JP2005329217A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a performance effect in a pachinko game machine of a blade object type. <P>SOLUTION: The pachinko game machine 1 of the blade object type is provided with a center accessory device 6 arranged at the center of a game board surface. A liquid crystal display device is incorporated in the center accessory device 6, and performance images can be displayed by the liquid crystal display device. A comical animation by the operation of a character is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4 during a normal game, and at the time of a big winning game, the display of the number of rounds and the display of a winning count number, etc., are performed in linkage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a function of performing an effect display when a privilege is given.

  As a conventional example related to this type of gaming machine, there is one that produces an effect by a variable display of symbols under a specific condition (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the gaming machine of this conventional example, when there is a winning at the starting port during the game, an effect of variably displaying the symbols on the symbol display is triggered by this. There are a plurality of types of symbols displayed on the symbol display, and when the variation of these symbols is stopped, it is displayed to the player when displayed in a predetermined symbol display mode (for example, when three symbols of the same type are arranged). Benefits are given.

At this time, the symbol to be displayed when the fluctuation is stopped is instructed to the symbol display by the control data. This causes a problem that the stop symbol does not match and the combination of the actually displayed symbol does not match the behavior of the gaming machine. For this reason, in conventional gaming machines, the variation pattern of symbols is controlled according to predetermined scheduler data. For example, during the period from the start of variation to the suspension of variation, the symbols displayed on the symbol display are stopped on the way. Processing to replace the symbol is performed. Thereby, since the target stop symbol is correctly displayed when the symbol is finally stopped, the above-described problem due to the discrepancy is eliminated.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-204919 (pages 2-3 and 7, FIG. 6)

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the conventional example, since the symbols are variably displayed according to the predetermined scheduler data, there is no unnatural behavior in the production during that time, and accurate symbol display is used at the end of the time schedule. It is particularly excellent in that the production is performed. On the other hand, from the standpoint of the player, there is a problem that the production can be enjoyed only with complete passiveness because the production by the symbol display or the like always proceeds with a predetermined time schedule.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can be actively involved in the progress of production from the player side.

  The gaming machine of the present invention solves the above problem by executing an effect whose contents change with the progress of the game. The “game progress” here refers to the case where the game progresses according to the operation of the gaming machine, in addition to the case where the game progresses according to a certain time schedule, or the game according to the operation performed by the player. This includes cases of progress. Therefore, it becomes possible for the player to actively participate in the progress of the performance by advancing the progress of the game by his / her own operation.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine of the present invention grants a privilege to a player when a specific condition is satisfied as the game progresses, and advances the game while operating a predetermined winning device in a predetermined operation pattern during the granting of the privilege. In the gaming machine, a determination means for selectively determining a degree of profit to be received by the player from the provision of the privilege from a plurality of stages, and a profit of the profit more than the stage determined by the determination means in the provision of the privilege An informing means for notifying a player that a privilege at a low level is given to the player, and a profit when compared with a stage in which the informing means is informed when the game is performed in a state where the benefit is given In addition to notifying the player that there is a possibility of being changed to a privilege at a higher level, the process leading to the result of whether or not the change is made is displayed as effect information, and this effect information display And a promotion director means for varying depending on the degree of progress of a game the like.

  For example, one of the benefits granted to a player is a jackpot game, but how long the jackpot game is scheduled to continue (number of rounds, etc.), or another bonus (probable change) after the jackpot game.・ There may be a gradual difference in the level of profit received by the player depending on whether or not a short time is added. In this way, with respect to the benefits granted to the player, when there are multiple stages in the level of profit, the level of profit actually received is determined by the determining means, The notification means temporarily notifies the player that a privilege at a stage where the level of profit is lower than actual is given. For this reason, the player recognizes that the benefit of the privilege can be received at the stage of being informed for the time being, but plays the game, but the level of the real profit is in contact with the content of the notification by the promotion effect means I do n’t know.

  On the other hand, if it is notified by the promotion effect means that there is a possibility that the benefit is changed to a privilege at a higher level, the player will raise the sense of expectation. At this time, the process up to the result of whether or not the change is made is displayed as effect information, and the display mode is changed according to the progress of the game, so that the player quickly knows the result. If he wants, he can be actively involved in the progress of the performance by speeding up the progress of the game by his own operation or the like.

(Solution 2)
In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention can be set as an independent mode. That is, when a specific condition is satisfied as the game progresses, the game shifts to a special game state advantageous to the player, and the game progresses while operating a predetermined winning device in a predetermined operation pattern during the special game state. In the gaming machine, the length of the scheduled duration of the special gaming state is selectively determined from a plurality of stages, and the game in the special gaming state is continuously executed over the determined scheduled duration. The scheduled continuation means, the stage determined as the length of the scheduled duration period, the length of the provisional duration period provisionally set within the following range, and the stage representing the length of the provisional duration period are Informing means for notifying the player upon transition to the gaming state, and when the game in the special gaming state is performed after notification by the informing means, the length of the temporary duration exceeds the stage In addition to notifying the player that there is a possibility of change during the promotion continuation period, the process leading to the result of whether or not the change is made is displayed as effect information. Promotion effecting means for changing according to the degree of progress.

  In the aspect of the solution 2, the player is given a privilege of shifting to the special gaming state, but the degree of profit varies depending on how long the special gaming state is scheduled to continue. . Therefore, the higher the stage (for example, the stage value) that represents the length of the scheduled duration, the higher the level of profit that the player should receive. However, when entering the special gaming state, it is the same as or more than the actual stage. The temporary duration is notified at a lower stage. For this reason, the player works on the game in the special game state in consideration of the stage of the temporary continuation period. Therefore, if the stage is relatively low, the player's own profit is estimated to be less at the beginning.

  On the other hand, the “promotion continuation period” is a staged notification that the “provisional continuation period” may be upgraded beyond that stage in the special gaming state. This will raise the expectation level because it would come in contact with the possibility that the profit that was once estimated to increase in the middle.

  In addition, although “production information” is displayed by the promotion production means, this “production information” represents the process leading to the result of whether or not the “promotion duration” is changed, A player in contact with the display can enjoy the process up to the result as an effect.

  At this time, since the display mode of “effect information” changes according to the progress of the game, if the player speeds up the progress of the game by playing the game more eagerly, the display mode of the effect information Change can be made faster. Therefore, if the player wants to quickly know the result when the display mode of the effect information changes, the game is eagerly executed, and the effect that is performed according to the determined time schedule is provided passively. More aggressiveness and motivation for games.

  In the above solutions 1 and 2, “along with notifying the player that there is a possibility of change”, this is “simultaneously with the notification” or “at the moment of notification”. It is not meant to be limited. Therefore, after “notifying the player that there is a possibility of change”, the “effect information” may be displayed after a certain period of time.

  In the present invention, “display” is not limited to displaying information by an image (moving image), but simple lighting or flashing of light, a combination of lighting patterns, or a change in movement / position of a movable body. Something that displays some information.

(Solution 3)
In the solving means 1 or 2, the promotion effect means changes the display mode of the effect information according to an increase in the number of winning game balls to the winning device, and the winning number reaches a specified number. It is preferable to display the result of whether or not the change is made.

  In the aspect of the solving means 3, when the player causes the winning device to successively win the game balls by one's own operation (for example, launching of the game balls), the display mode of the effect information changes accordingly. Can be more conscious of being involved in the production. Furthermore, for example, if a player wants to quickly know the result of whether or not to change from a non-probable big hit to a probable big hit (so-called rise), or whether or not to change (promotion) during the promotion duration, As the number of winnings is increased as much as possible, the seriousness of the operation increases, so that the player can experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with his / her own operation.

  In the present invention, the aspect of “changing the display mode of the production information in accordance with the increase in the number of winning prizes” includes a general display of counting the number of winning prizes (displaying the total number of winning prizes as a numerical value). is not.

(Solution 4)
Further, in the solving means 3, the promotion effecting means that the winning device operates in accordance with the operation pattern even when the number of winning game balls to the winning device does not reach a specified number. It is also possible to forcibly display the result of whether or not the change is made when finished.

  In other words, when the winning device is operated according to the operation pattern, the winning number may be less than the specified number until the operation is completed, but even in this case, the result is forcibly displayed, The contents of the production can be reliably transmitted to the player.

(Solution 5)
Furthermore, in the solving means 1 to 4, the promotion effect means can also suggest to the player whether the change is likely to be made based on the display mode of the effect information. In this case, it is possible to guess whether the player's own profit is increased (promotion possibility) by observing the display mode of the production information well. Therefore, when the player wants to know the result quickly, there is an effect that the player is seriously engaged in the game in order to make the production more active.

(Solution 6)
In the above solutions 1 to 5, after the stage representing the degree of unrealistic profit is presented in a staged manner when a privilege is granted, the possibility of changing to a privilege that can receive a profit exceeding that level is reported. However, in addition to this, if the player can guess how much possibility (reliability, expectation) actually exists, the enjoyment by the production can be increased accordingly.

  For this reason, the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the game is performed after the notification by the notification means and before the display of the effect information by the promotion effect means in the above solution means 1 to 5. A scenario effect with a scenario in which the content changes along a predetermined scenario, and the player can guess whether or not the change is made based on the display mode of the scenario effect information. Means may further be provided.

  As mentioned above, when a stage indicating an unrealized profit level is notified when a privilege is granted (transition to a special gaming state), the player thinks that at least that level of profit can be obtained for the time being. By displaying “storyline effect information” whose contents change along a predetermined scenario, the possibility of changing to a privilege that can receive a higher level of profit based on the display mode at that time One can guess.

  The above-mentioned “storyline presentation information” is displayed during the game, but its content changes along a predetermined scenario (story). If there is some relationship with the possibility of changing to a privilege that can receive a high-level profit, the player can make a guess as described above.

(Solution 7)
More preferably, in the solving means 6 described above, the scenario effect adding means displays the scenario effect presentation information as a series of image information in which the action of a predetermined character changes along the scenario. Instructing the player that the change is likely to be made when the character moves in a specific direction by continuously changing the behavior of the character in the information display process. Can do.

  The above-mentioned “storyline” makes a player feel a certain story for a player who comes into contact with a series of image information, and does not need to be a fixed content. In addition, the “character” is used to make a player recognize that the subject is an entity that performs some action in the process of displaying a series of image information. For example, not only imitating a person or animal but also an imaginary creature or It also includes vehicles and robots. “Storyline presentation information” is displayed in such a manner that such a character takes various actions in image information, and when the character moves in a specific direction in the image information, In this case, it is suggested to the player that there is a high possibility (promotion possibility) that the benefit is changed to a privilege that can receive a higher level of profit.

  In this way, if there is an association between the display mode of the presentation information with the scenario and the promotion possibility, the player can intuitively read the promotion possibility from the contents of the production, so it is extremely natural and familiar. Easy production effect is obtained. Also, even if a large number of “storybooks” are provided in the “storyline presentation information” in order to prevent the player from getting bored, the direction of action taken by the character and the level of promotion potential If there is a certain relationship between the two, the two conflicting demands of preventing the player from getting bored with a variety of performances and making it easier for the player to recognize the possibility of promotion from the performances are satisfied. It becomes possible.

(Solution 8)
Further, in the solution means 7 described above, even when the character is not moved in a specific direction, the above-mentioned staging effect means is surely changed when the display mode moves to a specific place. Can be suggested to the player.

  When suggesting the possibility of promotion to the player through the contents as described above, although there are various scenarios there, there is still a common direction, so it will eventually bore the player May come. For this reason, even if the direction of the action taken by the character is different from usual, there is an effect that will surely determine the change (promotion) to a privilege that can receive a higher level of profit when moving to a specific place If so, contact with such a production leads to new enjoyment for the player, and it can be prevented that the player gets bored for a long time.

(Solution 9)
The gaming machine of the present invention can also have a configuration specialized for a specific model (or classification according to game content). That is, in the above solution 2 to 8, in the special gaming state, a round operation for operating the winning device in the operation pattern is executed, and as a result of the round operation being executed once, the specific condition is further increased. If the condition is satisfied, the round operation can be repeatedly executed the next time, and the level indicating the length of each period may be defined as the number of repetitions of the round operation. . In this case, the gaming machine of the present invention can be regarded as the following configuration.

  That is, in the above solution 2, the gaming machine of the present invention shifts to a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied as the game progresses, and in this special gaming state, a predetermined winning device is provided. In a gaming machine that allows a round operation to be continued when a specific condition is satisfied as a result of the round operation that is operated in a predetermined operation pattern and the round operation is executed once. In the meantime, the scheduled number of rounds to be continued is determined, and the scheduled rounding means that the rounds are scheduled to be continued until the determined scheduled number of rounds, and the provisional number of times that is temporarily set within the range of the number of scheduled rounds or less are set. A notification means for notifying the player of the determined number of tentative continuations in transition to the special gaming state, and the final number of tentative continuations in the special gaming state. When the round action is executed before the game, the player is notified that the temporary continuation number may be changed to a promotion continuation number exceeding this, and the result of whether or not the change is made is reached. The process is displayed as effect information, and is provided with promotion effect means for changing the display mode of the effect information according to the progress of the game during the round operation.

  In this case, “scheduled continuation number” corresponds to the above “scheduled continuation period”, “temporary continuation number” corresponds to the above “temporary continuation period”, and “promotion continuation number” corresponds to the above “promotion continuation period”. Corresponds to "period". Therefore, for example, even if the actual “scheduled number of continuations” is a relatively large number of times (for example, about 13 to 16 times), the “temporary continuation number” is relatively small (for example, about 13 to 16 times). 1-7 times). In addition, the “promotion continuation count” is notified as a number greater than the “temporary continuation count” (but does not exceed the “scheduled continuation count”).

  In addition, since “production information” is displayed as a specific representation of “number of times of promotion continuation” (for example, display of the number of times), the number of times the player can continue the round motion is determined from the production information. It can be specifically recognized. In this case, as the number of winning devices in the winning device increases during the round operation, the degree of progress of the game increases accordingly. Whether or not can be known at an early stage.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can execute interesting effects by the effect operating body, and can provide various effects to the player.

Hereinafter, embodiments (first embodiment, second embodiment) in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described along the following items with reference to the corresponding drawings.
1. Overview of the first embodiment (FIG. 1)
2. Winning device (Figure 2)
2-1. Big prize opening 2-2. Ball path changing member 2-3. First and second passage paths 2-4. Ball stop member 2-5. 2. Ball distribution member 3. Operation of game ball 3-1. When passing through a low-probability route (Figure 3)
3-1-1. When the ball stop member is not operating (Fig. 4)
3-1-2. When the ball stop member is activated (Fig. 5)
3-2. When passing through a high-probability route (Figure 7)
3-2-1. Ball falling part 3-2-2. Behavior on the ball distribution member (Fig. 8)
3-3. Ball distribution operation (Figs. 9 and 10)
3-3-1. Sorting operation in the case of low probability path 3-3-2. 3. Sorting operation for high probability path Production element supplement (Figure 11)
5). Configuration of control system (Fig. 12)
5-1. Main control board 5-2. Sub-control board 6. Content of control processing 6-1. At power-on (Figure 13)
6-2.1 When winning a prize at the starting point (Fig. 14)
6-3.2 Winning the start opening twice (Figure 15)
6-4. Special gaming state 6-4-1. Round operation (Figs. 16 and 17)
6-4-2. Continuation of round operation 6-4-3. Continuation plan means A. Execution of guidance operation Stop of guidance operation 6-4-4. Granting a chance to win (Figure 18)
A. B. Synchronize with opening / closing operation of big prize opening Non-uniformity when the ball falls 6-5. Final round (Figure 19)
7). Supplement regarding timing chart (FIGS. 13 to 19)
8). Round lottery effect processing (FIG. 20)
8-1. Notification means (FIG. 21)
8-2. Temporary duration (Figures 23 and 24)
8-3. Promotion effect means (FIG. 25)
8-4. Production information (FIGS. 26 to 28)
A. Relationship between game progress and performance information (FIGS. 26-28)
B. C. Result notification at end of round Promotion reliability by display mode) (FIGS. 29 and 30)
8-5. Streaking effect means 8-6. Staging effect information (FIGS. 31-34)
9. Second Embodiment (FIGS. 35 to 43)
9-1. Notification pattern 1
9-2. Notification pattern 2
9-3. Other patterns 9-4. Additional means 10. Reference to other embodiments

(1. Overview of the first embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a pachinko machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko machine 1 belongs to a so-called “feather” type.

  The pachinko machine 1 is roughly composed of a frame 2 and a game board 4, and the game board 4 is detachably installed inside the frame 2. A substantially circular game area is formed on the front surface (board surface) of the game board 4, and the model of the pachinko machine 1 is characterized by the board surface configuration here.

  In the game area, a center accessory 6 that is extremely eye-catching is arranged at substantially the center thereof, and this center accessory 6 functions as a winning device. In addition to the normal winning openings 8 and 10 arranged on the left and right of the center accessory 6, a pair of left and right one-time starting openings 12 are arranged at a lower position thereof, and one two-time starting opening 14 is arranged at a central position. . In addition, various ornamental bodies, decorative lamps, windmills, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided in the game area, but well-known components can be applied to these components. Therefore, the individual description is omitted here.

  One frame body 2 is provided with a large number of decorative lamps 2a on the front surface (glass frame), and these decorative lamps 2a are used for the purpose of producing effects by light-emitting decoration according to the progress of the game. Although not shown in FIG. 1, speakers are arranged inside the frame body 2, and these speakers are used for applications that produce effects by sound output according to the progress of the game.

  On the front side of the frame body 2, an upper plate 16 and a lower plate 18 are formed at positions below the game board 4, and these serve as a receiving tray for game balls. In addition, a launch handle 20 is disposed at the lower right corner of the front surface of the frame body 2, and the player can launch the game ball with a desired strength by twisting the launch handle 20. . In addition, in the first embodiment, a push-type effect button 22 is arranged at the left position of the upper plate 16, and the effect button 22 can be appropriately pushed by the player.

(2. Winning device)
FIG. 2 specifically shows the center accessory 6 described above. The center accessory 6 has a pair of left and right movable pieces (blade members) 24. These movable pieces 24 are opened in the left-right direction as indicated by solid lines in the drawing, and are indicated by two-dot chain lines. It can be displaced between the closed position and the inner side. When these movable pieces 24 are in the open position, the big winning opening 26 of the center accessory 6 is opened. A big prize opening solenoid (not shown) is disposed behind the center accessory 6, and the pair of left and right movable pieces 24 are driven by the big prize opening solenoid.

(2-1. Grand Prize Winner)
Normally, when the center accessory 6 is not operated, the movable piece 24 is in the closed position as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, and therefore the special winning opening 26 is closed. . On the other hand, when a prize is given to the above-mentioned one-time start port 12 or two-time start port 14 during the game, the center accessory 6 is actuated as a trigger. Thereby, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the pair of movable pieces 24 move to the open position, and the big prize opening 26 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.4 seconds), and the game ball Allow winnings. The opening / closing operation of the movable piece 24 is performed by the number of opening / closing times (one or two times) respectively assigned to the once-starting port 12 and the twice-starting port 14. It should be noted that the opening time of the big winning opening 26 may be different depending on whether or not the winning opening 12 is won once and the starting opening 14 is won twice.

  In the center accessory 6, a big winning port count switch 28 is arranged corresponding to each of the left and right big winning ports 26. A game ball that has won a prize winning opening 26 is detected to pass by the corresponding prize winning count switch 28, that is, the number of winning prizes is counted.

  Further, a ball gathering passage 30 is formed in the center accessory 6 so as to connect between the left and right big winning openings 26, and the game balls received from the respective big winning openings 26 pass through the ball gathering passage 30. Rolls and gathers to the center position. In the vicinity of the center of the ball gathering passage 30, a ball inlet 32 opened in the back direction of the center accessory 6 is formed, and the game balls rolling on the ball gathering passage 30 and gathered at the central position are ball entrance 32. Pass through the center object 6 in the back direction.

(2-2. Ball path changing member)
A ball path changing member (seesaw-like member) 34 is disposed in the center accessory 6 at a position deeper than the ball approaching passage 30, and the game ball that has rolled through the ball inlet 32 is as follows. The ball path changing member 34 is received here. The ball path changing member 34 has a ball guide surface 34a extending in the left-right direction, and the game ball can be guided in the left-right direction on the ball guide surface 34a. Further, the ball path changing member 34 can swing left and right as viewed from the front, and the swing at this time is visually recognized as if it is seesaw motion from the viewpoint of the player.

  In the state shown in FIG. 2, the ball path changing member 34 is tilted to the left (lower left), and in this state, the game ball rolls on the ball guide surface 34a and is guided to the left. Although not shown, conversely, when the ball path changing member 34 changes to the right side (downward), the game ball rolls on the ball guide surface 34a and is guided to the right.

(2-3. First and second passage routes)
As shown by broken lines in FIG. 2, a low probability path 36 and a high probability path 38 are formed in the center accessory 6 on the left and right sides of the spherical path changing member 34, respectively. These two paths 36 and 38 are arranged so as to be connected to the left and right ends of the ball path changing member 34, respectively. A game ball that rolls on the ball guide surface 34a to the left or right is a low probability path. 36 or a high probability route 38 to be sent.

  The low probability path 36 and the high probability path 38 extend in the left-right direction from the spherical path changing member 34, and are bent downward along both side edges of the center accessory 6. On the other hand, a liquid crystal display 40 is arranged in the center of the center accessory 6, and the two paths 36 and 38 extend from the upper edge of the liquid crystal display 40 so as to surround both sides thereof.

  Among these, the low probability path 36 is bent to the near side at a position below the liquid crystal display 40, and then extends to the right along the front end of the lower edge portion of the center accessory 6. The other high probability path 38 is bent leftward at a position below the liquid crystal display 40 and then extends along the lower edge of the liquid crystal display 40 to the vicinity of the center thereof. Further, a high probability path passing switch (production effect detection switch) 39 is arranged in the middle of the high probability path 38 in the center object 6, and a game ball passing through the high probability path 38 is a high probability path passing switch 39. Is detected.

(2-4. Ball stopping member)
A character body 42 is installed in the center accessory 6 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 40. This character body imitates a person who sweeps and cleans with a spear in his / her hand, and moves the head left and right while swinging the spear left and right by the action of a solenoid and an internal link mechanism (both not shown). It can move like shaking.

  In the first embodiment, the tip (lower end) of the kite held by the character body 42 is arranged so as to face the vicinity of the end of the low probability path 36, and this kite-like member is used for the movement of the game ball. It can function as a ball stop member 44 that works. Specifically, when the position of the ball retaining member 44 is changed by the movement of the character body 42 as described above, the action on the game ball passing through the low probability path 36 differs depending on the position (left or right) at that time. It will be. The operation of the ball retaining member 44 will be further described later.

(2-5. Ball sorting member)
A rotating ball distributing member 46 is disposed in the center accessory 6 at a position below the liquid crystal display 40, and this ball distributing member 46 flows in the direction of the game ball in the center accessory 6. In view of this, it is positioned downstream of the low probability path 36 and the high probability path 38 described above. Although the outer shape is not clearly shown in FIG. 2, the ball sorting member 46 is formed of a disk-shaped rotating body having a thickness and is rotated in one direction by a motor (not shown).

  The ball distribution member 46 receives the game balls that have passed through the low probability path 36 or the high probability path 38, and determines the destinations of the specific prize opening (here, one aspect of the specific area) and the general prize opening. It works to distribute to either one. FIG. 2 does not show the specific winning opening and the general winning opening.

  Further, two ball discharge passages 48 and 51 are formed in the center accessory 6 below the ball sorting member 46, and one (here, the left side) of the ball discharge passages 48 has a specific area. A switch (specific winning opening detection switch) 52 is installed. The game ball that has entered the specific winning opening in the center accessory 6 (passed through the specific area) is detected by the specific area switch 52 and then released. The game ball that has entered the general winning opening is released as it is through the right ball discharge passage 51.

(3. Action of game balls)
Next, an operation mode (rolling / guidance / distribution) of the game ball in the center accessory 6 during the actual game will be described.

(3-1. When passing through a low probability route)
FIG. 3 shows this in a three-dimensional manner in a state where each part (upper and front side) of the center accessory 6 is partially cut or broken. When the game ball that has won the big winning opening 26 is guided to the left by the ball path changing member 34, the game ball is guided through the low probability path 36 as shown by the arrow in FIG. become.

  When the game ball guided through the low probability path 36 flows down to the lower edge of the center accessory 6, it rolls across the front side of the ball sorting member 46 and wraps around the back side. When the game ball reaches a position near the terminal end of the low probability path 36, the rolling direction is influenced by the ball stopping member 44.

  FIG. 4 specifically shows the inside of the center accessory 6. A plurality (eight in this example) of U-shaped notches are formed on the periphery of the ball sorting member 46 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of these cutouts can accept one game ball, one of which is a specific winning opening guide 46a, and the other (seven) cutouts are all general winning opening guide 46b. ing.

  The specific winning opening guide 46a has a notch deeper toward the center than the other general winning opening guide 46b, and is distinguished from the general winning opening guide 46b in terms of form. In addition, a decorative border is provided around the specific winning opening guide 46a so as to visually distinguish it, and the alphabet "V" is designed at a position near the center of the ball sorting member 46. Decorated body.

(3-1-1. When the ball stopping member is not operating)
The ball stopping member 44 can reciprocate so as to advance and retreat from the side (in this example, the right side) with respect to the low probability path 36. The center accessory 6 is equipped with a ball stop solenoid (hereinafter simply referred to as “solenoid”) 54, and this solenoid 54 is connected via a link mechanism (not shown). The ball stopping member 44 can be actuated (advanced / retracted). In the first embodiment, when the solenoid 54 is not energized (de-energized), the ball retaining member 44 is inoperative, and at this time, the ball 54 is held in a state of being advanced with respect to the low probability path 36.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the ball retaining member 44 is not in operation, the tip portion thereof enters the low probability path 36 from the right side. In this state, the game ball that has passed through the low probability path 36 comes into contact with the tip of the ball retaining member 44 in the vicinity of the end thereof, and at this time, as shown by the arrow in the figure, it faces the ball distribution member 46. And is guided to roll.

  Each of the winning opening guide portions 46a and 46b is opened in the radial direction from the periphery of the ball sorting member 46, and therefore has a relative relationship capable of receiving a rolling game ball. On the other hand, since the ball sorting member 46 is rotated in a certain direction (clockwise as viewed from above) in the normal gaming state, etc., all the eight winning opening guides 46a and 46b have a probability of 1/8 each. A game ball may enter.

(3-1-2. During operation of ball stopping member)
Next, FIG. 5 shows the time of operation of the ball retaining member 44. When the solenoid 54 is energized, the ball retaining member 44 is activated, and the tip portion thereof is retracted outward from the low probability path 36. In this case, the game ball passing through the low probability path 36 passes through the side of the ball sorting member 46 as it is without coming into contact with the ball retaining member 44 in the vicinity of the terminal end. The above-mentioned general winning opening 56 is formed at the end position of the low probability path 36, and the game ball that has reached this point enters the general winning opening 56 and is released through the above-described ball discharge passage 51 as it is.

(3-2. Passing through high probability path)
FIG. 6 shows an operation mechanism of the ball path changing member 34. As described above, a ball path changing portion solenoid (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “solenoid”) 58 is disposed in the center accessory 6 so as to be attached to the ball path changing member 34. In a state where the solenoid 58 is not energized (de-energized), the ball path changing member 34 is tilted to the left as viewed from the front as shown by a solid line in FIG. The state will be described as a stopped state of the ball path changing member 34.

  On the other hand, when the solenoid 58 is energized, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, one end portion (the left end portion in this example) of the ball path changing member 34 is pulled up via the mechanism elements 58a and 58b. Therefore, as described above, the ball path changing member 34 falls to the right side (operating state).

  FIG. 7 shows a state where a game ball is guided through the high probability path 38 in the center accessory 6. When the game ball rolls at the timing when the ball path changing member 34 is actuated, the game ball is guided leftward and sent to the high probability path 38. In FIG. 7, each part (upper part and front side) of the center accessory 6 is shown in a partially cut or broken state.

(3-2-1. Ball falling part)
Below the liquid crystal display 40, the downstream portion of the high probability path 38 extends so as to protrude above the ball sorting member 46, and a ball dropping portion 38a is formed at the terminal position. The ball dropping part 38a has a hole formed at the lower end thereof, and the game ball can be dropped through the hole. The ball dropping part 38 a is located just above the center (not necessarily the exact center) of the ball sorting member 46, and the game ball dropped from the hole falls onto the ball sorting member 46. .

  The hole at the lower end of the ball dropping portion 38a is formed to have a size that allows only one game ball to pass through, but a funnel-shaped (or tapered, mortar-shaped) smooth guide surface is formed above it. Has been. For this reason, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, when the game ball that has rolled on the high probability path 38 reaches the ball dropping part 38a, it turns along the funnel-shaped guide surface and gradually gains momentum. Drops into the hole at the bottom while weakening. At this time, the time required for the game ball to fall from the ball drop portion 38a is not always constant, and it becomes non-uniform depending on the rolling state of the game ball (the momentum and the entry path when entering the ball drop portion 38a). Even if it is a product of, the individual difference etc. of a product will arise. Or even if it restricts to the same pachinko machine 1, since it will be influenced by the inclination of the stand at that time, installation situation, secular change, etc., the time required for the game ball to fall through the ball drop part 38a (movement time) ) Is hardly constant. Note that such a function of the ball dropping portion 38a corresponds to a so-called “one-hole cloon”.

(3-2-2. Behavior on ball sorting member)
FIG. 8 shows the behavior of the game ball on the ball sorting member 46. A slightly larger stage 46c is formed at the center of the upper surface of the ball sorting member 46, and the game ball dropped from the ball dropping portion 38a as described above lands at the substantially center on the stage 46c. The periphery of the stage 46c is surrounded by four partition walls 46d, but a passage through which a game ball can pass is secured at a break portion between the partition walls 46d.

  On the other hand, the stage 46c has a shape whose upper surface is raised to a middle height. For this reason, there is a possibility that the game ball dropped on the stage 46c rolls in four directions through each cut portion as indicated by arrows in FIG. At this time, since one of the breaks is connected to the specific winning opening guide section 46a, the game ball dropped on the stage 46c can enter the specific winning opening guide section 46a with a probability of 1/4.

(3-3. Ball sorting operation)
FIG. 9 shows a ball sorting operation when a game ball enters the general winning opening guide 46b. As described above, the general winning opening guide 46b is a relatively shallow notch as viewed from the periphery of the ball sorting member 46, and its depth is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The entered game ball is transferred in the circumferential direction along with the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 while being pressed against the wall surface surrounding the ball sorting member 46 ((a) in FIG. 9).

  Although only a part is shown in FIG. 9, the specific winning opening 60 that is one aspect of the specific area in the first embodiment is formed below the ball sorting member 46, and the specific winning opening 60 is It is located on the inner side with a distance from the wall surface surrounding the ball distribution member 46. For this reason, even if the game ball is positioned above the specific winning opening 60 in the state of entering the general winning opening guide 46b, it cannot fall into the specific winning opening 60 from there, and passes through it. Will be transferred.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the game ball circulates around as the ball distribution member 46 rotates, to the rear of the general winning opening 50 (clockwise at 2 o'clock). When transferred, the game ball is discharged from the general winning opening guide 46b. The released game ball rolls on the guide surface 62 and falls into the general winning opening 50.

  On the other hand, the specific winning opening guide 46a is a relatively deep notch, and the depth thereof is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the game ball. Furthermore, a ball stopper 46e is formed along the periphery of the ball sorting member 46 in the specific winning opening guide 46a, and the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is located deeper than the ball stopper 46e. Held in. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is transferred in the rotational direction while being located slightly away from the peripheral wall surface surrounding the ball sorting member 46, that is, slightly closer to the inside of the ball sorting member 46. It will be.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the game balls that have entered the specific winning opening guide 46a are transferred. As described above, the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is positioned on the inner side from the peripheral wall surface surrounding the ball sorting member 46 ((a) in FIG. 10). If the game ball is positioned above the ball, it can fall into the specific winning opening 60, that is, pass through the specific area. Further, the fall of the game ball to the specific winning opening 60 (hereinafter referred to as “V winning”) is detected by the specific area switch 52 described above. In the first embodiment, terms such as “specific prize opening” and “V prize” are used for convenience. However, this is caused by the fall of the game ball to the specific prize opening 60 to some advantage. In order to recall this, it is not essential that the game ball is actually guided to the back side of the board or awarded.

  As described above, when the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball, the ball distribution member 46 rotates in a state where the ball is received in the specific prize opening guide part 46a or the general prize opening guide part 46b, thereby specifying the destination of the game ball in the specific prize opening. 60 and the general winning opening 50. The distribution destination is determined depending on whether the game ball enters the specific winning opening guide 46a or the general winning opening guide 46b. Which guide the game ball enters is determined when the game ball is received. It depends on the posture of the ball sorting member 46.

(3-3-1. Sorting operation in the case of low probability path)
When the game ball has passed through the low probability path 36, the ball sorting member 46 receives the game ball from the outer peripheral direction. In this case, there is a possibility that the game ball may enter all of the eight guide portions 46a and 46b, but in reality, any of the eight guide portions at the timing when the game ball rolls from the vicinity of the end of the low probability path 36. Depending on whether 46a and 46b are opposed to the game ball, the destination is naturally determined.

  Therefore, if the ball sorting member 46 takes an attitude in which the specific winning opening guide 46a is opposed to the gaming ball when the game ball is received, the gaming ball can enter the specific winning opening guide 46a as it is. After that, the destination is distributed to the specific winning opening 60.

  On the other hand, if the ball sorting member 46 is in a posture to make the general winning opening guide 46b relatively to the gaming ball when the game ball is received, the gaming ball enters the general winning opening guide 46b, and thereafter The destination can be sorted to the general winning opening 50.

  At this time, since there is one specific winning opening guide 46a out of all eight, as a result, when a game ball is guided through the low-probability route 36, the probability of winning a V at that point will be 1/8. . However, this probability is based on the premise that the game ball is guided to the ball stopping member 44. If the ball stopping member 44 is retracted as described above, it is not received by the ball sorting member 46. The general winning opening 50 may be entered as it is. In the first embodiment, no special benefits are prepared for the game ball entering the general winning opening 50. However, in the previous stage, the winning entry to the big winning opening 26 was detected first. Sometimes prize balls are paid out.

(3-3-2. Distributing operation in case of high probability path)
The same can be considered when the game ball is guided through the high probability route 38. In this case, since the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball on the stage 46c, it is assigned to one of the specific prize opening guide part 46a or the three general prize opening guide parts 46b as described above. A game ball may enter. However, since the game ball tends to roll in a direction in which the downward inclination of the stage 46c is larger, the stage 46c is designed to have a certain inclination (for example, having a downward inclination on the front side, etc.) due to the design of the ball sorting member 46. Is given, the game ball is distributed based on the inclination.

  Therefore, considering the above inclination, if the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball on the stage 46c and the posture for positioning the specific winning opening guide 46a is on the near side, the game ball is Since it is possible to enter the specific winning opening guide 46a according to the inclination, the destination is distributed to the specific winning opening 60 thereafter.

  On the other hand, if the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball on the stage 46c, the game ball is positioned as a general prize opening if the other three general prize opening guide portions 46b are positioned on the front side. After entering the guide part 46b, the destination is distributed to the general winning opening 50.

  Therefore, when a game ball is guided through the high probability path 38, the probability of winning a V in the future is reduced to a quarter, and as a result, the probability of V winning is higher than in the case of being guided through the low probability path 36. It can be said that.

(4. Supplement of production elements)
The center accessory 6 is provided with decorative designs at various locations, and decorative lamps / LEDs (not shown in particular) are arranged therein as production elements. The decoration lamp / LED can perform an effect by light-emitting decoration according to the progress of the game, or can perform demonstration light emission while the pachinko machine 1 is waiting.

  FIG. 11 specifically shows the notice effect character 64 attached to the center accessory 6. The notice effect character 64 is arranged so that it can appear from between the left and right big prize openings 26 in the center accessory 6 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the effect solenoid (character drive) shown in FIG. Solenoid) 66, and appears to be visually recognized by the player at this time.

  The notice effect character 64 is normally hidden in a state of being collapsed to the back side of the center accessory 6, but appears when the effect solenoid 66 is energized under certain conditions. That is, when the effect solenoid 66 is energized, the notice effect character 64 turns about 90 ° to the near side via the mechanism element 66a, and rises to the near side as shown.

  In the normal gaming state, for example, based on the relative relationship between the timing at which the game ball is detected by the big prize opening count switch 28 and the attitude (rotation angle) of the ball sorting member 46 at that time, The notice effect character 64 appears when it is easy to enter the guide 46a.

  As another aspect, the game ball is based on the relative relationship between the timing at which the game ball is detected by the special winning opening count switch 28 and the posture of the ball path changing member 34 (whether it swings to the left or right). Is the timing at which it is easy to be sent to the high probability path 38, the notice effect character 64 appears.

  Further, in the case of the first embodiment, in accordance with the appearance of the notice effect character 64, the surroundings are lit up by illumination of a decoration lamp / LED, or a sound effect is generated to visually and auditorily give notice. It is intended to enhance the effects of the production.

(5. Configuration of control system)
Next, a configuration for controlling the game operation and the rendering operation by the pachinko machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 12 schematically shows a part of the configuration related to the electronic devices of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 has a main control board (main board) 68 for controlling game operations and a sub-control board 70 for controlling various performance operations. These boards are connected to each other through wiring. In addition, electronic devices are connected to each board. All of these boards are arranged on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 and are usually not visible to the player.

  Further, a payout control board 72 is connected to the main control board 68, and this payout control board 72 controls the operation of a prize ball apparatus (not shown). A discharge control board 74 is further connected to the payout control board 72, and this discharge control board 74 controls the operation of a not-shown launch motor.

  Note that the pachinko machine 1 is also equipped with a power supply unit board, an interface board (in the case of a CR machine), and the like.

(5-1. Main control board)
The main control board 68 includes electronic components such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, and input / output interface (not shown). The main control board 68 is connected to the above-mentioned large winning opening count switch 28 and the specific area switch 52, and also includes sensors such as a once starting opening switch 76, a twice starting opening switch 78, and other winning opening switches 80. It is connected. Among these, the once and twice start port switches 76 and 78 detect that the corresponding one and two start ports 12 and 14 have been won, respectively, and output detection signals to the main control board 68. . In addition, winnings in the normal winning openings 8, 10 and the center winning combination 6 are detected by a plurality of other winning opening switches 80 corresponding to each, and the detection signal is the main control board 68. Is output.

  On the other hand, the operation of the driving elements such as the above-mentioned large winning opening solenoid 82, the ball path changing portion solenoid 58 and the ball stopping portion solenoid 54 is controlled based on the driving signal from the main control board 68. Yes.

  Further, a ball allocating unit motor 84 is provided in the center accessory 6, and the sphere allocating unit motor 84 can rotate the sphere distributing member 46 based on a command signal from the main control board 68. it can. Further, a motor index sensor 86 is attached to the ball distribution motor 84, and an index signal is input from the motor index sensor 86 to the main control board 68.

(5-2. Sub-control board)
Further, as the effect element, the speaker 88, the effect lamp / LED 90 and the like are connected to the sub-control board 70. While the game by the pachinko machine 1 is in progress, the sub-control board 70 controls the production operation based on the command signal transmitted from the main control board 68, and controls the production by the sound output or the lighting decoration according to a certain production pattern. ing. The effect solenoid 66 is also connected to the sub-control board 70, and the appearance action of the notice effect character 64 is controlled by the sub-control board 70.

  As an effect element using an image, the liquid crystal display 40 is connected to the sub-control board 70 via the liquid crystal control board 92, and a drawing command for the liquid crystal display 40 is output from the sub-control board 70. It has become.

  In the first embodiment, when a game ball is sent to the high probability path 38 in the center accessory 6, the high probability path passage switch 39 is provided with the sub control board 70 in order to perform an effect with a particularly high priority. It is connected to the. When the sub-control board 70 receives the detection signal from the high probability path passing switch 39, the sub-control board 70 performs a special effect display in preference to the normal display image.

(6. Details of control processing)
Next, the contents of the control process performed by the main control board 68 and the sub control board 70 will be described. In the following description, the control content related to the operation of the center accessory 6 is mainly taken up.

(6-1. When power is turned on)
FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing processing at power-on and the states of various switches. In FIG. 13 and subsequent figures, the “operating state” of each member means that the corresponding solenoid or motor is energized / driven, and conversely, the “stopped state” means that the solenoid or motor is not energized / driven. Means non-driven.

  When the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the CPU of the main control board 68 executes a self-diagnosis process and a power failure recovery process, and takes over the game contents backed up at the previous power-off and starts a normal process.

  Explaining along the timing chart of FIG. 13, first, the detection function of each of the start port switches 76 and 78 is validated by turning on the power. As a result, the first start port 12 and the second start port 14 each have a function (start function) for starting the operation of the center accessory 6 when a game ball enters and a function for performing a prize ball operation (prize ball function). Both are valid.

  Normally, when the power is turned on, the input signals from the start port switches 76 and 78 are not won, and the big prize port 26 is closed (the big prize port solenoid 82 is not energized). In this case, the function of the specific area switch 52 is disabled.

  On the other hand, in the center accessory 6, the ball path changing member 34 and the ball stopping member 44 are both stopped, but the ball sorting member 46 is activated when the power is turned on. At this time, the ball distribution member 46 is rotated at a constant rotational speed A (for example, about 1.9 seconds per rotation).

(6-2.1 times when winning at the starting point)
FIG. 14 shows the processing when there is a winning at the start port 12 once during the normal game. In this case, when a detection signal is input from the start port switch 76 to the main control board 68 once (no win → win), the main control board 68 invalidates the function (start function) of each start port switch 76, 78. And the function of the specific area switch 52 is activated. Then, the main control board 68 operates the special winning opening solenoid 82 after a predetermined time (for example, 1004 ms) has elapsed, and opens the special winning opening 26 once (for example, 400 ms). In the timing charts of FIG. 14 and subsequent figures, while the functions of the start port switches 76 and 78 are disabled, only the start function is disabled, and the prize ball function is still enabled.

  In connection with the opening operation of the big prize opening 26, the main control board 68 operates the ball path changing member 34 intermittently only twice according to a fixed pattern. As a result, the game ball won in the big winning opening 26 is guided to either the low probability route 36 or the high probability route 38.

  When there is a winning at the start port 12 once, the main control board 68 decelerates the ball sorting member 46 to a rotational speed C (for example, about 5.6 seconds per rotation) and the ball stopping member 44 is in an activated state. Alternately switch to and stop state. As a result, the ball stopping member 44 alternately retreats or enters the low-probability path 36, and in accordance with this, the character body 42 swings his / her head left and right. The operation state and the stop state of the ball retaining member 44 are periodically switched, and during this time, the solenoid 54 is driven with a duty ratio of about 50%. Therefore, in FIG. 14, the operation time a and the stop time b of the ball retaining member 44 are set to be substantially the same (a> b, a <b, a = b may be satisfied). Further, the operation time a and the stop time b of the ball retaining member 44 can be the same in FIG.

  Thereafter, the main control board 68 restores (enables) the functions of the start port switches 76 and 78 when a predetermined time (for example, 0.4 seconds) elapses after the special winning opening 26 is closed. At the same time, when a certain time (for example, 8 seconds) has passed since the special winning opening 26 is closed, the function of the specific area switch 52 is invalidated and the operation state of the ball sorting member 46 is set to the rotational speed A. Return (rotation speed C → A).

(6-3.2 When winning a prize at the starting point)
FIG. 15 shows the processing when there is a winning at the start port 14 twice during the normal game. In this case, when a detection signal is input to the main control board 68 from the start opening switch 78 twice (no win → winning), the main control board 68 invalidates the functions of the start opening switches 76 and 78 and specifies The function of the area switch 52 is activated. Then, the main control board 68 operates the special winning opening solenoid 82 after a predetermined time (for example, 1004 ms) has elapsed, and opens the special winning opening 26 intermittently twice (for example, every 400 ms). In addition, a predetermined waiting time (for example, 1004 ms) is secured between the first opening and the second opening.

  In relation to the opening operation (two times) of the special winning opening 26 as described above, the main control board 68 operates the ball path changing member 34 intermittently three times according to a certain pattern. As a result, a relatively large number of opportunities are provided for the game balls that have won the big prize opening 26 to be guided to the high probability path 38.

  When there is a prize at the start port 14 twice, the main control board 68 decelerates the ball sorting member 46 to the rotational speed C and switches the ball stopping member 44 alternately between the operating state and the stopped state. As a result, the ball stopping member 44 alternately retreats or enters the low-probability path 36, and in accordance with this, the character body 42 swings his / her head left and right.

  At this time, the operation time of the ball stopping member 44 is longer than that in the case where the winning at the start port 12 is once, and the number of times that the operation state and the stop state of the ball stopping member 44 are periodically switched is set. Yes. The drive duty ratio of the solenoid 54 is approximately 50% and may be the same as that at the time of winning the start port 12 once.

  Similarly, the main control board 68 returns (validates) the functions of the start port switches 76 and 78 when a predetermined time (for example, 0.4 seconds) elapses after the special winning opening 26 is closed. When a certain time (for example, 8 seconds) elapses after closing the special winning opening 26, the function of the specific area switch 52 is invalidated and the operating state of the ball sorting member 46 is returned to the rotational speed A. The (rotational speed C → A) process is the same as that when winning the start opening 12 once.

  In the first embodiment, the rotational speed of the ball sorting member 46 is changed (A) when the big winning opening 26 is opened in response to a winning at the starting opening 12 once or twice at the starting opening 14 in FIGS. → C), for example, it is a specification that does not work with a game method in which, for example, a number of game balls are launched aiming at a specific rotation angle of the ball sorting member 46, and thereby hitting a big hit .

(6-4. Special gaming state)
Next, FIG. 16 shows a process when a game ball wins a V prize in the center accessory 6. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when a V is won in the normal gaming state, a special game state (big hit game) is given a privilege that a specific condition is satisfied.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the passing of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52 (ON), the game shifts to a big hit game.

(6-4-1. Round operation)
When shifting to the big hit game, the center accessory 6 is operated in a predetermined operation pattern. The operation pattern at this time is one in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 26 is periodically repeated, and the number of times of opening is set to 18 at the maximum.

  As described above, a predetermined production time is provided before the opening / closing of the big prize opening 26 is started as a big hit game, and a so-called round lottery production is performed during this time. The lottery itself is performed at the timing when the game ball wins at the first start port 12 or the second start port 14 which has been the trigger of the big hit, but the round lottery effect is an animation display by the liquid crystal display 40 and the speaker 88. It is executed by the sound output from.

  Further, when the main control board 68 receives the detection signal from the specific area switch 52, the main control board 68 first switches the operation state of the ball sorting member 46 to the rotation speed B (for example, about 3.7 seconds per rotation), and then the rotation speed A. Switch to.

  In this way, while the round lottery effect is in progress, the rotation speed of the ball sorting member 46 is switched to two stages. During this process, the main control board 68 outputs the third index signal from the motor index sensor 86. Upon reception, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is stopped there. In the case of the first embodiment, when the ball sorting member 46 is stopped at the timing when the index signal is received, the specific winning opening guide 46a in this state terminates the low probability path 36 (a direction in which a game ball can be received). Is positioned relative to. Further, since the ball path changing member 34 is held in a stopped state, the ball path changing member 34 remains fixed in a posture for guiding the game ball to the low probability path 36 during this period.

  When the above-described round lottery effect is completed, and the player is notified of the number of winning rounds, the main control board 68 starts the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 according to the sequence of the big hit game. In accordance with this, the main control board 68 activates the function of the specific area switch 52.

(6-4-2. Continuation of round operation)
In the case of the first embodiment, the jackpot game can be continued up to 15 rounds, and the end condition of one round is, for example, that any one of the following (1) to (3) is satisfied.
(1) When the number of times of opening / closing the grand prize winning opening 26 has reached 18 times.
(2) When the number of game balls won in the big winning opening 26 reaches ten.
(3) When a game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52.

  In addition, the continuation condition to the next round in the big hit game is that the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52, that is, V winning. However, in the fifteenth round, even if a game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52, the round is not continued.

  In addition, the round lottery is performed based on the counter value acquired by the main control board 68 at the timing when the game ball wins the first start port 12 or the second start port 14. There are 2 rounds, 7 rounds, and 15 rounds, and the probabilities are 1/3 each.

(6-4-3. Continuation plan means)
Regardless of the result of the lottery, the first round after the transition to the big hit game is always planned to continue to the next round. Alternatively, when the lottery result is 15 rounds, continuation to the next round is scheduled for all the second to fourteenth rounds.

(A. Execution of guidance operation)
In these cases, as shown in FIG. 16, the ball path changing member 34 is in a state of guiding the game ball to the low probability path 36 during the round execution. The winning opening guide 46a stops in a posture that makes it easy to receive the game ball, and the ball retaining member 44 has advanced toward the low probability path 36. Therefore, the first game ball that has won the big winning opening 26 during the round is first guided to the specific winning opening guide 46 a through the low probability path 36.

  Thereafter, when the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 26 increases from 2 to 5, the game ball (first winning prize) that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a in the center role 6 From there, the following game balls (winning 2nd to 5th) stop in one row in the low probability path 36.

  However, if the sixth winning ball is counted before the opening of the special winning opening 26 reaches 18 times, as shown by the broken line in FIG. The control board 68 operates the ball retaining member 44. In this case, since the ball stopping member 44 is retracted to the outside from the low-probability path 36, the game balls (third to fifth) that have been stopped until then lose support, and remain in the low-probability path 36 as they are. It rolls in the downstream direction and falls to the general winning opening 50.

  Further, when the main control board 68 ends the round (one segment) for the time being, either the 10 winning balls are detected by the special winning opening count switch 28 or the special winning opening 26 is opened or closed 18 times. With the earlier timing as a trigger, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is resumed after a predetermined time (for example, 1.8 seconds) has elapsed. At this time, since the first winning ball has already entered the specific winning opening guide 46a, the gaming ball surely wins V. As a result, since the passing of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52, the continuation to the next round is confirmed.

  However, even if the continuation to the next round is scheduled as described above, if the player is not allowed to win the big winning opening 26, the continuation condition is not satisfied, and the big hit game ends there. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, when a predetermined time (for example, 8 seconds) elapses after the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 is stopped, the main control board 68 functions the start port switches 76, 78. Is enabled while the function of the specific area switch 52 is disabled. At the same time, the main control board 68 returns the operating state of the ball sorting member 46 to the rotational speed A (high speed) and returns the ball retaining member 44 to the stopped state.

  FIG. 17 shows the processing in the round continued during the big hit game. The content of the processing is almost the same as in the case of FIG. 16, but here the passage of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52 because the period for the round lottery effect is not prepared. The time until the opening / closing operation is started (for example, 4 seconds) is shortened.

(B. Stopping guidance operation)
The processes in FIGS. 16 and 17 are the contents when continuation to the next round is scheduled. On the other hand, when the result of the round lottery is 2 rounds or 7 rounds, the continuation to the 3rd round or later or the 8th round or later is not scheduled in principle. For this reason, when the result of the round lottery is the second round or the seventh round, the process (guide operation) for actively shifting to the next round is not performed in the round (the second round or the seventh round).

  FIG. 18 shows the process when the continuation to the next round is not scheduled, that is, the process of the second round or the seventh round determined as the final round as a result of the round lottery. In this case, the main control board 68 once stops the ball sorting member 46 at a fixed position at the start of the second round or the seventh round (before the big prize opening 26 is opened), and then opens and closes the big prize opening 26. The rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is started in synchronization with the timing of starting the operation (time ts). Thereafter, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is maintained, and the ball sorting member 46 remains rotated at a constant speed B (medium speed) during the round.

  In accordance with this, the main control board 68 repeatedly executes the forward / backward movement of the ball retaining member 44. This operation is also performed in synchronization with the rotation of the ball distributing member 46. The member 44 is driven to a forward state and a backward state with a duty factor of approximately 50%.

  Therefore, at this time, the main control board 68 retreats the ball stopping member 44 at the timing when the specific winning opening guide 46a opposes, for example, near the end of the low probability path 36, and conversely the timing at which the general winning opening guide 46b opposes. Then, by advancing the ball stopping member 44, it is possible to stop the operation of guiding the game ball that has passed through the low probability path 36 to the specific winning opening guide 46a.

(6-4-4. Granting a prize opportunity)
If the V-winning is not won in the second round or the seventh round, the round continuation condition is not satisfied, and the big hit game ends in the round. However, the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment has a specification that allows a round to be continued (a V-winning is possible) by a player's technical intervention, and the specific specification will be described below.

  In other words, in the first embodiment, the specification is such that an opportunity to make a V prize by technical intervention is provided only once at a specific timing during a round. This is when the ball reaches the seventh count. For example, the game ball (seventh) that has won the grand prize opening 26 at this specific timing is given an opportunity to win a V in the following manner, for example.

  First, the main control board 68 fixes the ball path changing member 34 in a stopped state until the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 26 reaches 6 counts (time ts to time tc). Any game balls that have won the winning opening 26 are sent to the low probability path 36. When the game ball is guided to the ball stopping member 44 in the vicinity of its terminal end, it enters the general winning opening guide 46b. On the contrary, when it is not guided to the ball guiding member 44, it falls to the general winning opening 50 as it is.

  In contrast, when the winning ball reaches 7 counts (time tc), the main control board 68 operates the ball path changing member 34 for a predetermined time (for example, 1.2 seconds) using this as a trigger. As a result, the game ball won in the seventh count is almost certainly sent to the high probability path 38. In this case, since the game ball passes through the high probability path 38 and falls onto the stage 46a of the ball sorting member 46, the game ball can enter the specific winning opening guide 46a from there with a probability of 1/4.

  Also, in this case, the game ball won in the seventh count is given an opportunity to win a V regardless of the guiding operation by the ball stopping member 44, and the V winning probability at that time is a comparatively 1/4. It is set high. Therefore, even if the player is simply playing a game, if he can win 7 in the big prize opening 26, he will always have a chance of winning a V prize with a probability of a quarter, that is, challenge the continuation of the round. Have an opportunity to do. As a result, even a player who has played a game casually will know that there is a possibility that he can win a round continuation if he can win up to the seventh count, and the motivation for the game will increase naturally.

  The specifications of the pachinko machine 1 as described above are extremely excellent in that the content can be equally beneficial for all, regardless of whether or not the player specifically recognizes the contents as information. The utility of such specifications is remarkable when a player who is not very skilled (beginner), a player who is not familiar with information, a player who is not interested in technical intervention originally played a game with the pachinko machine 1, etc. Become.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the winning ball of the seventh count can be guided to a different route (high probability path 38), so that a game is given that an opportunity for V winning is given by a visual change. Easy to recognize. Therefore, even if the player does not know the specifications of the technical intervention as information, the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment can easily understand the specifications just by looking at the movement of the game ball. It is possible to provide a game that is easy for everyone to understand and interesting.

(A. Synchronization with the opening and closing operation of the prize winning opening)
The technical intervention specification by the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment is not only a chance at the seventh count, but is further advanced and more advanced elements are added.

  In other words, in a round that is not scheduled to continue, the ball sorting member 46 starts rotating at the timing when the first opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 is started as described above (time ts). At this time, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 26 is repeated at a constant cycle, and the rotational speed (angular velocity) of the ball sorting member 46 is constant. The posture (rotation angle) of the minute member 46 and the timing at which the special winning opening 26 is opened are synchronized with a certain relative relationship.

  For this reason, if the player has deeper observation and exploration, he / she should play the game after understanding the relative relationship between the timing of opening the special winning opening 26 and the rotation angle of the ball sorting member 46. Is possible. Therefore, for example, while the player observes the pachinko machine 1 well, if the player makes a 7th count at the opening timing, it is possible for the player to determine whether the player is likely to win a V. It is. Players who have arrived so far will have a greater enjoyment of technical intervention than other average players, and will be able to feel great satisfaction in continuing the round as a result.

(B. Non-uniformity when the ball is dropped)
However, if the behavior always continues mechanically, the player may get bored and the interest in technical intervention may be halved. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, since the ball dropping portion (one-hole croon) 38a is formed at the terminal position of the high probability path 38, the game ball falls while turning. Therefore, non-uniformity will occur in the time required for dropping.

  In this case, based on the relative relationship between the opening / closing operation timing of the big winning opening 26 and the rotation angle of the ball sorting member 46, it is assumed that the player can easily determine the opening timing at which the player can easily win V at the seventh count. However, the game ball does not always exhibit the same behavior (the movement time from when the ball is entered until it is received by the ball sorting member 46) at the point where it enters the special winning opening 26. Thereby, the arrival of the player's tiredness can be delayed, and the difference in the number of balls due to the difference in the technique of the player can be reduced.

  In addition, even if the player plays the game after understanding the general specifications, whether or not the round can be continued successfully by technical intervention depends on the individual differences of the pachinko machine 1 and variations due to accidental effects. Therefore, an interesting element from another point of view is added thereto. Therefore, for players who are actively involved in technical intervention, the enjoyment of playing games while identifying the non-uniform factors due to individual product differences increases, so for players who have further studied the specifications and characteristics of the pachinko machine 1, In addition to the success of his own technical intervention, he can get great satisfaction with the achievements such as rounding around the hall and choosing a platform.

(6-5. Final round)
FIG. 19 shows processing in the final round (15 rounds). Not only when the lottery was performed at the start of the opening 12 and 14, but when it was 15 rounds, despite the lottery result of 2 rounds or 7 rounds, if the big hit game could be continued up to 15 rounds, In the final round, the following processing is performed.

  Here, first, when a detection signal from the specific area switch 52 is input, the main control board 68 disables the function of the specific area switch 52 and does not enable it until the end of the round. Further, the main control board 68 temporarily stops the ball sorting member 46 based on the index signal from the motor index sensor 86, but the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is synchronized with the timing at which the big winning opening 26 is opened. To start. Further, the ball retaining member 44 is switched to the operating state in accordance with this and maintained as it is until the end of the round. On the other hand, since the ball path changing member 34 remains in a stopped state until the end of the round, the game ball won in the big winning opening 26 passes through the low probability path 36 and is not received by the ball sorting member 46. It simply falls to the general winning opening 50.

  Through the above process, the V-winning is avoided in the final round. Therefore, when either of the winnings at the big winning opening 26 reaches 10 counts or the big winning opening 26 is opened 18 times, As a result, the final round ends, and the main control board 68 ends a series of big hit game processes.

(7. Supplement on timing chart)
The description of the processing with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 13 to 19 is completed as described above, but the points to be supplemented with respect to the description of these drawings are listed below.

  (1) In FIGS. 13 to 19, symbols with arrows (A, B, C) attached to the state change of the ball sorting member represent the rotation speed within the designated period. ing.

  (2) In FIG. 14 or FIG. 15, when the passage of the game ball is detected within the effective period of the specific area switch 52, the main control board 68 proceeds to the process of FIG.

  (3) In FIG. 16 to FIG. 19, the end timing of the opening operation of the big prize opening is the earlier of the 18th closing time or 10 winning prizes.

  (4) In FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the portion indicated by a broken line as the state change of the ball stopping member during the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening is, as a rule, switched to the operation state of the ball stopping member 44 at 6 counts. Represents that. However, if the 6th count is not reached, the ball stopping member 44 operates at the 18th closing time of the grand prize winning opening 26, and if the 6th count is reached before the grand winning opening 26 is opened, Operates at 10 counts.

  (5) In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the portions indicated by broken lines as the state changes of the ball sorting member and the ball retaining member at the time of starting of the specific area switch are the rounds of the ball sorting member and the ball retaining member, respectively. If it is in operation, it is in the operating state at that time. Conversely, if it is in the stopping state, it indicates that it changes from the stopped state to the operating state at the rise of the detection signal by the specific area switch.

  (6) Similarly, in FIG. 19, the portion indicated by a broken line as a change in the state of the ball retaining member when the specific area switch is started is in the operating state at that time if the ball retaining member was operating in the previous round. On the other hand, when the vehicle is stopped, it indicates that the detection signal is changed from the stopped state to the operating state at the rising edge of the detection signal by the specific area switch.

(8. Round lottery effect processing)
Next, the round lottery effect process will be described in detail. As already described in (6-4-1. Round operation) above, the round lottery itself is performed when a winning is detected by each start port switch 76, 78 (decision means). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, a round lottery effect and a promotion effect are executed during the big hit game. At this time, the number of rounds selected by lottery is one of a relatively high stage (15 rounds), a relatively medium stage (7 rounds), or a relatively low stage (2 rounds). The lottery probabilities for each round are equally one third.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 when a big hit is made in the normal gaming state (when V is won). In this example, the screen up to that point is changed over, the “big hit” character is displayed on the screen in a decorative manner, and a state of a stunning operation by a plurality of characters is drawn. A voice message or sound effect is output from the speaker 88 with the output of these images.

(8-1. Notification means)
Next, FIG. 21 has shown an example of the image displayed as an effect at the time of a round lottery. Such effect display is performed before the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 is started in the first round of the big hit game. Here, as a result of the round lottery, the number of rounds scheduled to be continued can be displayed in a stunning manner by changing the decorative pattern (designed with the numbers “2”, “7”, “15”). . In the first embodiment, three types of symbols are scrolled in the vertical direction on the screen, for example, in the vertical direction, and when a certain amount of time has passed, the scrolling is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed.

(8-2. Temporary duration)
23 to 24 show examples of images when the symbols are stopped and displayed from the above scroll state. These images have the content of notifying the player of the result of the round lottery according to the type of symbols that are stopped and displayed, and the lottery result is 2 rounds (FIG. 22), 7 rounds (FIG. 23), or the maximum 15 The fact that it was a round (FIG. 24) is represented by a symbol.

  Before the stop display is made, the scrolled symbol (for example, “2”) is temporarily stopped, and after a short time, the symbol is changed to the next symbol (for example, “7”). In some cases, the display may change to the next symbol (for example, “15”) at a further interval, and a final stop display may be displayed there. Due to such a change in the display mode, an effect can be obtained in which the result of the round lottery is informed in a staged manner while making the player feel excited.

  Among these, when the lottery result based on the original probability of 1/3 is 7 rounds or the maximum 15 rounds, the correct lottery result is 7 rounds (FIG. 23) or 15 rounds (FIG. 24) in the round lottery effect. In some cases, it may be notified, and in some cases, an unreal lottery result is notified as an effect. Specifically, even though the true lottery result is 15 rounds, the round lottery effect may be notified as 7 rounds or 2 rounds. Alternatively, even though the true lottery result is 7 rounds, the round lottery effect may be notified as 2 rounds.

  In this way, the determination as to whether or not to notify the number of rounds that is not the true lottery result as an effect is made on the sub-control board 70 of the pachinko machine 1. When receiving a command indicating the real lottery result from the main control board 68, the sub control board 70 determines the number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) to be notified in the round lottery effect and the effect time, and based on this determination, the liquid crystal The display of the display 40 is controlled. The appearance ratio of the number of rounds notified at this time is, for example, as described in Table 1 below.

  From the appearance ratio shown in Table 1, the following is clear. In other words, since the original lottery probability of each round is 1/3 (about 33.3%), the round lottery effect is reported as 2 rounds (61.5%). Half of them show that the 7th or 15th round is the real lottery result. In other words, even if the round lottery effect is notified as 2 rounds, there are about half the cases where the promotion effect is promoted to 7 rounds or 15 rounds. Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the 2nd and 7th rounds that are notified in the round lottery effect in the case of a big win are the contents (temporary continuation period, number of tentative continuations) that are temporarily notified including the real result. It can be said. However, when 15 rounds are notified, there is no case where they are demoted to 7 rounds or 2 rounds, so the lottery result is fixed to 15 rounds at this time. By configuring the round lottery production method in this way, the player can always face a big hit game with a sense of expectation for the round promotion.

(8-3. Promotion effect means)
After the above round lottery effects are performed, further promotion effects are performed by the sub-control board 70 during the big hit game. In this promotion effect, for example, what was reported as 2 rounds is changed to a number of rounds exceeding that, that is, there is a possibility of promotion, and the effect information indicating the number of rounds after promotion is displayed by an image The contents are displayed.

  In the first embodiment, the promotion effect is performed twice during the jackpot game, and the first time is during the first round jackpot game, and the second time is during the sixth round jackpot game. For example, if the round lottery effect is informed that there are two rounds, the first promotion effect is an effect of whether it is 2 rounds, or it is promoted to 7 rounds or 15 rounds. Also, if you were informed of 7 rounds, or if you were promoted from 2 rounds to 7 rounds in the first promotion stage, will you stay in the second promotion stage 7 rounds or will you be promoted to 15 rounds? Is promoted. If the first round lottery effect has already been notified as 15 rounds, the promotion effect is not performed. Similarly, when the first round lottery effect has already been reported as 7 rounds, the promotion effect is not performed during the first round jackpot game.

  In any case, since the real lottery results are assigned in three ways with a probability of 1/3, if the round lottery production is instructed to produce as 2 rounds or 7 rounds, the promotion will be promoted thereafter. The ratio of the final promotion to the 7th round or the 15th round in the production (first or second time) will settle down to the promotion ratio shown in Table 2 below, for example.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 when the promotion effect is started. In this example, the character information marked “promotion chance !!” is displayed large on the screen, and the symbol (here “2”) indicating the number of rounds that were temporarily informed is displayed large. Yes. In addition, sound information indicating “promotion chance” is output from the speaker 88 and a sound effect that excites the atmosphere is output.

  When a promotion effect is implemented in the big hit game, when a game ball wins first in the big winning opening 26 after the round operation starts (first count), this is used as a trigger in the liquid crystal display 40 as shown in FIG. Will appear and the actual promotion will begin.

(8-4. Production information)
FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 respectively show examples of effect information displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 in the first (first round) promotion effect. Here, the following three display modes are listed as effect information.

  (1) A mode in which a character imitating a police officer shoots down a symbol while shooting a handgun with a comical motion against a background of symbols representing 2, 7, and 15 rounds (FIG. 26).

  (2) On the ice against the background of the curling ground, the symbols representing 2, 7, and 15 rounds are drawn in three dimensions, and the video shows how these three three-dimensional symbols are slid while rotating horizontally in a state where they are arranged in a cage. Is displayed. Then, a three-dimensional symbol rotating by a character imitating a person with a spear is guided in the run direction in the manner of curling, and the symbols to be positioned in front of the player are successively changed (FIG. 27). .

  (3) Patterns representing rounds 2, 7, and 15 are displayed in the depth direction against the background of the garden of a private house, and a character imitating a housewife is rhythmical in the manner of hitting a futon from behind. The mode which changes the design which should be located in front one after another while hitting (FIG. 28).

(A. Relationship between game progress and performance information)
In the first embodiment, in the promotion effect using the display modes (1) to (3) above, each display mode (character action or symbol content) changes according to the progress of the game. ing. That is, when a winning of a game ball is detected by the big winning port count switch 28 during the big hit game, a winning command is transmitted from the main control board 68 to the sub control board 70 based on this detection result. The sub-control board 70 controls the display of the number of counts (for example, “2C”, etc.) based on the received winning command, and controls the display modes (1) to (3) listed as effect information. I do. In the first embodiment, for example, the above-described count number display is performed in the upper right part of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 40, and the numerical display is controlled so as to change sequentially as the number of winnings increases. This is a general count number display and is not included in the “change the display mode of effect information” in the first embodiment.

  Thereby, the change of each display mode specifically becomes the following, for example.

  (1) In the display mode of FIG. 26, the symbols are shot down in order as the number of counts increases, and when the specified count number (for example, 10 counts) is reached, the symbol is represented by the last remaining symbol without being shot down. Promotion to a round is confirmed. However, if the symbol “2” is left last, it is not promoted after all.

  (2) In the display mode of FIG. 27, as the number of counts increases, the positions of the three-dimensional symbols are switched in order, and when the specified number of counts is reached, the round is finally represented by a symbol facing the front. Promotion to is confirmed. Similarly, if the symbol “2” faces the front, it will not be promoted.

  (3) In the display mode of FIG. 28, the positions of the symbols are sequentially switched as the count number increases, and when the specified count number is reached, the promotion to the round represented by the symbol positioned at the front is finally made. Is fixed. It is the same as (1) and (2) above that the symbol “2” is not promoted when the symbol “2” is positioned in front.

  In this way, in the first embodiment, it can be said that there is a device in the effect animation by the liquid crystal display 40 and the promotion effect animation itself for entertaining the player during the big hit game. Normally, the production of animation by this type of liquid crystal display is an effect that switches every time a predetermined time elapses using a production scheduler, whereas in the first embodiment, during the big hit game When the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 26 is detected by the big prize mouth count switch 28, the effect is switched. For this reason, it is not an effect of dressing up in advance, but an interesting effect linked to the progress of the game for the player.

  Also, in the promotion effect animations exemplified in the above (1) to (3), if the player wants to see each result quickly, the player appropriately sets the launch intensity (commonly referred to as “stroke”) of the game ball. Therefore, it becomes more interesting that it is necessary to make the game ball enter the big winning opening 26 as soon as possible, and the player is not bored.

(B. Notification of the result of the round)
However, there is a possibility that an adverse effect that the ending of the effect animation cannot be seen when the number of winnings per round is less than the prescribed number (10) only by this. In this regard, if there is no specified number of prizes in one round and the round is over (when the big prize opening 26 is closed for the 18th time), the sub-control board 70 adjusts the progress of the animation. The device has been devised to forcibly display the end of the promotion effect at the end of the round.

(C. Promotion reliability by display mode)
Here, in the first embodiment, the display modes (1) to (3) are listed as the images for promotion effects, but which mode appears may be promoted to a higher round ( It depends on the level of so-called reliability. Specifically, the above-described aspect (1) has a relatively low promotion reliability (or expectation), and the next aspect (2) has a relatively medium promotion reliability, and the last (3 ) Has a relatively high degree of reliability for promotion.

  It is left to the sub-control board 70 to determine in which display mode (1) to (3) the promotion effect is performed, and the sub-control board 70 has the lowest degree of reliability in promotion in the control of the promotion effect. (For example, when the real winning round is 2 rounds), the promotion effect can be controlled using the aspect of (1) above, and the reliability of promotion is moderate. When it can be determined (for example, when the real winning round is 7 rounds), the promotion effect can be controlled using the mode of (2) above. When the sub-control board 70 can be determined to have the highest degree of reliability of promotion (for example, when the real winning round is 15 rounds), the promotion effect can be controlled using the mode (3) above. it can.

  Thus, by changing the display mode for presentation according to the reliability of promotion (expectation of promotion to a higher round), it is possible to suggest the level of promotion possibility to the player. Further, the player can estimate the degree of reliability of promotion to some extent from the display mode at the time of promotion effect.

  29 and 30 show examples of images displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 as a result of the promotion effect. If two rounds are announced in the round lottery effect, and the first promotion effect is promoted to 7 rounds, the image shown in FIG. 29 is displayed, and if promoted to 15 rounds, the image shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. Is displayed. In these images, a symbol representing the number of rounds for which promotion has been established is displayed large in the center of the screen, and character information of “promotion” is displayed separately on both sides. Behind the pattern, a character imitating a police officer and a character imitating a person with a spear are lined up to show a comical expression. In accordance with the display of these images, sound information such as “promotion” is output from the speaker 88 in the voice color of each character, and a sound effect is output.

(8-5. Staging method)
When 7 rounds are notified by the above-mentioned round lottery effect or the first promotion effect, the promotion effect of whether the player is promoted to the 7th round or the 15th round during the sixth round big hit game is performed. At this time, in the first embodiment, in order to increase the interest of the production, the possibility of promotion to the 15th round from the content of the production animation by the liquid crystal display 40 in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds is implied.

(8-6. Production information with script)
There are various ways of suggestion, but in the first embodiment, a series of performance animations displayed in 3 to 5 rounds is given a story, and the performance animation proceeds along the story. ing. In other words, the comical characters that appear in the production animation change their destinations to various places (inside sewer pipes, fields (or rivers), in front of dispatch stations, on the chimney of the public bath, etc.) according to the story at that time, Entertaining players by taking various actions.

  As an example, a character imitating a thief appears in a production animation displayed in 3-5 rounds, and a character imitating a police officer is drawn while looking around while changing destinations. Also, in the production animation, the thief shows the gesture of escaping by carrying the symbol representing “15”, and the police officers are desperately searching to recover this. As a result, in the production animation, the thief's right to promote 15 rounds was stolen, so a story as if police officers were desperately searching to regain it. There are a variety of performance animation patterns displayed along the story at this time, but there is a certain relationship between the content of the story and the possibility of promotion. If it is a person, it is possible to guess a promotion possibility from the production animation displayed in 3-5 rounds.

  However, in the first embodiment, since there are 150 or more types of effect animation patterns displayed along the above-described story, it can be said that the implied method is slightly too complicated. For this reason, it is difficult for a player to feel the implied possibility of being promoted to 15 rounds from the contents of various production animations. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is implied that the possibility of promotion increases as the character moves to a relatively high place in the production animation, and the possibility of promotion decreases as the character moves to a relatively low place. Techniques are further adopted.

  31 to 34 show examples of images displayed by the liquid crystal display 40 in the promotion effect of the sixth round. Here, the following four examples are given as display modes of the staging effect information.

  (1) A character imitating a police officer at the end of the fifth round enters the manhole underground, and the same character chases a thief while running inside the sewer pipe in the sixth round (FIG. 31). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion run together in the sewer pipe together with the character are drawn.

  (2) When a character imitating a police officer runs up the bank at the end of the fifth round, a character imitating an infant appears in the sixth round, and this character runs on a tricycle and runs in the field (Kawara) (FIG. 32). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion run along the field together with the character are drawn.

  (3) A mode in which a character imitating a police officer fades out with the screen at the end of the fifth round, and the same character moves in front of the dispatching station in the sixth round (FIG. 33). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion drop from the head of the character and crush the character are drawn.

  (4) When a character imitating a police officer moves toward the public bath chimney at the end of the fifth round, a character imitating a person with a spear in the sixth round appears, and this character is at the top of the chimney. The mode which is paying off (FIG. 34). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion appear and exit from the chimney are drawn.

  The aspect of (1) above implies that the destination of the character is relatively low, and thus the possibility of promotion is relatively low. On the contrary, the mode (4) implies that the destination of the character is relatively high, and in this case, the possibility of promotion is relatively high. In this way, by associating the big direction and the possibility of promotion in the story development of the production animation, it is possible to easily suggest the possibility of promotion to the player even if the production of the complex pattern is used it can. In other words, by such a device, it is possible to satisfy the conflicting demands of preventing the player from getting bored with a complicated performance and making it easier for the player to guess the possibility of promotion at a high level.

  Furthermore, the player may become bored of the game by simply determining the possibility of promotion based only on the destination and moving direction of the character. For this reason, even if it is a display mode that moves to a sewer pipe that has a low possibility of promotion, multiple patterns (commonly called “iron plate patterns”) that can be surely promoted depending on the destination or action after that are provided. Devised to draw out the player's inquisitive mind.

  FIG. 35 shows an example of a display mode corresponding to the “iron plate pattern”. In this display mode, the character imitating an infant is drawn happily wearing a tricycle against the background of the garden of a private house, and a pattern representing 15 rounds after promotion is displayed along with the character. be painted.

  FIG. 36 shows an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 when the promotion to the 15th round is confirmed by the promotion effect of the 6th round. Here again, as in the promotion effect for the first round (FIG. 30), the symbol representing the 15th round after promotion is displayed in the center of the screen, and the character information of “promotion” is displayed on both sides. The The same applies to the point that audio information, sound effects, and the like are output from the speaker 88.

  The above is the contents of the promotion effect using a series of effect animations. However, there is naturally a case where an effect that is not promoted (seven rounds) is performed as a result. In this case, a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed at the end of the promotion effect is displayed large on the screen, so that the player is informed easily that there has been no promotion.

  However, in the first embodiment, even if it is noticed that there was no promotion once, there is also an effect in which this result is overturned and the result of promotion to 15 rounds is notified again. This further enhances the appeal to players. In this case, an effect screen that is not promoted once is displayed, but after that, for example, a character imitating a police officer appears, and an effect of generating a strange voice (“Still More!” Etc.) with a motivated expression is performed. Then, the result of the promotion to 15 rounds will be notified again, so from the player's point of view, it seems as if the player who gave up the promotion once was revived and gained the promotion. As a result, there will be more direct entertainment.

(9. Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment that is distinguished from the first embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 used in the first embodiment can be applied as it is, but here the maximum number of rounds, the round lottery effect, and the effect display mode during the round operation are different. The differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment are listed below.

  (1) In the first embodiment, the maximum number of rounds assigned by the main control board 68 is 15 rounds, but in the second embodiment, up to 16 rounds can be continued. However, this is merely a difference in game specifications and does not cause an essential difference in the invention.

  (2) In the first embodiment, when a big hit is made in the normal gaming state (when winning V), as shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, the number of rounds scheduled to be continued by round lottery ( 2 or 7, or 15) was reported, but in the second embodiment, the maximum number of rounds (the maximum number of rounds that can be continued in the gaming specifications) is always reported when a big hit is made, and it is scheduled to continue with it. The number of rounds is notified.

  The "maximum number of rounds" here is set in the game specifications, but there are multiple settings for the "maximum number of rounds", and the "maximum number of rounds" is determined by lottery at that time. The specification may be distributed. For example, by assigning the “maximum number of rounds” to 16 rounds in a big hit at one time, or to 10 rounds in another big hit, the value of the privilege given to the player for each big hit can be made different. it can. In addition, since the assist round number is determined by lottery within the range of the allocated “maximum round number” or less, for example, when the “maximum round number” is allocated to 16 rounds, the assist round number in that case is 16 Within the following range, it is distributed to 2, 7, 16 rounds, etc. Alternatively, when the “maximum number of rounds” is allocated to 10 rounds, the number of assist rounds in that case is allocated to, for example, 2, 7, 10 rounds within a range of 10 or less.

  In the first embodiment described above, since the player is not informed of the maximum number of rounds as a game specification, how far can the round operation be continued in one big hit game? The player may not be aware of this.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, notification patterns 1 and 2 are provided that allow the player to always play the game after clearly recognizing the maximum number of rounds in the game specification. The aspect of the round notification in the second embodiment will be described below with a specific example.

(9-1. Notification pattern 1)
37 to 39 show examples of images used in the notification pattern 1 for the number of rounds. In the notification pattern 1, for example, character information “maximum continuation count” is displayed at the top of the screen, and subsequently, a symbol representing the maximum number of rounds “16” is displayed at the upper right position of the screen. Thus, the player can recognize that there is a possibility that the big hit game can be continued up to 16 rounds by one big hit game due to the gaming specifications of the pachinko machine 1.

  In addition, in the notification pattern 1, a symbol (for example, a design of the numbers “2”, “7”, “16” designed to represent the number of times of continuation) distributed in the round lottery is displayed in the center of the screen. The player can know the number of winning rounds (scheduled number of continuations) given to him from this symbol. Also, since the character information “Assist Round” is superimposed below each symbol “2”, “7”, “16”, the player can play the center up to the number of rounds represented by each symbol. It is possible to recognize that V winning is assisted in the accessory 6 (ball sorting member, ball stopping member, etc.), and that it is scheduled to continue.

  37 to 39, separate characters are displayed at the right positions of the symbols “2”, “7”, and “16” representing the number of assist rounds, and each character is classified according to the number of assist rounds. It is assigned in association.

  For example, in FIG. 37, a comical character imitating a small boy is displayed, and this character is drawn in an unfortunate expression for viewing. It can be said that such a character's facial expression expresses that it was an unfortunate lottery result, because the number of assist rounds was relatively small, only two, so the player received less profit.

  Also, in FIG. 38, a character imitating a kid with a pink suit and a bow tie is displayed, and this character is drawn with a smiling expression at first glance. In this case, the number of assist rounds is 7 and the fact that the result is a lottery that can receive a relatively moderate profit is expressed in a stunning manner.

  In FIG. 39, a character imitating a male student is displayed, and this character is drawn in a facial expression that makes a smile in a comical pose. In this case, since the number of assist rounds is 16 and the continuation is planned up to the maximum number of rounds, it is expressed stellarly that the lottery result is the highest profit.

  According to the notification pattern 1 described above, the player can correctly recognize the number of assist rounds together with the maximum number of rounds in the case of a big hit. For this reason, if the number of assist rounds is less than the maximum number of rounds (2 rounds or 7 rounds), the player can raise awareness towards continuing the round by technical intervention after the number of assist rounds has passed, If the same number of assist rounds as the maximum number of rounds is displayed, the player can feel great satisfaction in receiving the maximum profit from the round drawing.

(9-2. Notification pattern 2)
Next, FIGS. 40 to 43 show examples of images used in the notification pattern 2. In the notification pattern 2, when a big hit is made during a normal game, an effect image (see, for example, FIG. 20) is displayed and then the image shown in FIG. 40 is displayed, and thereafter, the images shown in FIGS. The displayed image is displayed.

  First, in FIG. 40, for example, character information “maximum number of continuations” is displayed at the top of the screen, and a symbol representing the maximum number of rounds “16” is displayed largely at the center of the screen below. Thereby, the player can first recognize that there is a possibility that the big hit game can be continued up to 16 rounds by one big hit game due to the gaming specifications of the pachinko machine 1. In FIG. 40, character information “Challenge Game !!” is displayed near the symbol representing the maximum number of rounds “16”, and character information “How long will it continue?” Is displayed below the symbol. It is displayed. For this reason, even if the player first recognizes the maximum number of rounds by contacting these character information, the player can additionally recognize that the continuation to the maximum number of rounds is not necessarily promised. .

  In addition, in the notification pattern 2, the images shown in FIGS. 41 to 43 are displayed after the image shown in FIG. 40. These images are scrolled in order except for the background image, and finally any one of them is displayed. One of the images may be stopped and displayed, or the image may be switched to any one of the images shown in FIGS. In these FIG. 41 to FIG. 43, symbols representing the number of assist rounds (designed by the numbers “2”, “7”, and “16”) are displayed large in the center of the screen, and the right position of each symbol is displayed. Are displayed corresponding types of characters (same type as the notification pattern 1). Note that the meaning of the facial expression of each character is the same as the notification pattern 1.

  In any case, when the image shown in FIGS. 41 to 43 is displayed after the image shown in FIG. 40, the player knows the winning round number (assist round number) given to him. be able to. Also, if the images shown in FIGS. 41 to 43 are scrolled as described above, the player can watch the images carefully in the hope that a better assist round will be given during that time. it can.

  According to the notification pattern 2, in the case of a big win, the player can clearly recognize the maximum number of rounds in the game specification first, and subsequently the number of assist rounds that he has obtained in the round lottery. Can be recognized correctly. Similarly in this case, if the number of assist rounds is less than the maximum number of rounds (2 rounds or 7 rounds), the awareness can be raised toward continuing the round by technical intervention after the number of assist rounds has passed, When the number of assist rounds equal to the maximum number of rounds is obtained, the player can feel a great satisfaction with the lottery result.

Further, the second embodiment has the following advantages in common with the notification patterns 1 and 2.
(1) With regard to the specifications of the pachinko machine 1 (the jackpot has the maximum number of rounds and assist rounds, etc.), the player can easily determine the maximum number of rounds based on the specifications and information magazines published by the manufacturer. Although it is possible to know, even if the player has not accessed such advance information, the number of assist rounds is notified together with the maximum number of rounds at the time of big hit, so the specifications of the pachinko machine 1 are correct. There is an advantage that it can be recognized. For this reason, even a player who did not know the specifications of the pachinko machine 1 in advance needs to know the necessary information without guessing the maximum number of rounds that can be continued empirically or asking the hall clerk. You can continue the big hit game smoothly.

  (2) In addition, since the maximum number of rounds is always notified at the time of big hit, even if a beginner who is unfamiliar with the game, the big hit game is compulsory (or automatically) when the assist round number given in the lottery is digested ) Will not have the wrong perception that it will end.

(9-3. Other patterns)
(1) In the second embodiment, the same “promotion effect” as in the first embodiment can be performed. For example, in the notification pattern 1, even if the assist round number is notified by the image shown in FIG. 37 or 38 at first, “2” or “7”, when the actual round operation is performed, 1 A mode in which the same promotion effect as in the case of the first embodiment is performed in the round or the sixth round may be used. Similarly, in the notification pattern 2, even if the assist round number is reported to be “2” or “7” by the image shown in FIG. 41 or FIG. 42 following the image shown in FIG. When the round operation is performed, a promotion effect similar to the case of the first embodiment may be performed in the first round or the sixth round.

  (2) Here, each character (shown in FIGS. 37, 38, and 39) is associated with the assist round numbers “2”, “7”, and “16”, respectively. By utilizing such characteristics, for example, by displaying any character in the image during an actual jackpot game (round action), the number of assist rounds given in this jackpot is always given to the player. It becomes possible to appeal.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 31 used in the first embodiment, character information (such as “6R”) indicating how many times the current round operation is during the big hit game, The winning count number (“6C” or the like) is displayed, but the number of assist rounds originally is not displayed as information. On the other hand, if the information on the assist round number is displayed on the screen during the big hit game and numerically displayed, there is a problem that the information given to the player is difficult to read at a glance.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, by adding a character corresponding to each assist round number to the image during the big hit game, the player can set the number of original assist rounds in addition to the current round number and the winning count number. It can be easily recognized again. Specifically, when the character shown in FIG. 37 appears on the screen during the jackpot game, the player always recognizes again that the number of assist rounds given in the jackpot game is “2”. Can do. Similarly, when the character shown in FIG. 38 appears, the number of assist rounds is “7”, and when the character shown in FIG. 39 appears, the number of assist rounds is “16”. Can recognize again.

  As a result, players will not have any doubts about how many rounds they will be assisted in the middle of the big hit game, and they will be able to tackle the big hit game with a feeling of comfort until they have exhausted all the assist rounds. Yes, there is an advantage that when you approach the end of the assist round, you will be aware that the continuation of the round (challenge game) through technical intervention will begin, and you can change your feelings and tackle the game.

  Each character may be always displayed during the big hit game, or may be displayed at a specific timing or at an arbitrary timing. In any case, it is sufficient that the player can re-recognize the number of assist rounds by displaying the character.

  (3) On the other hand, if the original number of assist rounds is displayed in addition to the current number of rounds during a big hit game, the number of rounds that the player has continued on his own after the assist round is over is easy. There is an advantage that you can know.

  That is, in the pachinko machine 1, during the assist round, the center continuation 6 is in a state where the center continuation (V winning) is assisted, but when the assist round is over, the state shifts to a state called “challenge game”. It is necessary to continue the round by technical intervention. At this time, if the player keeps repeating the round several times on his own, either the player in the game has a characteristic that is easy to win a V, or the player's technique is excellent. Is likely.

  In this case, if the above-mentioned character is used to display the assist round number, the original assist round number display is compared with the current round number display, and the number of rounds that the player has continued by himself is easy. There is an advantage that it is easy to understand that even if it is viewed objectively, the table in the game has the characteristic of easily winning V.

(9-4. Additional means)
According to said 2nd Embodiment, the following gaming machines are newly provided.

(Means 1) In a gaming machine that grants a privilege to a player when a specific condition is satisfied as the game progresses, and advances the game while operating a predetermined winning device in a predetermined operation pattern during the grant ,
Profit level setting means for setting the maximum level of profit that a player can receive by granting the privilege;
When the specific condition is satisfied and the privilege is given to the player, a determining unit that determines the degree of profit that the player should receive within the range of the maximum profit or less,
When the privilege is given, the player is notified of the maximum profit level set by the profit level setting means, and the player is notified of the profit level determined by the determining means. A gaming machine provided with a degree notification means.

  According to this means 1, for example, the maximum number of rounds that can be continued is set by the profit level setting means, but the number of rounds that can receive the benefit of assist during the big hit is drawn within the range of the maximum number of rounds or less. . When the specific condition is met and the jackpot is reached, the number of assist rounds is notified together with the maximum number of rounds by the degree notification means, so that the above-described notification patterns 1 and 2 have a common advantage.

(Means 2) In the above means 1,
The degree notifying means notifies the determined degree of profit after notifying the degree of maximum profit first. According to this means 2, the advantage by the alerting | reporting pattern 2 arises especially.

(Means 3) In the above means 1 and 2,
Degree information display means for displaying information on the degree of profit determined by the determination means while the winning device is operating in a predetermined operation pattern after the notification by the degree notification means; It has more.

  The degree information display means of the means 3 can display information during the round action using, for example, a character corresponding to the number of assist rounds. This makes it easy to know the number of rounds that the player has continued on his own beyond the number of assist rounds, and it is easy to understand that the table in the game has good characteristics that make it easy to win a V. This produces the advantage.

(10. Reference to other embodiments)
The above is description about 1st, 2nd embodiment, However, Embodiment of this invention is not restrict | limited to this. In the following, other embodiments will be described with some examples.

  (1) In each embodiment, there are three types of round distribution by lottery at the time of big hit, but the specification of the round lottery is not particularly limited. Therefore, the true round lottery result (scheduled duration, scheduled number of times) may be a number other than 15 (or 16) rounds, or the lottery result (temporary duration, number of times of temporary continuation) that is tentatively notified at the time of the transition to jackpot May be a number other than 2 or 7 rounds.

  (2) Various images (production information, production information with a scenario) listed in the first embodiment are merely preferred examples, and specific images may be selected according to the type of game machine and game content implemented as the present invention. The contents can be changed as appropriate.

  (3) In the first embodiment, the action of a specific character is given as an example of the display mode of the effect animation. However, if the content can imply the possibility of promotion, any character is pushed to the front. It is not necessary to adopt the production contents. In the first embodiment, it is implied that the reliability of promotion is high when the character moves relatively high in the effect animation, but the character is in a specific direction (direction on the screen, background The direction which suggests the possibility of a promotion by moving to the direction etc. with respect to is sufficient.

  (4) The story expressed by the effect animation may be other than the content described in the first embodiment.

  (5) In the first and second embodiments, a so-called “feather” pachinko machine is cited as an example, but the gaming machine of the present invention is a pachinko machine that performs a special symbol change and stop display by a symbol display. There may be.

  In this case, for example, whether it is a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit is determined by a lottery triggered by a winning at the start opening (decision means), but in the transition from the normal gaming state to the special gaming state By displaying a big hit with a normal symbol (non-probable variable symbol) on the symbol display, it is possible to first notify that a low degree of privilege is given (notifying means). Then, during execution of the big hit round, it is possible to notify the possibility of the change to the probability variation symbol (rising up), and to display the process leading to the result of whether or not the change is made as promotion information (promotional presentation means) ). At this time, if the symbol display unit displays the process of changing to a probable variation symbol with a stunning animation in response to an increase in the number of winning prizes at the big prize opening, for example, the player is actively involved in the production. It becomes possible.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of a center character. It is a perspective view in case a game ball passes through a low-probability route in the center character. It is the top view which showed a mode that the game ball was guided to the ball | bowl stationary member and went to the distribution member in the vicinity of the terminal of a low probability path | route. It is the top view which showed a mode that a game ball fell to a general winning opening, without being guided by the ball | bowl stop member in the terminal vicinity vicinity of a low probability path | route. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the action | operation of a ball path | route change member. It is a perspective view in case a game ball passes through a high probability path within the center bonus. It is the top view which showed the destination (4 ways) of the game ball which fell on the stage through the high probability path | route. It is a figure showing the movement of the game ball which entered the general winning opening guide part of a ball distribution member. It is the perspective view which showed the relationship between a ball distribution member and a specific area switch. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the appearance operation | movement of a notice effect character. It is the figure which showed roughly the control structure of the pachinko machine. It is a timing chart at the time of power-on. It is a timing chart in the case where a game ball wins a single start opening. It is a timing chart when a game ball wins at the starting port twice. It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (1st round). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (scheduled continuation round). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (the last round by lottery). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (final (15) round). It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when it is a big win by V winning. It is the figure which showed an example of the image by which a symbol is scroll-displayed at the time of a round lottery effect. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying 2 rounds temporarily as a result of a round lottery. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying 7 rounds as a result of a round lottery. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying 15 rounds as a result of a round lottery. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed in the start of a promotion effect. It is the figure which showed the example (shooting) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 2nd round. It is the figure which showed the example (curling) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 2nd round. It is the figure which showed the example (duvet beating) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 2nd round. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying the promotion to 7 rounds. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when informing of promotion to 15 rounds. It is the figure which showed the example (inside a sewer pipe) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (field) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (before dispatch) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (on a chimney) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (garden tip of a private house) displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example of the image displayed when the promotion to 15th round was decided by the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is an example of an image for notifying that the number of assist rounds is 2 together with the maximum number of continuations at the time of big hit. It is an example of an image for notifying that the number of assist rounds is 7 together with the maximum number of continuations at the time of big hit. It is an example of an image for notifying that the number of assist rounds is 16 together with the maximum number of continuations at the time of big hit. It is an image example for alert | reporting the maximum continuation frequency at the time of big hit. It is an image example for alert | reporting that the number of assist rounds is 2 at the time of big hit. It is an example of an image for notifying that the number of assist rounds is 7 at the time of a big hit. It is an example of an image for notifying that the number of assist rounds is 16 at the time of a big hit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 6 Center object 26 Large prize opening 28 Large prize opening count switch 40 Liquid crystal display 52 Specific area switch 68 Main control board 70 Sub control board 88 Speaker

Claims (1)

A variable winning device that is arranged in the game area and can be awarded when the movable piece is activated,
A display device that is provided in the variable winning device and performs an effect by image display in accordance with winning;
An amusement machine comprising: an effect operating body that is arranged on a side of the display device and performs an effect operation in accordance with a change in display content.

Images