JP2006314457A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prolong the determination by a player by announcing whether the game state is a lottery high-probability state to be continued over a plurality of rounds of a normal game after the game state is returned from a kind of special game state, and to enhance the amusement of the announcement presentation itself by varying the degree of expectation for whether the game state is the announced high-probability game state or not whenever a normal game is executed. <P>SOLUTION: If the announcement in a special pattern display device 106 indicates a sudden probability change or a minor hit, a pre-presentation is executed by operating covered members 202L and 202R. If a special game is determined by the pre-presentation, the value of expectation for the sudden probability change is announced over a plurality of times of consecutive normal games. Accordingly, the player can have the sense of expectancy for the sudden probability change or not while continuously playing the normal games, enhancing the player's eagerness to continue the games. The player can confirm both the result of a lottery in a normal game and the expectation for the sudden probability change without shifting the gaze. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention performs a lottery to determine whether or not to execute any of a plurality of types of special gaming states having different degrees of advantage for a player by winning a game ball at a starting port in a normal gaming state, and the result of the lottery Accordingly, the present invention relates to a gaming machine that exercises the right of any of the plurality of types of special gaming states or continues the normal gaming state.

  Conventionally, a pachinko machine equipped with a game specification (hereinafter referred to as “sudden probability change” or “sudden probability change game specification”) in which a lottery probability suddenly becomes high from the normal game state has been proposed. Yes.

  In addition, the conventional pachinko machine has a game specification (hereinafter referred to as "small hit game specification" or "small hit game specification") that operates in a special gaming state equivalent to sudden probability change but does not have a high probability of lottery. There is something.

  In this sudden probability change and small win, whichever one wins the lottery, it is notified with the same effect (chance notification), making it difficult to identify which one has been won, and letting the player infer the identification (Playability) (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the ratio of sudden probability change to small hit is about (20: 1) with respect to sudden probability change of 20 and small hit.

  Based on the above, taking into account the current market, first, in a model that is suddenly equipped with only probabilistic gaming specifications, if the chance notification is notified to the player, the next jackpot is obtained and the game is played once the right is exercised. The will to finish will work, and the end timing of the game (ie, “Yamedoki”) will become clear.

Therefore, in addition to sudden probability variation game specifications, it also has a small hit game specification, and by including false information (so-called gusset), we appropriately mix the sense of expectation for high probability transition and the sense of anxiety that is gusset As a result, the game end timing can be made redundant for the player.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-381872

However, when the sudden probability change and the small hit are combined, the generation ratio 20: 1 as described above is not necessarily the best, and the generation ratio and the expected value according to the generation ratio and the content of the notification effect It is difficult to set these, and in order to set them in a well-balanced manner, a long-term simulation, statistical calculation, and the like are required, leading to a prolonged development period (for details, see (1) to (3) reference).
(1) If the incidence of sudden probability change is further increased, the expected value will decrease and the expectation for sudden probability change will be diminished.
(2) When the expected value is increased, the expectation for sudden probability change increases, but the probability of sudden probability change and small hits (appearance rate) decreases, and sudden presence itself is impaired.
(3) Although it may be possible to shift the balance between the original jackpot win and the sudden chance change win, the chance of the sudden chance change will increase, but if this sudden chance change increases, the jackpot win will decrease and the player Give distrust to

  In consideration of the above facts, the present invention provides a game by notifying whether or not the lottery is in a high probability state so as to continue over a plurality of normal games after returning from some types of special game states. A game machine that can enhance the preference of the notification effect itself by extending the judgment of the player and changing the expectation level of whether or not the notification is a high probability state every time the normal game is executed Is the purpose.

  The invention according to claim 1 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to execute any of a plurality of special game states having different degrees of advantage for the player when the game ball wins the starting port in the normal game state. A gaming machine that exercises the right of any of the plurality of types of special gaming states or continues the normal gaming state according to the result of the lottery, the normal machine after the exercise of the rights of the special gaming state When returning to a game, when returning from some types of special gaming state, the holding means for holding the type information of the particular type of special gaming state and the type of special gaming state are set. Based on the effect pattern data storage means for storing data related to a plurality of effect patterns, and the kind of special game state held in the holding means, preset from the effect pattern data storage means. The selection means for selecting one of the plurality of types of effect patterns, and the game in the plurality of normal game states after the return based on the effect pattern data selected by the selection means In addition to being executed so as to continue, a notification effecting means for performing a notification effect while changing the degree of expectation as to whether or not the lottery is in a high probability state each time the normal game is executed is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the holding means holds this type information when returning from some types of special gaming states (for example, sudden probability change and small hits described in the section of the prior art). In addition, after returning to the normal game state after exercising the rights of the special game state of some types, the notification production means executes so as to continue over a plurality of normal games and executes the normal game. Each time, a notification effect is produced while changing the degree of expectation as to whether or not the lottery is in a high probability state.

  Note that the degree of expectation is what the player feels subjectively, the most effective is the change through vision, and it is preferable to express the degree of expectation by changing within the range of the visual field during the game .

  For example, in terms of color, it is well known that a blue image feels a cold image, and a red image makes a hot image, and a phenomenon that can occur from the expression of a face or eyes (crying face, normal face, laughing face, etc.) Can feel. Such a causal relationship between expression change and expectation cannot be theoretically explained, but the fact that the player can surely feel as subjective cannot be denied.

  For the notification effect contents at this time, the effect pattern data selected by the selection means is applied. In other words, depending on the production pattern data, it may be immediately inferred whether or not the lottery is in a high probability state, and the game is played in a normal gaming state or a high probability lottery state after a plurality of games. In some cases, it may be analogized. It is also possible to increase or decrease the expectation for a game under a high probability state each time a plurality of games are finished, and as a result, judgment based on the player's prediction (for example, directly In other words, whether or not the game is in a high probability state, and indirectly includes whether or not to end the game itself).

  In other words, it is possible to extend the player's judgment with a variation of the notification effect without changing the balance of the appearance rate of some types of special gaming states, etc., and shorten the development period for balance adjustment Can do.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the notification effect timing by the notification effect means is executed in a plurality of consecutive normal game states after the return.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the notification effect time by the notification effect means is executed for each game under a plurality of consecutive normal times (including the normal probability game state and the high probability game state). In all of the period, the player's willingness to play can be improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the notification effect timing by the notification effect means is sporadically executed during a plurality of games after the return.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, as the notification effect timing by the notification effect means, it is performed in a sporadic manner during a plurality of games after the return, so that it is not possible to know when it is notified, and continuation of the game is redundant. can do. In addition, you may give periodicity sporadically. This period serves as a hint for the so-called notification time to the player, and it is possible to prevent the game from being terminated halfway.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification effect executed by the notification means is information notification that does not depend on the truth of the lottery result. Is included.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the continuity of the game more redundant by including information notification that does not depend on the truth of the lottery result, that is, “gase”, in the notification effect.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the symbol variation display device that displays the symbol variation pattern effect informing the result of the lottery and the symbol variation An effect structure that overlaps and can appear with respect to the symbol variation display device so as to block the line of sight of the player who views the symbol variation pattern displayed on the display device, and By executing with the operation of the effect structure, the symbol change pattern effect by the symbol change display device and the notification effect by the notification effect means are executed on the player's line of sight.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is an embodiment of the notification effect. Originally, if only the notification effect is intended, it may be executed at an appropriate location of the gaming machine, but the player's line of sight while the game is in progress In consideration of the above, the production structure is arranged so as to be able to appear and to overlap with the symbol variation display device so as to block the line of sight of the player viewing the symbol variation pattern displayed on the symbol variation display device. .

  Thereby, it is possible to perform a notification effect by the effect structure while proceeding with a normal game (while considering the symbol variation of the symbol variation display device).

  As described above, in the present invention, after returning from some types of special game states, the player is informed whether the lottery is in a high probability state so as to continue over a plurality of normal games. It is possible to increase the preference of the notification effect itself by changing the expectation as to whether or not it is a high-probability state by the notification every time the normal game is executed. .

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 shows a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an inner frame, a glass frame, and a game board applied to the pachinko machine according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes a rectangular outer frame 12 that constitutes an outline of the pachinko machine 10 and is installed in an island facility of the pachinko hall. A rectangular frame-shaped inner frame 14 is disposed on the front surface of the outer frame 12 (see FIG. 2), and the inner frame 14 has a pair of hinge portions 16 and 18 provided on the outer frame 12 with a left end portion as an axis. It is supported so that it can be opened and closed. A lower decoration 20 serving as a decorative panel is attached to the lower front portion of the outer frame 12.

  A glass frame 26 having a glass frame 24 fitted with a glass plate 22 in a window portion 25 is disposed on the front upper portion of the inner frame 14, and the left end of the glass frame 26 is pivotally supported by the inner frame 14 to open and close. It is attached as possible. Further, the glass plate 22 mounted on the glass frame 24 has a double structure composed of a pair of glass plates arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval in the depth direction of the paper surface of FIG. A rectangular opening 28 is provided in the upper part of the inner frame 14 on the back side of the glass frame 26 (see FIG. 2). An exchangeable game board 100 is set in the opening 28, and the game board 100 is covered with the glass frame 26 (glass plate 22) with the glass frame 26 closed by the inner frame 14. It has become.

  On the front surface of the glass frame 26, a lighting effect indicator lamp 142 that turns on, turns off, and blinks as the game progresses to produce an effect effect by illumination surrounds the glass plate 22 (the game area 101 of the game board 100). Further, in the upper left corner and the upper right corner, an error indicator lamp 144 for notifying various errors such as a prize ball payout error and a payout state error is provided. In addition, speakers 146L and 146R for outputting game sound effects in stereo are arranged inside each error indicator lamp 144.

  An integrated dish 30 serving as a hitting ball supply dish having functions of a general upper dish and lower dish is disposed at the lower front portion of the inner frame 14. The integrated dish 30 is attached so that the left end of the panel member 32 is pivotally supported by the inner frame 14 and can be opened and closed, and a ball dish part 34 for storing game balls is formed on the front surface of the panel member 32. A ball tray main body 36 is projected.

  Although illustration is omitted, the bottom surface of the ball tray portion 34 is inclined in both directions, one of which is arranged on the front side from the left side to the right side in the front view of FIG. 1, and the other is from the right side to the left side. The slopes are arranged on the back side, and both slopes are smoothly and continuously formed on the right side when viewed from the front.

  The front side tilt accepts a cash game ball lending machine (not shown) provided between the gaming machines from the front side of the ball tray 34, and guides it to roll to the right side, while the back side tilt is a ball. A game ball, a prize ball, which will be described later, or a lending ball via a card-type lending machine are received from the ball lending outlet 46 and rolled and guided from the right side to the left side.

  This back side inclination is formed so that the width dimension is gradually narrowed along the inclination, whereby a ball feeding device (not shown) in which the game balls in the ball tray portion 34 are arranged on the back surface of the panel member 32. ) Are sent in a line.

  On the upper right side of the front surface of the panel member 32, a ball discharge port 46 through which a prize ball discharged from a payout device 160 (see FIG. 5) provided in the pachinko machine 10 is discharged is formed. The prize balls discharged from the ball outlet 46 are stored in the ball tray 34, flow down to the left in the ball tray 34, are aligned in a line by the alignment passage, and are sent to the ball feeder.

  Further, an ashtray 38 is provided at the lower left portion on the front surface of the panel member 32, and a firing handle 39 for adjusting the firing force (flying distance) of the hit ball is attached to the lower right portion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a launching device 40 is disposed at the lower left side of the game board 100 on the back side of the integrated dish 30 at the lower front surface of the inner frame 14, and is positioned behind the ball dish main body 36. A ball storage tank 42 detachably attached to 14 is attached by two plastic fasteners 43. The launching device 40 and the storage tank 42 are covered with the integrated tray 30 when the integrated tray 30 is closed by the inner frame 14.

  The storage tank 42 has a box shape with an open top surface, and a bottom surface 44 is inclined downward from the left side to the right side in a front view. A tank inlet (not shown) is formed on the left side of the storage tank 42 on the upstream side in the tilt direction of the bottom surface 44, and the panel member of the integrated dish 30 is formed on the right side of the front surface of the storage tank 42 on the downstream side in the tilt direction. A tank outlet 45 is formed at a position corresponding to the ball discharge port 46 provided at 32. Therefore, in a state where the integrated dish 30 is closed by the inner frame 14, the storage tank 42 and the ball tray portion 34 of the integrated dish 30 are communicated with each other via the tank outlet 45 and the ball outlet 46.

  In addition, a shutter plate that is movable in the vertical direction is provided at a lower position of the ball outlet 46 on the back surface of the panel member 32 of the integrated dish 30 and a lower position of the tank outlet 45 on the lower right side of the front surface of the inner frame 14. (Only the shutter plate 50 on the inner frame 14 side is shown in FIG. 2). These shutter plates move downward when the integrated plate 30 is closed (position of the shutter plate 50 shown in FIG. 2), and the tank outlet 45 and the ball discharge port 46 communicate with each other. When opened, the shutter plate 50 on the inner frame 14 side is configured to block the lower edge side of the tank outlet 45, and the shutter plate on the side of the integrated dish 30 is configured to block the lower edge side of the ball discharge port 46. . The shutter plate prevents the game ball (prize ball) from flowing out of the ball storage tank 42 and the ball tray portion 34 when the integrated dish 30 is opened.

  A locking device 52 extending in the vertical direction is attached to the left end (the right end in front view) of the back surface of the inner frame 14. A cylinder lock (lock) 54 is provided at the lower portion of the locking device 52, and the key hole 56 of the cylinder lock 54 is exposed from a pedestal 55 provided at the lower right portion of the front surface of the inner frame 14.

  A pair of inner frame fixing hooks 60 </ b> A and 60 </ b> B protruding rearward are provided in the vicinity of the upper and lower end portions on the back surface side of the locking device 52. A pair of glass frame fixing hooks 62A and 62B are provided at positions corresponding to the glass frame 26 on the front surface side of the locking device 52. The glass frame fixing hooks 62A and 62B are provided on the right side of the front surface of the inner frame 14. It protrudes forward through slits 64A and 64B formed at the ends. In addition, a pair of integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66A and 66B that slide in the vertical direction are provided at positions corresponding to the integrated dish 30 on the front side of the locking device 52.

  As a result, when the inner frame 14 is closed to the outer frame 12, the inner frame fixing hooks 60A and 60B of the locking device 52 are engaged with a pair of key receiving portions (not shown) provided on the right inner surface in front view of the outer frame 12. The inner frame 14 is held by the outer frame 12. When the glass frame 26 is closed to the inner frame 14, a pair of key receiving portions 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B provided on the glass frame reinforcing plate 68 attached to the right end of the rear surface of the glass frame 26 are used for fixing the glass frame of the locking device 52. The glass frame 26 is held by the inner frame 14 by engaging with the hooks 62A and 62B. When the integrated dish 30 is closed by the inner frame 14, a pair of hooks (not shown) attached to the right end of the back surface of the integrated dish 30 are engaged with the integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66 </ b> A and 66 </ b> B of the locking device 52. The integrated dish 30 is held by the inner frame 14.

  The inner frame fixing hooks 60A and 60B and the glass frame fixing hooks 62A and 62B are released from the engaged state by inserting a key (not shown) into the key hole 56 of the cylinder lock 54 and turning it in a predetermined direction. It has come to be unlocked. The integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66A, 66B are pushed down by releasing the release lever 72 of the locking device 52 that is exposed when the glass frame 26 is opened, so that the integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66A, 66B slide downward. The engaged state with each hook of the plate 30 is released.

  By this locking device 52, the inner frame 14 is locked to the outer frame 12 and the glass frame 26 is locked to the inner frame 14, and the integrated dish 30 is locked to the inner frame 14 and fixed in a closed state.

(Game board configuration)
The game board 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a resin sheet-like cell attached to a plywood board serving as a substrate, and the surface of the cell is a board surface 100A. In the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the board surface 100A, An arc-shaped outer rail 102 and an inner rail 104 are attached. In the circular area surrounded by the outer rail 102 and the inner rail 104, the game ball PB launched and driven from the launching device 40 can be moved by its own weight fall, and this area is a game area 101 where the game is played. It is said that.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a center accessory 105 that is large and has a rectangular central opening is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 101 of the game board 100. In the opening, there is provided a special symbol display device 106 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying images of special symbols such as lottery (variation and stoppage) and various effects on the display screen. Is provided with a normal symbol display device 107 for displaying a normal symbol lottery (change and stop).

  Although details will be described later, a special symbol variation pattern is displayed on a small screen area (special symbol display portion 106A) provided at the lower end of the display screen on the display screen of the special symbol display device 106. The effect symbol variation pattern is displayed on a large area screen area (effect symbol display part 106B) provided on the upper side. Further, the center combination 105 is arranged on the back side of the game board 100 and on the display screen side of the special symbol display device 106, and moves in the left-right direction (arrow A direction) to display the special symbol display device 106. Is provided with a pair of covering members 202L and 202R (covering member main bodies 204L and 204R and movable members 206L and 206R) and a moving mechanism for individually moving the covering members 202L and 202R.

  Passing gates (through chuckers) 118 </ b> L and 118 </ b> R as normal symbol starting winning holes are arranged on the left and right of the center accessory 105. Also, just below the center role 105, an upper start opening 108 as a special symbol start winning opening (start chucker) and a lower start opening 110 as a winning opening relating to an ordinary electric accessory (electric tulip) are arranged. Further below that, a variable winning device (special electric accessory) 112 is arranged near the lower end of the game area 101.

  The variable winning device 112 is provided with a rectangular large winning opening (attacker) 114 whose longitudinal direction is the left-right width direction, and in this large winning opening 114 is a continuous name called “V zone” according to game specifications. An accessory operating port (not shown) may be provided. The special winning opening 114 is opened or closed by opening or closing the opening / closing door 116. When the opening / closing door 116 is opened, the game ball dropped on the opening / closing door 116 is guided to the opening / closing door 116. Win a prize at the big prize opening 114.

  In addition, the game area 101 is provided with a windmill 122 and a number of game nails (not shown) for guiding a game ball that falls by itself in the game area 101 to a predetermined route. Is provided to the rear side of the game board 100. Furthermore, the center effect object 105 and the variable prize device 112 provided in the game area 101 are turned on, turned off, and blinking according to the progress of the game to produce a lighting effect light-emitting element 126 (FIG. 5) are provided.

(Composition of center role)
FIG. 4 shows a pair of covering members 202L and 202R provided on the center accessory 105 of the present embodiment and a moving mechanism thereof.

  The center accessory 105 is provided with a base 200 for fixing each component described below at a predetermined position and fixing the center accessory 105 itself to the back surface of the game board 100.

  As described above, the covering members 202L and 202R move in the left-right direction (arrow A direction) to cover different areas on the display screen of the special symbol display device 106, respectively. Depending on the shape, the covering member 202L substantially covers the left half of the display screen, and the covering member 202R substantially covers the right half of the display screen.

  The covering members 202L and 202R include covering member main bodies 204L and 204R disposed on the upper side and movable members 206L and 206R disposed on the lower side. The movable members 206L and 206R are movable relative to the covering member main bodies 204L and 204R in the vertical direction (arrow B direction).

  The upper portions of the covering member main bodies 204L and 204R are formed with substantially circular openings 208L and 208R that constitute the eyes of the character, and the substantially elliptical protrusions that constitute the character's nose at the substantially central portion of the inner edge. 209L and 209R are provided.

  Next, the moving mechanism of the covering members 202L and 202R will be described. However, in this embodiment, the covering members 202L and 202R are the same in configuration only in the left and right directions, and the configuration is almost the same only in the arrangement of the moving mechanisms provided in each, A description will be given using the moving mechanism of one (right side) covering member 202R.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of guide grooves 214 are formed along the vertical direction at the lower part of the surface of the covering member main body 204R. On the other hand, a pair of guide rails 216 extending in the vertical direction corresponding to the pair of guide grooves 214 are formed on the upper surface of the movable member 206R. When the guide rail 216 is slidably fitted into the guide groove 214, the movable member 206R is movable in the vertical direction (arrow B direction) with respect to the covering member main body 204R.

  Further, the covering member 202R is supported by a guide mechanism (not shown) provided between the covering member 202R and the base member 200, and is movable in the left-right direction (arrow A direction).

  A pair of rack portions 218 extending along the width direction (left-right direction) are formed slightly below the upper portion and the center of the back surface of the covering member main body 204R. The pair of rack portions 218 protrude outward from the outer edge (right end) of the covering member main body 204R by a predetermined length. In addition, a rack portion 220 extending in the width direction (left-right direction) is also formed in the lower portion of the back surface of the movable member 206R, and this rack portion 220 is also the outer end (right end) of the movable member 206R. From the outside, the same length as the pair of rack portions 218 protrudes.

  Gears 224, 226, and 228, which are attached to a single rotating shaft 222 extending in the vertical direction and are arranged coaxially, mesh with the pair of rack portions 218 and 220. The rotating shaft 222 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the base 200. The gears 224, 226, and 228 have the same diameter, and teeth formed on the outer peripheral surfaces thereof have the same pitch.

  The gear 228 disposed at the lower portion is cylindrical as shown in FIG. 4, and the state of FIG. 4 is that the rack portion 220 of the movable member 206 </ b> R disposed at the lowest position in the vertical movement range is It is in a state of meshing with the lower part. The gear 228 has a length dimension that can be engaged with the rack portion 220 in a state where the movable member 206R is disposed at the lowest position and the highest position in the vertical movement range.

  On the other hand, the drive gear 234 attached to the tip of the motor shaft 232 of the stepping motor 230 is engaged with the gear 224 disposed at the upper portion. As a result, when the stepping motor 230 is operated to rotate the motor shaft 232 and the drive gear 234, the gears 224, 226, and 228 together with the rotating shaft 222 rotate at the same rotational speed (rotational angle) in the same rotational direction. The main body 204R and the movable member 206R move together in the left-right direction.

  Further, the movement range of the covering members 202L and 202R in the left-right direction is such that each half of the display screen is moved from the non-covering position (the retracted position shown in FIG. 3) where the display screen of the special symbol display device 106 is not covered. It is set in a range that moves to a covering position (overlap position) that is substantially covered.

  A pair of rack portions 236 extending downward are formed at the left and right end portions of the lower edge of the movable member 206R. The pair of rack portions 236 are engaged with a single bar gear 238 extending in the left-right direction, and the bar gear 238 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the base 200. . Further, the right end portion of the bar gear 238 meshes with a drive gear 244 attached to the tip end portion of the motor shaft 242 of the stepping motor 240. Accordingly, when the stepping motor 240 is operated to rotate the motor shaft 242 and the drive gear 244, the bar gear 238 is rotated and the movable member 206R is moved in the vertical direction.

  Further, the vertical movement of the movable member 206R can be performed not only when the covering member main body 204R (covering member 202R) is stationary, but also while moving in the left-right direction together with the covering member main body 204R. As a result, the covering member 202R can be combined with the vertical movement of the movable member 206R during the movement operation in the left-right direction.

(Control system configuration)
Next, the control system of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the control system of the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment is configured around a main control unit 150. The main control unit 150 stores a basic program relating to games, and the operation of each unit is controlled based on a command signal from the main control unit 150.

  The main control unit 150 includes an upper start winning sensor (first start opening winning sensor) 180 for detecting a winning ball to the upper starting opening 108, a lower starting winning sensor 182 for detecting a winning ball to the lower starting opening 110, Passing gate winning sensors 184L and 184R that detect winning balls to the passing gates 118L and 118R, which are normal symbol starting openings, a big winning opening sensor 186 that detects winning balls to the big winning opening 114, and a big winning according to game specifications V zone sensors 188 for detecting a winning ball in the V zone provided in the mouth 114 are connected to each other, and each of these sensors outputs a detection signal to the main control unit 150 when a winning ball is detected.

  Further, the main control unit 150 includes a normal prize for opening / closing the normal electric accessory solenoid 174 for operating the electric tulip provided in the lower start opening (start winning prize apparatus) 110 and the opening / closing door 116 of the big winning opening 114. The solenoid 175, the holding lamp 176, the stepping motors 230 and 240 provided in the center accessory 105, and the normal symbol display device 107 are connected to each other. Directly controlled by port output.

  Here, when the game balls pass through the passing gates 118L and 118R, the lottery of winning / defeating the normal symbol is executed by the main control unit 150 by detecting this with the passing gate winning sensors 184L and 184R, and the lottery result In the case of winning, the main control unit 150 drives and controls the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 174 to open the lower start port 110 (electric tulip) for a predetermined time.

  Further, when a game ball wins the upper start opening 108, the main control unit performs a lottery of winning or losing a special symbol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "special drawing lottery") by detecting this with the upper start winning sensor 180. If the result of the special drawing lottery is a win, the main control unit 150 controls the game state to shift from the normal game state to the special game state. As for this hit, there are provided a normal hit and a probability change hit in which the next hit probability is increased after the special gaming state ends.

  Also, information (start winning signal, jackpot signal, symbol determination number signal) indicating the progress of the game is transmitted from the main control unit 150 to the hall computer via the board external terminal 190.

  Furthermore, an effect control unit 152 and a payout control unit 154 are connected to the main control unit 150, and these control units are controlled by command transmission from the main control unit 150.

  A special symbol display device 106 is connected to the effect control unit 152 via a symbol control unit 156. In addition, the effect control unit 152 is a light-emitting element 126 for lighting effects provided in various game parts of the game board 100, a display lamp 142 for lighting effects and a display lamp 144 for errors provided in the glass frame 26. Is turned on, off, and blinking, and the speakers 146L and 146R provided on the front surface of the glass frame 26 are operated to control the output of sound effects and the like.

  On the special symbol display device 106 controlled by the effect control unit 152, an effect image of the symbol variation pattern for notifying the result of the special symbol lottery is displayed, and from the speakers 146L and 146R, the symbol variation pattern is displayed. BGM is output. Thereby, the player can enjoy the production | presentation by the design symbol corresponding to the result of special drawing lottery through vision and hearing. The display contents by the normal symbol display device 107 and the hold lamp 176 may be displayed by the special symbol display device 106.

  Further, the effect control unit 152 is connected to a center accessory operation control unit 300 for controlling the operation of the covering members 202L and 202R of the center accessory 105 described above. Details of the center accessory operation control unit 300 will be described later.

  There are two types of symbol variation patterns: special symbol variation patterns and production symbol variation patterns, both of which notify the result of special symbol lottery, but the special symbol variation pattern performs a predetermined variation and stop and special symbol lottery While the result of the form is officially notified after a lapse of a predetermined time, the directing pattern variation pattern takes effect into the process of notifying the result of the special drawing lottery, and makes it awkward whether it is a hit or miss. However, it is of the nature to notify.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the effect symbol variation pattern is displayed in a relatively wide area on the upper side of the display screen of the special symbol display device 106, and the special symbol variation is displayed in a relatively narrow area on the lower side of the display screen. The pattern is displayed.

  Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery becomes “winning” and the fact is notified by the symbol variation pattern effect on the special symbol display device 106 and the BGM output from the speakers 146L, 146R, the big hit processing in the special gaming state is completed. Is executed.

  In this jackpot process, the big winning opening 114 is opened a predetermined number of times (rounds), and the opening time of one round is about 30 seconds, during which a maximum of 10 game balls can be won. In other words, if one of 30 seconds, which is the time limit, or 10 numbers, which is the number limit, is satisfied first, the round ends, and in the case of a game specification with a V zone, the current round is If there is a winning in the V zone in the big winning opening 114 during the game, it is promised to move to the next round. If the game specification omits the V zone, a predetermined number of winnings are simply counted and the next round is entered.

  For this reason, in the special gaming state, more winnings are expected in a shorter period than in the normal gaming state, and a gaming state advantageous to the player can be achieved.

  Further, as described above, when the special symbol display device 106 newly wins the upper start port 108 during execution of the symbol variation pattern effect, and when the upper start port 108 is won during the big hit process, the holding lamp 176 The number of lights increases up to 4 according to the number of winnings.

  On the other hand, when the previous symbol variation pattern effect ends or the jackpot process ends, the special symbol display device 106 starts a new symbol variation pattern effect in order to notify the reserved special symbol lottery result. Along with this, one hold lamp 176 is extinguished, and the player is informed of the digestion of the hold.

  Further, the payout control unit 154 is connected to the payout device 160 and the launch control unit 164, and the launch control unit 164 is connected to the launch device 40. The payout control unit 154 operates the payout device 160 provided in the pachinko machine 10 to control the payout and lending ball payout and stop operations and the number of payouts. In addition, the launch control unit 164 operates the launch device 40 by operating the launch handle 39 by the player, and controls the launch force of the game ball and the launch force according to the operation amount of the launch handle 39.

  Further, the payout control unit 154 transmits payout information to the hall computer installed in the hall via the frame external terminal 191.

(Configuration of the center actor operation control unit)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram functionally showing the control of the center accessory operation control unit 300.

  A lottery result signal, a jackpot processing signal, and a start winning signal are input to the center accessory drive control unit 300 from the effect control unit 152.

  The lottery result signal is input to the lottery result determination unit 302 to determine the lottery result (winning / losing, winning type in case of winning). When it is determined by the lottery result determination unit 302 that the winning is suddenly a chance change or a small win, the lottery result is stored (held) in the lottery result data memory 304.

  The jackpot processing signal is input to the effect operation start instruction unit 306. The jackpot processing signal is a signal that is output when the jackpot processing (exercise of the right) is completed. With the input of the jackpot processing signal as a trigger, the presentation operation activation instructing unit 306 reads the reading instruction signal into the lottery result data. The data is sent to the unit 308.

  Thereby, the lottery result data reading unit 308 reads the lottery result data stored (held) from the lottery result data memory 304.

  In the lottery result data reading unit 308, when the lottery result data can be read (when there is a sudden probability change or small hit history), the effect based on the sudden probability change or small hit is given to the effect pattern specifying unit 310. Instruct to identify the pattern.

  The effect pattern specifying unit 310 is connected to the effect pattern reading unit 312. When the effect pattern is specified, the effect pattern reading unit 312 is instructed to read the effect pattern data.

  An effect pattern data memory 314 is connected to the effect pattern reading unit 312, and the effect pattern data is read based on the reading instruction.

  The read effect pattern data is sent to the operation program construction unit 316, and an operation program for the main effect is constructed based on the effect pattern data. For example, the operation program construction unit 316 stores a basic program in advance, and specifies unknown parameters such as operation timing and time of the stepping motors 230 and 240 based on the effect pattern data.

  The constructed operation program is sent to the program execution control unit 318.

  Here, the start winning signal is input to the game execution number counter 320. At the same time that the production operation start instructing unit 306 outputs a read instruction signal to the lottery result data reading unit 308, a reset signal is input from the effect operation start instructing unit 306 to the game execution number counter 320. It has become.

  In response to this reset signal, the game execution number counter 320 is reset (count value 0), and is incremented each time a start winning signal is input, and an execution signal is sent to the program execution control unit 318.

  Thereby, the program execution control unit 318 executes the program in synchronization with the input of the execution signal.

  In the execution program, when the actuator (stepping motor 230 (left / right, 240 left / right) is driven, the operation driver 322 is controlled to drive the target actuator.

  By such an operation, the covering member main bodies 204L and 204R can be independently operated left and right, and the movable members 206L and 206R can be independently operated up and down.

  Here, the lottery result determination unit 302 is connected to the program execution control unit 318. The lottery result discriminating unit 302 outputs a pre-effect instruction signal to the program execution control unit 318 when the lottery result is discriminated suddenly or a small hit is made. The program execution control unit 318 is configured to execute a pre-effect that determines whether or not to perform the main effect executed across a plurality of games.

  In this pre-production, three patterns of operations are programmed in advance, and two patterns (Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 in FIG. 7) do not execute the main production, but return to the normal state to notify that one pattern. Only notifies that this effect will be executed (pattern 3 in FIG. 7).

  Here, in the present embodiment, in the symbol variation pattern in the special symbol display device 106, the symbol arrangement (for production) of “012” is applied as a symbol for notifying sudden change in probability or small hit, and this “012” is applied. The opportunity for pre-production is generated by the arrangement of the symbols.

  The pre-effect pattern 1 is a pattern in which the covering members 202R and 202L do not appear after the symbol arrangement becomes “012” and return to the normal state as it is.

  The pre-effect pattern 2 is a pattern in which the covering member 202R appears after the symbol arrangement becomes “012”, but the covering member 202R retracts and returns to the normal state without the appearance of the covering member 202L. .

  In the pre-effect pattern 3, after the symbol arrangement becomes “012”, the covering member 202R appears, and then the covering member 202L also appears, and the special symbol display device 106 is covered (overlapped) by the covering members 202R and 202L. This is a pattern for confirming execution (special state) of the production.

  In this effect in the present embodiment, six types of states shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F are executed for each symbol variation pattern effect at the time of starting winning.

  FIG. 8A shows a pattern that does not change with the appearance of the left and right covering members 202R and 202L during the pre-effect. At this time, an eyeball image is displayed on the special symbol display device 106 that discharges from the openings 208R and 208L.

  FIG. 8B shows a pattern in which the movable members 206R and 206L repeatedly move up and down.

  FIG. 8C is a pattern in which the eyeball displayed on the special symbol display device 106 exposed from the openings 208R and 208L rotates in a spiral shape in addition to FIG. 8B.

  In FIG. 8D, in addition to FIG. 8B, the eyeball displayed on the special symbol display device 106 exposed from the openings 208R and 208L is an upward convex arc-shaped line, so-called smiling expression Is a pattern that expresses

  FIG. 8C is a pattern in which the eyeball displayed on the special symbol display device 106 exposed from the openings 208R and 208L is changed to a flame in addition to FIG. 8B.

  FIG. 8C is a pattern in which the centerpiece displayed on the special symbol display device 106 exposed from the openings 208R and 208L indicates the alphabet “V” (V sign of victory) in addition to FIG. 8B. is there.

  In this embodiment, by setting any one of the states shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F for every 30 consecutive normal games, it is possible to notify the preset expected value for each state. It has become.

  Note that the expected value which is a sudden probability change in the six types of states is the lowest in FIG. 8A, and the expected value is gradually set higher from FIG. 8A to FIG. 8F. Has an expected value of 100% (that is, sudden change of probability is confirmed) (see FIG. 9).

  The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

(Pachinko machine game flow)
In the game using the pachinko machine 10, when the player operates the launch handle 39, the game balls stored in the ball tray portion 34 of the integrated dish 30 are supplied to the launch device 40 one by one by the ball feeding device. (See FIG. 2). The launched game ball PB is driven into the game area 101 of the game board 100 along the outer rail 102 and falls in the game area 101 while changing the direction by hitting the game nail. Then, the game ball that has reached the lower end of the game area 101 without winning a prize is collected into the pachinko machine 10 from the out port 124.

  When the game balls pass through the passing gates 118L and 118R, the main control unit 150 executes a lottery process for hitting / losing the normal symbol, and the lottery result is displayed on the normal symbol display device 107 as a two-digit normal symbol. It is changed and is displayed by the combination of stop symbols after the change.

  When the normal symbol lottery result is “winning”, the lower start port 110 (electric tulip) is opened for a predetermined time, and the game ball is likely to win the lower start port 110 easily.

  In addition, when winning at the start port 108, the main control unit 150 executes a lottery process for hitting / losing special symbols, and the lottery results are obtained in two areas in the lower part of the special symbol display device 106. The symbol is changed in a predetermined pattern, and is displayed by a combination of stop symbols that have passed the fluctuation pattern. Further, along with this display, in the upper part (substantially the entire area) of the special symbol display device 106, the effect symbol is changed in a predetermined pattern and is stopped and displayed through the change pattern. In the effect image of the effect symbol variation pattern, for example, a number of patterns that take various effects and tastes into consideration are prepared, such as display of a winning symbol after reach, display of a missed symbol, or display of a failing symbol without reach. The player receives these effects and observes the lottery result of the special symbol with a sense of expectation. Furthermore, as described above, when a reach occurs or when a bonus is given, etc., the character is rendered by the movement of the covering members 202L and 202R of the center object 105, and the player receives the effects of the game. The interest for is enhanced.

  If the lottery result of the special symbol is “winning”, a predetermined combination of predetermined winning symbols such as “444” is displayed on the special symbol display unit 106A of the special symbol display device 106, for example. At the same time, effects such as blinking of the indicator lamp 142 for lighting effects and output of sound effects from the speakers 146L and 146R are added to notify the player that a big hit has occurred, and a predetermined jackpot operation is executed.

  As the jackpot operation, the opening / closing operation of the door 116 opens the grand prize opening 114, for example, 10 counts (the number of winning prizes) or a maximum of 30 seconds (one opening time) / up to 16 rounds (continuous number of times), and a big winning prize. In the case of a game specification in which a V zone is provided in the mouth 114, an operation of continuing the next round by performing winning in the V zone when the one big winning opening 114 is opened is performed. Thus, the player can easily win a large number of prize balls by, for example, receiving 15 payouts per prize, for example, by winning the launched game balls to the big prize opening 114. At this time, the payout device 160 operates to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls, and the payout prize balls are discharged from the ball discharge port 46 to the ball tray portion 34 of the integrated dish 30.

  In addition, when the winning symbol is a combination of predetermined specific symbols such as “777”, for example, the “probability changing function” in which the next jackpot probability is increased after the above-described jackpot operation ends, or Although the jackpot probability does not change, an additional function such as a “short-time function” that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal symbol display device 107 and makes the lower start port 110 easy to open and improves the ball holding time is advantageous for the player. The state is expanded.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there are “sudden probability change” and “small hit” as types of hits. The “sudden probability change” is an aspect that is almost the same as the jackpot action and that the number of times the opening of the big prize opening 114 is extremely short and / or the opening time is very short, and the purpose is a high probability of the lottery under the subsequent normal game Is.

  On the other hand, “small hit” is equivalent to “sudden probability change”, which is the same operation as “sudden probability change” and does not increase the probability of lottery.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, if a predetermined condition of winning the upper start opening 108 during the game is satisfied, the main control unit 150 determines whether or not to start a gaming state advantageous to the player. The lottery process is executed. The lottery result is displayed on the display screen of the special symbol display device 106, and the player grasps the lottery result by viewing the display screen.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, as described above, as a lottery result, there are a sudden big change and a small hit as well as a normal big win, and these two types are notified by the same symbol arrangement “012”. I am doing so. In the case of sudden probability change, the period until the next big hit is shortened, and the player is more motivated to continue the game. On the other hand, the small hit is the same operation as the sudden probability change, but not the probability change (high probability). By notifying them with the same symbol arrangement, the player cannot determine whether or not the current probability is high.

  In view of this, the covering members 202R and 202L of the center actor 105 are used as the determination material, and the expected value for the probability change is suddenly notified.

  Hereinafter, the process flow of the pre-effect and the main effect when the winning is suddenly won or won (that is, when the symbol arrangement is “012”) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step 350, it is determined whether or not the symbol arrangement is stopped at “012”. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 352, the lottery result is held, and the process proceeds to step 354.

  In step 354, a pre-effect is executed. This pre-effect is executed by one of the three patterns in FIG.

  In the next step 356, it is determined whether or not the pre-effect pattern in step 354 is a pattern (pattern 3) indicating that a special state is entered. If a negative determination is made in step 356, this routine ends and returns to the normal gaming state.

  If the determination in step 356 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 358 in order to execute the main effect, and the effect pattern for the main effect is specified and read based on the held lottery result.

  In the next step 360, a program for the main effect is constructed based on the read effect pattern, and the process proceeds to step 362.

  In step 362, the count value of the game execution number counter 320 is reset to complete the preparation of the operation of the covering members 202R and 202L for the main effect, and the process proceeds to step 364.

  In step 364, it is determined whether or not there is a valid winning (start winning) of the start port 108. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 366, where the count value of the game execution number counter 320 is incremented (counted up), and then. Proceeding to step 368, the covering members 202R and 202L are operated in any of the six patterns (A) to (F) shown in FIG.

  These six patterns represent changes in the eyes in the face, and the eyes with the smiled expression have higher expectations than the eyes with the normal expression. In addition, the expectation level was further increased by making the flames animated, and the V-shaped eye was set to have the highest level of expectation in order to imagine a “win”. The degree of expectation is not as theoretical as, for example, psychologically blue images have a cold image and red systems have a hot image, but most people are not able to see it in terms of human sensitivity. Can be captured with the same feeling.

  In the next step 370, it is determined whether or not the sudden probability change operation shown in FIG. 8F has been executed. If the determination is affirmative, regardless of the special number of games (30 times) set in advance, This presentation is ended and this routine is ended.

  If a negative determination is made in step 370, the process proceeds to step 372 to determine whether the count value has reached a predetermined value (30 times). If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 364. Repeat the above steps.

  If the determination in step 372 is affirmative, it is determined that the number of games for executing this effect has ended, and this routine ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the lottery result is notified by the special symbol display device 106, and when this notification is a notification indicating a sudden probability change or a small hit, by operating the covering members 202L and 202R, When a pre-effect is executed and a special game is confirmed by the pre-effect, the expected value for the sudden probability change is notified over a plurality of consecutive normal games by the operation of the covering members 202R and 202L. I made it.

  Thereby, the player can have a sense of expectation whether or not suddenly a certain change has occurred while continuing the normal game, and can increase the willingness to continue the game.

  In addition, since the covering members 202R and 202L are operated so as to overlap the special symbol display device 106, the player can draw both the result of the lottery in the normal game and the expectation for sudden probability change without shifting his line of sight. Can be confirmed.

  In the present embodiment, the expected value is notified for each continuous game of a predetermined number of times (30 times), but the present effect (selection operation of 6 patterns of covering members 202R and 202L) is sporadically performed. You may make it perform. Further, this sporadic execution may be given a periodicity such as once every 30 games or once every 45 games.

  In addition, although the pre-production and the main production that suddenly notify the expected value of the probability change are applied to the covering members 202R and 202L that appear and overlap the front of the special symbol display device 106, they are notified by another movable member. May be. Further, the expected value of the sudden change may be expressed by displaying the image on the special symbol display device 106.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the perspective view seen from the front side which shows the inner frame, glass frame, and game board in the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a front view which shows the game board which concerns on this Embodiment. (A) is a front view, (B) is a partial plan view, (C) is a partial right side view, and (D) is (A). 4D-4D line sectional view. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control system of the pachinko machine concerning this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a center accessory drive control unit. It is a front view which shows the operation state of the coating | coated member which shows the operation pattern of a pre production. It is a front view which shows the operation state of the coating | coated member which shows the operation pattern of this production. It is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between production and expected value. It is a control flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the coating | coated member for alert | reporting the expected value of a sudden probability change.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
100 game board 100A board surface 106 special symbol display device (design variation display device)
105 Center character 150 Main control unit 152 Production control unit 156 Symbol control unit 202L, 202R Cover member (production structure)
204L, 204R Cover member body (production structure)
206L, 206R Movable member (effect structure)
230, 240 Stepping motor 300 Center accessory operation control unit 302 Lottery result determination unit 304 Lottery result data memory (holding means)
306 Production operation start instructing unit 308 Lottery result data reading unit 310 Production pattern specifying unit (selection means)
312 Production pattern reading unit (selection means)
314 Production pattern data memory (production pattern data memory)
316 Operation program construction unit 318 Program execution control unit (notification production means)
320 Game execution counter (notification production means)
322 Operating driver

Claims (5)

In a normal gaming state, a game ball wins a starting opening, and a lottery is performed as to whether or not to execute any of a plurality of special gaming states having different degrees of advantage for the player. A gaming machine that exercises the right of any of a plurality of types of special gaming states or continues the normal gaming state,
Holding means for holding the type information of the special game state of the certain type in the return from the special game state of the certain type when returning to the normal game state after the end of the exercise of the right of the special game state When,
Effect pattern data storage means for storing data relating to a plurality of effect patterns set corresponding to the type of special gaming state;
Selection means for selecting, from the effect pattern data storage means, one effect pattern data among a plurality of preset effect patterns, based on the type of special gaming state held in the holding means;
Based on the effect pattern data selected by the selection means, the lottery is executed so as to continue over a plurality of times in the normal game state after the return, and the lottery probability is increased every time the normal game is executed. Notification effecting means for effecting notification while changing the degree of expectation of whether or not it is in a state;
A gaming machine having.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification production time by the notification production means is executed in a plurality of consecutive normal games after the return.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification production time by the notification production means is sporadically executed during the plurality of games after the return.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification effect executed by the notification means includes notification of information that does not depend on whether the lottery result is true or false. A symbol variation display device for displaying a symbol variation pattern effect that informs the result of the lottery;
A production structure that can overlap and appear with respect to the symbol variation display device so as to block a line of sight of a player viewing the symbol variation pattern displayed on the symbol variation display device;
The said effect is performed by the operation of the effect structure, and the symbol variation pattern effect by the symbol variation display device and the notification effect by the notification effect means are executed on the player's line of sight. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images