JP2004215928A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, improved in continuous interest by mounting a counting means for counting up game balls entering a prize hole. <P>SOLUTION: When the game ball wins a prize in a start hole, the number M of entering balls is counted up, and it is determined whether or not the number M of entering balls reaches a value 10 (S360, S362). When it reaches the value 10, the values of a small prize random number counter C5 and a determination result flag F3 are obtained from a buffer to determine whether or not it is a small success (S366, S368). When a small prize is determined, a small success execution command is transmitted to an ordinary motor-driven generator and a value 1 is set on the determination result flag F3 (S370, S372). When a small success is not determined, the determination result flag F3 is set to a value 0 (S374), and the number M of entering balls is cleared (S376). <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 gaming machine having at least one entrance which can give a predetermined game value to a player as a game ball enters.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, a predetermined number (for example, five) of prize balls or a variation display of a picture is started in accordance with the entry of a game ball into an entrance such as a start winning opening. A pachinko machine or the like that makes a jackpot determination is generally known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this pachinko machine, a prize ball or a jackpot is determined each time a game ball enters the entrance.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-29617 A (paragraph 0033)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a pachinko machine, when a prize ball or a jackpot determination is made, the player can be made to feel excited. Otherwise, the game may be monotonous.
[0005]
An object of the gaming machine of the present invention is to continuously improve entertainment.
[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. A gaming machine having at least one entrance that can give a predetermined game value to a player with the entry of a game ball,
Counting means for counting the number of game balls entering the entrance,
Changing means for changing the ease of entering a game ball into the entrance,
Setting means for setting the ease of entering a game ball into the entrance based on the number of entered balls counted by the counting means,
Ball entry change control means for controlling the change means so that the set ball easy to enter,
A gaming machine equipped with.
[0008]
The gaming machine of this means 1 counts the number of game balls entering the entrance and changes the ease of entry into the entrance based on the counted number of entrances. Therefore, the ease of entering the ball is changed according to the number of entered balls, so that the player's sense of excitement can be increased each time the ball is entered. As a result, it is possible to continuously improve interest. Note that "entering the game ball into the entrance" includes "winning the game ball into the winning opening", "passing the game ball into the gate", and the like.
[0009]
Means 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is configured to adjust the ease of entering the ball so that the larger the number of balls counted by the counting unit, the easier the game ball enters the ball entrance. A gaming machine that is a means of setting. In this way, the greater the number of entering balls, the easier it is for the game balls to enter, so that it is possible to continuously improve the interest.
[0010]
Means 3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a number-of-balls display means for displaying the number of balls counted by said counting means. In this way, the player can confirm the counted number of incoming balls.
[0011]
Means 4. 4. A gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an incoming ball number clearing unit that clears the number of incoming balls counted by said counting unit at a predetermined timing. In this way, an unlimited increase in the number of entering balls can be prevented. The “predetermined timing” includes “timing when the number of entered balls reaches a predetermined number”, “timing when a pause time of a game reaches a predetermined time”, and the like.
[0012]
Means 5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the changing means is means for enlarging an introduction area of an introduction part for introducing a game ball to the entrance, and the setting means is provided for the introduction part. A gaming machine that is a means for setting a mode for increasing the introduction area. With this configuration, it is possible to easily enter the game ball by increasing the introduction area of the introduction section. Here, the “introduction area of the introduction portion” refers to a cross-sectional area of an entrance portion of a space in which the game ball is introduced to the entrance.
[0013]
Means 6. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the setting unit is a unit that sets a time for enlarging an introduction area of the introduction unit. By doing so, it is possible to control the ease with which game balls enter the ball by setting the time for increasing the introduction area of the introduction unit.
[0014]
Means 7. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the setting means is means for setting the number of times to increase the introduction area of the introduction section. In this way, by setting the number of times to increase the introduction area of the introduction unit, it is possible to control the ease of entering the game ball.
[0015]
Means 8. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein a second pattern change display means for changing and displaying a pattern based on the establishment of a starting condition, and a predetermined pattern when the second pattern change display means displays the change of the pattern. A second hit / fail judgment means for judging whether or not a hit has occurred with a hit probability; and a game state control means for controlling a game state based on the result of the hit / fail judgment by the second hit / fail judgment means; The gaming machine is a starting ball entrance that satisfies the above-mentioned starting condition with the entry of a game ball. In this case, by controlling the ease with which the ball enters the starting ball entrance, the ease with which the starting conditions are satisfied can be controlled.
[0016]
Means 9. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein when the number of incoming balls counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number, the hit / fail determination means for determining whether or not to win with a predetermined hit probability is provided. A gaming machine, wherein the setting means is means for setting the ease of entry so that the game ball can easily enter the entrance when it is determined that the hit is determined by the hit / fail determination means. In this way, it is possible to set the ease of entering a game ball according to the result of the hit determination unit. As a result, interest can be improved.
[0017]
Means 10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, further comprising: a pattern variation display means for variably displaying a pattern when the number of balls counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number and displaying a determination result by the hit / fail determination means. Gaming machine. In this way, the player can check the display of the change of the picture accompanying the determination of the success or failure by the success / failure determination means and the result of the success / failure determination.
[0018]
Means 11. In the gaming machine according to the means 9 or 10, when the result of the previous determination is incorrect, the determination unit performs the determination with a first hit probability, and the result of the previous determination is a hit. A gaming machine that is a means for determining whether or not to win with a second hit probability that is sometimes higher than the first hit probability. In this case, the probability that the hit determination unit continuously determines the winning is increased, so that it is possible to continuously improve the interest.
[0019]
Means 12. 12. A gaming machine according to claim 9, further comprising a determination result display means for displaying a result of the determination by said determination means until a next determination is made. In this way, the player can confirm the result of the previous success / failure determination.
[0020]
Means 13. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said 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.
[0021]
Means 14. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the 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 ball. In such a slot machine, a special game state (big hit state) which is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls such as coins and medals, and a normal game which is disadvantageous to a player consuming game balls A state may exist.
[0022]
Means 15. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 1, 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 change of the pattern is stopped and the fixed pattern at the time of the stop is a specific pattern is used, and a game ball is used as a game ball 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 gel. 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.
[0023]
As described in the means 13 to 15, examples of the gaming machine of the present invention include a pachinko machine, a slot machine, a gaming machine obtained by fusing a pachinko machine and a slot machine, and the like. It can also be applied to gaming machines.
[0024]
Means 16. Ball entry parts used in pachinko and other gaming machines,
A ball entry section where game balls enter,
A counting unit for counting the number of game balls entering the ball entry unit,
A changing unit capable of changing the ease of entering a game ball into the entering ball unit based on the number of entering balls counted by the counting unit;
Included ball parts.
[0025]
In the ball entry part used in the game machine of this means 16, the number of balls entered into the ball entry section is counted, and the ease of entry into the ball entry section is changed based on the counted number of balls entered. . Therefore, the ease of entering the ball is changed according to the number of entered balls, so that the player's sense of excitement can be increased each time the ball is entered. As a result, it is possible to continuously improve interest. Note that "entering a game ball into the entry section" includes "winning a game ball to a winning opening", "passing a game ball to a gate", and the like.
[0026]
Means 17. 17. A ball entry component according to claim 16, further comprising a ball entry number display section for displaying the ball entry number counted by the counting section. In this way, the player can confirm the counted number of incoming balls.
[0027]
Means 18. 18. A ball entry component according to the means 16 or 17, wherein the change portion is capable of increasing an introduction area of an introduction portion for introducing a game ball to the ball entry portion. By doing so, it is possible to make it easier for game balls to enter by increasing the introduction area of the introduction section. Here, the “introduction area of the introduction part” refers to a cross-sectional area of an entrance part of a space where the game ball is introduced into the entrance part.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
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 symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X", when the game ball is detected to have passed 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 allow the game balls to pass through the ordinary 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 times the game ball has passed the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a, 34b during the fluctuation display is shown as the number of suspensions up to a maximum of four times.
[0031]
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.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
The tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 provided in the starting port 42 has a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls when the variation display by the normal symbol display device 32 is stopped at the symbol 32a of “O”. The tulip is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) when it is determined that a small hit has been won. Further, on the front surface of the starting port 42, as shown in FIG. The number-of-balls display device 43 is composed of nine segments of three (vertical) × three (horizontal) illuminated by light-emitting diodes, and each time a game ball wins the starting port 42, it sequentially moves from the lower left segment to the right. The number of incoming balls is counted and displayed by being turned on one by one.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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 electric accessory 46, a lighting signal to the number-of-balls display device 43, a control signal to a sound control device 84 to which a speaker 86 is connected, and a special symbol display device 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. .
[0037]
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).
[0038]
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.
[0039]
In the counter updating process, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 controls each of the internal random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, the symbol counter C3, the fluctuation pattern counter C4, and the small 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 small hit random number counter C5 is a counter used when judging whether or not a small hit occurs. In the embodiment, the small hit random number counter C5 increments 0 to 9 in order by one. 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.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
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.
[0042]
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.
[0043]
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 a game ball has won the start port 42, a ball entry number counting process for determining a small hit is executed according to the number of game balls that have won (the number of balls entered) (step S201). The entering ball count processing will be described later.
[0044]
Then, after executing the entering ball count process, it is checked whether or not the number of reserved balls N is less than 4 (step S202). If the number of reserved balls N is less than 4, the number of reserved balls N is counted up. One of the special symbol change pending lamps 41a to 41d is turned on in order from the left (steps S203 and S204), and is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 in step S242 of the counter updating process of FIG. 12 and step S262 of the lost symbol counter updating process of 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 set buffer are set to the first area of the free storage area of the reserved ball storage area also set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76. (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.
[0045]
After the process of storing each counter value in the reserved ball storage area is completed, or when it is determined in step S200 that no game ball has won the starting port 42, or when the number of reserved balls N is less than 4 in step S202. If not, it is determined whether or not the number N of reserved balls is greater than 0 (step S210), and the special symbol display device 40 changes the three symbols L, M, and R of left, middle, and right. It is determined whether a display is being made or a big hit is being made (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.
[0046]
In the number-of-balls counting process, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first counts up the number M of ball-balls, and determines whether the number M of ball-balls has reached the value 10. The processing is executed (steps S360, S362). It should be noted that the value of the number M of incoming balls is not limited to the value 10, and it is needless to say that it may be determined whether or not the value has reached another value. If the number M of incoming balls has not reached the value 10, one segment of the number-of-balls display device 43 is lit sequentially from the lower left (step S364), and this routine ends.
[0047]
On the other hand, when the number of incoming balls M has reached the value 10, the value of the small random number counter C5 and the determination result flag F3 stored in the buffer of the RAM 76 in step S242 of the counter updating process in FIG. 12 are obtained (step S366). ), It is determined whether or not the obtained value of the small hit random number counter C5 is a hit (step S368). Here, the determination result flag F3 is a flag indicating the previous determination result of this small hit determination, and as described later, a value 1 is set when the previous determination result is a hit, and the previous determination result is out of order. Sometimes the value 0 is set. The determination as to whether or not it is a small hit is made by determining whether or not the value of the small random number counter C5 is a hit value. When the previous determination result is a win (that is, the determination result flag F3 = The hit probability at the time of (1) is higher than the hit probability at the time of the previous judgment result being out of order (that is, at the time of the 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 small hit random number counter C5 counts up sequentially from 0 to 9, the hit probability when the previous judgment result is a hit is 9/10, and when the previous judgment 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 small hit determination is displayed by the number-of-balls display device 43. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the result of the small hit determination is displayed by the number-of-balls display device 43. In this example, when it is determined that a small hit has occurred, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), “セ グ メ ン ト” is displayed using the segment of the number-of-entry-ball display device 43. ), “X” is displayed using the segment of the number-of-entry-balls display device 43. By doing so, the result of the hit determination can be notified to the player.
[0048]
As a result of such a small hit determination, when it is determined that the small hit, a small hit execution command is transmitted to the ordinary electric accessory 46, and a value 1 is set to the determination result flag F3 (steps S370, S372), and the small hit determination is performed. If not, a value 0 is set to the determination result flag F3 (step S374). In the ordinary electric accessory 46 that has received the small hit execution command, the tulip is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) and a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) to make it easier for the game ball to enter the starting port 42. In the embodiment, when the value 0 is set in the time saving determination result flag F3, the segment of the entry number display device 43 is lit in green, and when the value 1 is set, the segment is colored in red. It was lit. Thereby, the player can confirm the result of the previous hit determination by the lighting color of the segment of the number-of-entry-balls display device 43, so that 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 determination result flag F3 is set in this way, the number M of incoming balls is cleared (step S376), and the present routine ends.
[0049]
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.
[0050]
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.
[0051]
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.
[0052]
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.
[0053]
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.
[0054]
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.
[0055]
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.
[0056]
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.
[0057]
According to the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment described above, the number of game balls that have won the starting port 42 is counted as the number of entered balls M, and the counted number of entered balls M is a predetermined number (10 in the embodiment). Is reached, a small hit determination is performed, and when it is determined that the small hit is determined, the tulip of the ordinary electric accessory 46 can be opened to make it easier to win a game ball to the starting port 42. As a result, the player becomes more interested in the small hit determination as the number M of incoming balls increases, so that the interest can be continuously improved. In addition, when it is determined that the small hit, the game ball is likely to win the starting opening 42, so the number M of entering balls is likely to reach the predetermined number again, and the probability that the hit is continuously obtained again in the small hit determination is also increased. Since it is expensive, it is possible to further enhance the interest. Furthermore, since the current value of the number M of incoming balls and the hit probability in the next small hit determination are displayed by the number-of-balls display device 43, the player can be encouraged to continue the game.
[0058]
In the pachinko machine 20 according to the embodiment, in the determination of the small hit, the hit probability when the previous determination result is a hit is higher than the hit probability when the previous determination result is a loss. However, the small hit determination may be performed with the same hit probability regardless of the previous determination result.
[0059]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the number-of-balls display device 43 for displaying the value of the number M of ball inputs and the result of the small hit determination is provided on the front of the starting port 42. If it can be confirmed, it may be provided in another place. Further, the value of the number M of incoming balls, the result of the small hit determination, and the like may be displayed on separate display devices, or a device for displaying them may not be provided.
[0060]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the small hit determination is performed when the number M of incoming balls reaches the value 10, and the small hit execution command is transmitted to the ordinary electric accessory 46 when the small hit is determined. When such a small hit determination is not performed and the number of entering balls M reaches a predetermined number, a command for performing the same operation as the small hit (opening of the tulip) may be transmitted to the ordinary electric accessory 46 at all times. . Further, the control may be performed such that the larger the value of the number of entered balls M, the more easily the winning opening 42 can be won. For example, when the number of entered balls M reaches a first value (for example, 10 or the like). The tulip is released at the first release number (for example, three times), and the second release is larger than the first release number when the number of incoming balls M reaches the second value (for example, 50). The tulip may be opened a number of times (for example, 10 times). Furthermore, other various rules may be used as long as the ease of winning the starting opening 42 is controlled based on the value of the number M of incoming balls.
[0061]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the number M of entered balls is cleared when the number M of entered balls reaches the value 10 and the small hit determination is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to such timing. (3 minutes, etc.) Even when the game is stopped, the number of incoming balls M may be cleared. By doing so, it is possible to further encourage the player to continue the game and to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.
[0062]
In the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment, the number M of balls entering the starting port 42 for changing and displaying the symbol of the special symbol changing display device 40 in accordance with the winning of the game ball is counted, but it is not limited to the starting port 42. Alternatively, the number of entering balls into other entrances that provide a player with a predetermined game value (for example, a prize ball or a change display of a symbol) according to the entering of a game ball may be counted. For example, the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b for variably displaying the symbols of the ordinary symbol display device 32 as the game balls pass, and the normal prize holes 60a to 60d for performing a predetermined number of prize balls with the award of the game balls. The number of entering balls may be counted. In this case, an accessory (for example, a tulip or a wing) or the like that changes the ease of entering a ball entrance such as the ordinary symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b and the ordinary winning openings 60a to 60d is provided. What is necessary is just to install in a ball opening and to control the ease of entry of the ball at each entrance based on the number of entering balls.
[0063]
In the embodiment, the pachinko machine 20 which is a pachinko machine of a model belonging to the “first type (seven machine)” has been described as an example. However, the pachinko machine that gives a predetermined game value to a player with the entering of a game ball. As long as it is a pachinko machine having a ball opening, it is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a model belonging to “Type 2 (wings)” or “Type 3 (rights)”. . Further, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine and a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined.
[0064]
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 showing an example of the number-of-ball-entry counting process.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of a small hit determination result.
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 change 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 holding lamp, 42 Starting port, 43 Number of balls displayed, 44 Special symbol start Switch, 46 ordinary electric accessory, 50 big winning opening, 52 big winning opening drive device, 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, 66b windmill, 68a-68h indicator, 69 outlet, 70 main controller, 72 CPU, 7 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)

A gaming machine having at least one entrance that can give a predetermined game value to a player with the entry of a game ball,
Counting means for counting the number of game balls entering the entrance,
Changing means for changing the ease of entering a game ball into the entrance,
Setting means for setting the ease of entering a game ball into the entrance based on the number of entered balls counted by the counting means,
Ball entry change control means for controlling the change means so that the set ball easy to enter,
A gaming machine equipped with.

Images