JP2004248831A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enabling an enhancement of interest. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has a reporting lamp 17 provided above a variable display 12. The reporting lamp 17 is turned on at the same time as a start of a definite change mode, and then brightness of the reporting lamp 17 is decreased by stages at a specified timing. If big win figures are stopped in three display positions 12L-12R while the reporting lamp 17 is turned on, definite change figures are always stopped and the definite change mode continues. Brightness of the reporting lamp 17 is increased by stages by pressing an operation button 18. Accordingly, a player presses the operation button 18 in order to prevent turning off of the reporting lamp 17. Thus interest in a game can be enhanced and the player is attracted to the game by the reporting lamp 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A jackpot lottery is performed in response to a game ball entering the starting port, and if the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, a pachinko machine that executes a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player (can acquire many prize balls). Machine is known.
The result of the jackpot lottery is displayed, for example, by a variable display capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols at a plurality of display positions. The symbol at each display position starts changing at a predetermined timing, and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed according to a predetermined order. If the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the symbol is stopped at a predetermined combination (jackpot symbol) at the display position, and if the result of the jackpot lottery is incorrect, a combination (losing symbol) different from the jackpot symbol is displayed at the display position. ) Stops the symbol. The player enjoys the contents of the symbol change until the symbol stops, and finally recognizes whether the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot or a non-hit based on the combination of the symbols stopped on the variable display.
[0003]
In this kind of pachinko machine, when a jackpot is won with a predetermined probability change symbol among the jackpot symbols, a predetermined period after the jackpot game based on the jackpot (for example, until the next jackpot game occurs), There is a so-called probable change mode in which the probability of a jackpot lottery result being a jackpot (jackpot probability) is changed to a predetermined high probability.
If the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the variable display during the probable change mode, the probable change mode will be terminated. It is designed to enter the mode (so-called Ren Chan). In other words, if a jackpot is reached with a probable variable symbol, the probable mode is continued, while if a jackpot is reached on a non-probable symbol (a jackpot pattern other than the probable symbol), the probable mode ends, and after the jackpot game based on the jackpot ends, Return to the game mode.
[0004]
When the player enters the probable change mode, a big hit is made in a relatively short time thereafter, and the player is excited. Then, during the probable change mode, the player plays a game while expecting that the probable change mode will be continued and the probable change mode will be continued (that is, to be a continuous chan).
In order to further enhance the interest of the game during the probable change mode, for example, a pachinko machine is known in which a non-probable change pattern is temporarily stopped on a variable display and then re-fluctuated all at once after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, And Patent Document 1). In this type of pachinko machine, there is a case where the probable change symbol is stopped and displayed after the re-change, so that the player who is disappointed because the non-probability change symbol stops can give the expectation that the player may become a consecutive chan again. Yes, more interesting.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-135947
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the effect of the temporary stop in the probable change mode as described above, if the player gets used to the game, the interest in the game contents up to the temporary stop is weakened, and the interest may be reduced.
The present invention has been made under such a background, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine with more improved interest.
[0007]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
The invention according to claim 1 for attaining the above object can provide a notification means (17) for changing a notification mode to a plurality of stages, and for notifying whether or not the player is in an advantageous state, At a predetermined timing (for example, the start of the probable change mode), the notification mode of the notification means is set to an advantageous notification state (for example, a state in which the notification lamp 17 is lit) for notifying that the state is advantageous to the player. Each time the condition (1) is satisfied (according to the result of a predetermined lottery (brightness reduction lottery) or every predetermined time), a disadvantageous notification state for notifying that the notification mode of the notification means is not in a state advantageous to the player. A notification mode executing means (30, T1 to T17) capable of executing a notification mode in which the notification mode is gradually changed to (for example, a state where the notification lamp 17 is turned off); The notification mode of the notification means, which changes stepwise according to the operation of the player, includes disadvantageous notification state transition prevention means (18, 30, T12 to T17) for preventing the disadvantageous notification state from being set. It is a gaming machine with features.
[0008]
It should be noted that the alphanumeric characters in parentheses represent corresponding components in the embodiments described below. Hereinafter, the same applies in this section.
According to this configuration, when the notification mode of the notification means changes stepwise from the advantageous notification state to the disadvantageous notification state during the notification mode, the player performs an operation for preventing the advantageous state from being lost. Will be performed. Therefore, the playability is improved, and the player pays more attention to the notification means, so that the interest is further improved.
[0009]
The notification mode execution means (30, T1 to T17) is configured to notify the notification mode of the notification means (17) when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the notification mode (according to a result of a predetermined lottery (light-off lottery)). May be configured to include the means (30, T4) for setting the above described disadvantageous information state. In this case, there is a case where the notification mode of the notification means changes stepwise to the non-reporting state, and a case where the notification unit suddenly changes to the non-reporting state, so that the game performance is improved and the interest is further improved.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the notification mode execution means (30, T1 to T17) terminates the notification mode when the notification mode of the notification means becomes the disadvantageous notification state (T4). 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification mode is not executed until the predetermined timing comes.
According to this configuration, the player desires that the notification mode of the notification unit does not enter the disadvantageous notification state. Therefore, the player pays more attention to the notification by the notification means, so that the interest is further improved.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the notifying means includes a lamp (17) capable of switching the luminance in a plurality of steps, and the notifying mode executing means (30, T1 to T17) controls the luminance of the lamp in steps. If the notification mode can be executed by changing the information, it is possible to make the notification easier for the player to understand.
The invention according to claim 4 is a jackpot game execution means (30, S12) for executing a jackpot game advantageous to a player when a jackpot lottery is won, and when a probability change jackpot occurs during a normal game mode, Probability change mode executing means (30, S14) for executing the certainty change mode in which the probability of winning the big hit lottery has been changed to a predetermined high probability for a certain period of time, and when the certainty change big hit occurs during the certainty change mode, A probable change mode re-executing means (30, S14) for re-executing the probable change mode after a lapse of a predetermined period; 4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for reporting (probability change confirmation state notification) that the probability of occurrence is high (or necessarily being the probability change jackpot). It is a gaming machine according to.
[0012]
According to this configuration, if a jackpot is achieved while the notification by the notification unit is being performed (during the certainty change confirmed state notification mode), the certainty change mode is re-executed with a high probability (or always). Would expect a big hit while the notification by the notification means is being performed.
In particular, during the probability change mode, the probability of the jackpot being high again in a short time thereafter is high (guaranteed). Or not. Therefore, during the probable change mode (especially, when the vehicle is in the reach state), the expectation that the user wants to be a big hit while the notification is being performed by the notification means is very high.
[0013]
Therefore, since the player pays attention to the notification by the notification means, the interest is further improved.
Furthermore, since the probability of a jackpot is low during the normal game mode, even if the player is notified that the probability of the jackpot is high, the player does not actually have the jackpot, that is, the notification of the fake. Although it is highly probable that this is the case, according to the present invention, since such a notification is made in the probable change mode, it is unlikely that the player will think that the notification is a gasp, and the player will pay attention to the notification effectively. .
[0014]
The invention according to a fifth aspect is the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing of starting the probable change mode.
Since the jackpot probability is high in the probability change mode, the player is excited. At the start of the probable change mode (when the probable change mode is executed or re-executed), the excitement of the player is particularly high. The excitement of the person can be further increased. Therefore, the notification mode (probability change confirmation state notification mode) using the notification means can be effectively executed, and the interest is further improved.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko machine has an outer frame 2 for defining the outer shape thereof, and a front door 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable.
A substantially circular opening 4 is formed in the front door 3. A transparent plate (not shown) such as, for example, a glass plate is attached to the outer frame 2 at a position facing the opening 4, and the game board 5 provided on the back side can be visually recognized through the transparent plate. It has become.
[0016]
Below the opening 4, a ball tray 6 for storing game balls used for games is provided. The front surface of the ball tray 6 is covered with a cover 7 that is curved so as to protrude forward.
A recess 8 is formed in the lower right corner of the cover 7, and a handle 9 operated during a game is provided in the recess 8. The handle 9 has a substantially cylindrical grip 10 and a rotation operation member 11 rotatably provided around a central axis of the grip 10. When the rotating operation member 11 is rotated in a predetermined direction in a state where the game balls are stored in the ball tray 6, a firing device (not shown) provided in the machine is operated, and the game in the ball tray 6 is performed. The ball is taken into the launching device and is launched from the launching device toward the game board 5.
[0017]
A substantially arc-shaped guide rail (not shown) for guiding a game ball fired from the launching device to an upper left portion of the game board 5 is arranged on a peripheral edge of the game board 5. A large number of obstacle nails are provided on the game board 5, and a plurality of game balls released upward from the upper left side of the game board 5 along the guide rails are provided along the board surface of the game board 5. Falling between obstacle nails.
At about the center of the game board 5, a variable display 12 is arranged. The variable display 12 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and its display screen has three display positions (a left display position 12L, a center display position 12C, and a right display position) arranged in a horizontal direction. 12R), a plurality of types of symbols (for example, numbers “1” to “9”) can be variably displayed. The variable display 12 can display three symbols in combination by stopping one symbol of the plurality of types of symbols at each of the three display positions 12L to 12R.
[0018]
Below the variable display 12, a starting port 13 into which a game ball can enter is arranged. When a game ball enters the starting port 13, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls) are paid out by a prize ball payout device (not shown), and a big hit which is advantageous to the player (can acquire a large number of prize balls). A jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute a game is performed.
The result of the jackpot lottery is displayed on the variable display 12. For example, the symbols at the three display positions 12L to 12R start changing (high-speed changing) in response to a game ball entering the starting port 13, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a predetermined order (for example, left (The order of the display position 12L, the right display position 12R, and the center display position 12C). The result of the jackpot lottery is displayed by a combination of symbols finally stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R.
[0019]
If the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the symbols are finally stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R, for example, all in the same combination of symbols (jackpot symbols). On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot lottery is incorrect, the symbol is finally stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R in a combination (losing symbol) different from the jackpot symbol. The combination of the symbols finally stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R is determined by a symbol determination lottery performed in response to a game ball entering the starting port 13.
[0020]
In the process of stopping the symbols at the three display positions 12L to 12R, the same symbol (reach symbol) stops at the first two display positions (the left display position 12L and the right display position 12R), and the remaining 1 symbol is stopped. When a state in which the symbol is stopped at one of the display positions (the center display position 12C) determines whether or not the jackpot is reached (reach state), the player has an expectation that the jackpot may be a jackpot. Whether to enter the reach state or not is determined by a reach lottery performed in response to a game ball entering the starting port 13.
[0021]
In this embodiment, when the symbol finally stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R is a jackpot symbol, that is, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, a predetermined jackpot symbol is assigned to the three display positions 12L to 12R. After the (temporary stop symbol) is temporarily stopped, re-variation (high-speed variation) is started all at once, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the big hit symbol (final stop symbol) is stopped again. The temporary stop symbol is determined by a temporary stop symbol determination lottery performed in response to a game ball entering the starting port 13.
[0022]
In the event that the finally changed symbols (for example, “111”, “333”, “555”, “777”, “999”) are finally stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R, the jackpot game based on the jackpot ends. During a later predetermined period (for example, until the next big hit), a so-called probable change mode is entered in which the probability (small hit probability) of the lottery result of the big hit lottery is changed to a predetermined high probability. Specifically, when entering the probability change mode, the jackpot probability of 1/315 in the normal game mode becomes 1/60 of the probability. Whether to enter the probable change mode is determined at the time of the symbol determination lottery.
[0023]
If the big hit symbol stops at the three display positions 12L to 12R during the certainty change mode, the certainty change mode ends. It is designed to enter the probable change mode (so-called Ren-chan). In other words, the probability change mode is continued when the jackpot is reached with the probable symbol, while the probability change mode is terminated when the jackpot is reached with the non-probable symbol (eg, “222”, “444”, “666”, “888”). After the jackpot game based on the jackpot, the game returns to the normal game mode.
[0024]
Therefore, when the player enters the reach state with the symbols ("1", "3", "5", "7", "9") that constitute the probability variation symbol during the probability variation mode, the center display is performed. It is expected that the same symbol should be stopped at the position 12C, but the reach state is reached in the symbols (“2”, “4”, “6”, “8”) constituting the non-probable variable symbol during the probable variable mode. If this happens, it is expected that a different symbol should be stopped at the center display position 12C. In particular, the probability of a jackpot being high during the probable change mode is high, so that in the reach state, the same symbols as the left and right display positions 12L and 12R are likely to stop at the central display position 12C. Therefore, the expectation of the player as described above is further increased. In addition, when the non-probable variable symbol stops at the three display positions 12L to 12R during the probable variation mode, the player expects that the symbol should stop at the probable variable symbol after the re-change.
[0025]
Below the starting opening 13, there is arranged a large winning opening 14, which is formed in, for example, a rectangular shape that is long on the left and right, and into which a plurality of game balls can enter simultaneously. In connection with the special winning opening 14, an opening / closing plate 15 that can be opened and closed in an open state for guiding game balls to the special winning opening 14 and in a closed state for preventing game balls from entering the special winning opening 14 is provided. . That is, the opening / closing plate 15 closes the special winning opening 14 along the board surface of the game board 5 and can prevent a game ball from entering the special winning opening 14. The large winning opening 14 is opened and falls onto the large winning opening 14 by falling down on the front side around a rotating shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower edge of the winning opening 14. A game ball can be guided into the special winning opening 14.
[0026]
In the jackpot game, an operation of opening the opening / closing plate 15 until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 14 is defined as one round. If at least one of them passes through a special area (so-called V zone) in the special winning opening 14, the next round is executed, and the opening operation of the special winning opening 14 by the opening and closing plate 15 is performed in a predetermined manner. The maximum number of rounds is performed. When a game ball enters the special winning opening 14, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. In the jackpot game, the game ball easily enters the special winning opening 14, so that the player can acquire a large number of prize balls.
[0027]
Game balls (out balls) that have not entered the starting port 13 and the special winning port 14 are collected into the machine from an out ball collection port (not shown) formed at the lower portion of the game board 5. The game board 5 may be provided with a windmill for influencing the flow of the game ball, a general winning port for giving a prize ball to the entry of the game ball, and the like.
Above the variable display 12, for example, a notification lamp 17 that can emit light at a plurality of levels (for example, five levels) of luminance is arranged. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the alarm lamp 17 is turned on with the highest luminance (the luminance level is “5”) when the control enters the probable change mode. The light is turned off at the timing of, or the luminance is gradually reduced. When the big hit symbol stops at the three display positions 12L to 12R while the notification lamp 17 is lit (during the certainty change confirmation state notification mode), the certainty change symbol always stops and the certainty change mode is continued. It has become. Whether or not to turn off the notification lamp 17 is determined by a turn-off lottery, and whether or not to lower the brightness of the notification lamp 17 is determined by a brightness reduction lottery.
[0028]
According to this configuration, in the event of a jackpot during the probability change confirmed state notification mode (while the notification lamp 17 is lit), the probability change pattern is always stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R, and the probability change mode is continued. When the probable change confirmation state notification mode is started, the player expects that the jackpot is required to be a big hit early (until the notification lamp 17 is turned off).
In particular, during the probability change mode, it is guaranteed that the jackpot will return again in a short time after that, and the player's interest is not whether or not the jackpot will be reached, but whether or not the probability change mode is continued. On the point. Therefore, during the certainty change mode (especially, when the vehicle is in the reach state), the expectation that the big hit symbols should be stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R during the certainty change confirmed state notification mode becomes very high.
[0029]
Therefore, the player pays attention to the display of the notification lamp 17 and the display of the variable display 12, so that the interest is further improved.
In addition, since the probability of a jackpot during the normal game mode is low, even if the certainty-change-determined-state notification mode is executed, the player does not actually have a certainty-change jackpot, that is, the notification of a fake (fake). Although there is a high possibility, in this embodiment, such a probability change confirmed state notification mode is executed during the probability change mode, so the player is less likely to think that the notification is a fuzzy notification, and focuses on the notification effectively. It will be.
[0030]
Further, in this embodiment, once the notification lamp 17 is turned off, the notification lamp 17 is not turned on again during the probable change mode. As a result, the player expects a big hit as soon as the notification lamp 17 is on. Therefore, the player pays more attention to the display of the notification lamp 17 and the display of the variable display 12, and the interest is further improved.
However, the notification lamp 17 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1 and may have another shape. The position of the notification lamp 17 is not limited to the position above the variable display 12, but may be another position of the game board 5, or may be provided on the front of the pachinko machine.
[0031]
At the lower left portion of the front door 3 (at the lower left of the opening 4), for example, an operation button 18 is provided, which allows the player to hold the handle 9 with the right hand and perform a push operation with the left hand while playing a game. In the probability change confirmation state notification mode, when the brightness of the notification lamp 17 is not the highest (the brightness level is “5”), that is, when the brightness level is “1” to “4” (when the brightness level is “0”) Is turned off), the brightness of the notification lamp 17 is increased by one step each time the player presses the operation button 18 a plurality of times (for example, five times).
[0032]
According to this configuration, when the luminance of the notification lamp 17 decreases stepwise, the player presses the operation button 18 in order to prevent the certainty change confirmed state notification mode from ending (the notification lamp 17 is turned off). Will be operated. Therefore, as compared with a configuration in which either the maintenance of the notification lamp 17 or the extinguishing of the notification lamp 17 is simply determined by a light-off lottery, the playability is improved, and the player pays more attention to the notification lamp 17. Interestingness improves.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.
Referring to FIG. 2, the control circuit of the pachinko machine includes a control unit 30 constituted by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 30 includes, for example, a timer 31 and a counter 32.
The control unit 30 is connected with a starting port sensor 131 that detects a game ball entering the starting port 13 and outputs a signal, and an operation sensor 181 that detects a pressing operation of the operation button 18 and outputs a signal, Signals output from the starting port sensor 131 and the operation sensor 181 are input to the control unit 30.
[0034]
On the other hand, the variable display 12, the open / close plate 15, the notification lamp 17, and the like are connected to the control unit 30 as control targets. Thus, the operation of these controlled objects is controlled.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control performed by the control unit 30 in response to a game ball entering the starting port 13.
Referring to FIG. 3, while the game is being played by operating handle 2 by the player, control unit 30 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from start-up opening sensor 131 (step S <b> 1). . When a detection signal is input from the starting port sensor 131 in response to a game ball entering the starting port 13 (YES in step S1), the control unit 30 performs a jackpot lottery, a reach lottery, and a symbol determination lottery. At the same time (steps S2, S3, S4), if the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, a temporary stop symbol determination lottery is performed (step S5). If the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, it is determined in the symbol determination lottery whether to enter (or continue) the probability change mode after the end of the jackpot game.
[0035]
Thereafter, the control unit 30 starts the symbol change operation of the three display positions 12L to 12R (step S6) and transmits a signal (change start signal) to that effect (step S7).
When the result of the jackpot lottery is not a jackpot (NO in step S8), the control unit 30 stops the symbols shifted to the three display positions 12L to 12R after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S17).
[0036]
On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (YES in step S8), the control unit 30 temporarily temporarily stops the temporary stop symbols determined in the temporary stop symbol determination lottery at the three display positions 12L to 12R ( Step S9) After a lapse of a predetermined time, the symbols at the three display positions 12L to 12R are simultaneously changed again (Step S10).
When the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 30 stops the big hit symbols simultaneously at the three display positions 12L to 12R (step S11). At this time, if it is determined to enter (or continue) the probable mode, the probable symbol is stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R, and it is not determined to enter (or continue) the probable mode. , The non-probable variable symbols are stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R.
[0037]
Thereafter, the control unit 30 executes the jackpot game (step S12), and after the jackpot game ends, if it is determined to enter (or continue) the probable change mode (YES in step S13), the control unit 30 switches to the probable change mode. At the same time as the vehicle enters (or continues) (step S14), the notification lamp 17 is turned on to start the certain change confirmation state notification mode (step S15).
Since the jackpot probability is high in the probability change mode, the player is excited. At the time of entering the probable change mode (when continuing), the excitement of the player is particularly high. Therefore, by turning on the notification lamp 17 at this time to start the probable change confirmation state notification mode, the excitement of the player can be further increased. it can. Therefore, the certain change confirmed state notification mode can be effectively executed, and the interest is further improved.
[0038]
On the other hand, if it is not determined to enter (or continue) the probability change mode after the jackpot game ends (NO in step S13), the control unit 30 ends the probability change mode (step S16).
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit 30 in the certainty change confirmed state notification mode.
Referring to FIG. 4, when the probable change confirmation state notification mode is started, control unit 30 determines whether or not to receive a change start signal (step T <b> 1), and whether or not one minute has elapsed by timer 31 ( In step T10, it is monitored whether or not the operation button 18 has been pressed (step T12).
[0039]
If a change start signal has been received (YES in step T1), control unit 30 performs a light-off lottery (step T2), and if it is determined to turn off notification lamp 17 (YES in step T3), The notification lamp 17 is turned off (step T4), and the certainty change confirmed state notification mode ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the notification lamp 17 is not turned off by the light-off lottery (NO in step T3), the control unit 30 determines that the symbol variation is out of reach (it is out of the reach state). It is determined whether or not there is (Step T5).
[0040]
If it is determined that the outreach will be reached (YES in step T5), the control unit 30 performs a brightness reduction lottery (step T6). If one minute has elapsed from the timer 31 (YES in step T10), the control unit 30 resets the timer 31 and starts counting again (step T11), and performs a brightness reduction lottery (step T11). T6). In this embodiment, the control unit 30 performs the brightness reduction lottery with different probabilities depending on whether it is determined to be out of reach or when one minute has elapsed by the timer 31. If it is determined that the brightness of the notification lamp 17 is to be reduced by the brightness reduction lottery (YES in step T7), the control unit 30 determines whether or not the brightness level of the notification lamp 17 is “2” or more. A determination is made (step T8).
[0041]
When the brightness level of the notification lamp 17 is equal to or higher than “2” (YES in step T8), that is, when the brightness level is “2” to “5”, the control unit 30 increases the brightness of the notification lamp 17 by one step. It is lowered (step T9). On the other hand, when the brightness level of the notification lamp 17 is not “2” or more (NO in step T8), that is, when the brightness level is “1”, the control unit 30 lowers the brightness of the notification lamp 17 by one step. As a result, the light is turned off (step T4), and the probable change confirmation state notification mode ends.
[0042]
When it is determined that the brightness of the notification lamp 17 is not reduced by the brightness reduction lottery (NO in step T7), the control unit 30 keeps the lighting state of the notification lamp 17 as it is.
When the operation button 18 is pressed (YES in step T12), the control unit 30 increments the count value of the counter 32 by 1 (step T13), and determines whether the count value of the counter 32 has reached “5”. Is determined (step T14). If the count value of the counter 32 has not reached “5” (NO in step T14), the control unit 30 maintains the lighting state of the notification lamp 17 as it is.
[0043]
When the count value of the counter 32 has reached “5” (YES in step T14), the control unit 30 sets the count value of the counter 32 to “0” (reset) (step T15) and notifies the notification lamp. It is determined whether or not the brightness level of No. 17 is "1" to "4" (step T16). Then, when the luminance level of the notification lamp 17 is “1” to “4” (YES in step T16), the control unit 30 increases the luminance of the notification lamp 17 by one step (step T17).
[0044]
On the other hand, when the brightness level of the notification lamp 17 is not “1” to “4” (NO in step T16), that is, when the brightness level is “5”, the brightness of the notification lamp 17 is further increased. Therefore, the lighting state of the notification lamp 17 is maintained as it is.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the probability of the lottery result of the turn-off lottery corresponding to each stop symbol type. FIG. 5A shows a case where the lottery is out of place (not in the reach state), and FIG. FIG. 5C shows the case of the out-reach (out-of-reach state), and FIG.
[0045]
Referring to FIG. 5 (a), when it is determined that the same symbol is not stopped at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R (without reaching the reach state), it is notified with a 100% probability. The lighting state of the lamp 17 is maintained (1).
With reference to FIG. 5B, the symbols ("2", "4", "6", "8") constituting the non-probable variable symbols are stopped at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R, and the reach state is reached. After that, if it is determined that the information will be lost (a symbol different from the left and right display positions 12L and 12R stops at the center display position 12C), the lighting state of the notification lamp 17 is maintained with a probability of 50%. Then, the notification lamp 17 is turned off with a probability of 50% ((2) non-probable change reach). On the other hand, after the symbols ("1", "3", "5", "7", "9") constituting the positively-variable symbols are stopped at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R, the reach state is reached, and then a loss occurs. If it is determined that the notification will be made, the lighting state of the notification lamp 17 is maintained with a probability of 100% ((3) probability change reach).
[0046]
With reference to FIG. 5C, if it is determined that the non-probable variable symbol is temporarily stopped at the three display positions 12 </ b> L to 12 </ b> R and then changed again to finally stop the non-probable variable symbol, The notification lamp 17 is turned off with a probability of 100% ([4] non-probable change → non-probable change). On the other hand, if it is determined that the non-probable symbol is temporarily stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R and then re-fluctuated to finally stop the probable symbol, the notification lamp 17 has a probability of 50%. The lighting state is maintained, and the notification lamp 17 is turned off with a probability of 50% ((5) non-probable change → probable change). In addition, if it is determined that the probable symbol is temporarily stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R and then re-fluctuated to finally stop the probable symbol, the notification lamp 17 is turned on with a probability of 100%. The state is maintained (6).
[0047]
In this embodiment, when the probable variable symbol temporarily stops at the three display positions 12L to 12R, the probable variable symbol always stops after the re-change, and finally the non-probable variable symbol stops. There is no such thing.
6A and 6B are diagrams showing the probability of the lottery result of the brightness reduction lottery. FIG. 6A shows the probability of the brightness reduction lottery performed every minute, and FIG. 6B shows the probability of the loss reach. The respective probabilities in the reduced brightness lottery are shown.
[0048]
Referring to FIG. 6 (a), in the brightness reduction lottery performed every one minute during the probable change confirmation state notification mode, that is, the brightness reduction lottery performed when YES in step T10 of FIG. 4 (step T6). , The lighting state of the notification lamp 17 is maintained with a probability of 80%, while the luminance of the notification lamp 17 is reduced by one step with a probability of 20%.
Referring to FIG. 6 (b), a brightness reduction lottery performed in the case of a deviation reach during the certainty change confirmed state notification mode, that is, a brightness reduction lottery performed when YES is determined in step T5 of FIG. 4 (step T6). Then, the symbols ("2", "4", "6", "8") constituting the non-probable variable symbols are stopped at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R, and after reaching the reach state, they are lost (center). (A symbol different from the left and right display positions 12L and 12R stops at the display position 12C), that is, in the case of non-probable change reach, the lighting state of the notification lamp 17 is maintained with a probability of 50%. , The luminance of the notification lamp 17 is reduced by one step with a probability of 50%. On the other hand, after the symbols ("1", "3", "5", "7", "9") constituting the positively-variable symbols are stopped at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R, the reach state is reached, and then a loss occurs. If it is determined that the notification lamp 17 is to be reached, that is, in the case of the probability change reach, the lighting state of the notification lamp 17 is maintained with a probability of 100%.
[0049]
FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing specific examples of display modes of the variable display 12 and the notification lamp 17. The arrow "↓" shown at each of the display positions 12L to 12R indicates that the symbols at the display positions 12L to 12R are changing. The hatching on the notification lamp 17 indicates that the notification lamp 17 is turned on (the luminance level is “1” to “5”).
First, referring to FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the notification lamp 17 is turned on when the symbols at the three display positions 12 </ b> L to 12 </ b> R start to change, the player: While the notification lamp 17 is lit, it is expected that the player wants to win the jackpot quickly (the symbol that is changing should stop at the jackpot symbol).
[0050]
In this state, if different symbols stop at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R and the loss is determined (see FIG. 7 (l)), the player is discouraged, but the left and right display positions 12L , 12R (see FIGS. 7 (b) and 7 (g)), if the same symbol stops at the center display position 12C, the finally variable symbol always stops and the variable mode is set. Since the game is continued, the player expects that the same symbol as the left and right display positions 12L and 12R is stopped at the center display position 12C (a big hit).
[0051]
In the case of the non-probable change reach as shown in FIG. 7B, a symbol (for example, “5”) different from the symbol (for example, “4”) of the left and right display positions 12L and 12R is displayed at the central display position 12C. When the player stops (see FIG. 7 (f)), the player becomes discouraged, but when the same symbol (“4”) as the left and right display positions 12L and 12R stops at the central display position 12C, After that, the symbols at the three display positions 12L to 12R change again, and finally the variable symbol (eg, “777”) stops (see FIGS. 7D and 7E). The player is excited. In this case, when the non-probable change reach is reached, if the same symbol as the left and right display positions 12L and 12R stops at the central display position 12C thereafter, it is determined that the probable variable design will stop after re-variation, so the probable change reach is performed. , The player can be given the same excitement as at the time when the game has become.
[0052]
Similarly, in the case of the probability change reach as shown in FIG. 7 (g), a symbol (for example, “4”) different from the symbol of the left and right display positions 12L and 12R (for example, “3”) is displayed at the central display position 12C. ) Stops (see FIG. 7 (k)), the player becomes discouraged. However, when the same symbol (“3”) as the left and right display positions 12L and 12R stops at the central display position 12C. (See FIG. 7 (h)), and thereafter, the symbols at the three display positions 12L to 12R change again, and finally the positively-variable symbol (eg, “777”) stops (FIG. 7 (i), (7)). j)), the player is excited.
[0053]
Next, referring to FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the notification lamp 17 is turned off when the symbols at the three display positions 12L to 12R start to change, that is, the probable change confirmation state notification. If the mode has ended, the player will be discouraged, but this does not mean that the hope of continuing the probable change mode is not lost at this point. That is, when the same symbol (for example, the non-probable variable symbol “444”) stops at the three display positions 12L to 12R (see FIGS. 7B and 7C), the three display positions 12L to 12R are thereafter set. May fluctuate again, and finally the certainty-variable symbol (for example, “777”) may stop (see FIGS. 7D and 7E).
[0054]
As described above, even when the notification lamp 17 is turned off (when the probable change confirmation state notification mode ends), there is a possibility that the probable change pattern is finally stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R and the probable change mode is continued. By leaving the information, the discouragement of the player can be reduced, and the player's attention to the display of the variable display 12 can be maintained.
On the other hand, when different symbols stop at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R (see FIG. 7 (f)), the same symbol (eg, “4”) stops at the left and right display positions 12L and 12R, but the center symbol is stopped. When a different symbol (for example, “5”) stops at the display positions 12L and 12R (see FIG. 7 (g)), and the same symbol (for example, the non-probable variable symbol “444”) exists at the three display positions 12L to 12R. If the player stops but the non-probable variable symbol (for example, “666”) stops after the re-change (see FIG. 7 (h)), the player will be discouraged.
[0055]
The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
For example, the brightness reduction lottery is not limited to the configuration that is performed in the case of the off-reach and every one minute, but may be performed when another condition is satisfied.
The notification lamp 17 is not limited to the configuration in which the luminance can be switched to five levels, and may be switchable to more or fewer levels.
[0056]
During the probable change confirmation state notification mode, the configuration may be such that the luminance of the notification lamp 17 does not change but the emission color changes, for example, or the number of lights of a plurality of lamps changes. There may be.
The notification lamp 17 is not limited to the configuration of notifying the fact that the jackpot will be a probability change jackpot (notifying the probability change determination state) whenever the jackpot becomes a hit while the lamp is turned on. In the case where the (announcement effect) is performed, an effect may be performed in which an effect having a high probability of a big hit (high reliability) is performed thereafter.
[0057]
When a big hit occurs while the notification lamp 17 is turned on, the probable change symbol is always stopped at the three display positions 12L to 12R, and the probable change mode is not continued. May be changed to a predetermined high probability.
When the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the symbols are re-varied at the three display positions 12L to 12R, and the configuration may be such that the symbol re-variation is performed only when the re-variation lottery is won. Alternatively, a configuration in which no re-variation is performed may be used.
[0058]
When a game ball enters the starting port 13 during the symbol change of the variable display 12 or during the jackpot game, the symbol changing operation of the three display positions 12L to 12E for the ball entering the starting port 13 is held. It may be. In this case, the control after step S2 in FIG. 3 may be performed at the start of the suspended symbol changing operation.
The notification of the probable change confirmation state is not limited to the configuration using the notification lamp 17. For example, a configuration in which a light emitting area is displayed on the display screen of the variable display 12 and the light emitting area is turned on may be used. In addition, instead of causing the lamp or the light-emitting region to emit light, for example, a predetermined effect is performed on the display screen of the variable display 12 or a display provided separately from the variable display 12. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that a special accessory is activated.
[0059]
Further, the display of the variable display 12 is not limited to the configuration of notifying whether to execute the jackpot game and whether to enter the probable change mode. Is also good. The notification is not limited to the display, but may be performed by voice or the like.
The variable display 12 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, but may be, for example, a drum having a plurality of patterns drawn on a peripheral surface, or may be a 7-segment display. May be performed.
[0060]
The display positions of the symbols are not limited to three (the left display position 12L, the center display position 12C, and the right display position 12R), and may be two or less, or four or more. .
Although the pachinko machine has been described as an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine, but can be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control contents performed by a control unit in response to a game ball entering a starting port.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control contents of a control unit in a certain change confirmation state notification mode.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a probability of a lottery result of a turn-off lottery corresponding to each stop symbol type.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a probability of a lottery result of a brightness reduction lottery.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a display mode of a variable display and a notification lamp.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a display mode of a variable display and a notification lamp.
[Explanation of symbols]
17 Information lamp
18 Operation buttons
30 control unit

Claims (5)

Notification means for changing the notification mode to a plurality of stages, and for notifying whether or not the player is in an advantageous state,
At a predetermined timing, the notification mode of the notification means is set to an advantageous notification state for notifying that the state is advantageous to the player. Thereafter, each time a predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification mode of the notification means is set to an advantage for the player. A notification mode executing means capable of executing a notification mode of gradually changing to a disadvantageous notification state for notifying that the state is not a state,
In the above-mentioned notification mode, the notification mode of the notification unit, which changes stepwise according to the operation of the player, includes a disadvantageous notification state transition prevention unit for preventing the disadvantageous notification state from being changed to the disadvantageous notification state. Machine. The notification mode execution means terminates the notification mode when the notification mode of the notification means becomes the disadvantageous notification state, and thereafter does not execute the notification mode until the predetermined timing comes. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein The notification means includes a lamp capable of switching the luminance in a plurality of stages,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification mode executing means is capable of executing the notification mode by changing the brightness of the lamp in a stepwise manner. A jackpot game executing means for executing a jackpot game advantageous to the player when the jackpot lottery is won;
Probability change mode execution means for executing the probability change mode in which the probability of winning in the jackpot lottery has been changed to a predetermined high probability for a certain period of time when a probability change jackpot occurs during a normal game mode,
If the probability variation jackpot during the probability variation mode, after the elapse of the certain period, further includes a probability variation mode re-execution means for re-executing the probability variation mode,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notifying means is for notifying that the probability of the probability change jackpot is high when the jackpot is hit during the probability change mode. Machine. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing of starting the probable change mode.

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