JP2003135721A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve interest in a game while varying the number of memories in spite of a simple mechanism. SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a special pattern display device 104, a start prize winning hole switch 131 for detecting prize winning of a game ball in a start prize winning hole 111, a prize winning game ball number storage area 241 for storing the number of prize winning game balls, an indicator 110 for externally displaying the number of prize winning game balls stored in the prize winning game ball number storage area 241 and a CPU 220 for performing the display control of special patterns on the special pattern display device 104 on the basis of a random number value when the number of prize winning game balls is >=1, adding the number of prize winning game balls with an upper limit value as a limit when a detecting signal from a prize winning ball detecting means is inputted, subtracting the number of prize winning game balls corresponding to the display stop control of the special patterns and changing the upper limit value in the number of prize winning game balls in the case of a specific random number to turn the special patterns into specific display state.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which the number of game balls won at a starting winning opening is stored and a special symbol is variably displayed based on the stored number of winning game memory stored.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a pachinko machine, a special symbol fluctuates once each time a game ball is won at a starting winning port,
If the stopped special symbol is a big hit, there is one that operates the variable winning a prize device. Then, when the game ball is won in the starting winning opening during the change of the special symbol, the number of winning game balls is added, and the number is displayed on the indicator.

However, since the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls or the maximum number of indicators (for example, four) is limited, the number of winning game balls to the starting winning port exceeding the maximum number is invalid. . Therefore, there is a problem that the player stops playing the game ball or loses interest in the game. Various proposals have been made to solve such problems. For example, JP-A-9-2948
No. 49 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-216237 propose such a proposal.

[0004]

By the way, in the above-mentioned proposal, the number of winning balls that can be stored is increased, that is, the number of memories is made variable, only during so-called high probability. For example, there is an advantage that the game can be quickly digested by increasing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls during a high probability. However, simply changing the number of memories does not lead to an improvement in the interest in the game, and in order to improve the interest of the player in response to the change in the number of memories, The device becomes complicated by having such a mechanism. That is, it is desired that the number of memories can be made variable and the enjoyment of the game can be effectively improved even with a simple mechanism.

Further, in the case of so-called low probability, the player will increase the investment for drawing a big hit, but if the number of memories is fixed, there is a problem that the chances of drawing a big hit decrease. . That is, it is desired to make the number of memories variable not only in high accuracy but also in low accuracy. Therefore, the present invention has been made by paying attention to the unsolved problems of the conventional techniques, and it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game while changing the number of memories while using a simple mechanism. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine capable of playing.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is a special symbol display means for displaying special symbols in a variable display on a plurality of variable display portions, and a starting winning opening. A winning game ball detecting means for detecting a winning of a game ball, a winning game ball number storing means for storing the number of winning game balls, and an indicator for externally displaying the winning game ball number stored in the winning game ball number storing means. And, when the number of winning game spheres is 1 or more, the special symbol display control means for controlling the display of the special symbol of the special symbol display means based on the random number value, and the detection signal from the winning game sphere detecting means are inputted. When added, the number of winning game balls is added up to the upper limit, and the addition / subtraction means for subtracting the number of winning games corresponding to the stop control of the display by the special symbol display control means, and a gaming machine provided with Where the random number is When a specific random number value to the special symbol in the particular display state is characterized by comprising an upper limit value changing means for changing the upper limit value.

Here, the specific display state by the special symbol is, for example, a display state showing a game state that is also used in an existing gaming machine. The gaming machine according to this claim 1 makes the special symbol such a specific display state, and by changing the upper limit value, while utilizing the display control that the gaming machine has as an existing function, the winning prize. The upper limit of the number of game balls can be changed. Furthermore, this gaming machine executes the change of the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls not only during high accuracy but also during low accuracy.

A gaming machine according to a second aspect is the first aspect.
In the gaming machine described above, the upper limit value changing means increases the upper limit value at a specific random number value that brings the special symbol into a specific display state. In the gaming machine according to claim 2, the player stops playing the game ball by increasing the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls and fixing the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls in the past. However, it prevents this.

A gaming machine according to a third aspect is the first aspect.
Alternatively, in the gaming machine described in 2, the upper limit value changing means maintains the upper limit value change only within a certain time from the time when the specific display state is set. In the gaming machine according to the third aspect, a state in which the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is variable is generated in a gaming state such as a so-called chance time with a time limit. Further, the gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein only one symbol displayed on the one variable display unit is in an undetermined state, and It is characterized in that the reach symbol is displayed in a predetermined right grant state if the symbol displayed on the variable display portion is a specific symbol.

In the case of a so-called reach symbol, the gaming machine according to claim 4 changes the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls, whereby the existing gaming state is displayed in a conventional manner. By using the reach pattern, the interest of the game when changing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is improved. The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the specific display state is a gaming state that occurs when the display of the symbols on all the variable display sections is confirmed. After the end of the above, it is characterized in that it is a partial display of the symbol display informing the gaming state that the probability of becoming the prize state again becomes higher than usual.

In the gaming machine according to claim 5, when the reach symbol is a so-called probability variation symbol, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls is changed, whereby the display of the existing gaming state conventionally performed. By using the reach symbol of the probability variation symbol that is the form, it is possible to improve the interest of the game when changing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls. A gaming machine according to a sixth aspect is the gaming machine according to any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the indicator indicates the number of winning game balls by a number.

The gaming machine according to the sixth aspect can notify the player of a change in the upper limit of the number of winning game balls by simplifying the structure. That is, if a light emitting device is used for the indicator, it is necessary to previously provide the light emitting device by the number that varies regardless of whether or not the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is changed. If the numbers are displayed on the screen, it is possible to inform the player of the number of winning game balls currently held by only one liquid crystal display unit.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is applied to a so-called first-class pachinko machine that variably displays a plurality of symbols on a special symbol display device 104. First, the structure of the game board surface of the pachinko machine will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 1
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a front portion of a game board surface of a pachinko machine, particularly a portion necessary for explanation.

In FIG. 1, approximately in the center of the game board surface 102, three regions (hereinafter, referred to as variable display portions) are displayed while individually changing symbols (for example, "1" to "9"). The special symbol display device 104 is provided, and an indicator 110 that displays the number of winning balls to the starting winning port 111 is provided above the special symbol display device 104. The indicator 110 includes, for example, four light emitters 1 each including a diode.
It is composed of 10 ₁ , 110 ₂ , 110 ₃ , and 110 ₄ .

In addition, above and on the right and left sides of the special symbol display device 104, respectively, a winning entrance 121 that allows a game ball to always win, a left shoulder winning hole 122 that allows a game ball to always win, and a game ball. Right shoulder winning opening 12 that allows you to always win prizes
3 and 3 are provided. Below the left shoulder winning opening 122 and the right shoulder winning opening 123, respectively, a left sleeve winning opening 124 that allows a game ball to always win and a right sleeve winning opening 125 that allows a game ball to always win. .

Further, below the special symbol display device 104, there is provided a starting winning opening 111 for allowing a game ball to always win, and the starting winning hole 111 is a start for detecting that a gaming ball has won. A winning opening switch 131 is provided. Below the starting winning opening 111, a normal symbol display device 106 for displaying a one-digit number from "0" to "9" while varying is provided, and game balls are always provided on both left and right sides thereof. Operation gate 1 that allows passage
13, 114 are provided.

Below the normal symbol display device 106, the special symbol display device 104 is normally closed but is closed.
When the symbols displayed on the three variable display portions become a big hit symbol, there is a special winning opening 115 for opening the game ball in a predetermined pattern to allow the winning of the game ball. Is provided with a special winning opening switch 132 for detecting that a game ball has won. Further, in the central portion of the special winning opening 115, a specific winning opening 116 that allows a game ball to be won when the special winning opening 115 is opened.
Is provided.

On the left and right sides of the special winning opening 115,
A left-handed winning port 126 that allows a game ball to always win, and a right-handed winning port 127 that allows a game ball to always win are provided below the large winning port 115 in a normally closed state. However, when the number displayed on the normal symbol display device 106 is in a specific mode (for example, "3" or "7"), it is in an open state in a predetermined pattern and a game ball can be won. An accessory 112 is provided.

At the lowermost part of the game board surface 102, which is below the ordinary electric accessory 112, there is an out port 1 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the winning ports.
08 is provided. It should be noted that the ordinary electric auditors 112 and the actuation gates 113 and 114 respectively have various winning opening switches for detecting that a game ball has won or passed (hereinafter, reference numeral 133 is used to indicate a generic name of various winning opening switches). ) Is provided.

Further, hereinafter, the special symbol display device 104 3
The gaming state that occurs when the symbols displayed on the two variable display portions become a jackpot symbol is called a "special prize state", and among the special prize states, a "specific" symbol (hereinafter referred to as a probability variation symbol) as a jackpot symbol. By selecting, the gaming state in which the probability of becoming the special state after the completion of the predetermined symbol special state is higher than normal is called "probability variation state", and the game states other than the special state and the probability variation state are "normal state". ".

Further, in a state in which only the symbol displayed on one variable display portion of the three variable display portions of the special symbol display device 104 is unconfirmed, the symbol displayed on the one variable display portion is specified. The display state that includes the state of being granted a predetermined right if it is made into a pattern is called "reach",
The display symbol in the state of the two variable display parts whose display has already been confirmed is called a reach symbol. Specifically, the jackpot symbol is the symbol “111” displayed on the three variable display portions,
"222", "333", "444", "555",
..., "999", etc., the probability variation symbol is "333" or "777", etc., and the reach state symbol is "11x".
Or “22 ×” (here, “×” means that the variable display portion is in the non-display state), etc., and the reach pattern is
In this case, it becomes "11" or "22".

Next, the structure of the main board in the pachinko machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main board. As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 200 stores a CPU 220 that controls a gaming state of a pachinko machine based on a game control program and a game control program of the CPU 220 in a predetermined area in advance.
R that stores the data read from the OM 230 and the ROM 230 and the calculation results required in the calculation process of the CPU 220
It is composed of an AM 240 and an I / O 250 which mediates the input / output of data to / from an external device, and these are connected to each other and a data exchange so as to be able to exchange data by a bus 260 which is a signal line for transferring data. There is.

Here, in the RAM 240, the starting winning opening 1
A winning game ball number storage area 241 for storing the number of winning game balls to 11 is secured, and the number of winning game balls is increased according to the detection by the start winning port switch 131. The I / O 250 includes a start winning opening switch 131 and a large winning opening switch 1 as external devices.
32, various winning opening switch 133, the symbol display control board 150 which controls the display of the symbols for the special symbol display device 104 and the normal symbol display device 106, and the indicator light 153.
Indicator control board 152 that performs display control on the display, a sound effect control board 154 that controls output of sound effects to the sound effect output device 155, and an indicator control unit that performs lighting display control on the indicator 110. 151, the prize ball payout control board 156 for controlling the payout of prize balls to the prize ball payout device 157, the prize ball payout information from the prize ball payout control board 156, and the information about the game control, from the hall computer 1
The external terminal 158 for outputting to 59 is connected.

The prize-ball payout control board 156 is connected with a launch control board 160 for controlling the launch of the game ball to a launching device 161 for launching the game ball onto the game board surface 102. Outputs a stop signal to the launch control board 160 to stop the launching device 161 in order to secure a predetermined number of prize balls when the number of game balls supplied to the prize ball payout device 157 is insufficient. Has become. The CPU 220 is composed of a micro processing unit MPU or the like, and has a predetermined operation clock (for example, 4 [m] by a reset signal from a reset circuit not shown.
[s]) is operated based on a game control program capable of executing one cycle, and activates the game control program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 230.

The special symbol display device 104 is a special symbol display means for displaying the special symbols in a variable manner by a plurality of variable display sections, and the start winning opening switch 131 is for winning the game ball into the starting winning opening 111. The winning game ball detecting means for detecting is formed, and the winning game ball number storage area 241 serves as winning game ball number storing means for storing the number of winning game balls whose upper limit value is determined in advance, and the CPU 220 indicates the number of winning game balls. Is 1 or more, the special symbol display control means for controlling the display of the special symbol of the special symbol display means based on the random number value, when the detection signal from the starting winning opening switch 131 is input, the number of winning game balls is added. Then, when the addition / subtraction means for subtracting the number of winning game balls corresponding to the stop control of the display by the special symbol display control means, and the random number value is a specific random number value for making the special symbol a specific display state , And has an upper limit value changing means for changing the upper limit value of the winning game counts. For example, the CPU 22
0 has the functions of the special symbol control means, the addition / subtraction means, and the upper limit value changing means as the functions executed by the program.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the game control processing of the CPU 220.
Will be described with reference to. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the game control process. The game control process is performed by the CPU 220.
When executed in step S1, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the process proceeds to step S100. Step S
In 100, it is determined whether or not the process is the first to be executed after the power is turned on. When it is determined that the process is the first to be executed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S102 and the RAM 2
Initialization processing such as initialization of 40 and setting of initial data is executed, and the process proceeds to step S104. Specifically, as the initialization process, the number of winning game balls is set to 0, or the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is set to 4.

In step S104, for example, processing for outputting the processing result of the game control to the indicator light control board 152, the sound effect control board 154, the indicator control section 151 and the prize ball payout control board 156, information regarding the game control, etc. The process of outputting to the hall computer 159 via the external terminal 158 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the random number value used in the jackpot lottery to determine whether or not to bring about the special prize state, the random number value for determining the type of symbol to be displayed, and the random number value necessary for game control are set as one cycle of the operation clock ( 4 [ms]) is updated by using the time until the elapse, and when the time elapses, step S
Move to 100. Specifically, in step S106,
In order to update various random number values, a random number counter that cyclically counts within a predetermined numerical range (for example, "0" to "999") is used.

Here, "counting cyclically within a predetermined numerical range" means, for example, counting up by "1" in order from "0", and the count value is the maximum value (for example, "999"). It means that the count value is circulated in the range from "0" to "999" by returning to "0" when it exceeds. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S100 that the process is not the first to be executed after the power is turned on (No), the process proceeds to step S108, the check process of the start winning opening switch 131 is executed, and the process is performed in step S100.
Move to 110.

In step S110, it is determined whether or not the pachinko machine is in an abnormal state. If it is determined that the pachinko machine is in an abnormal state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S104, but if it is not (No). Shifts to step S112, executes the symbol control processing, and shifts to step S104. Next, the symbol control process of step S112 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the symbol control process. In the following, only the symbol control process of the special symbol display device 104 will be described, and the description of the symbol control process of the normal symbol display device 106 will be omitted.

First, in step S300, it is determined whether or not the symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 104 is changing, and when it is determined that the symbol is not changing (No),
In step S302, it is determined whether the number of winning game balls is "1" or more. Specifically, the RAM 240
The number of winning game balls stored in the number of winning game balls storage area 241 is read to determine whether the number of winning game balls is "1" or more. When it is determined in this step S302 that the number of winning game balls is "1" or more (Yes), the process proceeds to step S304.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S302 that the number of winning game balls is "0" (No), and when it is determined in step S300 that the symbol is changing (Y).
es), the process proceeds to step S320 described below.
In step S304, a symbol variation start process for starting the variation of the symbols displayed on the special symbol display device 104 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S306, in which a random number value is assigned from a predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls. reading,
The process moves to step S308.

In step S308, it is determined whether or not the read random number value matches the jackpot value stored in the ROM 230 with the read random number value. Here, the jackpot value is a reference value for determining whether or not to cause the prize state or the probability variation state, that is, whether the prize state or the probability variation state is generated by comparison with the extracted random number value. It is a value used to determine whether or not. If it is determined in step S308 that they match (Yes), the process proceeds to step S310.
If it is determined that they do not match (No), step S3.
Then, the process shifts to step S26, the outlier symbol for determining the normal state without causing the special prize state is determined, and the process proceeds to step S318.

In step S310, a random number value is input from the random number counter, the process proceeds to step S312, it is determined whether the input random number value is an odd number, and when it is determined that it is an odd number (Yes), , And proceeds to step S314, determines a high-probability transition symbol for producing a probability variation state following the end of the prize state while generating the prize state, and then proceeds to step S316. Note that step S3
At 14, the symbol is determined and the jackpot flag indicating that the special prize state is generated is set.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S312 that the input random number value is an even number (No), the process proceeds to step S324, in which only the prize state is generated and the normal state is set after the prize state is completed. The low-probability transition pattern for determining is determined, and the process proceeds to step S316. In step S324, the symbol is determined, and the jackpot flag indicating that the special prize state is generated is set. Further, when it is determined in step S308 that the jackpot value and the random number value do not match (No), an outlier symbol for causing the prize state to be in the normal state without causing the prize state is determined, and the process proceeds to step S316. .

In step S316, a symbol variation stop process for stopping the symbols that are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 104 is executed so that the determined symbols are obtained, and the process proceeds to step S318. The processing in step S316 is realized by the subtraction function of the addition / subtraction function of the CPU 220. In step S318, "1" is subtracted from the number of winning game balls stored in the number-of-winning-game balls storage area 241, and the process proceeds to step S320.

In step S320, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit based on the big hit flag. When it is determined that it is a big hit (Yes), the process proceeds to step S322.
An electric auditors product operating process for opening the special winning opening 115 in a predetermined pattern is executed, and a series of processes is ended and the original process is restored. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S320 that the jackpot is not a big hit (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is resumed.

In this way, the symbol control process in step S112 is performed. Also, while the symbol display control is performed, the addition process of the number of winning game balls is performed based on the detection signal from the start winning opening switch 131. Figure 5
Is a flowchart of a process of adding the number of winning game balls.
The addition processing is realized by the addition function of the addition / subtraction function of the CPU 220. First, step S4
In 01, there is a waiting state as to whether or not a detection signal has been input from the start winning opening switch 131, and when it is determined that a detection signal has been input from the starting winning opening switch 131 in this waiting state (Yes), , Step S40
Move to 2.

In step S402, it is determined whether or not the number of winning game balls stored in the number-of-winning-game-balls storage area 241 is the upper limit value, and when it is determined that the number of winning game balls is the upper limit value. (Yes) ends the process of adding the number of winning game balls, and when it is determined that the number of winning game balls is not the upper limit value (No), the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, 1 is added to the number of winning game balls, and the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S404, the number of winning game balls is 1
A signal is output to the indicator control unit 151 in response to the addition of. Indicator control unit 15
In No. 1, one light emitter of the indicator 110 is turned on by the input of this signal. After this step S404,
The process of adding the number of winning game balls is completed. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing for changing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls. Note that this processing is realized by the upper limit value changing function of the CPU 220.

First, in step S500, it is determined whether or not the symbol determined in step S316 of FIG. 4 is a reach symbol. The determination of the reach symbol is specifically made based on the random number value that determines the symbol. In this step S500, when it is determined that it is a reach symbol (Yes), the process proceeds to step S501, and when it is determined that it is not a reach symbol (No), the storable number determination process is ended.

In step S501, it is determined whether or not the reach symbol is a probability variation symbol. The determination of the probability variation symbol is specifically made based on the random number value that determines the symbol. In this step S501, when it is determined that it is a probability variation symbol (Yes), the process proceeds to step S502, and when it is determined that it is not a probability variation symbol (No), the storable number determination process is ended.

In step S502, the number of winning game balls stored in the number-of-winning-game-balls storage area 241 is changed from a predetermined upper limit value of 4 to 10, and in the following step S503, a timer (not shown) is set. A change signal indicating that the upper limit of the number of winning game balls has been changed is output.
The processing in the timer will be described in detail later. After step S503, a notification process is performed in step S504. In the notification process, the upper limit of the number of winning game balls that can be held is changed from 4 to 10 by controlling the blinking of all of the _four light emitters 110 ₁ , 110 ₂ , 110 ₃ , 110 ₄ that constitute the indicator 110. It is announced that it has been changed. Regarding the timing of this notification, it is made at the same time as the reach symbol is displayed. After this notification processing, the storable number determination processing ends.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the processing in the above-mentioned timer. First, in step S601, when the input of the change signal is in the waiting state and it is determined that the change signal is input in this waiting state (Yes),
The process moves to step S602. In step S602,
Reset the timer and start counting, and step S6
Move to 03.

In step S603, it is determined whether or not the timer is up, and if it is determined that the time is up (Yes), the process proceeds to step S604, a time-up signal is output, and the process ends. To do. CPU 220
Then, according to the detection of this type-up signal, the upper limit value changing function returns the upper limit value changed in step S502 to the initial value of 4. At this time, for example,
As the notification process, the indicator 110 is turned on as a mode different from the mode of the notification process (step S504) when the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is changed from 4 to 10.

Next, the operation, action, and effect of the above-described embodiment will be described. First, when the power of the pachinko machine is turned on, the CPU 220 executes the game control process, and the game is ready. The player can start the game by loading the rented game ball into the pachinko machine and operating a firing handle (not shown) to launch the game ball onto the game board surface 102. When the game is started by the player and the game balls shot on the game board surface 102 enter the starting winning opening 111, a detection signal is input by the starting winning opening switch 131, a random number value is read, and this random number value is read. It is determined whether or not it matches the jackpot value. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that they match each other, the symbol for causing the special prize state is displayed on the special symbol display device 104, and the special prize state is raised. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when it is determined that they do not match, the deviating symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device 104.

Further, a new random number value is input, for example, when the input new random number value is an odd number, the high-probability transition symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device 104, and after the prize state is finished. Following this, a stochastic state is created. When the new random number input is an even number, the low-probability transition symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device 104, and the normal state is set after the prize state is finished. Then, in the case where the game ball has won the start winning port 111, when the special symbol is changing, CPU2
The number of winning game balls stored in the winning game ball number storage area 241 of the RAM 240 is incremented by 1 at the timing of inputting the detection signal from the start winning hole switch 131, and the winning game after the addition is added. The number of light emitters 110 ₁ , 110 ₂ , 110 ₃ , 110 ₄ according to the number of spheres is turned on. Here, the number of winning game balls is added in accordance with the detection signal from the start winning port switch 131 within the upper limit (4 in the initial state).

On the other hand, by the CPU 220, when the number of winning game balls stored in the winning game ball number storage area 241 is 1 or more, the random number value is read out after the change of the symbols, and as described above, the random number value is obtained. Various symbols are displayed on the symbol display device 104 based on the display. Then, by the CPU 220, at the timing when all the symbols are displayed on the special symbol display device 104 in this way, the winning game ball number storage area 24
The number of winning game balls stored in 1 is subtracted, and one light emitter is turned off.

By applying the present invention, during the above-mentioned symbol display fluctuation, the reach symbol (for example, "33" in the display mode of the high probability transition symbol, that is, the probability variation symbol).
When “×” and “77 ×” are displayed, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls stored in the winning game ball number storage area 241 is increased from 4 to 10. At this time, indicator 1
The four light emitters 110 ₁ , 110 ₂ , and 110 that make up 10
All ₃ , 110 ₄ are flashed. After the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is increased in this way, the number of winning game balls is added in accordance with the detection signal from the start winning hole switch 131 within the limit of 10.

Further, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls thus changed is maintained only by a timer within a fixed time. That is, after the elapse of this certain time, the upper limit value is returned to the initial value of 4, and the number of winning game balls is added in accordance with the detection signal from the starting winning opening switch 131 within the limit of this initial value. . Further, in response to the upper limit value returning to the initial value of 4, the indicator 110 shows a predetermined lighting. In this way, the pachinko machine has a starting winning opening 111.
The winning symbol is used as an opportunity to display a plurality of symbols on the special symbol display device 104 in a variable manner, and the reach symbol (for example, “33 ×”, “77 ×”) is displayed in the display mode of the probability variation symbol. The limit of the number of winning game balls stored in the number-of-games storage area 241 is changed from 4 to 10, and the number of winning game balls can be stored within that limit.

Conventionally, the player has stopped playing the game ball because the upper limit of the number of winning game balls has been fixed, but this can be prevented by increasing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls. It is possible and the interest of the game is improved. Further, since the reach pattern can be realized by the display control of the existing game state that the pachinko machine has, the interest of the game can be improved without providing a new mechanism.

Further, the state where the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls is changed is set with a time limit by a timer, and a game state such as a so-called chance time is set, whereby the interest of the game can be improved. As a result, within the chance time, the number of times the reach symbol comes out is added to the number of winning game balls with the changed upper limit value. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
That is, in the above-described embodiment, when the special symbol becomes the reach symbol of the probability variation pattern, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls stored in the winning game ball number storage area 241 is changed, The present invention is not limited to this, and the limit may be changed in another display state by the special symbol.
Also, although the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is changed when the reach symbol is a probability variation symbol, the reach symbol is a symbol when it is in the normal state (for example, “11 ×” or “88 ×”). In this case, the upper limit of the number of winning game balls may be changed.

Further, the reach pattern appears by a specific reach pattern (a so-called premium reach, which has a very low appearance rate at normal times, a reach which develops from a normal reach, and takes a very long time). In this case, the upper limit value may be changed. Normally, the player stops firing the game ball when it reaches the reach pattern as described above, so the game store is not fired because the game ball is not fired, resulting in a decrease in sales, When changing (increasing) the upper limit value, the player keeps operating because the game balls continue to be launched in order to increase the number of winning game balls that can be held, so that the profits of the game store and the player can be balanced. Become.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is increased, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit of the number of winning game balls may be decreased. . That is, the upper limit value may be reduced when a certain display state based on the specific symbol is entered. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the upper limit value is increased at one time, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls is increased by 1 each time a reach symbol is displayed, for example. You may do it. Further, as described above, when the upper limit value is reduced, every time a predetermined symbol appears,
It may be reduced by one. Furthermore, like this 1
In the case of increasing or decreasing one by one, the changeable upper limit value (eg 10) or lower limit value (eg
2) may be set in advance.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the game state such as a so-called chance time is set and the change of the number of winning game balls is effective only within this fixed time has been described, but the time is unlimited. May be. For example, in such a case, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls is changed only in the case of a rare combination of symbols. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the indicator 110 has four light emitters 110 ₁ , 110 ₂ , and 11.
The case where it is configured by 0 ₃ , 110 ₄ has been described. By doing so, even if the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls is increased, the number of memories displayed by the indicator 110 is up to four. However, the number of light emitters may be provided in accordance with the changed upper limit value.
As a result, the player can know the number of stored changed values. Further, by adopting a liquid crystal display unit as an indicator and displaying the stored number, it is possible to display an arbitrary number by one indicator, simplifying the structure, and after changing the upper limit value. The number of memories can be displayed.

Although the indicator control unit 151 is provided in the above-mentioned embodiment, the indicator control unit 1 is not provided.
The function of 51 may be realized by a computer program executed by the CPU 220. Further, in the above-described embodiment, in executing the game control processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6, the case of executing the game control program stored in the ROM 230 in advance has been described. However, the program may be read into the RAM 240 from a storage medium that stores a program showing these procedures and executed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko machine according to the present invention is applied to a first-class pachinko machine as shown in FIG. 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and symbols for variably displaying a plurality of symbols As long as it has a display device, it can be applied to a second-class pachinko machine, a third-class pachinko machine, and other pachinko machines. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine that is a pachinko machine has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a game of another amusement game machine or the like within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. It can also be applied to machines. Of course, it can be applied to a pachi-slot machine.

[0057]

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls can be changed at the specific random number value that brings the special symbol into the specific display state. As a result, the upper limit of the number of winning game balls can be changed while utilizing the existing display control of the gaming machine, and the interest can be improved. According to the gaming machine of claim 2, when the random number value is a specific random number value that brings the special symbol into a specific display state, by increasing the upper limit value, conventionally, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls is achieved. Since the player has stopped playing the game ball due to the fixed position, the effect of being able to prevent this is obtained.

According to the gaming machine of the third aspect, amusement of the game is improved by generating a gaming state such as a so-called chance time with a time limit in which the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is variable. The effect that it can be obtained is obtained. Further, the gaming machine according to claim 4, in the case of a so-called reach symbol, the upper limit value of the number of winning game balls is changed, whereby the reach symbol which is the display form of the existing gaming state which has been conventionally made. By using, it is possible to obtain an effect that the interest of the game when changing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls can be improved.

Further, according to the gaming machine of claim 5, when the reach symbol is a so-called probability variation symbol, the upper limit of the number of winning game balls is changed, whereby the existing game conventionally performed. By using the reach symbol that uses the probability variation symbol that is the display form of the state, it is possible to obtain the effect that the interest of the game when changing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls can be improved. Further, according to the gaming machine of the sixth aspect, there is an effect that the structure can be simplified and the player can be informed of the change in the number of winning game balls whose upper limit value has been changed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a front portion of a game board surface of a pachinko machine, particularly a portion necessary for explanation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main board.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a game control process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a symbol control process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of increasing the number of winning game balls in response to an input of a detection signal from a starting winning opening switch.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of changing the upper limit of the number of winning game balls.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing in a timer.

[Explanation of symbols]

104 Special symbol display device 106 Ordinary symbol display device 110 Indicators 110 _{1 to} 110 ₄ Light emitter 111 Start winning hole 112 Normal electric auditors 113, 114 Actuation gate 115 Large winning hole 121 Heap winning hole 122 Left shoulder winning hole 123 Right shoulder winning hole 124 Left sleeve winning opening 125 Right sleeve winning opening 126 Left falling winning opening 127 Right falling winning opening 131 Starting winning opening switch 132 Big winning opening switch 133 Various winning opening switch 151 Indicator control unit 200 Main board 220 CPU 230 ROM 240 RAM 241 Winning Game ball number storage area 250 I / O

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Makoto Ode             8 30-14, Hirosawa-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma             Heiwauchi Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshinori Tada             8 30-14, Hirosawa-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma             Heiwauchi Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C088 AA42 BA09 BC15 BC25 EB68

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A special symbol display means for displaying special symbols in a variable display on a plurality of variable display parts, a winning game ball detecting means for detecting a winning of a game ball into a starting winning opening, and a winning game ball number stored. Number of winning game balls storage means, an indicator for externally displaying the number of winning game balls stored in the number of winning game balls storing means, and the special symbol based on a random value when the number of winning game balls is 1 or more. Special symbol display control means for controlling the display of the special symbol of the display means, and when the detection signal from the winning game ball detecting means is input, the number of winning game balls is added up to the upper limit, and the special symbol is added. In a gaming machine provided with addition / subtraction means for subtracting the number of winning game spheres corresponding to display stop control by display control means, the random number value is a specific disorder that brings the special symbol into a specific display state. When it is a number, Gaming machine, characterized in that it comprises an upper limit value changing means for changing the serial limit. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit value changing means increases the upper limit value at a specific random number value that brings the special symbol into a specific display state. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit value changing means maintains the upper limit value changed only within a certain time from the time when the specific display state is set. . 4. The specific display state is a state in which only the symbols displayed on one of the variable display sections are undetermined,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a reach symbol is displayed when the symbol displayed on the one variable display section is a specific symbol if the symbol is a specific symbol. Machine. 5. The particular display state has a higher probability of becoming a prize state again than usual after the prize state, which is a gaming state that occurs when the display of symbols on all the variable display portions is finalized, is finished. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the gaming machine is a partial display of a symbol display for notifying the gaming state. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the indicator indicates the number of winning game balls by a number.