JP2005006749A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko machine allowing a player to shoot balls as a trial play for letting the player know a game while avoiding a wasteful investment. <P>SOLUTION: This Pachinko machine returns game balls shot from a shooting device to the player during the trial play and puts out no win balls even if the balls enter in win holes. During the trial play, patterns of a variable display device are variably displayed based on the win to a start win hole of the game ball and a big win game operation is started by a stationary display of a specific pattern. The increase/decrease states of putout balls, when assuming that a normal play is performed by game balls shot during the trial play, are displayed on a display part. The trial game and the normal game can be selected by the operation of a selecting switch, game data of the normal game when changing it over to the trial play are stored in another storage area and, when changing it over to the normal game again, the contents of the normal game before the changeover can be continuously played using the game data stored temporarily. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pachinko machine equipped with a trial hitting game means for confirming the game content or mechanical characteristics of the pachinko machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The pachinko machine has a game content in which, when a handle arranged on the front is operated, a game ball is launched from the game ball launching device, and a prize ball is paid out based on the winning of the game ball to a predetermined winning opening Is common. When a player starts a pachinko game, the player usually pays a price to secure a game ball. By the way, the pachinko machine adjusts the nail planted in the game area, the flow of the game ball by the adjustment, the degree of winning of the game ball to the winning opening, the movement of the movable device arranged in the game area, Or, there is a difference between each pachinko machine in the elastic strength of the game ball launcher, etc., so-called “pause” of the pachinko machine, knowing the “kue” of this pachinko machine, more prize balls It becomes a big factor to acquire. Moreover, in the model which plays a game for the first time, it is also necessary for the player to understand the game content first. Then, in order to know these things, the player needs to actually play a game, pays a price, secures the game ball, and fires it to some extent.
[0003]
As a result, if the pachinko machine stand is a player's favorite stand, the game is continued with the pachinko machine, and if it is not a favorite stand, the game is moved to another stand and fired again on the stand. However, the pachinko machine base that was first fired is rarely the player's favorite base, and the player moves the pachinko machine several times, paying the price each time to secure the game ball and After that, I often choose my favorite pachinko machine. Therefore, game balls that have been fired until a preferred pachinko machine can be selected often become waste balls, and the loss of consideration paid is also considerable depending on the number of units moved.
Further, even when the player is playing, there are cases where he / she wants to make a trial hit in order to confirm the game operation of the pachinko machine currently playing.
[0004]
Therefore, in order to solve the conventional problem, the present applicant has proposed a pachinko machine capable of trial hitting when the game ball launched from the game ball launching device travels (see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-327667 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the conventional pachinko machine described above is capable of a trial hitting pachinko game, and since the launched game ball is returned to the player, the game ball is not paid when selecting a pachinko machine to play. It was effective in that it was possible to know the elastic strength of the launcher and the flow of the game ball due to the adjustment of the nail.
[0007]
However, in the trial hitting game of the pachinko machine described above, it has not been possible to know about the variable display device of the symbols arranged in the game area and the movable devices such as the blades that perform the opening / closing operation. Therefore, in order to operate the symbol variation display device provided in the pachinko machine and understand the game content, the player pays a price as in the conventional case to secure a game ball, and plays a normal pachinko game. It was necessary to do.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is possible to perform a trial hitting game before or during the game, and it is possible to know the game contents by performing the trial hitting game, which is useless. The purpose is to provide a pachinko machine that can avoid investment.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of the pachinko machine according to claim 1 is predetermined based on the fact that a game ball launched from a game ball launching device wins a winning opening provided in a game area. In a pachinko machine in which a number of prize balls are paid out, even if a game ball launched from the game ball launching device wins a predetermined prize opening, the prize ball for the game ball is not paid out, and from the game ball launching device Select either a trial hit game in which the same number of game balls as the launched game balls are returned to the player, or a normal game in which a predetermined prize ball is paid out based on the winning of the game ball to the winning opening The game selection means for enabling the game, the game ball return means for returning the game balls corresponding to the number of game balls used in the trial hit game, and the game selection means and the game ball return means are controlled. Storage device for control means Provided with a normal data storage area for storing game data of the normal game and a test hit data storage area for storing game data of the test hit game, and the game selection means When the normal game is selected, the game data stored in the normal data storage area is used. When the trial hit game is selected, the game data stored in the test hit data storage area is stored. It is controlled to be used.
[0009]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the player can arbitrarily select either the trial hit game or the normal game by operating the game selection means before or during the game. When transitioning from a normal game to a trial hit game, the game data that has been processed in the normal data storage area is stored in the normal data storage area as it is, and the game data of the test hit data storage area trial hit game is stored. Is used as a processing area. When returning from the trial hit game to the normal game, the normal data storage area is used as an area for processing the game data of the normal game, and the normal game is started again. Alternatively, the normal game data is saved in the save area, and the normal game data is returned from the save area when the trial hit game is switched to the normal game, and the normal game is started again. As a result, the player can know the habit of the pachinko machine before the game without reducing the game balls, and even if a trial hit game is performed during the game, the game is played on the pachinko machine. The player can continue to play the game contents of the normal game before the transition to the trial game.
[0010]
Further, the invention of the pachinko machine according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, a notification means for notifying that the trial hit game is selected is provided. By notifying the notifying means, the player can instantly recognize whether the currently played game is a trial hit game or a normal game.
[0011]
In addition, the invention of the pachinko machine according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game selection means has a condition that allows a game to be transferred from the normal game to the trial game. The present invention is characterized in that it is a point in time when it is detected that the same number of game balls as the number of game balls launched from the ball launching device are collected.
[0012]
According to this configuration, the game ball launched from the game ball launching device during the normal game can be transferred to the trial game after being collected from the game area (hereinafter also referred to as a board surface). For game balls launched inside, out balls are collected, and for winning balls, the normal process of paying out prize balls is performed, and for game balls launched during trial hitting games, The game ball is surely returned to the player from the prize ball payout device.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pachinko machine according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the game selection means has a condition that allows a game to be transferred from the normal game to the trial game. The present invention is characterized in that a predetermined time has elapsed since the launch of the game ball from the ball launching device was stopped.
[0014]
According to this configuration, during the normal game, after the game ball is released from the game ball launching device, a predetermined time has elapsed, and all the game balls that have been fired and flowed down the game area are collected. can do. As a result, out-of-balls are collected for game balls launched during normal games, and normal processing for paying out winning balls is performed for winning balls. On the other hand, the game ball is surely returned to the player from the prize ball payout device.
[0015]
Further, the invention of the pachinko machine according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an accessory device is provided in the game area, and the game ball launching device is provided during the trial hitting game. The accessory device is driven on the basis that the launched game ball wins a predetermined winning opening. With this configuration, by driving the accessory device even when a game ball launched during the trial hit game is awarded to the winning slot, the trial hit game can be performed under the same conditions as in the normal game. You can know the game contents of the machine.
[0016]
The invention of the pachinko machine according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the normal game is played by the game ball launched from the game ball launching device during the trial hitting game. A display unit for displaying the increase / decrease state of the out ball and the winning ball when it is performed is provided. According to this configuration, the game balls launched by the player in the trial hit game are returned to prevent increase or decrease of the game balls held by the player, and the normal game is played by the game balls launched during the trial hit game. By displaying the number of game balls that the player would have held if it was done, information for selecting a pachinko machine is provided to the player. When returning the game balls used for the trial hit, it is possible not to return all of the game balls but to return a part of the game balls to the player.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a pachinko machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a pachinko machine, and shows a so-called first type of pachinko machine. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a substantially arc-shaped outer rail 2a and an inner rail 2b for guiding a game ball launched by operating the handle 7, and a portion surrounded by the two rails 2a and 2b is a game area 3 Is forming. A variable display device 5 is provided almost at the center of the game area 3, and the variable display device 5 is provided with a display screen 6 on which a symbol change display or a stop display is performed.
[0018]
A display member 15 composed of four LEDs is provided on the upper portion of the variable display device 5, and the number of times that the symbol is displayed on the display screen 6 is displayed according to the number of lighting of the LEDs 15. Below the variable display device 5 is provided a start winning opening 9 for starting a variable display operation of the display screen 6, that is, a start condition for the variable display operation. Below the start winning opening 9, the display screen 6 When a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed, for example, when a big hit state occurs, a big winning opening 10 that is continuously opened for a predetermined time is provided. In addition, a V winning zone 16 is provided inside the big winning opening 10, and when a game ball that has won the big winning opening 10 passes through the V winning zone 16 during the big hit, the open state is finished. Then, the large winning opening 10 that has been closed is again opened.
[0019]
On both the left and right sides of the big prize opening 10, there are provided general prize holes 11 through which only the winning balls are paid out by winning, and below the big prize opening 10, there are provided out holes 12 for collecting out balls. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the variable display device 5, windmills 13 are provided that change the direction and speed of the game ball flowing down by contact of the game ball flowing down the game area 3. The player adjusts the flight distance of the game ball launched from the game ball launching device (hereinafter also simply referred to as launching device) by operating the handle 7, for example, rotating operation. The game is played with the firing strength that makes it easy to win the mouth 9, and when the big win state occurs and the big winning port 10 is opened, the launching strength is such that the game ball can easily win the big winning port 10.
[0020]
When the game balls fired from the launching device are awarded to the respective winning mouths such as the general winning opening 11, the starting winning opening 9, and the big winning opening 10, etc., a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out from the winning ball payout device 34. The game balls that have not won the predetermined winning opening are collected at the out opening 12. In addition, based on the winning at the start winning opening 9, the symbol variable display operation is started on the display screen 6 of the variable display device 5, and a big hit state occurs when the specific condition is satisfied. Hereinafter, such a pachinko game is referred to as a “normal game”. In the present invention, the player can select either the normal game or the trial hit game described below as described below.
[0021]
In the present invention, “trial game” means that even if a game ball launched from a launching device by a player wins a predetermined winning opening, the prize ball for the game ball is not paid out, and the same number of game balls as the game balls fired. Refers to those whose game contents are returned to the player, and those whose game balls are returned to the player in the same number as the out balls collected without winning a prize. Further, when the game ball wins the start winning opening 9, the symbol change display operation of the display screen 6 is started as in the case of the normal game, and after the predetermined time has passed, the symbol selected by random number lottery is displayed. The game content whose combination is stopped and displayed.
[0022]
That is, each member arranged in the pachinko machine 1 is controlled so as to perform the same operation as in the normal game, but the game ball launched from the launch device to the game area is returned, and the player's possession ball The game content is controlled so as not to increase or decrease. However, as described later, control may be performed so that a certain percentage of the game balls launched in the trial hit game are not returned.
[0023]
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, two selection switches 17a and 17b are provided at the lower front portion of the pachinko machine 1 as the game selection means 17 for selecting the normal game and the trial hit game. . The player can arbitrarily switch between the normal gaming state and the trial hitting game state before or during the game by operating the selection switches 17a and 17b, for example, a push operation.
[0024]
The selection switch 17a is a switch for selecting a trial hit game. When the selection switch 17a is pressed, the control content of the pachinko game is switched to the trial hit game state. The selection switch 17b is a switch for selecting a normal game. When the selection switch 17b is pressed, the control content of the pachinko game is switched to the normal game state.
[0025]
In addition, on the upper side of the selection switches 17a and 17b, notification means 18, for example, indicator lights 18a and 18b for notifying the selected gaming state are provided corresponding to the selection switches 17a and 17b, respectively. . When the selection switch 17a is pushed and the trial hit game is selected, the indicator lamp 18a is turned on to notify that the trial hit game is currently selected. When the selection switch 17b is pushed and the normal game is selected, the indicator lamp 18b is turned on to notify that the normal game is currently selected.
[0026]
Note that the selection switch is not limited to this form, and may be a form provided with one toggle switch, touch switch, and the like. Further, the same applies to the indicator lamps, and the present invention is not limited to the form in which two are provided as long as it can be notified that one of the gaming states is selected.
[0027]
As described above, the display lamp 18 is used as a means for notifying that the trial hit game has been selected. Alternatively, the display screen 6 of the variable display device 5 may be used for notification. For example, when the trial hit game is selected by the selection switch, a character such as “Test run is in progress. The hit ball is returned. The prize ball is not paid out even if winning a prize” is displayed. Display and alert to that effect. This character may include a design. Since these characters and the like are displayed independently of the symbol variation display performed on the display screen 6, it is desirable to display them in a position and size that do not affect the visibility of the symbol variation display operation. . Further, a display screen 6 ′ may be provided in the game area 3 separately from the display screen 6 of the variable display device 5, and the character content may be displayed on the display screen 6 ′.
[0028]
When the power is turned on, the gaming state is set to the normal gaming state. Accordingly, when the selection switches 17a and 17b are not selected as the normal gaming state, the subsequent processing is performed assuming that the normal mode is selected. When both the selection switches 17a and 17b are pressed, the mode is not changed, and the subsequent processing is performed with the mode selected so far.
[0029]
In addition, as described above, in order to switch the mode from the normal game to the trial hit game by operating the selection switches 17a and 17b, it is a condition that there is no game ball released during the normal game remaining on the board surface. In addition to this, for example, it may be a condition that a symbol variation display operation is not being performed, that a jackpot game is not being generated, a probability variation game is not being performed, or the like.
[0030]
During special game states such as symbol change display operation, jackpot game occurrence, probability change, etc., mode switching from normal game to trial hit game is prohibited, and mode switching is allowed only from other standby states To do. Thereby, when switching from the trial hit game to the normal game, the game is always started from the standby state, so that it is possible to prevent the player from being confused with the game. In addition, it is possible to suppress the game data amount of the normal game stored in the game data storage area when shifting to the trial hit game, and to enable quick mode switching.
[0031]
Next, control of the pachinko machine to which the present invention is applied will be described.
As shown in the control block diagram of FIG. 3A, the central processing circuit (CPU) 30 has a game selection means 17 for selecting a normal game and a trial hit game via an input / output interface 31, and a prize. Passage switching means 32 provided on the back of the pachinko machine, a prize opening detecting switch 33, a prize ball payout device 34, a variable display device 5, a handle 7, a game ball for returning the game balls corresponding to the number of game balls won in the mouth A launcher 35 and the like are connected. The CPU 30 includes a ROM 100 and a RAM 101. The RAM 101 stores a normal data storage area 102 for storing normal game information, which will be described in detail later, and test hit data for storing test hit game information. A storage area 103 is provided together with other storage areas.
When the player operates the game selection means 17, the state is determined by the CPU 30, and in accordance with the determination result, a control signal for determining the guiding path for winning balls and out balls is output from the CPU 30 and input to the path switching means 32. The path of the winning ball is switched.
[0032]
When the normal game is selected by the player, a signal is output from the game selection means 17 to the CPU 30. When the handle 7 of the launching device 35 is operated, a control signal for operating the launching device 35 is output from the CPU 30, and a game ball is launched from the launching device 35. When a game ball wins one of the winning holes and is detected by a winning hole detection switch 33 provided there, a control signal for operating the winning ball payout device 34 is output from the CPU 30, and the control signal is received. A predetermined prize ball is paid out from the prize ball payout device 34. Further, the variable display device 5 operates as usual.
[0033]
On the other hand, when the trial hit game is selected, even if the game balls that have been launched win the winning holes, the control signal for operating the winning ball payout device 34 is not output from the CPU 30, and the winning hole detection switch The prize ball is not paid out regardless of the detection state of 33. In addition, when a winning ball is detected by the winning hole detection switch 33 provided in the starting winning hole 9, a control signal for operating the variable display device 5 is output from the CPU 30, and the display screen 6 of the variable display device 5 is displayed with a symbol. The variable display operation is started. In addition, the game balls launched from the launching device in the trial hit gaming state are returned to the player in addition to those won at each winning opening, and those collected at the out opening 12 are also equivalent to the number of launched balls. .
[0034]
Next, the RAM 101 provided in the CPU 30 will be described.
In the present invention, at the time of switching between the normal game mode and the trial hit game mode, a data saving process and a return process are performed, and there are a first case and a second case from the viewpoint of data processing. A schematic configuration is shown in FIG. 3A for the first case and FIG. 3B for the second case, both of which have different storage area configurations in the RAM 101.
[0035]
The data saving process referred to in the first case is to temporarily save the game data related to the normal game, which has been performed until then, in the RAM when the mode is changed from the normal game to the trial hit game. The game data relating to the trial hit game is processed using another area of the RAM (writing to another area and reading from the other area). Therefore, in this embodiment, the data saving process is also referred to as reference data area conversion.
That is, in FIG. 3A, a normal data storage area 102 for storing game data of a normal game and a test hit data storage area 103 for storing game data of a test hit game are stored in the RAM. When the trial selection game is selected by the game selection means 17, the game data relating to the normal game at the time of the mode switching is stored in the normal data storage area 102 as it is, and the trial hit game is related to it. Game data processing is performed in the trial hit data storage area 103 provided in another area of the RAM.
[0036]
The game data of the normal game referred to here is the stop symbol data displayed on the display screen 6 of the variable display device 5 at the time of mode switching, and if the symbol variation display is being performed, the symbol variation data and symbol variation are suspended. If there is a hold data, an updated value of random numbers, if the game history is saved, the saved data, a special gaming state advantageous to the player (big hit gaming state, probability changing, etc.) has occurred If it is, it means the game state data.
[0037]
Next, a second case will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second case, the RAM 101 is provided with a normal data and trial hit data storage area 104 for storing both game data for normal games and game data for trial hit games, and a save area 105.
In the second case, the data saving process is a process of temporarily saving the game data related to the normal game, which has been performed until then, to the RAM when the mode is changed from the normal game to the trial hit game. That means.
That is, the game data storage area for storing the game data of the normal game when the mode shifts is the normal data and the trial hit data storage area 104 that has stored the game data of the normal game until the transition. Separately, the RAM is provided as a save area 105, and the normal data and the game data of the normal game stored in the test hit data storage area 104 are temporarily stored in the save area 105 when the mode is changed from the normal game to the trial hit game. It means to let you.
[0038]
When the trial hit game is selected, the normal data and trial hit data storage area 104 is an area for storing the game data of the trial hit game until the next time the selection switch is selected and the routine shifts to the normal game. used. When the selection switch is next selected and the mode is changed from the trial hit game to the normal game, the game data of the normal game stored in the save area 105 is stored in the normal data and trial hit data storage area 104. The return processing is stored again, and the game data is used again.
When the trial hit game ends, the game data in the trial hit game stored in the normal data and the trial hit data storage area 104 is discarded.
[0039]
That is, when shifting from the normal game to the trial hit game by the selection of the game selection means, the game data storage area for storing the game data of the normal game at the time of transition was stored until the transition. It is provided separately from the game data already stored area. The game data (game data stored in the game data storage area) of the normal game that has been performed up to that point when the transition is made is temporarily stored in the game data storage area, and the game data storage area is in the trial hit game It is used as a storage area for storing game data.
[0040]
When returning from the trial hit game to the normal game, the game data of the normal game temporarily stored in the game data storage area is stored again in the game data existing storage area. Thereby, a player who plays a game on the pachinko machine can continue to play the game contents of the normal game before the transition to the trial hit game.
[0041]
Next, based on the schematic rear view of the game board 1 ′ shown in FIG. 2, one mode of return of the game ball when the trial hit game is selected before selecting the pachinko machine to be played or during the game explain.
In the trial hit game, the game ball launched from the launching device is returned to the player by the game ball return means. For this purpose, a path switching means 32, for example, a switching valve 24 using a motor as a driving source is provided as a game ball return means, and this switching valve 24 is rotated to process the collective basket 21 which is a path for winning balls. It is connected to either a winning ball introduction path 22 that communicates with the apparatus, or a return path 23 that returns to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP.
[0042]
The game balls won by the passage switching means 32 at each winning opening are in the vicinity of the lower end of the collecting bowl 21 where the winning balls are gathered, and a winning ball introduction path 22 for guiding the winning balls to the winning ball processing device, It is switched to the return path 23 for returning to the UP or lower plate DP. The passage switching means 32 is operated based on the switching operation of the selection switch 17, and the game ball corresponding to the winning ball is returned to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP.
[0043]
For the out ball collected at the out port 12, a passage switching means 32 is provided in the middle of the out ball passage 25, and the out ball during the trial hitting game is returned to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP via the return path 23. It is configured as follows. As the out ball path switching means 32, for example, a switching valve 26 using a motor as a drive source is provided, and the switching valve 26 is rotated to connect the out ball path 25 and the branch path 27 so that the out ball is returned to the return path 23. To flow down.
These passage switching means 32 are determined by the CPU 30 according to the switching state of the selection switch 17 (hereinafter also referred to as a selection state), and controlled so that a switching signal is output from the CPU 30 to the passage switching means 32.
[0044]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the game ball launched from the launching device during the trial hitting game is returned to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP as it is by the switching valve of the passage switching unit 32 as the game ball return means has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this type. For example, a game ball corresponding to the number of game balls fired from the launch device, that is, the same number of game balls as the fired game balls are collected from the prize ball payout device 32 as an upper plate. You may control to return to UP or lower pan DP.
[0045]
Specifically, during the period in which the trial hit game is selected, the game ball fired from the launching device 35 is detected by the detection switch 31 provided at each winning opening and the detection switch provided at the out opening. Then, the detected signals are counted, and the same number of game balls as the detected number of game balls are returned from the prize ball payout device 34 to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP. In this case, the game ball launched from the launching device and detected by the detection switch is discharged out of the rear of the pachinko machine.
[0046]
The detection operation of these detection switches, the operation of the prize ball payout device 32, and the like are controlled by the CPU 30 that determines the switching state of the selection switch 17 and outputs a control signal.
By using such a game ball return means, there is no need to provide a return path and a branch path for guiding winning balls and out balls to the upper plate UP or lower plate DP as in the above-described form, and the paths are switched. Therefore, a switching valve and a motor are not required. In the control block diagram of FIG. 3A, it is not necessary to provide the passage switching means 32. During a period in which the trial hit game is selected, a game ball detection signal is sent from the winning ball detection switch 31 to the CPU 30, and a control signal corresponding to the signal is sent from the CPU 30 to the prize ball payout device 34. The same number of game balls as the number of detected game balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 34.
[0047]
4 to 9 are flow charts showing the procedure of the game processing of the pachinko machine according to the present invention. The contents of the game will be described below according to this flowchart.
In the main process shown in FIG. 4, when the power is turned on, the CPU is reset and the process is started (step 41). In step 42, initial setting processing for performing various processing such as setting of each stack, clearing of the work RAM, setting of predetermined initial values, input / output (I / O) setting / initialization of various interfaces is performed. Done. Subsequently, in step 43, the selection state of the game selection means 17, for example, the selection switches 17a and 17b is determined, and the selection state and the selection state determined last time are changed, that is, the mode is changed. A mode transition process is performed in which game data is processed under a predetermined condition (details will be described later).
[0048]
In step 44, it is determined whether the currently selected gaming state is the normal mode or the trial hit mode. If the normal mode is set, the normal mode process is performed in step 45 to enter the trial hit mode. If it is set, a trial hit mode process is performed at step 46. When each mode process ends, other game processes are performed in step 47, and after the process ends, the process returns to the mode transition process in step 43. Here, “other game processes” collectively refers to general game processes other than the game processes performed in the normal mode process and the trial hit mode process.
[0049]
The mode transition process 43 shown in FIG. 5 is based on the premise that a game is in progress. First, in step 51, the selection state of the game selection means 17 is determined. When the trial hit mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 52, where it is confirmed whether or not the trial hit mode has been selected when the selection state is determined in the previous mode transition process. When it is confirmed that the normal mode is selected instead of the trial mode in the previous mode transition process, that is, when the mode is switched from the previous mode transition process, in step 53, as described later. It is determined whether or not the game ball launched from the launching device 35 in the normal mode before the mode is switched remains on the board without ending the final processing. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step 52 that the trial hit mode has been selected in the previous mode transition process, that is, if the mode has not been switched, the process proceeds to step 70 and the transition process is terminated.
[0050]
In the case of N in the above step 53, when the selection switch 17 is pressed, it is determined whether or not the game ball fired from the launching device 35 in the normal mode remains on the board surface. This is done by detecting each ball and comparing the number of game balls.
Specifically, the presence or absence of a game ball is directly detected using a sensor. First, when the CPU 30 determines that the gaming state has been switched from the normal game to the trial hitting game, at that time, when the launching device 35 is operating, the launching of the game ball from the launching device 35 is stopped. The number of game balls fired is recognized by detecting the game balls fired from the launching device 35 with a sensor. On the other hand, by detecting the number of game balls won in any one of the winning openings or the number of game balls collected in the out slot by a sensor, the number of collected game balls is recognized. Then, it is determined that no game ball remains on the board surface when the detected number of launched game balls and the number of recovered game balls are the same.
[0051]
In addition, as a method for determining whether or not the game ball remains on the board surface, it may be determined that the game ball does not remain after a predetermined time has elapsed since the game state was switched.
Specifically, first, when it is determined that the gaming state has been switched from the normal game to the trial hit game, the launch of the game ball from the launch device 35 is stopped. The launched game ball usually flows down the game area and wins at any one of the winning holes or is collected at the out port. Therefore, the final processing of the game ball is completed when it is determined that the game ball launched from the launching device 35 has won one of the winning ports, or when it is determined that the game ball has been collected at the out port. Therefore, the time until it is determined that a game ball has won a prize at any one of these winning openings, or the time until it is determined that the game ball has been collected at an out opening, is measured by a timer linked to the game selection means 17. Then, a predetermined time at which the final processing of the game ball is finished is determined from these measured times, and it is determined that no game ball remains in the game area when the predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, the mode shifts from the normal game to the trial hit game after a predetermined time, the release of the game ball from the launch device 35 is released, and the game ball for performing the test hit game is released from the launch device 35 by the steering operation. Fired.
[0052]
If it is determined in step 53 that the game ball does not remain on the board surface, a data first or second case saving process is performed in step 54. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball remains on the board, the process proceeds to step 70 and the transition process is terminated. Note that the state of proceeding to step 54 means a state in which the game mode is switched from the normal mode to the trial hit mode.
[0053]
When the data saving process is completed in step 54, the gaming state is subsequently set to the trial hit mode in step 55. Then, in step 56, it is informed by the notification means, for example, the lighting display of the indicator lamp 18a or 18b and the character display on the display screens 6 and 6 ', that the transition to the trial hit mode is made, and the process proceeds to step 70 to end the transition process To do.
[0054]
Next, when the normal mode is selected in the determination of the selection state of the game selection means 17 in step 51, for example, the selection switches 17a and 17b, the process proceeds to step 57, and the selection state is changed in the previous mode transition process. When the determination is made, it is confirmed whether or not the normal mode has been selected. If it is confirmed in the previous mode transition process that the trial hit mode is selected instead of the normal mode, that is, if the mode is switched from the previous mode transition process, the mode is switched in step 58. It is determined whether or not the game ball fired from the launching device in the previous test hit mode remains on the board without finishing the final processing. This determination method is the same as the determination method in step 53 described above. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step 57 that the normal mode has been selected in the previous mode transition process, that is, if the mode has not been switched, the process proceeds to step 70 to end the transition process.
[0055]
If it is determined in step 58 that the game ball does not remain on the board surface, in step 59, data restoration processing is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball remains on the board, the process proceeds to step 70 and the transition process is terminated. Note that the state of proceeding to step 59 means a state in which the game mode is switched from the trial hit mode to the normal mode.
[0056]
When the data recovery process is completed in step 59, the gaming state is subsequently set to the normal mode in step 60. Then, in step 61, it is informed that the transition to the normal mode has been made by notifying means, for example, the lighting display of the indicator lamp 18a or 18b, and the character display on the display screens 6 and 6 ', and the process proceeds to step 70 and the transition process is terminated. .
[0057]
In the normal mode process 45 shown in FIG. 6, the same game process as a normal game content in a general pachinko machine is performed. Therefore, here, a process different from the process content of the trial hit game according to the present application will be described. In step 66, it is determined whether or not the game ball launched from the launching device has won a prize opening. If it is determined that there has been a winning, in step 67, a predetermined winning ball is paid out from the winning ball payout device 32 to the winning winning opening, and the process proceeds to step 68 to end the normal mode processing. . On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no winning, the process proceeds to step 68 and the normal mode process is terminated.
[0058]
The flowchart of FIG. 7 represents the trial hit mode process 46. Of these, the processes of steps 75 and 76 indicated by broken lines represent another form of process. Accordingly, first, the trial hit mode process when the process of the broken line portion is excluded will be described. In step 71, it is determined whether or not the game ball launched from the launching device has won a prize opening. If it is determined that there is a win, in step 73, the game balls corresponding to the winning game balls, that is, not the same game balls as the winning game balls, but the same number of game balls as the winning game balls. Is paid out to the upper plate UP or lower plate DP of the pachinko machine, that is, returned to the player, the process proceeds to step 74 and the trial hit mode process is terminated.
[0059]
If it is determined in step 71 that there has been no winning, it is determined in step 72 whether or not the game ball has been collected at the outlet. If it is determined that the game balls have been collected, the game balls corresponding to the collected game balls are returned to the upper plate UP or lower plate DP of the pachinko machine in the same manner as described above. The advance trial hit mode process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has not been collected, the process proceeds to step 74 and the trial hit mode process is terminated.
[0060]
Note that the game balls may be returned one by one each time a game ball won at the winning opening and a game ball collected at the out opening are detected. In addition, the number of detected game balls is counted. When the count value reaches a predetermined number of balls, for example, every time the count value reaches 10 balls, when the trial hit game is completed, for example, when the game is returned to the normal game by switching the selection switch. You may return it.
[0061]
Next, in FIG. 7, a form will be described when the processes of steps 75 and 76 are added. Note that the processing other than steps 75 and 76 is the same as the processing content of each step described above, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
In step 71, it is determined whether or not the game ball fired from the launching device has won a winning opening, and if it is determined that there has been a win, in step 75, the number of trial hit balls is the winning ball. A process of adding numbers is performed. The process of adding the number of prize balls to the number of trial hits is the number of prize balls to be paid out for winning a game ball, assuming that a normal game is played by a game ball launched from the launching device 35 during a trial hit game. Is added to the preset number of balls (the number of balls temporarily set as game balls owned by the player).
[0062]
Further, after the game ball is returned in step 73, in step 76, a process of subtracting the number of trial hit balls is performed. The process of subtracting the number of trial hits is that a normal game is played with a game ball launched from a launching device during a trial hit game, and the number of out balls collected in the out mouth (game) The number of balls temporarily set as game balls owned by the person is subtracted.
[0063]
That is, assuming that a normal game is played with a game ball launched in a trial hit game, the increase or decrease of the game ball, that is, the process of the outgoing ball is performed from the award ball and the out ball acquired by the player.
The situation of the increase / decrease in the number of balls is displayed on a display unit provided in the pachinko machine and is notified to the player. Specifically, in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1, the number of hits is displayed on the trial hit number display section 19 provided above the selection switches 17a and 17b. This display may be displayed sequentially or may be displayed at regular intervals. Moreover, you may make it display on the display screens 6 and 6 '. More specifically, a predetermined number of balls is displayed on the test ball number display unit 19 when the game is shifted to the test ball game, for example, 1000 balls are displayed. The number of balls obtained by adding the number of winning balls to the predetermined number of balls is displayed, and when collected, the number of balls is displayed by subtracting the number of collected balls.
[0064]
In the above-described form, the return of the game ball in the trial hit mode processing is performed by using the upper plate UP or the lower plate for the game ball corresponding to the game ball won from the prize ball payout device 32 or the game ball collected at the out port. The case of returning to the DP has been described, but when the path of the game ball is switched by the control means such as a switching valve and the game ball launched from the launching device 35 is returned to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP as follows, It becomes processing like this.
[0065]
In the trial hit mode process when the process of the broken line portion shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 (the processes of steps 75 and 76) is not performed, the game balls launched during the trial hit game have won the winning holes. The game balls and the game balls collected at the outlet are mechanically returned to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP through the return path 23 by the action of the switching valves 24 and 26. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine whether the winning opening has been won (step 71) or recovered to the out opening (step 72) and to return the ball (step 73), and the flowchart shown in FIG. The mode processing (step 46) is omitted.
[0066]
In the trial hit mode process when the process of the broken line portion shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 (steps 75 and 76) is performed, the game ball launched during the test hit game is the same as described above. It is mechanically returned directly to the upper plate UP or the lower plate DP through the return path 23. However, in order to perform the process of adding the number of winning balls to the number of trial hits (step 75) and the process of subtracting the number of trial hits (step 76), it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a winning opening. It is necessary to perform processing (step 71) for determining whether or not the game ball has been collected to the outlet (step 72). Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to perform the process of returning the ball (step 73), and the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is a form in which the process of step 73 is omitted.
[0067]
In the trial hit game, the variable display device 5 (object device) is driven based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening, and the variable display operation of the symbol is performed on the display screen 6, and the variable display result is stopped. When the displayed combination of symbols is a combination of specific symbols, a jackpot gaming state occurs as in a normal game. However, even if a game ball wins a prize winning port 10 or the like, the actual winning ball is not paid out. Therefore, when a jackpot state occurs during a trial hit game, the player can know the contents of the jackpot game and can know a game method for acquiring more prize balls. .
[0068]
In the above embodiment, during the trial hit game, the game processing in which the same number of game balls as the game balls launched from the launching device are returned to the player has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this mode. A form in which a part of the launched game ball is not returned may be used. In other words, the game balls launched from the launching device during the trial hitting game are processed so as not to be collected at a certain rate and returned to the player to charge for the trial hitting game. Specifically, when 100 game balls are fired by a trial hit game, the number of the fired balls is counted, 99 of the 100 balls are returned to the player, and the remaining one ball Is collected in the pachinko machine as consideration for the trial hit game, and is controlled so as not to be returned to the player. Note that the certain ratio to be collected may be arbitrarily set on the hall side by operating a changeover switch or the like.
[0069]
In FIG. 3A, these controls are control signals for processing so that the selected state of the game selection means 17 is a trial hit game state but is not detected by the CPU 30 and returned at a certain rate. Is sent from the CPU 30 to the prize ball payout device 34, and a predetermined game ball is paid out from the prize ball payout device 34. These control means are called value clearing means.
[0070]
Moreover, although it demonstrated based on the game content of the 1st type pachinko machine in the form mentioned above, it is not limited to this form, the 2nd type pachinko machine called a so-called feather object, the 3rd type called a right thing In the pachinko machine, it may be controlled so that a trial hit game can be selected.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an actual game ball is launched from the launch device by a handle operation, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the prize of the game balls to the prize opening. In addition to this, for example, without using an actual game ball, a virtual ball type (video image) in which a game ball is launched and a prize ball is paid out by an image of game content displayed on the front surface of the pachinko machine. A pachinko machine of the formula) may be used. The game contents of this virtual ball-type pachinko machine will be described below. In addition, about the game process similar to a ball-type pachinko machine, description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
[0071]
First, as shown in FIG. 3C of the control block diagram, the game selection means 17, the display device 36, the electronic card R / W 37, the handle 7 and the like are connected to the CPU 30 via the input / output interface 31. . The state of the game selection means 17 operated by the player is determined by the CPU 30, and the selected game content is displayed on the display device 36 according to the determination result. The display device 36 is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine, and the configuration of the game board, the game balls flowing down the game area, and the like are all displayed as images.
[0072]
When the player operates the handle, a control signal is output from the CPU 30 to the display device 36, and an image in which a pseudo game ball is launched and flows down the game area, that is, game content is displayed on the display device 36. The hitting strength of the pseudo game ball is adjusted by the operation amount of the handle 7. When the simulated game ball wins a winning slot, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning slot is added to the remaining count value of the electronic card 38 inserted in the electronic card R / W 37 and collected at the outlet. The number of balls collected is subtracted from the remaining count value of the electronic card 38.
[0073]
Next, in the video pachinko machine, since the actual game ball is not used as described above, the game content is processed by the video, so the state of the game ball that has been launched, the winning or collected game ball is soft Is always recognized. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the branch processing “whether there is no ball on the board surface or a certain time has passed” in steps 53 and 58 in the flowchart (FIG. 5) illustrating the mode transition processing of the ball-type pachinko machine. . In that case, the mode transition process of the video pachinko machine is a flowchart in which steps 53 and 58 are omitted in FIG.
[0074]
In the normal mode process 81 of the video pachinko machine shown in FIG. 8, it is determined in step 82 whether or not a game ball on the video has been fired by a handle operation. Then, the number of balls is subtracted on the medium. An electronic card is used as an investment medium. After the number of balls is subtracted in step 83, in step 84, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a winning opening. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 82 that the game ball has not been fired, the process proceeds to step 84 where it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a winning opening.
[0075]
If it is determined in step 84 that the game ball has won a winning opening, a winning ball for each winning opening is given in step 85, and the number of winning balls is added to the count on the medium. The normal mode process is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 84 that no prize has been won, the process proceeds to step 86 and the normal mode process is terminated. The control for adding and subtracting the count of the electronic card is performed by the CPU 30 functioning as a count value control means in FIG. The count value control means controls the electronic card R / W 37 via the input / output interface 31 to control the count value of the electronic card.
[0076]
FIG. 9 shows the trial hit mode process of the video pachinko machine, while maintaining the processing content that the number of game balls owned by the player does not increase or decrease in the trial hit game even if the game balls are fired, In other words, it is assumed that the game balls that have been launched are returned, the award balls for the winnings are not paid out, and the loss due to the collection of the out balls is not actually processed, and the normal game is played by the game balls that have been launched in the trial hit game. In this hypothetical game, the player obtains a winning ball for winning and includes a process of increasing / decreasing a ball when the out ball is lost.
[0077]
In step 92, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been fired by a handle operation. If it is determined that the game ball has been fired, the process proceeds to step 93, where a process of subtracting the number of trial hit balls is performed. The process of subtracting the number of test hit balls is the number of balls set in advance as the number of out balls to be collected in the out mouth when a normal game is played with the game balls launched during the test hit game, A process of subtracting the number of balls temporarily set as game balls owned by the player. The number of balls to be subtracted, that is, the state of increase / decrease in the number of balls is displayed on a display unit provided in the pachinko machine and notified to the player. Specifically, it is the same as the bullet-type display method described in FIG.
[0078]
After the number of trial hit balls is subtracted in step 93, it is determined in step 94 whether or not the game ball has won a winning opening. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 92 that the game ball has not been fired, the process proceeds to step 94 where it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a winning opening. If it is determined in step 94 that the game ball has won the winning opening, the process proceeds to step 95, where the number of winning balls is added to the number of trial hit balls. The process of adding the number of prize balls to the number of trial hits is the number of prize balls to be paid out for winning a game ball in the case where a normal game is played with a game ball launched during the trial hit game. This is a process of adding to the set number of balls, that is, the number of balls temporarily set as game balls owned by the player. Then, the number of balls to be added, that is, the state of increase / decrease in the number of balls, is displayed on a display unit provided in the pachinko machine and is notified to the player. Specifically, it is the same as the bullet-type display method described in FIG.
[0079]
When the process of adding the number of winning balls to the number of test hit balls is performed in step 95, the process proceeds to step 96 and the test hit mode process is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 94 that no winning is made, the process proceeds to step 96 as it is, and the trial hit mode process is terminated.
While the trial hit mode processing 91 is performed, the increase / decrease processing of the number of game balls held by the player is not performed. That is, the count value of the electronic card as an investment medium does not change. The count value of the electronic card is controlled by the CPU 30 functioning as a count value control means in FIG. The count value control means controls the electronic card R / W 37 via the input / output interface 31 to control the count value of the electronic card.
[0080]
In the form in which the game balls launched from the launching device during the trial hit game are collected at a certain rate so as not to return to the player and the trial hit game is charged, the above-described ball-type pachinko machine is used. In the same way as in the above case, a value clearing means is provided, and for example, when 100 game balls are fired by a trial hit game, control is performed such that one count value of the electronic card is subtracted. In addition, the fixed ratio subtracted by the value clearing means may be set arbitrarily on the hall side by operating a changeover switch or the like.
[0081]
These controls are performed by the value clearing means so that the selected state of the game selecting means 17 in FIG. A control signal for processing is sent from the CPU 30 to the electronic card R / W 37, and the electronic card R / W 37 reduces the count value of the electronic card 38.
[0082]
Further, the processing other than the game processing described with reference to the above-mentioned ball-type pachinko machine is performed for the processing other than the game processing described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. .
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
According to the pachinko machine according to claim 1 of the present application, the player can easily select the trial hit game and the normal game by operating the game selection means. In addition, a storage area for processing the game data of the trial hit game and a storage area for processing the game data of the normal game are provided respectively, and when shifting to the trial hit game, the game data of the normal game is stored as it is, When the normal game is performed again, the stored game data is used. Therefore, even if the game is shifted to the trial game, the normal game performed thereafter is continuously played in the same game state as before the transfer. It is possible to suppress a useless ball at the time of switching of the gaming state and to play the game with peace of mind. In addition, it is possible to give each player the opportunity to select his / her favorite pachinko machine free of charge by trial hitting game, giving the player the opportunity to play various pachinko machines with peace of mind, and the player's willingness to play Can be improved.
[0084]
Further, according to the pachinko machine according to claim 2 of the present application, it is possible to easily recognize the current gaming state, to suppress a useless ball at the time of switching of the gaming state, and to play with peace of mind.
[0085]
In addition, according to the pachinko machines according to claims 3 and 4 of the present application, the normal processing is reliably performed for the game balls launched during the normal game, that is, the out balls are collected, and the winning balls are not collected. A process of paying out a prize ball can be performed, and a game ball launched during a trial hitting game can be returned to the player, thereby preventing the player from being disadvantaged when the gaming state is switched.
[0086]
In addition, according to the pachinko machine according to claim 5 of the present application, since the accessory device is driven by a winning during the trial hitting game, the player understands the game content for the first time without paying for the game contents. Can play games with peace of mind. Further, the operating state of the pachinko machine, for example, the driving frequency of the accessory device, etc. can be known, and the player can select a pachinko machine suitable for himself without making extra investment. Even in the trial hit game, the game can be performed under the same conditions as in the normal game, and the game contents of the pachinko machine can be known.
[0087]
Further, according to the pachinko machine according to claim 6 of the present application, it is possible to grasp the exiting state of the pachinko machine stand by the trial hitting game, and it is possible to select a pachinko machine suitable for each player.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing a control system according to the present invention.
(B) shows another form of the CPU 30 in (a), and (c) is a block diagram of a control system showing another form different from (a) and (b).
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing game processing of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing game processing of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing game processing of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing game processing of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing game processing of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing game processing of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
3 game areas
5. Variable display device
6, 6 'display screen
9 Start prize opening
10 grand prize opening
12 Out mouth
17 Selection switch
18 Notification means
19 Number of test shots display
30 CPU
101 RAM

Claims (6)

In a pachinko machine in which a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on a game ball launched from a game ball launcher winning a prize opening provided in a game area,
Even if a game ball launched from the game ball launching device wins a predetermined prize opening, the prize ball for the game ball is not paid out, and the same number of game balls launched from the game ball launching device are players. A game selection means that allows a game to be selected by selecting either a trial hit game returned to the normal game or a normal game in which a predetermined prize ball is paid out based on the winning of a game ball to the winning opening,
Game ball return means for returning game balls corresponding to the number of game balls used in the trial hit game;
A normal data storage area for storing game data of the normal game and a game data of the trial hit game provided in a storage device of the control means for controlling the game selection means and the game ball return means With a test hit data storage area to keep
When the normal game is selected by the game selection means, the game data stored in the normal data storage area is used, and when the trial hit game is selected, it is stored in the test hit data storage area. A pachinko machine that is controlled so that game data is used. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the trial hit game is selected. When it is detected that the game selection means has collected the same number of game balls as the number of game balls launched from the game ball launching device under the condition that the game can be transferred from the normal game to the trial hit game. The pachinko machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The condition that allows the game to be transferred from the normal game to the trial hit game by the game selection means is the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the game ball from the game ball launching device is stopped. The pachinko machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above. An accessory device is provided in the game area, and the accessory device is driven based on the fact that a game ball launched from the game ball launching device wins a predetermined winning opening during the trial hitting game. The pachinko machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pachinko machine is provided. In the trial hit game, there is provided a display unit for displaying an increase / decrease state of an out ball and a prize ball when the normal game is played by a game ball launched from the game ball launching device. A pachinko machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images