JP2005102836A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine increasing holding and consuming rate without lowering both of varying time shortening function and amusement of game. <P>SOLUTION: A pachinko game machine 20 has a varying time shortening button 27. The pachinko game machine 20 holds the start of the variation of a special pattern display device 40 when a game ball enter into a starting port 42 to win a prize, adds it as a number of holding balls, and stores an internal random number counter value or others for judging a jackpot corresponding to the holding. Further, the machine consumes the number of the holding balls to start the variation when the special pattern display device 40 can start the variation. Here, the machine judges whether or not an alarm message showing that there is a possibility that the holdings include the jackpot is displayed on the special pattern display device 40 according to the internal random number counter value corresponding to each hold when the number of holding balls reaches to a hold upper limit value. Therefore, a player can recognize that there is a possibility that the four holdings include the jackpot when the message is displayed to perform the varying time shortening operation with expecting feeling. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that gives a player a profit in accordance with a display result when a discriminating element display means starts changing and then stops when a predetermined start condition is satisfied.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine, one having a variable time reduction button is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of gaming machine, when the game ball wins the starting opening, the special symbol display device cannot start changing the symbol because the symbol change is suspended, and then the hold is digested and the symbol changes. If the fluctuation time reduction button is operated when it is performed, the fluctuation of the symbol stops in a short time. As a result, the player can digest the suspension one after another. Also, if the number of reserved balls reaches the upper limit, even if the game ball wins more at the start opening, the change in the design is not held, so the player watches the game board without releasing the release knob and firing the game ball However, if the operating time reduction button is operated, the hold that has reached the upper limit is immediately consumed and becomes less than the upper limit, so that the player does not have to release the firing knob. As a result, the operating rate of the game hall is increased.
JP2003-159425A

  However, when a player operates the variable time reduction button with emphasis on digestion of hold, the player will abandon the so-called reach and the interesting variable display at the time of jackpot, and the reserve digestion rate will improve. However, it is impossible to make full use of the game nature originally provided in the gaming machine.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, and it aims at providing the gaming machine which can raise a pending | holding digestion rate, without reducing both a fluctuation time shortening function and game property.

  Effective means for achieving the above object will be described below. In addition, the operation | movement etc. are demonstrated as needed.

Means 1. A gaming machine that provides a profit to the player according to the display result when the identification element display means starts to fluctuate due to establishment of a predetermined start condition and then stops,
Fluctuation time shortening means for stopping the fluctuation of the identification element display means in a shorter time than the time determined at the start of fluctuation according to the player's operation;
A holding ball number storage means for storing the holding ball number;
Determination information storage means for storing predetermined determination information for each hold;
When the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the start of fluctuation of the identification element display means is suspended and added to the retained ball number storage means as the number of retained balls, and determination information corresponding to the suspension is stored in the determination information storage means Holding execution means to
A suspension digesting means for digesting the number of retained balls stored in the retained ball number storage means and starting the variation of the identification element display means when the identification element display means can start the variation;
A reserved ball number determining means for determining whether or not the reserved ball number stored in the reserved ball number storage means has reached a predetermined number;
When it is determined by the holding ball number determination means that the number of held balls has reached a predetermined number, a specific gaming state is generated during the predetermined number of holdings based on determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of holdings. Effect execution determination means for determining whether or not to execute a predetermined effect indicating that there is a possibility,
A gaming machine equipped with.

  In this gaming machine, when a predetermined start condition is established, the start of fluctuation of the identification element display means is suspended and added to the retained ball number storage means as the retained ball number, and predetermined determination information corresponding to the suspension is stored as determination information. Store in the means. When the discriminating element display means can start changing, the discriminating element display means starts to change by digesting the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved ball number storage means. Here, when the number of held balls reaches a predetermined number, based on the determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of held, a predetermined that indicates that a specific gaming state may occur during the predetermined number of held It is determined whether or not to execute the production. For this reason, when the performance is executed, the player performs the operation for shortening the variation time with a consciousness (expectation) that there may be a specific gaming state during the predetermined number of suspensions. The game is not impaired. Moreover, when the fluctuation time shortening operation is performed, the fluctuation is stopped in a shorter time than the time determined at the start of the fluctuation, so that the fluctuation time shortening function is not impaired. That is, the retention rate can be increased without reducing both the fluctuation time shortening function and the playability.

  Mean 2. The gaming machine according to means 1, wherein the reserved ball number determining means determines whether or not the reserved ball number stored in the reserved ball number storage means has reached an upper limit value. In this way, the player tries to check whether or not the predetermined effect is executed without performing the operation for reducing the variation time until the number of reserved balls reaches the upper limit value.

  Means 3. 3. The gaming machine according to means 1 or 2, wherein the determination information storage means stores at least determination information relating to jackpot as the determination information. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a hit during a predetermined number of holds based on the determination information regarding the jackpot. Here, the “hit” means a gaming state advantageous to the player, for example, a state in which a normally closed winning opening is opened to facilitate winning. For this reason, the “specific game state” in the means 3 means a jackpot state.

  Means 4. 4. The gaming machine according to means 3, wherein the determination information storage means also stores determination information relating to the arousing mode as the determination information. If it carries out like this, it can be determined based on the determination information regarding arousing mode whether there exists per arousing mode during a predetermined number of suspension. Here, the “arousal mode” refers to a mode that attracts the player's attention as compared to the previous mode or arouses a sense of expectation that a special gaming state will occur thereafter, and is conventionally known. It is a concept including various reach.

  Means 5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of types of the predetermined effects are prepared according to a possibility of occurrence of a specific gaming state during the predetermined number of suspensions. Gaming machine. In this way, the player can know whether the possibility of a specific gaming state occurring during a predetermined number of suspensions is high or low depending on the type of effect.

  Means 6. 6. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the production execution determination means includes the predetermined information when the determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of holdings includes information indicating a big hit. A game machine that determines whether or not to execute the production of the first game with a predetermined first lottery rate. In this case, even if there is a big hit during a predetermined number of holds, a predetermined effect may not be performed.

  Mean 7 The gaming machine according to means 6, wherein the effect execution determination means executes the predetermined effect when the information indicating that it is a big hit is included in the determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of holds. Whether or not it is determined with a predetermined first lottery rate and it is determined that the predetermined effect is to be executed, it is highly probable that a jackpot will be included in the predetermined number of holds during the predetermined number of holds. A gaming machine that is determined at a high rate to represent. In this way, when there is a jackpot during a predetermined number of holds, there is often an effect indicating that there is a high possibility that a jackpot will be included in the predetermined number of holds, so that the player will execute the effect Have greater expectations.

  Means 8. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the production execution determination means does not include information indicating that it is a big hit in the determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of suspensions, but per arousing mode A game machine that determines whether or not to execute the predetermined effect based on a predetermined second lottery rate. In this way, even if there is a perception mode during a predetermined number of holds, a predetermined effect may not be performed.

  Means 9. The gaming machine according to means 8, wherein the effect execution determination means indicates that the determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of holdings does not include information indicating a big hit, but is per arousing mode. When the information is included, it is determined whether or not the predetermined effect is to be executed with a predetermined second lottery rate. When it is determined that the predetermined effect is to be executed, the predetermined effect is determined as the predetermined effect. A gaming machine that decides at a high rate to produce that represents the possibility that a jackpot will not be included in the number hold. In this way, when there is a perception mode during a predetermined number of holds, the possibility that a big hit will be included in the predetermined number of holds is not very high (for example, the possibility of a jackpot being included in the “predetermined number of holds in the means 7” In many cases, an effect indicating that a jackpot is not included is higher than an effect indicating that “there is high”), and the player has a small sense of expectation by executing the effect.

  Means 10. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 9, wherein the effect execution determination means indicates that information indicating that the determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of suspensions is a big hit is also per awakening mode. A gaming machine that determines that the predetermined performance is not executed when information is not included. In this way, a predetermined effect is not executed unless there is a jackpot or arousing mode during a predetermined number of suspensions. Conversely, when the predetermined effect is not executed, the player has little expectation. However, when any one of the configurations of the means 7 to 9 is adopted, a predetermined effect may not be executed even if there is a jackpot or arousing mode during a predetermined number of suspensions. Just because it isn't done doesn't mean that you don't immediately lose expectations.

  Means 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein when the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved ball number storage means has reached a predetermined number by the reserved ball number determining means, the number of reserved balls A gaming machine comprising: a reserved ball number reaching effect executing means for executing a reserved ball number reaching effect indicating that the game has reached a predetermined number. In this way, the player can easily recognize that the number of reserved balls has reached a predetermined number due to the reserved ball number reaching effect.

  Means 12. 12. The gaming machine according to means 11, wherein the reserved ball number reaching effect executing means executes the reserved ball number reaching effect using a holding lamp that is turned on in accordance with the reserved ball number. In this way, the player feels as if the gaming machine is checking the pending information.

  Means 13. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 12, wherein when the fluctuation of the identification element display means stops in a shorter time than the time determined at the start of fluctuation by the fluctuation time shortening means. A gaming machine comprising sound effect output means for outputting sound effects according to a display result. By doing so, the display result is appealed not only to the visual sense but also to the auditory sense, so that the player can quickly recognize the display result. For this reason, it can be stopped in a sufficiently shorter time than the time determined at the start of fluctuation, and the efficiency of the digestion on hold is improved.

  Means 14. The gaming machine according to means 13, wherein the sound effect output means outputs a sound effect for jackpot when the display result is a big hit, and outputs a sound effect for release when the display result is not good. Gaming machine. In this way, the player can recognize whether it is a big hit or miss by listening to the sound effect.

  Means 15. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 14, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. If it carries out like this, the effect of the means 1-14 will be acquired in a pachinko machine. Here, the pachinko machine may be a so-called first type, second type, or third type model, but the game according to any one of means 1 to 14 may be a model other than these types. What is necessary is just to have a machine configuration.

  Means 16. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 14, wherein the gaming machine is a fusion machine obtained by fusing a pachinko machine and a slot machine. If it carries out like this, the effect of means 1-14 will be obtained in the compound machine which fuses a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Here, examples of the fusion machine include a slot machine that uses a game ball instead of a medal as a game medium.

  Note that the gaming machine of the present invention includes a pachinko machine, a fusion machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, and the like, but also applies to various gaming machines (for example, a slot machine). You can also.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 20, and FIG. 3 is a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which illustrates 20 electrical connections. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 20 includes a game board 30 covered with glass fitted in the front frame 22, an upper tray 24 and a lower tray 26 for storing game balls, and a special symbol display device 40. A variation time shortening button 27 for shortening the variation time, a launching knob 28 for launching the game ball to the game board 30, and a main control device 70 (see FIG. 3) for controlling the entire pachinko machine 20. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 includes a normal symbol display device 32 arranged at the upper center of the game board 30, and a normal symbol start that detects the passage of the game ball respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the game board 30. Normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b having mouth switches 36a and 36b, a special symbol display device 40 arranged below the normal symbol display device 32, and a game ball arranged below the special symbol display device 40 A start opening 42 having a special symbol start opening switch 44 for detecting the winning of a prize, a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 which is attached to the start opening 42 and can be opened and closed, and a large opening which can be opened and closed. A winning port 50, four normal winning ports 60a to 60d arranged at the left and right lower portions of the game board 30, and an out port 69 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports are provided.

  The normal symbol display device 32 includes symbols “a” and “x” 32a and 32b which are displayed in a variable manner by switching lighting of a lamp (not shown) provided behind, and symbols “a” and “x” 32a, And four normal symbol variation holding lamps 33a to 33d arranged on the upper side of 32b. The symbols “a” and “x” 32a and 32b start to be changed when it is detected that the game ball has won the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b. And the change display is finished in a state where either of the symbols 32a and 32b of "x" is lit. The normal symbol variation holding lamps 33a to 33d receive the game balls in the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the variation display of the symbols “O” and “X” by the normal symbol display device 32. By turning on one by one from the left side every time, and every time the fluctuation display of the symbols 32a and 32b of “O” and “X” by the normal symbol display device 32 is started, it is turned off in the reverse order of lighting. The number of times of winning the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the variable display is shown as the number of reserved balls up to four times.

  The tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 provided at the start opening 42 opens the tulip for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) as a hit when the fluctuation display by the normal symbol display device 32 stops at the symbol 32a. It is structured as a thing.

  The special symbol display device 40 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 90 shown in FIG. The special symbol display device 40 normally displays three symbols (identification elements) L, M, and R, which are composed of characters and numbers, as illustrated in FIG. When it is detected that the game ball wins the start opening 42, these three symbols L, M, and R are displayed in a variable manner. When the predetermined fluctuation time is over, the three symbols L, M, and R are stopped in the order of symbol L, symbol R, and symbol M, and the symbols L, M, and R match. Sometimes a special game video is displayed as a big hit. An example of the special game moving image is shown in FIGS. In addition, when the player operates the variation time reduction button 27 before the predetermined variation time ends, the special symbol display device 40 stops the variation display immediately after the operation.

  The game board 30 is provided with four special symbol variation holding lamps 41 a to 41 d between the normal symbol display device 32 and the special symbol display device 40. The special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d are used for the game ball to start the opening 42 during the variation display of the three symbols L, M, and R by the special symbol display device 40 and during the display of the special game animation. Each time a prize is won, the lights are turned on one by one in order from the left side, and each time the three symbols L, M, and R are displayed by the special symbol display device 40, the lights are turned off in the reverse order of lighting. The number of balls won in the starting port 42 during the variable display or during the display of the special game moving image is shown as the number of reserved balls up to four.

  The special winning opening 50 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball is not received by an opening / closing plate, and is provided in the ten count switch 54 (see FIG. 3) for counting the winning of the game ball or in the central portion of the special winning opening 50. Further, a V count switch 58 (see FIG. 3) for detecting that a game ball has won in the V zone 56 is provided. In the big winning opening 50, the open / close plate is operated by the big winning opening driving device 52 shown in FIG. 3 during a big hit, and an open state in which a game ball is easily received and a normal closed state are repeated. Specifically, a round determined as follows is repeated up to 16 times. That is, when ten game switches have been won by the ten-count switch 54 in the open large winning opening 50 or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the tenth switch has been opened, one round is played. At the end, the grand prize opening 50 is closed by the opening / closing plate, but when a game ball that has won the big prize opening 50 during the round passes the V zone 56 and the V count switch 58 is turned on, the next time. You can proceed to a round and repeat this round up to 16 times.

  In addition to this, the game board 30 includes a rail 62 that guides the launched game ball on an arc, lamp windmills 64a and 64b arranged on the left and right shoulders that lead to the center of the game board 30, and a normal symbol display device operation gate. A total of eight indicators 68a to 68h attached to both sides of the windmills 66a and 66b and the special symbol display device 40 arranged in the vicinity of 34a and 34b are also attached. In addition, illustration was abbreviate | omitted about the several nail which guides and plays a game ball and raises the game property.

  The main controller 70 is configured as a microcomputer centered on a CPU 72. In addition to a power supply circuit 73 that supplies power to the CPU 72, a ROM 74 that stores processing programs, a RAM 76 that temporarily stores data, a predetermined data A clock circuit 78 that outputs a rectangular wave having a frequency and an input / output processing circuit 80 are connected by a bus 82. The main controller 70 includes a shortening command signal from the variable time shortening button 27, a winning signal from the normal symbol starting port switches 36a and 36b, a starting signal from the special symbol starting port switch 44, and a count signal from the ten count switch 54. , A V signal from the V count switch 58, an input signal from another input device 88 such as a normal winning switch or a winning ball count switch, and the like are input via the input / output processing circuit 80. Further, the main control device 70 sends a drive signal to the normal symbol display device 32, a drive signal to the ordinary electric accessory 46, a drive signal to the big prize opening drive device 52, the normal symbol variation holding lamps 33a to 33d, and a special signal. Lighting signals to the symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d, a control signal to the voice control device 84 to which the speaker 86 is connected, a control signal to the display control device 90 for controlling the display of the special symbol display device 40, a prize ball A drive signal or the like to another output device 89 such as a prize ball control device that controls the payout is output via the input / output processing circuit 80. The lighting signals for the indicators 68a to 68h are output from another output device 89.

  Next, a main control program related to the special symbol display device 40 executed by the main control device 70 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of this program. This program is stored in the ROM 74 and is repeatedly executed by the CPU 72 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 2 msec). When the main control program is started, the CPU 72 of the main controller 70 starts the winning prize process routine (step S100), the fluctuation start process routine (step S200), the fluctuation stop process routine (step S300), and the counter update process routine (step). S400) is executed, and thereafter the out symbol counter update processing routine (step S500) is repeatedly executed during the remaining time.

  Considering the ease of understanding of this control program, first, the counter update process and the off symbol counter update process will be described, and then each other process will be described.

  The counter update processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. In this routine, each of the internal random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, the big hit symbol counter C3, and the variation pattern counter C4 is incremented by a value of 1, and then the value of each counter is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76. It is stored in 76a. Here, the internal random number counter C1 is a loop counter that is used when determining whether or not it is a big hit, and the reach random number counter C2 is a loop counter that is used when determining whether or not a reach game is to be performed at the time of losing. Yes, the jackpot symbol counter C3 determines the symbols (jackpot symbol) when the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right that are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the jackpot are stopped. The variation pattern counter C4 is used to determine a variation pattern for variably displaying the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40. It is a loop counter.

  Next, the off symbol counter update processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. In this routine, when the symbols (out-of-shift symbols) at the time of variation stoppage of the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right that are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of detachment are determined. The counters of the off symbol left counter CL, the off symbol middle counter CM, and the off symbol right counter CR, which are loop counters used, are sequentially updated, and the updated symbol left counter CL value and the off symbol right counter CR value after updating are updated. Are different from each other, the values of the counter symbols CL, CM, CR are stored in the out symbol buffer of the RAM 76, and the updated symbol left counter CL value and the value of the out symbol right counter CR after updating are the same and the counter symbol counter CM When the values are different, the values of the counters CL, CM, CR are stored in the out of reach design buffer of the RAM 76, and the values of the counters CL, CM, CR are all the same. Do not store for would sometimes become a jackpot symbol. Note that the out symbol buffer and the out reach symbol buffer are set in the counter buffer 76 a of the RAM 76. Here, the off symbol left counter CL is incremented by the value 1 each time, but the off symbol right counter CR is incremented by the value 1 at the timing when the loop counter of the off symbol left counter CL makes a round, and the off symbol symbol counter CM is off. The value 1 is incremented when the loop counter of the symbol right counter CR makes a round. As can be seen from the flowchart of the main control program illustrated in FIG. 7, this outlier symbol counter update processing routine is repeatedly performed during the idle time until the main control program is executed every predetermined time. Accordingly, other counters such as the internal random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 are updated once every time the main control program is executed, whereas the off symbol left counter CL is updated every time the main control program is executed. Updated multiple times.

  Next, the start winning process routine will be described with reference to FIG. When this routine is started, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not the game ball has won the start opening 42 (step S100). This determination can be made based on whether or not the special symbol start port switch 44 is turned on. If it is determined that the game ball has won the start opening 42, it is checked whether or not the current number N of retained balls is less than 4 (step S110). As described above, this is because there are four pending upper limit values in the present embodiment. The reserved ball number N is stored in a predetermined area (reserved ball number storage means) of the RAM 76. When the number of reserved balls N is less than 4, the number of reserved balls N is incremented by 1 (step S120), and one of the special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d is lit in order from the left (step S130), and the counter update described above is performed. The internal random number counter value, the reach random number counter value, the jackpot symbol counter value, the out symbol symbol counter value stored in the counter buffer 76a of the RAM 76 in the processing routine or out symbol counter update processing routine (in the out symbol buffer or the out symbol symbol buffer) Each set of out-of-game symbol counters CR, CM, CL stored temporarily is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the reserved ball storage area (determination information storage means) that is also set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76. Store (step S140). An example of the structure of the reserved ball storage area at this time is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 13, the reserved ball storage area 76b is composed of one execution area and four reserved areas (first to fourth reserved areas), each area having an internal random number counter value, a reach random number counter value, The jackpot symbol counter value and the off symbol counter set value can be stored.

  Now, after the storage processing of each counter value in the holding area is completed in step S140, when it is determined in step S100 that the game ball has not won the start opening 42, or in step S110, the number of held balls N Is not determined to be less than 4, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls N is greater than 0 (step S150). When the number of retained balls N is greater than 0, the number of reserved balls N is 4 (that is, It is determined whether or not (holding upper limit value) (step S160). When N is 4, an effect execution process described later is performed (step S170). After the effect execution process is finished or when it is determined in step S160 that the number of reserved balls N is not 4, whether the left, middle, and right symbols L, M, and R are being variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40. It is determined whether or not it is a big hit (step S180), and if it is neither a fluctuation display nor a big hit, the special symbol display device 40 can start the symbol variation, so the variation permission flag F1 (initial A value of 1 is set to zero at the time of setting (step S190), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of held balls N is 0 in step S150, or when the variable display is being performed or the big hit is being made in step S180, this routine is ended as it is.

  Next, the effect execution processing routine in step S170 will be described in detail based on FIG. When this routine is started, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first reads out the validity determination information from the first to fourth reserved areas in the reserved ball storage area 76b of the RAM 76 (step S171). The first to fourth reserved areas store an internal random number counter value, a reach random number counter value, a jackpot symbol counter value, and a missed symbol counter aggregate value for each pending, but here, information regarding jackpots as the success / failure determination information The internal random number counter value and the reach random number counter value which is the determination information regarding the reach are read. Subsequently, the CPU 72 determines whether or not there is a big hit among the read four internal random number counter values (step S172). Specifically, if the internal random number counter value takes any value from “0” to “599”, and “7” and “307” are determined to be jackpot values, the presence / absence of jackpot The determination is made based on whether or not there is a jackpot value among the read four internal random number counter values. When it is determined that there is a jackpot, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to transmit a chance effect command to the display control device 90 (step S173), and then it is determined whether or not transmission of the chance effect command has been allocated. (Step S174) When the transmission of the chance effect command is assigned, a chance effect command A, which will be described later, is transmitted to the display control device 90 as the chance effect command (Step S175), and this effect execution processing routine is ended. On the other hand, when the transmission of the chance effect command is not assigned in step S174, this routine is finished as it is.

  Here, the lottery of whether or not to transmit the chance effect command in step S173 is performed as follows. That is, first, a command transmission random number is acquired. This command transmission random number is one of values “0” to “19”. When the command transmission random number is an even number, the chance effect command is transmitted. When the command transmission random number is an odd number, the chance effect command is not transmitted. At this time, the probability (first lottery rate) that the chance effect command is transmitted is ½. The processing when the display control device 90 receives the chance effect command A is performed as follows. That is, first, a message selection random number is acquired. The random number for message selection is one of values “0” to “9”. When the random number for message selection is other than a multiple of 3 (“3”, “6”, “9”), an alarm message (a jackpot warning issuance) is displayed superimposed on the forefront of the special symbol display device 40 (FIG. 15). When the random number for message selection is a multiple of 3, a warning message (a jackpot warning signal issuance) is displayed on top of the special symbol display device 40 (see FIG. 16). As a result, in the chance effect command A, a warning message is displayed at a rate of 70% and a warning message is displayed at a rate of 30%.

  When it is determined in step S172 that there is no big hit among the four pending internal random number counter values, whether or not there is a worth per reach among the four reached reach random number counter values. Is determined (step S176). Specifically, if the reach random number counter value takes any value from “0” to “11”, and “7” is determined as the value per reach, the determination of presence / absence per reach is as follows: This is performed depending on whether or not there is a value per reach among the read four reach random number counter values. Then, when it is determined that there is a hit, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to transmit a chance effect command to the display control device 90 (step S177), and it is determined whether or not transmission of the chance effect command has been allocated. (Step S178) When the transmission of the chance effect command is assigned, a chance effect command B, which will be described later, is transmitted as the chance effect command to the display control device 90 (Step S179), and this effect execution processing routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the transmission of the chance effect command is not assigned in step S176, this routine is finished as it is.

  Here, the lottery of whether or not to transmit the chance effect command in step S177 is performed as follows. That is, first, a command transmission random number is acquired. This command transmission random number is a value from “0” to “19”, as before. When the command transmission random number is “7”, it is determined that the chance effect command is transmitted, and when the command transmission random number is other than “7”, it is determined that the chance effect command is not transmitted. At this time, the probability (second lottery rate) that the chance effect command is transmitted is 1/20. The processing when the display control device 90 receives the chance effect command B is performed as follows. That is, first, a message selection random number is acquired. This message selection random number is a value from “0” to “9”, as before. When the random number for message selection is a multiple of 3, an alarm message (a jackpot warning issuance) is displayed on top of the special symbol display device 40 (see FIG. 16). When the random number for message selection is other than a multiple of 3, A warning message (a jackpot warning notice is issued) is displayed on the foreground of the special symbol display device 40 (see FIG. 15). As a result, in the chance effect command B, the warning message is displayed at a rate of 30% and the warning message is displayed at a rate of 70%.

  Next, the fluctuation start processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. When this routine is started, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of determining whether or not the variation permission flag F1 is 1 (step S210). When the variation permission flag F1 is not a value 1, whether the number of reserved balls N is a value 0, or whether the three symbols L, M, R on the left, middle, and right are being variably displayed by the special symbol display device 40, If it is determined that the jackpot is in any case, the routine is terminated. When the variation permission flag F1 is 1, the special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d are turned off one by one from the right side (step S220), the number of reserved balls N is decremented by 1 (step S230), and the stored ball is stored. A process for shifting the data stored in the area 76b is performed (step S240). This data shift process is a process for shifting the data stored in the four reserved areas of the reserved ball storage area 76b illustrated in FIG. 13 by one block to the execution area side. That is, the data in the first reserved area is used as the execution area, the data in the second reserved area as the first reserved area, the data in the third reserved area as the second reserved area, and the data in the fourth reserved area as the third reserved area. It is processing to move to. Next, the special symbol display device 40 displays the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, the left and the right, and then the stop symbol command for setting the symbol when the variable display is stopped, and the special symbol display device 40 , Middle, and right, the display command determination process including the three pattern L, M, and R variation pattern commands is performed (step S250), and the determined display command is displayed via the input / output processing circuit 80. 90 (step S260), the value 0 is set in the variation permission flag F1 (step S270), and the variation start process is terminated. The display control device 90 that has received the display command displays the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40 in accordance with the variation pattern command of the display commands. When the confirmation command is received, the fluctuation display of the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40 is stopped according to the stop symbol command.

  Here, the display command determination processing routine in step S250 will be described with reference to FIG. When this routine is started, the CPU 72 of the main controller 70 first determines whether or not the internal random number counter value stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 76b is a big hit (step S600). This jackpot determination is performed by collating the internal random number counter value with the jackpot value. If it is determined that the jackpot is determined in step S600, the value of the jackpot symbol counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 76b is set as a stop symbol command (step S610), and stored in the RAM 76 from various reach patterns. Based on the value of the fluctuation pattern counter C4, a reach pattern is determined by selecting one of the reach patterns and setting that pattern as a fluctuation pattern command (step S620), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S600 that it is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the reach random number counter value stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 76b is a reach hit (step S630). This per-reach determination is performed by comparing the reach random number counter value with the per-reach value. If it is determined in step S630 that the reach is reached, the values of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR stored in the out symbol design buffer of the RAM 76 are set in the stop symbol command (step S640), and from among various reach patterns. An outreach variation pattern command determination process is performed in which one of the reach patterns is selected based on the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in the RAM 76 and the pattern is set as a variation pattern command (step S650). Exit. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S630 that it is not hit by reach, the values of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR stored in the out symbol buffer of the RAM 76 are set as stop symbol commands (step S660), and a predetermined out pattern is obtained. (For example, after starting the variable display of the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, the left symbol L is stopped after 7 seconds, the right symbol R is stopped after 8 seconds, and the middle symbol after 9 seconds. The pattern for stopping M) is set in the variation pattern command (step S670), and this routine is terminated.

  Next, the fluctuation stop processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. When this routine is started, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not a big hit is being made (step S310). Here, the jackpot includes a special game displayed on the special symbol display device 40 in the case of a big jackpot and a predetermined time after the special game ends. The predetermined time after the end of the special game is set as, for example, the time required for adjusting each state of the pachinko machine 20. When it is determined that the jackpot is being hit, the routine is terminated as it is, and when it is determined that the jackpot is not being hit, it is determined whether or not the variation time in the variation pattern has ended (step S320). Since each variation pattern has a variation time set for each pattern, the processing in step S320 is performed by determining whether the time has elapsed. When it is determined that the fluctuation time has ended, the stop symbol set for stopping and checking the fluctuation display is transmitted as a confirmation command to the display control device 90 (step S330). Then, it is determined whether or not the game is a big win (step S340). When the big win is received, the big win execution command is transmitted to the big winning opening driver 52 or the display control device 90 (step S350), and this routine is terminated. Having received the jackpot execution command, the big winning hole driving device 52 detects that ten balls have been detected by the ten-count switch 54 on the condition of entering into the V zone 56 or keeps the big winning opening 50 open until a predetermined time elapses. And then the closed state is repeated up to 16 times. Further, the display control device 90 that has received the jackpot execution command outputs the special game moving image shown in FIG. 5 or 6 to the special symbol display device 40. Here, since the determination of the jackpot in step S340 is performed in the display command determination process (FIG. 14) in step S250 in the variation start process, the determination result may be used, or the execution of the reserved ball storage area 76b. The determination may be made using the internal random number counter value stored in the area. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S320 that the variation time has not ended, it is determined whether or not a shortening command signal is output from the variation time shortening button 27 (step S360). This shortening command signal is a signal that is output when the variation time shortening button 27 is operated by the player. When the shortening command signal is not output in step S360, this routine is terminated as it is, and when the shortening command signal is output, the shortening command is transmitted to the display control device 90 (step S370), and the variation time is set to a predetermined time. It is updated to a short time (for example, 1 second after the output of the shortening command signal) (step S380), and this routine is terminated. The display control device 90 that has received the shortening command skips the symbol that is changing in the special symbol display device 40 to the stage immediately before the stop. Specifically, the left and right symbols L and R are stopped and the middle symbol M is skipped to the stage immediately before it is stopped. Further, when the shortening command signal is output and the variation time is updated to a predetermined short time, the updated predetermined time is used when determining whether or not the variation time has been completed in step 320 of the subsequent variation stop processing routine. It is determined whether or not a short time has elapsed.

  Here, the normal fluctuation stop will be described based on the time chart from the fluctuation start to the fluctuation stop of FIG. When the display control device 90 receives a display display command (including a variation pattern command and a stop symbol command) from the main control device 70, the left, middle, right symbols L, M, and R of the special symbol display device 40 change. To start. Then, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the variation time reduction button 27 is not operated during symbol variation, the display control device 90 determines the left symbol L, middle symbol according to the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern command. The symbol M and the right symbol R are stopped in this order, and when the variation time determined according to the variation pattern has elapsed, a confirmation command is received from the main control device 70 and the special symbol display device 40 displays the halt symbol. To do. That is, the time interval from the start of change to the stop of change in FIG. 17A corresponds to the change time determined at the start of change. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the variation time reduction button 27 is operated during the symbol variation, the display control device 90 receives a shortening command from the main control device 70, and the left, right symbols L, When R is stopped and the middle symbol M is skipped to the stage immediately before it stops, and after a predetermined short time has elapsed after the operation of the variation time reduction button 27, a confirmation command is received from the main control device 70, the special symbol display device 40 Display stop symbol. In this way, the player can immediately stop the symbol variation by operating the variation time reduction button 27. It should be noted that the time from when the variation time reduction button 27 is operated until the symbol variation stops is constant regardless of the stop symbol.

  The operation of the pachinko machine 20 when the control by the main control device 70 and the display control device 90 is executed in this way, particularly the operation when the number of reserved balls N reaches four, which is the reservation upper limit value, will be described below. explain. In the pachinko machine 20 according to the present embodiment, even if the starting ball 42 is won after the number N of reserved balls reaches four, which is the holding upper limit value, it is no longer held (this is referred to as overflow). For this reason, the player may release the game ball by releasing his / her hand from the firing knob 28 after the number N of retained balls reaches the retention upper limit value. If it does so, since an operation rate will fall as a pachinko hall, it is not preferable. In consideration of this point, the pachinko machine 20 is provided with a variable time shortening button 27. That is, when the number of held balls N reaches the holding upper limit during the symbol variation of the special symbol display device 40, the player operates the variation time reduction button 27 to stop the symbol variation immediately. When the symbol variation stops, it becomes a state where the symbol variation can be started (variation permission flag F1 = 1) except when it is a big hit, so the number of reserved balls N is decremented by a value of 1 and becomes a state where the symbol can be retained. . Thereby, the occurrence of overflow can be suppressed, and as a result, it is not necessary to release the hand from the launching knob 28, so that the operating rate of the pachinko hall is increased. Here, even if the fluctuation time reduction button 27 is operated to immediately stop the fluctuation of the symbol, the probability of winning a big hit is 1/300, and in many cases it will be out of the game, so the player has a little expectation. The change time shortening button 27 is not operated by holding the button. However, when an alarm message (see FIG. 15) or a warning message (see FIG. 16) is displayed on the special symbol display device 40, it means that there is a possibility that a jackpot is included in the four pending calls. When the player operates the variable time reduction button 27, the player operates while expanding the sense of expectation for the jackpot.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The special symbol display device 40 of this embodiment corresponds to the identification element display means of the present invention, the variation time shortening button 27, the main control device 70 and the display control device 90 correspond to the variation time shortening means, and the RAM 74 is a holding ball. The CPU 72 corresponds to a number storage means and a determination information storage means, and the CPU 72 corresponds to a holding execution means, a holding digest means, a holding ball number determination means, and an effect execution determination means. In addition, winning in the start port 42 of the present embodiment corresponds to establishment of a predetermined start condition of the present invention.

  According to the pachinko machine 20 of the present embodiment described in detail above, when the number of reserved balls N reaches four, which is the holding upper limit value, an internal random number counter value or a reach random number counter value corresponding to each of the four holdings. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not to display an alarm message or a warning message indicating that there is a possibility that a jackpot will be included during the suspension. For this reason, when the warning message or the warning message is displayed on the special symbol display device 40, the player can recognize that there is a possibility that the winning is included in the four holdings, and presses the variable time reduction button 27. With the consciousness (expectation) that it may hit sometimes, it will be possible to perform the operation of shortening the fluctuation time, and gameability will not be impaired. In addition, when the change time shortening button 27 is operated, the change stops immediately, so that the change time shortening function is not impaired, and the player does not have to release his / her hand from the launching knob 28, and the operation rate for the pachinko hall is increased. That is, the retention rate can be increased without reducing both the fluctuation time shortening function and the playability.

  Further, the player tries to check whether the warning message or the warning message is displayed without performing the operation for reducing the variation time until the number of held balls N reaches the holding upper limit value. For this reason, game balls launched on the game board 30 are rarely held at the starting port 42 after the number of held balls N reaches the holding upper limit value and are not held, and an overflow occurs. It is advantageous to the hall side.

  Furthermore, the player recognizes that there is a high possibility that a jackpot will be included in the four on-holds when the warning message is displayed, and performs a shortening operation with a great expectation, and the possibility when the warning message is displayed. Recognize that it is not so high and perform the operation to reduce the fluctuation time with a small expectation. In this way, the operation for shortening the fluctuation time is performed with a different sense of expectation depending on the content of the message.

  Furthermore, since the warning message and the warning message are not displayed unless the jackpot or reach is reached during the four holdings, the player does not have much expectation when these messages are not displayed. However, even if a jackpot or reach win is included in the four holds, warning messages and warning messages may not be displayed, so just because these messages are not displayed does not mean that expectation will be immediately lost. .

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various forms can be adopted as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the effect execution process (see step S170 in FIG. 8) is performed when the reserved ball count N reaches the hold upper limit value, but before the reserved ball count N reaches the hold upper limit value. You may make it perform presentation execution processing (for example, three or two).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, after it is determined in step S160 that the reserved ball number N has reached the holding upper limit value, the voice control device 84 informs the speaker 86 that the reserved ball number N has reached the holding upper limit value. Announcement by voice or the display control device 90 may display characters on the special symbol display device 40, and the four special symbol fluctuation holding lamps 41a to 41d are changed from left to right (or from right to left). You may display the flow. In this way, the player is likely to notice when an alarm message or a warning message is output in order to attract the player's attention. Further, when performing the flow display, it is possible to give the player an image as if the information stored in each reserved area of the RAM 76 is scanned and checked. The flow display may be performed with a normal lamp display color or with a lamp display color different from the normal one.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the confirmation command is transmitted to the display control device 90 in step S330 of FIG. 11, if the shortened command is transmitted to the display control device 90 before that, the current stop symbol is displayed. It may be determined whether the game is a big hit or not, a stop operation sound corresponding to each is selected, and an operation sound generation command may be transmitted to the sound control device 84. For example, a stop operation sound such as “dogan” for a big hit and “prily” for a dismissal may be employed. In this way, when the variation time reduction button 27 is operated and the symbol variation stops in a shorter time than usual, the display result is appealed not only to the visual sense but also to the auditory sense, so that the player can quickly recognize the display result. it can. In addition, the stop operation sound of the losing reach may be added to the jackpot stop operation sound or the detachment stop operation sound.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, two types of alarm messages and warning messages are prepared as messages, but only one of them may be prepared, or other messages may be prepared.

  In addition, in the effect execution process (see FIG. 9) of the above-described embodiment, the processes after step S176 may be omitted. That is, it may be determined only whether there is a big hit among the four holds, and when there is a big hit, a chance effect command may be transmitted to the display control device 90.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko machine 20 has been described as an example. However, a gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a pachinko machine, and whether or not a game ball is entered is determined. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to all gaming machines, for example, gaming machines in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined. As an example of the basic configuration of a gaming machine that fuses this pachinko machine and slot machine, a symbol string consisting of a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state is variably displayed and then the symbol is fixedly displayed. Display means to start, the fluctuation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the start operation hand throw (for example, the operation lever), and the predetermined time has elapsed due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped and the confirmed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol, and a game ball is used as a game medium A game that is configured to be used and requires a predetermined number of game balls at the start of symbol variation, and that many game balls are paid out when a special game state occurs. It can be mentioned. Such gaming machines include a special gaming state (a big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of gaming balls, and a normal gaming state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the gaming balls. It can also be present.

It is the external view which looked at the pachinko machine 20 from the front. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a game board 30 of a pachinko machine 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating electrical connection of a pachinko machine 20. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display figure displayed on the special symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a special game animation. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a special game animation. It is a flowchart of a main control program (main routine). It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start winning process routine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect execution process routine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation | variation start process routine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation | variation stop process routine. It is explanatory drawing of the buffer for counters and various counters. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a holding ball storage area. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a display command determination processing routine. It is explanatory drawing when a warning message is displayed. It is explanatory drawing when a warning message is displayed. It is a time chart from a fluctuation start to a fluctuation stop.

Explanation of symbols

20 Pachinko machine, 22 Front frame, 24 Upper tray, 26 Lower tray, 27 Fluctuation time reduction button, 28 Launch knob, 30 Game board, 32 Normal symbol display device, 32a, 32b symbol, 33a-33d Normal symbol fluctuation hold lamp, 34a, 34b Normal symbol display device operation gate, 36a, 36b Normal symbol start switch, 40 Special symbol display device, 41a-41d Special diagram variable hold lamp, 42 Start port, 44 Special symbol start port switch, 46 , 50 Grand prize opening, 51 Opening and closing plate, 52 Grand prize opening driving device, 54 Ten count switch, 56 V zone, 58 V count switch, 60a-60d Regular prize opening, 62 rail, 64a, 64b Lamp windmill, 66a, 66b windmill, 68a-68h indicator, 69 out port, 70 Main control device, 72 CPU, 73 power supply circuit, 74 ROM, 76 RAM, 78 clock circuit, 80 input / output processing circuit, 82 bus, 84 audio control device, 86 speaker, 88 other input device, 89 other output device , 90 Display control device.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that provides a profit to the player in accordance with a display result when the identification element display means starts to fluctuate due to establishment of a predetermined start condition and then stops,
Fluctuation time shortening means for stopping the fluctuation of the identification element display means in a shorter time than the time determined at the start of fluctuation according to the player's operation;
A holding ball number storage means for storing the holding ball number;
Determination information storage means for storing predetermined determination information for each hold;
When the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the start of fluctuation of the identification element display means is suspended and added to the retained ball number storage means as the number of retained balls, and determination information corresponding to the suspension is stored in the determination information storage means Holding execution means to
A suspension digesting means for digesting the number of retained balls stored in the retained ball number storage means and starting the variation of the identification element display means when the identification element display means can start the variation;
A reserved ball number determining means for determining whether or not the reserved ball number stored in the reserved ball number storage means has reached a predetermined number;
When it is determined by the holding ball number determination means that the number of held balls has reached a predetermined number, a specific gaming state is generated during the predetermined number of holdings based on determination information corresponding to the predetermined number of holdings. Effect execution determination means for determining whether or not to execute a predetermined effect indicating that there is a possibility,
A gaming machine equipped with.

Images