JP2004305350A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko machine of high game property and amusement by which the character of a previous announcement pattern to be displayed in variation of a pattern is set according to prescribed operation by a player. <P>SOLUTION: The pachinko machine PM is provided with: a previous announcement pattern group memory 624e which stores a plurality of previous announcement patterns which can be displayed by a pattern display device 20 when vary-displaying the pattern by each character set in advance; a previous announcement pattern selection means 624f for selecting the previous announcement pattern to which a prescribed character is set among previous announcement patterns plurally stored in the memory 624e; a previous announcement pattern carrying out means 626 for displaying the previous announcement pattern selected by the selection means 624f on the display device 20 during variation display of the pattern based on a random number obtained by a pattern variation element obtaining means 621; an operation switch 6 which is input-operated by the player; and a pattern setting means 76 for setting the prescribed character of the previous announcement pattern selected by the selection means 624f according to the operation of the operation switch 6 by the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ball game machine represented by a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a ball game machine that performs a special game when a symbol displayed on a symbol display device has a predetermined winning symbol.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional ball and ball game machines such as pachinko game machines, it is generally known that a symbol display device such as a liquid crystal display is provided at the center of a game board constituting a game area, and a starting device provided in the game area is provided. If the symbol (stopping symbol) when the symbol (variable symbol) is displayed in a variable manner on the symbol display device when the game ball is awarded in the winning opening, and the symbol (stop symbol) is a preset hit symbol, a special It is configured to establish a gaming state (big hit). In this special game state, a variable winning opening (large winning opening) provided at a lower portion of the game area is opened to facilitate winning of the game ball, so that the player can acquire a large amount of the game ball. I have.
[0003]
In the ball game machine having the above-described configuration, when a symbol (variable symbol) is variably displayed, a character (for example, a person, an animal, a plant, or a machine) is displayed along with the variegated symbol, and the reach is displayed. There are known ones that predict the possibility of reaching (reach notice) (for example, see Patent Literature 1) and those that notify the possibility of a big hit (big hit notice) (for example, see Patent Literature 2). By using the character in this way, it is possible to increase a sense of expectation of a possibility of reaching or a possibility of winning, and to notify the content of the notice in a more understandable manner.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-127883
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-346098
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the ball game machine described in the above document, the character used at the time of the reach announcement or the jackpot announcement is fixed. As a result, a player who plays a game for a long time gets tired of the same effect display every time the reach notice or the big hit notice is displayed. However, the player cannot intervene in the game simply by looking at the effect display, and has a poor game property.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a highly entertaining and entertaining ball game machine capable of setting a character to be displayed when a symbol fluctuates according to a predetermined operation by a player. With the goal.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides a symbol display device capable of changing the display of symbols, and random number acquiring means for acquiring a random number each time a game ball wins the starting winning opening (for example, the symbol in the present embodiment) A variable element obtaining unit 621); an execution determining unit (for example, a hit random number determining unit 623) for determining whether to execute a special game based on the random number obtained by the random number obtaining unit; and a determination by the execution determining unit. A symbol control means for performing a symbol variation process control to stop and display after the symbol is variably displayed on the symbol display device based on the result, and when the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol control means is a predetermined hit symbol, In a gaming machine provided with a special game execution means for performing a special game that facilitates winning a variable winning opening (for example, the big winning opening 13 in the present embodiment) provided in the game area, Storage means (for example, a notice pattern group memory 624e in the present embodiment) for storing a plurality of notice patterns that can be displayed on the symbol display device during symbol change display for each character set, and a storage means. Among a plurality of preview patterns stored in the random number acquisition unit, a selection unit (for example, a preview pattern selection unit 624f in this embodiment) that selects a preview pattern in which a predetermined character is set, A notice pattern executing means for displaying the notice pattern selected by the selection means on the symbol display device while the symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, and an operation means capable of performing an input operation by the player (for example, the operation switch 6 in the present embodiment). ) And a predetermined character of the notice pattern selected by the selection means in accordance with the operation of the operation means by the player. It is constituted by a pattern setting means constant to.
[0007]
Note that the notice pattern indicates a possibility (a so-called big hit notice) that a special game will be played after the change display of the symbol ends.
[0008]
With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a highly entertaining and entertaining ball game machine capable of setting a character of a notice pattern displayed at the time of changing the design according to a predetermined operation by the player.
[0009]
Further, the operating means may be configured to be operable by the player within a predetermined time during the special game (for example, the sub game (ie, the slot game) in the present embodiment).
[0010]
With such a configuration, during a special game in which the player has merely watched the state of the jackpot in the past, a ball game in which the player can operate the operating means to actively participate in the game and enjoy the game. Machine can be provided.
[0011]
Further, the pattern setting means sets so as to increase the number of predetermined characters that can be selected by the selection means according to a preset first condition (for example, whether or not to clear the sub game in the present embodiment). It may be configured as follows.
[0012]
With such a configuration, the number of characters displayed in the notice pattern increases in accordance with the operation of the player, so that an amusing ball game machine that reflects the skill of the player can be provided.
[0013]
Further, when all the characters set in the storage means are set to be selectable by the selection means by the pattern setting means, this may be notified to the player.
[0014]
With such a configuration, the player can grasp all characters that can be displayed in the notice pattern.
[0015]
Further, the pattern setting means may be configured so as to reduce the number of predetermined characters selectable by the selection means according to a second condition set in advance.
[0016]
With such a configuration, the number of characters displayed in the notice pattern is reduced in accordance with the operation of the player, so that it is possible to provide a ball game machine with a sense of tension that reflects the skill of the player.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A pachinko machine PM as an example of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine PM.
[0018]
The pachinko machine PM is provided with an outer frame 1 forming an outer frame of the gaming machine, and a front frame 2 (not shown) pivotally supported on the outer frame 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front frame 2 has a glass door 3 (not shown), a ball tray 4, a hitting handle 5, an operation switch 6 capable of pressing operation, and a game board 8 having a game area 10 partitioned by rails 7. And so on.
[0019]
The game area 10 includes a plurality of general winning ports 11 serving as prize ball payout conditions, a starting winning port 12 serving as a prize ball payout condition and a symbol change start condition of a symbol display device 20 to be described later. A winning port 13, an out port 14 for collecting game balls, and a windmill and a number of game nails, which are not shown, which affect the drop of hit balls are provided. At the approximate center of the game area 10, a symbol display device 20 for displaying images and symbols such as fluctuating symbols, stop symbols, and effect patterns, which will be described later, is provided.
[0020]
Above the symbol display device 20, there is provided a holding ball lamp 30 composed of four LEDs or the like for displaying the number of winning balls entering the start winning opening 12 while the symbol is being changed by the symbol display device 20. . In the present embodiment, the upper limit of four lamps is turned on one by one each time there is a winning in the starting winning opening 12 (during symbol fluctuation). Then, each time the variable display of the variable symbol is started on the symbol display device 20, one of the lit holding ball lamps 30 is turned off one by one.
[0021]
In the pachinko machine PM having such a configuration, when the player operates the hitting handle 5, game balls are sent one by one from the ball tray 4 to a hitting ball firing unit (not shown), and the game area is provided with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount. A shot is fired at 10. The shot ball that has been shot flows down to the above-mentioned winning opening 11 or 12 or the out opening 14, and when the above-mentioned winning opening 11 or 12 is won, a predetermined winning ball is paid out to the ball tray 4. When a ball is hit in the starting winning opening 12 out of the winning openings 11 and 12, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the ball tray 4, and the symbol displayed on the symbol display device 20 starts to change. Here, although the details will be described later, in the present invention, the symbol display is stopped after the symbol display device 20 has displayed the predetermined moving image and the symbol variation mode for a predetermined time. At this time, in the case where the stop mode of the symbol displayed on the symbol display device 20 is a predetermined hit symbol (for example, 1 to 9 crosses), the hit is a big hit, and the symbol is opened to facilitate a prize. When a hit ball wins in the special winning opening 13, a large amount of prize balls are paid out to the player.
[0022]
A control device provided in the pachinko machine PM configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of control by the control device. This control device controls a game by a game control means 50 composed of various electronic components such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.
[0023]
The game control means 50 includes an operation detection device 6a built in the operation switch 6 for detecting (pressing) operation of the operation switch 6, a start opening winning detection device 12a built in the start winning opening 12, and The special winning opening winning detection device 13a built in the winning opening 13 and the specific area passage detecting device 13b built in a specific area (not shown) in the special winning opening 13 are electrically connected. Is input to the game control means 50.
[0024]
The game control means 50 performs various operation controls in accordance with these input signals, and displays a special winning opening drive device 13m for opening the special winning opening 13 as an object to be controlled, and displays images and symbols. The symbol display device 20, the holding ball lamp 30, and the prize ball payout device 40 for paying out prize balls are electrically connected. These are all operated and controlled based on control signals from the game control means 50.
[0025]
Subsequently, the control contents of the game control means 50 will be described. The game control means 50 includes a normal game execution means 60, a special game execution means 70, a high-probability game setting means 80, and a payout control means 90 for controlling the game.
[0026]
The normal game execution means 60 is for executing and controlling the normal game of the ball and ball game machine, and a prize port winning processing means 61 for performing a process relating to a prize to each of the prize ports provided in the game area 10; Special game shift determining means 62 for determining whether or not to shift from the normal game to the special game is provided. Since the winning opening winning processing means 61 is the same as the conventional one, the detailed description is omitted here.
[0027]
The special game shift determination unit 62 includes a symbol variation element acquisition unit 621, a reserved ball information storage unit 622, a winning random number determination unit 623, an effect determination unit 624, a symbol control unit 625, and a notice pattern execution unit 626. Have.
[0028]
The symbol variation element acquiring unit 621 is for acquiring an element (for example, a winning random number, a stopped symbol random number, an effect random number, or a preview random number) for determining a symbol or an image to be displayed on the symbol display device 20. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), a win random number acquiring unit 621a, a stop symbol random number acquiring unit 621b, an effect random number acquiring unit 621c, and a preview random number acquiring unit 621d are provided.
[0029]
The winning random number obtaining means 621a is for obtaining a random number (hereinafter, referred to as “hit random number”) for determining whether to generate a big hit. For example, random numbers from 0 to 65535 (65536 patterns) generated by a hardware increment counter are acquired based on the winning signal from the starting opening winning detection device 12a described above. Note that the random number in the specification is a concept that includes a random number, such as an increment counter, which actually functions as a random number because the acquisition timing is not regular.
[0030]
The stop symbol random number obtaining means 621b is for obtaining a random number (hereinafter, referred to as “stop symbol random number”) for determining a stop symbol to be displayed on the symbol display device 20. For example, a left symbol determining random number for obtaining a random number of 0 to 9 (10 patterns) for a left symbol, a medium symbol determining random number for obtaining a random number of 0 to 9 (10 patterns) for a medium symbol, and It consists of right symbol determination random numbers for obtaining random numbers from 0 to 9 (10 ways).
[0031]
The effect random number obtaining means 621c is for obtaining a random number (hereinafter, referred to as “effect random number”) for obtaining an effect pattern (any of the effect pattern group memory 624b). For example, the random number of 0 to 255 (256 kinds) generated by the increment counter of the software is acquired before the hit random number determination unit 623 determines the hit.
[0032]
The preview random number acquiring unit 621d determines whether or not to display the preview pattern (during display of the variation of the variation symbol) and a random number for acquiring the preview pattern (any of the preview pattern group memory 624e). (Hereinafter referred to as “announcement random number”). For example, the notice random number generated by the software increment counter is acquired before the hit random number determination unit 623 determines the hit.
[0033]
The retained ball information storage unit 622 stores the winning information of the game ball that has won the starting winning opening 12 during the symbol change display by the symbol control unit 625 (that is, detected by the starting opening winning detection device 12a). This is for storing a predetermined upper limit number (four in this embodiment) corresponding to a sphere. In the present embodiment, a winning random number, a stop symbol random number, an effect random number, a preview random number, the number of reserved balls, and the like are stored as winning information. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of storable balls that can be stored is four, but the number is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. When the prize information of the reserved balls is stored in such reserved ball information storage means 622 for a predetermined upper limit, even if more game balls are won in the starting winning opening 12, the winning information for the game balls is obtained. Is not memorized and becomes invalid. In other words, the information acquired for the four game balls passing through the starting winning opening 12 during the symbol change can be stored, but the fifth and subsequent gaming balls pass through the starting winning opening 12 even if they pass through. Only the prize balls are dispensed and dispensed.
[0034]
The winning random number determination means 623 is for determining whether or not to execute a special game according to the winning random number, that is, whether or not it is a big hit. For example, the hit value “0 to 200” stored in the ROM is compared with the random value (one of 0 to 65535) acquired as the previous hit random number, and the random value is compared with the hit value “0 to 200”. Is determined as "hit". During the probability fluctuation described below, the high-probability game setting unit 80 sets the jackpot probability to the high probability (that is, the hit value to “ 0 to 1280 ").
[0035]
The effect determining means 624 is for determining various effects in the symbol display device 20 when the symbol display device 20 starts the change of the symbol and then stops the symbol display, and includes a stop symbol determining device 624a. An effect pattern group memory 624b, an effect pattern selecting means 624c, a notice random number determining means 624d, an notice pattern group memory 624e, and an notice pattern selecting means 624f are provided.
[0036]
The stop symbol determination means 624a is for determining a stop symbol according to a stop symbol random number. In the present embodiment, the stop symbol is composed of a left symbol, a right symbol, and a middle symbol, and a number from 0 to 9 can be displayed for each symbol. When the winning symbol is determined as a winning by the winning random number determining means 623, as shown in FIG. 4A, the winning symbol is a symbol in which the three numbers displayed on the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol are the same. is there. As a symbol other than the hit symbol, for example, when it is not determined as a hit by the hit random number determining means 624, that is, when the symbol is out, as shown in FIG. 4B, the symbol becomes a non-hit symbol as shown in FIG. . However, among the departure symbols, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), a symbol in which the numbers of the left and right symbols are the same but the numerals of the central symbol are different from each other is referred to as a reach symbol.
[0037]
The effect pattern group memory 624b is a memory that stores a plurality of effect patterns in which a symbol changing process of causing the symbol display device 20 to perform the variable display of the variable symbol and then stop displaying the stop symbol is defined. As shown in b), a special hit effect pattern group memory M1, a normal hit effect pattern group memory M2, a reach effect pattern group memory M3, and a miss effect pattern group memory M4 are provided.
[0038]
The special hit effect pattern group memory M1 is a series of symbols from the start of the change of the selected symbol to the stop of the symbol when the hit random number determination means 623 determines that the symbol is a hit and the stopped symbol is determined to be the surely changing symbol among the hit symbols. This is a memory for storing a plurality of effect patterns (special winning effect patterns).
[0039]
In the special hit effect pattern group memory M1, a specific effect that is performed when the probability of occurrence of a hit symbol changes is set, and a reach change and a premium notice are set. The premium announcement is an announcement effect with an extremely low appearance frequency, and when this effect is performed, the probability that the lottery result in the fluctuation will be a hit is extremely high. By using such a specific effect, the player can increase the recognition that the probability that a winning symbol will occur during a symbol change (that is, the jackpot probability) will change from a normal low probability to a high probability, and the player in the change You can increase the degree of concentration.
[0040]
The normal winning effect pattern group memory M2 is a symbol displayed on the symbol display device 20, which is selected when the winning symbol is determined by the winning random number determining means 623 and the stopped symbol is determined as a symbol other than the probable symbol among the winning symbols. This is a memory for storing a plurality of types of symbol effect patterns (hit effect patterns) from the start of fluctuation of symbols to the stop of symbols.
[0041]
The reach effect pattern group memory M3 is a symbol pattern selected when the hit random number determination means 623 determines that the symbol is out of place and the stop symbol is determined to be the reach symbol (the left and right symbols are the same but only the middle symbol is different). This is a memory for storing a plurality of types of symbol effect patterns (reach effect patterns) from the start of the change to the stop of the symbols.
[0042]
The outgoing effect pattern group memory M4 is selected when the hit random number judging means 623 determines that it is out of place, and is selected when the stopped symbol is out of position (the left and right symbols are different, non-reach symbols). This is a memory for storing a plurality of types of symbol effect patterns (outward effect patterns) up to the stop of the symbol.
[0043]
The effect pattern selecting means 624c first selects one of the effect pattern group memories M1 to M4 from the effect pattern group memory 624b based on the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determining means 624a. Next, one effect pattern is selected from the selected effect pattern group memory based on the effect random number acquired by the effect random number acquiring means 621c.
[0044]
The preview random number determination unit 624d determines whether or not to display a preview pattern in accordance with the preview random number (during the display of the variable symbol).
[0045]
The notice pattern group memory 624e is a memory that stores a plurality of notice patterns, and as shown in FIG. 3C, a light aircraft pattern group table T1, a helicopter pattern group table T2, a jet aircraft pattern group table T3, It has. These pattern group tables T1 to T3 store a plurality of notice patterns for each character set in the notice patterns.
[0046]
Here, the notice pattern is displayed on the symbol display device 20 during the change of the change symbol, and is for notifying the player of the possibility that the game performed after the change display will be a big hit.
[0047]
Then, a predetermined character is set in advance in the notice pattern. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, the light aircraft, the helicopter, and the jet aircraft are displayed as the predetermined characters according to the possibility of the jackpot (in ascending order of possibility). It has become. By giving a jackpot notice using such a character, it is possible to inform the player of the possibility of a jackpot in an easy-to-understand manner, and to further increase the sense of expectation of the jackpot.
[0048]
Note that the number of pattern group tables (that is, the types of characters) in the notice pattern group memory 624e is not limited to the present embodiment. Characters set in the notice pattern include not only objects such as light aircraft, helicopters, and jet aircraft as in this embodiment, but also backgrounds (eg, road junctions, towns, seasides, forests, etc.). May be.
[0049]
The notice pattern selecting means 624f, when it is determined that the notice pattern is to be displayed by the notice random number decision means 624d, based on the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determination means 624a, any of the patterns from the notice pattern group memory 624e. Select the group tables T1 to T3. Next, one notice pattern is selected from the selected pattern group table based on the notice random number acquired by the notice random number acquisition means 621d. The number of pattern group tables that can be selected by the notice pattern selecting means 624f is set by the pattern setting means 76 according to the result of the sub game performed during the special game (increased in the present embodiment).
[0050]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the notice pattern selecting means 624f can select the notice pattern only from the light aircraft pattern group table T1 at the start of the game (that is, other notice patterns). Cannot be referred to the pattern group tables T2 and T3). When the player satisfies predetermined conditions in the sub game as the game progresses (details will be described later), in addition to the light aircraft pattern group table T1, the helicopter pattern group table T2, and then the jet aircraft pattern group table T3 Can be referred to. As described above, the number of characters that may be displayed in the preview pattern increases according to the operation of the player during the sub game.
[0051]
The symbol control means 625 is for controlling the symbol changing process of changing the symbol display on the symbol display device 20 and then stopping the symbol display based on the determination result by the hit random number determining means 623. For example, in the present invention, when a game ball wins in the starting winning opening 12 (that is, when it is detected by the starting opening winning detection device 12a), based on the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern selecting means 624c in the symbol display device 20. After the symbol variation mode is displayed for a predetermined time, the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determination means 624a is displayed.
[0052]
The notice pattern executing means 626 is for executing the display of the notice pattern selected by the notice pattern selecting means 624f during the fluctuation display of the variable symbol (based on the effect pattern) on the symbol display device 20.
[0053]
The special game executing means 70 is for executing a special game when the hit random number judging means 623 judges that the winning is a hit (that is, when the stop symbol is a hit symbol). The unit game executing means 71 and the continuation judging means 72, a probability variation shift determining unit 73, a sub game executing unit 74, a game result determining unit 75, and a pattern setting unit 76.
[0054]
The unit game execution unit 71 is for performing a unit game during a special game, and includes a special winning opening driving unit 711 and a unit game end determination unit 712.
[0055]
The special winning opening drive means 711 is for operating the special winning opening driving device 13m so as to open the special winning opening 13 to facilitate winning of the game ball.
[0056]
The unit game end determination means 712 is for determining whether to end the unit game based on a preset unit game end condition.
[0057]
The continuation determining means 72 is for determining whether or not to end the special game based on a preset continuation condition.
[0058]
The probability variation shift determining means 73 is for determining whether or not to execute the probability variation after the end of the special game. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol displayed on the symbol display device 20 is a predetermined positively changing symbol (that is, a part of the winning symbol).
[0059]
The sub-game executing means 74 is for executing a sub-game in which a character that may be displayed in a notice pattern is set according to an operation of a player during a special game. In this embodiment, the slot game is used as the sub game (see FIGS. 19 to 21). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, roulette or the like may be used as the sub game.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the sub game executing means 74 executes the sub game during the special game, but is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the sub game is executed during the variable display of the variable symbol, and a character that may be displayed in the notice pattern is set based on the game result.
[0061]
The game result determination means 75 is for determining whether or not the sub game has been cleared. Specifically, in the slot game performed as the sub game, the player operates the operation switch 6 to change the left and right symbols fixedly displayed in advance as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, when all the symbols can be aligned by matching ("7" in this figure), the game result determination means 75 determines that the sub game has been cleared. On the other hand, when all the symbols are not the same symbol, the game result determination means 75 determines that the sub game has not been cleared.
[0062]
The pattern setting means 76 sets (increases or decreases) a pattern group table that can be selected by the notice pattern selection means 624f (after the end of the special game) when the game result determination means 75 determines that the sub game has been cleared. belongs to. That is, the pattern setting means 76 can set (increase or decrease) the characters that the player may be displayed in the notice pattern. In this embodiment, the pattern setting means 76 is configured to increase the number of pattern group tables that can be referred to by the notice pattern selecting means 624f when the above conditions are satisfied.
[0063]
Specifically, a light aircraft pattern group table T1, a helicopter pattern group table T2, and a jet aircraft pattern group table T3 are set in advance in the notice pattern group memory 624e (see FIG. 3C). The notice pattern selecting means 624 can refer only to the light aircraft pattern group table T1. Here, as shown in FIG. 16, each time the player operates the operation switch 6 in the slot game performed during the special game to align the three symbols (clear the sub game), as shown in FIG. The range of the pattern group memory that can be referred to by the notice pattern selection means 624f is increased to the helicopter pattern group table T2, and then to the jet machine pattern group table T3.
[0064]
Note that the pattern setting means 76 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the pattern setting unit 76 may be configured so that the number of pattern group tables that can be referred to by the pattern selection unit 624f can be reduced according to the result of the sub game.
[0065]
The high-probability game setting means 80 lowers the winning symbol occurrence probability (big hit probability) after the end of the special game when the probability fluctuation shift determining means 73 determines that the result is affirmative, that is, a probability symbol. This is for setting a probability lottery table so as to change from a probability to a high probability. For example, the hit value referred to by the hit random number determination means 624 is increased to "201 to 1280" in addition to "0 to 200" so that the big hit probability becomes higher than usual.
[0066]
The payout control means 90 controls the payout of the winning ball from the winning ball payout device 40.
[0067]
Next, an outline of control in this embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0068]
FIG. 5 is a main flowchart of the pachinko machine PM. The game control means 50 first performs the initial setting of the entire gaming machine in step S1, performs the normal game processing in step S2, performs the special game processing in step S3, and returns to the normal game processing in step S2 again. This operation is repeatedly performed until the power is turned off. The normal game process in step S2 and the special game process in step S3 will be described later.
[0069]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the normal game process in step S2. In the normal game process S2, after executing a winning opening winning check process (step S20) for checking a winning in a winning opening and a special game shifting determining process (step S21) for determining whether to shift a special game. Then, the present process ends.
[0070]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the winning opening winning check processing in step S20. In the winning opening winning check processing S20, first, when a winning of a game ball to any one of the general winning openings 11 is detected by the general winning opening detection device 11a (step S201), the detection signal is sent to the game control means 50. Then, a general winning flag is set (step S202). Then, an operation signal is output to the prize ball payout device 40 by the payout control means 90 based on this flag, and upon receiving this signal, the prize ball payout device 40 is operated and a predetermined number (for example, The prize balls (10 balls) are paid out from the prize ball payout device 40 to the ball tray 4. Note that the flag set here is appropriately reset based on the prize ball operation. Further, when the winning of the game ball into the starting winning opening 12 is detected by the starting opening winning detecting device 12a (step S203), the detection signal is sent to the game control means 50, and the starting winning flag is set (step S203). S204). Then, an operation signal is output to the prize ball payout device 40 by the payout control means 90 based on this flag. A predetermined number (for example, 5 balls) of prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 40 to the ball tray 4.
[0071]
Next, a special game shift determination process of step S21 is executed. FIG. 8 is a first-stage flowchart of a special game shift determination process of step S21, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a symbol variation element acquisition process of step S210, FIG. 10 is a middle flowchart of a special game shift determination process of step S21 (continued from FIG. 8), FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the jackpot announcement process S260 in step S260, and FIG. 12 is a subsequent stage flowchart of the special game shift determination process in step S21 (continued from FIG. 10).
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 8, first, the special game shift determination processing S21 performs a symbol variation element acquisition processing S210. In the symbol element acquisition process S210, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the start winning flag is on to confirm whether or not the start winning opening 12 has been won (step S211). If it is not on, this process ends. If it is on, the start winning flag is turned off (step S212). Next, it is possible to store whether or not the stored number of reserved balls that have won the starting winning port 12 reaches the upper limit of storage (for example, four), that is, the winning information can be stored in the reserved ball number storage unit 622. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S213). Here, when the number of reserved numbers does not reach the storage upper limit number and the storage is possible, one reserved ball lamp 30 is turned on (step S214), and a winning random number is acquired by the winning random number acquiring means 621a ( (Step S215), the stop symbol random number acquiring unit 621b acquires the stop symbol random number (Step S216), the effect random number acquiring unit 621c acquires the effect random number (Step S217), and the notice random number acquiring unit 621d acquires the notice random number (Step S217). In step S218, the winning information is stored in a predetermined area provided in the reserved ball information storage means 622 corresponding to the number n of the reserved balls (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) (step S219). , And terminates this processing. If the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit in step S213, the symbol variable element acquisition processing S210 ends.
[0073]
Subsequently, the special game shift determination processing S21 returns to FIG. 8, and checks whether or not there is a storage of the reserved ball (step S230). Here, if there is no stored ball, the process is terminated, and if there is a stored ball, the information stored in the reserved ball information storage unit 622 corresponding to the number n = 1 of the reserved ball. Is read out (step S231), and the information stored in the reserved ball information storage means 622 is shifted (step S232).
[0074]
Here, step S231 and step S232 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, in step S231, the value A of the winning random number corresponding to the number of reserved balls n = 1 is read out in the reserved ball information storage means 622, and as shown in FIG. In the example, the values B, C, and D stored in the areas corresponding to the number of reserved balls n = 2, 3, and 4 are shifted and stored in the area corresponding to the number n-1 of the reserved balls.
[0075]
Subsequently, the special game shift determination processing S21 proceeds to FIG. 10, and determines whether or not to execute a special game in accordance with the winning random number read in step S231 by the winning random number determining means 623, that is, to determine whether or not it is a big hit (step). S233). If the determination result is a win, a predetermined stop symbol (that is, a hit symbol) is determined by the stop symbol determination means 624a based on the stop symbol random number read in step S231 (step S234). Then, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol is a positively changing symbol (step S235). Here, if the winning symbol is a probable variable symbol, the special winning effect pattern is determined from the special winning effect pattern group memory M1 by the effect pattern selecting means 624c based on the stop symbol and the effect random number read in S231 (step). S236), and proceed to step S242. Also, in step S235, when the winning symbol is not a probable variable symbol, the normal winning effect pattern is stored in the normal hit effect pattern group memory M2 by the effect pattern selecting means 624c based on the stop symbol and the effect random number read in S231. It is determined (step S237), and the process proceeds to step S242.
[0076]
On the other hand, when the determination result is not a hit in step S233, that is, when the result is a loss, a predetermined stop symbol, that is, a departure symbol is determined by the stop symbol determination means 624a based on the stop symbol random number read in step S231. (Step S238). Then, it is determined whether or not the off symbol is a reach symbol (step S239). Here, if the departure symbol is the reach symbol, the reach effect pattern is determined from the reach effect pattern group memory M3 by the effect pattern selecting means 624c based on the stop symbol and the effect random number read in step S231 (step S240). ), And proceed to step S242. Also, in step S239, when the departure symbol is not the reach symbol, the departure effect pattern is determined from the departure effect pattern group memory M4 by the effect pattern selection means 624c based on the stop symbol and the effect random number read in step S231. Is performed (step S241), and the process proceeds to step S242.
[0077]
In step S242, it is determined based on the preview random number read in step S231 whether the preview pattern is to be displayed by the preview random number determination unit 624d. Here, when it is determined that the notice pattern is to be displayed, the notice pattern selecting means 624f selects a pattern group table (any one of the referenceable patterns) from the notice pattern group memory 624e based on the stop symbol, and furthermore, An advance notice pattern is determined from the selected pattern group table based on the advance notice random number (step S243), and the process proceeds to step S244.
[0078]
In step S243, as described above, the pattern group table that can be referred to by the notice pattern selecting means 624f is only the light aircraft pattern group table T1 at the start of the game as shown in FIG. The helicopter pattern group table T2 and the jet machine pattern group table T3 are added in order each time the player can operate the operation switches 6 to align all the symbols in the sub game (slot game). I have.
[0079]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S242 that the notice pattern is not to be displayed by the game result determination means 75, the process directly proceeds to step S244.
[0080]
In step S244, one of the holding ball lamps 30 is turned off, and the process proceeds to step symbol variation processing S245 shown in FIG.
[0081]
In the symbol variation process of step S245, the effect pattern and the stop symbol acquired above are displayed on the symbol display device 20 by the symbol control means 625. That is, when the lottery result in step S233 is a hit and the stopped symbol is a positive variable symbol, the positive symbol is displayed on the symbol display device 20 after the special winning effect pattern is performed. If the lottery result in step S233 is a hit and the stopped symbol is not a probable symbol, the winning symbol other than the probable symbol is stopped and displayed after the normal winning effect pattern is performed on the symbol display device 20. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out of step S233 and the stop symbol is the reach symbol, the reach symbol is stopped and displayed after the reach effect pattern is performed on the symbol display device 20. If the lottery result is out of step S233 and the stop symbol is not the reach symbol, the symbol display device 20 performs a departure effect pattern and then stops and displays the non-reach symbol other than the reach symbol.
[0082]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a preview pattern is to be displayed by the preview random number determining means by 624d (in parallel with the above-described symbol variation process S245) (step S246). If it is determined that the notice pattern is not to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S248. On the other hand, when it is determined that the notice pattern is to be displayed, the notice pattern execution processing is performed by the notice pattern executing means 626 (step S247). This notice pattern execution processing means that the notice pattern set in step S243 is displayed by the notice pattern executing means 626 between the start of the change display of the change symbol based on the effect pattern and the display of the stop symbol. The image is displayed on the device 20 (see FIGS. 17A to 17C).
[0083]
In this notice pattern execution processing S247, in this embodiment, at the start of the game, only the notice pattern in which the light aircraft shown in FIG. 17A is set can be viewed. However, each time the player operates the operation switch 6 in the slot game (sub game) performed during the special game as the game progresses to match all the left, middle, and right symbols, a display is made in the notice pattern. The types of characters that can be performed are configured to increase with the helicopter shown in FIG. 17B and the jet aircraft shown in FIG. 17C.
[0084]
After the symbol variation processing S245 and the notice pattern execution processing S247 are completed, the process proceeds to step S248, and whether or not a special game is performed according to the winning random number read in step S231 by the winning random number determination means 624, that is, whether or not a big hit Is determined. Here, when the determination result is a hit, the special game flag is turned on (step S249), and the process proceeds to step S250. On the other hand, if the determination result is out of order, the process proceeds directly to step S250. In step S250, the information read in step S231 is deleted, and the special game shift determination processing S21 ends.
[0085]
Next, a special game process of step S3 is performed. The special game process S3 is a process for establishing a special game in which a unit game can be executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) when the acquired random number lottery result is a win. FIG. 12 is a flowchart before the special game process S3, FIG. 13 is a flowchart after the special game process S3, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the special game end process S320.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 12, first, it is checked whether or not the special game flag is on, that is, whether or not the obtained winning random number is a winning (step S301). I do. In the case of a hit, for example, a special game initial setting such as turning off a special game flag or changing the special hit probability to a normal low probability when the probability is high (step S302). Next, various initial settings for performing the unit game are performed (step S303), and the unit game is started.
[0087]
At this time, in the unit game, the special winning opening drive unit 13m is operated by the special winning opening driving means 711 to open the special winning opening 13, and the first unit game is started. When the special winning opening 13 is opened, a game ball falling and moving in the game area space is in a state where it is very easy to win the special winning opening 13. When a game ball wins in the special winning opening 13 in such a state, a predetermined number (for example, 13) of the winning balls are paid out to the ball tray 4 by the payout control means 90 for the winning ball.
[0088]
When the first unit game is started in this way, the unit game end determination means 712 determines whether or not the unit game end condition described below is achieved, and the unit game end condition is achieved. Until the opening of the special winning opening 13 is continued.
[0089]
The unit game end condition is set with “number of winning balls” and “time limit” as requirements. First, the requirement of the “number of winning balls” is that it is determined that the unit game ending condition has been achieved when the total number of game balls winning the large winning opening 13 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls). As shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 13 has been won by the special winning opening winning detection device 13a (step S304). When a prize is won, the number of prize balls (for example, 10 balls) necessary for ending the unit gaming condition set in advance is reduced by 1 from a prize ball counter (not shown) attached to the special winning opening 13. (Step S305). The specific area passage detection device 13b determines whether or not a game ball has won a specific area (not shown) (step S306). If the game ball has won, a specific area flag is set (step S307). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of winning balls in the special winning opening 13 has reached a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) (step S308), and if the number of winning balls has satisfied the predetermined number, the unit game ends. Since the condition has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S310. If the number of winning balls does not satisfy the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S309, which is the next unit game end condition.
[0090]
Next, the requirement of the "opening time" is that when the opening time of the special winning opening 13 after the start of the unit game elapses a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), it is determined that the unit game end condition has been achieved. In step S309, it is determined whether or not this end condition has been achieved. If the time limit has not expired (that is, the unit game end condition has not been satisfied), the process returns to step S304 to perform the next unit game. On the other hand, if the time limit has ended (that is, the unit game end condition has been satisfied), the process proceeds to step S310.
[0091]
As described above, the unit game end determination means 712 determines that the unit game end condition has been achieved when either the “number of winning balls” or the “time limit” is satisfied, and ends the unit game. I do.
[0092]
When the unit game end condition as described above is achieved, the opening of the special winning opening 13 is stopped, and the continuation determination means 72 determines whether the continuation determination condition is satisfied (step S310). The continuation condition is a condition that a game ball wins in a specific area during a unit game and a specific area flag is set, and the continuation condition is satisfied only when there is a prize in the specific area during the unit game. Is determined to have been achieved. For this reason, when the unit game is completed without winning the specific area, the special game end processing S320 is performed from step S310.
[0093]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S310 that the continuation condition is satisfied (that is, at least one winning ball has been present in the specific area during the current unit game), the specific area flag is cleared (step S311). There is a counter for counting the number of rounds of the unit game after starting this special game, and a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) is set in advance. The counter is decremented by 1 (step S312). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of the counter has reached a predetermined number of rounds (for example, seven) for starting the sub game (step S313). Here, when it is determined that the number of rounds has been reached, the sub game is executed by the sub game executing means 74 (step S314). On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of rounds has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S315.
[0094]
Here, the sub game in the present embodiment will be described. The sub game performed in the present embodiment is a slot game, and the game is cleared when the player operates the operation switch 6 within a predetermined time and aligns all the displayed symbols. I have. To explain using the screen examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 22, first, when the number of rounds of the unit game reaches the predetermined number of rounds and the slot game is started, first, as shown in FIG. Various explanations about the slot game are displayed, such as "Let's align" and "Press the lower left operation switch aiming at 7!". Next, a screen of the slot game is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the left and right symbols are fixedly displayed as “7”, and only the middle symbol is variably displayed (indicated by an arrow in the figure). Then, when the player operates the operation switch 6 with good timing, and when all the symbols are aligned with "777" as shown in FIG. 20, the sub game is cleared, and the pattern group table which can be referred to by the notice pattern selecting means 624f is one. For the player, the description of the increased character (set in the pattern group table) for the player is displayed as shown in FIG. Further, when all the pattern group tables T1 to T3 stored in the notice pattern group memory 624e are set so that the notice pattern selecting means 624f can refer to them, the game is notified as shown in FIG. Will be notified.
[0095]
If the predetermined condition set in the sub game is not satisfied, such as when the operation switch 6 is not operated within a predetermined time or when all the symbols are not aligned, the pattern setting means 76 selects the notice pattern. The setting of the pattern group table that can be referred to by the means 624f is not changed.
[0096]
In step S315, it is determined whether or not the counter of the number of rounds has become less than 0, that is, whether or not the number of repetitions of the unit game has been performed a predetermined number of times. Here, if the counter of the number of rounds is not less than 0, that is, if the counter has not been repeated a predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S303 to perform the next unit game. On the other hand, if the round number counter is less than 0, that is, if the unit game has been repeated a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S316. In step S316, it is determined whether or not the game has been cleared by the game result determination means 75 according to the game result of the sub game performed during the special game. Here, when the game result determination unit 75 determines that the game has been cleared, the pattern setting unit 76 sets (in step S243) the pattern group memory that can be referred to by the pattern selection unit 624e to be increased by one (step S243). S317), and proceed to step S320. On the other hand, if the game result determination means 75 does not determine that the game has been cleared, the process directly proceeds to step S320. In the present embodiment, the game result determination means 75 determines that the sub game has been cleared when the player has operated the operation switch 6 and all the symbols have been completed in the slot game.
[0097]
In the special game end process S320, as shown in FIG. 14, first, the probability fluctuation shift determination means 73 determines whether or not the stop symbol at the time of winning is a positively-variable symbol (step S321). When it is determined that the symbol is a probable variable symbol, the probabilistic game setting means 80 sets a probable lottery table in which a winning value is set so that the jackpot probability becomes higher than usual (step S322). This probability lottery table is appropriately reset in step S302. Subsequently, a probability variation winning screen is displayed on the symbol display device 20 (step S323). The probability variation winning screen is, for example, a screen display mode in which the character “probable change” is displayed in a large size so that the player can be easily noticed that the jackpot probability has changed to a high probability by attracting the player's attention. . On the other hand, when it is determined in step S321 that the stopped symbol is not a probable variable symbol, a notification is given on the probability variation non-winning screen (step S324). Note that the probability variation non-winning screen is a screen display mode in which, for example, a character such as “Zannin” is displayed in a large size in order to notify that the jackpot probability remains normal and does not become a high probability.
[0098]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately improved.
[0099]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the ball game machine of the present invention includes a symbol display device capable of changing the display of symbols, a random number obtaining means for obtaining a random number each time a game ball wins the starting winning opening, and a random number obtaining means. Execution determining means for determining whether or not to execute a special game based on the random number obtained in the step, and a symbol variation for displaying a symbol on the symbol display device based on the determination result by the execution determining means, followed by a stop display. A symbol control unit for performing a process control, and a special game for performing a special game for making it easy to win a variable winning opening provided in the game area when the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol control unit is a predetermined hit symbol. In a gaming machine equipped with a game execution means, storage means for storing a plurality of notice patterns that can be displayed on the symbol display device during the variable display of the symbol, for each character set in advance, A selecting means for selecting a notice pattern in which a predetermined character is set from a plurality of notice patterns stored in the storage means, and a notice pattern selected by the selecting means based on the random number obtained by the random number obtaining means. A notice pattern executing means to be displayed on the symbol display device during the symbol change display, an operation means capable of performing an input operation by the player, and a notice pattern selected by the selection means in accordance with the operation of the operation means by the player And pattern setting means for setting a predetermined character.
[0100]
With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a highly entertaining and entertaining ball game machine capable of setting a character of a notice pattern to be displayed when a symbol changes according to a predetermined operation by a player.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of the above-mentioned ball game machine.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game control means for performing game control of the ball game machine.
3 (a) is a block diagram showing a configuration of a symbol variation element acquiring unit, and FIG. 3 (b) is a block diagram showing a configuration of an effect pattern group memory in the above-mentioned ball game machine; FIG. 3C is a block diagram showing the configuration of the notice pattern group memory.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a stop symbol on a symbol display device by the game control means.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing control contents by the game control means.
FIG. 15 is an image diagram for explaining the control content regarding the number of reserved balls by the game control means.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting a pattern group table that can be referred to by the pattern selection means.
FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen on which a notice pattern is displayed during the display of the changing symbol. However, FIG. 17A shows an example of a screen on which a light aircraft is displayed, FIG. 17B shows a helicopter, and FIG. 17C shows an example of a screen displaying a jet pattern set as a character.
FIG. 18 shows a screen example of a sub game performed during the special game.
FIG. 19 shows a screen example of a sub game performed during the special game.
FIG. 20 shows a screen example of a sub game performed during the special game.
FIG. 21 shows a screen example of a sub game performed during the special game.
FIG. 22 shows a screen example of a sub game performed during the special game.
[Explanation of symbols]
PM pachinko machine
1 outer frame
4 Ball saucer
5 Hitting handle
6 Operation switch
6a Operation detection device
7 rails
8 game board
10 game area
11 General Winners
11a General winning opening winning detection device
12 Start winning opening
12a Starting port winning detection device
13 Grand Prize Winner
13a Winning prize winning detection device
13b Specific area passage detection device
13m big winning opening drive
14 Out mouth
20 Symbol display device
30 Retaining ball lamp
40 Prize ball payout device
50 Game control means
60 Normal game execution means
61 prize mouth winning processing means
62 Special game transfer determination means
621 Symbol variation element acquisition means
621a per random number acquisition means
621b Stop symbol random number acquisition means
621c Production random number acquisition means
621d Notice random number acquisition means
622 Reserved ball information storage means
623 hit random number determination means
624 Direction determination means
624a Stop symbol determining means
624b Direction pattern group memory
M1 special winning effect pattern group memory
M2 Normal winning effect pattern group memory
M3 Reach production pattern group memory
M4 deviating effect pattern group memory
624c Production pattern selection means
624d Notice random number determination means
624e Notice pattern group memory
T1 light aircraft pattern group table
T2 Helicopter pattern group table
T3 jet aircraft pattern group table
624f Notice pattern selection means
625 symbol control means
626 Notice pattern execution means
70 Special game execution means
71 unit game execution means
711 Big winning opening drive means
712 unit game end determination means
72 Continuation determination means
73 Probability fluctuation shift determination means
74 Sub-game execution means
75 Game result determination means
76 Pattern setting means
80 High probability game setting means
90 Payout control means

Claims (6)

A symbol display device capable of changing the display of symbols, a random number obtaining means for obtaining a random number each time a game ball wins the starting winning opening, and whether or not to execute a special game based on the random number obtained by the random number obtaining means Execution determination means for performing the determination of whether or not, the symbol control means for performing a symbol change process control to stop and then display the symbol on the symbol display device based on the determination result by the execution determination means, the symbol A gaming machine comprising: a special game execution means for performing a special game that facilitates winning a variable winning opening provided in the game area when the symbol stopped and displayed by the control means is a predetermined winning symbol. At
Storage means for storing a plurality of advance notice patterns that can be displayed on the symbol display device during the variable display of the symbol for each character set in advance,
Selecting means for selecting a notice pattern in which a predetermined character is set, from a plurality of notice patterns stored in the storage means;
Notice pattern execution means for displaying the notice pattern selected by the selection means based on the random number obtained by the random number acquisition means and displaying the notice pattern on the symbol display device during the variable display of the symbol,
Operation means that can be input by a player;
And a pattern setting means for setting the predetermined character of a notice pattern selected by the selection means in accordance with an operation of the operation means by a player. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the notice pattern indicates a possibility that the special game will be performed after the change display of the symbol is completed. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation means is operable by a player within a predetermined time during the special game. 4. The pattern setting unit according to claim 1, wherein the pattern setting unit is configured to increase the number of the predetermined characters that can be selected by the selection unit in accordance with a preset first condition. Ball game machine. 5. The bullet ball according to claim 4, wherein when all the characters set in the storage means are set to be selectable by the selection means by the pattern setting means, the effect is notified to the player. Gaming machine. The said pattern setting means is set according to the 2nd condition set beforehand so that the said predetermined character which can be selected by the said selection means may be reduced. Ball game machine.

Images