JP2006051288A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a player builds up a frustration since a game is made to be monotonous when a big hit is never obtained though the player continues to play the game for a long period. <P>SOLUTION: When a game ball falls onto a start port 62, a special game shift lot means 116 performs a special game shift lot to determine whether a game state is shifted into a special game which is advantageous to the player. An effective period setting means 122 sets an effective period as a period for counting the game balls to fall onto the start port 62 in order to change probability that the special game shift lot is won. A win-or-lose probability setting means 120 changes the probability to allow the special game shift lot to be won in response to the number of the game balls which fall onto the start port 62 during the effective period. An effective period setting lot means 124 performs an effective period setting lot to determine the propriety of the setting of the effective period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more particularly to a process for determining whether or not to shift a game state to a special game advantageous to a player.

  Various types of pachinko machines are popular as bullet ball machines. Some conventional pachinko gaming machines obtain a random number as a result when a game ball falls into a starting port formed on the game board. The acquired random numbers are temporarily stored, for example, up to four as reserved balls. The reserved balls are sequentially read one by one, and a symbol called a special symbol is variably displayed. At this time, a symbol called a decorative symbol may be variably displayed mainly for the purpose of production in conjunction with the variation display of the special symbol. Based on the read random number, the special symbol stop display mode is determined.

When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner after the fluctuation display for a predetermined time, the gaming state shifts to a special game as a so-called “big hit”. A special game is composed of a plurality of unit games. The big prize opening formed on the game board is opened at the start of the unit game. The unit game ends when a predetermined period, for example, 30 seconds elapses from the start of the unit game, or when nine or more game balls are won in the big prize opening during the unit game. At this time, the grand prize opening is also temporarily closed. During a unit game, if a game ball passes through a specific area called a V zone provided in the special winning opening, the unit game is continued to the next unit game. At this time, the grand prize opening is opened again. The unit game can be continued up to a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times. When the game balls fall into the big prize opening, more game balls than usual are paid out as prize balls.
A general player plays a game mainly for the purpose of opening a special winning opening in order to obtain many prize balls, that is, shifting a gaming state to a special game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-230714 A

  By the way, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to about 1/300, for example. Therefore, it is easy for the player to feel that even if the game ball is successfully dropped into the starting port, it is rarely a big hit. In particular, the player's frustration accumulates unless the game is a big hit while continuing the game for a long time. If the jackpot does not occur, the game is monotonous, and as a result, such a gaming machine is avoided from the player.

  Further, as described above, the number of reserved balls is limited to a maximum of four, for example. When the number of reserved balls has already reached the upper limit, the number of reserved balls will not increase any more even if a game ball wins the starting opening. Eventually, such a winning is treated as invalid and the player tends to stop hitting. As a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered, and the beneficiary opportunity of the amusement store is impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and its main purpose is to determine whether or not to shift to a special game based on the number of game balls dropped into the entrance such as the start entrance. Is to provide the technology.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a ball game machine includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a start opening provided in the game area, into which a game ball can be dropped, and a game ball dropped into the start opening. Special game transition lottery execution means for executing a special game transition lottery for determining whether or not to shift the gaming state to a special game advantageous to the user, and start to change the probability that the special game transition lottery will win Effective period setting means for setting an effective period as a period for counting game balls falling into the mouth, and the probability that a special game transition lottery will be won according to the number of game balls dropped into the start opening in the effective period A correct / invalid probability changing means for changing.

  According to this aspect, the predetermined period during the game is set as the effective period. The valid period setting timing may be set at random during the game. The valid period may be set when a predetermined game condition such as the end of the special game is established. The effective period may be a predetermined value for the length of the effective period, or may be determined until a predetermined game condition is satisfied. When the player drops a game ball into the starting port within this effective period, the number of dropped balls is counted. The success / failure probability changing means changes the success / failure probability of the special game transfer lottery based on the number of falling balls. For example, it may be controlled so that the probability of winning the special game transfer lottery increases as the number of dropped balls increases. Note that the probability of special game transfer lottery may be changed based on the number of game balls dropped into a predetermined entrance such as an operation opening or a general winning opening instead of the start opening.

  According to this aspect, the player can advantageously set the special game transition lottery by dropping the game ball into the starting port during the effective period. Therefore, the difference in beneficiary between the player who has dropped a lot of game balls at the start port during the effective period and the player who is not so can be widened. As a result, the technical intervention to the game is enhanced, and the excitement that the gaming machine originally has to compete for skills is further deepened. Further, even if the holding ball reaches the upper limit, the player is likely to be motivated to drop the gaming ball at the starting port during the effective period. Therefore, according to this aspect, there is an effect also in continuing the player's willingness to hit the ball. This is effective in promoting the progress of the game and expanding the beneficiary opportunities of the game store.

  This gaming machine may further include an effective period setting lottery executing unit for executing an effective period setting lottery for determining whether or not an effective period can be set. The effective period setting means may set the effective period on condition that a determination to permit setting of the effective period is made by an effective period setting lottery.

  It is possible to deepen the interest of the gaming machine by arousing the player's interest about whether or not the validity period can be set and increasing the uncertainty of the game.

  Another aspect of the present invention is also a ball game machine. The gaming machine includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can drop, and random number generating means for generating a random number when the game ball drops into the start opening, A random number storage means for storing random numbers; a special for executing a special game transfer lottery for taking out the stored random numbers and determining whether or not to shift the game state to a special game advantageous to the player based on the random numbers Game transition lottery execution means, and a probability determination unit for changing the probability that the special game transition lottery is won according to the number of random numbers stored in the random number storage means when the special game transition lottery is executed. .

  According to this aspect, the success / failure probability of the special game transition lottery changes according to the number of reserved balls. Therefore, the difference in beneficiary between a player who has dropped a lot of game balls at the start port and a player who is not so is expanded. As a result, the technical intervention to the game can be improved, and the game nature inherent to the gaming machine that competes for the skill can be further improved. It is also effective in stimulating the player's willingness to hit the ball.

  The success / failure probability changing means may change the probability of winning the special game transfer lottery to a higher probability as the number of stored random numbers is larger.

  According to this aspect, the player is likely to be willing to store the reserved ball in order to lead the game advantageously. Therefore, it is effective in arousing the player's willingness to hit the ball.

  This gaming machine may further include an invalidating means for invalidating the function of the success / failure probability changing means.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect mainly in enhancing the player's expectation for the transition of the gaming state to the special game and promoting the progress of the game.

FIG. 1 shows a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board surface. The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12, a transparent plate 13, a door 14, an upper ball dish 15, a lower ball dish 16, a launch handle 17 and a speaker 18.

  The outer frame 11 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 12 is a frame body that aligns with the opening portion of the outer frame 11, and is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The front frame 12 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. The transparent plate 13 is a plate made of glass or the like and capable of seeing through the game area 52 of the game board 50. The door 14 supports the transparent plate 13. The door 14 is attached to the front frame 12 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not shown).

  The upper ball tray 15 has a mechanism for storing game balls, sending out the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 16. The lower ball tray 16 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. A speaker 18 is provided between the upper ball tray 15 and the lower ball tray 16 to reproduce sound effects according to the gaming state.

  The game board 50 has an out port 58, a symbol display device 60, a start winning port (hereinafter referred to as “start port”) 62, a center decoration 64, a large size on a game area 52 defined by the outer rail 54 and the inner rail 56. It includes a winning opening 66 and a general winning opening 72. Furthermore, in the game area 52, a plurality of mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill (not shown) are installed.

  The start port 62 includes a winning detection device 74 for detecting the entrance of a game ball and a normal electric accessory solenoid 76 for expanding the start port. The start port 62 is provided at a predetermined position in the game area 52. The starting port 62 is usually formed of an electric accessory, and its inlet can be expanded. When the ordinary electric accessory is in the expanded state, the game ball easily falls into the start port 62. Hereinafter, with respect to the start port 62, a state in which the ordinary electric accessory is expanded and the game ball easily falls into the start port 62 is referred to as an “open state”.

  The special winning opening 66 includes a winning detection device 78 for detecting the entry of a game ball and a special winning opening solenoid 80 for expanding the special winning opening 66. The big winning opening 66 is provided above the out opening 58 and the like. The inside of the special winning opening 66 is divided into a specific area (so-called V zone) and a general area. The winning detection device 78 of the big winning opening 66 includes a sensor that detects passage of a game ball through a specific area and a sensor that detects passage of a general area.

  When the player turns the launch handle 17 by hand, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 15 are guided one by one to the inner rail 56 and the outer rail 54 with a strength corresponding to the turning angle, thereby playing the game area. To 52. When the player fixes the rotation position of the firing handle 17 by hand, the game ball is repeatedly fired at regular time intervals. The game ball launched to the upper part of the game area 52 falls in a direction according to the way of hitting while hitting a plurality of game nails and windmills. When a game ball is dropped into each of the general winning opening 72, the start opening 62, and the big winning opening 66, a winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning opening is paid out to the upper ball tray 15 and the lower ball tray 16. A game ball dropped into each winning hole such as the general winning hole 72 is processed as a safe ball, and a game ball dropped into the out hole 58 is processed as an out ball. Note that each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes, and “incoming” in this specification includes “passing”.

The symbol display device 60 provided substantially at the center of the game board 50 displays the special symbol 202 and the decorative symbol 200 linked to the special symbol 202 on the screen while fluctuating (hereinafter, such display is referred to as “symbol variation” or "Variable display" etc.). Here, the special symbol 202 is a symbol according to the result of a lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special game transition lottery”) that is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the start port 62, and does it generate a big hit? Has the role of indicating whether or not. When a game ball enters the start port 62, a random number (hereinafter referred to as "special figure random number") is acquired as a result. Special figure random numbers are temporarily stored, for example, up to four as reserved balls. The reserved ball is read as appropriate, and the special symbol 202 is variably displayed. When the change display of the special symbol 202 ends, the result of the special game transfer lottery is stopped and displayed. Thereafter, the next reserved ball is read out, and a new variation display is started.
The decorative symbol 200 is a symbol for visually producing the result of the special game transfer lottery. The symbol display device 60 displays a plurality of rows of symbol variation moving images simulating a slot machine game as a decorative symbol 200 in the center area of the screen. The symbol display device 60 is configured by a liquid crystal display in this embodiment, but may be another display device such as a mechanical drum or LED.

  The change display of the special symbol 202 and the decorative symbol 200 is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the special symbol 202 at the time of the stop is a symbol indicating a big hit, the opening / closing operation of the big winning opening 66 is started, and the game shifts to a special game. At this time, the decorative symbol 200 simulating a game of a slot machine takes a display mode in which three symbols are matched.

  The big winning opening 66 is temporarily closed after being opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls are dropped. If at least one game ball falls into a specific area in the big prize opening 66 while the big prize opening 66 is open, the big prize opening 66 is opened again. In this way, the opening / closing of the big prize opening 66 is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times, on condition that at least one game ball falls into the specific area while the big prize opening 66 is opened once.

  A center ornament 64 is provided around the symbol display device 60. The center decoration 64 has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the symbol display device 60, and decoration. In addition, a game effect lamp 90 is provided in the game area 52 and plays a role of production by blinking or the like.

  When a game ball passes through the operation port 68, a symbol called a normal symbol 204 is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. The normal symbol 204 is variably displayed at the lower right corner of the symbol display device 60. When the fluctuation display of the normal symbol 204 is stopped after the lapse of a predetermined time, the start port 62 is normally expanded for a predetermined time with a probability of about 50% to 80%. Therefore, it becomes easy for the game ball to drop into the start port 62 temporarily.

FIG. 2 shows a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine.
The power switch 40 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main board 41 controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and processes all game operations such as a special game transfer lottery especially when winning at the start port 62. The sub board 49 includes a liquid crystal unit 42, controls display contents on the symbol display device 60, and changes display contents according to a lottery result by the main board 41 in particular. The main board 41 and the sub board 49 constitute a game control device 100.
The set base 39 includes a prize ball tank 44, a flow path for prize balls, a payout unit 43 for delivering prize balls. The payout unit 43 pays out the game balls supplied from the winning ball tank 44 to the upper ball tray 15 in accordance with winning in each winning opening. The payout control board 45 controls the payout operation by the payout unit 43. The launching device 46 launches the stored balls in the upper ball tray 15 to the game area 52 one by one. The launch control board 47 controls the launch operation of the launch device 46. The power supply unit 48 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

FIG. 3 is a basic functional block diagram focusing on a configuration for controlling a game in the pachinko gaming machine 10.
In the figure, the role of each functional block of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described, and the interaction of these functional blocks will be described in the flowcharts shown in the following FIG. The prize winning opening 66, the start opening 62, the symbol display device 60, the speaker 18, the game effect lamp 90, and the game control device 100 are electrically connected. The game control device 100 can be realized by hardware such as a ROM for storing data and programs, a CPU and a RAM used for arithmetic processing and control processing, and in terms of software, an image processing function, a control function, and random number generation. This function is realized by a program such as a function, but in this drawing, functional blocks realized by their cooperation are depicted. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

The game control device 100 includes a ball determination unit 104, a big prize opening / closing control unit 106, a display control unit 108, a winning / failing determination unit 110, a validity period setting unit 122, a symbol determination unit 130, a special game control unit 132, and an invalidation unit. 134.
The winning determination means 104 obtains information indicating that the game ball has dropped from the winning detection device 78 of the big winning opening 66 or the winning detection device 74 of the start opening 62, and further determines the presence or absence of winning based on the information. To do. The special winning opening / closing control means 106 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 66 in a special game by exciting the special winning opening solenoid 80. The display control means 108 controls the display of symbols such as the special symbol 202 and the decorative symbol 200, and electric decorations. The success / failure determination unit 110 executes a determination process for the determination of lottery. The validity period setting means 122 executes processing related to the setting of the validity period that becomes an opportunity to change the probability of success or failure of the special game transfer lottery. The symbol determination means 130 determines a symbol variation stop symbol and a display pattern. The special game control means 132 determines whether or not to shift from the normal game to the special game and controls the execution of the special game. The invalidation means 134 invalidates the function indicated by each block of the game control device 100. The function blocks that are disabled by the disabling means 134 are restricted from exhibiting their functions unless the setting is canceled.

The success / failure determination means 110 includes special figure random number acquisition means 112, special figure random number holding means 114, special game transfer lottery means 116, and success / failure probability setting means 120.
When the game ball falls into the start opening 62, the winning detection device 74 detects it and generates start winning information indicating the drop. When receiving the start winning information, the winning determination means 104 determines that the game ball has won the start opening 62. The entry determination means 104 also determines whether or not a game ball is dropped into various entrances such as the general winning entrance 72.

  The special figure random number obtaining means 112 checks whether or not the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit. The upper limit of the number of reserved balls is preset to four. When the number of reserved balls does not reach the upper limit of four, the special figure random number obtaining unit 112 obtains the special figure random number for the start prize at the timing when the pitch determination unit 104 receives the start prize information. At this time, the special figure random number holding means 114 adds 1 as the number of reserved balls, and temporarily stores the special figure random number as the reserved balls. The special figure random number obtaining means 112 may mathematically generate and obtain a special figure random number, or may obtain a count value generated by a counter (not shown) as a special figure random number.

  The special game transfer lottery means 116 appropriately reads the special figure random number temporarily stored by the special figure random number holding means 114, and executes the special game transfer lottery based on the special figure random number. When the special game transfer lottery becomes a big hit, the special game control means 132 shifts the game state to the special game after the symbol change. The special figure random number obtaining unit 112 generates a special figure random number in the range of “1 to 300”, for example. At this time, for example, if the special figure random number is “1”, the special game transfer lottery means 116 determines that the first special game transfer lottery is a big hit, and otherwise determines that it is out.

  The success / failure probability setting means 120 sets a probability that the special game transition lottery will be a big hit. For example, the success / failure probability setting means 120 may be set so that it is determined that the jackpot is not only when the special figure random number is “1” but also within the range of “1 to 4”. The success / failure probability setting means 120 changes the range of the special figure random number that should be a big hit based on the number of reserved balls temporarily stored by the special figure random number holding means 114. In addition, the success / failure probability setting means 120 changes the range of the special figure random number to be a big hit based on the number of game balls dropped into the start port 62 during the effective period set by the effective period setting means 122.

The valid period setting unit 122 further includes a valid period setting lottery unit 124.
The validity period setting lottery means 124 executes a validity period setting availability lottery to determine whether or not the validity period can be set. On the condition that this valid period setting availability lottery is won, the valid period setting means 122 sets a predetermined period, for example, a valid period of 30 seconds. When the player drops the game ball into the start port 62 within this effective period, the effective period setting means 122 counts the number of the dropped balls.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic process in the pachinko gaming machine 10.
Based on whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 62, a start winning determination process is mainly executed by the determination unit 110 (S10). When the game ball is in the start opening 62, the symbol change start determination process is executed by the symbol determining means 130 or the like (S12). Next, the effective period setting unit 122 executes effective period processing relating to the setting of the effective period and the counting of the number of game balls that have entered the start port 62 within the effective period (S14). Finally, special game transition determination processing is executed mainly by the special game control means 132 (S16). A series of these flows is a loop process, and is repeatedly executed during the game.
The specific contents of each process from S10 to S16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail the start winning determination process in S10 of FIG.
The winning determination means 104 determines whether or not start winning information has been acquired from the winning detection device 74 of the starting port 62 (S20). If the winning determination means 104 has not acquired the starting winning information (N in S20), the starting winning determination process in S10 ends. If it has been acquired (Y in S20), the payout unit 43 pays out a winning ball corresponding to the winning (S22). For example, the number of prize balls is set to 4.

  Next, it is determined whether the reserved ball stored in the special figure random number storage means 114 is within the upper limit (S24). If the reserved ball is not within the upper limit (N in S24), the start winning determination process in S10 ends. If it is within the upper limit (Y in S24), the special figure random number obtaining means 112 obtains a special figure random number (S26). At this time, the special figure random number holding means 114 stores the acquired special figure random number as a reserved sphere, and adds 1 as the number of reserved spheres (S28).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the symbol variation start determination process in S12 of FIG.
The symbol determination means 130 determines whether there is a reserved ball (S30). If there is no reserved ball (N in S30), the symbol variation start determination process in S12 ends. If there is a holding ball (Y in S30), the symbol determining means 130 determines whether or not the symbol variation display can be started (S32). When the special game is being executed or when the special symbol 202 is already being displayed in a variable manner, the variable display of the symbol is not started until the processing is completed. If the symbol variation display cannot be started (N in S32), the symbol variation start determination process in S12 ends. If the symbol display can be started (Y in S32), the success / failure determination unit 110 determines whether the validity period flag is turned on (S34).

  The effective period flag is a flag that is turned on when an effective period is set by the effective period setting unit 122. If the valid period flag is turned on (Y in S34), the process proceeds to S50 shown in FIG. If the valid period flag is not turned on (N in S34), that is, if it is not within the valid period, the success / failure probability setting means 120 determines whether or not the start winning counter is greater than 0 (S36). The start winning counter is the number of game balls dropped into the start port 62 during the effective period.

  If the start winning counter is larger than 0 (Y in S36), that is, if the game ball has dropped into the start port 62 within the valid period set in the past, the success / failure probability setting means 120 will determine the special game transition lottery. The success / failure probability is changed (S38). If the start winning counter is in the range of “1-3”, the success / failure probability setting means 120 expands the special symbol that should be a big hit to “1 or 2” instead of the usual “1”. If the start winning counter is in the range of “4 to 10”, the success / failure probability setting means 120 further expands the special symbol that should be a big hit in the range of “1 to 3”. As described above, the success / failure probability setting means 120 expands the range of the special symbol that should be a jackpot according to the number of start winning counters. Moreover, you may reduce not only expansion. For example, if the start winning counter is “5”, the range of the special symbol that should be a big hit may be limited to “1” instead of “1-3”. After changing the success / failure probability, the valid period setting means 122 resets the start winning counter to 0 (S40). If the start winning counter is 0 in S36 (N in S36), the processes in S38 and S40 are skipped.

  Next, the success / failure probability setting means 120 determines whether or not the number of reserved balls stored in the special figure random number storage means 114 is 1 or more (S42). If it is 1 or more (Y of S42), the success / failure probability setting means 120 determines whether or not it is a timing at which the success / failure probability of the special game transfer lottery can be changed (S44). In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the success / failure probability of the special game transition lottery changes according to the number of reserved balls. At this time, the change of the probability of success / failure according to the number of reserved balls is executed at a predetermined timing. For example, such a change in the probability of success / failure is triggered by the establishment of a predetermined game condition such as a predetermined time has elapsed since the game started, or the variation display of the special symbol 202 reaches a predetermined number of times. Executed.

If such a game condition is satisfied and it is time to change the success / failure probability of the special game transfer lottery (Y in S44), the success / failure probability setting means 120 changes the success / failure probability of the special game transfer lottery (S46). ). If the number of held balls is 1, the success / failure probability setting means 120 increases one special symbol that should be a big hit. For example, if the special symbol that should be a jackpot has been set as “1”, the range is expanded to “1 or 2”. Also, if the special symbol range that should be a big hit is already set in S38 as “1-3”, the range is expanded to “1-4”. If the number of reserved balls is 2, the success / failure probability setting means 120 increases two special symbols to be a big hit. Similarly, if the number of reserved balls is 3 or 4, the success / failure probability setting means 120 increases the number of special symbols that should be jackpots by 3 or 4, respectively. Moreover, you may reduce not only expansion. For example, if the number of reserved balls is 2, the number of special symbols that should be a big hit may be set to be reduced by one.
If the reserved ball is 0 (N in S42), or if it is not a timing at which the success / failure probability of the special game transfer lottery can be changed (N in S44), the process proceeds to S50.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the symbol variation start determination process shown in FIG.
The special figure random number holding means 114 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved balls (S50). The special game transfer lottery means 116 takes out one special figure random number from the special figure random number holding means 114 by the FIFO (First-In First-Out) method, and executes the special game transfer lottery (S52). The special game transfer lottery means 116 determines whether or not the special figure random number taken out is within the range of the special figure random number that should be a big hit.

  If the result of the special game transition lottery is a big hit (Y in S54), the symbol determining means 130 sets a winning symbol to be stopped and displayed after the special symbol 202 is changed and displayed (S56). If it is off (N in S54), the symbol determining means 130 sets a symbol to be stopped and displayed after the fluctuation display of the special symbol 202 (S58). The symbol determination means 130 determines the variable display time of the special symbol 202 according to the special symbol random number. Further, the display pattern of the decorative symbol 200 and its stop symbol are determined according to whether or not the special game transition lottery is successful and the variation display time of the special symbol 202 (S60). The symbol determination unit 130 instructs the display control unit 108 to start the variable display of the special symbol 202 and the decorative symbol 200 (S62).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the validity period processing in S14 of FIG.
First, the validity period setting unit 122 determines whether the validity period flag is turned on, that is, whether it is within the validity period (S70).

(A) Within the valid period (Y in S70)
If the valid period flag is turned on (Y in S70), the valid period setting unit 122 determines whether or not the start winning information is acquired by the pitch determination unit 104 (S72). If the start winning information has been acquired (Y in S72), the valid period setting means 122 adds 1 to the start winning counter (S74). On the other hand, if the start winning information is not acquired (N in S72), the process of S74 is skipped.

  Next, the validity period setting unit 122 determines whether or not the validity period timer is 0 (S76). The valid period timer is a timer that starts a countdown when a valid period is set. In this embodiment, the length of the valid period, that is, the valid period timer is set to 30 seconds. If the validity period timer is 0 (Y in S76), that is, when the timing for ending the validity period is reached, the validity period setting means 122 turns off the validity period flag (S78). If the valid period timer is not 0 (N of S76), the process of S78 is skipped. The validity period process of S14 is completed by the above process.

(B) If not within the validity period (N in S70)
On the other hand, if the validity period flag is not turned on in S70 (N in S70), the validity period setting means 122 determines whether or not the validity period setting timing has been reached (S80). The effective period setting timing is a predetermined timing as a timing at which the effective period can be set. The valid period can be set when a predetermined game condition is established, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed since the game started, or that the special symbol 202 has reached a predetermined number of times. Become.

  If such a game condition is not satisfied and the valid period setting timing has not been reached (N in S80), the valid period process in S14 ends. If the valid period setting timing has been reached (Y in S80), the valid period setting lottery means 124 executes a valid period setting availability lottery (S82). If this lottery is lost (N in S84), the valid period setting determination process in S14 ends. If this lottery is won (Y in S84), the valid period setting means 122 turns on the valid period flag (S86). Further, the valid period setting means 122 sets the valid period timer to 30 seconds (S88). This timer is counted down as the game time elapses.

  As described above, when the valid period flag is on (Y in S34), that is, during the valid period, the process of changing the success / failure probability based on the start winning counter and the number of held balls is not executed. On the other hand, when the effective period ends and the effective period flag is turned off (N in S34), the winning / probability is changed according to the start winning counter that can be added within the effective period and the number of held balls. In the present embodiment, both the change of the probability of success / failure based on the start winning counter (S38) and the change of the probability of success / failure based on the number of held balls (S46) are both performed outside the valid period. In other words, it is outside the validity period that such special beneficiary opportunities are actually provided for players. The player can increase the beneficiary opportunities outside the valid period by increasing the start winning counter within the valid period. Further, outside the effective period, the beneficiary opportunities can be expanded according to the number of reserved balls.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the success / failure probability of the special game transition lottery can be changed according to the number of game balls dropped into the start port 62 during the effective period. As a modified example, even if the winning / probability is changed according to the number of game balls dropped into the operation opening 68 or the general winning opening 72 in addition to the start opening 62 or in addition to the start opening 62 in the effective period. Good. The validity probability of the validity period setting availability lottery may be changed according to the number of incoming balls. The valid period may be managed according to time as shown in the present embodiment, but its start and end time may be specified when other game conditions are met. For example, a valid period may be set corresponding to the execution period of the unit game or the variable display period of the special symbol 202.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the special game execution determination process in S16 of FIG.
First, if the symbol variation display has not ended (N in S90), the special game execution determination process in S16 ends. If the variable display has been completed (Y in S90) and the big hit determination has been made (Y in S92), the special game control means 132 starts the special game (S94). On the other hand, if the result of the special game transfer lottery is out (N in S92), the special game execution determination process in S16 ends.

  In the present embodiment, the probability of special game transfer lottery changes according to the number of game balls dropped into the start port 62 within the effective period. In addition, the success / failure probability also changes depending on the number of reserved balls. As a result, technical intervention for games can be enhanced. Further, it is effective in promoting the progress of the game by stimulating the player's willingness to hit the ball. For example, if a valid period is set when the special game is over, the player can easily continue to hit the ball to expand the next beneficiary opportunity.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

  For example, even if a game ball falls into the start opening within the effective period, the special figure random number may not be acquired. In other words, when a game ball enters the start opening within the effective period, the start winning counter is added to change the probability of the special game transition lottery, and the game ball enters the start opening outside the effective period. In such a case, a special figure random number may be acquired and become a target for special game transfer lottery.

  As another modification, a button for accepting a player's operation input may be provided. Then, the number of balls to be thrown in order to change the success / failure probability of the special game transfer lottery may be set by this button. For example, when the number of holding balls is three, it is possible to select that one holding ball is inserted in order to increase the probability that a special game transition lottery is won, and the remaining two are kept as holding balls. In this case, since the player has thrown in one reserved ball, the player can enjoy the advantage that the special game transfer lottery is won with a higher probability than usual. At the same time, in order to leave two reserved balls, it is possible to reserve the right to execute at least two more special game transfer lotteries. According to such an aspect, the player can select how much priority should be given to the current benefit or the future benefit by his / her own operation. By forming the gaming machine in this way, it is possible to enjoy the game according to the player's game style, and therefore, it is possible to provide games according to various players.

It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the front side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the back side of a pachinko game machine. It is a basic functional block diagram centering on the structure which controls the game in a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the basic process in a pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the start winning determination process in S10 of FIG. 4 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the symbol variation start determination process in S12 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the symbol variation start determination process shown in FIG. 6. It is a flowchart which shows the effective period setting determination process in S14 of FIG. 4 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the special game execution determination process in S16 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Pachinko machines, 41 Main board, 49 Sub board, 50 Game board, 52 Game area, 60 Graphic display device, 62 Start port, 66 Grand prize port, 100 Game control device, 104 Pitch entry judging means, 106 Grand prize port Open / close control means, 108 Display control means, 110 Win / fail judgment means, 112 Special figure random number acquisition means, 114 Special figure random number hold means, 116 Special game transition lottery means, 120 Win / fail probability setting means, 122 Valid period setting means, 124 Valid period Setting lottery means, 130 symbol determination means, 132 special game control means, 134 invalidation means.

Claims (5)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can be dropped;
A special game transition lottery executing means for executing a special game transition lottery for determining whether or not to shift the gaming state to a special game advantageous to the player when a game ball enters the start opening;
An effective period setting means for setting an effective period as a period for counting game balls falling into the start opening in order to change the probability that the special game transition lottery is won,
A success / failure probability changing means for changing a probability that the special game transition lottery is won according to the number of game balls dropped into the start opening in the effective period;
A ball game machine characterized by comprising: A valid period setting lottery executing means for executing a valid period setting lottery for determining whether or not the valid period can be set;
2. The bullet ball according to claim 1, wherein the effective period setting unit sets the effective period on condition that the determination of permitting the setting of the effective period is made by the effective period setting lottery. Gaming machine. A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can be dropped;
Random number generating means for generating a random number when a game ball falls into the start opening;
Random number storage means for storing the random number;
Special game transition lottery execution means for taking out the stored random number and executing a special game transition lottery for determining whether to shift the gaming state to a special game advantageous to the player based on the random number;
A success / failure probability changing means for changing a probability that the special game transition lottery is won according to the number of random numbers stored in the random number storage means when the special game transition lottery is executed;
A ball game machine characterized by comprising:   4. The ball game machine according to claim 3, wherein the success / failure probability changing means changes the probability that the special game transition lottery is won as the number of stored random numbers increases.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising invalidating means for invalidating the function of the success / failure probability changing means.

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