JP2004215927A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, giving no feeling of loss to a game player and also improving interest. <P>SOLUTION: When a game ball wins a prize in a start hole, it is investigated whether or not the number N of balls retained is under 4 (S200, S202). WHen the number N of balls retained is not under 4, the number Ni of invalid entering balls is counted up and a segment of an invalid entering ball display device is lighted to perform time reduction determination processing (S206 to S208). In this time reduction determination processing, success is determined from whether or not a game mode is a time reduction mode according to the value of the number Ni of invalid entering balls. As a result, no feeling of loss is given to the game player and the interest can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a pattern variation display means for varyingly displaying a pattern according to establishment of a starting condition, and a predetermined winning probability at the time of starting the variation display of the pattern by the pattern variation display means. The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising: a determination unit for determining whether to determine whether or not the game is successful.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, the start of a condition (for example, a game ball entering the starting port, etc.) starts changing the pattern, and when the stopped pattern is a missing pattern, it becomes a normal gaming state, It is generally known that a special game state that is advantageous to a player at the time of a winning pattern is provided (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this gaming machine, when the starting condition is further satisfied while the pattern is changing, the starting condition is held up to a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) as an upper limit, and the pattern of the pattern accompanying the held starting condition is held. The reserve is being digested when starting to fluctuate.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-165974 (paragraph 0059)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a gaming machine, when the number of suspensions reaches the upper limit of the predetermined number of times, even if the start condition is further satisfied, the game is discarded without being suspended, thereby giving the player a sense of loss and reducing the interest. . Further, due to such a sense of loss, when the number of reservations reaches the upper limit of the predetermined number of times, the player may temporarily stop playing the game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine also decreases.
[0005]
An object of the gaming machine of the present invention is to prevent a player from feeling a loss and to improve interest.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
The gaming machine of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above object.
[0007]
Means 1. Pattern variation display means for variably displaying a pattern based on the establishment of a start condition; A gaming machine comprising
When the start condition is satisfied, a condition hold unit for holding the start condition satisfied with a predetermined hold number as an upper limit, until a pattern change display by the pattern change display unit according to the start condition is started, and ,
Condition fulfillment counting means for counting the fulfillment of the further start condition when the start condition is further fulfilled in a state where the fulfillment of the start condition is suspended up to the predetermined suspension number by the condition fulfillment suspension means,
Condition satisfaction control means for controlling the ease of establishment of the start condition based on the counted number of satisfaction of the start condition;
A gaming machine equipped with.
[0008]
In the gaming machine of this means 1, when the start conditions are further satisfied while the start conditions are satisfied up to the upper limit of the number of holds, the number of satisfied start conditions is counted, and based on the counted number of satisfied start conditions, Controls the ease with which starting conditions are satisfied. Therefore, even when the starting condition exceeding the upper limit of the number of suspensions is satisfied, it is possible to reduce the sense of loss given to the player and to improve the interest.
[0009]
Means 2. In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the condition satisfaction control means controls the ease with which the start condition is satisfied so that the larger the counted number of the start conditions, the easier the start condition is. A gaming machine that is a means. In this way, even if the number of established start conditions that exceed the upper limit of the number of holds increases, the sense of loss given to the player can be reduced.
[0010]
Means 3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the condition establishment control means controls the ease with which the game medium can enter a starting winning opening which satisfies the starting condition with the introduction of the game medium. A gaming machine that is a means to do. This makes it possible to control the ease with which the start condition is satisfied by controlling the ease with which the game medium enters the start winning opening.
[0011]
Means 4. In the gaming machine according to the means 3, the starting winning opening is a movable winning opening capable of opening or expanding an entrance of the gaming medium, and the condition satisfaction control means is configured to enter the gaming medium at the starting winning opening. A game machine that controls the ease with which the game medium can enter the start winning opening by controlling the manner in which the game medium is opened or enlarged. In this way, by controlling the manner in which the entrance of the game medium at the start winning port is opened or enlarged, it is possible to control the ease with which the game medium enters the starting winning port.
[0012]
Means 5. The game machine according to claim 4, wherein a second pattern change display means for changing and displaying a pattern based on establishment of a second start condition, and a predetermined pattern change display by the second pattern change display means. A second winning / decreasing means for judging whether or not a winning is achieved with a winning probability; and a starting winning opening for opening or enlarging an entrance of the game medium of the starting winning opening when the second winning / decreasing determining means determines a hit. A gaming machine comprising control means.
[0013]
Means 6. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the condition satisfaction control means controls the second pattern change display means so that a change time of the change display of the pattern is a change time shorter than a normal change time. (2) A gaming machine which is means for controlling a pattern variation display means. In this case, the change time of the picture by the second picture change display means is shortened, so that the frequency of the success / fail judgment by the second success / fail judgment means can be made higher than usual. As a result, the frequency of opening and enlarging the entrance of the game medium of the starting winning port by the starting winning port control means can be increased.
[0014]
Means 7. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the condition satisfaction control means is configured to perform the normal number of operations when the starting winning opening control unit opens or expands the entrance of the game medium of the starting winning opening. A gaming machine, which is means for controlling the starting winning opening control means so that the number of operations is greater than the number of operations. In this case, the number of times the opening of the game medium of the starting winning port is opened or expanded by the starting winning port control means is increased, so that the game medium can be more easily thrown into the starting winning port than usual.
[0015]
Means 8. The gaming machine according to any one of means 5 to 7, wherein the condition satisfaction control means includes a normal operation time when the start winning opening control means opens or expands the entrance of the game medium of the starting winning opening. A gaming machine which is means for controlling the starting winning opening control means so that the operation time is longer than the operation time. In this case, since the time for opening and expanding the game medium opening of the start winning port by the starting winning port control means becomes longer, it is possible to make the game medium more easily enter the starting winning port than usual.
[0016]
Means 9. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein when the number of satisfied start conditions counted by the condition satisfying means reaches a predetermined satisfied number, a determination is made as to whether or not the winning is achieved with a predetermined winning probability. A gaming machine comprising third hit / fail judgment means, wherein the condition satisfaction control means is a means for controlling the ease with which a start condition is satisfied when the third hit / judgment judgment means determines a hit. With this configuration, it is possible to control the ease with which the start condition is satisfied in accordance with the result of the collision determination by the third collision determination unit. As a result, interest can be improved.
[0017]
Means 10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the pattern is variably displayed when the number of fulfillment of the starting conditions counted by the condition fulfillment counting means reaches a predetermined satisfaction number, and the determination result by the third success / failure determination means is displayed. A game machine provided with a third pattern change display means. In this way, the player can check the result of the judgment by the third judgment unit and the result of the judgment. As a result, interest can be improved.
[0018]
Means 11. In the gaming machine according to the means 9 or 10, the third success / failure determination means performs the success / failure determination with the first hit probability when the result of the previous success / failure determination is incorrect, and determines whether the result of the previous success / failure determination is a hit. A game machine which is means for making a determination as to whether or not a hit is made with a second hit probability higher than the first hit probability. This increases the probability that the third success / failure determination means determines that the winning is continuous, so that the interest can be improved and the player can be encouraged to continue the game.
[0019]
Means 12. 12. The gaming machine according to claim 9, further comprising: a determination result display means for displaying a result of the determination by the third determination section until a next determination is made. In this way, the player can confirm the result of the previous success / failure determination. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest and to encourage the player to continue the game.
[0020]
Means 13. 13. A gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising condition satisfaction number display means for displaying the number of satisfaction of the starting condition counted by said condition satisfaction counting means. In this way, the player can check the number of fulfilled start conditions counted. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest and to encourage the player to continue the game.
[0021]
Means 14. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 13, wherein the pattern variation display means is controlled such that a variation time at the time of variation display of the pattern by the pattern variation display means is a variation time shorter than a normal variation time. Machine with variable time control means. With this configuration, the frequency of the pattern change display by the pattern change display unit and the pass / fail determination by the pass / fail determination unit increases, so that the time required for obtaining the hit determination can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the sense of loss given to the player and to improve the interest.
[0022]
Means 15. 15. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 14, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. As a basic configuration of a pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and a game ball is fired to a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the handle, and the game ball wins an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition, the changing display of the picture on the display means is started, and during the special game state, the winning opening arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined manner to open the game ball. As a possible prize, a value (including not only a prize ball but also writing on a magnetic card) corresponding to the number of prizes is given. Note that such a pachinko machine has a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous to a player consuming game balls. May be present.
[0023]
Means 16. 15. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said gaming machine is a slot machine. As a basic configuration of such a slot machine as a gaming machine of the present invention, a display means for variably displaying a pattern row composed of a plurality of patterns for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state and then confirming and displaying the pattern is provided. The fluctuation of the pattern is started by the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the fluctuation of the pattern is caused by the operation of the stopping operation means (for example, the stop button) or by elapse of a predetermined time. A game machine which is stopped and has special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the fixed pattern at the time of the stop is a specific pattern "can be cited. In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium. In such a slot machine, a special game state (big hit state) which is advantageous for a player who can obtain at least a large number of game media such as coins and medals, and a normal game which is disadvantageous for a player consuming game media A state may exist.
[0024]
Means 17. 15. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 14, wherein the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. The basic configuration of a gaming machine in which the pachinko machine and the slot machine are integrated is as follows: "variable display of a pattern row composed of a plurality of patterns for identifying the game state according to the game state is performed, and then the pattern is determined and displayed. A display means is provided, in which a pattern change is started by operation of a starting operation hand (for example, an operation lever), and is caused by operation of a stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or by elapse of a predetermined time. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the pattern change is stopped and the fixed pattern at the time of the stop is a specific pattern is provided, and a game ball is used as a game medium And a game machine configured to require a predetermined number of game balls at the start of changing the pattern and to pay out many game balls when a special game state occurs. It can be mentioned. Such gaming machines include a special game state (big hit state) which is advantageous for a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state which is disadvantageous for a player who consumes the game balls. There may be different types of gaming states.
[0025]
As described in the means 15 to 17, as the gaming machine of the present invention, a pachinko machine, a slot machine, a gaming machine obtained by fusing a pachinko machine and a slot machine, and the like can be mentioned. It can also be applied to gaming machines.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine 20 functioning as a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a gaming board 30 of the pachinko machine 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connection of the pachinko machine 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment includes a game board 30 covered with glass fitted in a front frame 22, an upper tray 24 and a lower tray 26 for storing game balls, and a game ball. It includes a firing knob 28 for firing to the panel 30 and a main control device 70 (see FIG. 3) for controlling the entire pachinko machine 20.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 has a normal symbol display device 32 disposed at the upper center of the game panel 30 and a normal symbol starter disposed on the left and right portions of the game panel 30 to detect the passage of a game ball. Ordinary symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b having mouth switches 36a and 36b, a special symbol display device 40 arranged below the ordinary symbol display device 32, and a game ball arranged below the special symbol display device 40 , Which has a special symbol start-up switch 44 for detecting a winning, a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 attached to the start-up opening 42 and capable of being opened and closed, and a large-sized open-closed openable and disposed below the start-up opening 42. There are a winning opening 50, four normal winning openings 60a to 60d arranged in the lower left and right portions of the game board 30, and an out opening 69 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings.
[0028]
The normal symbol display device 32 includes symbols “a” and “x” 32a and 32b that are displayed in a variable manner by switching the lighting of a lamp (not shown) provided behind the symbol 32a and symbols “a” and “x”. It includes four ordinary symbol change pending lamps 33a to 33d arranged above 32b. For the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X", when the game ball is detected to have won the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b, the variable display is started, and a predetermined time is displayed (for example, 30 seconds). After the fluctuation display, the fluctuation display is ended in a state where one of the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X" is turned on. The normal symbol change holding lamps 33a to 33d cause the game balls to win the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the variable display of the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X" by the ordinary symbol display device 32. By turning on the lights one by one from the left side each time, and turning on the lights in the reverse order of the lighting each time the variation display of the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X" by the ordinary symbol display device 32 is started, The number of winnings at the ordinary symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the fluctuation display is shown as the number of suspensions up to a maximum of four times.
[0029]
The special symbol display device 40 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 90 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 40 normally displays three symbols L, M, and R of left, middle, and right each composed of a character and a number. These three symbols L, M and R are variably displayed when it is detected that the mouth 42 is won. Then, when the predetermined fluctuation time ends, the fluctuation display of the three symbols L, M, and R is stopped in the order of symbol L, symbol R, and symbol M, and the three symbols L, M, and R match. Sometimes a special game video is displayed as a jackpot. An example of the special game video is shown in FIGS.
[0030]
The game board 30 is provided with four special symbol change holding lamps 41 a to 41 d between the ordinary symbol display device 32 and the special symbol display device 40. The special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d are used by the game ball to start the opening 42 during the change display of the three symbols L, M, and R by the special symbol display device 40 and during the display of the special game video. Is turned on one by one from the left each time a prize is won, and is turned off in the reverse order of the lighting each time the variable display of the three symbols L, M, R by the special symbol display device 40 is started. The number of balls won in the starting port 42 during the fluctuation display or during the display of the special game moving image is shown as the number of reserved balls up to a maximum of four.
[0031]
The tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 provided at the starting port 42 is used for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 second) as a hit when the variation display by the ordinary symbol display device 32 is stopped at the symbol 32a of “O”. It is configured to open. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, an invalid ball entry display device 43 is provided on the front surface of the starting port 42. The invalid ball entry display device 43 is composed of 25 segments of 5 × 5, which are lit by light emitting diodes, and all of the special symbol change pending lamps 41a to 41d are lit (ie, reserved). In the state where the number of balls is maximum, the number of invalid balls that are not held is counted and displayed by being lit one by one in the right direction sequentially from the lower left segment each time a game ball wins the starting port 42.
[0032]
The special winning opening 50 is normally in a closed state that does not accept a game ball, and at the time of a big hit, an open state and a normal closed state in which the special winning opening driving device 52 shown in FIG. It is driven to be repeated based on a predetermined condition. The large winning opening 50 includes a 10-count switch 54 (see FIG. 3) for counting the winning of the game ball, and a V-count for detecting that the gaming ball has won a V zone 56 provided at the center of the large winning opening 50. A switch 58 (see FIG. 3) is attached.
[0033]
In addition to the above, the game board 30 has a rail 62 for guiding the fired game balls on an arc, lamp windmills 64a and 64b disposed on left and right shoulders for guiding to the center of the game board 30, and a normal symbol display device operation gate. Windmills 66a and 66b arranged near 34a and 34b, a total of eight indicators 68a to 68h mounted on both sides of the special symbol display device 40, and the like are also mounted. It should be noted that a plurality of nails that guide and play the game balls to enhance the playability are not shown.
[0034]
The main control device 70 is configured as a microcomputer having a CPU 72 as a main component. In addition to a power supply circuit 73 for supplying power to the CPU 72, a ROM 74 for storing a processing program, a RAM 76 for temporarily storing data, A clock circuit 78 for outputting a rectangular wave having a frequency and an input / output processing circuit 80 are connected by a bus 82. The main control device 70 includes a winning signal from the normal symbol starting port switches 36a and 36b, a starting signal from the special symbol starting port switch 44, a count signal from the 10 count switch 54, a V signal from the V count switch 58, An input signal or the like from another input / output device 88 such as a winning switch or a prize ball count switch is input via the input / output processing circuit 80. In addition, the main controller 70 sends a drive signal to the normal symbol display device 32, a drive signal to the special winning opening drive device 52, the normal symbol change holding lamps 33a to 33d, the special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d, and the indicator 68a. To 68h, a driving signal to the ordinary motorized accessory 46, a lighting signal to the invalid entry display 43, a control signal to the audio controller 84 to which the speaker 86 is connected, and a special symbol display 40. A control signal to the display control device 90 for controlling the display, a driving signal to another input / output device 88 such as a prize ball control device for controlling the payout of the prize ball, and the like are output via the input / output processing circuit 80. .
[0035]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 20 thus configured will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main routine executed by the main control device 70. This routine is repeatedly executed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 msec).
[0036]
When the main routine is executed, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 executes a start winning process (step S100) illustrated in FIG. 9, a change start process (step S102) illustrated in FIG. 10, and a change end process illustrated in FIG. (Step S104), the counter updating process (Step S106) illustrated in FIG. 12 is executed, and thereafter, the lost symbol counter updating process (Step S108) illustrated in FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed. For ease of explanation, first, a counter update process and a lost symbol counter update process will be described, and then other processes will be described.
[0037]
In the counter updating process, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 controls each counter of the internal random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, the symbol counter C3, the fluctuation pattern counter C4, and the time reduction judgment random number counter C5. The process of incrementing is executed (step S240). The internal random number counter C1 is a counter used when determining whether or not a big hit has occurred. In the embodiment, the internal random number counter C1 is sequentially incremented by one from 0 to 629. The reach random number counter C2 is a counter used to determine whether or not to perform a reach game. In the embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is incremented by one from 0 to 11 in order. The hit symbol counter C3 is used to determine a symbol (hit symbol) when the three symbols L, M, and R, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of a big hit, at the time of stopping the fluctuation. In the embodiment, 0 to 11 are sequentially incremented by one. The variation pattern counter C4 is a counter used to determine a pattern for variably displaying the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40, and ranges from 0 to 99 in the embodiment. Are sequentially incremented by one. The time-save determination random number counter C5 is a counter used when determining whether or not the game mode is set to the time-save mode, and in this embodiment, 0 to 9 are sequentially incremented by one. Here, the "time saving mode" is a game mode in which the game time required to obtain a jackpot tends to be shortened, and specifically, the variable display time of the ordinary symbol display device 32 is shorter than usual ( For example, the normal time is 30 seconds, the time saving mode is 5 seconds, and the like, and the opening time of the tulip when the fluctuation display by the normal symbol display device 32 is stopped at the symbol 32a of “」 ”is longer than the normal time (for example, the normal time). = 0.5 seconds × 1 time, time saving mode = 2 seconds × 3 times, etc., and the variable display time of the special symbol display device 40 is shorter than normal (for example, normal = 10 seconds, time saving mode = 3 seconds, etc.). ). In this time saving mode, the winning of the game ball to the starting port 42 is facilitated and the fluctuation time of the special symbol display device 40 is shortened. Therefore, the frequency of determining whether or not a big hit is increased increases. There is a tendency that the game time required to obtain it is shortened. When each counter is updated in this way, each counter is stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S242), and the counter update processing ends.
[0038]
In the losing symbol counter updating process, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of incrementing the losing symbol left counter Cl (step S250). The lost symbol left counter Cl is a left symbol among the three symbols L, M, and R, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of losing, when the variation is stopped (losing symbol). Is a counter used when determining the symbol L. In the embodiment, the value is incremented by one in order from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols. Subsequently, it is determined whether the value of the lost symbol left counter Cl is 0 (step S252). When the value of the lost symbol left counter Cl is 0, the value of the lost symbol right counter Cl is incremented (step S254). The lost symbol right counter Cr is the right one of the three symbols L, M, and R, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of losing, when the fluctuation is stopped (losing symbol). Is a counter used when determining the symbol R. In the embodiment, the value is incremented by one in order from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols, similarly to the lost symbol left counter Cl. Similarly, it is determined whether the value of the lost symbol right counter Cr is 0 (step S256). If the value of the lost symbol right counter Cr is 0, the counter Cm in the lost symbol is incremented (step S258). Here, the lost symbol inside counter Cm is a symbol (losing symbol) at the time of stopping the fluctuation of the three symbols L, M, R of the left, middle, and right which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of losing. Is a counter used when determining the middle symbol M among the symbols, and in the embodiment, in the same manner as the lost symbol left counter Cl and the lost symbol right counter Cr, 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols in order. Increment by one.
[0039]
When each of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cr, Cm is incremented, when it is determined in step S252 that the lost symbol left counter Cl is not 0, or when it is determined in step S256 that the lost symbol right counter Cr is not 0. Determines whether the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr match (step S260). When the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr do not match, the losing symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr are stored in a losing symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S262), and this routine is executed. finish. On the other hand, when the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr match, it is determined whether or not the losing symbol counter Cm also matches (step S264). When the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr match but the losing symbol counter Cm is different, the losing symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr are stored in a losing reach symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76. (Step S266), this routine ends. When all of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr match, the routine is not a lost symbol, and the routine is executed without storing the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr in the lost symbol buffer or the lost reach buffer. finish.
[0040]
As can be seen from the flowchart of the main routine illustrated in FIG. 8, the lost symbol counter updating process is repeatedly performed at intervals of a predetermined time during the idle time until the main routine is executed. Accordingly, while other counters such as the internal random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 count up each time the main routine is executed, the lost symbol left counter Cl is added to the loop each time the main routine is executed. It counts up every time the process is executed.
[0041]
In the start winning process, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not a game ball has won the start port 42 (step S200). This determination can be made based on whether or not the special symbol starting port switch 44 is turned on. When it is determined that the game ball has won the starting port 42, it is checked whether or not the number of reserved balls N is less than 4 (step S202). This is because, as described above, the number of reserved balls is up to four in the embodiment.
[0042]
When the number of reserved balls N is less than 4, the number of reserved balls N is counted up and one of the special symbol change pending lamps 41a to 41d is turned on in order from the left (steps S203, S204), and the counter updating process in FIG. The internal random number counter value, the reach random number counter value, the hit symbol counter value, and the lost symbol counter value stored in the buffer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 in step S262 of step S262 of the lost symbol counter update process of FIG. It is stored in the first area of the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage area set in the predetermined area (step S205). FIG. 14 shows an example of the structure of the reserved ball storage area. As shown in the figure, the reserved ball storage area includes one execution area capable of storing one internal random number counter value, a reach random number counter value, a hit symbol counter value, and a lost symbol counter value, and four reserved areas. ing.
[0043]
On the other hand, when the number N of reserved balls is not less than 4 (that is, when the number N of reserved balls is 4), the number Ni of invalid balls is counted up and the segments of the invalid ball display device 43 are sequentially shifted from the lower left to the right. One light is turned on in the direction (steps S206 and S207), and a time-saving determination process is performed to determine whether or not the game mode is set to the time-saving mode in accordance with the value of the number of invalid balls Ni (step S208). The time saving determination process will be described later.
[0044]
When it is determined in step S200 that no game ball has won the starting port 42, or when the process of storing each counter value in the reserved ball storage area is completed when the retained ball number N is less than 4, or When the number-of-reserved-balls N is not less than 4, and the time-saving determination process ends, it is determined whether the number N of reserved balls is greater than 0 (step S210), and the special symbol display device 40 displays the left, middle, and right. It is determined whether or not the three symbols L, M, and R are being displayed in a variable manner, or whether or not a big hit is being performed (step S212). When the number N of reserved balls is not the value 0 and the special symbol display device 40 is not in the fluctuation display or the big hit, the value 1 is set to the fluctuation permission flag F1 (step S214), and the routine is terminated, and the reserved ball is terminated. When the number N is equal to 0, when the special symbol display device 40 is displaying a change, or when a big hit is occurring, the routine ends without setting the change permission flag F1.
[0045]
In the time saving determination process, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of determining whether or not the number of invalid balls Ni has reached a value of 25 (step S360). When the number of balls Ni has not reached the value 25, the subsequent processing is skipped and the present routine ends. The value of the number of invalid balls Ni is not limited to the value 25, and it is a matter of course that it may be determined whether or not the value reaches another value.
[0046]
On the other hand, when the number of invalid balls Ni has reached the value 25, the values of the time-save determination random number counter C5 and the time-save determination result flag F3 stored in the buffer of the RAM 76 in step S242 of the counter updating process in FIG. (Step S362), it is determined whether or not the obtained value of the time saving determination random number counter C5 is a hit (step S364). Here, the time saving determination result flag F3 is a flag indicating the previous determination result of the hit determination, and as described later, the value 1 is set when the previous determination result is a hit, and the previous determination result is The value 0 is set at the time of the outlier. The determination as to whether or not it is a win is made by determining whether or not the value of the time saving determination random number counter C5 is a winning value. When the previous determination result is a win (that is, the time saving determination result flag F3 = The hit probability at the time of (1) is higher than the hit probability at the time when the previous judgment result is out of order (that is, when the time saving judgment result flag F3 = 0). For example, when the previous determination result is a hit, all values other than “4” are set as hit values, and when the previous determination result is out of order, only “7” is set as a hit value. In the embodiment, since the time-save determination random number counter C5 counts up sequentially from 0 to 9, the hit probability at the time of the previous determination result being a hit is 9/10, and when the previous determination result is out of order. Of this time is 1/10. By doing so, the probability of winning continuously increases, so that the player can be encouraged to continue the game. In the embodiment, the result of the hit determination is displayed by the invalid ball entry display device 43. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the result of the hit determination is displayed by the invalid ball entry display device 43. In this example, when it is determined that a hit has occurred, as shown in FIG. 16A, “○” is displayed using a segment of the invalid ball display device 43, and when it is not determined that a hit has occurred, FIG. As shown in the figure, “X” is displayed using the segment of the invalid ball display device 43. By doing so, the result of the hit determination can be notified to the player.
[0047]
As a result of the hit determination, when it is determined that a hit has occurred, a value of 1 is set in the time-saving mode flag F2 and the time-saving determination result flag F3 (step S366), and when it is not determined that a hit has occurred, the time-saving mode flag F2 and the time-saving determination result The value 0 is set in the flag F3 (step S368). Here, when the value 1 is set in the time saving mode flag F2, the mode shifts to the time saving mode, and the game state of the time saving mode described above (shortening of the fluctuation display time of the ordinary symbol display device 32, opening of the tulip of the ordinary electric accessory 46). The normal symbol display device 32, the normal electric accessory 46, the special symbol display device 40, and the like are controlled so as to extend the time and shorten the fluctuation display time of the special symbol display device 40, and the value 0 is set in the time reduction mode flag F2. When set, the time saving mode is terminated and the normal game state is set. The time saving mode ends (that is, the value 0 is set to the time saving mode flag F2) when the hit determination is not made in the hit determination in step S364, and the normal symbol display is performed after the shift to the time saving mode. This also includes the case where the number of times the variable display of the device 32 stops at the symbol 32a of “「 ”reaches a predetermined number (for example, ten times). This is to prevent the time-saving mode from being continued unlimitedly, thereby preventing the gambling of the player from being fueled or causing a great deal of damage to the game hall. In the embodiment, the segment of the invalid entry display device 43 is lit in green when the value 0 is set in the time saving determination result flag F3, and the segment is colored in red when the value 1 is set. It was lit. Thereby, the player can confirm the result of the previous hit determination based on the lighting color of the segment of the invalid ball display device 43, and therefore the hit probability in the next hit determination is a high probability or a low probability. Can be known in advance. When the value of the time saving mode flag F2 and the value of the time saving determination result flag F3 are set in this way, the number of invalid entering balls Ni is cleared (step S370), and this routine ends.
[0048]
In the variation start process, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of determining whether or not the variation permission flag F1 has a value of 1 (step S220). When the change permission flag F1 is not the value 1, whether the number N of reserved balls is the value 0, the special symbol display device 40 is displaying the three symbols L, M, R of the left, the middle, and the right in the variable display, or the big hit This routine is determined to be in either case, and the routine ends.
[0049]
When the change permission flag F1 has the value 1, one of the special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d is turned off in order from the right side (step S222), the number N of holding balls is decremented by 1 (step S224), and the holding ball is stored. A process of shifting the data stored in the area is performed (step S226). This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the four reserved areas of the reserved ball storage area illustrated in FIG. 14 by one block toward the execution area. That is, the process of moving the data of the reserved area A to the execution area, the data of the reserved area B to the reserved area A, the data of the reserved area C to the reserved area B, and the data of the reserved area D to the reserved area C.
[0050]
Next, after the three symbols L, M, and R are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40, a stop symbol command for setting the symbol when the variable display is stopped, and the left and right symbols by the special symbol display device 40 are set. A display command consisting of three patterns L, M, and R of the middle and right symbols is determined (step S227), and the determined display command is transmitted to the display controller 90 via the input / output processing circuit 80. (Step S228), the value 0 is set to the variation permission flag F1 (step S229), and this routine ends. Upon receiving the display command, the display control device 90 displays the three symbols L, M, and R of the special symbol display device 40 in a variable manner in accordance with the variation pattern command among the display commands, and also confirms it later. When a command is received, the variable display of the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40 is stopped according to the stop symbol command. The display command determination processing in step S227 is performed using the flowchart illustrated in FIG.
[0051]
In the display command determination process, as shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is a big hit (step S1). S300). This jackpot determination is performed by determining whether or not the value of the internal random number counter C1 is a jackpot value, for example, either “7” or “322”. In the embodiment, since the internal random number counter C1 counts up sequentially from 0 to 629, the probability of a big hit is 1/315. If it is determined that a big hit has occurred, the value of the hit symbol counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is set to the stop symbol command (step S310), and the big hit variation pattern command determination process illustrated in FIG. Is executed (step S312), and this routine ends. In the big hit variation pattern command determination process, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in the buffer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S340). If the variation pattern counter C4 is less than 20, the pattern B is changed to the variation pattern. When the variation pattern counter C4 is equal to or greater than 20 and less than 60, the pattern C is set to the variation pattern command (step S344). When the variation pattern counter C4 is equal to or greater than 60, the pattern D is set to the variation pattern command. It is set (step S346). Each pattern will be described later.
[0052]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S300 that the hit is not a big hit, it is determined whether the value of the reach random number counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is a hit (step S302). This reach hit determination is performed by determining whether or not the value of the reach random number counter C2 is a value per reach, for example, “7”. In the embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 counts up sequentially from 0 to 11, so that the probability per reach is 1/12. If it is determined that the vehicle has reached the reach, the values of the loss symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr stored in the loss reach symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 are set as stop symbol commands (step S320). The process for determining a variation pattern command at the time of losing reach is performed (step S322), and this routine ends. In the losing reach variation pattern command determination process, as in the case of the big hit variation pattern determination process, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in a buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S350). When C4 is less than 50, the pattern B is set to the variation pattern command (step S352), and when the variation pattern counter C4 is 50 or more and less than 90, the pattern C is set to the variation pattern command (step S354). If it is 90 or more, the pattern D is set as a variation pattern command (step S356). If it is determined in step S302 that the ball does not reach the reach, the values of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area are set to the stop symbol command (step S330), and the pattern A Is set as the variation pattern command (step S332), and this routine is terminated.
[0053]
In the embodiment, each variation pattern is set as follows. The pattern A starts the variation display of the three symbols L, M, and R of the left, middle, and right by the special symbol display device 40, stops the left symbol L after 7 seconds, and displays the right symbol R after 8 seconds. The pattern is set as a pattern for stopping and stopping the middle symbol M after 9 seconds. The pattern B starts the variable display of the three symbols L, M, R of the left, middle and right by the special symbol display device 40, stops the left symbol L after 7 seconds, and changes the right symbol R after 8 seconds. This is set as a so-called normal reach pattern in which when the left symbol L and the right symbol R match when stopped, the middle symbol M is fluctuated and displayed at a low speed for 7 seconds and stopped. The pattern C is set as a so-called super-reach pattern in which the fluctuation display of the middle symbol M is stopped at the stop timing of the middle symbol M of the pattern B for another 5 seconds at a high speed without stopping. The pattern D is a so-called special reach in which the fluctuation display of the middle symbol M is stopped at the timing of stopping the middle symbol M at a low speed without stopping the fluctuation display of the middle symbol M for another 10 seconds, and then stops at the hit symbol or the symbols before and after the hit symbol. Is set as a pattern. In the super reach and the special reach, not only the three symbols L, M, and R of left, middle, and right are displayed in a variable manner, but also a predetermined reach game is performed.
[0054]
In the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the pattern D is easier to be set in the big hit variation pattern command determination process than in the loss-reach variation pattern command determination process. In the time variation pattern command determination processing, the pattern B is more easily set than in the big hit variation pattern command determination processing. That is, the special reach is easily set in the big hit variation pattern command determination process, and the normal reach is easily set in the loss-reach variation pattern command determination process. By setting in this way, it is possible to enhance the playability and enhance the interest.
[0055]
In the fluctuation end processing, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not a big hit is occurring (step S230). Here, the big hit includes a special game displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the big hit and a predetermined time after the end of the special game. The predetermined time after the end of the special game is set as, for example, a time required for adjusting each state of the pachinko machine 20 or the like. If it is determined that it is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern has ended (step S232). This process is performed by determining whether or not the variation time has elapsed since the variation time is set for each variation pattern as described in the variation start process. When the fluctuation time is over, the stop symbol set for stopping and confirming the fluctuation display is transmitted to the display control device 90 as a confirmation command (step S234). Then, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (step S236), and if it is a big hit, a big hit execution command is transmitted to the display control device 90, the big winning opening driving device 52 and the like (step S238), and this routine ends. Here, since the big hit determination in step S236 is performed in the display command determination processing (FIG. 17) in step S227 in the fluctuation start processing, the determination result may be used, or the execution area in the reserved sphere storage area may be used. May be determined using the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in. If it is determined in step S230 that a big hit is in progress, if it is determined in step S232 that the fluctuation time has not ended, or if it is determined in step S236 that the big hit is not a big hit, the routine ends after the determination. I do.
[0056]
According to the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment described above, when the number of reserved balls N reaches the upper limit value and the game balls further enter the starting port 42, the number of won game balls is counted as the invalid number of entered balls Ni. When the counted number of invalid balls Ni reaches a predetermined number (25 in the embodiment), a hit determination in the time saving mode is performed. The game mode can be shifted to the time saving mode in which winning of the game is easy. As a result, even if there is a prize in the starting port 42 of a game ball that is not held, a sense of loss given to the player can be reduced and the interest can be improved. Further, when the game mode shifts to the time saving mode, the number of invalid balls Ni easily reaches the predetermined number again, and the probability of consecutive hits is high, so that it is possible to further improve the interest. Further, even when the number N of reserved balls is at the upper limit, the player can be encouraged to play a game, so that the operation rate of the pachinko machine 20 can be further improved. Furthermore, since the current value of the number of invalid balls Ni and the hit probability in the next time saving mode hit determination are displayed by the invalid ball display device 43, the player can be encouraged to continue the game.
[0057]
In the pachinko machine 20 according to the embodiment, when the number of invalid balls Ni reaches the value 25, the hit determination of the time saving mode is performed. However, the game balls to the starting port 42 are determined according to the value of the number of invalid balls Ni. Winning may be facilitated. For example, when the number of invalid hits Ni reaches a first value (for example, 10), the hit determination of the first time-saving mode is performed, and Ni is set to a second value (for example, , 20), the hit determination of the second time-saving mode, in which it is easier to win the game ball to the starting port 42 than in the first time-saving mode. In this case, in the second time-saving mode, the opening time of the tulip may be set longer than in the first time-saving mode, or the hit probability may be set higher than in the first time-saving mode. Further, the hit mode may not be determined before the game mode is shifted to the time saving mode, but the mode may be shifted to the time saving mode whenever the number of invalid balls Ni reaches a predetermined value.
[0058]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, as the time saving mode, the variable display time of the normal symbol display device 32 is shortened than usual, and the variable display by the normal symbol display device 32 is stopped at the symbol 32a of “O”. In this game mode, the opening time of the tulip is extended longer than usual, and the variable display time of the special symbol display device 40 is shorter than usual, but only one or any two of these are performed. The game mode may be set, and for example, only the shortening of the variable display time of the ordinary symbol display device 32 and the extension of the opening time of the tulip may be performed.
[0059]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, when the number of invalid balls Ni reaches the value 25, the hit judgment of the time saving mode is performed. However, if the game mode is such that it is easy to win a game ball to the starting port 42, Alternatively, a hit determination in other game modes other than the time reduction mode may be performed. For example, a small hit determination may be made in which the tulip of the ordinary electric accessory 46 is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times regardless of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display device 32. Further, it is not necessary to control the easiness of winning a game ball to the starting port 42, but it is sufficient to control the easiness of establishment of the starting condition according to the value of the number of invalid balls Ni. Therefore, for example, when the number of invalid balls Ni reaches a predetermined value, a plurality of (for example, two) starting conditions may be satisfied each time one game ball enters the starting port 42.
[0060]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the determination as to whether or not a hit is made so that the hit probability when the previous determination result is a hit is higher than the hit probability when the previous determination result is a miss. However, it may be determined whether or not a hit is made with the same hit probability regardless of the result of the previous determination.
[0061]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the invalid ball display device 43 that displays the value of the number of invalid balls Ni and the result of hit determination in the time saving mode is provided on the front of the starting port 42. If it can be confirmed by the player, it may be provided at another place. Further, the value of the number of inactive balls Ni, the result of hit determination in the time saving mode, and the like may be displayed on separate display devices, or a device for displaying them may not be provided.
[0062]
In the embodiment, the pachinko machine 20 that determines the hit in the time saving mode based on the number of game balls winning in the starting port 42 when the number N of reserved balls is the maximum has been described. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a gaming machine in which a machine is integrated.
[0063]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described using the examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and may be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Obviously you can get it.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating electrical connection of the pachinko machine 20 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display diagram of a special symbol display device 40.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a special game moving image of the special symbol display device 40.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special game moving image of the special symbol display device 40.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a starting port 42.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main routine.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a start winning process.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change start process.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change end process.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a counter update process.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a lost symbol counter update process.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reserved ball storage area.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a time saving determination process.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of a hit determination result in the time saving mode.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a display command determination process.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a jackpot variation pattern command determination process.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of determining a fluctuation pattern command during loss reach.
[Explanation of symbols]
20 Pachinko machine, 22 Front frame, 24 Upper tray, 26 Lower tray, 28 Launch knob, 30 Game board, 32 Normal symbol display device, 32a, 32b "O" and "X" symbol, 33a-33d Normal symbol fluctuation hold Lamp, 34a, 34b Normal symbol display device operation gate, 36a, 36b Normal symbol start switch, 40 Special symbol display device, 41a-41d Special symbol change hold lamp, 42 Start port, 43 Invalid ball entry display device, 44 Special symbol start Switch, 46 ordinary electric accessory, 50 major winning opening, 52 major winning opening drive, 54 count switch, 56 V zone, 58 V switch, 60 a to 60 d ordinary winning opening, 62 rail, 64 a, 64 b Lamp windmill, 66 a, 66 b Windmill, 68a-68h indicator, 69 outlet, 70 main controller, 72 CPU, 3 power supply circuit, 74 ROM, 76 RAM, 78 a clock circuit, 80 output processing circuit, 82 a bus, 84 a voice control unit, 86 a speaker, 88 other input and output devices, 90 display control unit.

Claims (1)

Pattern variation display means for variably displaying a pattern based on the establishment of a start condition; In the gaming machine, when the start condition is satisfied, the start condition is satisfied until the predetermined change number is displayed by the pattern change display unit based on the satisfaction of the start condition. Holding condition satisfaction holding means;
Condition fulfillment counting means for counting the fulfillment of the further start condition when the start condition is further fulfilled in a state where the fulfillment of the start condition is suspended up to the predetermined suspension number by the condition fulfillment suspension means,
Condition satisfaction control means for controlling the ease of establishment of the start condition based on the counted number of satisfaction of the start condition;
A gaming machine equipped with.

Images