JP2005137778A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine preventing a player from stopping hitting balls during a regular game state as much as possible by changing the number enlarging the upper limit value of the number of start win storage during a specific game state according to game contents till becoming the specific game state and improving the working rate of the game machine. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine allows an upper limit changing means (SA01-SA03 and SA15) to proportionate the number of retained upper limit when controlled in the specific game state, to a reference value (number M of reference start win storage) updated by a reference value updating means (SA14) based on the number of retained storage and changes the upper limit to a large value (start storage upper limit value during a big win) (SA 15). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is provided with a variable display device that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each player by playing a game ball in a game area and variably displays the identification information. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous for a player when a display result of information becomes a predetermined specific display mode.

  What is conventionally known as this type of gaming machine, for example, equipped with a variable display device that displays a screen on which a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, such as pachinko gaming machines, fluctuate, It is configured such that a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player is achieved when the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, a doublet such as “777”). There is something that was done.

Such a gaming machine generally stores the number of start winnings up to an upper limit (generally 4) (hereinafter also referred to as “starting storage”), and stores the number of starting wins stored. A lottery is performed as to whether or not to enter the specific gaming state for the number of times (hereinafter also referred to as “starting memory number” or “starting memory value”), and variable display for displaying the lottery result is performed. In addition, since the variable display is not performed in the specific gaming state, in view of the actual situation that start winnings (hereinafter also referred to as “invalid winnings”) in which the starting memory number easily reaches the upper limit and becomes invalid occur frequently. There is a configuration in which the upper limit value of the starting memory number in the specific gaming state is increased by a predetermined number to reduce the occurrence of invalid winnings in the specific gaming state as much as possible (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-210154

  However, in the gaming machine having the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the upper limit value of the starting memory number in the specific gaming state is set to the game content (for example, the number of hit balls, the starting winning number) until the specific gaming state is reached. Etc.), and it was increased by a predetermined number. Thus, for example, when the number of start memories increases and the possibility of becoming an invalid prize is high even if the start prize is reached, or when the reach state is highly likely to be a big hit, In order to reduce the occurrence of invalid winnings as much as possible, the player tended to perform an action to stop hitting a ball (hereinafter also referred to as “stop hitting”). For this reason, the operating rate of the gaming machine has been lowered, and there has been a disadvantage that the sales of the amusement hall is reduced.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to change the number to increase the upper limit of the starting memory number in a specific gaming state in accordance with the game contents until the specific gaming state is reached. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent the player from stopping during the normal gaming state as much as possible and improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

Specific examples of means for solving the problems and their effects

(1) A plurality of types of identification information (special symbol, number: “0”) that allows a player to play a game ball (hit ball, pachinko ball) by placing it in a game area (game area 7) and identify each of them. ~ "9" etc.) are variably displayed (special symbol display unit 9 etc.), and the display result of the identification information derived and displayed on the variable display device (combination at the time of stop display) is predetermined. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) that is in a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit state) that is advantageous to the player when a specific display mode (for example, a double eye such as “777”, a big hit symbol) is obtained,
Start detection means for detecting that a game ball has entered (passed, winning, etc.) in a start area provided in the game area (see, for example, the start opening switch 17, start winning detection means 250, etc.);
A predetermined upper limit number of reservations (for example, “4” in the normal gaming state, etc.) that the start detection means detects that a game ball has been detected (for example, the number of passes, the number of winnings). ) Storage device (for example, RAM 214, see SA02 to SA04 in FIG. 3),
When not controlled to the specific gaming state (in a gaming state other than the big hit state) and when the identification information is not variably displayed (after the variability display is finished, etc.) Is stored (for example, on the condition that there is a start memory in the RAM 214), the reserved memory is consumed (for example, “1” is subtracted from the start memory number added in SA04 in FIG. 3). Then, a variable display control means (for example, for game control) that performs variable display control (for example, variable display control for changing the image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9) that displays the identification information in a variable manner and displays and displays the display result. Microcomputer 210, production control microcomputer 310, etc.),
When the control to the specific game state is started (for example, from the occurrence of a big hit state to the end), the specific trigger generated due to the detection of the game ball by the start detection means (for example, The hold upper limit number is changed (for example, increased) based on the number of hold memories (for example, the value of the start memory number and the reference start memory number M at the predetermined time point) stored in the hold storage means at a predetermined time point). Upper limit changing means (for example, the game control microcomputer 210, see SA01 to SA03, SA14, SA15, etc. in FIG. 3),
The upper limit change means changes the hold upper limit number to a larger value as the number of the hold memories stored in the hold storage means is larger (for example, the start storage upper limit value during big hit in SA15 in FIG. 3 = (M X5) Since the value is set at + N, the larger the value of M, the larger the start-up storage upper limit value during big hit, etc.).

  According to the above-described configuration, the upper limit number of suspensions when the upper limit changing unit is controlled to the specific gaming state can be changed to a larger value as the number of reserved storages at a predetermined time increases. That is, unless a large number of pending memories are stored, the pending upper limit number when controlled to the specific gaming state does not become a large value. This allows the player to stop the game so that when the reserved memory has not yet reached the upper limit number so that the reserved upper limit number becomes a larger value, the player performs the game so that more reserved memories are stored. Frequency can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to minimize the sales that are reduced due to the stoppage. Further, since the upper limit number of holdings when controlled to the specific gaming state is increased, it is memorized by the holding storage means even though it has been detected that the start detection means has entered when reaching the holding upper limit number. It is possible to reduce the rate at which invalidity detection is performed such as not being performed.

  (2) The upper limit changing means derives and displays the specific display mode as the display result of the variable display control as the specific trigger (for example, “Y” is determined in SA07 or SA08 in FIG. 3). The hold storage means stores a start memory, a start memory whose display result is a big hit symbol, etc.) stored in the hold storage means (for example, when a winning is detected by the start port switch 17). Based on the number of reserved memories, the upper limit number of reserved is changed (for example, see SA14 in FIG. 3).

  According to the above configuration, since the player cannot know whether or not the display result is in a specific display mode when the storage is stored, the upper limit number of the storage based on the number of the storage at a certain time point Can be changed or become unpredictable for the player, and the player can be caused to play a game so that a large number of reserved memories are always stored.

  (3) The upper limit changing means stores the number of reserved memories stored in the reserved storage means when the variable display control is started to derive and display the specific display mode by the variable display control means as the specific trigger. Based on the above, the holding upper limit number is changed (for example, SA13 to SA18 are performed when starting display variable display control in which “Y” is determined in SA07 or SA08 in FIG. 3 is started).

  According to the above-described configuration, the player cannot know whether the display result is in a specific display mode or not when the variable display control is started. It is possible to cause the player to play the game so that the number is changed or becomes unpredictable for the player and is always kept in a large amount.

  (4) Further provided is notifying means (for example, see SB02, the game control microcomputer 210, the effect control microcomputer 310, etc. in FIG. 4) for notifying the upper limit number of suspension changed by the upper limit changing means.

  According to the above-described configuration, since the changed upper limit number is notified, the player can recognize the upper limit number.

(5) The variable display control means starts the storage when the number of reserved memories stored in the reserved storage means is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, when “Y” is determined in SD01 of FIG. 6). When the number is larger than the normal start memory upper limit “4”, that is, when it is “5” or more, or when the start memory variable display control stored during the big hit state is being performed, etc.) When the number of reserved memories stored in the means is less than the predetermined number (for example, when “N” is determined in SD01 in FIG. 6), the start memory upper limit value is “4” which is the start memory upper limit value at normal time. ”Or less, when the start memory stored in a state other than during the big hit state is being controlled, etc., the variable display time (for example, a special symbol display unit) Nine symbol variations The time reduction means (for example, change the 11 second variation pattern to a 3 second variation pattern, shorten the 11 second to 3 seconds, etc.) SD01 to SD04, see game control microcomputer 210, production control microcomputer 310, etc.)
The time shortening means shortens the variable display time, whereby the number of variable displays per unit time (for example, one minute) when the variable display of the identification information is continuously executed (for example, variable display control). Is the expected number of times that the game ball passes through the start area per unit time (for example, the number of start wins) (for example, the number of start wins per minute is 10 times, etc.) (For example, when the big hit state ends, the open extension state ends, and when the start memory stored during the big hit state is greater than or equal to “5”, the variation time reduction state is controlled. To do).

  According to the above-described configuration, when the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the reserved memories can be quickly subtracted (digested), the progress of the game can be accelerated, the operating rate of the gaming machine and the game store Can improve profitability.

  (6) Control for improving the number of times of starting to improve the expected value of the number of game balls passing through the starting area per unit time in the specific gaming state (for example, opening extension control, opening of the movable piece of the starting electric accessory 14a) A start frequency improving means (for example, a state where the time is increased and the number of times of opening is increased (to be opened a plurality of times)) (for example, the interval of opening (opening) the movable piece of the starting electric accessory 14a is set). What is once in 30 seconds in the normal gaming state is set to once in 5 seconds in the extended extended state, or the opening time of the movable piece is the time in the normal gaming state (for example, 5 seconds) ) Is further provided (for example, 8 seconds).

  According to the above-described configuration, by increasing the expected value of the number of game balls that pass through the starting area per unit time in the specific gaming state, the number of suspensions is increased to the number of suspension upper limits changed by the upper limit changing means in the specific gaming state. Memory tends to increase. Thereby, the player can enjoy the benefit provided according to the number of reserved memories in the normal gaming state to the maximum.

(7) A plurality of types of the specific display modes are defined (for example, “0” to “9”), and a special display mode (for example, an odd number of levels) is selected from the plurality of types of specific display modes. A special gaming state (for example, a big hit state) that is more likely to be in the specific gaming state (for example, a big hit state) than in a normal gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state) after controlling to the specific gaming state. A special game state control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 210),
Judgment on whether or not to display the display result of the variable display device in the specific display mode in the normal gaming state (for example, “N” in SA06 in FIG. 3) Normal game state determination value (for example, “7”, see SA07 in FIG. 3) used for the determination, and the determination used for the determination in the special game state) 3 and a special gaming state determination value (for example, “7, 17, 27, 37, 47”, FIG. 3) including a determination value different from the normal gaming state determination value and the normal gaming state determination value. Determination value storage means (for example, the game control microcomputer 210, the ROM 213, etc.)
A predetermined extraction value (for example, a random number extracted from the random counter R1 in SA05 of FIG. 3) extracted when the start detection means detects a game ball and the normal gaming state stored in the determination value storage means Display result determination means for determining whether or not the determination value matches (for example, see SA07 in FIG. 3) and determining whether or not the extracted value matches the determination value in the special gaming state (For example, see SA08 in FIG. 3),
The hold storage means includes a normal time specific mode determination result in which the predetermined extracted value matches the normal game state determination value, a special time specific mode determination result in which the predetermined extracted value matches the special game state determination value, and The non-specific mode determination result that does not match any of the normal gaming state determination value and the special gaming state determination value is stored in association with the reserved storage (for example, “Y” in SA07 of FIG. 3). "0" is determined, and when "N" is determined in SA07, it is further determined in SA08, "1" is determined in SA08 when "Y" is determined, and "N" is determined in SA08. When the determination is made, “2” is stored in correspondence with the starting memory number, the game control microcomputer 210, the RAM 214, and SA0 in FIG. ~SA12 etc. reference),
When the variable display control means performs the variable display control by consuming the reserved storage,
When the normal state specific mode determination result is stored in the suspending memory to be consumed, if the game state is the normal game state or the special game state, the specific display mode is used as the display result of the variable display control. Derived display (for example, when “0” is stored in the RAM 214 as the determination result corresponding to the start memory to start the variable display regardless of the gaming state, the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display. Game control microcomputer 210, production control microcomputer 310, etc.),
When the special time specific mode determination result is stored in the suspending memory to be consumed, if the gaming state is the special gaming state, the specific display mode is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display control (for example, When the probability variation state is reached and “1” is stored in the RAM 214 as the determination result corresponding to the start memory to start the variation display, the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as the display result of the variation display. Along with the game control microcomputer 210, the production control microcomputer 310, etc.,
When the non-specific mode determination result is stored in the suspending memory to be consumed, a display mode other than the specific display mode is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display control regardless of the game state (for example, the game state Regardless of the game, when “2” is stored in the RAM 214 as the determination result corresponding to the start memory to start the variable display, a combination of symbols other than the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display. A control microcomputer 210, an effect control microcomputer 310, and the like).

    In addition, when the special mode specific mode determination result is stored in the suspending storage to be consumed, if the gaming state is the normal gaming state, a display mode other than the specific display mode is displayed as the display result of the variable display control. (For example, when “1” is stored in the RAM 214 as the determination result corresponding to the start memory for starting the variable display when the game is in the normal gaming state, the display result of the variable display is (A game control microcomputer 210, an effect control microcomputer 310, etc.) for deriving and displaying combinations of symbols other than the jackpot symbol).

  According to the above configuration, when the start detection means detects a game ball, the extracted extracted value is determined, and the normal time specific mode determination result, the special time specific mode determination result, and the non-specific mode determination result Which of these is stored in association with the pending storage, and based on the gaming state and the stored determination result, it is possible to derive and display a specific display mode or other display mode. Thereby, even when the upper limit number of holdings is increased and the number of holding memories is increased under the control of the specific gaming state, the display result is stored in a specific display mode or other display modes. The storage area can be saved. In addition, when the determination is performed and when the variable display control is performed, the processing load can be distributed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine. A variation display device is provided that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be distinguished by playing a game ball into an area, and a display result of the identification information derived and displayed on the variation display device is predetermined. The present invention can be applied to any gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the specific display mode is achieved.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a detachable game board 6, a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape so as to cover the game board 6, and a batting game when a player plays a game. An operation knob 5 for operating a ball, a surplus ball receiving tray 4, a game area 7 for hitting a hit ball, a guide rail 29 for guiding the hit ball to the game area 7, and an outer side of the game area 7 A game effect lamp 42 to be played and a speaker 41 for generating a sound effect by the game are provided. The surplus ball receiving tray 4 is provided below the hitting ball supply tray 3 and stores the balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3.

  The player can fire the hit balls stored in the hit ball supply tray 3 one by one by operating the operation knob 5. The fired hit ball is guided into the game area 7 by the guide rail 29.

  The game area 7 includes a start-up winning combination 14a having a start winning opening 14 configured to start a change display of the change display device 8 when a hitting ball is won, and a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified. As an example, there is provided a variable display device 8 that displays special symbols in a variable manner. A movable piece is provided on the left and right sides of the starting electric accessory 14a.

  The variable display device 8 is provided with a special symbol display unit 9, a normal symbol display unit 10, a start memory display 18 composed of four LEDs, and a passing memory display 15.

  The special symbol display unit 9 has a plurality of variable display areas. The special symbol display unit 9 is generally a liquid crystal display (LCD), but a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), FED (Field Emission Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), Other display devices such as an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display) and a dot matrix may be used.

  The special symbol display unit 9 variably displays special symbols as a plurality of types of identification information (determination identification information) such as numbers, characters, figures, and patterns in each of the plurality of variable display areas described above. In addition to the special symbol, the special symbol display unit 9 variably displays special symbols as a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) such as numbers, characters, figures, and patterns. In addition to the special symbol, the special symbol display unit 9 can also display an image such as a decoration storage display for informing the number of times the special symbol fluctuates and a back image as a predetermined character / background image. Here, the character refers to an image representing a person, an animal, or an object displayed on the special symbol display unit 9.

  The identification information variably displayed by the special symbol display unit 9 may be any identification information as long as it is identification information such as a numeral, a character, a figure, a pattern, etc. "9") only, characters only, figures only, patterns only, or a combination of these as appropriate. The image of the identification information that is variably displayed by the special symbol display unit 9 is a sprite composed of a plane. Note that the image of the identification information is not limited to a sprite, and may be an image having a three-dimensional shape (hereinafter, also referred to as “three-dimensional object” or “3D object”).

  The game area 7 is provided with an opening / closing plate 20 and a variable winning ball apparatus 19 that is in an open state in which a hitting ball can be won by tilting the opening / closing plate 20.

  The game area 7 further includes a plurality of winning holes 24 that are general winning holes, a passing hole 11 through which a ball can enter, a game effect lamp 25 that produces a game by lighting or flashing, and an out port 26. And are provided. Each of the plurality of winning holes 24 is provided with a winning hole switch 24a that detects a winning of a hit ball. The out port 26 is driven into the game area 7 and collects the hit balls that have not won any of the winning areas of the start port 14, winning port 24 and variable winning ball apparatus 19 as out balls.

  A hit ball that has entered the passage 11 is detected by a gate switch 12 provided inside the passage. When the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12, a predetermined random value is extracted and stored if the number of memories displayed on the passing memory display 15 has not reached the upper limit. And if it is a state which can start the fluctuation | variation display of the normal symbol display part 10, the fluctuation | variation display of the normal symbol display part 10 will be started. When the normal symbol display unit 10 is variably displayed, when the hit ball further enters the passage port 11 and is detected by the gate switch 12, the variably display of the normal symbol display unit 10 cannot be started. Since it is in the state, “4” is stored as the upper limit of the stored number, and a passing ball (random value or the like) is stored. And whenever the fluctuation | variation display of the normal symbol display part 10 is started, the number of LED currently lighted is reduced by one. In addition, the upper limit of the number of memories of the passage storage indicator 15 is not limited to “4”, and may be five or more.

  The normal symbol display unit 10 includes a hit normal symbol indicator marked with “◯” and a non-standard symbol indicator marked with “x”. When a random value (hereinafter also referred to as “count value”) extracted when a hit ball enters the passage opening 11 coincides with a predetermined hit determination value, the display result of the variable display in the normal symbol display unit 10 is It is determined that it is a “hit”, and a normal symbol display with “◯” is lit. On the other hand, when the extracted random value does not match the predetermined hit determination value, it is determined that the display result of the variable display in the normal symbol display unit 10 is “out of”, and the normal out of which “x” is attached is determined. The symbol display lights up.

  When the hit normal symbol display with a “O” mark is lit, the pair of left and right movable pieces provided on the starting electric accessory 14a is opened once, and a predetermined open period has elapsed. Then, even if no start prize is generated, the movable piece is closed to the original position, and the open state ends.

  In a game, when a hit ball wins a start winning opening 14 (also referred to as a start winning prize), the hit ball is detected by a start opening switch 17 provided on the game board 6, and four start memory indicators 18 are displayed. One of the LEDs lights up. The number of start winnings is stored in a storage device provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 (also referred to as “start-up memory”), with “4” being the start-up memory upper limit value in the normal gaming state. In the present embodiment, when a big hit state described later occurs, the starting storage upper limit value varies depending on the starting storage state. When the starting memory number is 5 or more, the starting memory number is notified and displayed in the lower right area of the special symbol display unit 9. For example, the notification is displayed in a fractional format with the denominator as the starting memory upper limit value during the big hit and the numerator as the starting memory number.

  Note that the number of LEDs included in the start memory indicator 18 is not limited to four, and may be five or more. In this case, the number of start-up memories that can be stored is equal to the number of LEDs that the start-up storage indicator 18 has. Moreover, you may make it alert | report the starting memory | storage number memorize | stored during the big hit state by lighting LED. You may make it provide LED corresponding to the maximum number of start memory | storage upper limits during big hits. For example, when the maximum number of start memory upper limits during jackpot is “40”, 40 LEDs may be provided. In addition, when a full-color LED is used to light up in green, one start memory is emitted. When it is lit in red, 10 start memories are emitted. When it is lit in blue, 20 start memories are emitted. The starting memory number may be notified by color. In the following, for example, when three of the four LEDs of the start memory display 18 are lit, the start memory number or the start memory value is “3”.

  Various games are made when a start winning is made in a state where "1" to "3" of the four LEDs of the start memory display 18 are lit, that is, the start memory of the start memory display 18 has not reached the upper limit. A random number is extracted from a random counter for determining the contents, and the variable symbol display on the special symbol display unit 9 is started based on the extracted random number, and all display results are derived and displayed after a predetermined period. At the same time, the start memory value is decreased by one, and among the four LEDs of the start memory display 18, the LED that is lit is extinguished. That is, each time the variable display of the special symbol display unit 9 is started, one LED that is lit on the start-up memory display 18 is turned off. When the number of starting memories is informed and displayed on the special symbol display unit 9, "1" is subtracted from the number of starting memories to be displayed and informed.

  The variable display is started in the variable display area of the special symbol display unit 9 on the condition that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14 (start winning prize). The change display of the special symbol display unit 9 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. In the special symbol display unit 9, the combination at the time of the stop display is a specific display mode (for example, “0” to “9” such as “777”, etc. on at least one active line among a plurality of effective lines. If it is also called “hit symbol”), it becomes “hit” and the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts to a specific gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as “hit state”), and the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is Opens (opens) and the grand prize opening opens. Thereby, it is controlled to the 1st state advantageous for the player who can make a hit ball win a big winning opening. The opening / closing plate 20 is driven by a solenoid 21.

  The first state of the variable winning ball device 19 described above is when the number of hit balls that have entered the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10) or when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When the earlier one of the conditions is satisfied, the process is temporarily terminated and the opening / closing plate 20 is closed. Thereby, the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is controlled to a 2nd state unfavorable for the player who cannot win a hit ball. Then, on the condition that the hit ball that entered during the period in which the variable winning ball device 19 is in the first state has specifically won the specific winning area and has been detected by the V count switch 22, the variable winning at that time After the first state of the ball device 19 is finished and becomes the second state, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again, and repeated continuation control is performed to place the variable winning ball device 19 in the first state. The upper limit number of executions of this repeated continuation control is set to 16 times, for example. In the repeated continuation control, the state in which the variable winning ball device 19 is in the first state is called a round. When the upper limit number of executions of the repeated continuation control is 16, the variable winning ball apparatus 19 can be set to the first state for 16 rounds from the first round to the 16th round.

  When the display result of the variable display on the effective line of the special symbol display unit 9 is in a special display mode (for example, an odd number of eyes such as “777”, hereinafter also referred to as “probability big hit symbol”), the pachinko gaming machine 1 The probability that the probability of a jackpot will fluctuate is higher than that in the normal gaming state. For example, only one random number determination value for generating a big hit state in the normal gaming state is set, whereas five random number determination values for generating a big hit state in the probability variation state are set. Thereby, it is possible to improve the probability that the big hit state occurs in the probability variation state by a factor of five compared to the normal game state. Such a probability variation state is generally sometimes abbreviated as “probability variation”. Hereinafter, the big hit by the probability variation symbol (the symbol representing the odd number) is also referred to as a probability variation big symbol.

  Once the probability variation jackpot occurs once in the normal gaming state, the probability variation state is continuously controlled until at least a predetermined number of probability variation continuation times (for example, until the next time) has occurred. Further, if a probability variation big hit occurs during the probability variation state, the probability variation continuation count is counted again after that probability variation big hit, and then the probability variation state continues until at least the number of probability variation continuations occurs. If the jackpot that has reached the probability variation continuation count is due to a non-probability variation symbol other than the probability variation symbol, the normal gaming state in which the probability variation does not occur is returned. In the following, a combination big hit with a non-probable variation is also referred to as a normal big hit.

  If the display result of the variable display on the effective line of the special symbol display unit 9 is neither a normal jackpot symbol nor a probable variation jackpot symbol, it becomes “out of”, and the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not change and the normal gaming state Will remain.

  If a big hit occurs in the normal gaming state and the big hit is a probable big hit, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a probability variation state. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a probability variation state, the normal gaming state is entered when the next jackpot is a normal jackpot. Note that a period from when a probable big hit occurs, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a probability variation state, and thereafter enters a normal gaming state is also referred to as a special gaming state period. The occurrence of a normal hit or a probable hit during the special gaming state period is referred to as a continuous change. For example, if the big hit occurs five times including the first chance change during the special gaming state period, it becomes five consecutive chunks.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, it will be in the open extension state which extends the opening time of the movable piece of the starter electric accessory 14a in the big hit state. For example, when the display result of the variable display on the normal symbol display unit 10 is determined to be “winning”, the opening interval of the movable piece of the starting electric accessory 14a in the normal gaming state is once every 30 seconds. However, it is once every 5 seconds. That is, since the number of times the normal symbol display unit 10 performs the variable display in a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) is larger than that in the normal game state, the variable symbol display of the normal symbol display unit 10 in the predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). The number of times that the display result is derived and displayed is larger than that in the normal gaming state. As a result, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal symbol display unit 10 in the predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) is “winning” is improved as compared with the normal gaming state. Therefore, the number of opening of the movable piece of the starter electric accessory 14a is increased, the start memory is easily stored up to the start memory upper limit value, and the player can enjoy the maximum benefit of being able to easily make a big hit lottery. it can. The open extended state described above is controlled when it is determined by the CPU 212, which will be described later, whether or not it is in a big hit state, and in the big hit state. Note that the open extended state may be a state in which the opening time of the movable piece of the starting electric accessory 14a is increased and the number of times of opening is increased (to be opened a plurality of times).

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the number of starting memories at the time when the big hit state is over 4, the number of starting memories after the end of the big hit state is “4” which is the upper limit number of starting memories at the normal time. Until it is within, a variation time shortening state (which is also referred to as a short time state or a short time) for shortening the variation time from the start to the end of the symbol variation of the special symbol display unit 9 is achieved. For example, the variation time from the start of the variation display to the end of the variation display is 11 seconds when in the normal gaming state, and is shortened to 3 seconds when in the time-short state. Therefore, since the variable display corresponding to the start winning memorized during the big hit state can be performed in a shorter period of time than in the normal gaming state, a large number of start memories accumulated during the big hit state can be quickly digested. Can do. As a result, it is difficult to digest the start-up memory accumulated during the big hit state after the big hit state is finished, so that the player can be prevented from feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.

  As described above, the variation time shortening state described above is the starting memory stored during the big hit state, and it is determined whether or not the number of starting memories is “5” or more, and is the starting memory stored during the big hit state. When it is determined that the starting memory number is “5” or more, it is controlled by the CPU 212 described later. Note that, regardless of whether the start memory is stored during the big hit state or not, it is configured to be controlled to the variable time shortening state when it is determined that the start memory number is “5” or more. Also good.

  In the present embodiment, even in the normal gaming state, the variation time is shortened in the variation display that is started when a predetermined shortening condition is satisfied. As the predetermined shortening condition, for example, the start winning memory number at the time of starting winning and the start memory number at the start of the variable display performed by the winning winning are both a predetermined number or more, It may be that the start memory number when starting winning is equal to or more than a predetermined number and a predetermined period has elapsed since the start winning when the variable display is started.

  Note that the probability variation state described above becomes a big hit symbol other than the probable change symbol in the big hit symbol when the display result on the effective line of the special symbol display unit 9 becomes a big hit symbol by the probable variable symbol in the big hit symbol. What is necessary is just to be in the state where the added value to which the added value becomes large compared with the case where the added value is given. Therefore, the probability variation state may be the short time state or the open extension state described above. Furthermore, the probability variation state may be a state in which at least one of the above-described short time state and open extended state is added.

  In addition, a reach state (hereinafter also referred to as “reach”, “reach mode”, or “reach display mode”) may occur during variable display in the variable display area.

  Here, the reach state includes a variable display device having a variable display area in which a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable can be displayed in a variable manner, and a plurality of types of identification information are variably started in the variable display area. Thereafter, a plurality of display results are derived and displayed at different times, and the game state is determined to be a player when a predetermined display mode is obtained on at least one of the plurality of active lines. In a gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, a display in which a display result that has already been derived and displayed satisfies a condition for a specific display mode at the stage where some of the plurality of display results have not yet been derived and displayed State.

  In other words, the reach state is when the display result of the identification information in the variable display device having a plurality of variable display areas in which the display state can be changed becomes a predetermined specific display mode. In a gaming machine in which the gaming state is a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, a specific result is displayed on at least one of the plurality of active lines at a stage where the display result of the variable display device is not yet derived and displayed. A display state for making the player think that the display mode is a variable display mode that is easy to display. For example, the reach display state also includes a state in which the variable display region is used for the variable display while maintaining the state in which the specific display mode is achieved. Furthermore, some reach is likely to generate a big hit when it appears, compared to the normal reach state. Such a specific reach state is called super reach.

  In addition, the reach state means that at least one effective line among a plurality of effective lines is reached even when the display control progresses after the display of the display on the display device starts and the display result is derived and displayed. It also refers to a display mode that does not deviate from the display condition that is a specific display mode on the line.

  The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the variable display device progresses and reaches a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and at least one of the plurality of effective lines is effective. It also refers to a display state when at least a part of the display results of a plurality of variable display areas determined before the display result is derived and displayed on the line satisfies a condition for a specific display mode.

  In addition, the reach state is already derived and displayed on at least one of the plurality of effective lines at a stage where the display result is not yet derived and displayed in some display areas of the plurality of display areas. It also refers to a display state in which the display result of the display area satisfies the condition for a specific display mode.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a game control board 200. The game control board 200 includes a game control microcomputer 210. The game control microcomputer 210 has a function of controlling the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The game control microcomputer 210 includes a CPU 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 214, a ROM 213, and an I / O port 215.

  The ROM 213 stores a game control program for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1, display result lottery table data for determining a variable display result of the special symbol display unit 9, and the like. The CPU 212 performs various control operations according to the game control program stored in the ROM 213. The RAM 214 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU 212 performs a control operation.

  Although details will be described later, the RAM 214 is provided with a data storage area capable of storing a plurality of flags for determining various gaming states and a plurality of variation display result data. The flag includes a normal big hit flag, a probability variation big hit flag, a loss flag, a reach flag, and the like.

  The normal jackpot flag is set when it is determined that the jackpot is not controlled in the probability fluctuation state. The probability variation jackpot flag is set when it is determined that the jackpot is controlled to the probability fluctuation state. The detachment flag is set when it is determined as detachment. The reach flag is set when the reach state is determined by the reach determination. This will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The I / O port 215 transmits a game control command for controlling the gaming state output from the CPU 212 to an external circuit.

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 210 is a one-chip microcomputer in which the CPU 212, the ROM 213, and the RAM 214 are integrated. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The ROM 213 and the RAM 214 may not be integrated into one chip. That is, the CPU 212, the ROM 213, and the RAM 214 may be separately arranged on the game control board 200.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 further includes an effect control board 300, a special symbol display unit 9, a speaker 41, and a game effect lamp 25.

  The effect control board 300 is a variable display control that changes the image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an effect sound effect for generating a sound effect that produces a game from the speaker 41. It includes a circuit for performing various effect controls such as control and game effect lamp control for controlling the game effect lamp 25.

  As an example of the circuit for performing the various effect controls, the effect control board 300 includes an effect control microcomputer 310, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 320, a CGROM (Character Graphic Read Only Memory) 330, and a VRAM (Video Random Access). Memory) 340.

  The effect control microcomputer 310 has a function of controlling the VDP 320, the speaker 41, and the game effect lamp 25 in accordance with the game control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 210.

  The effect control microcomputer 310 includes a CPU 312, a RAM 314, a ROM 313, and an I / O port 315.

  The ROM 313 stores a control program for controlling the VDP 320, fluctuation pattern data, and the like. The variation pattern data is data that is determined in advance by a plurality of types with respect to the timing for stopping the special symbol, the occurrence of reach, the contents of reach effect, and the like when the special symbol is variably displayed. Further, the variation pattern data is a sound effect selection data for selecting sound effect data for generating a sound effect for producing a game from the speaker 41 at the time of the reach effect, and a game effect lamp 25 is turned on or blinked. Also included is lamp production selection data for selecting lamp production data to be produced.

  A plurality of sound effect data and lamp effect data are provided according to the gaming state, and are stored in the ROM 313.

  The I / O port 315 receives the game control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 210 and transmits it to the CPU 312. In accordance with the game control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 210 and the control program stored in the ROM 313, the CPU 312 receives VDP 320, variable display control data, sound effect data, and lamp effect data for performing various effect controls. It transmits to the speaker 41 and the game effect lamp 25. The RAM 314 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU 312 performs various control operations. The variable display control data is control instruction data for causing the VDP 320 to generate an image and display the image on the special symbol display unit 9. Therefore, the variable display control data includes attributes (drawing order, number of colors, enlargement / reduction ratio, rotation angle, semi-transparent setting value (setting value for making the image semi-transparent), palette number, coordinates, etc. To specify data).

  In the present embodiment, the production control microcomputer 310 is a one-chip microcomputer in which the CPU 312, the ROM 313, and the RAM 314 are integrated. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. The CPU 312, the ROM 313, and the RAM 314 may not be integrated into one chip. That is, the CPU 312, the ROM 313, and the RAM 314 may be separately arranged on the effect control board 300.

  The CGROM 330 stores frequently used image data. The image data is, for example, a character image made up of a person, an animal or a character (numerals), a figure or a symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 9, an identification information image, and a back image. Note that the character image and the back image may be sprites or images composed of planes, or may be 3D objects.

  The data of the 3D object includes a plurality of coordinate data in the virtual three-dimensional space. For example, when the 3D object has a pyramid shape having five vertices, the data of the 3D object is coordinate data of the five vertices.

  The VDP 320 reads necessary image data from the character ROM 330 according to the variation display control data transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 310 and generates an image according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The generated image data is temporarily stored in the VRAM 340 and transmitted to the special symbol display unit 9 at a predetermined timing according to the variable display control data.

  The special symbol display unit 9 has a plurality of variable display areas in which a predetermined image (for example, a special symbol) is variably displayed in a predetermined direction (for example, top to bottom, bottom to top, etc.). Each of the plurality of variable display areas may display a predetermined image in a variable manner, for example, from left to right or from right to left. Hereinafter, the image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 is also referred to as a variable display image.

  The game control microcomputer 210 operates as a start winning detection unit 250, a variation display result determination unit 251, a variation pattern determination unit 252, and a command transmission unit 253. Various processes described below in the start winning detection means 250, the fluctuation display result determination means 251, the fluctuation pattern determination means 252, and the command transmission means 253 are executed by the CPU 212. The effect control microcomputer 310 operates as command analysis means 361 and effect control means 362. Various processes described below in the command analysis unit 361 and the fluctuation display control unit 362 are executed by the CPU 312.

  The start winning detection means 250 performs a start winning detection process for detecting a start winning. In the start winning detection process, it is determined whether or not a hit ball has been detected by the start opening switch 17 (that is, a start win has been won). If it is determined by the start winning detection process that the start winning is made, the start winning process is performed.

  The variation display result determination means 251 performs a process of determining a combination of symbols to be displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 as a variation display result based on the random number value extracted when the start winning is won.

  Fluctuations for determining a variation pattern of each identification information image that is variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 (time from the start of variation display to the end of variation display, reach effect, etc.) by the variation pattern determination means 252 Pattern determination processing is performed. In the variation pattern determination process in the present embodiment, a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern is determined, and a variation pattern used for variation display is determined using the determined variation pattern table. It is assumed that there are 32 types of variation patterns, for example. For the variation pattern determination process, for example, a random counter in which a value in the range of “0” to “31” is set is used.

  The command transmission means 253 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a game control command based on the flag stored in the RAM 214 to the effect control microcomputer 310. In the command transmission process, the CPU 212 reads out the status of the big hit flag, the reach flag, etc. of the RAM 214, and includes game information such as information on the status of the various flags read out and game information such as the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination processing. The command is transmitted to the I / O port 315 via the I / O port 215.

  When the game control command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 310, the command analysis unit 361 performs command analysis processing. In the command analysis process, the game control command received by the CPU 312 via the I / O port 315 is analyzed. When it is determined that there is a specific game control command in the received game control command, the command analysis process ends, and the effect control means 362 performs various processes. The effect control unit 362 includes a fluctuation display control unit, a sound / lamp control unit, and a command transmission unit. The fluctuation display control means has a stop symbol determination means.

  The variable display control means performs a variable display control process for performing control to display an image on the special symbol display unit 9 by transmitting the variable display control data to the VDP 320. The sound / lamp control means performs an effect sound control process and a game effect lamp control process for controlling the speaker 41 and the game effect lamp 25. The command transmission means performs command transmission processing for transmitting variable display control data, sound effect data, and lamp effect data to the VDP 320, the speaker 41, and the game effect lamp 25, respectively, in accordance with a command from the CPU 312.

  The stop symbol determining means performs a stop symbol determining process for determining a stop symbol for variable display in accordance with a command received from the game control microcomputer 210.

  The CPU 312 performs a variation display control process, an effect sound effect control process, a game effect lamp control process, and a command transmission process in accordance with the game control command analyzed by the command analysis process and the control program stored in the ROM 313.

  In the variation display control process, when the game control command includes command data for performing variation display of the special symbol display unit 9, the designated variation pattern data is read from the ROM 313, and the attributes (drawing order, color) are read out. The variable display control data including the number, the enlargement / reduction ratio, the rotation angle, the semi-transparent setting value (the setting value for making the image semi-transparent), the palette number, the coordinates, etc.) is transmitted to the VDP 320 by the command transmission process. . In the variable display control process, the variable display control data including the attribute for displaying the value indicated by the invalid count value included in the game control command on the special symbol display unit 9 is transmitted to the VDP 320 by the command transmission process.

  The VDP 320 reads necessary image data from the character ROM 330 according to the variation display control data transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 310 and generates an image according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, an image for displaying the start memory upper limit value and the start memory number is generated during or after the big hit state. The generated image data is temporarily stored in the VRAM 340 and transmitted to the special symbol display unit 9 according to the variable display control data. As a result, the player can immediately recognize the starting memory upper limit value and the starting memory number during the big hit, and can play the game so that the starting memory upper limit value during the big hit can be reached as much as possible. Can be improved.

  The CPU 212 transmits a game control command for causing the effect control microcomputer 310 to perform a variable display, and each time the variable display based on the game control command is started in the special symbol display unit 9, the RAM 214 "1" is subtracted from the starting stored value stored in. That is, the CPU 212 operates as a subtracting unit.

  Next, effect control when a variable display image is displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 will be described.

  The CPU 312 performs the effect display sound control process and the game effect lamp control process at the same time as the above-described change display control process for displaying the change display image.

  In the effect sound effect control process, when a predetermined fluctuation display image (for example, an image for performing a big hit notice) is displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 according to the predetermined fluctuation display image. The sound effect data for generating the sound effect from the speaker 41 is read from the ROM 313, and the sound effect data is transmitted to the speaker 41 by command transmission processing.

  The speaker 41 outputs a sound effect according to the sound effect data. In the game effect lamp control process, when a predetermined variation display image is displayed on the special symbol display unit 9, lamp effect data for performing the lamp effect is read from the ROM 313 according to the predetermined variation display image, and the lamp effect data is displayed. Is transmitted to the game effect lamp 25 by command transmission processing.

  The game effect lamp 25 turns on or blinks the lamp for a predetermined time according to the lamp effect data.

  Through the control described above, the special symbol display unit 9 can display the variable display image and can execute effects such as sounds and lamps according to the variable display image.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart of a start winning process performed when a start winning is detected by the start winning detecting means 250. The start winning process is performed when a hit ball is detected by the start winning port switch 17 (that is, a start winning is made).

  First, in SA01, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a big hit state. When it is determined that it is not in the big hit state, it is determined in SA02 whether or not the current start memory number is equal to or more than “4” which is the upper limit value in the normal state. On the other hand, when it is determined in SA01 that the big hit state is in effect, it is determined in SA03 whether or not the current start memory number is equal to or larger than the big hit start memory upper limit value set as the upper limit value in the big hit state. The The start-up memory upper limit value during big hit is set in SA15. When “N” is determined in SA02 or SA03, the process proceeds to SA04, and when “Y” is determined, the start winning process is terminated.

  In SA04, a process of adding "1" to the current start memory number is performed. In SA05, random counters R1 to R1 used for determining various game contents (for example, determining a big hit, determining a stop symbol, determining a variation pattern). A process of extracting a random number from each of R7 is performed. The random counter is an initial value (for example, 2 msec) within a predetermined range (for example, between 0 to 300) every predetermined period (for example, 2 msec) in which the game control microcomputer 210 is executed. When the value is updated by adding “1” from “0” to the upper limit value (for example, “300”), it is a numerical value updating unit that adds and updates the initial value. A plurality of types of numerical value updating means (for example, random counters R1 to R7) are set. In SA05, a process of extracting the values set in the random counters R1 to R7 at the time of starting winning is performed as a random number. The random number values extracted from the random counters R1 to R3 are used for various determination processes (SA07, SA08, SA09, SA16, SA17) in the start winning process, and the random number values extracted from the random counters R4 to R7 are And temporarily stored in the RAM 214 (SA19).

  In SA06, it is determined whether or not the gaming state at the start of the variation display corresponding to the current start winning is in the probability variation state described above. If it is determined in SA06 that the probability change is not in progress, it is determined in SA07 whether or not the value of the random number extracted from the random counter R1 is “7”. That is, it is determined whether or not it is a random number determination value that generates a big hit state in the normal gaming state. On the other hand, when it is determined in SA06 that the probability change is in progress, it is determined in SA08 whether the value of the random number extracted from the random counter R1 is any one of “7, 17, 27, 37, 47”. The That is, it is determined whether or not it is a random number determination value that generates a big hit state when the probability variation state. The random number determination value described above is stored in the ROM 213 of the game control microcomputer 210 as a normal big hit random number decision value and a probable change big hit random number decision value. In SA07 or SA08, when “N” is determined, the process proceeds to SA12, and when “Y” is determined, the process proceeds to SA09.

  In SA09, it is determined whether or not the random number value extracted from the random counter R2 is an odd number. That is, it is determined whether or not the probability variation big hit. When it is determined in SA09 that the number is not an odd number, a process of storing "1" in the storage area corresponding to the starting storage number is performed in SA10. When it is determined in SA09 that the number is an odd number, a process of storing "2" in the storage area corresponding to the starting storage number is performed in SA11. In SA12, a process of storing “0” in the storage area corresponding to the starting storage number is performed. For example, when it is determined that the display result of the variable display corresponding to the start winning when the start memory number is “2” and corresponding to the start winning is a normal big hit, the start memory number “3” is handled in SA10. The process of storing “1” in the storage area of the RAM 214 is performed. Further, when it is determined that the display result of the variable display corresponding to the start winning when the start memorizing number is “1” and corresponding to the start winning is a probable big hit, in SA11, the start memorizing number “2” is handled. A process of storing “2” in the storage area of the RAM 214 is performed. Further, when it is determined that the start prize is awarded when the start memory number is “3” and the display result of the variable display corresponding to the start prize is lost, the RAM 214 corresponding to the start memory number “4” is determined in SA12. The process of storing “0” in the storage area is performed.

  As described in SA06 to SA12, in the present embodiment, the random number extracted from the random counter R1 is not stored in the storage area as it is, but the game state at the start of the variable display is prefetched in SA06 to SA09. A determination is made in advance as to whether the big hit, the normal big hit, or the outage, and values corresponding to the determination results in SA10 to SA12 (for example, “0” for the outage, “1” for the normal big hit, and “2” for the probable big hit) Is remembered. Thus, conventionally, since the random number value extracted from the random counter R1 (for example, the range of 0 to 300) is stored as it is, a storage area of at least 9 bits is required. The memory area is indispensable, and the problem of having to read the random number stored before deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display and determining the jackpot etc. is solved, and the memory area for one start memory Can be reduced to 2 bits, so that even when the starting memory upper limit value increases, the memory area can be saved, and the big hit judgment can be performed by shifting from the timing when the variable display processing is performed, thereby dispersing the processing load. Can do.

  In SA13, a process for determining whether or not the reference start memory number M has already been set is performed. Here, the reference start memory number M is a reference value used for determining the number of start memory upper limit values during the big hit when the big hit state is reached, and is extracted from the random counter R1 when the start win is won. This is the starting memory number when the random number value is a random number value that generates a big hit state. When it is determined that it is not set, the current start memory number is set as the reference start memory number M at SA14, and (M × 5) + N is set as the big hit start memory upper limit value at SA15. Processing is performed. N is an unachieved memory value to be described later. When it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to SA19. In this case, it is assumed that there is a start memory that is a big hit and the reference start memory number M has already been set, but since the big hit start memory upper limit value in the later big hit state is not set in SA15, this implementation In this embodiment, a predetermined upper limit value (for example, a maximum value) is set as the big hit start memory upper limit value in the big hit state after the big hit is continuously generated.

  In SA16, it is determined whether or not the random number value extracted from the random counter R3 is an odd number. When it is determined that the number is odd, the process proceeds to SA18, and when it is determined that the number is not odd, the process proceeds to SA19. When the storage process is performed in SA12, it is determined in SA17 whether or not the value of the random number extracted from the random counter R3 is “7”, and when it is determined that it is “7”, the process returns to SA18. If it is determined that it is not an odd number, the process proceeds to SA19.

  In SA18, processing for setting the acceleration flag to the on state is performed until the variable display corresponding to the current start winning is completed. Here, the promotion flag is a flag indicating whether or not to notify the player that the starting memory upper limit value may increase. When the promotion flag is set to the on state, the special symbol display unit 9 A message such as “Starting memory upper limit is increasing?” Is displayed. In the present embodiment, the rate at which the acceleration flag is set to the on state when the start-up memory upper limit value is actually set by SA15 is set to the on state when the acceleration flag is not set. It is set to be higher than the proportion of As a result, it is possible to increase the rate at which the start memory upper limit value increases after the display of “Increase start memory upper limit value?” Is displayed. In SA19, the process of storing the random number value extracted from the random counters R4 to R7 is performed in the storage area corresponding to the start memory number, and the start winning process is terminated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart of the big hit start process performed when the display result of the variable display performed in the special symbol display unit 9 becomes the big hit display result.

  First, in SB01, processing for resetting the value of the reference start memory number M set in SA14 is performed. Thus, “Y” is determined in SA13 until the value of the reference start memory number M is set in SA14.

  In SB02, a process of transmitting the big hit middle start memory upper limit data corresponding to the big hit middle start memory upper limit set in SA15 is performed to the effect control microcomputer 310, and the big hit start time process is terminated. The effect control microcomputer 310 that has received the big hit start memory upper limit data performs a process of informing and displaying the big hit middle start memory upper limit value in the special symbol display unit 9.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart of the big hit end process performed when the big hit game ends.

  First, in SC01, processing for setting a value obtained by subtracting the current starting memory number from the starting memory upper limit value during the big hit to the unachieved memory value N is performed. For example, when the big hit start memory upper limit is 20 and the current start memory number is 17, a process of setting “3” as the unachieved memory value N is performed. Here, the unachieved memory value N is a value used to determine the number of start memory upper limit values during big hit when the big hit state is reached, and the engine is started up to the big hit start memory upper limit value during the big hit state. This is a value used to add the remaining number of starting memories that could not be stored to the next big hit starting memory upper limit value. Thereby, even if the player cannot increase the starting memory number up to the starting memory upper limit value during the jackpot, the player can benefit from the starting memory number that could not be reached in the next jackpot. In SC02, processing for setting the big hit flag to the OFF state is performed in correspondence with the end of the big hit state. Note that, when the power is turned on, a predetermined value is set as a default value as the unachieved stored value N.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a variation pattern table setting process for setting a variation pattern table used for determining a variation pattern used for the variation display before the variation display is started in the special symbol display unit 9. FIG.

  First, in SD01, it is determined whether or not the current start memory number is “5” or more. That is, it is determined whether or not the start-up memory is stored in the big hit state. When it is determined in SD01 that the value is “5” or more, processing for setting a shortened variation pattern table is performed in SD03. When it is determined in SD01 that it is not “5” or more, it is determined in SD02 whether or not the other shortening conditions described above are satisfied. When it is determined in SD02 that the other shortening conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to SD03. When it is determined that the other shortening conditions are not satisfied, the normal variation pattern table is set in SD04 and the variation pattern is set. End the table set process.

  In the present embodiment, as a variation pattern table used for determining a variation pattern used for variation display, a shortened variation pattern with a short time from when variation display is started until the display result is derived and displayed is used. Usually, a shortened variation pattern table in which a plurality of shortened variation patterns are stored for setting, and a variation time longer than the variation time of the shortened variation pattern set when the shortened variation pattern table is used is set. In order to set the fluctuation pattern, a normal fluctuation pattern table in which a plurality of normal fluctuation patterns are stored in advance is set. Then, according to the determination result in SD01 or SD02, a shortened variation pattern table or a normal variation pattern table is set, and a variation pattern used for variation display is determined using the set variation pattern table.

  Next, main effects obtained by this embodiment will be described together.

  As described above, SA01 to SA03 and SA15 in FIG. 3 are proportional to the start-up memory upper limit value during the big-hit state in proportion to the reference start-up memory number M set by the current start-up memory number by SA14 in FIG. Can be changed to a larger value. That is, it is obtained during the big hit state according to the number of start wins that can be adjusted to some extent by the player, such as greatly increasing the start memory upper limit value during the big hit state or not being able to increase it so much. The profit level and the expectation after the end of the jackpot state are different. As a result, the player tries to obtain a higher profit level and more expectation, and when the number of starting memories has not yet reached the upper limit number, the game is played so that more starting memories are stored. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of stoppages in the normal gaming state (for example, when reach or super reach occurs). In addition, sales that are reduced due to the stoppage can be minimized. Further, since the start memory upper limit value increases in the big hit state, the ratio of the winning balls for invalid winning can be reduced as much as possible since the big hit start memory upper limit value has been reached. Note that SA14 and SA15 in FIG. 3 update the reference start memory number M with the start memory number when it is unpredictable for the player, such as when a start winning that will cause a big hit state is detected, A medium start memory upper limit value can be set.

  As described above, the start memory upper limit data corresponding to the start memory upper limit value during the big hit is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 310 at SB02 in FIG. The symbol display unit 9 can display a notification indicating the start-up memory upper limit value during the big hit that is increased from that in the normal gaming state. Thereby, since the player can immediately recognize that the starting memory upper limit value has increased, it is possible to provide easy-to-understand game content and to reach the starting memory upper limit value increased in the big hit state as much as possible. As described above, since the game is played in order to win the start, the interest can be improved.

  As described above, when it is determined in SD01 of FIG. 6 that the starting memory number is “5” or more, the shortened variation pattern table is set in SD03, and the shortened variation pattern is selected as the variation pattern. Become. On the other hand, after the big hit state is ended, the open extended state is not controlled unlike the big hit state. Thereby, since the interval at which the variable display is performed per predetermined time can be set shorter than the interval at which the start prize is newly generated per predetermined time, the progress of the game can be accelerated. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the operating rate of pachinko machines and improve sales on the amusement park side.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine can be controlled so that the open extended state is controlled during the big hit state, and the opening time for opening the movable piece of the starting electric accessory 14a per unit time is extended. As a result, the start memory number can easily reach the start memory upper limit value in the big hit state than in the normal game state. Thereby, the profit which makes it easy to perform a big hit lottery for a player can be enjoyed to the maximum extent.

  As described above, the random number extracted from the random counter R1 used for the big hit lottery is not stored in the storage area as it is, but is determined in advance in SA06 to SA09, and the processing is different from the corresponding processing in SA10 to SA12. A value corresponding to either big hit or probable big hit is stored in the storage area. As a result, the information regarding whether or not the big win is made by the start winning can be made to 2 bits, for example, so that the storage area can be saved even when the start memory upper limit value is increased during the big win state. . Moreover, since the time when the variable display based on the start winning is started and the time when the big hit lottery is performed can be made different, the processing load can be distributed.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible. Hereinafter, modifications and feature points of the present embodiment will be listed.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the start winning that becomes a big hit is detected as the timing (specific opportunity) for setting the start memory upper limit value during the big hit has been described as an example. Based on the start memory number when the start winning variation display is started, the big hit start memory upper limit value may be set. For example, SA13 to SA18 may be performed when the start-up memory variable display control in which “Y” is determined in SA07 or SA08 in FIG. 3 starts. As a result, the reference starting memory number M is updated with the starting memory number when it is unpredictable for the player, and the starting memory upper limit value is set during the big hit. Sales can be reduced to a minimum by reducing the frequency and making a stoppage. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce as much as possible the ratio of winning balls that become invalid in the big hit state. Further, in SA18 of FIG. 3, the acceleration flag is set to the ON state, and it is possible to notify that the start memory upper limit value is increased before the big hit start memory upper limit value is set. The timing for setting the start memory upper limit value during the big hit is set based on the start memory number when the above-mentioned reach state occurs during the fluctuation display that becomes the big hit. Also good.

  Furthermore, as a timing (specific trigger) for setting the start-up memory upper limit value during the big hit, when the fluctuation display that becomes the big hit ends and the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed (for example, a doublet such as “555” is stopped and displayed) Or when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit state (for example, when the open / close plate 20 of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is opened (opened) under the big hit state). Further, the start memory upper limit value during the big hit may be set. In this way, in addition to the above-described effects, for example, until the stop effect that is made by paying attention to the reach effect started by the occurrence of the reach state, or until the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed and the big hit is actually controlled Can be more effectively prevented.

  As described above, the timing (specific opportunity) at which the start-up storage upper limit value during jackpot is set may be any timing as long as it cannot be specified by the player. For example, the predetermined time from the end of the previous big hit to the occurrence of the current big hit (for example, the number of start winnings when the reach occurs for the first time after the big hit, the time when the predetermined time has passed since the end of the previous big hit The number of start winning memories, the number of start winning memories when a predetermined number of start winnings are detected after the end of the big win state, etc. may be used. Further, every time a predetermined time elapses, the reference start memory number M is updated in SA14 in FIG. 3, and the start memory upper limit value during big hit is set according to the reference start memory number M when the big hit state occurs. May be. Thereby, there exists the same effect mentioned above. Further, even if the reference start memory number M and the big hit medium start memory upper limit value are set once, when the time during which the game is not performed by the player exceeds a predetermined time, the set reference start memory number M, reset the starting memory upper limit value during jackpot, and set the reference starting memory number M and the starting memory upper limit value during jackpot using the starting memory number when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the game is newly started by the player You may make it do. As a result, in addition to the above-described effects, even if the start memory upper limit value is already set during the big hit before the game is played by the player, the big hit start memory upper limit value is reset by the player. Therefore, the interest of the game can be improved.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the random number extracted from the random counter R1 is not stored in the storage area as it is in SA06 to SA12 in FIG. 3, but the gaming state at the start of the variable display is prefetched in SA06 to SA09. An example has been described in which it is preliminarily determined whether the probability big hit, the normal big hit, or the loss is large, and a value corresponding to the determination result is stored in SA10 to SA12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the random number extracted from the random counter R1 is a random number judgment value that generates a big hit in the normal gaming state without prefetching the gaming state at the start of the variable display, or the big hit in the probability changing state. Whether it is a random number determination value to be generated or a random number determination value that will be different regardless of the gaming state, it is determined at the start winning prize, the determination result is stored in correspondence with the starting memory number, and the gaming state at the start of the variable display Based on the determination result corresponding to the start memory to start the variable display from now on, the jackpot symbol or a combination of symbols other than the jackpot symbol may be derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display.

  For example, instead of the processing of SA06 to SA12 and SA17 in FIG. 3, when “Y” is determined in SA07 between SA05 and SA13 in FIG. 3, “0” is determined in SA07, and “N” is determined in SA07. When the determination is made, the determination is further made at SA08, and when “Y” is determined at SA08, “1” is stored, and when “N” is determined at SA08, “2” is stored in association with the start memory number. Processing may be performed. In this case, the process may be shifted to SA13 when “Y” is determined in SA07 or SA08, and may be shifted to SA19 when “N” is determined in SA08. As a result, the storage area for the start-up memory can be reduced, and the big hit determination and the like can be performed with a shift from the timing of performing the variable display process, and the processing load can be distributed.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the same shortening variation pattern table is set when the start memory number is “5” or more in SD01 of FIG. 6 and when other shortening conditions are satisfied in SD02. Although an example has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and when it is determined in SD01 that the start memory number is “5” or more, and when it is determined in SD02 that other shortening conditions are satisfied Different shortening variation pattern tables may be set. For example, when other shortening conditions are satisfied in SD02, a normal shortened variation pattern table is set, and when it is determined in SD01 that the starting memory number is “5” or more, the variation time is further shortened. You may make it set the 2nd shortening fluctuation pattern table which can select a fluctuation pattern. Thereby, compared with shortening of the fluctuation time performed at the normal time, the fluctuation display digestion rate after the big hit is completed can be improved, so that it is possible to prevent the player from stopping after the big hit.

  (4) The control method in the above-described embodiment is arbitrary, and can be executed by a program.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the effect control board 300 that performs effect control is exemplified by the effect control microcomputer 310, the CGROM 330, the VRAM 340, the VDP 320, etc., but the physical configuration is arbitrary. It is.

  For example, the production control microcomputer 310 may use a microprocessor in which the CGROM 330 and the VRAM 340 are incorporated into a single chip.

  Furthermore, when the VDP 320 has a sufficient processing capability, the VDP 320 bears the processing of the presentation control microcomputer 310 described in the above embodiment, and the presentation control microcomputer 310 is not provided. It is also possible.

  Conversely, when the performance control microcomputer 310 is highly functionalized, the entire process may be performed by the performance control microcomputer 310 without providing the VDP 320.

  (6) The apparatus configuration, block configuration, variation pattern, and flowchart configuration in the above-described embodiment can be arbitrarily changed and modified.

  (7) The present invention can also be applied to a game machine (computer) that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided on a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it.

  Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a removable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing the downloaded program and data via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Further, the game may be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

  (8) The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine which is an example of the gaming machine in the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a start winning process. It is a figure for demonstrating the flowchart of a process at the time of big hit. It is a figure for demonstrating the flowchart of the process at the time of jackpot end. It is a figure for demonstrating the flowchart of a fluctuation pattern table setting process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine, 8 Fluctuation display device, 9 Special symbol display part, 10 Normal symbol display part, 11 Passage port, 12 Gate switch, 14 Start port, 15 Pass memory indicator, 17 Start port switch, 18 Start memory indicator , 19 Variable winning ball device, 25 Game effect lamp, 41 Speaker, 210 Game control microcomputer, 212, 312 CPU, 213, 313 ROM, 214, 314 RAM, 310 Effect control microcomputer, 320 VDP, 330 CGROM, 340 VRAM.

Claims (7)

The player has a variation display device that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each player by playing a game ball into the game area and displays the identification information derived and displayed on the variation display device. Is a gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player when a predetermined display mode is established,
Start detection means for detecting that a game ball has entered a start area provided in the game area;
Hold storage means capable of storing up to a predetermined hold upper limit as a hold storage that the start detection means has detected a game ball;
On the condition that the specific gaming state is not controlled and the reserved memory is stored in the reserved memory means, the reserved memory is consumed and the identification information is variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed. Fluctuation display control means for performing fluctuation display control;
When the control to the specific gaming state is started, based on the number of reserved memories stored in the reserved storage means at a specific opportunity that occurs due to the start detecting means detecting a game ball An upper limit changing means for changing the holding upper limit number,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit changing means changes the holding upper limit number to a larger value as the number of the holding memories stored in the holding storage means is larger.   The upper limit changing means stores the hold storage means stored when the hold storage for deriving and displaying the specific display mode as the display result of the variable display control as the specific trigger is stored in the hold storage means. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit number of suspension is changed based on the number of memories.   The upper limit changing means is based on the number of reserved memories stored in the reserved storage means when the variable display control for deriving and displaying the specific display mode is started by the variable display control means as the specific trigger. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit number of holding is changed.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising notification means for notifying the number of pending upper limits changed by the upper limit changing means. When the number of reserved memories stored in the reserved storage means is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the number of reserved memories stored in the reserved storage means is less than the predetermined number. Than the time shortening means for shortening the variation display time for variably displaying the identification information,
The time shortening means shortens the variation display time, thereby calculating the number of times of variation display per unit time when the variation display of the identification information is continuously executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is set to be larger than an expected value of the number of passes.   The start number improvement means for performing start number improvement control for improving an expected value of the number of game balls passing through the start area per unit time in the specific gaming state is further provided. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of 5. A plurality of types of the specific display modes are defined, and when the display mode is a special display mode among the plurality of types of specific display modes, the control mode is set to the specific game state, and then the normal display state is more than the normal game state. Special gaming state control means for controlling to a special gaming state that is likely to become a specific gaming state;
A normal gaming state determination value used for determining whether or not the display result of the variable display device is to be in the specific display mode in the normal gaming state, and a determination value used for the determination in the special gaming state, A determination value storage means for storing a determination value in the normal gaming state and a determination value in the special gaming state including a determination value different from the determination value in the normal gaming state;
It is determined whether or not the predetermined extraction value extracted when the start detection means detects a game ball and the normal gaming state determination value stored in the determination value storage means match, and A display result determining means for determining whether or not the extracted value and the special gaming state determination value match,
The hold storage means includes a normal time specific mode determination result in which the predetermined extracted value matches the normal game state determination value, a special time specific mode determination result in which the predetermined extracted value matches the special game state determination value, and The non-specific mode determination result that does not match any of the normal gaming state determination value and the special gaming state determination value is stored in association with the holding storage,
When the variable display control means performs the variable display control by consuming the reserved storage,
When the normal state specific mode determination result is stored in the suspending memory to be consumed, if the game state is the normal game state or the special game state, the specific display mode is used as the display result of the variable display control. Derivation display,
When the special time specific mode determination result is stored in the suspending memory to be consumed, if the gaming state is the special gaming state, the specific display mode is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display control,
When the non-specific mode determination result is stored in the suspending memory to be consumed, a display mode other than the specific display mode is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display control regardless of the gaming state. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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