JP2008029766A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit a player to previously keep track of the progress of an actual game and easily choose a game machine of a model satisfying the player's own interest. <P>SOLUTION: The player can choose a trial shooting mode in a waiting condition. When the player makes a trial shooting input, the trial shooting mode is performed, and an image mimicking the progress of the game is displayed on an image display device. That is, even if a game ball is not actually thrown, the player's operation of a shooting handle makes the same progress of the game as when an actual game ball is shot displayable by images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more particularly to a ball game machine equipped with a mode for displaying game contents to a player.

  As a ball game machine, a lottery is performed upon entering the starting port, and the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. Conventionally known type 1 pachinko gaming machines that shift to advantageous special games are widely popular. In addition, as a model different from the first type pachinko game machine, the second type, which is a conventional type that shifts from a normal game to a special game when a game ball passes through a specific area in a big winning mouth called an accessory. Pachinko machines are also popular as well. More recently, there has been proposed a ball ball game machine in which such first-type and second-type game machines are combined (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Such pachinko gaming machines include various types of characters appearing in the game, various effects by the character, and specific progress methods of the game. In addition, when a display device such as a liquid crystal is provided on the game board, while displaying an image such as symbol variation during the game, it enters a standby mode after a certain period of time without entering the starting port, A predetermined demonstration is displayed on the standby display screen. This demonstration may include contents such as an outline explanation of the pachinko gaming machine and an introduction of characters appearing in the game production.
JP 2000-33141 A

  However, even if the demonstration includes an outline description of the game, a predetermined game description is only repeatedly executed on the gaming machine side. On the other hand, in an actual game, the progress of the game can vary depending on the operation amount and operation timing of the launch handle by the player. On the other hand, the player can throw a game ball into each gaming machine and make a test shot little by little, but this is not economical. On the other hand, for the pachinko hall side, for example, when a new type of gaming machine is introduced, the player never understands the progress of the game and increases the motivation for the game. In recent years, in particular, models with more complex gameplay have emerged, and in order to prevent such models from being avoided by players, it is becoming more meaningful for players to understand the outline of games during demonstrations.

  Therefore, the present inventor is not a mere demonstration, it can be used for the convenience of the player if the game can be experienced virtually, while the new model in the pachinko hall is smoothly introduced and new customers are acquired. I thought that could also contribute.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and allows the player to grasp the actual progress of the game in advance and facilitate the selection of a model that suits his interests. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a bullet ball game machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a start port provided at a predetermined position in the game area and into which a game ball can enter, A variable pitching device that is provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and can change the receiving state of the gaming ball to a state advantageous to the player when the gaming state becomes a predetermined state triggered by entering the starting port And an image display device that displays an image related to the game, a test firing input detection device that detects a test shot input indicating a test shot request by the player, and when the test shot input is detected by the test shot input detection device, And a trial firing mode control means for executing a trial firing mode for displaying an image to be simulated on the image display device.

  The “image related to the game” here may include an effect image other than the “image simulating the progress of the game”. Further, the “trial shooting input detection device” may detect a trial shooting input by detecting a displacement operation or a displacement amount of a predetermined operation member by a player's operation. In this case, the operation member may be, for example, an operation button that receives a predetermined operation input, or may be a firing handle that is operated to fire a game ball. Furthermore, “an image that simulates the progress of a game” means an image that virtually represents a gaming state that would actually progress based on the player's operation. This image includes a moving image of a virtual game ball that assumes a trajectory drawn by an actual game ball based on a player's operation, a moving image of a virtual object based on the movement of the game ball, A virtual effect image based on movement may be included.

  According to this aspect, the trial shooting mode is executed based on the trial shooting input by the player, and an image that simulates the progress of the game is displayed. That is, even if the game ball is not actually inserted, the progress of the game similar to the case where the game ball is actually fired is displayed as an image by the player operating the launch handle or the like. This image does not represent a specific game content as in a conventional demonstration, but represents a game state that will actually proceed based on the player's operation, so the player can virtually experience the game. can do.

  In that case, you may further provide the standby state detection apparatus which detects as a standby state the state which the operation | movement triggered by the entrance to the starting port interrupted for more than predetermined time. Then, the trial firing mode control means may start the trial firing mode on condition that the standby state is detected by the standby state detection device.

  In other words, there has been a demonstration in the standby state for the purpose of explaining the game, but in this mode, a game simulation is performed in place of the demonstration or in conjunction with the demonstration.

  According to this aspect, since the trial shooting mode is started without finishing the conventional demonstration, the player can grasp the contents and progress of the game more realistically. In addition, since the trial shooting mode is performed in the standby state, it does not hinder the progress of the actual game.

  More specifically, the test firing input detection device detects the operation state of the launch handle by the player, and the test firing mode control means displays the game area on the image display device as an image, and according to the operation status of the launch handle. The progress of the game may be displayed as an image.

  For example, the operation amount of the launch handle may be detected, and the actual game ball firing speed, flight distance, etc. according to the operation amount may be calculated to display the virtual game ball as a moving image. Then, the operation of the game ball in the game area on the image may be simulated, and the progress of the game that will actually be performed corresponding to the operation may be displayed as a moving image.

  According to this aspect, the player can actually operate the launch handle in the trial shooting mode and grasp the progress of the game according to the operation on the screen. That is, the player can experience the virtual game more realistically, and the entertainment is further enhanced.

  However, it is preferable that the trial shooting mode is executed only for the convenience of the player to effectively grasp the progress of the game and to increase the motivation for the actual game. That is, it can be said that it is out of the original purpose that the player can catch the test shooting mode as if it were a game.

  Therefore, the trial firing mode control means may end the trial firing mode after the set period has elapsed since the start thereof. Note that the “set period” here may be a predetermined time from the start of the trial firing mode, or may be a period until a certain condition or the like is satisfied.

  In this way, it is possible to achieve both the player's purpose of grasping the content and progress of the game and the administrator's purpose of causing the player to select a gaming machine and actually playing the game. It becomes.

  Further, the trial firing mode control means may start the next trial firing mode on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the end of the previous trial firing mode. The “predetermined period” referred to here may be a predetermined period from the end of the previous test firing mode or a period until a certain condition or the like is satisfied.

  In this way, the trial shooting mode is frequently executed and the original game is not hindered, and it is possible to secure the manager's profit.

  Note that the above-described image display device may be provided only for the purpose of displaying an image in a specific area of the game area. However, the image display device is effective for a structure such as an accessory physically operating in the game area and the image. In order to make it interlock | cooperate, you may have the area | region which overlaps with the structure. That is, the image display device may have a display area having a size that overlaps with an area through which a game ball can pass in the game area.

  For example, the entire game area may overlap with the image display device. In this way, the actual game area and the game area on the image can be matched, and the game in the trial shooting mode can be felt more realistically by the player, and the interest can be further enhanced.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements, or the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention may be mutually replaced among methods, apparatuses, systems, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, data structures, and the like. This is effective as an embodiment of the present invention.

  According to the ball game machine of the present invention, the player can grasp the progress of the actual game in advance, and can easily select a game machine of a model suitable for his / her interest.

  First, after outline of the pachinko gaming machine shown as the present embodiment, its specific configuration will be described.

[Outline]
The pachinko gaming machine shown in the present embodiment provides a special game that is more advantageous to the player than usual in a plurality of forms. That is, as the first special game, a game corresponding to the special game in the conventional type 1 pachinko game machine is provided, and as the second special game, the game corresponding to the conventional special game in the type 2 pachinko game machine. I will provide a.

  First game: In the game of the first type pachinko machine, when the game ball enters the start opening, the special symbol variation display is started. In addition, the effect image is displayed as a moving image in conjunction with the special symbol variation display. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner after the predetermined time has elapsed, the effect image is also stopped and displayed as an image showing the winning, and the first special game (also referred to as “first type”) is started.

  Second game: In the game of the second kind pachinko machine, when the game ball falls into the normal electric role entrance, the second big prize opening is temporarily opened, and the second special game ("per second type" Is also started). However, the ordinary electric role entrance is configured to be openable and closable, and the game ball only enters the normal electric role entrance when expanded. After the start of the second special game, if the game ball enters a specific area in the second grand prize winning opening, the second special game can be continued for a long time.

  The player selects which of the two types of “big hit” per type 1 or type 2 should be the game purpose, and hits the game ball according to the game purpose.

  The pachinko gaming machine shown in the present embodiment shifts to a specific game called so-called time reduction on condition that the first special game or the second special game is completed. This “short time” is an abbreviation for the variable time reduction mode. During the short time, the normal symbol variable display time is shortened, and the normal electronic service entrance is relatively long. .

  The specific game continues after the special game ends until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as “continuation number”). During this specific game, the ordinary electric role entrance (sometimes referred to as “variable entrance”) is likely to expand. Therefore, the second type is likely to occur during the specific game. On the other hand, in a normal state that is not a specific game (also referred to as a “normal state”), the ordinary electronic role entrance is hardly expanded. For this reason, first, a game method in which a game ball is inserted into the start opening to generate the first type and the game is shifted to the specific game and then aimed at the second type becomes a common formula. If the player transitions to the specific game after the second special game, the player can expect the second type again. In this way, the game property that the specific game and the second type special game can be executed alternately and continuously with the first type as a trigger is a game property peculiar to the pachinko game machine shown in the present embodiment.

  However, forcing the player to play a game as a fixed stone is not preferable from the viewpoint of securing the degree of freedom of the game. If the specification is such that the second type can be generated only during a specific game, the player may feel that the degree of freedom of the game is impaired. Therefore, the ball game machine in the present embodiment is designed so that the game ball can enter the normal electric role entrance even in the normal state, and the second type is generated without passing through the specific game. The possibility is secured once.

  In this way, while ensuring the degree of freedom that both the first game and the second game can always be selected, the first type and the second type are generated through the specific game. It balances the clarity of game progression. It should be noted that if the second type suddenly occurs without passing through a specific game, it may be determined that the specific game is not given after the end of the second special game, assuming that the game is out of the fixed game.

  Particularly in this embodiment, when a predetermined trial shooting input is made by the player prior to the actual game, the trial shooting mode is executed and an image simulating the progress of the game is displayed. That is, even if the game ball is not actually inserted, the progress of the game similar to the case where the game ball is actually fired is displayed as an image by the player operating the launch handle or the like. This image is not a mere demonstration but represents a gaming state that will actually proceed in response to the player's operation, so that the player can experience the game virtually. Hereinafter, such a specific configuration and operational effects will be described.

[Example]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine.
With reference to the figure, first, after describing the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the contents of the game will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board. 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 speaker 18, and a launch handle 17.

  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 made of glass and supported by the door 14. 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 and outputs sound effects according to the gaming state and the like.

  A game area 52 defined by an outer rail 54 and an inner rail 56 is formed in the game board 50. The game area 52 includes an out port 58, a first type start winning port (hereinafter referred to as “start port”) 24, a normal electric service entrance port 26, a first major winning port 28, a second major winning port 30, and a normal A symbol operating gate (hereinafter referred to as “operating port”) 68 is provided. In the game area 52, a plurality of mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill (not shown) are installed.

  The start port 24 includes an incoming ball detection device 32 that detects an incoming ball of a game ball. The operation port 68 includes an incoming ball detection device 38 that detects an incoming ball of a game ball. The ordinary electronic combination entrance 26 includes an entrance detection device 34 that detects entrance of a game ball. Further, the ordinary electric role entrance 26 includes an ordinary electric accessory that widens the entrance of the entrance and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 76 that opens and closes the ordinary electric accessory. The first grand prize opening 28 includes a ball entry detection device 78 that detects the entry of a game ball and a big prize opening solenoid 82 that opens and closes the first grand prize opening 28. The second grand prize opening 30 includes a ball detection device 81 that detects the entry of a game ball and a big prize opening solenoid 80 that opens and closes the blades of the second big prize opening 30.

  The ordinary electric combination entrance 26 changes the state of accepting a game ball between a state unfavorable to the player and an advantageous state by opening and closing the normal electric combination. Specifically, the ordinary electric winning entrance 26 functions as a variable entrance that can be changed to an open state and a closed state in accordance with the drive control of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 76. The ordinary electric role entrance 26 is provided immediately below the start port 24. When the ordinary electric accessory is in a closed state, the entrance of the ordinary electrical service entrance 26 is shielded by the start port 24, and the game ball does not fall into the ordinary electrical service entrance 26. When the ordinary electric accessory is in an open state, the game ball can drop into the ordinary electric accessory entrance 26 from the lateral direction of the ordinary electric accessory.

  In the normal state, the opening time per opening of the ordinary electric service entrance 26 is only open for a predetermined short period of time, and the possibility that the game ball falls into the normal access role entrance 26 is small. . On the other hand, during a specific game, the opening period per opening of the ordinary electric role entrance 26 is set to be considerably longer than the normal state, so that the game ball easily falls into the ordinary electric role entrance 26. . This opening may be performed a plurality of times. Note that whether or not to shift to a specific game and the number of continuations of the specific game may be determined by a short-time lottery described later.

  The state of the first grand prize winning opening 28 changes between a state in which a game ball is accepted and a state in which the player is unfavorable. Specifically, the first big winning opening 28 functions as a first variable pitching device capable of changing the state between the open state and the closed state in accordance with the drive control of the big winning opening solenoid 82. The first big winning opening 28 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened during the special game, and is provided above the out opening 58. When the first grand prize opening 28 is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the first big prize opening 28 and can enter the ball only when it is in the open state.

  The state of the second grand prize opening 30 is also changed between a state where the game ball is received and a state where it is unfavorable to the player. Specifically, the second grand prize opening 30 functions as a second variable pitching apparatus capable of changing the state between an open state and a closed state in accordance with drive control of the big prize opening solenoid 80. The second grand prize opening 30 is opened when a game ball enters the normal electric role entrance 26. When the second big prize opening 30 is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the second big prize opening 30 and can enter the ball only when it is in the open state.

  The accessory 64 provided at the approximate center of the game board 50 includes an image display device 60, a special symbol display device 61, a normal symbol display device 205, a special symbol variation holding lamp 20, and a normal symbol variation holding lamp 21. The guide rail 31 and the V winning rotator 62 are provided.

  The special symbol display device 61 displays the special symbol 202 while fluctuating (hereinafter, such display is referred to as “symbol variation” or “variable display”). The normal symbol display device 205 is provided on the right side of the image display device 60 and displays the normal symbol while changing the normal symbol.

  The special symbol 202 is a symbol corresponding to the result of a lottery (hereinafter referred to as a “special symbol lottery”) that is performed when a game ball enters the start port 24, and does the first type occur? Has the role of indicating whether or not. That is, when the game ball enters the start opening 24, the special symbol 202 is displayed in a variable manner, and the result of the special symbol lottery is stopped and displayed after the scheduled variation time determined prior to the display has elapsed. If it is a win, the first special game is started.

  In addition, when the special symbol lottery is won, a short time lottery is also executed, and whether or not to shift to the specific game after the first special game is finished and the number of continuations are determined. When the short-time lottery is won, the special symbol display device 61 displays the fact that the special symbol 202 is scheduled to shift to a specific game when the fluctuation of the special symbol 202 is stopped, and the number of continuations.

  The special symbol display device 61 is display means composed of LEDs. The special symbol 202 is stopped and displayed with any number of “x” or “0 to 5”. When the special symbol lottery is off, “x” is displayed, and when winning, one of the numbers “0 to 5” is stopped. When the short-time lottery is off, “0” is displayed, and when winning, one of “1-5” is stopped and displayed. When the short-time lottery is won, any one of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 continuations is selected with a probability of 20 percent. The special symbol 202 is stopped and displayed as “1” when the number of continuations is 10 times, “2” when it is 20 times,..., “5” when it is 50 times. As described above, the special symbol 202 indicates whether or not to shift to a specific game based on the short-time lottery and the number of continuations thereof together with the result of the special symbol lottery. When the short-time lottery is won, the game shifts to a specific game after the end of the first special game. It should be noted that since the transition to the specific game greatly affects whether or not the transition to the second special game is made, it is possible to make a specification that always shifts to the specific game after the end of the first special game. In this case, the special symbol 202 is stopped and displayed as “0” when the continuation count is 10 times, “1” when the continuation count is 20 times,..., “4” when the continuation count is 50 times, and “5” when the continuation count is 100 times. The

  The image display device 60 has a relatively large display area that overlaps with an area through which a game ball can pass in the game area 52, and displays the effect image 200 as a moving image. The effect image 200 includes a decorative symbol that is variably displayed in conjunction with the variable symbol display of the special symbol 202 in order to visually produce the result of the special symbol lottery. The image display device 60 displays, as the effect image 200, for example, a plurality of rows of moving images of symbol fluctuations simulating a slot machine game on the screen. The image display device 60 is configured by a liquid crystal display in this embodiment, but may be configured by a display capable of displaying a moving image by another method. The image display device 60 also displays the effect image 200 as a moving image in an effect (hereinafter referred to as a “special effect”) for arousing a player's expectation for winning a prize ball in the first special game or the second special game. Display. The image display device 60 displays the effect image 200 as a moving image as the entrance effect. Furthermore, the image display device 60 displays a moving image of an image simulating the progress of the actual game as a trial shooting mode under a predetermined condition. This trial shooting mode allows the player to select a gaming machine that suits his interests by virtually experiencing the progress of the game prior to the actual game. Details will be described later. To do.

  In the case of FIG. 1, the decoration symbol 201 is displayed using a relatively large display area in the effect image 200. However, when using a moving image or the like for the effect, a special message is displayed, or the like. May prioritize the display of the video or message. In this case, the decorative design 201 can be displayed in a small area such as the upper left of the effect image 200.

  Since the special symbol 202 does not need to have a role of production, in this embodiment, the special symbol 202 is displayed in an inconspicuous size on the special symbol display device 61 above the image display device 60. When having a special role, the special symbol 202 may be displayed on a liquid crystal display such as the image display device 60.

  When the game ball falls into the operation port 68, a normal symbol lottery is executed. The result of the normal symbol lottery is indicated by a normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display device 205. The normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display device 205 are represented by “o” and “x” marks, and are variably displayed by being lit alternately.

  The special symbol variation holding lamp 20 is composed of four lamps, and displays the number of reserved balls of variation of the special symbol 202 according to the number of lights. The number of reserved balls is a lottery random number (hereinafter referred to as “special figure lottery value”) acquired as a lottery value when a game ball enters the start opening 24 while the special symbol 202 is changing or during execution of a special game. ) And the number of winning balls for which the variation display of the special symbol 202 has not been executed yet. In other words, it is the number of special symbol lotteries that are reserved for execution in the future.

  On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment, the normal symbol variation holding lamp 21 is composed of one lamp, and when it is turned on, it indicates that there is a normal symbol variation holding ball. The number of reserved balls is the number of lottery random numbers (hereinafter also referred to as “general drawing lottery values”) acquired as a lottery value when a game ball falls into the operating port 68 during the fluctuation of the normal symbol. Indicates the number of balls that have not yet been subjected to symbol variation. In other words, it is the number of normal symbol lotteries that are reserved for execution in the future.

  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 falls into each of the winning openings such as the start opening 24, the ordinary electric service entrance opening 26, the second large winning opening 30, the first large winning opening 28, etc., the winning ball according to the type of the winning opening is raised. The ball tray 15 or the lower ball tray 16 is paid out. A game ball dropped into each winning opening such as the start port 24 is processed as a safe ball, and a game ball dropped into the out port 58 is processed as an out ball.

  Note that each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes, and in the present application, “entry ball” has a concept including “falling”, “winning”, and “passing”.

  When the game ball falls into the start port 24, a special drawing lottery value is acquired. As the special symbol lottery, the special symbol lottery value is determined to be a success / failure, and the special symbol display device 61 and the image display device 60 are variably displayed with the special symbol 202 and the effect image 200 to indicate the lottery result. When the decorative symbol in the effect image 200 and the stop symbol of the special symbol 202 are in an aspect indicating a win, the opening / closing operation of the first big prize opening 28 is started, and the first special game is started. When the special symbol 202 is stopped in a winning manner, the effect image 200 simulating a slot machine game has a display manner in which three decorative symbols are matched. The player visually recognizes the occurrence of the first type according to the display mode of the decorative symbols. In addition, the effect image 200 may indicate the possibility of transition to a specific game and the number of continuations.

  When shifting to the first special game, the first grand prize opening 28 is temporarily closed after being opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls are dropped. The first special game is composed of one or more unit games. The number of unit games in this embodiment is 15 times. Since one opening / closing operation is performed in one unit game, the opening / closing operation of the first grand prize winning opening 28 is repeated by the number of unit games.

  When the game ball falls into the operation port 68, the normal drawing lottery value is acquired. As a normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol lottery value is determined to be correct. In the case of the present embodiment, the normal symbol lottery is executed with a predetermined hit probability regardless of whether or not a specific game is being played. However, by making the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in the normal state longer than the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in the specific game, the number of hits per hour of the normal symbol in the normal state can be reduced. Thereby, the substantial success probability can be changed without changing the success probability of the normal symbol lottery between the normal state and the specific game. The result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed on the normal symbol display device 205 in the form of the variation of the normal symbol. The normal symbol stop symbol indicates the result of the normal symbol lottery. If it is an aspect that shows a winning, the ordinary electric role entrance 26 is opened.

  In the specific game, the variation time of the special symbol 202 and the normal symbol is shortened compared to the normal state. In addition, the opening time of the ordinary electric role entrance 26 becomes longer. Therefore, the game ball is much easier to drop into the normal electric service entrance 26 than in the normal state.

  When the game ball falls into the normal electric role entrance 26, the second big prize opening 30 is opened. Thereby, it shifts to the second special game. The state in which the second big prize opening 30 is opened in the second special game is called the first stage of the second special game.

  The second big prize opening 30 is provided with a specific area 22 and an outflow area 66. The game ball that has entered the accessory 64 from the second big prize opening 30 is guided by the guide rail 31 toward the specific area 22 or the outflow area 66. The guide rail 31 forms a passage that connects the second large winning opening 30 and the V winning rotator 62, and a ball entry detecting device 81 is provided on the passage. This entrance detection device 81 is an apparatus for detecting entrance of a game ball into the second grand prize opening 30. The game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 30 is detected by the ball detection device 81 in the process of rolling on the guide rail 31. The guide rail 31 is preferably formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent member, and preferably does not hinder the display of the image display device 60 behind.

  As will be described later, the V winning rotator 62 is, for example, a disk-shaped rotator formed with eight entrances and rotating around a rotation axis facing the up and down direction of the game board 50 at a low speed. One of the plurality of entrances is marked with a V zone. When a game ball enters the entrance with the V zone mark, the game ball enters the specific area 22 with a probability of 100%, and the second stage of the second special game is executed. Note that when a game ball enters an entrance not marked with a V zone, the game ball enters the outflow area 66. In the case of FIG. 1, the specific area 22 and the outflow area 66 are formed below the V winning rotator 62, but the specific area 22 and the outflow area 66 are part of the structure constituting the V winning rotator 62. May be formed integrally.

  The entrance to the specific area 22 is detected by the entrance detection device 36, and the entrance to the outflow area 66 is detected by the outflow detection device 37. The entrance detection device 36 and the outflow detection device 37 are collectively referred to as a discharge detection device 35. The entrance detection device 36 and the outflow detection device 37 count the game balls that enter the specific area 22 and the outflow area 66, respectively. When the sum of the number of balls entered into each area coincides with the number of balls counted by the ball detection device 81, all the game balls that have entered the second big prize opening 30 are identified areas 22 or outflow areas 66. Is determined to have entered the ball.

  The game ball entering the specific area 22 inside the accessory 64 is a continuation condition for shifting from the first stage to the second stage of the second special game. When the continuation condition is satisfied, the opening / closing operation of the first grand prize winning opening 28 is repeated for the remaining number of unit games as in the first special game. The second special game is also composed of 15 unit games. The first stage of the second special game corresponds to the first unit game, and the second stage corresponds to the second and subsequent unit games. When the second stage is entered, the opening / closing operation of the first grand prize opening 28 is repeated for the remaining number of unit games. That is, the number of times of opening / closing the first big prize opening 28 in the first special game is 15 times, whereas the number of times of opening / closing the first big prize opening 28 in the second stage of the second special game is 14.

  When the continuation condition is satisfied, the game is shifted to the specific game after the second special game is finished. The number of continuations is always set to a predetermined number, for example, 6 times.

  Further, an operating table 85 is provided on the outer wall surface in the vicinity of the lower ball tray 16 so as to extend forward, and an operation button 95 that is operated to be pressed is provided in the center thereof. The operation button 95 is a button for the player to input a predetermined instruction in the process of shifting to the above-described test shooting mode. Details of the transition process to the trial mode will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing 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 lottery when entering the starting port 24 and the operating port 68 in particular. The sub board 49 includes a liquid crystal unit 42, controls display contents on the image 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 functional block diagram of the pachinko gaming machine.
In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game control device 100 includes a start port 24, an operation port 68, a normal electric service entrance ball 26, a first grand prize port 28, a second major prize port 30, an image display device 60, and a special symbol display. The device 61, the normal symbol display device 205, the operation button 95, and the firing handle 17 are electrically connected to each other, and can transmit and receive various control signals. The game control device 100 controls not only the basic operation of the game, but also staging operations such as symbol variation display and electrical decoration. The game control device 100 is configured in such a manner that functions are shared by a main board 41 that controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including basic operations of the game, and a sub board 49 that controls the production of symbols and the like.

  The game control device 100 is configured by hardware including elements such as a ROM and a RAM for storing data and programs, and a CPU used for arithmetic processing. The game control device 100 includes a ball entry determination unit 102 that determines whether or not each ball entrance has entered, a first lottery unit 106 that executes a special symbol lottery based on the game ball entering the start port 24, and an operation port 68. The second lottery means 108 for executing the normal symbol lottery based on the game ball entering the game, the pattern storage means 112 for holding the variation pattern indicating the variation time of the special symbol 202 and the effect pattern indicating the moving image reproduction process of the effect image 200. The stop symbol, the variation pattern, and the effect pattern are determined for the winning storage means 114, the special symbol 202, and the effect image 200 that store the ball entering the start port 24 or the operation port 68 during the variable display as the reserved ball within the upper limit number. Symbol determining means 120 for controlling, display control means 130 for controlling the display of symbol variation, illumination, etc., special game control means 140 for controlling special games, second prize winning Entry counting means 152 that counts game balls that have entered 30, specific game control means 160 that controls a short-time lottery and a specific game, a normal electric role entrance 26, a first grand prize opening 28, and a second grand prize opening 30 is provided with an opening / closing control means 162 for controlling the opening / closing of 30 and a trial firing mode control means 164 for controlling the transition to the trial firing mode and its progress.

  The entrance detection device 32 is a sensor provided at the start opening 24, detects the entrance of a game ball into the start opening 24, and generates start winning information indicating the entrance. The ball entry determination unit 102 determines that the game ball has entered the start port 24 when the start winning information is received. When it is determined that the starting ball 24 has entered the ball, the first lottery means 106 checks whether the number of held balls has reached the upper limit. When the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit, the first lottery means 106 acquires the special drawing lottery value for the start prize at the timing when the pitch determination means 102 receives the start prize information.

  The first lottery means 106 may generate a special drawing lottery value as a random number by a mathematical method, or may acquire a count value generated by a counter (not shown) as a random number of the special drawing lottery value. The first lottery means 106 determines whether or not the special symbol lottery is successful depending on whether or not the acquired special figure lottery value is within a range to be won.

  The entrance detection device 38 is a sensor provided in the operation port 68, detects the entrance of a game ball into the operation port 68, and generates operation entrance information indicating the entrance. The entry determining means 102 determines that the game ball has entered the operation port 68 when the operation entry information is received. When it is determined that the ball enters the operating port 68, the second lottery means 108 checks whether the number of balls to be held has reached the upper limit. When the number of held balls has not reached the upper limit, the second lottery means 108 obtains the normal lottery value for the operation winning at the timing when the ball entering determination means 102 receives the operation ball entry information.

  The second lottery means 108 may generate a normal lottery value as a random number by a mathematical method, or may acquire a count value generated by a counter (not shown) as a random number of a normal lottery value. The second lottery means 108 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is successful depending on whether or not the acquired ordinary drawing lottery value is within a range to be won. In addition to this, the entry determination means 102 also determines the entry into the first grand prize opening 28 and the second big prize opening 30, the entry into the specific area 22 and the outflow area 66 in the second big prize opening 30, and the like. To do.

The winning storage means 114 includes first storage means 116 and second storage means 118.
When a game ball enters the start port 24 while the special symbol 202 is being displayed or during the execution of the special game, the first storage means 116 has four special figure lottery values corresponding to the ball as the upper limit. Memorize as a holding ball. When the game ball enters the operation port 68 during the normal symbol variation display, the second storage unit 118 stores up to one maximum number of lottery values corresponding to the entered ball as a holding ball.

The symbol determining unit 120 includes a special symbol determining unit 122, an effect image determining unit 124, and a normal symbol determining unit 128.
The special symbol determining unit 122 and the normal symbol determining unit 128 are functions realized by the main board 41. The effect image determination means 124 is a function realized by the sub board 49. Part of the functions of the pattern storage unit 112 is realized on the main board 41, and the remaining functions are realized on the sub board 49.

  The special symbol determination means 122 determines the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol 202 according to the result of the special symbol lottery and the result of the time-short lottery. The scheduled variation time of the special symbol 202 is specified by the variation pattern. The effect image determination means 124 determines the effect pattern of the effect image 200 according to the lottery result by the first lottery means 106, the stop symbol of the special symbol 202, the variation pattern of the special symbol 202, and the like. In addition, the effect image 200 to be stopped and displayed at the end of the moving image display is selected as a stop symbol. The pattern storage unit 112 holds a plurality of types of variation patterns and effect patterns. In the present embodiment, the function of storing the variation pattern is realized on the main board 41, and the function of storing the effect pattern is realized on the sub board 49.

  When executing the effect corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol 202, the effect image determining unit 124 selects an effect pattern having the same duration as the scheduled variation time of the special symbol 202 as the effect time. For this reason, the change display of the special symbol 202 and the moving image display of the effect image 200 are interlocked. The special symbol determining means 122 selects a variation pattern having a short variation time so that the variation time of the special symbol 202 is substantially shortened during the specific game.

  The stop symbol is a symbol to be displayed at the end of symbol variation, and plays a role of indicating to the player whether or not the lottery is successful. In the production pattern, the pattern when displaying a normal out symbol, the pattern when displaying a symbol out of reach after reaching a big win if one more symbols are aligned, and the case of displaying a big hit through a reach state Pattern is included. The symbol variation of the special symbol 202 based on each variation pattern is stopped when the variation time defined as the end condition has elapsed, and a stop symbol indicating the lottery result is displayed. The effect image determination means 124 determines the stop symbols of the decorative symbols included in the effect image 200 in a jackpot manner in which three identical numbers are aligned in the case of a jackpot.

  In addition to this, the pattern storage unit 112 also holds an effect pattern for a special effect and a ballistic effect, and an effect pattern for a test shooting mode selection process described later. The effect display control means 136 selects the effect pattern for the special effects and the entrance effect, and the effect pattern for the trial shooting mode selection process from the pattern storage means 112, and executes each effect as necessary.

  The normal symbol determination means 128 determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery. When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a hit mode, the opening / closing control means 162 expands the normal electric combination of the normal electric combination entrance 26 which is a variable entrance.

The display control unit 130 includes a first display control unit 132, a second display control unit 134, and an effect display control unit 136.
Each function of the first display control means 132 and the second display control means 134 is realized mainly on the main board 41, and the function of the effect display control means 136 is mainly realized on the sub board 49. The display control means 130 also controls lamp displays such as game effect lamps and hold lamps 20 and 21.

  The first display control means 132 displays the determined stop symbol last after variably displaying the special symbol 202. The first display control means 132 notifies the effect display control means 136 of the sub-board 49 when starting the variable display of the special symbol 202. After receiving the notification, the effect display control means 136 causes the image display device 60 to display the effect image 200 as a moving image.

  The second display control unit 134 displays the determined stop symbol last after the normal symbol is variably displayed. In the normal state, the second display control means 134 stops the fluctuation after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, and stops the fluctuation after a shorter time has elapsed during the specific game.

  The condition holding unit 142 holds a first operation condition that is a condition for executing the first special game and a second operation condition that is a condition for executing the second special game. The first operating condition is defined as a condition that the special symbol 202 is stopped in a hit state. The second operating condition is defined as a condition that the game ball falls into the normal electric role entrance 26. The condition determining means 144 monitors the gaming situation and determines whether the first operating condition and the second operating condition are successful. Based on the determination result, the condition determination unit 144 sets on / off a flag for instructing the start or end of each special game.

  The first special game execution means 146 executes the first special game. The second special game execution means 148 executes the second special game. The operation avoiding means 150 avoids the establishment of the other operation condition when either one of the first operation condition and the second operation condition is satisfied. In other words, exclusive control is performed so that the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously. The second special game is divided into two stages, a first stage and a second stage. Satisfaction of the second operation condition indicates that the continuation condition for the first stage of the second special game is established, and the second operation condition is established as long as the second special game continues through the first stage and the second stage. Yes. While the second operating condition is being established and the first stage or the second stage of the second special game is being executed, the establishment of the first operating condition is avoided. On the other hand, while the first operating condition is established, the establishment of the second operating condition is avoided, and neither the first stage nor the second stage of the second special game is executed. When the second operation condition is satisfied while the decorative symbol of the special symbol 202 and the effect image 200 is variably displayed, the operation avoiding unit 150 temporarily stops the progress of the variable symbol display of the special symbol 202. Specifically, the timer that measures the variation time of the special symbol 202 is temporarily stopped while the operation avoiding unit 150 is operating, and the special symbol 202 is variably stopped while the operation avoiding unit 150 is operating. Avoid that.

  The specific game control means 160 executes a short-time lottery and controls state transition between the specific game and the normal state. That is, the specific game control means 160 executes the specific game after the special game is finished until the number of times of variation of the special symbol 202 reaches the continuation number when the decision to shift to the specific game is made by the short-time lottery. However, when the transition to the second stage of the first special game or the second special game is determined during the specific game, the specific game is terminated even if the number of continuations has not been reached.

  The specific game control means 160 changes various settings as control contents for the specific game by transmitting various instruction information to the second lottery means 108, the symbol determination means 120, and the opening / closing control means 162 at the start of the specific game. In addition, the specific game control means 160 changes various settings as control contents in the normal state by transmitting various instruction information to the second lottery means 108, the symbol determination means 120, and the opening / closing control means 162 at the end of the specific game.

  The entrance counting means 152 uses the passing information of the game balls acquired from the entrance detection device 81, the entrance detection device 36, and the outflow detection device 37, and the number of game balls entered in the accessory 64 and the accessory It is counted whether or not the number of game balls discharged from 64 matches. When the first stage of the second special game is executed and the second grand prize opening 30 is opened, the ball counting means 152 determines whether or not the second big prize opening based on the passing information of the game balls from the ball detection device 81. The number of game balls that entered 30 is counted. Since game balls entering from the second big prize opening 30 always pass through the guide rail 31 one by one, the number of game balls entered into the second big prize opening 30 can be accurately counted. The game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 30 passes through the V winning rotator 62 and falls into the specific area 22 or the outflow area 66. The dropped game ball is detected by the ball detection device 36 or the outflow detection device 37. The ball counting means 152 can accurately count the number of game balls discharged from the accessory 64 based on the numbers detected by the ball detection device 36 and the outflow detection device 37. If the number of balls entered and the number of balls discharged after a lapse of a predetermined time, all the game balls are discharged without staying inside the accessory 64, and it can be considered that the first stage of the second special game has ended. At this time, if the entry into the specific area 22 is not detected, it is determined that there is no transition to the second stage of the second special game, and the operation avoiding means 150 has stopped the progress of the variation of the special symbol , Resuming the progress of special symbol changes. On the other hand, if the number of balls entered and the number of balls discharged do not match even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the game ball is clogged inside the accessory 64, or the game ball is illegally inserted inside the accessory 64, particularly in the specific area 22. Become. The entrance counting means 152 outputs error information and notifies that an error has occurred via the image display device 60 and the speaker 18. Further, the error information may be transmitted directly to the management system of the game hall.

  The operation button 95 includes an operation input detection device 96. The operation input detection device 96 is a sensor that detects a pressing operation of the operation button 95 by the player, and outputs an operation detection signal when the pressing operation is detected.

  The firing handle 17 includes a trial input detection device 97. The test firing input detection device 97 is a sensor that detects an operation amount of the launch handle 17 by the player, that is, a rotation amount, and outputs an operation detection signal corresponding to the operation amount. Note that this test firing input detection device 97 can also function as a sensor that is normally used to detect the amount of operation of the launch handle 17 during an actual game.

  The trial firing mode control means 164 performs a trial firing mode selection process described later. The trial firing mode control means 164 displays a transition screen to the trial firing mode on the effect display control means 136 in a state where the operation triggered by the entry into the start port 24 is interrupted for a predetermined time or more, that is, at a predetermined timing in the standby state. Display. In response to this, when a request for transition to the test shooting mode is input from the player, the test shooting mode control unit 164 executes a test shooting control process and causes the effect display control unit 136 to display a virtual game progress as a moving image. This trial firing control process does not simply give a specific game description as in a normal demonstration, but allows the player to virtually experience the progress of the game, details of which will be described later.

Next, the trial firing mode described above will be specifically described.
4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of screens displayed in the execution process of the trial shooting mode. FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen at the time of transition to the trial shooting mode. FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen that can be displayed during execution of the trial shooting mode.

  As described above, the effect display control unit 136 displays the decorative symbol variation display and the special effect moving image display on the effect image 200 along the normal game flow. However, the test shooting is performed based on the instruction of the test shooting mode control unit 164. Displays the video for the mode. That is, the effect display control means 136 displays a selection image for transition to the trial mode on the image display device 60 when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the standby state. When the transition to the trial shooting mode is made, the effect display control means 136 displays a virtual game image that is simulated in accordance with the operation of the launch handle 17 by the player on the image display device 60.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the effect display control unit 136 displays an image of a predetermined character and game area as the effect image 200 in the standby state, for example, and “You can make a test shot on the screen. The message "Let's press!" Is displayed.

  In response to this, when the player presses the operation button 95, the effect display control means 136 displays a message such as “You have entered the trial shooting mode. If you operate the firing handle 17, the ball will pop out”. Thereafter, the trial firing mode control means 164 sequentially calculates the progress state of the game that will actually be performed based on the operation amount of the firing handle 17 detected by the trial firing input detection device 97. In other words, the trial firing mode control means 164 calculates the kinetic energy of a game ball to be launched based on the amount of operation of the launch handle 17, for example, and calculates the flight distance of the game ball and the trajectory on the game area. Then, the progress of the entire game is calculated based on the arrangement and operation timing of various entrances and accessories, the trajectory of the game ball, and the like. The effect display control means 136 sequentially displays game images based on the calculation results.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the effect display control means 136 displays images of game balls, bonuses, and the like that are sequentially fired, as well as, for example, “Tone! V!” According to the progress of the game. “If you enter the zone, you ’re a big hit!” At that time, effect images such as various symbols and characters are also displayed in the same manner as in actual games.

  By providing the trial shooting mode in this manner, a game image simulating an actual game is displayed as a moving image in accordance with the operation of the launch handle 17 even if the player does not actually insert the game ball. This allows the player to experience realistically the characters that appear in the progress of the game, the various effects produced by the character, the specific method of progress of the game, etc. before actually starting the game. You will be able to select the right game machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a basic processing process in the pachinko gaming machine.
First, a winning process is executed when a game ball enters the start port 24 and the normal electric service entrance 26 or when the game ball passes the operation port 68 (S10). N in S12), a test shooting mode selection process for providing a test shot to the player is executed (S13), and then a normal game control process such as a special symbol lottery is executed (S14). If a special game is being performed in S12 (Y in S12), a special game control process for the first special game or the second special game is executed (S16), and awards corresponding to various winnings in the processes from S10 to S16. The ball payout is processed (S18).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning process of S10 in FIG.
When the winning is made at the start port 24 (Y in S30) and the suspension in the first storage means 116 does not exceed the upper limit (Y in S32), the special drawing lottery value is stored in the first storage means 116. (S34). If there is no winning at the start port 24 (N in S30), the processes in S32 and S34 are skipped. In S32, when the winning opening 24 has been won, but its suspension exceeds the upper limit of the first storage means 116 (N in S32), the process of S34 is skipped.

  Next, when the game ball has passed through the operating port 68 (Y in S36), and when the hold in the second storage means 118 does not exceed the upper limit (Y in S38), the second storage means 118 is normally designated. A lottery value is stored (S40). When there is no game ball passing through the operation port 68 in S36 (N in S36), the processes in S38 and S40 are skipped. In S38, if a winning is made to the operating port 68 but the suspension exceeds the upper limit number of the second storage means 118 (N of S38), the process of S40 is skipped.

  Next, when a game ball enters the normal electric role entrance 26 (Y in S42), the second special game flag for instructing the transition to the second special game is set on (S44). If there is no entry into the ordinary electronic combination entrance 26 (N in S42), the process of S44 is skipped.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the trial firing mode selection process of S13 in FIG.

  First, when the entrance of the game ball is not detected by each of the entrance detection devices (N in S242), is in a standby state (Y in S244), and a predetermined period has elapsed since the end of the previous test firing mode. (Y in S246), the trial firing mode control means 164 displays the trial firing mode screen via the effect display control means 136 (S248). For example, the screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. The “predetermined period” here is appropriately set to such an extent that the test firing mode is not executed very frequently. In other words, it is expected to increase the player's willingness to play by adopting the test shooting mode, but if the test shooting mode is frequently performed and the execution of the original game is hindered, the operation of the pachinko hall will be hindered. there is a possibility. Here, it is preferable to set an appropriate period in consideration of the balance between the two.

  When the operation button 95 is pressed as an instruction to shift to the test shooting mode by the player who has seen the test shooting mode screen and the pressing operation is detected by the operation input detection device 96 (Y in S250), the test shooting mode control means In step 164, the trial timer is turned on (S254). This trial timer measures the duration of the trial mode.

  Subsequently, the trial firing mode control means 164 starts the trial firing control based on the trial firing input by the player, that is, the operation of the firing handle 17 (S256). In other words, the trial firing mode control means 164 sequentially calculates the progress of the game that would be realized if the game was actually performed based on the operation amount of the launch handle 17 detected by the trial firing input detection device 97. . The effect display control means 136 displays virtual game images such as game balls, various bonuses, and effect images that draw a predetermined trajectory on the game area based on the calculation result. Specifically, the effect display control unit 136 causes the image display device 60 to display a simulation image of the process excluding the trial shooting mode selection process in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is not in the standby state in S244 (N in S244) and the trial firing control has already been started and is continuing (Y in S264), the processing from S246 to S256 is skipped.

  Then, when the trial firing control process is continuously executed in this way and a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S258), the trial firing mode control means 164 performs a predetermined trial firing mode end process (S260). The timer is turned off and the process is terminated (S262). The “predetermined time” here is appropriately set to such an extent that the trial firing mode is not executed for a long time. That is, if the trial shooting mode is performed for a long time and the execution of the original game is hindered, there is a possibility that the operation of the pachinko hall will be hindered. On the other hand, if the setting time of the trial shooting mode is too short, the player cannot satisfactorily grasp the contents of the game, and the promotion of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be insufficient. Here, it is preferable to set an appropriate time in consideration of the balance between the two. As the trial shooting mode end process, the effect display control means 136 displays a message or the like indicating the end of the trial shooting mode, for example.

  In S244, when it is not in the standby state (N in S244) and the trial firing control is not executed (N in S264), the actual game may already be executed, so the trial firing control is not performed. The process ends.

  In S242, when a game ball is detected by any of the ball detection devices (Y in S242), it is necessary to prioritize the actual game. For this reason, the trial firing mode control means 164 cancels the trial firing mode if it has already been shifted to (S266), and turns off the trial firing timer if the trial firing timer is on (step S266). S268).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. Here, the variable display of the special symbol 202 and the moving image display of the effect image 200 linked with the variable symbol display of the special symbol 202 are processed (S50), and the variable symbol variable display is processed (S52). Note that the processing order of S50 and S52 is merely an order defined for convenience of explanation, and processing may be performed in any order.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the special symbol and effect image variation processing in S50 of FIG.
Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, “symbol” indicates both the special symbol 202 and the effect image 200. If the special symbol lottery value is held in the first storage means 116 (Y in S200) and the symbol variation is not being displayed (N in S202), the first lottery means 106 is set as a special symbol lottery. A validity determination process is executed (S204). If the special symbol lottery is a win (Y in S206), the specific game control means 160 executes a short-time lottery (S208). Whether or not to shift to the specific game after the first special game is finished is determined by the short-time lottery, and the number of continuations is indicated by a special symbol 202 stop mode. When the first special game ends and the specific game is started, the specific game control means 160 starts counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol 202. When the special symbol lottery is out (N in S206), the hourly lottery is not executed.

  After the special symbol lottery, the first display control means 132 determines the variation time of the special symbol 202 and starts the variation display of the special symbol 202 (S210). At this time, time measurement of the special figure timer is started. The special symbol timer is a timer for measuring the variation time of the special symbol 202. When the time measured by the special symbol timer reaches the variation time determined in S210, the special symbol 202 is stopped. . Synchronizing with the start of fluctuation of the special symbol 202, the moving image display of the effect image 200 is also started.

  If the special drawing lottery value is not suspended in S200 (N in S200), the processing from S202 to S210 is skipped. If the symbol is already changing in S202 (Y in S202), the processing from S204 to S210 is skipped.

  In S212, if the symbol variation display is not in progress (N in S212), the symbol variation processing in S50 is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the symbol variation display has been started (Y in S212), the symbol variation display is processed (S214), and a timer adjustment process based on an instruction from the operation avoiding means 150 is executed as necessary (S216). ). The timer adjustment process is a process for adjusting the symbol variation started in S210 so that the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously, but the details are related to FIG. I will explain. When the passage of the scheduled variation time is measured and the variation stop timing is reached (Y in S218), the symbol variation display is stopped (S220). At this time, a stop signal is transmitted from the first display control means 132 to the effect display control means 136, and the moving image display of the effect image 200 is also stopped.

  If the stopped symbol variation is not the symbol variation started during the specific game after the variation stop (N in S60), the symbol variation process in S50 is ended as it is. If the symbol variation started during the specific game is stopped (Y in S60) and the special symbol lottery in S204 is successful (Y in S61), that is, when shifting to the first special game, the specific game control The means 160 once ends the specific game (S66). If the symbol variation started during the specific game is stopped (Y in S60) and the special symbol lottery is out of play (N in S61), the specific game control means 160 will start after the specific game is started. The number of fluctuations of the special symbol 202 is incremented (S62). Here, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol 202 is equal to the number of continuations of the specific game (Y in S64), the specific game ends and shifts to the normal state (S66). If the number of fluctuations has not reached the number of continuations (N in S64), the specific game is continued as it is.

  In S210, the variable display may be started on the condition that the second special game is being executed, that is, on the condition that the second special game flag is OFF.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the timer adjustment process in S216 of FIG.
If the second special game flag is on during the variation display of the special symbol 202 (Y in S222), in other words, a ball entering the normal electric role entrance 26 occurs during the variation display of the special symbol 202. Then, the special figure timer is temporarily stopped (S224). If the second special game flag is off (N in S222), the process in S224 is skipped.

  If the special figure timer is paused (Y in S232) and the second special game has ended (Y in S234), the special figure timer is released from the pause (S236).

  When the special figure timer is not paused in S232 (N of S232) or when the second special game is not completed in S234 (N of S234), the timer adjustment process of S216 ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal symbol change process in S52 of FIG.
If the ordinary drawing lottery value is held in the second storage means 118 (Y in S80), and if the normal symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (N in S82), the second lottery means 108 determines whether or not it is a normal symbol lottery. The process is executed (S84), and the normal symbol variation display is started (S90). If the standard drawing lottery value is not on hold in S80 (N in S80), the processing from S82 to S90 is skipped, and if the normal symbol is being variably displayed in S82 (Y in S82), S84. And the process of S90 is skipped.

  Subsequently, if the normal symbol variation display has been started (Y in S92), the normal symbol variation display is processed (S94), and the predetermined variation time has elapsed and the normal symbol variation display stop timing is reached. When it has been reached (Y in S96), the normal symbol on the variable display is stopped (S98). If the stop symbol is a winning mode (Y in S100), the normal electric role entrance 26 is opened (S102), and if the stopped symbol is not a winning mode (N in S100), the process of S102 is skipped. If it is before the fluctuation time has elapsed (N in S96), the processing from S98 to S102 is skipped. When the variable display is not started in S92 (N in S92), the processing from S94 to S102 is skipped.

  In addition, when the special symbol 202 is stopped and displayed during the normal symbol variation display, and the first special game is started, the variation time measurement of the normal symbol may be paused in the same manner as the special symbol timer is suspended. According to such an aspect, it is possible to control so that the second special game is not newly executed while the first special game is being executed. Alternatively, the operation avoiding means 150 may perform a treatment so that the second special game is not started by forcibly detaching the normal symbol and stopping at the symbol during execution of the first special game.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the special game control process of S16 in FIG. If the special game being executed is the first special game (Y of S110), the control of the first special game is processed (S112), and if the special game being executed is not the first special game (N of S110) Then, the control of the second special game is processed (S114).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the process of the first special game in S112 in FIG.
First, if the first grand prize opening 28 is not opened (N in S120), the effect display control means 136 starts a special effect corresponding to the first special game (S122), and the opening / closing control means 162 is the first large. The winning opening 28 is opened (S124). If the first big winning opening 28 has been opened (Y in S120), the processes in S122 and S124 are skipped. When the predetermined opening time has elapsed since the opening of the first grand prize opening 28 (Y in S126), or the opening time has not elapsed (N in S126), the entry into the first big winning opening 28 When the number of balls has reached 9 or more (Y in S128), the opening / closing control means 162 temporarily closes the first big prize opening 28 (S130). If the opening time has not elapsed (N in S126) and the number of balls entered into the first grand prize opening 28 has not reached nine or more (N in S128), the processing after S130 is skipped and S112 is performed. End the flow.

  If the number of rounds of the unit game has reached 15 after the closing of the first big winning opening 28 in S130 (Y in S132), the effect display control means 136 ends the effect on the first special game (S134), The special game control means 140 ends the first special game (S136). Prior to the start of the first special game, when the short-time lottery executed in S208 of FIG. 10 is a win (Y in S140), the game shifts to a specific game (S142), but if it is out (N in S140) ), The process of S142 is skipped. In the case of shifting to the specific game, the specific game control means 160 starts counting the number of times the special symbol 202 is changed thereafter.

  If the number of rounds has not reached 15 in S132 (N in S132), 1 is added to the number of rounds, and the flow in S112 is terminated (S138).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail the process of the second special game in S114 in FIG.
First, if the second special game has not been started (N in S160), the effect display control means 136 starts the effect process of the second special game (S162). The opening / closing control means 162 opens the second big prize opening 30 (S164). If the second special game is started during the variable symbol display of the special symbol 202, the corresponding effect image 200 is paused in S162. If the second special game has been started (Y of S160), the processes of S162 and S164 are skipped.

  When it is in the first stage of the second special game (Y in S166) and the opening time of the second big prize opening 30 has passed (Y in S168), the second big prize opening 30 is closed ( S170). If a game ball does not enter the specific area 22 of the second grand prize opening 30 before closing (N of S172), the first stage is terminated without proceeding to the second stage, and the second special game is The process ends (S175). At this time, the second special game flag is turned off (S171). If a game ball has entered the specific area 22 of the second big prize opening 30 before closing (Y in S172), the process proceeds to the second stage of the second special game (S174).

  At this time, if the specific game is in progress (Y in S173), the specific game is once ended here (S177). If it is not in the specific game (N of S173), the process of S177 is skipped and the process proceeds to the second stage of the second special game (S174).

  In S166, when it is not in the first stage of the second special game (N in S166), since it is already in the second stage, the processes from S168 to S175 are skipped. If the opening time of the second big prize opening 30 has not elapsed in S168 (N of S168), it is a stage where success / failure conditions for the second stage have not been established, so the processes from S170 to S175 are skipped.

  When the second special game is in the second stage (Y of S176), the processing shown in S178 to S198 is started. Among these, the processing from S178 to S196 is the same as the processing from S120 to S138 in FIG. When the second stage of the second special game ends (S194), the second special game flag is turned off (S199), and the process shifts to a specific game (S198).

  Note that the maximum number of rounds in S190, “15 times”, is a value including the first stage as the first unit game.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the player can select the trial shooting mode in the standby state. Then, when a trial shooting input is made by the player, a trial shooting mode is executed, and an image that simulates the progress of the game is displayed on the image display device 60. That is, even if the game ball is not actually inserted, the progress of the game similar to the case where the game ball is actually launched is displayed as an image by the player operating the launch handle 17. Since this image does not represent a specific game form as in a conventional demonstration, but represents a game state that will actually proceed based on the player's operation, the player virtually experiences the game. can do. As a result, the player can select a game machine of a model that suits his interests.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is merely an example, 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. is there.

  In the present embodiment, the function of the variable pitching device described in the claims is mainly the first grand prize opening 28, the big prize opening solenoid 82, the ball entry detecting device 78, etc., or the second big prize opening 30, or the large size. This is realized by a winning opening solenoid 80, a ball detection device 81, a ball detection device 36, an outflow detection device 37, and the like. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be fulfilled by the constituent elements described in the claims are realized by a single function block shown in the present embodiment or a combination thereof.

  For example, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the transition to the test firing mode can be made at a predetermined timing in the standby state. Also good. For example, it may be possible to shift to the constant test shooting mode by an operation input of the operation button 95. In this case, however, it is preferable that the duration and start conditions of the test firing mode can be set as appropriate.

  Although not specifically described in the present embodiment, setting of the test firing mode does not have to be based on the exclusion of the normal demonstration mode, and both may coexist. For example, a demonstration screen may be displayed in a standby state, and a test firing mode may be selected according to a player's request.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example of shifting to the trial shooting mode based on the operation input of the operation button 95 has been described, but the transition to the trial shooting mode is performed based on the operation input via the firing handle 17 and other input devices. May be. For example, it is possible to execute from the start of the trial mode to the trial control by operating only the firing handle 17 without providing the trial mode selection process by the operation button 95.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, one of the conditions for canceling the trial shooting mode is that a game ball has been detected by any of the ball detection devices. For example, an actual game ball has been detected to be launched. It is good also as the conditions. For example, a launch detection device such as a sensor that detects the launch of a game ball may be provided between the inner rail 56 and the outer rail 54, and the condition may be that the launch of the game ball is detected by the launch detection device. . Alternatively, a storage detection device that detects the storage of the game ball may be provided at a predetermined position of the upper ball tray 15, and the storage detection device may detect the storage of the game ball.

  In this embodiment, the player actually operates the firing handle 17 even in the trial shooting mode, and calculates the operation of the game ball based on the operation amount. It is good also as an aspect which can select operation of the firing handle 17 with an input device. However, it is considered that the aspect of the present embodiment in which the firing handle 17 is actually operated allows the player to experience the progress of the game more realistically.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the specific game is described as a game that makes it easy for a game ball to enter the normal electric role entrance 26. In addition to this, a function for executing a so-called probability variation game in which the probability of winning a special symbol lottery is set to a high probability may be installed as a kind of specific game.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the first grand prize winning port 28 is used as the variable pitching apparatus for the first special game and the second grand prize winning port 30 is used as the variable pitching apparatus for the second special game has been described. In the modified example, the same first big prize opening 28 may be used as the variable pitching device in the first special game and the second special game. For example, the second big prize opening 30 may also function as the first big prize opening 28, and conversely, the first big prize opening 28 may also serve as the second big prize opening 30. With such a configuration, the operation control of the special game can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the space of the game area 52 can be used effectively.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the ball game machine of the present invention is configured as a gaming machine in which a first type pachinko gaming machine and a second type pachinko gaming machine are mixed. The first type pachinko gaming machine or the second type pachinko gaming machine may be configured. Further, the ball game machine of the present invention may be configured as other types of pachinko game machines or game machines in which any of them is mixed.

  Further, although not described in the present embodiment, when the trial shooting mode is selected by the player, even if a stored ball exists in the upper ball tray 15, it may not be fired. That is, for example, when the player makes a transition to the test shooting mode in response to a test shooting request from the player, the operation of the launching device 46 may be temporarily stopped. Alternatively, for example, the path of the game ball from the upper ball tray 15 to the launching device 46 or the path of the game ball formed between the inner rail 56 and the outer rail 54 is opened and closed to open the game ball. A blocking member capable of blocking the passage may be provided. And if it transfers to trial shooting mode, you may make it make this interruption | blocking member function, close a channel | path, and may prevent discharge | release to the game area | region 52 of a game ball. By doing so, the game ball is not consumed in spite of the trial shooting mode, and the convenience of the player can be achieved.

  Further, although not described in the present embodiment, a series of games are not sequentially simulated in the test shooting mode as described above, but a specific game such as a normal game, a short time, etc., by each operation of the operation button 95 by the player, Various game categories such as special games may be individually selectable. Thereby, it is possible to test the game part that the player is particularly interested in in a pinpoint manner, and to increase the efficiency of the test shooting. In addition, the time of the test firing mode can be relatively shortened on the hall side, and the operation of the hall can be kept good.

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 functional block diagram of a pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a screen displayed in the execution process of trial shooting mode. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a screen displayed in the execution process of trial shooting mode. It is a flowchart which shows the basic process in a pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the winning process of S10 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the trial shooting mode selection process of S13 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the symbol change process of the special symbol and effect image in S50 of FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail a timer adjustment process in S216 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the symbol change process of the normal symbol in S52 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special game control process of S16 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the process of the 1st special game of S112 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the process of the 2nd special game of S114 in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Pachinko machines, 17 launch handle, 22 specific area, 24 start opening, 26 ordinary electric entrance entrance, 28 1st grand prize opening, 30 2nd big prize opening, 31 guide rail, 32 entrance detection device, 34 Entry detection device, 35 Ejection detection device, 36 Entry detection device, 37 Outflow detection device, 38 Entry detection device, 46 Launching device, 49 Sub board, 50 Game board, 52 Game area, 58 Out port, 60 Image display Device, 61 special symbol display device, 62 V winning rotator, 64 accessory, 66 outflow area, 68 operating port, 78 entrance detection device, 81 entrance detection device, 95 operation button, 96 operation input detection device, 97 test firing Input detection device, 100 game control device, 102 entry determination means, 106 first lottery means, 108 second lottery Means, 112 pattern storage means, 114 winning storage means, 116 first storage means, 118 second storage means, 120 symbol determining means, 122 special symbol determining means, 124 effect image determining means, 128 normal symbol determining means, 130 display control Means, 132 first display control means, 134 second display control means, 136 effect display control means, 140 special game control means, 142 condition holding means, 144 condition determination means, 146 first special game execution means, 148 second special Game execution means, 150 operation avoidance means, 152 entrance counting means, 160 specific game control means, 162 opening / closing control means, 164 trial firing mode control means, 200 effect image, 201 decorative design, 202 special design, 205 normal design display device.

Claims (6)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting opening provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and allowing a game ball to enter;
A variable input that is provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and is capable of changing the acceptance state of the game ball to a state advantageous to the player when the game state becomes a predetermined state triggered by the entrance to the starting port. A ball device;
An image display device for displaying an image relating to a game;
A trial input detection device for detecting a trial input representing a request for trial by the player;
When the trial input is detected by the trial input detection device, trial mode control means for executing a trial mode for displaying an image simulating the progress of the game on the image display device;
A ball game machine characterized by comprising: A standby state detection device for detecting, as a standby state, a state in which the operation triggered by entering the start opening is interrupted for a predetermined time or more;
The test firing mode control means starts the test firing mode on the condition that the standby state is detected by the standby state detection device;
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1. The test firing input detection device detects an operation state of a launch handle by a player,
The trial firing mode control means causes the image display device to display the game area as an image and display the progress of the game according to the operation state of the firing handle as an image,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1.   2. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the trial firing mode control means terminates the trial firing mode after a lapse of a set period from the start thereof.   5. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 4, wherein the trial firing mode control means starts a next trial firing mode on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the end of the previous trial firing mode.   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the image display device has a display area having a size overlapping with an area through which a game ball can pass in the game area.

Images