JP2003230714A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko game machine in which a special pattern generation probability is varied corresponding to the number of held balls. <P>SOLUTION: The pachinko game machine is provided with a start prize winning detector 17c for detecting a game ball winning a prize in a start prize hole 17, a held ball number storage means 723 for storing the number of game balls which are not used for pattern variation yet, a stored number reading means 724 for carrying out the read of a value stored therein, a held ball number correspondent probability selecting means 725 for selecting the special pattern generation probability corresponding to the value read by the stored number reading means 724, and a held ball number correspondent probability setting means 726 for setting the selected special pattern generation probability as a special pattern generation probability corresponding to the value of the game balls stored in the held ball number storage means 723. Since the special pattern generation probability is varied corresponding to the number of the held balls, the state of profits to be obtained by a player is rich in variety and an interesting game can be played. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine represented by a pachinko machine, and in particular, a ball game that performs a special game when a symbol displayed on a symbol display device is a preset special symbol. Regarding the machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, one in which a symbol display device such as a liquid crystal display is provided in the center of a game board which constitutes a game area is generally used. When the game ball wins in the starting winning opening in the game area, the special game state is established when the symbol when stopped and displayed after changing the symbol by this symbol display device is a preset special symbol Is configured. In this special game state, the variable winning opening (major winning opening) provided at the bottom of the game area is opened to facilitate the winning of game balls, so that the player can obtain a large number of game balls. There is.

In the above-mentioned ball game machine, when a game ball is won in the starting winning opening and the variation of the symbol on the symbol display device is started, it takes some time from the start to the stop of the variation of the symbol. Therefore, during the variable display operation of the symbol, a new game ball may win the starting winning opening, and the variable display of the symbol for this newly won game ball is performed after the end of the currently displayed variable display operation. The variable display operation is held (held). For example, the pending game balls that are not used for this symbol variation, that is, the maximum number of reserved balls is 4, and even if more game balls pass through the starting winning opening, they are not reserved. That is, up to four game balls that pass through the starting winning opening can be stored and held while the symbols are changing, but the fifth game ball is ignored even if it passes.

[0004]

Therefore, in a state where the number of reserved balls satisfies the maximum value (for example, four), even if a player actively wins a game ball, it is often invalidated. There is a problem that it is disadvantageous to the player and lacks in fun. Especially, at the time of reach during normal games, it takes a lot of time to change the symbols, so even if you give a lot of game balls to the starting winning slot during this time, you cannot hold them and it becomes invalid. Even if you launch
There has been a problem that there is no merit for the player to win the starting winning opening.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems.
By changing the special symbol occurrence probability according to the number of game balls that are not used for symbol fluctuations, that is, reserved balls, it is possible to give diversity to the profit status obtained by the player and play interesting games. The object is to provide a ball game machine.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve such an object, the present invention executes a special game on the condition that a symbol display device capable of variable display of symbols and a game ball has been won at a starting winning opening. A lottery means (for example, a hit random number determining means 727 in the present embodiment) for performing a lottery as to whether or not to perform, and a symbol control means for stopping and displaying after changing the symbol of the symbol display device based on the lottery result by the lottery means. When the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol control means is a predetermined special symbol, a variable winning a prize opening (for example, a large winning a prize mouth 31 in the present embodiment) provided in the game area is used to facilitate the game. In a gaming machine provided with a special game execution means, a detection means for detecting a game ball that has won a starting winning opening (for example, the starting opening winning detection device 17 in this embodiment).
c) and storage means for storing the number of game balls that have not yet been used for symbol variation among the game balls detected by the detection means (for example, reserved ball number storage means 72 in this embodiment).
3), a storage number reading means for executing reading of the value stored by the storage means, and a plurality of special symbol occurrence probabilities in which a plurality of special symbols are provided in advance and a special symbol appears,
Probability selecting means for selecting the special symbol occurrence probability corresponding to the value read by the memory number reading means (for example, the reserved sphere number corresponding probability selecting means 725 in the present embodiment),
Probability setting means for setting the special symbol occurrence probability selected by the probability selecting means as the special symbol occurrence probability in association with the value of the game sphere stored in the storage means (for example, the number of reserved balls corresponding probability setting in the present embodiment) Means 726) and
The lottery means, when executing the lottery of the game balls that have won the starting winning opening, performs the lottery according to the special symbol occurrence probability set by the probability setting means, the symbol control means, depending on the result of the lottery , After changing the symbol of the symbol display device, stop display.

According to such a configuration, since the special symbol occurrence probability changes according to the number of reserved balls, it is possible to give a variety of profits obtained by the player, and play the game with an interesting effect. be able to.

The probability setting means may be configured to set the special symbol occurrence probability to be high each time the number of game balls stored in the storage means increases. According to such a configuration, the more positively the player wins the starting winning opening to increase the number of reserved balls, the higher the player's expectation is, and
It is possible to make the game advantageous to the player.

Further, the probability setting means may be configured to set the special symbol occurrence probability so as not to exceed a preset upper limit value. According to such a configuration, by setting the upper limit value of the special occurrence probability, it is possible to prevent the player's aspirations from being excessively agitated.

Further, it may be configured to include a notifying means for notifying the player of the special symbol occurrence probability set by the probability setting means. According to such a configuration, when the special symbol occurrence probability changes, the notification is displayed on the screen display of the symbol display device, so that the playability can be improved and the player changes the special symbol occurrence probability. It is possible to easily recognize that.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A pachinko machine as an example of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall front view of the pachinko machine PM, and FIG. 2 is a game board front view of the pachinko machine PM.

In the pachinko machine PM, an outer frame 1 forming the outer frame holding frame, a shaft which is openably and closably supported by the outer frame 1, a glass door 5, upper and lower ball receiving trays 7a and 7b, and a ball hitting handle 8 are provided.
Also, a front frame 2 having a housing frame 6 for housing the game board 10 having the game area 11 and the like is provided. The game board 10 has a game area 11 divided by rails 13, and in this game area 11, there are three display areas of "left symbol", "right symbol", and "middle symbol". The symbol display device 22 to be displayed, the start winning opening 17 which is a variable condition of the symbol, the big winning opening 31 which opens and closes when a big hit occurs, the opening / closing door 35 which covers the big winning opening 31 in an openable / closable manner, and the large opening / closing door 35. A winning opening driving device 36 (not shown in FIG. 0), and a plurality of other general winning openings 16a, 16b, 34a, 34
b, windmills 14a, 14b, 1 that affect the fall of the hit ball
4c, 14d, a large number of game nails (not shown), and an outlet 18 are provided.

Around the symbol display device 22, a start winning hole 1
A start winning prize memory indicator 23 having eight display portions for displaying the number of game balls entered in 7 is provided, and in the present embodiment, there is an upper limit of eight winning prize winning indicator 23, and every time there is a winning in the starting winning opening 17. In addition, the winning prize winning memory display unit 23 increases the number of lit display units one by one. Then, the display unit that is turned on every time the variable display of the symbols is started in the symbol display device 22 is set to 1
Reduce by two.

The starting prize winning memory display 23 is not limited to the one provided independently as in the above embodiment, but may be displayed on the symbol display device 22. In this way, if the number of game balls that have won the starting winning opening 17 can be displayed on the symbol display device 22, it is possible to deal with the case where the upper limit value of the reserved balls is not set.

When the player operates the hit ball handle 8, the game balls are sent one by one from the upper ball tray 7a to the hit ball launching section (not shown), and the game area 11 is set at an arbitrary strength.
A hit ball is shot at. The fired hit ball flows down to the above-mentioned winning opening or outlet 18, and when a prize is won at the above-mentioned winning opening, a predetermined winning ball is paid out to the upper ball tray 7a. Further, of the above-described winning openings, when a hit ball is won in the starting winning opening 17, the symbol displayed on the symbol display device 22 starts to change, and after a predetermined moving image and a change mode of the symbol are displayed for a predetermined time. ,Stop. At this time, in the case where the symbols displayed on the symbol display device 22 are special symbols in which the stop mode is predetermined (for example, 1 to 9 squares), it is a big hit, and after a predetermined demonstration is displayed, a big prize is won. The opening / closing door 35 is opened by the mouth driving device 36, and the hit ball is the big winning opening 31.
Can be flowed into. The opening operation of the opening / closing door 35 is once terminated when a predetermined number of winnings (eg, 10) has been won in the special winning opening 31 or after a predetermined time (eg, 30 seconds) has elapsed. In addition, when the hit ball has passed a specific area (not shown) in which the special winning opening 31 is provided during this period, this operation is performed again, and this operation is continued until a maximum of 15 times.

FIG. 3 is an overall back view of the pachinko machine PM. On the back side of the front frame 2 to which the game board 10 having the above-described configuration is attached, a back mechanism BM is provided in a region surrounded by the outer frame 1. The back mechanism BM includes a housing frame 6
Sphere storage and supply mechanism 50 that is installed on the upper side of the back surface of the sphere for storing and supplying game spheres, and a ball payout mechanism that is installed over the central portion and below the back surface of the housing frame 6 for discharging and paying out game spheres. 40, and game boards 58a and 58b arranged so as to cover the ball payout mechanism 40. The game boards 58a and 58b are CPU and RO on the boards.
It is configured by mounting various electronic components such as M and RAM, and controls the game as described later.

In the pachinko machine PM configured as described above, the game is controlled by the game boards 58a, 58b, etc. The control device will be described below. First, the configuration of the control device is shown in FIG. 4, and the control device includes a game control board 58a, which constitutes the back mechanism BM,
It has a game control means 60 composed of 58b and the like.

The game control means 60 includes a start winning combination detecting device 17c built in the starting winning opening 17, a big winning opening winning detecting device 30b built in the big winning opening 31, and a big winning opening 3
A specific area passage detection device 37c or the like built in a specific area (not shown) in 1 is electrically connected, and a detection signal is input to the game control means 60 from these.

The game control means 60 controls various operations in response to these input signals. The objects to be controlled are a prize ball payout device 45 for paying out prize balls and an opening / closing door of the special winning opening 31. Special winning opening drive device 3 for opening 35
6, the symbol display device 22 for displaying images and symbols, etc. are electrically connected. These are all operated and controlled based on the control signal from the game control means 60.

The control contents of the game by the game control means 60 in the control device having such a configuration will be described. In addition, the game control means 60 is CP for this control.
It is configured to have U, ROM, RAM, etc., and is provided with a normal game execution means 70, a special game execution means 80, a high-probability game setting means 90, and a payout control means 100. Hereinafter, the normal game executing means 70 and the special game executing means 80 will be described.

The normal game executing means 70 is for executing and controlling the normal game of the ball game machine, and is a winning opening winning a prize processing means 71 for performing processing relating to winning a prize in each winning opening provided in the game area 11. And special game shift determining means 72 for determining whether or not to shift from the normal game to the special game. The winning award processing unit 71 is the same as the conventional one, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The special game transition judging means 72 is a symbol element acquiring means 7 for acquiring an element (for example, a plurality of kinds of random number values) for determining the symbol to be variably displayed on the symbol display device 22.
21 and a random number storage means 72 for temporarily storing this element
2, a reserved ball number storage unit 723 that stores the number of game balls that are not used for symbol variation, a storage number reading unit 724 that reads the number of stored game balls, and the number of the read game balls Reserved ball number corresponding probability selection means 725 for selecting the special symbol occurrence probability for, and reserved ball number corresponding probability setting means 7 for setting the selected special symbol occurrence probability
26, a hit random number determination means 727 for determining whether to display a special symbol based on a hit random number described later, and a production determination for determining a symbol variation effect such as a stop symbol or a variation mode of the symbol based on this element It is provided with means 728 and symbol control means 729 for controlling the display of this symbol variation effect.

The symbol element obtaining means 721 comprises a hit random number obtaining means 721a and a stop symbol random number obtaining means 721b.

The hit random number obtaining means 721a is for obtaining a random number (hereinafter referred to as a "hit random number") for determining whether or not to generate a big hit. For example,
The random number of 0 to 2999 (3000 ways) generated by the software increment counter is acquired based on the winning signal from the above-described starting mouth winning detector 17c. The random number in the specification is a concept including a regular number such as an increment counter, which actually functions as a random number because the acquisition timing has no regularity.

The stop symbol random number obtaining means 721b is for obtaining a random number for determining a stop symbol (hereinafter referred to as "stop symbol random number"). For example, a left symbol determination random number that acquires a random number of 0-9 (10 ways) for the left symbol, a middle symbol determination random number that acquires a random number of 0-9 (10 ways) for a medium symbol, and a right symbol 0-9 (10
Street) It consists of the right symbol determination random number to get the random number.

The random number storage means 722 is for storing the hit random number and the stop symbol random number in respective predetermined random number value areas.

The number-of-reserved-balls storage means 723 is for storing the number of game balls, which have not been used for symbol variation, among the game balls detected by the starting mouth winning detection device 17c in a predetermined reserved ball number area. It is a thing. In the present embodiment, the memorable upper limit of the number of game balls is set to eight,
The number of game balls that can be stored is not limited to this, and may be increased.

The stored number reading means 724 executes reading of the stored number of game balls, that is, the number of reserved balls, when the reserved ball number storage means 723 stores the winning detection by the starting mouth winning detection device 17c. .

The number-of-holding-balls-corresponding probability selecting means 725 sets the number of holding balls to the holding number of balls area as shown in FIG. The special symbol occurrence probability is selected according to the number of stored game balls. In particular,
The special symbol occurrence probability is selected according to the value read by the storage number reading means 724 that reads the value stored in the reserved sphere number area. For example, when the value read by the above-mentioned memory number reading means 724 is zero (that is, there is no holding ball), 7 to 16 (10 pieces) are selected as the winning value selected as the special symbol occurrence probability. In addition to the above 10 hit values, 17 (11) when the number of holding balls is 1 and 17 to 18 (12 when the number of holding balls is 2
17 to 19 (13) when three, 17 to 20 (14) when four, 17 to 21 (1 when five)
5) 6 for 17 to 22 (16), 7 for 17 to 23 (1), 8 for 17 to 24 (18)
Is set).

Further, when the probability variation game probability is shifted to the probability variation game probability by the high probability game setting means 90 (that is, during probability variation), the reserved ball number corresponding probability setting means 726 is set by the high probability game setting means 90. In addition to the hit value, the hit value is selected according to the value read by the storage number reading means 724. For example, at the time of probability fluctuation, if the value read by the memory number reading means 724 is zero (that is, there is no holding ball), the winning value selected as the special symbol occurrence probability is 7 to 16, 71 to 80, Thirteen
5 to 144, 199 to 208, 263 to 272 (40
Pcs). And when there is a reserved ball, the above-mentioned 4
273 when the number of holding balls is 1 in addition to the winning value of 0
(41 pieces) 273 to 274 (42 pieces) when the number is 2,
273 to 275 (43 pieces) when 3 pieces, 273 to 276 (44 pieces) when 4 pieces, 273 to 27 when 5 pieces
7 (45), 6-273-273 (46
No.), 7 to 273 to 279 (47), and eight to 273 to 280 (48).

The method of setting the winning value is not limited to the above, but can be set as appropriate. Further, the above-mentioned reserved sphere number corresponding probability selecting means 725, as in the present embodiment,
The special symbol occurrence probability may be set to increase each time the number of game balls stored increases, in which case the special symbol occurrence probability should be set so as not to exceed the preset upper limit value. May be.

The reserved sphere number corresponding probability setting means 726 uses the special symbol occurrence probability selected by the reserved sphere number corresponding probability selecting means 725, the winning value of the fluctuation used when the random number judging means 727 judges the random number. Set as. The hit value selected as described above is held until it is used for the judgment by the hit random number judging means 727, together with the hit random number and the stop symbol random number stored by the random number storage means 722 corresponding to each of the number of reserved balls, The reserved ball corresponding probability setting means 725 hits the hit value held and hits random number judging means 727.
At the time of judgment by, it is set as the hit value of the fluctuation.

The hit random number judging means 727 is for judging whether or not to perform a special game according to the hit random number. For example, the hit values stored in the ROM are 7 to 16 (10
Number) and the random number value (0 to 29) acquired as the previous hit random number.
If the random number value matches "7" of the hit values (that is, 7 to 16) described above, it is determined as "win". An example of the hit value that has been set is shown in FIG. In addition, if there are reserved balls,
In addition to the hit values 7 to 16 described above, the hit value to be referred to is set by the held ball number corresponding probability setting means 726 according to the held ball number. At the same time, when the probability is changing, the high-probability game setting means 90 sets the hit value to be referred to in addition to the hit values 7 to 16 described above.

The effect determination means 728 is for determining various effects until the symbols are variably displayed and stopped and displayed. The stop symbol determination means 728a, the effect random number acquisition means 728b, and the hit effect pattern group memory. 728c,
A reach effect pattern group 726d and a detach effect pattern group memory 728e are provided.

The stop symbol determining means 728a is for determining a stop symbol in accordance with a stop symbol random number. For example, if the hit random number determination means 727 is not determined to be a hit, that is, in the case of deviation, set a stop symbol corresponding to each stop symbol determination random number of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol. For example, if the left symbol determination random number is "1", the middle symbol determination random number is "2", the right symbol determination random number is "3",
The stop symbol is determined to be "1, 2, 3". When the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are the same symbol (special symbol), the number of the medium symbol is incremented by +2 so that the special symbol is not displayed. Also, the hit random number determining means 7
By 27, when it is determined to be a hit and the special symbol is displayed, the left symbol based on the left symbol random number is copied to both the middle symbol and the right symbol to display the special symbol.

The effect random number obtaining means 728b is for obtaining a random number for obtaining effect patterns (hereinafter, "effect random number"). For example, 0 to 7 (8 ways) generated by software increment counter
Is obtained before the hit is judged by the hit random number judging means 727.

The hit effect pattern group memory 728c includes a normal hit effect pattern group 728p and a special hit effect pattern group 728q.

The normal winning effect pattern group 728p is determined to be a hit by the hit random number determining means 727, and is a series from the start of fluctuation of the symbol selected when the stop symbol is determined to be a special symbol, that is, the winning symbol to the stop of the symbol. This is a memory for storing a plurality of types of effect patterns (hit effect patterns). For example, in the normal hit effect pattern group 728p, eight kinds of hit effect patterns are stored as shown in FIG. 6a.

The special winning effect pattern group 728q is determined as a hit by the hit random number determining means 727 during the probability variation, and the symbols are selected from the variation start of the symbols selected when the stop symbol is determined to be the probability variation symbol of the special symbols. This is a memory for storing a plurality of types of a series of patterns (special winning effect patterns) until the stop of. For example, the special winning effect pattern group 728q stores two types of special winning effect patterns, as shown in FIG. 7a.

The reach effect pattern group 726d is determined to be out by the hit random number determination means 727, and the stop symbol is determined to be the reach (the symbol on the left and right is the same but only the middle symbol is different) (reach symbol). At this time, it is a memory for storing a plurality of types of a series of effect patterns (reach effect patterns) from the start of variation of the selected symbol to the stop of the symbol. For example, the reach effect pattern group memory 7
In 28d, eight types of reach effect patterns are stored as shown in FIG. 6b.

The deviation effect pattern group memory 728e is selected when the hit random number judging means 727 judges that the deviation occurs and the stop symbol is determined to be a non-reach symbol (a symbol whose left and right symbols are different) (missing symbol). This is a memory for storing a plurality of types of a series of effect patterns (off effect effects patterns) from the start of fluctuation of the symbols to the stop of the symbols. For example, in the detachment effect pattern group memory 728e, two types of detachment effect patterns are stored as shown in FIG. 6c.

In the above effect pattern, the time from the start of the change of the symbol to the stop of the symbol can be set appropriately. For example, in the variation pattern of the present embodiment, the time from the start of all symbol variations until the stop of the left symbol is 5 seconds and 15 seconds in some cases, but the symbol variation time as in the latter 15 seconds. The longer the time is set, the higher the possibility that the number of reserved balls will increase becomes, which is advantageous for the player.

The effect determining means 728 determines the effect pattern configured as described above as follows.
First, the stop symbol determination unit 728a determines a stop symbol based on the determination result of the hit random number determination unit 727, and selects the effect pattern group to be selected from the determination result of the stop symbol and the probability variation end determination unit 724c. Then, one pattern is selected from the effect pattern group selected according to the obtained effect random number value.

The symbol control means 729 is for controlling the display of the symbols and the like displayed on the symbol display device 22 based on the effect pattern determined by the effect determination means 728 described above. For example, on the screen of the symbol display device 22, the effect and the design determined by the effect determining means 728 on the condition that the game ball has won the start winning opening 17, that is, the starting opening winning detection device 17c. After displaying the variation mode for a predetermined time, the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determining means 728a is displayed.

The special game executing means 80 is for executing a special game when the hit random number judging means 727 judges that the hit is a hit, that is, when the stop symbol is a special symbol, and is a unit game executing means 81. , Continuation determination means 82
And a probability variation shift determination means 83.

The unit game execution means 81 is for performing a unit game during the special game, and the special winning opening drive means 8
11 and unit game end determination means 812.

The special winning opening driving means 811 is used for the special winning opening 31.
The opening and closing door 35 is opened to operate the special winning opening driving device 36 so as to facilitate the winning of the special winning opening 31.

The unit game end determination means 812 is for determining whether or not to end the unit game based on preset unit game end conditions.

The continuation judging means 82 is for judging whether or not to end the special game, based on a preset continuation condition.

The probability variation shift determining means 83 is for determining whether or not to perform the probability variation after the end of the special game. For example, it is determined whether or not the special symbol displayed on the symbol display device 22 is a predetermined probability variation symbol.

The high-probability game setting means 90 has a low probability that the special symbol occurrence probability after the end of the special game is low when the determination result is positive by the probability variation transition determining means 83, that is, the probability variation symbol is determined. It is intended to cause a high fluctuation from. For example, when it is determined to be a probability variation symbol (varied to the probability variation game probability), as shown in FIG. 5, as a hit value referred to by the hit random number determination means 727, 7 to 16, 71 to 80, 135 to 35.
144, 199 to 208, 263 to 272 (40 pieces) are set in advance.

The payout control means 100 is a prize ball payout device 45.
It is for controlling to pay out prize balls from.

Next, the control outline in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a main flowchart of the pachinko machine PM. The game control means 60 first initializes the entire gaming machine in step S1, and then executes step S2.
After performing the normal game process and the special game process of step S3, the process returns to step S2. This operation is repeatedly executed until the power is cut off. The normal game process of step S2 and the special game process of step S3 will be described later.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the normal game process, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the winning a prize winning check process. As shown in FIG. 9, the normal game process of the above step S2 is a winning a prize winning check process (step S20) for checking the winning of the winning port, and a special game transition determination for determining whether or not to transition the special game. Processing (step S21)
After executing and, this process ends.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the winning a prize winning check process (step S20), first, the winning a prize in any one of the general winning a prize openings 16a, 16b, 34a and 34b is detected by the general winning a prize detecting device 16c. 16d, 34c, 34d
When detected by (step S201), the detection signal is sent to the game control means 60 and the general winning flag is set (step S202). Then, based on this flag, the payout control means 100 causes the prize ball payout device 45.
An operation signal is output to the prize ball payout device 45 in response to this signal, and a predetermined number (for example, 1
The (0 balls) prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 45 to the upper or lower ball trays 7a, 7b. The flag set here is appropriately reset based on the prize ball movement.

When the winning of the game ball into the starting winning opening 17 is detected by the starting winning detection device 17c (step S203), the detection signal is sent to the game control means 60 and the starting winning flag is set. (Step S20
4). Then, the payout control means 10 is based on this flag.
The operation signal is output to the prize ball payout device 45 by 0, and in response to this signal, the prize ball payout device 45 is operated and a predetermined number (for example, 5 balls) of prizes to the start prize hole 17 are won. The balls are placed above or below the prize receiving device 45 for receiving the balls, 7a,
Pay out to 7b.

When the above-mentioned winning a prize winning check process (step S20) is completed, a special game shift determination process (step S21) is executed next. FIG. 11 is a front stage flowchart of the special game shift determination process (step S21), FIG.
Is a flowchart of the symbol variation element acquisition process (step S210), and FIG. 13 is a latter stage flowchart of the special game transition determination process (step S21) continued from FIG. In the special game shift determination process (step S21), first, a symbol variation element acquisition process (step S210) is performed.

Regarding this symbol element acquisition processing S210,
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the start winning flag is on in order to confirm whether or not the start winning opening 17 is won (step S211), and if it is on, the start winning flag is cleared (step S21).
2). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the stored number of reserved balls that have won the starting winning opening 17 has reached the storage upper limit number (for example, 8) (step S213). If the number of held balls does not reach the upper limit of storage and can be stored, 1 is added to the number of stored holding balls (step S21).
4), the hit random number acquisition unit 721 acquires a hit random number (step S215), and the stop symbol random number acquisition unit 722 acquires a stop symbol random number (step S216). Then, the above-mentioned hit random number and stop symbol random number acquired by the random number storage means 730 are the number n (n = 1, 2, 3,) of each holding sphere.
, ..., 8) are stored in the random value area provided corresponding to (step S217). Note that step S21
In 3, if the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit,
In this state, the symbol variation element acquisition process S210 is ended.

Next, special game shift determination processing (step S
21) performs a process of confirming whether or not the reserved ball is stored (step S220). If there is no storage of reserved balls, the present process is terminated. If there are stored reserved balls, the value of the random number stored in the random number area corresponding to the number of reserved balls = 1 is read out. (Step S221), 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls (step S222), and this value is stored in the reserved ball number area (step S223). That is, the value of the number of holding balls which has not been used for the symbol variation is stored. Then, the value of each random value area is shifted (step S224). That is, the number of holding balls = n (n
= 2,3,4, ..., 8) The value stored in the random value area corresponding to (8) is stored in the random value area corresponding to the number of holding balls = n-1. The effect pattern determination random number is acquired by the effect random number acquisition means 728b (step S225), and the process proceeds to step S230.

First, a random number lottery is carried out by the random number determining means 727 based on the random numbers obtained above (step S230). When the result of the random number lottery is a hit, the stop symbol determining means 728 based on the obtained stop symbol random number.
The predetermined stop symbol is determined by a (step S23).
1). This stop symbol is a special symbol, and it is determined whether or not this special symbol is a probability variation symbol (step S23).
2). If the special symbol is a probability variation symbol, based on the obtained effect random number, from the special hit effect pattern group 728q, FIG.
The special winning effect pattern shown in a is read (step S233). This special winning performance pattern group 728q
, A specific effect that is performed when the special symbol occurrence probability changes, is set, and the reach change and the premium notice shown in FIG. 20 are set. This premium notice is a notice effect with a very low appearance frequency, and when this effect is made, there is an extremely high probability that the lottery result in the change will be a win. By using this as a particular effect, the player can increase the recognition that the special symbol occurrence probability is changed during the symbol change, and the player's concentration degree in the change can be increased. Also, step S
In 232, when the special symbol is not a probability variation symbol, that is, when the three symbols of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol are the same as shown in FIG. 17, the hit symbol and the obtained effect random number Based on this, the normal hit effect pattern (see FIG. 6a) is read from the above-described normal hit effect pattern group 728p (step S234), and the process proceeds to step S239.

On the other hand, in step S230, when it is out, a predetermined stop symbol is determined by the stop symbol determining means 728a based on the obtained stop symbol random number (step S235). This stop symbol is a detachment symbol and is a symbol other than the hit symbol. It is determined whether or not this detachment stop symbol is a reach symbol (step S23).
6). Of the symbols that are out of reach, the numbers on the left and right symbols are the same as shown in FIG. 18, but this number and the numbers on the center symbol are different.
In addition, in FIG. 18, as such an example, "7/8/7"
Is displayed. When the detachment symbol is the reach symbol, the reach symbol and the reach symbol obtained from the reach symbol pattern memory 728d (see FIG. 6b) are read (step S237), and the process proceeds to step S239. In step S236,
When the off symbol is not the reach symbol, that is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, when the three numbers of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol are different, the deviation effect pattern from the deviation effect pattern group memory 728e based on the deviation symbol and the effect random number acquired (see FIG. 6c). ) Is read (step S238), and the process proceeds to step S239.

Then, in step S239, in the symbol display device 22, the display of the effect pattern and the stop symbol acquired by the symbol control means 729 is controlled. That is, when the lottery result in step S230 is a win, the symbol display device 22 displays the winning symbols in a stopped state after the special winning effect or the normal winning effect is performed according to a predetermined condition. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the reach effect or the out effect is performed according to a predetermined condition, and the out symbol is stopped and displayed.

After displaying the stop symbol in step S239 in this way, the hit random number determining means 727 determines whether or not the obtained hit random number is hit (step S240), and when hit, sets a special game flag ( Step S24
1). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is out, this flow ends.

Then, the special game process S3 shown in FIG. 14 is performed. This special game process S3 is a process of establishing a special game in which the unit game can be executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) when the hit random number lottery result obtained in step S215 is a hit.

First, it is confirmed whether or not the special game flag is ON, that is, it is confirmed whether or not the obtained winning random number is a hit (step S301), and if it is out, this process is ended. In the case of a hit, the special game flag is set and the special symbol occurrence probability is changed (step S
302). Next, various initial settings for performing the unit game are made (step S303), and the unit game is started.

The unit game, as shown in FIG. 15, operates the special winning opening driving device 36 by the special winning opening driving means 811, opens the opening / closing door 35 of the special winning opening 31, and opens the first unit game. Start. When the opening / closing door 35 is opened, the opening / closing door 35 tilts forward by about 90 degrees, and the game balls falling and moving in the game area space are received by the opening / closing door 35, which makes it very easy to win the big winning opening 31. . When a game ball is won in the special winning opening in such a state, the payout control means 100 causes a predetermined number (for example, 13) of prize balls to be placed on the upper or lower ball trays 7a and 7b. Be paid out.

When the first unit game is started in this way, the unit game end determination means 812 determines whether or not the unit game end condition as described below is achieved, and the unit game end condition is achieved. Until the prize is won 31
The opening operation of is continued.

The unit game end condition is shown in FIG. 1 in this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, “number of winning balls” and “time limit” are set as the requirements. First, the requirement for "number of winning balls" is to judge that the unit game ending condition is achieved when the total number of playing balls that have won in the special winning opening 31 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls). The special winning opening winning detection device 30b determines whether or not the special winning opening 31 is won (step S304). When a prize is won, the number of prize balls (eg, 10 balls) necessary for ending the preset unit game condition from the counter for large prize winning balls (not shown)
To 1 (step S305). Further, it is determined by the specific area passage detection device 37c whether or not a game ball has won a specific area (not shown) (step S306), and when the game is won, a specific area flag is set (step S).
307).

Then, the process proceeds to step S310, it is determined whether or not the number of winning balls of the special winning opening 31 has reached a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) (step S308), and the number of winning balls is set to a predetermined number. If satisfied, the unit game end condition has been achieved, so the process proceeds to step S310, and if the number of winning balls does not satisfy the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S309, which is the next unit game end condition. The "open time" requirement is
When the opening time of the opening / closing door 35 of the special winning opening 31 after the start of the unit game has passed a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), it is determined that the unit game end condition is achieved. Then, it is determined whether or not this end condition is achieved (step S309). If the time limit has not ended, the unit game end condition is not satisfied yet, so the process returns to step S304 and the next unit game is performed. When the time limit is over, that is, because the unit game ending condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S310.

In this way, the unit game end determination means 812
Is a unit game at the earliest of the time when the total number of winning balls in the special winning opening 31 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) or a predetermined time limit (for example, 30 seconds has elapsed) It is determined that the ending condition is achieved, and the unit game is ended.

When the unit game ending condition as described above is achieved, the opening / closing door 35 is closed, and then the continuation judging means 82 judges whether or not the continuation judging condition is satisfied (step S310). This continuation condition is a condition whether or not a game ball is won in a specific area during the unit game and the specific area flag is set, and the continuation condition is provided only when there is a prize in the specific area during the unit game. Is judged to have been achieved. Therefore, when the unit game is finished without winning the specific area, the special game ending process S320 is performed from step S310.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S312 that the continuation condition is satisfied, that is, if there is at least one winning ball in the specific area during the unit game this time, the specific area flag is cleared (step S31).
1). There is a counter for counting the number of rounds of the unit game after the start of this special game, and this counter is preset to a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). Decrement 1 from this counter (step S31
2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the round number counter is less than 0, that is, whether or not the unit game is repeated a predetermined number of times (step S313), and when the round number counter is 0 or more, that is, a predetermined number. If not repeated, the process returns to step S303 to play the next unit game. When the value of the round number counter becomes less than 0, that is, when the unit game is repeated a predetermined number of times,
The process proceeds from step S313 to special game end processing S320.

The special game ending process S320 is shown in FIG. 16. First, it is determined whether or not the stopped symbol at the time of winning is a probability variation symbol (step S321). When it is determined that it is a probability variation symbol, the high probability game setting means 90 changes the special symbol occurrence probability so as to be advantageous to the player (see FIG. 5), and in the symbol display device 22, the probability shown in FIG. A variable winning screen is displayed (step S322). In the present embodiment, the probability variation win screen is displayed with a large "probability change" character in order to attract the player's attention. Therefore, the player can easily understand that the probability changes. On the other hand, when it is determined that the stopped symbol is not the probability variation symbol, the probability variation non-winning screen is notified (step S323). The probability variation non-winning screen displays characters such as "Zan-nen" shown in FIG. 22 to inform that the special symbol occurrence probability has not changed.

As described above, the high probability game setting means 9
When the special symbol occurrence probability after the end of the special game is changed from 0 to high probability by 0, the memory number reading means 72
The number of game balls read out by 4 is made to correspond to each game ball for which the winning detection is executed by the starting mouth winning detection device 17c, and the special symbol occurrence probability is set by the reserved ball number corresponding probability setting means 726. It is also possible to provide a storage number holding means capable of holding and to select again the hit value which has already been selected by the reserved ball number corresponding probability selection means 725.

For example, first, when the special symbol occurrence probability after the end of the special game is changed, the special symbol occurrence probability (hit value) is already selected by the reserved ball number corresponding probability selecting means 725. With respect to, the winning value selected by the reserved ball number corresponding probability selecting means 725 is cleared.
Next, the number of game balls read by the memory number reading means 724 corresponds to each of the game balls for which winning detection has been executed by the starting mouth winning detection device 17c, and the special number by the reserved ball number corresponding probability setting means 726. Until the symbol occurrence probability is set, since it is held by the above-mentioned memory number holding means, the memory number reading means 724 again reads the value of the game sphere held by the memory number holding means. , The hit value corresponding to the read value is selected.

In this way, even if there is a transition to the normal game or the probability variation game after the end of the special game, the special symbol occurrence probability corresponding to the number of reserved balls can be accurately selected and set.

As described above, in the pachinko machine PM of the present invention, the special symbol occurrence probability is changed according to the number of game balls that are not yet used for the symbol change, and the player can obtain various profit states. By imparting sexuality, it is possible to play a game that is interesting.

In the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a notifying means for notifying the player of the special symbol occurrence probability set according to the number of game balls that have not yet been used for symbol fluctuation. . In this case, the method of notifying the fluctuation of the special symbol occurrence probability, the symbol display device 22, the probability value in the game state is directly represented by numbers, or the effect suggested by the hit probability corresponding to the number of reserved balls is used, The mode for notifying the change in the probability is not particularly limited, and may be any that can be easily understood by the player. For example, as shown in both FIGS. 23a and 23b of FIG. 23, when the winning probability changes, the notification is given by the screen on which the character appears. With such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the playability, and the player can easily recognize that the special symbol occurrence probability changes.

Further, the notifying means is the above-mentioned effect determining means 7
You may comprise so that the time of the variation and the reach action of the production pattern determined by 28 may be notified. With such a configuration, the game ball can be held during the time of the symbol variation and the reach action, so the starting winning opening 1
The player will actively participate in the game in order to win more game balls in 7, which can be more interesting.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Detecting means for detecting the game sphere that has won the starting winning opening, storage means for storing the number of game spheres that have not been used for symbol variation among the game spheres detected by the detecting means, and are stored by the storage means The number of storage reading means for executing the reading of the value, and a special symbol occurrence probability corresponding to the value read by the storage number reading means among the special symbol occurrence probabilities in which a plurality of special symbols appear in advance are provided. Probability setting means for selecting, and probability setting means for setting the special symbol occurrence probability selected by the probability selecting means as a special symbol occurrence probability in association with the value of the game ball stored in the storage means A ball game machine is configured.
According to the ball game machine having such a configuration, the special symbol is generated by the probability setting means according to the number of game balls (that is, the number of reserved balls) stored in the storage means and not used for the symbol variation. Since the probability is set, it is possible to provide a ball-and-ball game machine in which the profit state obtained by the player can be varied and an interesting game can be played.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of the ball game machine.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a front surface of a game board of the ball game machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the ball game machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of control means for performing game control of the ball game machine.

FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of the hit value set above.

FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of the normal effect pattern.

FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of an effect pattern for changing the probability.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control means.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control content of the control means.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control contents by the control means.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control contents by the control means.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control content of the control means.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control content of the control means.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control means.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing control contents by the control means.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control content of the control means.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the control content of the control means.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a display example on a display device by the control means.

FIG. 19 is a front view showing a display example of a display device by the control means.

FIG. 20 is a front view showing a display example on a display device by the control means.

FIG. 21 is a front view showing a display example of a display device by the control means.

FIG. 22 is a front view showing a display example of a display device by the control means.

FIG. 23 is a front view showing a display example on a display device by the control means.

[Explanation of symbols]

BM back mechanism PM Pachinko machine 1 outer frame 2 front frame 5 glass doors 6 accommodation frames 7a, 7b Upper and lower ball saucers 8 ball hitting handle 10 game board 11 game areas 13 rails 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d Windmill 16a, 16b General prize hole 16c, 16d General prize winning detection device 17 Starting prize hole 17c Starting mouth winning detection device 18 Out mouth 22 symbol display device 23 Start prize memory display 31 big prize hole 34a, 34b General prize hole 34c, 34d General prize winning detection device 35 open / close door 36 Door open solenoid mechanism 37c, 37d General winning a prize detection device 40 ball payout mechanism 45 Prize Ball Dispensing Device 50 ball storage supply mechanism 58a, 58b game control board 60 game control means 70 Normal game execution means 71 prize winning means 72 Special game transition determination means 721a per random number acquisition means 721b Stop symbol random number acquisition means 722 random number storage means 723 Reservation ball number storage means 724 Memory number reading means 725 Reservation ball number corresponding probability selection means 726 Reservation ball count corresponding probability setting means 727 random number storage means 728a Stop symbol determination means 728b Production random number acquisition means 728c hit production pattern group memory 728p Normal hit production pattern group 728q Special winning performance pattern group 728d Reach production pattern group memory 728e Departure production pattern group memory 729 symbol control means 80 Special game execution means 81 unit game execution means 811 Big winning a prize drive means 812 unit game end determination means 82 Continuity determination means 83 Stochastic fluctuation transition determination means 90 High probability game setting means 100 payout control means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A symbol display device capable of variable display of symbols, a lottery means for executing a lottery as to whether or not a special game is to be executed on condition that a game ball has been won in a starting winning opening, and the lottery means. After changing the symbol of the symbol display device based on the lottery result by, the symbol control means for stop display, and when the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol control means is a predetermined special symbol, provided in the game area In a gaming machine provided with a special game execution means for playing a game with the variable winning opening being made easy to win, a detecting means for detecting a gaming ball winning the starting winning opening, and a gaming ball detected by the detecting means Of these, storage means for storing the number of game balls that are not yet used for symbol variation, storage number reading means for reading the value stored by the storage means, A number of special symbol occurrence probabilities in which the special symbol appears are selected by the probability selecting means and the probability selecting means for selecting a special symbol occurrence probability corresponding to the value read by the memory number reading means. And a probability setting means for setting the special symbol occurrence probability as the special symbol occurrence probability in association with the value of the game sphere stored in the storage means, and the lottery means, the game winning the start winning hole When performing the lottery of the ball, the lottery is executed according to the special symbol occurrence probability set by the probability setting means, the symbol control means, according to the result of the lottery, the symbol of the symbol display device A ball-and-ball game machine characterized by changing and then displaying a stop. 2. The probability setting means sets the special symbol occurrence probability high each time the number of game balls stored in the storage means increases. The listed ball game machine. 3. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the probability setting means sets the special symbol occurrence probability so as not to exceed a preset upper limit value. 4. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising informing means for informing a player of the special symbol occurrence probability set by the probability setting means.