JP2004242748A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine wherein opportunities for a player to participate in the game are increased within a range not exceeding the significance of a healthy entertaining instrument, and by which the game can be more pleasantly played. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is equipped with a special pattern process (ST24) which determines the winning to a pattern starting port with a drawing result of whether a big jackpot state is generated or not as a trigger, and notification processes (ST34, 42, 49 and 48) which definitely notify a game player of the drawing result by stopping variable patterns after going through a proper ready-to-win performance motion. When the game player operates a push switch, performance patterns under a temporary stopped state are changed in response to the operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a slot machine, and the like, and more particularly to a ball game machine that realizes a novel and interesting interest.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A ball and ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a symbol start port provided on a game board, a symbol display section for stopping a plurality of symbols after fluctuating for a predetermined time, a large winning port for opening and closing the opening and closing plate, and the like. It is configured. Then, when the detection switch provided in the symbol starting port detects the passing of the game ball, the symbol display portion fluctuates the displayed symbol for a predetermined time, and thereafter, when the special symbols are aligned and stopped, a big hit state is established, and the special winning port is opened. It is repeatedly opened to generate a profit state advantageous to the player.
Further, the slot machine executes an internal lottery with a predetermined probability by inserting a game medium and operating a start lever, and generates a profit state advantageous to the player according to the lottery result.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, whether or not to be in the profit state is determined by the lottery process inside the device, and there is no room for the player to participate, and there are not a few players who feel unsatisfactory in this regard. Therefore, in consideration of such a point, a proposal has been made to involve a player in a lottery process inside the device.
[0004]
For example, in the invention of Japanese Patent No. 3017975, when a selection display unit is provided in which a player can select a display content in advance by operating a selection button, the display content of an automatic display unit determined by a lottery inside the device can be correctly predicted. Is to generate a big hit state.
[0005]
However, in spite of the fact that the selection of the display content is an alternative, in the sense of predicting the lottery result inside the device in advance, there is not much difference from the so-called Dokuhan baku, deviating from the purpose as a healthy entertainment machine It could be an unhealthy gaming machine where only those who are strong in betting can make a big profit.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in consideration of this point, and increases the chances that a player can participate in a game without departing from the spirit of a sound entertainment device, and enables a ball game in which a player can play more fun. It is an object to provide a machine.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a lottery process of determining a lottery result as to whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to a player in association with a predetermined game operation, and a plurality of symbols. And a notification process for steadily informing the player of the lottery result in the stop combination mode of the plurality of symbols after a fluctuating production operation, in response to the operation of the player, In a gaming machine provided with a symbol change process configured to be able to change the effect symbol, the effect operation is a reach effect operation that may eventually reach a jackpot state, and during the reach operation, at least one One symbol is temporarily stopped and the other symbols are variably displayed, and the temporarily stopped symbol is configured to be changeable to another symbol in response to a player's switch operation, and the symbol is changed. Results are related to the lottery results Characterized in that it is determined Te.
[0008]
According to the present invention, no matter what kind of effect operation is performed, the content definitely notified by the notification means always matches the lottery result determined by the lottery process, and has no influence on the operation of the player. Not done. Note that this is the same in the other inventions.
[0009]
During the effect operation, preferably, symbols other than the highest value symbol are temporarily displayed as effect symbols, and in response to the operation of the player, the effect symbol is configured to be changeable to the highest value symbol. ing. The symbol of the highest value means a symbol that generates the most advantageous state for the player, and in the case of the embodiment, is an odd-numbered symbol that indicates a probable big hit.
The invention according to claim 2 is based on a lottery process of determining a lottery result as to whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to the player in relation to a predetermined game operation, and an effect operation in which a plurality of symbols fluctuate. And a notification process of notifying the player of the lottery result in a stop combination mode of the plurality of symbols in a gaming machine, when a profit state advantageous to the player is displayed. In response to the switch operation, the lottery result of whether or not to generate a more advantageous profit state is displayed.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 3 provides a lottery process for determining a lottery result as to whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to a player in relation to a predetermined game operation, and the lottery result after an appropriate effecting operation. And a notifying process for steadily notifying the player of the effect, in response to a predetermined switch operation by the player during the effect operation, the theory of the effect operation and the lottery result of the effect operation A display process for displaying the above correspondence is provided.
[0011]
The display process is preferably displayed directly numerically or graphically on a meter. In addition, in each of the above inventions, the profit state typically means a big hit state that is started when the stopped symbols after the fluctuating operation are aligned in a predetermined manner.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 6 provides a lottery process of determining the number of occurrences of a profit state advantageous to the player in relation to a predetermined game operation, and producing the determined number of occurrences or a number of occurrences different therefrom. Provision of a temporary display process for directly or indirectly displaying as an operation, and a notification process for definitely notifying the determined number of occurrences after a subsequent staging operation in which a switch operation by a player is possible. It is characterized by.
[0013]
The display content displayed in the temporary display process is preferably determined by the lottery process, and is a display content not exceeding the number of occurrences determined by the lottery process. These inventions are preferably implemented in a second-type ball game machine, and in a state advantageous to the player, the game component is repeatedly opened so that the game ball can easily win.
[0014]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a lottery process for determining, in conjunction with a predetermined game operation, whether or not to enter the advantageous game state together with the number of times the game state advantageous to the player is continued, and As a result, when the number of times of continuation is determined to be non-zero, but it is determined not to enter an advantageous game state, the function of the number of continuations is performed after an appropriate production operation in which a player can perform a switch operation. Is added to the accumulated number up to that point, and as a result of the lottery processing, the number of continuations is determined to be other than zero, and functions when a decision is made to enter an advantageous game state. And a rush process for maintaining a game state advantageous to the player by the number of times of addition of the number of times of persistence and the cumulative number up to that time, after an appropriate effect operation capable of performing a switch operation by the user.
[0015]
In a game state that is advantageous to the player, the opening time of the game component for receiving the game medium is typically extended. In each of the above inventions, it is preferable that the player's operation is a switch operation in which the operable time is specified.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on a pachinko machine (a first class ball game machine) according to an example. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. The illustrated pachinko machine 1 includes a wooden frame 2 having a rectangular frame shape detachably mounted on an island structure, and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to be openable and closable via a hinge 3 fixed to the frame 2. It is composed of A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 4 from the back side, and a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally connected to the front side so as to be openable and closable.
[0017]
An upper plate 8 for storing game balls for firing is mounted on the front plate 7, and a lower plate 9 for storing game balls overflowing or extracted from the upper plate 8, and a firing handle 10 below the front frame 4. Are provided. The firing handle 10 is linked with the firing motor M1, and a game ball is fired by a hitting hammer that operates according to the rotation angle of the firing handle 10.
[0018]
At an approximate center of the upper plate 8, an elliptical push button 11 containing a lamp is provided. Note that the push button 11 is provided at a position where the player can operate the push button 11 with his / her left hand, and the player can operate the push button 11 without releasing his / her right hand from the firing handle 10. The push button 11 does not normally function, but when the game state becomes the “button chance state”, the built-in lamp is turned on and can be operated. Here, the "button chance state" is not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, it means a state in which the effect symbol of the special symbol display unit DISP can be artificially changed.
[0019]
On the right side of the upper plate 8, there is provided an operation panel 12 for ball lending operation for the card-type ball lending machine, a balance display section 12a for displaying the balance of the card by a three-digit number, and a game for a predetermined amount. A ball lending switch 12b for instructing ball lending and a return switch 12c for instructing a card return at the end of the game are provided.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is provided with an annular guide rail 13 composed of an outer rail and an inner rail made of metal, and a liquid crystal color display 14 is provided substantially at the center of the inner game area 5a. Are located. In addition, two symbol starting ports 15, a large winning port 16, four normal winning ports 17, and a gate 18 which is a left and right passing port are provided at appropriate places in the game area 5a. Each of the winning ports 15 to 18 has a detection switch inside so that the passage of a game ball can be detected.
[0021]
The liquid crystal display 14 is a device that displays a special image related to the state of the big hit in a variable manner and also displays a background image, various characters, and the like in an animation manner. The liquid crystal display 14 has a special symbol display section DISP at the center and a normal symbol display section 19 at the upper right. The normal symbol display section 19 displays a normal symbol. When a game ball passing through the gate 18 is detected, the displayed normal symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and a lottery is performed at a point in time when the game ball passes the gate 18. A stop symbol determined by the selected random number for lottery is displayed and stopped.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, two symbol starting ports 15 are provided, but the lower symbol starting port is opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of opening / closing claws, and the normal symbol display section 19 is stopped after a change. When the symbol hits and displays the symbol, the opening / closing claw is opened for a predetermined time. When a game ball wins in the symbol starting port 15, the display symbol of the special symbol display section DISP fluctuates for a predetermined time, and a stop determined based on a lottery result in accordance with a timing of winning the game ball to the symbol starting port 15. Stop at the symbol.
[0023]
The special winning opening 16 is opened and closed by an openable and closable plate 16a which can be opened forward. When the symbol after the stoppage of the change of the special symbol display section DISP is a special symbol such as “7.7. The so-called special game is started, and the opening / closing plate 16a is opened. Further, there is a specific area 16b inside the special winning opening 16, and when a winning ball passes through the specific area 16b, a special game advantageous to the player is continued.
[0024]
After a predetermined time has elapsed after the opening and closing plate 16a of the special winning opening 16 has been opened, or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have won, the opening and closing plate 16a closes. At this time, if the game ball has not passed through the specific area 16b, the special game is terminated. However, if the game ball has passed through the specific area 16b, the special game is continued up to, for example, 16 times, which is advantageous to the player. It is controlled to the state.
[0025]
By the way, when the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display section DISP is a specific symbol among the special symbols, a privilege is given that the game after the end of the special game is in a high probability state. The jackpot by this specific symbol may be called a “probable variable jackpot”, but in this embodiment, among the special symbols 111 to 999, the odd value (111, 33, 555, 777, 999) is particularly set as the specific symbol. , Is used for probable jackpot.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an entire configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 1 has a main control board 30 for mainly controlling the game operation, a symbol control board 31 for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal display 14, and a sound game effect, and a lamp. Voice / lamp control board 32 for blinking operation, payout control board 33 for controlling payout motor M2 to pay out game balls, firing control board 34 for firing game balls by firing motor M1, And a power supply board 35 for supplying a DC voltage to the power supply.
[0027]
As illustrated, the push button 11 having a built-in lighting lamp is connected to the audio / lamp control board 32. An ON signal indicating that the push button 11 has been operated is transmitted from the audio / lamp control board 32 to the symbol control board 31. As described above, in the first embodiment, the push button 11 is used for the purpose of changing the effect symbol in the special symbol display unit DISP based on the player's intention.
[0028]
The main control board 30, the symbol control board 31, the sound / lamp control board 32, and the payout control board 33 are mounted by computer circuits each having a one-chip microcomputer, and the symbol control board 31, the sound / lamp control board 32 , And the payout control board 33 directly receives a control command from the main control board 1 to realize an individual control operation.
[0029]
Hereinafter, the circuits mounted on the main control board 30, the symbol control board 31, and the audio / lamp control board 32 and the operations realized by the circuits are functionally collectively referred to as the main control unit 30, the symbol control unit 31, respectively. , And the audio / ramp control unit 32.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the main control unit 30. As shown, the main control unit 30 includes a CPU circuit 30a composed of a one-chip microcomputer, a system clock generation unit 30b that generates a clock signal Φ0 that is an integral multiple of the frequency of the CPU operation clock CLK, and an address signal from the CPU. A decoding circuit 30c for generating a chip select signal for each section based on the data; an output port circuit 30d for outputting data from the CPU; an input port circuit 30e for the CPU to capture external data; , 33, and a switch input circuit 30g for inputting ON / OFF states of switches of each part of the game board. The CPU circuit 30a has a built-in CPU core equivalent to Z80CPU (Zilog).
[0031]
The main control unit 30 having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 executes the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 5 every predetermined time (2 mS) to control the entire operation of the pachinko machine 1 comprehensively. Referring to FIG. 5, when a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of each register are saved in the stack area (ST10), and then a random number creation process is first performed (ST11). The random number generation processing includes updating processing of the hit counter RG and the big hit counter CT used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol processing ST19 and the special symbol processing ST24.
[0032]
The hit counter RG and the big hit counter CT are updated by increment (+1) processing within a predetermined numerical range in step ST11, and the updated counter values are respectively a hit judgment random number value and a big hit judgment random. It is used as a numerical value in the winning / rejecting lottery operation.
[0033]
Specifically, the value of the hit counter RG is used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol processing (ST19) when the game ball has passed through the gate 18, and the value of the big hit counter CT is that When passing through the mouth 15, it is used for the lottery operation in the special symbol processing (ST24). The random number generation process also includes a hit symbol random number generation process and a big hit symbol random number generation process for determining a stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 19 and the special symbol display unit DISP.
[0034]
When the above-described random number generation processing (ST11) is completed, a timer that manages the time of each game operation is subjected to timer subtraction processing (ST12), and includes a symbol starting port 15 and a detection switch for the gate 18. Signals of various switches are input and stored (ST13). Each timer subtracted in the process of step ST12 is for managing the opening time of the electric tulip and the special winning opening 16 and other game production time.
[0035]
Subsequently, after transmitting the command generated at this stage to the corresponding sub-controllers 31, 32, and 33 (ST14), an error management process is performed (ST15). The error management process is to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred inside the device, such as when supply of the game balls has stopped or the game balls have not been clogged. Next, after creating a control command for the payout control unit 34 (ST16), the control command generated in each process described above is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control unit (ST17).
[0036]
Next, the ordinary symbol processing is performed on condition that the current operation mode is not the hitting operation mode (ST19). The ordinary symbol processing means determination of whether to activate an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip. Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the gate based on the switch input result in step ST13, the hit counter RG updated in the random number generation processing (ST11) is compared with the hit winning value. Done. Then, if the comparison result is a winning state, the operation mode is changed to the winning operation mode. If it is in the middle of a hit, a process for operating an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip is performed (ST21).
[0037]
Subsequently, necessary control commands are transmitted to the corresponding sub-control unit (ST22), and special symbol processing is performed on condition that the current operation mode is not the big hit (ST24). The special symbol processing is a determination as to whether or not to activate a first-class special electric accessory such as the special winning opening 16. Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball is passing through the symbol starting port 15 based on the switch input result in step ST13, the big hit counter CT updated in the random number generation processing (ST11) is changed to the big hit winning value. This is performed in comparison with Hit. Then, if the comparison result is a winning state, the operation mode is changed to the operation mode during the big hit. If the big hit is in progress, a process for operating a first-class special electric accessory such as a special winning opening is performed (ST26).
[0038]
FIG. 6A summarizes the lottery processing in the special symbol processing (ST24). First, by comparing the value of the big hit counter CT updated in the process of step ST11 with the winning value Hit, a big hit state is established at a probability of 1 / N. More specifically, a probability of 1 / (aN) is obtained. And a non-probabilistic (normal) big hit with a probability of (a-1) / (aN). In most cases, a loss state occurs with a large probability of 1-1 / N.
[0039]
As described above, every time a game ball wins in the symbol starting port 15, a winning / non-winning lottery is performed (ST24). However, if the lottery result is immediately notified to the player, it is not entertaining. Before notifying the lottery result, an effect time of about several tens of seconds is provided, and a symbol changing operation on the liquid crystal display 14 is performed. In addition, a sound effect and a lamp effect are also performed in synchronization with the symbol changing operation.
[0040]
Such effect contents are distinguished by the variation pattern number, and after winning the symbol starting port 15, which variation pattern to produce an effect is determined by the effect lottery. When the variation pattern is determined, a control command corresponding to the variation pattern is transmitted to the symbol control unit 31 and the voice / lamp control unit 32 (ST27). On the other hand, the symbol control unit 31 that has received the fluctuation pattern starts the symbol fluctuation operation on the liquid crystal display 14, and the voice / ramp control unit 32 starts the voice effect and the lamp effect based on the received control command.
[0041]
After the process of step ST27, the register saved in the process of step ST10 is restored, and the timer interrupt process is completed (ST28). As a result, the process returns to the main routine, but after a predetermined time (2 mS) has elapsed, the process of step ST10 is started again, and the process of steps ST10 to ST28 is repeated every 2 mS.
[0042]
By the way, after transmitting the fluctuation pattern command at the timing of T0, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the command transmission process (ST27), the symbol control board 31 is transmitted to the symbol control board 31 at predetermined timings of T1, T2, and T3. The left stop symbol designating command, the middle stop symbol designating command, and the right stop symbol designating command are transmitted, and after the effect time determined by the variation pattern number has elapsed, the symbol variation stop command is transmitted at the timing of T4.
[0043]
Here, the left, middle, and right stopped symbols are three symbols that are determined to be stopped at the timing of T4 after the symbol variation effect in the special symbol display unit DISP. As described above, in this embodiment, in the case of a non-probable variable jackpot, an even value (2, 4, 6, 8) is a stop symbol, and after the reach effect, the left, center, and right stop symbols are even symbols. The numbers will be aligned. On the other hand, in the case of the probability variable jackpot, the odd symbols (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are the stop symbols, and after the reach effect, the stop symbols on the left, the center, and the right are aligned with the odd symbols.
[0044]
In the case of a disengagement state, it is necessary to perform a symbol effect so that the left, center, and right stop symbols are not aligned, but when a fluctuation pattern accompanied by a reach effect is selected in the effect lottery of the main control unit 30. , A state where the left and right stop symbols are aligned (see FIG. 6B). At this stage, since the symbol in the center is still changing, the player waits for the stop of the symbol in the center with expectation.
[0045]
By the way, a significant feature of this embodiment is that a button chance state is provided. For example, when a lamp built in the push button 11 is turned on during a reach effect, the button chance state is established, and the operation of the push button 11 is performed. This makes it possible to change the effect design. However, it is only possible to change the effect symbol, and the total time of the symbol change operation (T0 to T4 in FIG. 6B) and the stop symbol at the time of confirmation (T4) are uniquely determined by the control command from the main control unit. It is determined and does not depend on the operation of the push button 11 or the operation timing.
[0046]
As described above, even if it is the button chance state, the hit result of the big hit state is not changed by the button operation of the player, and the hit result determined at the stage of the special symbol processing of step ST24. The effect is just as if the player had pressed the button. That is, the pass / fail result notified by the three stop symbols (left, middle, and right stop symbols) of the special symbol display unit DISP is determined in advance by a control command (stop symbol designation command) transmitted from the main control unit 30. ing. The stop symbol is determined by the main control unit 30 based on the winning symbol random number updated in the random number generation process of step ST11 or the big symbol random number.
[0047]
Based on the above, the effect contents realized in the symbol control unit 31 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the symbol control unit 31 after receiving the fluctuation pattern command of the probability variation big hit state, and FIG. 8 illustrates the effect contents. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 7 illustrates the contents of the effect, and does not show the processing of the symbol designation command received after the reception of the variation pattern command.
[0048]
When the variation pattern command is received (see timing T0 in FIG. 6B), the symbol control section 31 starts the variation operation of the special symbol. A lottery is performed (ST30 in FIG. 7). Thereafter, the stop symbol designation command received at the timing of T1, T2, T3 is stored as it is. Here, the case where the variation pattern command of the probability variation big hit state is received is described, and the stop symbol is “7.77.7”.
[0049]
Now, if the button production lottery of step ST30 is deviated, after the reach production (ST31), the symbol is temporarily stopped in the state of "7.7.7" (ST32), and after the re-fluctuation production (ST33), the symbol is produced. At the timing of T4 when the stop command is received, the operation is stopped at the symbol "7.7.7" (ST34).
[0050]
On the other hand, when the button effect lottery is won, the reach effect is performed by a symbol (for example, “6”) different from the stop symbol (here, “7”) that is finally determined (ST35). Thereafter, a display indicating that the button chance state has occurred is performed (ST36). In the button chance state, it waits for a predetermined time for the push button 11 to be pressed (ST37, 38). If the push button 11 is pressed, the left and right symbols during the reach effect are changed (ST39).
[0051]
At the stage of step ST36, since the reach symbol is an even value (= 6) leading to a non-probable change state, the player presses the push button 11 in expectation of the reach symbol changing from an even value to an odd value. . How to change the reach symbol (that is, whether to keep an even value or an odd value) is determined by a lottery process. The lottery process may be performed based on the button operation of the player, or may be provided with a process of automatically determining the button selection before the button operation.
Also, as the correspondence between the lottery process and the temporary stop symbol at the time of reach, for example, if it changes to an odd value, it is unlikely that it will lead to a big hit, but if it becomes a big hit, it will definitely change and it will become an even value. If it changes, the possibility of a big hit is high, but if the big hit occurs, the possibility of a positive change is set to be low. As a result, the player can play with different pleasure regardless of whether the value has changed to an odd value or an even value.
[0052]
FIG. 7 exemplifies a case in which the probability reaches the jackpot, and the description is continued assuming that the reach symbol has changed to another even value (= “4”). After a temporary stop with the even numbers aligned (ST40), the operation of re-variation is started (ST41). The operation of the re-variation is an effect also called a re-lottery, and is expected to be promoted from the determination of the non-probable-variable state big hit state “4.4.4” to the probable-change state big hit state. Then, after such a re-change, the symbol is stopped by the predetermined symbol "7, 7, 7" which is determined in advance (ST42).
[0053]
By the way, not all players operate the push buttons 11 in the button chance state. Therefore, if the push button 11 is not operated even after the predetermined time has elapsed (ST37, ST38), the push button 11 is temporarily stopped at a symbol that matches the reach effect so far (ST43). In this example, "6.6.6" is a temporary stop symbol, and the jackpot in the non-probable change state is determined. At this stage, the button chance state is again called.
[0054]
This is in consideration of the fact that the operation timing may be missed due to the consideration of the optimal timing in the first button chance state, and also gives the player a chance to be promoted from the non-probable state big hit to the probable state big hit. It is for giving. If there is a button operation, an appropriate effect screen is displayed (ST47), and at the timing when the symbol stop command is received, the symbol is stopped at a predetermined symbol "7, 7, 7" (ST48). If there is no button operation even after the lapse of the predetermined time, at the timing when the symbol stop command is received, the symbol is stopped at a predetermined symbol of "7.7.7" (ST49).
[0055]
As described above, regardless of the result of the button effect lottery, the presence or absence of the push button operation, and the operation timing, the final stop symbol does not change, but the player operates the push button 11 to change the final stop pattern. It is possible to obtain great satisfaction that the big hit has been allocated. In any case, after stopping at the symbol of "7.7.7" (ST34, 42, 49, 48), the big hit game is started, so that an effect screen corresponding to the game is displayed (ST50).
[0056]
Although the case where the fluctuation pattern command in the state of the probable big hit has been described above, the case where the fluctuation pattern command in the non-probable big hit state (with the re- fluctuation operation) is received is substantially the same. FIG. 9 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the symbol control unit 31 after receiving such a fluctuation pattern command in the non-probable variable jackpot state, and FIG. 10 illustrates the effect contents.
[0057]
When receiving the fluctuation pattern command accompanied by the re-variation operation (in the non-probable variable big hit state), the symbol control unit 31 starts the fluctuation operation of the special symbol. An effect lottery is performed (ST51 in FIG. 9). Further, the stop symbol designation command received at the subsequent timings of T1, T2, and T3 is stored as it is, but it is assumed here that the stop symbol is “2.2.2”.
[0058]
If it is determined that the button effect lottery in step ST51 has been removed, the symbol is temporarily stopped in the state of "2.2.2" after the reach effect (ST52) (ST53), and after the re-fluctuation effect (ST54), At the timing of T4 when the stop command is received, the operation is stopped at the symbol “2.2.2” (ST55).
[0059]
On the other hand, when the button effect lottery is won, the reach effect is performed by a symbol (for example, “6”) different from the fixed symbol (here, “2”) (ST56). Thereafter, a display indicating that the button chance state has occurred is performed (ST57). In the button chance state, it waits for a predetermined time for the push button 11 to be pressed (ST58, 59). If the push button 11 is pressed, the left and right symbols during the reach effect are changed (ST60).
[0060]
At the stage of step ST57, since the reach symbol is an even value (= 6), even if the central values are aligned thereafter, it will ultimately only be a big hit in the non-probable state. Therefore, the player presses the push button 11 in expectation of the reach symbol changing from an even value to an odd value. However, since the non-probable variable jackpot has been determined, in order to avoid disappointment later, the reach symbol is changed to an even-numbered reach symbol in response to the operation of the push button 11 here.
[0061]
Now, the description will be continued assuming that the symbol has changed to "4". However, even values are aligned and temporarily stopped as in "4.4.4" (ST61), and then the operation of re-variation is started (ST62). . The re-fluctuation operation is expected to be promoted from the determination of the jackpot state of the non-probable variable state “4.4.4” to the jackpot state of the probable variable state. The symbol is stopped by the determined symbol "2.2.2" (ST63).
[0062]
On the other hand, if the push button 11 is not operated even after the lapse of the predetermined time (ST58, 59), it is temporarily stopped at a symbol matching the reach effect up to that time (ST64). In this example, "6.6.6" is a temporary stop symbol, and the big hit in the non-probable change state is determined. At this stage, the button chance state is again called. If there is a button operation, an appropriate effect screen is displayed (ST68), and at the timing when the symbol stop command is received, the symbol is stopped at a predetermined symbol "2.2.2" (ST69). Even if the button operation is not performed even after the lapse of the predetermined time, the pattern is stopped at the predetermined symbol "2.2.2" at the timing when the symbol stop command is received (ST70).
Thereafter, a big hit state occurs, and the special winning opening 16 is opened a predetermined number of times. At this time, in response to a button operation by the player, the non-probable variable design may be changed to the probable variable design. Is also good. In other words, in that case, even if the probability change is internally won, the non-probability change symbol may be displayed until the big hit state occurs, and in that case, the button is activated during the big hit and the button of the player is What is necessary is just to make the design change according to the operation.
[0063]
As described above, when the non-probable variable jackpot command is received, the promotion of the winning state cannot be performed irrespective of the operation timing of the push button 11, but the staging operation of FIG. 8B, it is indistinguishable from the effect operation of FIG. 8B until the end, so that the player can expect the button chance state game with a sense of expectation.
[0064]
Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the effect operation by the push button 11 can be used not only for simply changing the effect symbol, but also for other purposes. For example, at the stage where the reach effect is started, the built-in lamp of the push button 11 is turned on to enable the push button 11 and, when the push button 11 is pressed, in response to this, the user proceeds to proceed at that time. The possibility that the present reach effect is completed in the winning state (design reliability of the reach effect) may be displayed by a numerical value or a level meter.
[0065]
It is understood that such a display is unnecessary for a player who is proficient in the production operation of the gaming machine, but in the case of a game beginner, whether the currently-reached production is completed in a disconnected state, By knowing the design possibility (reliability) of whether the game is completed in the winning state, the game can be continued with an expectation corresponding to the reliability. The notification operation of the reliability in response to the pressing of the push button 11 does not need to be limited to the reach effect, and may be suitably used in a notice effect of notifying the winning state with a reliability of less than 100%.
[0066]
Further, when the push button is pressed during the normal fluctuation without the reach effect, the state may be changed to the reach effect. In addition, in response to the push button operation, it is conceivable to display statistical data indicating how many times the symbol changing operation has been consumed and the first big hit state has been reached on that day. Such an effecting operation is an effective service for a player in a gaming machine (a first type, a third type of ball game machine or the like) in which the game value is determined by the stop symbol after the fluctuation operation. On the other hand, in a gaming machine (such as a second-type or third-type ball game machine) in which the game value is determined by winning in a specific area (such as a V zone), the specific area is determined in response to the operation of the push button. It is also preferable to notify the number of game balls passed and the number of winnings to a special winning opening (specific winning opening).
[0067]
In addition, the usage of the push button 11 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately used in other gaming machines including the first-type ball game machine, the second-type ball game machine, the third-type ball game machine, and the arrange ball machine. used.
[0068]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment in which a button chance state by the push button 11 is provided in the second class ball game machine. Here, the second class ball game machine is a game machine also referred to as an airplane type, and when a game ball wins in a start winning opening (accessory opening / closing switch), the blade 40 or the winning of the accessory is performed a predetermined number of times. The game machine is a game machine that opens and closes and has a special prize when a game ball that has won a prize during the opening thereof enters the V zone 41 (see FIG. 12). This special prize state is continued for a maximum of 15 rounds. Each round ends when the blade 40 opens and closes 18 times or when 10 game balls are won, and shifts to the next round.
[0069]
In the second embodiment, the push button 11 is provided on the second-type ball game machine that operates as described above, and when the game ball that has won while the blade 40 is open wins in the V zone 41 and becomes a special prize, It is causing a button chance state. When the special prize state is established, the main control unit performs a lot number lottery and determines the number of rounds to be 1, 7, or 15. Then, the number of rounds is transmitted to the lamp control unit that controls the operation of the LED display unit 42 using the 7-segment LED.
[0070]
Upon receiving the determined number of rounds, the lamp control unit first starts the changing operation of the LED display unit 42 (see ST80 in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12A), and then sets the numerical value equal to or less than the determined number of rounds. Is determined by random number lottery and displayed (ST81). That is, when the number of rounds is “1”, “1” is displayed, when the number of rounds is “7”, “1” or “7” is displayed, and when the number of rounds is “15”, “1”, “7” or “15” is displayed. Note that the number of rounds displayed here is tentative, and thus it is preferable to display it while blinking.
[0071]
Subsequently, the built-in lamp of the push button 11 is turned on, and the liquid crystal display 14 is notified of the occurrence of the button chance state (ST82 in FIG. 11, see FIG. 12B). Then, the number of rounds that has been provisionally displayed is erased, and a change in the numerical value is started. Therefore, the player presses the push button 11 in a timely manner while keeping in mind that the number of rounds is changed to a larger number.
[0072]
Then, in response to the pressing of the push button 11, the operation of changing the numerical value of the LED display unit 42 is stopped, and the number of rounds that has been determined is displayed (ST85 in FIG. 11, see FIG. 12C). As described above, the number of rounds tentatively displayed may increase due to the pressing of the push button 11, so that a great satisfaction can be given to the player. The determined number of rounds is displayed even if the pressing operation is not performed even after waiting for a predetermined time, and the button chance state disappears.
[0073]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a third embodiment in which a push button is related when the time saving function that has been won and activated is activated. Here, the time saving function is a function of shortening the fluctuation time in the special symbol display unit DISP and increasing the opening time (or the number of times of opening) of the electric tulip, which brings a favorable state to the player. . In other words, the fluctuating operation in the special symbol display unit DISP is almost completely out of order in terms of probability, so there is no merit for the player in that the effect time is long, while the opening time and the number of times of opening the electric tulip are reduced. When the number increases, the possibility of winning a game ball increases, which is directly advantageous to the player.
[0074]
In order to make this time saving function effective, in the case of the third embodiment, in the lottery process performed each time a game ball enters the symbol winning opening, the lottery process is removed from the big hit lottery (ST2) and the time saving lottery (ST4). ) Is required. In this embodiment, in the time-saving lottery, in detail, the number-of-effects n in which the symbol changing operation is executed in the time-saving state is determined (for example, any one of 10, 20, and 30 times), This includes a release lottery to determine whether to save (stock) the short-time winning state. Therefore, in order to start the game in the time reduction state, it is necessary to win the time reduction and the release lottery.
[0075]
The flowchart of FIG. 13A will be described based on the above. For example, if the time-saving lottery is won (ST5 is Yes) but the release lottery is not performed (ST6 is No), first, an operation of N ← N + n is executed, and the number of time-saving times n acquired this time is stored N. (ST7). Then, after the button chance effect processing is performed (ST8), "the winning state of the time reduction winning is stocked" is displayed, and the processing ends (ST9).
[0076]
The production process of the button chance is not particularly limited, but, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, “A lottery will be performed to determine whether or not to start a time-saving game. Press the button at the optimal timing.” First, it is conceivable to display on the liquid crystal display 14 as shown in FIG. Then, the subroutine processing is terminated on condition that the push button is pressed, and if the push button is not pressed, the subroutine processing is terminated after a predetermined time.
[0077]
As described above, the case where the release lottery is excluded has been described. If the release lottery has been won, the above-described button chance effect processing is first performed (ST7 '). Thereafter, if the push button is operated or a predetermined time has elapsed, the obtained number of time savings n is added to the stored number N by the calculation of N ← N + n, and the time saving game is started while displaying the added number of savings times. Is notified to the liquid crystal display 14 (ST8 '). After the preparation process (ST9 ') for realizing the time-saving game, the process shifts to the subsequent process.
[0078]
As described above, in this embodiment, the time saving game is activated as a result of the player pressing the push button, so that the player can obtain great satisfaction.
[0079]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, the specific description does not particularly limit the present invention. For example, in the first embodiment, the button chance state is provided in the case of the probability change big hit state and the non-probability change big hit, but it is also preferable to provide the button chance state when the design changes in the off state, and to appropriately start the reach effect. It is.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase a chance that a player can participate in a game without departing from the spirit of a healthy entertainment device, and to realize a ball game machine that can play more fun.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a game board of the pachinko machine of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a main control unit.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in a main control unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a variation pattern (a) for specifying an effect operation and a transmission timing (b) of a control command to a symbol control unit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a symbol control unit that has received a variation pattern command of a probability variation big hit state.
FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the effect operation of the symbol control unit that has received the variation pattern command of the probability variation big hit state.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a symbol control unit that has received a variation pattern command in a non-probable variation big hit state.
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining an effecting operation of the symbol control unit which has received the variation pattern command of the non-probable variation big hit state.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a button chance effect in the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a button chance effect.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a button chance effect in the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
ST24 Lottery processing (special symbol processing)
ST34 Notification process (symbol stop process)
ST37-39 Symbol change processing

Claims (12)

After a lottery process of determining whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to the player in relation to a predetermined game operation, and a staging operation in which a plurality of symbols fluctuate, the lottery result is changed to the plurality of A notification process for steadily informing the player in a symbol stop combination mode, and in response to the operation of the player, a game having a symbol change process configured to be able to change the effect symbol during the effect operation. On the machine,
The above-mentioned effect operation is a reach effect operation that may eventually reach a big hit state. During the reach operation, at least one symbol is temporarily stopped and the other symbols are variably displayed. The temporarily stopped symbol can be changed to another symbol in response to a switch operation of the player, and the symbol change result is determined in relation to the lottery result. Machine. After a lottery process of determining whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to the player in relation to a predetermined game operation, and a staging operation in which a plurality of symbols fluctuate, the lottery result is changed to the plurality of And a notification process for steadily notifying the player in a symbol stop combination mode.
When a profit state advantageous to the player is displayed, it is configured to display a lottery result of whether or not to generate a further advantageous profit state in response to a switch operation of the player. A gaming machine characterized by: A lottery process for determining whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to the player in relation to a predetermined game operation, and after appropriately performing an operation, the player is notified of the lottery result in a definite manner. Gaming machine with a notification process to perform
A gaming machine further comprising a display process for displaying a theoretical correspondence between an effect operation being executed and the lottery result in response to a predetermined switch operation by a player in the effect operation. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display processing is directly displayed as a numerical value or is displayed as a meter in a diagrammatic manner. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the profit state means a big hit state which is started when stop symbols after the fluctuation operation are aligned in a predetermined manner. A lottery process of determining the number of occurrences of a profit state advantageous to the player in relation to a predetermined game operation;
The determined number of occurrences or the number of occurrences different from this, a temporary display process for directly or indirectly displaying as a production operation,
A gaming machine comprising: a notifying process of definitely notifying the determined number of occurrences after a subsequent staging operation in which a player can perform a switch operation. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the display content displayed in the temporary display process is determined by a lottery process. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the display content displayed in the temporary display process is a display content that does not exceed the number of occurrences determined in the lottery process. An opening / closing opening that is opened a predetermined number of times based on the entry of a game ball into a predetermined winning opening, and a game ball that has entered the opening / closing opening enters a specific entrance, and a state advantageous to the player occurs. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the opening and closing port is repeatedly opened a plurality of times exceeding the predetermined number. Along with the number of times the game state is advantageous to the player, a lottery process for determining whether or not to enter the advantageous game state in relation to a predetermined game operation,
As a result of the lottery process, the function is performed when the number of continuations is determined to be other than zero, but it is determined not to enter an advantageous game state, and after an appropriate staging operation in which a switch operation by a player is possible. A stock process for adding the duration count to a cumulative count so far;
As a result of the lottery process, the number of continuations is determined to be other than zero, and the function is performed when it is determined to enter an advantageous game state. And a rush process for maintaining a game state advantageous to the player by the number of times of addition of the number of times of continuation and the cumulative number of times until then. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein in a game state advantageous to the player, the opening time of the game component for receiving the game medium is extended. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the player's operation is a switch operation that defines a operable time.

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