25 at the game shop. In this case, the setting by the amusement store may be an arbitrary value, or may be configured to be selected and set from a plurality of kinds of prepared values. (Maximum value setting processing example 2) FIG. 11 shows an example in which when the maximum holding value is decreased, the excessive amount is not deleted (S404) as in the case of the above-mentioned example 1 and the disadvantage of the player is avoided. is there. The same processes as those in the example 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this example, if the current number of holdings is 10 or less (S403: NO), the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S).
405). However, if the current number of holdings is 11 or more (S4
03: YES), the number of holdings at that time is set as a temporary maximum holding value, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to display it on the special figure maximum holding value LED 17 and the general figure maximum holding value LED 18 (S409). In this case, the special symbol reservation number and the normal symbol reservation number do not necessarily match, so the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 and the normal symbol maximum reserved value LED 18 are not always the same.

When the temporary maximum holding value is set, the setting of the temporary maximum holding value is canceled when the holding number decreases due to the variable display of the symbols and becomes the maximum holding value in the normal probability mode. The original maximum pending value in stochastic mode is set. When the maximum holding value is reduced from 20 to 10, for example, the excess of the new maximum holding value is not deleted, so that the disadvantage for the player can be avoided.

In the pachinko machine of the first embodiment, the maximum holding value at the time of special game is set to 20, so a large number of winnings to the variable winning device 22 occur during the special game in which the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. However, most of them can be stored as a reserved memory. Therefore, if the maximum value setting processing example 1 or 2 is adopted, many of the reserved memories accumulated during the special game can be the target of the special symbol determination. Therefore, compared to the conventional ball game machine (the maximum holding value is 4), the merit of winning the variable winning device 22 during the special game can be sufficiently given to the player. As a result, there is a high possibility that a pending memory during a special game will result in a big hit (reserved ball consecutive chan).

Particularly, in the maximum value setting processing example 2, when the maximum pending value is reduced from 20 to 10, the excess of the new maximum pending value is not deleted, so that all of the pending storage is judged. It is possible to avoid the disadvantage of the player. Further, since the maximum holding value in the high probability mode is increased (20 in the above example), the variable winning device 22
The number of special symbols held does not frequently reach the maximum holding value even if the winning of the winning occurs frequently. Therefore, since most of the winnings to the variable winning device 22 are subject to the special symbol determination, the merit of winning the variable winning device 22 can be fully utilized.

Since the maximum pending value of the normal symbol during the special game and the high probability mode is increased (2 in the above example)
0), the number of times of normal symbol determination is sufficiently large. As a result, there are many opportunities for winning in the normal symbol determination (the variable winning device 22 is opened for a long time), and there is a high possibility of winning in the special symbol determination early. That is, the duration of the high probability mode (the period from the last big hit to the present big hit) can be shortened, and the consumption amount of the game balls in the high probability mode can be reduced. (Maximum value setting process example 3) This example is an example in which when the setting of the maximum hold value is changed, all the hold storages up to that time are reset.

As shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not a big hit with the non-probable variation pattern is made (S411), and if the determination is affirmative, all the currently held storages are reset (S41).
2), the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S413). Further, when a negative determination is made in S411 (big hit with probability variation pattern), all the currently stored reservation memories are reset (S414), and the maximum reservation value is set to 20 (S41).
5).

In this way, when changing the setting of the maximum hold value, all the hold memories up to that point are reset. Since the variable display of the special symbols is not performed during the special game (the special symbol determination process is not executed), even if the special symbols are held and stored during the special game, they are not targeted for the special symbol determination process. Therefore, after the special game is finished, the game is started from the state of the reserved memory 0, and there is no possibility of being a big hit (reserved ball continuous chan) in the reserved memory during the special game.

Therefore, when the maximum value setting processing example 3 is adopted, the player is not necessarily advantageous.
However, since the maximum hold value in the high probability mode is made large (20 in the above example), the merit of the player by this is the above two examples both for the special symbol hold number and for the normal symbol hold number. Secured as well.

Processing example 1 when decreasing the maximum reserved value
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted as described above or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Maximum value setting processing example 4) This example is an example of increasing the maximum pending value according to the number of times the high-probability mode is continued (that is, according to the number of consecutive big hits in the probability variation pattern).

As shown in FIG. 13, in this process, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S511), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with a probability variation symbol is made (S512). When the big hit with the probability variation pattern, the maximum pending value is 10
It is determined whether or not it is less than (S513). Maximum pending value is 10
If it is less than this, add 1 to this to make a new maximum holding value (51
4) If the maximum holding value is 10 or more, do not change. If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern (S512: NO), the maximum holding value is set to 4. Before the first big hit, the maximum holding value starts from 4 as usual.

If it is not a big hit in the probability variation pattern, the normal probability mode is set, so the maximum reserved value is 4 at that time.
On the other hand, when the high probability mode is a big hit with a probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is 5 (4 + 1), and if the next big hit is a probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is 6, if the next big hit is a probability variation pattern. The maximum pending value increases to a maximum of 10, such as 7.

As the high-probability mode continues (with a special game in between), the maximum withdrawal value increases, so the possibility of jackpots occurring earlier is increased accordingly. Therefore, the enjoyment of the player is increased. However, since all the current pending storage is reset (S511), after the special game is finished, it will start from the state of the pending storage 0 as in the case of the processing example 3 above. There is no possibility of a big hit (reserved ball consecutive Chan).

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible not to do so.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Maximum value setting processing example 5) This example is an example in which the maximum holding value is decreased according to the number of times the high-probability mode is continued (that is, according to the number of times the jackpot in the probability variation pattern is continuous).

As shown in FIG. 14, in this processing, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S521), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with a probability variation symbol is made (S522).
If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S523). If it is a jackpot with a probability variation pattern,
It is determined whether or not the high probability mode is continued for the first time (before that, the normal probability mode) (S524). If the determination is affirmative, the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S525). on the other hand,
If a negative judgment is made, it is judged whether or not the maximum holding value exceeds 4 (S526), and if an affirmative judgment is made here (the maximum holding value is 5 or more), this is decremented by 1 to obtain a new maximum holding value (S5).
27). Before the first big hit, the maximum holding value starts from 4 as usual.

If it is not a big hit in the probability variation pattern, the normal probability mode is set, and at that time, the maximum reserved value is 4.
On the other hand, when the probability variation pattern is a big hit and the high probability mode is reached, the maximum holding value is 10 first, the maximum holding value is 9 if the big hit in the probability variation pattern is the next, and the maximum holding value is the big hit in the probability variation pattern if the next. Decreases to 8 and so on until it reaches 4.

In this example, if the high-probability mode continues for the first time, the maximum holding value is large, and the next jackpot is likely to occur early. However, as the number of times the high-probability mode continues increases, the maximum holding value increases. As it gets smaller, the chances diminish. That is, it is the opposite of the processing example 4 described above.

However, since all the current reserved memories are reset (S521), after the special game is finished, the game is started from the state of the reserved memories 0 as in the case of the processing examples 3 and 4, and the special game is started. There is no possibility of being a big hit (reserved ball consecutive chan) with the reserved memory inside.

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which they are not reset.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Example 6 of maximum value setting process) In this example, the maximum holding value is determined by lottery.

As shown in FIG. 15, in this process, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S531), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with a probability variation symbol is made (S532).
If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S533). If it is a jackpot with a probability variation pattern,
A random number value (maximum pending random number) for determining the maximum pending value is checked (S534). In this example, a counter (a maximum holding value determination counter) that repeatedly counts an integer value of 0 to 3 is used, and if the value is 0, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S5
35), if the value is 1, the maximum holding value is set to 6 (S5
36), if the value is 2, the maximum holding value is set to 8 (S5
37), if the value is 3, the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S538).

If it is not a big hit in the probability variation pattern, the normal probability mode is set, and at that time, the maximum reserved value is set to 4.
On the other hand, when it comes to a high probability mode with a big hit with a probability variation pattern, the maximum pending value is set according to the maximum pending random number, so
Sometimes it becomes the same as in the normal probability mode (S5
35), sometimes more than double (S537, S
538). Even if it becomes a high probability mode, the maximum holding value is decided by the lottery each time (it is not fixed), so it is interesting. In addition, it is easy to balance the profit of the player and the profit of the game shop.

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible not to do so.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. (Maximum value setting process example 7) This example is also an example of determining the maximum holding value by lottery, but the difference from the above processing example 6 is that if the lottery hits, the maximum holding value is large, and if it is out, it is small. That is the point.

As shown in FIG. 16, in this processing, first, all the current pending storages are reset (S541), and it is determined whether or not a big hit with the probability variation symbol is made (S542).
If it is not a jackpot in the probability variation pattern, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S543). If it is a jackpot with a probability variation pattern,
The random number value for changing the maximum holding value (holding value changing random number) is checked to determine whether the maximum holding lottery is missed (S544). In this example, a counter (reserved value change counter) that repeatedly counts an integer value of 0 to 9 is used, and if the value matches any of the winning values, it is a win. If it is a hit in S544, the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S545), and if it is out of the range, the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S543).

When the probability variation pattern is a big hit and the high-probability mode is set, if the holding value change random number is a hit, the maximum holding value is large, and if it is out, it is not large. Therefore, it is simple as compared with the above processing example 6. However, if the number of hit values used in S544 is large, it is easy to hit, and if it is small, it is hard to hit. Therefore, by adjusting the number of hit values, the degree to which the player is advantageous can be adjusted. At that time, the number of winning values (or the lottery rate for winning) can be configured to be settable on the game shop side. Specifically, a lottery ratio setting means (for example, a digital switch) is provided, and by operating it, it is possible to input and set the number of winning values (winning lottery ratio). The lottery in S544 may be carried out according to the number of winning values (winning lottery ratio to be won) set as above.

As an example, there is the following configuration. As the holding value change counter, a counter that repeatedly counts an integer value of 0 to 9 is used in the same manner as described above, and the digital switch serving as the lottery ratio setting means can select 10 types of settings of 1 to 10. Needless to say, this digital switch can be operated by the game store side (store manager or clerk). Then, as shown below, the value (number) per setting, the lottery rate 1 1 1 10 2 2 2/10 3 3 3/10 4 4 4/10 5 5 5/10 6 6 6/10 7 7 7 7 / It corresponds to 10 8 8 8/10 9 9 9/10 10 10 10/10.

The game store may set the lottery rate higher when it gives a profit to the player, and may set it lower in the opposite case. This can be set variously depending on the business policy of the game store, for example, different for each of the plurality of ball game machines. The lottery rate can be set individually for each ball game machine, and high and low lottery rates can be appropriately mixed.

In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset, but it is also possible not to do so.
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted when the maximum reserved value is decreased as in the processing example 1 or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2.

[0105]

[Example of setting maximum holding value during special game smaller than during normal game] In the above processing examples 1 and 2, the maximum holding value during special game (20 in the embodiment) is set during normal game (10 in normal probability mode). , 20) or higher in the high probability mode, but it is also possible to set the maximum holding value during the special game to be smaller than that during the normal game. A maximum value setting process example in such a case will be described below.

In the example described below, the maximum holding value during the special game is set to 4, so the set value (20 in the embodiment) of the special game maximum holding value (S304) in the embodiment is set to 4 Should be read as (Maximum value setting process example 8) In the example shown in FIG. 17, the main control board 30 first determines whether or not it is in the normal probability mode (S42).
1) If the determination is negative (that is, the high-probability mode), it is determined whether the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S42).
2). If a negative decision is made here, the process returns. In this example,
Since there are two types of setting of the maximum holding value, 4 (maximum holding value at the time of special game and high probability mode) and 10 (normal probability mode), a negative judgment in S422 means that the maximum holding value is set to 4. That's what it means.

When the affirmative judgment is made in S422, it is judged whether or not the current number of holdings is 5 or more (S423). If an affirmative determination is made, five or more holding memories are deleted (S424), then the maximum holding value is set to 4, and this is instructed to the lamp control board 38, and the special figure maximum holding value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value are set. L
Display the maximum hold value (4 here) on the ED 18 (S
425). If a negative determination is made in S423 (the number of reservations is 4 or less), S424 is skipped and S425 is executed.

On the other hand, if an affirmative judgment (normal probability mode) is made in S421, it is judged whether or not the maximum holding value is set to 10 (S426). If a negative determination is made here, the maximum hold value is set to 10, and the lamp control board 38 is instructed to set the special figure maximum hold value LED 17 and the universal figure maximum hold value LED1.
The maximum reserved value (10 here) is displayed on 8 (S42).
7).

In this example, the special game maximum holding value is 4, so a negative determination is always made here, but it is also possible to make the special game maximum holding value the same as the normal probability mode maximum holding value. Therefore, the processes of S426 and S427 are provided. Also in this example, when the setting of the maximum hold value is changed, all the hold storages up to that point can be reset. (Maximum value setting processing example 9) FIG. 18 shows an example in which when the maximum holding value is decreased, the excessive amount is not deleted (S424) as in the above-described example 8 to avoid a disadvantage for the player. is there. Example 8 The same processing is denoted by the same reference numeral, and description thereof is omitted.

In this example, if the current number of holdings is 4 or less (S
423: NO), the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S42).
5). However, if the current number of holdings is 5 or more (S423:
YES), with the number of holdings at that time as the temporary maximum holding value,
This is instructed to the lamp control board 38 and the special drawing maximum holding value L
It is displayed on the ED 17 and the universal figure maximum holding value LED 18 (S429). In this case, the special symbol reservation number and the normal symbol reservation number do not necessarily match, so the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 and the normal symbol maximum reserved value LED 18 are not always the same.

When the temporary maximum holding value is set, the setting of the temporary maximum holding value is canceled when the holding number decreases due to the variable display of the symbols and becomes the maximum holding value in the high probability mode. The original maximum pending value in stochastic mode is set. When the maximum withholding value is reduced from 10 to 4, for example, a new maximum withholding value does not cause an excessive amount to be deleted, so that a disadvantage for the player can be avoided.

Also in this example, when the setting of the maximum hold value is changed, all the hold storages up to that time can be reset. In the above processing examples 8 and 9, since the maximum holding value during special game is set to 4, even if a large number of winnings to the variable winning device 22 occur during the special game in which the variable display of the special symbol is not performed, Most of them are not stored as pending storage. Therefore, if the maximum value setting processing example 8 or 9 is adopted, most of the winnings to the variable winning device 22 during the special game will be excluded from the target of the special symbol determination. Therefore, winning a prize in the variable winning a prize device 22 during the special game hardly gives a merit to the player. As a result, the possibility of a big hit (reserved ball continuous chan) in the reserved memory during the special game is reduced. That is, the player is not advantageous unlike the maximum value setting processing examples 1 and 2.

However, in the maximum value setting processing example 9, when the maximum pending value is reduced from 10 to 4, the excess of the new maximum pending value is not deleted, so all the pending storage is judged. It is possible to avoid the disadvantage of the player in that respect. In addition, since the maximum holding value in the high probability mode is set to be smaller than that in the normal probability mode (4 in the above example), the number of special symbols held when the winnings to the variable winning device 22 occur frequently. Will soon reach the maximum pending value. Therefore, in <br/> from coming off target many special symbol determination of the winning to the variable winning device 22 in the high possibility mode, the benefits of the winning to the variable winning device 22 becomes relatively small.

Since the maximum reserved value of the normal symbol during the special game and the high probability mode is reduced (4 in the above example),
Usually the number of symbol judgments does not increase. As a result, there is not much opportunity to be won by the normal symbol determination (the variable winning device 22 is opened for a long time), and the possibility of winning the special symbol determination early does not increase. In other words, the duration of the high-probability mode (the period from the previous jackpot to the present jackpot) is not shortened so much, so that the consumption amount of the game balls in the high-probability mode is not reduced. This point is advantageous to the game store side (a disadvantage to the player). (Maximum value setting process example 10) In this example, when the setting of the maximum pending value is changed, all the pending storages up to that point are reset.

As shown in FIG. 19, it is judged whether or not a big hit with a probability variation pattern has been made (S431), and if the judgment is affirmative, all the currently held storages are reset (S43).
2), the maximum holding value is set to 4 (S433). Also,
When a negative determination is made in S431 (a big hit with a non-probable variation pattern), all the currently stored reservation memories are reset (S434), and the maximum reservation value is set to 10 (S43).
5).

In this way, when changing the setting of the maximum hold value, all the hold storages up to that point are reset. Since the variable display of the special symbols is not performed during the special game (the special symbol determination process is not executed), even if the special symbols are held and stored during the special game, they are not targeted for the special symbol determination process. Therefore, after the special game is finished, the game is started from the state of the reserved memory 0, and there is no possibility of being a big hit (reserved ball continuous chan) in the reserved memory during the special game.

Therefore, when this maximum value setting processing example 10 is adopted, the maximum holding value in the high probability mode is also small (4 in this example), and the merit of the player by this is that the special symbol holding number is Also, the number of ordinary symbols is small as in the above two examples, and the gaming shop side is greatly advantageous.

Processing example 1 when decreasing the maximum reserved value
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the excess is deleted as described above or a configuration in which the excess is not deleted as in the processing example 2. As explained above, the pachinko machine of the embodiment can change the upper limit (maximum hold value) of the number of stored hold data according to the game state, for example, the maximum hold value in the normal game state where there is a low possibility that the hold data is excessively accumulated. Is set to be large, and a lot of entry into the lottery area (for example, winning in the variable winning device 22) is targeted for determination, and the merit of the lottery area is sufficiently given to the player (the player's profit is increased), Since the display operation of special symbols is not performed, the maximum hold value is reduced in the special game state where the hold data is likely to accumulate, and the possibility of holding ball continuous chan after the special game is reduced (does not disadvantage the game store), etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage of the player due to the fixed maximum reserve value being small while balancing the profit of the player and the profit of the game store.

In the above example, a random number value for determination is used as the hold data, but a determination result or a symbol displayed according to the determination result (special symbol, ordinary symbol) may be used as the hold data. Since the variable winning device 22 is provided as the lottery area for the special symbol and the normal symbol is hit to open the variable winning device 22, the variable winning device 22 is opened when the normal symbol hits, which makes it easier to win the prize. This will increase the number of judgment opportunities), which will increase the enjoyment of the player.

Further, since the information about the normal symbol determination is also configured to be stored on hold, the normal symbol maximum holding value of the normal symbol holding data can be changed according to the gaming state, and not only the special symbol but also the number of ordinary symbols held. While balancing the profit of the player and the profit of the game store, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage of the player due to the normal maximum symbol holding value being fixed to be small.

Since the maximum reserved value of the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 and the maximum reserved value of the ordinary symbol is displayed on the general figure maximum reserved value LED 18, the current maximum reserved value is displayed to the player. Can be specified. Also, LCD panel 1
At 6a, the number of reserved special symbols and the number of reserved regular symbols are displayed, so that the number of each reserved can be clearly shown to the player.

In the embodiment, the LCD panel 16a displays the number of special symbols reserved, the number of ordinary symbols reserved, the ordinary symbol and the special symbol, and the special symbol maximum reserved value LED 17 shows the maximum reserved value of the special symbol. Although the maximum holding value of the normal symbol is displayed on the figure maximum holding value LED 18, respectively, the number of holdings of these special symbols, the number of holdings of the normal symbol, the ordinary symbol, the special symbol,
The maximum holding value of the special symbol, the device and the device for displaying the maximum holding value of the normal symbol are not limited to these examples. Also, the number of special symbols on hold, the number of ordinary symbols on hold, ordinary symbols,
It is also possible to display the special symbol, the maximum reserved value of the special symbol, and the maximum reserved value of the ordinary symbol on separate display devices or the like, or to collectively display these on one display device.

In the embodiment, the specified value (20 or 4) is set in the setting of the special game maximum holding value (S304) executed at the start of the special game. Or, it should be configured to set the special game maximum hold value according to the number of holds at that time (for example, the special game maximum hold value is set by the same processing as the maximum value setting processing examples 1 to 10). Is possible. In this way, the special game maximum holding value can be variously set according to the type of the special symbol, and can be varied. Further, this makes it possible to balance the profit between the player and the game store side.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a pending storage routine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a hold display routine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of displaying the number of holdings, a normal symbol, and a special symbol in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a normal symbol determination routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a variation pattern routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a special game routine in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 1.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 2.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 3.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 4.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 5.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 6;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 7.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 8.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 9.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a maximum holding routine of maximum value determination processing example 10.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 10 game board 15 symbol display device (result display means, hold number display means,
Probability change display means) 16a LCD panel 17 Special symbol maximum holding value display (maximum holding value display means) 18 Normal symbol maximum holding value display 21 Gate 22 Variable winning device (lottery area) 25 Big winning opening 27 Big winning device 30 Main Control board (determination means, hold storage means, maximum hold value change means, special game execution means, probability lottery means, probability setting means, hold reset means) 38 lamp control board 40 image control board

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hiroo Nakayama             1-3 Taiheidori, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi               Takaouchi Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C088 AA42 BA10 BC22 BC25 CA13                       EB55

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A determination means for determining a win or loss by collating a lottery value extracted due to a game ball entering a lottery area, and a result display means for displaying the determination result. In a ball game machine provided with a hold storage means for storing information on the determination that cannot immediately start the operation of displaying the determination result as hold data, an upper limit of the number of storages of the hold data by the hold storage means (hereinafter, "maximum"). A ball game machine having a maximum holding value changing means for changing the "holding value") in accordance with the gaming state. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the maximum holding value changing unit determines the maximum holding value by lottery. 3. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the maximum holding value changing unit changes the maximum holding value according to a change in the game state, the changed game state is A ball game machine characterized by maintaining the maximum holding value after the change while continuing. 4. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the maximum holding value changing unit changes the holding data when the maximum holding value is decreased according to a change in the gaming state. Storage number (hereinafter, "holding storage number") exceeds the maximum holding value scheduled after the decrease change, the holding storage number at that time is set as a temporary maximum holding value, and the determination result When the number of reserved storages decreases and becomes less than or equal to the planned maximum pending value due to execution of the display operation of, the planned maximum pending value is set as a new maximum pending value. Ball game machine. 5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising special game executing means for executing a special game advantageous to the player, on condition that the determination result is a hit. , The maximum pending value changing means changes the maximum pending value with the start or end of the special game. 6. The ball game machine according to claim 5, on the assumption that the judgment by the judgment means is a hit, the judgment probability by the judgment means is set to a high probability that the hit probability is higher than usual. Probability lottery means for lottery whether or not to perform, probability variation display means for displaying the result of the lottery, and when the probability variation display means displays that the high probability is displayed, the determination is made at the end of the special game. A ball game machine, comprising probability setting means for setting a probability to high probability, wherein the maximum holding value changing means changes the maximum holding value at the time of the high probability and the time of the low probability. 7. The ball game machine according to claim 5, on the assumption that the judgment by the judgment means is a hit, the judgment probability by the judgment means is set to a high probability that the hit probability is higher than usual. Probability lottery means for lottery whether or not to perform, probability variation display means for displaying the result of the lottery, and when the probability variation display means displays that the high probability is displayed, the determination is made at the end of the special game. Probability setting means for setting the probability to a high probability, the maximum holding value changing means, if the state of the high probability continues across the special game, depending on the number of continuation of the state of the high probability A ball game machine characterized by changing the maximum reserve value. 8. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a hold reset means for resetting the storage of the hold data (hereinafter, “hold storage”) with the end of the special game. A ball game machine characterized by that. 9. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the maximum holding value for each game state can be set at a game store. 10. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the maximum reserve value changing means determines a selection ratio when the maximum reserve value is selected from a plurality of candidates by lottery. A ball game machine characterized by being settable. 11. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the maximum holding value changing means is operated when a specific state occurs during a display operation of the determination result by the result display means. A ball game machine characterized by changing the maximum holding value. 12. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a maximum hold value display means for displaying the maximum hold value.