JP2005080681A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a player to favorably keep an interest to a game without boring him/her in a machine board (machine type) during a game. <P>SOLUTION: When the number of times of executing game performances based on a performance content pattern exceeds a threshold, a general CPU selects a pattern group different from a pattern group selected at present. Sequentially, the general CPU selects a single performance content pattern out of the performance content patterns included in the different pattern group and allows each control board to execute the game performance based on the performance content pattern. Then, the plurality types of performance content patterns different in the game performance contents are dividedly stored for every pattern group so as to prevent the overlapping, so that the player can watch a new game performance by changing the pattern group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In the present invention, when the start condition is satisfied, a predetermined game effect pattern is selected from a plurality of types of game effect patterns, and a predetermined game effect such as a display effect is executed based on the selected game effect pattern. Is related to the gaming machine.

  In recent years, pachinko machines, which are a type of gaming machine, have been devised in order to have players play games on the same machine (model) for as long as possible. That is, in the pachinko machine, a plurality of types of game effect patterns with different contents of game effects are set and stored in advance, and the inside of the pachinko machine is triggered by the fact that the game ball has won the start winning opening (start condition is established). A game effect (display effect or the like) based on the game effect pattern selected from the game effect patterns is executed in the process.

  For example, in the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of types of game effect patterns are stored in the ROM of the display control device, and a game with a specific display effect rich in entertainment that is not often seen by players. The effect pattern (rare game effect pattern) is selected in the case of a big hit for a predetermined number of times after the power is turned on. Therefore, according to the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, the specific display effect based on the rare game effect pattern appears several times in a short time, or does not appear at all even if it takes a long time. It is said that this can be prevented, and the interest of the player in the game can be favorably sustained.

Further, in the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 2, the background (landscape) in which the game effect is performed is made different in accordance with the elapsed time from when the pachinko machine is powered on. Therefore, according to the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 2, the background of the morning image is used in the time period until several hours have elapsed since the start of the pachinko machine, and the daytime in the time period until several hours have passed. It is said that it is possible to maintain the interest of the game in the player by using the background of the night image in the time zone until several hours elapse.
JP 2003-93651 A (paragraph numbers [0003] [0007]) JP 2001-62072 A (Claim 1, paragraph numbers [0019] [0020])

  However, the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1 has the following problems. In other words, since a specific display effect that appears every time a predetermined condition for selecting a rare game effect pattern (the number of appearances of jackpots reaches a predetermined number) is established, the display effect is seen. A player who has become tired of this display effect loses the expectation of what display effect can be viewed next. Therefore, it may be difficult for the player to feel like playing a game for a long time with the corresponding pachinko machine.

  Further, in the case of the pachinko machine of Patent Document 2, there is a problem that only the timing for switching the background is determined in the pachinko machine, and no means for notifying the player of the timing is provided. Therefore, since the timing is not accurately known, it may be difficult for the player to effectively maintain interest in the pachinko machine of the model.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to make it possible to maintain a good interest in gaming without causing the player to get bored with the machine (model) being played. It is to provide a gaming machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a game machine in which a game effect is executed based on a game effect pattern selected when the start condition is satisfied. A storage means for storing a game effect pattern; a selection means for selecting a game effect pattern for executing a game effect from among the game effect patterns stored in the storage means when the start condition is satisfied; and a predetermined time point Counting means for counting the number of executions of game effects from or a game time from a predetermined time point, determining means for determining whether or not the count value of the counting means exceeds a preset threshold value, and determination results of the determining means If the determination result is affirmative, the control means for causing the selection means to select a new game effect pattern different from the game effect pattern selected before the count value exceeds the threshold value. When, and summarized in that the said control means and a notifying means for notifying the remaining game effects of execution count or remaining playing time of up to select the new game effects pattern to said selection means.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, the threshold value is set so that a plurality of threshold values form steps.
The gist of the invention described in claim 3 is that, in the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, the predetermined time point is a time point when the power of the gaming machine is turned on.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the interest with respect to a game can be maintained favorably, without making a player get tired in the machine stand (model) in game.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) which is a kind of gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 1, the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is schematically shown, and a vertical rectangular middle frame 12 for setting various game components is opened and closed on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outline of the machine body. And is detachably assembled. On the front side of the middle frame 12, a front frame 14 and a top ball tray 15 each having a glass frame for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine in a see-through manner are assembled so as to be openable and closable in a laterally open state. . The front side of the front frame 14 and the game area 13a of the game board 13 are turned on (flashing) or turned off in accordance with various game states (symbol fluctuation, big hit state, etc.), and a game effect based on the light emission decoration (light emission effect) An electric lamp 16 and a game board lamp 17 are provided. Below the outer frame 11 (lower part of the pachinko machine 10), a speaker 18 that outputs various sounds according to the state of the game and performs a game effect (sound effect) based on the sound output is disposed. A lower ball tray 19 and a launching device 20 are attached to the lower part of the middle frame 12.

  In the approximate center of the game area 13a of the game board 13, a variable display 21 having a display area H made of a liquid crystal screen is disposed. In the liquid crystal type variable display 21, a game effect (display effect) based on a varying image (or image display) is performed. In the variable display 21 (display area H), a symbol combination game in which a plurality of types of symbols (identification information) are varied in a plurality of columns and a symbol combination is derived is performed in relation to the display effect. Yes. In the symbol combination game according to the present embodiment, symbol combinations based on symbols in three columns are derived, and the symbol types in each column constituting the symbol combination are symbols simulating eight numbers of 1 to 8.

  Therefore, the player can recognize a big hit or a loss from the symbol combination finally stopped (stopped display) in the symbol combination game performed on the variable display 21 (display area H). That is, when the symbols of all the columns stopped in the display area H are of the same type, the big hit can be recognized from the symbol combination ([222] [777] etc.). Hereinafter, a symbol combination that can recognize a big hit is referred to as a “hit combination”. And when it stops by a big hit combination, the big hit state which is advantageous for a player is provided to a player. Further, when the symbols of all the columns stopped in the display area H are of different types, or when the symbols of one column are different from the symbols of the other columns, the symbol combination ([234] [122] [767] Etc.) can be recognized. Hereinafter, a symbol combination that can recognize a deviation is referred to as an “outlier combination”. Further, in this embodiment, the symbol variation is temporarily displayed in the order of left column (left symbol) → right column (right symbol) → middle column (middle symbol) as viewed from the player side (hereinafter referred to as “temporarily stop”). ). Then, when the left symbol and the right symbol that have been stopped are of the same type, the reach can be recognized from the symbol combination ([1 ↓ 1] etc., “↓” indicates changing).

  Further, below the variable indicator 21, a start winning opening 23 having an opening / closing blade 22 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. Behind the start winning opening 23, a start opening sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting a winning game ball is provided. Therefore, the start condition for the symbol combination game on the variable display 21 is given when the game ball start winning detection is detected by the start port sensor SE1. Also, below the start winning opening 23, a large winning opening 24 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. The special winning opening 24 opens and closes in association with the symbol combination finally stopped and displayed in the symbol combination game becoming a big hit combination. Therefore, when a big hit state is given, a plurality of game balls can be won to the big prize opening 24 by opening / closing the big prize opening 24, so that the player can acquire a large number of game balls (prize balls). You can get a chance.

Next, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
A main control board 25 for controlling the entire gaming machine is mounted on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. The main control board 25 executes various processes for controlling the entire gaming machine, and calculates various control commands according to the processing results. The main control board 25 outputs the control command as a predetermined control signal. In addition, a display control board 26 for controlling the variable display 21, an electric lamp 16, a lamp control board 27 for controlling the game board lamp 17, and a sound control board 28 for controlling the speaker 18 are mounted on the rear side of the machine. ing.

  On the rear side of the machine, a general control board 29 that controls the display control board 26, the lamp control board 27, and the sound control board 28 based on the control command output from the main control board 25 is mounted. The overall control board 29 executes various processes to control the control boards 26 to 28 in an integrated manner, and performs game effects (display effects, light effects, audio effects) according to the processing results. Various control commands for instructing control are processed. The overall control board 29 outputs the control command as a predetermined control signal. In the present embodiment, the main control board 25 is configured to function as main control means for controlling the entire gaming machine. On the other hand, the display control board 26, the lamp control board 27, the sound control board 28, and the overall control board 29 are sub-control means (dashed lines in FIG. 2) that can execute various controls based on the control signal output from the main control board 25. Enclosed in).

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the main control board 25 and the overall control board 29 will be described.
The main control board 25 includes a main CPU 25a, and a ROM 25b and a RAM 25c are connected to the main CPU 25a. The ROM 25b stores a control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10 and a plurality of types of effect patterns. The RAM 25c stores (sets) various types of information (various random values such as jackpot determination random numbers, reach determination random numbers, and production pattern distribution random numbers) that are appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko machine 10. It has become. The main CPU 25a sequentially updates the values of various random numbers such as the jackpot determination random number every predetermined cycle, sets the updated values in the RAM 25c, and rewrites the values before the update. The RAM 25c is connected to a power supply for backup of a power supply board (not shown), and is based on the power supply voltage (for example, DC voltage 5V) supplied from the backup power supply when the power supply voltage is cut off (at the time of voltage drop). Various types of information are stored and held.

  The effect pattern is predetermined for each effect pattern from the start of symbol variation (start of symbol combination game) to the stop of symbols (or symbol combinations) in all rows (termination of symbol combination game). This shows a pattern that is a base of the game effect within the time of the game effect. In this effect pattern, the game effect time is determined for each effect pattern, and the game effect time can be specified by the effect pattern. This effect pattern is developed so that it is out of effect for the jackpot effect (the effect that the symbol combination game is finally expanded to stop at the jackpot combination) (the symbol combination game is finally stopped at the error combination) Are stored in the ROM 25b. In addition, the reach effect that is the premise of the jackpot effect is executed, but eventually the stop reach effect that stops at the disjoint combination (for example, [818]) and the reach combination that does not execute the reach effect ( For example, it is classified as a non-reach effect that stops at [637]).

  When the start winning signal is input from the start port sensor SE1, the main CPU 25a executes various processes related to the symbol combination game (decision of big hit, determination of stop symbol and effect pattern, etc.). That is, when the start winning signal is input, the main CPU 25a reads the value of the big hit determination random number from the RAM 25c and stores (stores) it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 25c. Then, immediately before the start of the symbol combination game, the main CPU 25a compares the jackpot determination random number stored in the RAM 25c with the jackpot determination value stored in the ROM 25b to determine the jackpot. When the result of the big hit determination is an affirmative determination (the value of the big hit determination random number matches the big hit determination value), the main CPU 25a determines the big hit.

  When the big hit is determined, the main CPU 25a determines that the symbols (stopped symbols left, middle, right) that are finally stopped by the variable display 21 (display area H) are symbols of the same type in all rows. Decide to be. The determined stop symbol left, stop symbol, and stop symbol right are finally derived as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol on the variable display 21 (display area H). Specifically, one of the jackpot combinations [111] [222] [333] [444] [555] [666] [777] [888] is stopped and displayed on the variable display 21 (display area H). Further, when the big hit is determined, the main CPU 25a determines one effect pattern from the effect patterns for the big hit effect.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the jackpot determination is a negative determination (the value of the random number for determining the jackpot and the jackpot determination value do not match), the main CPU 25a determines a loss. Then, the main CPU 25a reads the reach determination random number value from the RAM 25c and stores (stores) it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 25c. Then, the main CPU 25a compares the reach determination random number stored in the RAM 25c with the reach determination value stored in the ROM 25b to determine whether to execute a reach effect (hereinafter, “reach determination”). Show). When the determination result of reach determination is affirmative determination (the value of the reach determination random number and the reach determination value match), the main CPU 25a determines an effect pattern for the reach reach effect. On the other hand, if the determination result of reach determination is negative (the reach determination random number value and the reach determination value do not match), the main CPU 25a determines the effect pattern for the effect without reach. Then, when the effect pattern for the outlier reach effect or the non-reach effect is determined, the main CPU 25a uses the variable display 21 (display area H) to finally stop the symbols (stop symbol left, middle, right), Decide not to have the same type of symbols in all rows.

  The main CPU 25a that has determined the stop symbol and the effect pattern outputs a predetermined control command to the overall control board 29 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the main CPU 25a first outputs an effect pattern designation command that designates an effect pattern and instructs the start of symbol variation. Next, the main CPU 25a executes a left symbol designation command for designating the left symbol, a middle symbol designating command for designating the middle symbol for the stop, and a right symbol designating command for designating the right symbol for the stop symbol. → Output in the order of medium symbol designation command. After that, the main CPU 25a outputs an all symbol stop command for instructing to stop symbols in each column when the effect time set in the specified effect pattern has elapsed.

Next, the overall control board 29 will be described.
The overall control board 29 includes an overall CPU 29a, and a ROM 29b and a RAM 29c are connected to the overall CPU 29a. The ROM 29b stores a control program for comprehensively controlling the control boards 26 to 28 and a plurality of effect content patterns (game effect patterns) having different game effect contents. The RAM 29c stores various information (various random values, various flags, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10, and the number of executions (count value) KS of game effects based on the symbol combination game. It has become so. Then, the overall CPU 29a updates the values of various random numbers (production content pattern distribution random numbers, etc.) and the number of executions KS, sets the updated values in the RAM 29c, and rewrites the values of various random numbers and the number of executions KS. . The production content pattern distribution random number is a random number for selecting the production content pattern EP.

  The plurality of effect content patterns are associated with each of the effect patterns for the jackpot effect and for the off-stage effect classified and stored in the ROM 25b of the main control board 25. Production content patterns and production content patterns for non-reach production are classified. Each effect content pattern is assigned to a plurality of pattern groups (pattern groups) including at least one effect content pattern for each effect content pattern for the jackpot effect, the outreach reach effect, and the non-reach effect. It is memorized for a minute.

  For example, in the case of an effect content pattern for an outlier reach effect, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, as an effect content pattern for an outlier reach effect, an effect with a plurality of (six) game effect contents different. The content patterns EP1 to EP6 are distributed and stored so as not to overlap with a plurality (three) of pattern groups A to C. That is, the production content patterns EP1 and EP2 are stored in the pattern group A, the production content patterns EP3 and EP4 are stored in the pattern group B, and the production content patterns EP5 and EP6 are stored in the pattern group C, respectively. Incidentally, the game effect contents of the effect content patterns EP1 to EP6 will be specifically described. The effect content pattern EP1 is a dog character, the effect content pattern EP2 is a cat character, and the effect content pattern EP3 is a horse character. It is a game production content. The effect content pattern EP4 is a game character content in which a cow character, the effect content pattern EP5 is a monkey character, and the effect content pattern EP6 is a bird character.

  In addition, a distribution determination value is associated with each of the effect content patterns EP1 to EP6 distributed and stored in each of the pattern groups A to C. Specifically, among the two effect content patterns that are distributed and stored in the pattern group A, the effect determination pattern EP1 is associated with the effect content pattern EP1, and the distribution determination value EP21 is associated with the effect content pattern EP2. It has been. Of the two effect content patterns distributed and stored in the pattern group B, the effect determination pattern EP3 is associated with the effect content pattern EP3, and the apportionment determination value EP42 is associated with the effect content pattern EP4. . Of the two effect content patterns distributed and stored in the pattern group C, the effect determination pattern EP53 is associated with the effect content pattern EP5, and the distribution determination value EP63 is associated with the effect content pattern EP6. .

  The distribution determination value (EP11 or the like) is used when selecting one production content pattern from among a plurality (two) of production content patterns distributed and stored in the pattern group based on random lottery. The In the present embodiment, the numerical values that the production content pattern distribution random numbers can take are 100 integers, and 50 integers are set for each distribution determination value (EP11 or the like). Incidentally, the numerical value indicated in parentheses “(50)” on the right side of each distribution determination value (EP11, etc.) in FIG. 3 is associated with the distribution determination value in the pattern group (A to C). The ratio of the selected production content pattern is shown for reference.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the general CPU 29a receives an effect pattern designation command for reach effect from the main CPU 25a, first, the general CPU 29a selects predetermined pattern groups A to C from the pattern groups A to C. It is like that. Then, among the plurality (two) of the production content patterns included in the selected pattern groups A to C, one production content pattern EP1 to EP6 is assigned to the distribution determination value associated with the production content patterns EP1 to EP6 ( EP11 etc.). Thus, in this embodiment, the overall CPU 29a selects an effect content pattern (game effect pattern) for executing a game effect from a plurality of effect content patterns (game effect patterns) distributed and stored in the ROM 29b. It is configured to function as selection means for determining. The ROM 29b is configured as storage means for presetting and storing a plurality of effect content patterns (game effect patterns) having different game effect contents selected by the overall CPU 29a.

  In the ROM 29b, as in the case of the effect content pattern for the outlier reach effect, the effect content pattern for the big hit effect and the effect content pattern for the non-reach effect are each assigned to a plurality of pattern groups. The content pattern is distributed and stored together with the distribution determination value. Therefore, when the general CPU 29a receives an effect pattern designation command for a big hit effect from the main CPU 25a, the general CPU 29a selects any one of the effect content patterns for the big hit effect stored in the ROM 29b. Will choose. Similarly, when an effect pattern designation command for a non-reach effect is input, any one of the effect content patterns for the non-reach effect that is distributed and stored in the ROM 29b is selected. Will choose.

  Then, as described above, the overall CPU 29a that has selected and determined the effect content pattern for executing the game effect outputs an effect content pattern specifying command for specifying the selected and determined effect content pattern EP to each of the control boards 26 to 28. . At that time, the overall CPU 29a also outputs various control commands (each (left, middle, right) symbol designation command, etc.) input from the main CPU 25a to the control boards 26 to 28 at a predetermined timing. Therefore, each of the control boards 26 to 28 executes control for causing a game effect based on the same effect content pattern EP determined by the overall CPU 29a. As a result, the display effect of the variable display 21 (display area H) by the control of the display control board 26, the light emission effect of the electric lamp 16 and the game board lamp 17 by the control of the lamp control board 27, and the control of the sound control board 28. It is possible to synchronize the sound production of the speaker 18. That is, the game effect performed by the pachinko machine 10 can be synchronized. “Game effects are synchronized” means that each game effect is in the same tone, for example, when a display effect indicating “the dog is running” is being performed. In other words, a light emission effect (violently blinking) or a sound effect (such as the sound of a dog's cry) commensurate with (or related to) the display effect is performed.

  The general CPU 29a is also configured to function as counting means for counting and storing the number of times KS of the game effects (in this case, the symbol combination game) from the time of power-on (predetermined time), and the effect pattern from the main CPU 25a. The execution number KS is updated (+1) every time a designated command is input. The overall CPU 29a outputs an execution frequency designation command for designating the execution frequency KS to the display control board 26. The overall CPU 29a determines whether or not the updated number of executions KS exceeds a preset threshold value (for example, 300 times). If the determination result is affirmative, the execution number KS sets the threshold value. A pattern group (for example, pattern groups B and C) different from the pattern group (for example, pattern group A) selected before the pattern is selected is selected.

  Specifically, the RAM 29c has determination values (hereinafter referred to as “group determination values”) for designating pattern groups A to C in which the effect content pattern EP of the currently executed game effect is allocated and stored. It has come to be remembered. In the present embodiment, this group determination value is also referred to as “current group determination value” or “group determination value before update”. The ROM 29b stores a group determination random number used for group determination when selecting (determining) the pattern groups A to C. The overall CPU 29a updates the value of the group determination random number at a predetermined cycle. The updated group determination random number value is stored in the RAM 29c. When the execution count KS exceeds the threshold value, the overall CPU 29a compares the group determination random number value stored in the RAM 29c with the current group determination value (hereinafter referred to as "group determination"). I do. If the determination result of the group determination is a negative determination (the group determination random number value and the current group determination value do not match), the overall CPU 29a determines the pattern groups A to C designated by the group determination random number value. select. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the overall CPU 29a is configured to function as a determination unit that determines whether or not the execution count (count value) KS exceeds the threshold value. In addition, when the determination result of the group determination is affirmative, the overall CPU 29a determines an effect content pattern (for example, effect content) selected before the execution count KS exceeds the threshold by the overall CPU 29a as the selection unit. It is configured to function also as control means for selecting a new effect content pattern (for example, effect content pattern EP5) different from the pattern EP1).

Next, the display control board 26, the lamp control board 27, and the sound control board 28 will be described.
The display control board 26 includes a sub CPU 26a, and a ROM 26b and a RAM 26c are connected to the sub CPU 26a. The ROM 26b stores a plurality of types of display execution data for display effects, various image information, and the like. This effect execution data is information for the sub CPU 26a to control the display contents (design variation, character movement, background of the display area H, etc.) of the variable display 21 (display area H). The RAM 26c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  Accordingly, when the sub CPU 26a inputs the effect content pattern designation command output from the overall control board 29 (general CPU 29a), the effect execution data corresponding to the designated effect content pattern EP is read from the ROM 26b, and the effect execution data is stored in the effect execution data. Based on this, the display content of the variable display 21 (display area H) is controlled. By this control, a display effect is performed on the variable display 21 (display area H). When the sub CPU 26a inputs the execution count designation command, the sub CPU 26a selects a new pattern group (for example, pattern groups B and C) different from the pattern group (for example, pattern group A) currently selected by the overall CPU 29a. The number of executions of the remaining game effects is calculated. Then, based on this calculation result, the sub CPU 26a displays the number of executions of the remaining game effects on a part of the variable display 21 (display area H) (for example, the upper right of the display area H). Therefore, in this respect, the variable display 21 (display area H) is configured to function as a notification means for displaying (notifying) the number of executions of the remaining game effects.

  The lamp control board 27 includes a sub CPU 27a, and a ROM 27b and a RAM 27c are connected to the sub CPU 27a. The ROM 27b stores effect execution data for a plurality of types of light emission effects. This effect execution data is information for the sub CPU 27a to control the light emission modes (lighting start timing, lighting time, etc.) of the electric lamp 16 and the game board lamp 17. The RAM 27c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. Accordingly, when the sub CPU 27a inputs the effect content pattern designation command output from the overall control board 29 (general CPU 29a), the effect execution data corresponding to the designated effect content pattern EP is read out from the ROM 27b and is used as the effect execution data. Based on this, the light emission modes of the electric lamp 16 and the game board lamp 17 are controlled. Then, with this control, the lighting lamp 16 and the game board lamp 17 produce a light emission effect.

  The audio control board 28 includes a sub CPU 28a, and a ROM 28b and a RAM 28c are connected to the sub CPU 28a. The ROM 28b stores effect execution data for a plurality of types of sound effects. This effect execution data is information for the sub CPU 28a to control the sound mode of the speaker 18 (type of sound effect, time of sound output once, volume, etc.). The RAM 28c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. Accordingly, when the sub CPU 28a inputs the effect content pattern designation command output from the overall control board 29 (general CPU 29a), the effect execution data corresponding to the designated effect content pattern EP is read from the ROM 28b and is used as the effect execution data. Based on this, the sound mode of the speaker 18 is controlled. Then, the sound effect is performed on the speaker 18 by this control.

  Therefore, hereinafter, the detachment reach pattern determination process in which the overall CPU 29a of the overall control board 29 selects the effect content pattern EP for the detachment reach effect will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the overall CPU 29a determines whether or not an effect pattern designation command for reach effect has been input from the main CPU 25a (step S10). If this determination result is a negative determination, the overall CPU 29a has not input any production pattern designation command, or produces an production pattern designation command for designating a production pattern for a big hit production or a non-reach production. Since it has been input, the outlier reach pattern determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S10 is affirmative, the overall CPU 29a updates (+1) the number of executions KS (step S11) and determines whether or not the number of executions KS has exceeded a threshold of 300 times. Determination is made (step S12). If the determination result is affirmative, the overall CPU 29a performs initial setting (KS = 0) of the number of executions KS (step S13). Subsequently, the overall CPU 29a performs group determination (step S14). Specifically, the overall CPU 29a reads a group determination random number from the RAM 29c, and determines whether the read value and the current group determination value do not match. If this determination result is a negative determination, the overall CPU 29a performs the process of step S14 until the determination result of step S14 is affirmative. If the determination result in step S14 is affirmative, the overall CPU 29a moves the process to step S15. Then, in step S15, the overall CPU 29a updates (stores) the group determination random number selected in the process of step S14 in the RAM 29c as a new group determination value.

  Next, the overall CPU 29a determines whether or not the group determination value updated in step S15 is a value for designating the pattern group A (step S16). If the determination result is affirmative, the overall CPU 29a selects an effect content pattern EP1 or an effect content pattern EP2 included in the pattern group A (step S17), and the process proceeds to step S22 described later. If the determination result in step S16 is negative, the overall CPU 29a determines whether or not the group determination value is a value that designates the pattern group B (step S18). If the determination result is affirmative, the overall CPU 29a selects an effect content pattern EP3 or an effect content pattern EP4 included in the pattern group B (step S19), and the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S18 is negative, that is, when the group determination value is a value designating the pattern group C, the overall CPU 29a performs the effect content pattern EP5 or effect content included in the pattern group C. The pattern EP6 is selected (step S20), and the process proceeds to step S22.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S12 is negative, the overall CPU 29a selects an effect content pattern EP included in the pattern groups A to C designated by the current group determination value (step S21), and performs the processing. Control goes to step S22. In step S22, the overall CPU 29a outputs an effect content pattern designation command for designating the selected effect content pattern EP to each of the control boards 26 to 28 (sub CPUs 26a to 28a).

  Next, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, a description is given from when the start condition is established until the symbol combination is derived to the variable display 21 (display area H) by the symbol combination game. To do.

  First, as a premise, it is assumed that the main CPU 25a determines that the symbol combination to be displayed on the variable display 21 (display area H) is the symbol combination of the reach (for example, [757]). In addition, the number of executions KS of the game effect before the execution of the current symbol combination game is 300 (= threshold) (“1” is displayed as the remaining number of executions in the display area H). It is assumed that the overall CPU 29a has selected the pattern group A at the present time. Then, based on the current symbol combination game, the overall CPU 29a selects the pattern group B and selects the effect content pattern EP3 from the pattern group B.

  Under the premise as described above, when an effect pattern designation command is input from the main CPU 25a, the overall CPU 29a determines to execute a reach effect that deviates from the effect pattern designation command, and updates the execution count KS (KS = 301). ) Then, since the execution number KS exceeds the threshold (at this time, the remaining number of executions displayed in the display area H is updated (changed) to “0”), the overall CPU 29a updates the execution number KS. Initial setting (KS = 0) is executed, and group determination is performed. That is, the overall CPU 29a reads the group determination random number from the ROM 29b and stores the read value in the RAM 29c. The overall CPU 29a compares and determines this value (in this case, the value specifying the pattern group B) and the value stored in the RAM 29c as the current group determination value (in this case, the value specifying the pattern group A). To do. Then, since this comparison determination result is an affirmative determination (the value of the group determination random number and the current group determination value do not match), the overall CPU 29a newly updates the group determination value (to a determination value for designating the pattern group B). The value of the effect content pattern distribution random number is read from the RAM 29c. Then, since the read value is included in the distribution determination value EP32, the overall CPU 29a selects the production content pattern EP3, and the overall CPU 29a sends the production content pattern EP3 to the sub CPUs 26a to 28a of the control boards 26 to 28. A production content pattern designation command for designating is output.

  And each sub CPU26a-28a which input the said effect content pattern designation | designated command performs the game effect based on the effect execution data corresponding to effect content pattern EP3. That is, in the variable display 21 (display area H), a display effect in which the horse character runs around, a lighting effect in the illumination lamp 16 and the game board lamp 17, and a voice such as a horse cry or running sound from the speaker 18. The production is executed synchronously. Then, at the end of the game effect as described above, [757], which is an outlier combination, is stopped and displayed in the display area H.

  As described above, even if the out-of-combination combination is derived by the symbol combination game, the player who has been able to see only the game effect based on the effect content pattern EP1 or the effect content pattern EP2 so far has one execution number KS. By updating each time and displaying the remaining number of executions as “0”, it becomes possible to see a game effect based on the new effect content pattern EP3. Accordingly, when the remaining number of executions is displayed as “0” in the display area H, the player can see a new game effect. Therefore, in addition to the symbol combination derived by the symbol combination game, the display area H It is possible to play a game with interest in the remaining number of executions displayed on the screen.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, when the execution number KS of game effects based on the symbol combination game exceeds a predetermined threshold value (300 times in the present embodiment), the general CPU 29a determines the pattern group ( For example, an effect content pattern EP included in a new pattern group (for example, pattern groups B and C) different from the pattern group A) is selected. That is, the player can see new game effects that could not be seen until now. Moreover, since the number of executions of the remaining game effects until the new game effect is executed (the number of times that is the difference between the threshold value and the number of executions KS) is displayed on the variable display 21 (display area H), the player has so far It is possible to easily recognize the timing at which a new game effect different from that can be seen. Therefore, the player plays the game while feeling that he wants to see a new game effect, and the game can be played for a long time with one gaming machine.

  (2) Each time the number of executions KS exceeds a threshold value (300 times in the present embodiment), a new pattern group A to C is selected, so that the player can select one of the selected new pattern groups A to C. You can get a chance to see new game effects from inside. Therefore, the player can have a strong feeling for reaching the threshold value of the next stage of execution KS, so that the player can play a game for a longer time with one gaming machine.

  (3) Since the general CPU 29a that does not have a backup function is configured to function as a counting unit, the number of executions KS can be set without performing special processing (for example, ram clearing) when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on. Initial setting (KS = 0) can be performed.

  (4) When the number of executions KS exceeds the threshold, the overall CPU 29a performs group determination using the group determination random number, and the pattern selected before the number of executions KS exceeds the threshold (300 in this embodiment). A pattern group (for example, pattern groups B and C) different from the group (for example, pattern group A) is selected. Accordingly, when the number of executions KS exceeds the threshold value, the player cannot predict the next game effect to be executed, and therefore does not lose his expectation for the game effect.

  (5) When the number of executions KS exceeds the threshold value (300 in this embodiment), the overall CPU 29a performs the initial setting (KS = 0) of the number of executions KS in the process of step S13. Therefore, only one threshold value needs to be set (stored) in the ROM 29b of the overall control board. Also, by performing the initial setting of the execution number KS, the value of the execution number KS does not become larger than necessary (for example, 400 times, 1000 times, etc.). That is, it is possible to satisfactorily suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the overall control board 29 due to an increase in the set number of thresholds and the number of execution times KS.

In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.
In the above-described embodiment, the remaining number of executions of the game effect until the new game effect is executed (the number of times that is the difference between the threshold value and the execution number KS) is displayed on a part of the variable display 21 (display area H). I did it. However, the number of executions for selecting a new pattern group defined by the threshold (hereinafter referred to as “threshold execution number”) and the current number of executions KS are displayed on a part of the variable display 21 (display area H). You may make it do. With this configuration, the player can easily recognize the timing at which a new game effect can be seen by viewing the display of the threshold execution count and the current execution count KS.

  In the embodiment, every time the execution count KS exceeds the threshold, the overall CPU 29a may repeatedly select the pattern groups A to C to be selected in the order of pattern groups A → B → C → A → B → C. .

  In the embodiment, the number of executions KS may be the total number of symbol combination games executed since the power was turned on. That is, the process of step S13 in the loss reach pattern determination process is omitted, and a threshold value is provided a predetermined number of times (every 300 times) such as 300 times, 600 times, 900 times, and the execution number KS exceeds the threshold value. You may make it perform group determination for every. The predetermined number of times may be set arbitrarily. Even if comprised in this way, regardless of the number of executions of the jackpot game effect, the player can see a new game effect when the execution number KS exceeds the threshold. Therefore, it is possible to give all the players a chance to see new game effects fairly and at an appropriate frequency.

-In the said embodiment, you may make it perform the initialization (KS = 0) of the frequency | count KS of execution after the big hit game is complete | finished.
In the above embodiment, the overall CPU 29a functions as a counting unit, but the main CPU 25a having a backup function may function as the counting unit. With this configuration, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is unexpectedly turned off (for example, a power failure at a game hall), the player can play a game from the number of executions KS before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. Can be resumed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the distribution determination values used when selecting the production content patterns EP included in the pattern groups A to C are equally distributed in 50 patterns, but may not be equal. For example, in the pattern group A, the distribution determination value EP11 may be set to 80 integers and the distribution determination value EP21 may be set to 20 integers.

  In the embodiment described above, six types of effect content patterns EP1 to EP6 are set, but the type of effect content pattern EP may be arbitrarily changed. The production content patterns EP1 to EP6 relate to animal characters (dogs, cats, horses, cows, monkeys, birds), but may also relate to characters of designs other than animals.

  In the embodiment, the production content patterns EP1 to EP6 are distributed and stored in the three types of pattern groups A to C, but the number of pattern groups A to C may be arbitrarily changed. Also, two types of effect content patterns EP are included in each pattern group A to C, but the types of effect content patterns EP included in each pattern group A to C may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the pattern group A is composed of one type of effect content pattern EP1, the pattern group B is composed of three types of effect content patterns EP2, EP3, and EP4, and the pattern group C is composed of two types of effect content patterns EP5 and EP6. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the remaining number of game effects for causing the overall CPU 29a to select new pattern groups A to C is displayed on the variable display 21 (display area H), but a display device is provided separately. May be. Further, every time the number of executions KS is updated, a notification may be given from the speaker 18 by voice.

  In the above-described embodiment, the overall CPU 29a counts the number of game performance executions KS, but may measure (count) the game performance time of the player. That is, when the player's continuous game time exceeds the threshold value, the overall CPU 29a assigns a new pattern group (for example, pattern groups B and C) different from the currently selected pattern group (for example, pattern group A). You may make it select.

Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.
(A) In a gaming machine in which a game effect is executed based on a game effect pattern selected in response to the establishment of the start condition, storage means for storing a plurality of types of game effect patterns having different game effect contents, and establishment of the start condition Triggered by the selection means for selecting a game effect pattern for executing a game effect from among the game effect patterns stored in the storage means, the number of game effects executed from a predetermined time point, or the game time from a predetermined time point Counting means for counting, a determining means for determining whether or not the count value of the counting means exceeds a preset threshold value, and if the determination result of the determining means is affirmative determination, Control means for selecting a new game effect pattern different from the game effect pattern selected before the value exceeds the threshold value, and the new game defined by the threshold value. Gaming machine and a notifying means for notifying out the execution count or playing time of the game effects the pattern at the present time defined by the counted value as the number of times of execution or playing time of the game effects for selecting.
(B) In the storage means, the plurality of types of game effect patterns are allocated and stored so as not to overlap with a plurality of types of pattern groups, or any one of the technical ideas (a) The gaming machine according to one item.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the control structure of a pachinko gaming machine. (A), (b), (c) is explanatory drawing which shows each pattern group AC. Explanatory drawing explaining an outlier reach pattern determination process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 21 ... Variable display (notification means), 25 ... Main control board, 29 ... Overall control board, 29a ... Overall CPU (selection means, counting means, determination means, control means), 29b ... ROM, A to C ... pattern group (pattern group), EP, EP1 to EP6 ... effect content pattern (game effect pattern), KS ... number of executions, H ... display area (notification means).

Claims (3)

In the gaming machine in which the game effect is executed based on the game effect pattern selected when the start condition is satisfied,
Storage means for storing a plurality of types of game effect patterns having different game effect contents;
A selection means for selecting a game effect pattern for executing a game effect from each of the game effect patterns stored in the storage means, when the start condition is satisfied,
A counting means for counting the number of times of the game production from the predetermined time or the game time from the predetermined time;
Determination means for determining whether or not the count value of the counting means exceeds a preset threshold;
If the determination result of the determination means is affirmative determination, control means for causing the selection means to select a new game effect pattern different from the game effect pattern selected before the count value exceeds the threshold value;
A gaming machine comprising: a notification means for notifying the number of remaining game effects to be executed or the remaining game time until the control means causes the selection means to select the new game effect pattern. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is set such that a plurality of threshold values form steps. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined time is a time when the power of the gaming machine is turned on.

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