JP2008104662A - Pinball game machine and game program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine promoting a player to positively execute an operation by which, though irrelevant to the putout of game media, the player can directly participate in the game. <P>SOLUTION: This pinball game machine 1 is provided with: a shooting device 8 for shooting game balls to a game area; a variable winning device 13 being changeable into a first state not allowing the entering of the shot balls and a second state allowing the entering of a plurality of balls; a putout device for, when a game ball enters therein 13, putting out a prescribed number of game balls; a performance device 4 executing a symbol variable display; a command means 36 issuing a variation stop command for stopping the symbol variable display by the operation of the player; and a control means, when the variable winning device 13 is in the second state, allowing the performance device 4 to execute a prescribed symbol variable display and controlling to stop the symbol variable display according to the variation stop command. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a ballistic ball game machine (a pachinko machine or a pinball machine installed in a game store, which is subject to game restrictions when a player deliberately stops the launch of a game ball on a display screen). Including a simulation machine such as a TV game capable of playing a ball game).

  In recent years, in many game stores, a ball game machine represented by a pachinko machine and a revolving game machine represented by a slot machine are juxtaposed, but in a ball game machine and a revolving game machine, The timing for paying out game media is different. In other words, in a ball game machine, a game ball that is a game medium is paid out when a game ball launched by a player through a launch operation wins a winning opening on the game board surface, whereas a revolving type In gaming machines, when the player stops the rotation of the reels variably displaying symbols in a plurality of rows (so-called pressing), the display mode becomes a predetermined symbol combination. Coins (or medals) that are media are paid out.

  In addition, in a ball game machine, the player cannot intervene in the flow from when the player launches the game ball until it is determined whether or not the game ball enters the winning opening (there is no so-called technical intervention). On the other hand, if the player succeeds in aligning a predetermined symbol combination by “pushing”, the game medium is paid out. For this reason, the player has the feeling that a spinning-reel game machine that has a technical intervention of “to push” for a player is a game machine in which a game medium can be paid out by a more direct action than a ball game machine. Easy to give. As a result, there are players who prefer a revolving game machine over a ball ball game machine as a game machine that provides a sense of accomplishment that the game medium has been paid out with their skill.

On the other hand, ballistic game machines have been developed in which the effect symbol is changed by operating a push button type switch called an effect button with respect to the effect symbol unrelated to the payout of game media (for example, patents) Reference 1). This effect button gives the player an opportunity to be directly involved in the game, and such a ball game machine should allow operation similar to the “eye-push” characteristic of a revolving game machine. Therefore, it incorporates the gameability of being able to participate directly in the game.
JP 2004-242748 A

  However, the symbol change by the above-mentioned effect button does not affect the payout of the game medium in the ball game machine, and the player who currently recognizes that the effect button operation is not related to the payout of the game medium. However, there is a problem that the effect of providing the effect button is not utilized without trying to operate the effect button.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game that allows a player to actively perform an operation that allows a player to directly participate in a game, although it is not related to payout of a game medium, such as the above-described production button operation. Is to provide a machine.

  The bullet ball gaming machine according to the present invention converts a launch device for launching a game ball into a game area, a first state in which game balls launched from the launch device cannot win, and a second state in which a plurality of prizes can be won. A variable winning device, a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls when a game ball wins the variable winning device, an effect device for displaying a predetermined symbol variation display, and the symbol variation by a player's operation Command means for generating a variable stop command for stopping the display, and causing the effect device to display the symbol variation display when the variable winning device is in the second state, and the symbol variation according to the variation stop command. And a control means for stopping and controlling the display.

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, the variable winning device is, for example, a large openable winning opening called “Attacker”. In the closed state (first state), the game ball cannot win and the open state (first state). In the 2 state), a large number of game balls can be won simultaneously.

  According to the present invention, when the variable winning device is in the second state, the symbol variation display is performed by the effect device, and the symbol variation display is controlled to stop according to the variation stop command generated by the player's operation. The display mode when the variable display is stopped is a combination of symbols determined by the timing of the variable stop command. The symbol combination is “winning” (in the case of a revolving game machine, a game medium can be paid out). Among them, there are “big hits” in which a large number of game media can be acquired.) And “out” (there is no payout of game media). For this reason, when the symbol variation display is performed on the production device, the player pays attention to the symbol variation display in the expectation that the symbol variation display will be a “hit” symbol combination depending on his / her operation. However, the operation of stopping the variable display at the appropriate time is performed. Thereby, the game feeling that a player directly participates like a swing type gaming machine is obtained.

  Moreover, when the symbol variation display as described above is performed, a plurality of game balls can be won in the variable prize winning device, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out according to each prize, so that a large number of players Game balls can be acquired. For this reason, the player feels that a relatively large number of game balls can be acquired because the display mode when the symbol variation display is stopped is “winning”, and as a result, the operation for issuing the variation stop command is performed. Become important.

  The variable stop command is, for example, an input from an effect selection switch called an “effect button” installed at a position where the player can operate during the game. The presence or absence of effect display such as notification or the design of the effect display is switched.

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, by using this effect button as command means for issuing the above-mentioned variation stop command, the player can display the symbol variation display performed when the variable winning device is in the second state. A direct participation type game in which the desired symbol combination is stopped can be performed. In other words, when the variable winning device is in the second state, the player operates the production button because the operation of the production button provides an opportunity (technical intervention) to be directly involved in the game like a spinning-type game machine. It is expected that buttons will be actively operated.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the variable winning device includes the first variable winning device that makes it difficult for the player to recognize either the first state or the second state, and the player whether the first state or the second state. And a control unit that causes the effect device to perform symbol variation display when the first variable winning device is in the second state.

  According to this embodiment, since the symbol variation display is performed when the first variable winning device is in a second state that is difficult for the player to recognize, the player can play regardless of the state of the first variable winning device. Referring to the symbol variation display, an operation for issuing the variation stop command is performed so that the display mode at the time of the stop is “winning”. For this reason, if the effect button is not operated, the game cannot be played with the symbol variation display, and the player feels that the opportunity to acquire a large number of game balls is lost when the display mode at the time of stop is “winning”. Can be given to. As a result, the player is expected to more actively operate the effect buttons.

  Further, the control means determines the stop position of the symbol variation display according to the timing at which the variation stop command is generated, and when the symbol combination when the symbol variation display is stopped becomes a predetermined combination, the sound generating means It is preferable to output a payout sound signal for generating a predetermined payout sound.

  According to this, when the display mode when the symbol variation display is stopped is a symbol combination such as “big hit”, the player will hear a payout sound for notifying the payout of the game ball, Since a sense that a game ball can be obtained is obtained, it is expected to participate more actively in the game of the symbol variation display performed by operating the effect button.

  In another embodiment, it is preferable that the control means does not accept the variable stop command when a condition for driving the launching device is not satisfied. Here, the condition for driving the launching device is, for example, a launchable signal indicating that the player holds the launching operation unit (in general, that the player is holding the launching handle). A signal from the touch sensor to be detected) is input. In a known pachinko gaming machine, when a signal from a touch sensor is input to the motor drive control circuit of the launching device by the player holding the launching handle, the launch switch is turned on (launchable state). When a person puts his finger on the launch lever and rotates it, the motor can be driven to launch a game ball. Therefore, it is a condition for driving the launching device that the signal from the touch sensor is input to the motor drive control circuit of the launching device. When this condition is not satisfied, the player does not hold the launching handle. Therefore, it can be said that the firing is stopped.

  If the conditions for driving such a launching device are not satisfied, the control means will not accept a variable stop command generated by the player's operation, so even if the player operates the aforementioned effect button, The symbol variation display is not stopped. That is, if the game ball is not being fired, command means such as a production button is disabled, and the symbol variation display is not stopped or otherwise controlled in accordance with the command.

  Therefore, when the player deliberately stops the launch of the game ball, for example, the state where the aforementioned change stop command is not accepted by disabling the effect button that can be operated by the player as described above Thus, it is possible to impose a game restriction that the stop control of the symbol variation display is not performed. Therefore, a player who wants to stop the symbol variation display in a timely manner by his / her operation is required to launch a game ball. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being intentionally stopped and to increase the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  The present invention also provides a game area for a ball game, a variable winning portion that can be converted into a first state in which no game ball can win and a second state in which a plurality of winnings can be won, and a predetermined symbol variation in the game area. A step of displaying an effect display unit that performs display, a step of displaying a game ball in a game area in response to a player's launch operation, and a predetermined number of game balls when the game ball wins the variable winning unit A step of performing a display for paying out a game ball, a step of performing a symbol variation display on the effect display unit when the variable winning portion is in the second state, and a variation for stopping the symbol variation display by a player's operation. There is provided a game program for causing a computer to execute a step of generating a stop command and a step of controlling stop of the symbol variation display according to the variation stop command.

  According to the game program of the present invention, similarly to the ball game machine of the present invention, even in a ball game in a TV game or a simulation game performed using a computer display or other display device, a variable prize unit It is possible to perform a direct participation type game in which the symbol variation display performed in the second state is stopped at the symbol combination desired by the player.

  FIG. 1 is a front external view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming portion of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured by arranging a gaming board 3 inside an upper glass plate of a front frame 2 that can be opened and closed, and forming gaming areas including various winning areas on the gaming board surface. . Near the center of the game board 3, a liquid crystal display device 4 is arranged as an effect device for displaying various effects by a special symbol variation display or the like.

  On the side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (on the left side in the example shown in the figure), there is an intermediary ball lending machine 5 adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and by inserting cash or a prepaid card into the intermediary ball lending machine 5 Then, a game ball (pachinko ball) is lent out from the pedestal ball lending machine 5 or the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the ball ball game becomes possible.

  Below the game board 3 is provided an upper plate 6 for storing game balls to be paid out as prize balls or rental balls. The game balls discharged to the upper plate 6 are provided on the back side of the game board 3. Supplied to the launcher. Below the upper plate 6, a lower plate 7 for collecting game balls discharged from the upper plate 6, a firing handle 8 as operation means for firing the game balls toward the game area, and a game ball lending operation are performed. A lending operation unit 9 and a speaker 10 for outputting various sounds such as sound effects and BGM are provided. The firing handle 8 is disposed at a position below the upper plate 6 and on the right side of the front. The reason why the firing handle 8 is arranged at the position on the right side of the front is to prevent the player who holds the firing handle 8 from being cramped.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 3. The liquid crystal display device 4 disposed substantially at the center of the game board 3 displays a plurality of symbols represented by images in a variable manner, thereby displaying the three rows of rotating reels of the slot machine in a pseudo manner. As will be described later, symbols in which letters, numbers, figures, and the like are designed in three positions are stopped and displayed on the rotating reel portions of each row. These symbols are displayed in a variable manner when a game ball launched from the launching device wins a starting port 11 described later. This symbol for variable display is called “special symbol”. When the special symbol is displayed in a predetermined symbol combination (for example, a combination such as “7-7-7”, which is referred to as a “hit stop mode”) when the variable display is stopped, the special symbol will be described later. It is determined to shift to “special game state”. Whether or not to generate a “big hit” for shifting to the special game state is determined by a main control board 23 (FIG. 3) described later.

  In addition, the liquid crystal display device 4 constituting the variable display unit in the present embodiment displays an effect symbol related to the special symbol in addition to the function as the special symbol display unit 4a for displaying the special symbol on the screen. A function as the display unit 4b is provided.

  As a display means for displaying the above-mentioned special symbols and effects described later, in addition to the liquid crystal display device 4, an electric display such as a CRT, plasma display, electroluminescence, or the like, which is constituted by arranging a large number of LEDs, is used. Can be used. Further, instead of an electrical display device, a mechanical display device that performs variable display with a rotating reel having a symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface may be used.

  Below the liquid crystal display device 4, there is provided a variable winning device (ordinary electric accessory) 12 that constitutes the start port 11. This is a winning device having an opening / closing wing piece that can be converted into a first state in which a game ball is unlikely to win the start opening 11 and a second state in which a game ball is likely to win. Even in the first state where the open / close wing piece is closed, about one game ball can be won. When the game ball wins the start port 11, five prize balls are paid out.

  Below the above-mentioned ordinary electric accessory 12 is an example of a variable winning device that can be converted into a first state in which a game ball can not win and a second state in which a plurality of winnings can be won in the present invention. A large winning opening (so-called attacker) 13 comprising a door opening / closing type variable winning device that can be converted into a state (hereinafter referred to as “closed state”) and a second state (hereinafter referred to as “open state”) advantageous to the player is provided. ing. The special winning opening 13 is normally in a “closed state” in which a game ball cannot be won, but when the special symbol variation display on the liquid crystal display device 4 is stopped in the big hit stop mode, it is “open state” for a predetermined time. Is converted to In this open state, a large number of game balls can be won simultaneously. Each time a game ball wins, a predetermined number (for example, 15 per one win) of game balls is paid out as a prize ball.

  In this gaming machine, when a game ball driven into the game area from the launching device wins the start opening 11 (start winning prize), a big hit determination random number is extracted and the value is stored in a predetermined area of the internal storage device (RAM). Is done. Then, the “big hit determination” is performed based on the random number value, a special symbol is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4, and the “special symbol variation game” is started.

  In the big hit determination, a “big hit” win is awarded when the random number value stored in the RAM is a predetermined value, and it is “out” when the random number is any other value. When the “big hit” prize is won, the “big hit game” is played after the “special symbol variation game”. In this jackpot game, the door of the variable winning device that constitutes the big winning opening 13 is opened so that a large number of game balls can be easily won, so that the player can acquire a large number of prize balls (“special game state”). ").

  In this special game state, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are won in the big winning opening 13 or a game (open game) in which the open state continues until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses is repeated a predetermined number of times ( For example 15 times). Here, the big hit game of each time is referred to as “round”, the first time is referred to as “first round”, the second time is referred to as “second round”, and the third time and thereafter “third round”. The condition for performing the next round after the big hit game is over may be a predetermined number of winnings or a predetermined time elapse, or a condition called “V winning”. Also good. In this case, a plurality of winning openings are provided in the big winning opening 13, and the establishment of the "V winning" condition is that a game ball wins a specific winning opening among the plurality of winning openings. is there.

  As described above, when the special winning opening 13 is in the open state, the symbol variation display different from the special symbol variation display by the start winning is performed. That is, at the same time (or immediately after) the winning prize opening 13 is in the open state, on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4, there are three rows of special symbols (in the vertical direction of each row) as in the example described later (FIG. 4). ) Fluctuated display. At this time, the player can stop the symbol variation by operating the effect button 36 for each column. The display mode when the variable display is stopped is a combination of symbols determined by the timing of the variable stop command generated in response to the operation of the push button switch 36 referred to as the “effect button” described above. As described above, it is divided into “win” and “off”. For this reason, the player expects that the symbol variation display will be a “hit” symbol combination depending on the operation of the effect button 36, and the player will stop the variation display well while paying attention to the symbol variation display. Will do. Thereby, the game feeling that a player directly participates like a slot machine is obtained.

  Below the big winning opening 13, an out opening 14 is provided for collecting game balls (out balls) that have reached the lower end of the gaming portion without winning on the game board 3.

  An arc-shaped rail 15 is installed on the left side of the game board 3. When the player operates the launch handle 8, a game ball launched from a launch device (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 3 moves upward along the rail 15 and is driven into the game area. It is.

  Above the liquid crystal display device 4, an ordinary symbol display unit 16 and a special symbol storage display unit 17 are provided.

  The normal symbol display unit 16 includes a pair of LEDs 16a and 16b. When the game ball passes through a normal symbol operation gate (not shown), the normal symbol display unit 16 performs a variable display in which the LEDs are alternately lit for a predetermined time. When the normal symbol display unit 16 is in a predetermined lighting state after the predetermined time has elapsed, the normal electric accessory 12 is converted to the first state.

  The special symbol memory display unit 17 is composed of four LEDs 17a to 17d arranged horizontally, and the game ball wins the start opening 11 in a state where the special symbol is not stopped and displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4. Turn on one at a time. In addition, winning at the start port 11 when all the four LEDs 17a to 17d are lit is invalid.

  In other words, if there is a start winning during the above special symbol variation game, a “hit” determination random number is extracted accordingly, and the random value is a predetermined number (for example, 4) during the special symbol variation game. ), That is, until a predetermined number of starting winning balls are held as reserved balls. The number of reserved balls is displayed by the number of lighting LEDs of the special symbol storage display unit 17 described above. When the current “special symbol variation game” is completed, the next “special symbol variation game” is performed according to the number of reserved balls according to the random number value stored so far.

[Circuit configuration of gaming machine]
Next, a substrate (circuit device) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes at least a main board 21 and a peripheral board 22 that performs an effect process in accordance with an effect command from the main board 21. The peripheral board 22 is configured by arranging various control devices on a circuit board different from the main board 21.

  The main board 21 includes a main control board 23, a payout control board 24, a firing motor control board 25, and a special symbol display control board 26, and the peripheral board 22 includes an effect symbol display control board 27, an audio control board 28, and a lamp control board. 29.

  In the main board 21, the main control board 23 includes a winning port switch SW1 for detecting a winning of a game ball with respect to a winning port (not shown), a starting port switch SW2 for detecting a winning of a gaming ball with respect to the starting port 11, and a gate ( (Not shown) a gate switch SW3 for detecting the passing of a game ball, a big winning port switch SW4 for detecting a winning of a gaming ball with respect to the big winning port 13, a specific area switch SW5 for detecting the gaming ball of the “V winning”, A solenoid SOL that opens and closes a special electric accessory constituting the big winning opening 13 and an operation holding storage device M that stores and holds a predetermined number (for example, 4) of winnings in the starting opening 11 are connected. .

  The main control board 23 is a circuit device including a CPU having a function of controlling the operation of the ball game machine, and a special symbol lottery process (special symbol lottery means, in accordance with the detection signals of the respective switches SW1 to SW5. (Probability changing means), special symbol display processing, special prize opening / closing processing (specific game means), command transmission processing, and the like.

  The command transmitted from the main control board 23 to the effect symbol display control board 27 includes a change start command for designating a change start of a special symbol, a stop symbol command for designating a stop symbol, and an effect command for designating a reach effect and a notice effect. and so on. In response to these commands, the effect symbol display control board 27 generates an effect signal that causes the effect symbol display unit 4b including the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform an effect operation.

  The payout control board 24 is connected to a ball break switch 30, a payout sensor 31, a payout motor 32, and the like, and in addition to paying out game balls in accordance with a payout signal from the main control board 23, an interball ball lending machine. In accordance with the lending signal from 5, the game ball is paid out. That is, the payout control board 24 drives a launch motor 35 for hitting a game ball to a game area on the game board 3 and a payout motor 32 for paying out a prize ball based on a command from the main control board 24. Control.

  The firing motor control board 25 is connected with a firing switch 33, a touch sensor 34, a motor (launching motor) 35 as a driving source of the launching device, and the like. When the firing switch 33 and the touch sensor 34 are ON, the firing motor 35 is turned on. Drive.

  The special symbol display control board 26 is connected to the special symbol display unit 4a, generates image data in response to a command (display signal) from the main control board 23, and based on the image data, the special symbol display unit 4a The screen display of the liquid crystal display device 4 to be configured is controlled.

  In the peripheral board 22, the production symbol display control board 27 is a circuit device including a CPU having the function of the control means in the present invention, and generates image data in accordance with a command transmitted from the main control board 23. Based on the image data, the screen display of the liquid crystal display device 4 constituting the effect symbol display unit 4b is controlled.

  The effect symbol display control board 27 is connected to the push button switch (effect button) 36 described above, and controls the effect display in the effect symbol display unit 4b in accordance with the effect button operation by the player. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the effect button 36 is disposed at a position on the lower side of the front surface of the upper plate 6 below the liquid crystal display device 4. The reason why the effect button 36 is arranged at the position on the left side of the front is to make it easy to operate with the left hand of the player.

  The speaker 10 is connected to the sound control board 28, and a predetermined effect sound is emitted from the speaker 10 in response to an effect command from the main control board 23 (or effect symbol display control board 27).

  A light emitting display lamp L is connected to the lamp control board 29, and the light emitting display lamp L is turned on in response to an effect command from the main control board 23 (or effect symbol display control board 27).

[Directing operation]
Next, the presentation operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the embodiment will be described.

  First, in a state where a player is playing a ball by playing a game ball, the main control board 23 detects from the start port switch SW2 when a game ball win (start win) occurs for the start port 11. A special symbol lottery is performed in response to the signal, and the lottery result is transmitted to the effect symbol display control board 27 as a stop symbol command and a variation pattern.

  Here, the stop symbol command is a signal for instructing an effect symbol to be finally stopped and displayed. For example, if the number of display digits of the effect symbol is 3, the stop symbol command indicates a 3-digit stop symbol. However, when the result of the special symbol lottery is “out”, the main control board 23 transmits that the stop symbol command is omitted as a stop symbol command, and the effect symbol display control is performed according to the stop symbol command. You may make it determine the stop symbol from which the board | substrate 27 becomes "separation". The variation pattern is a signal for instructing the contents of the effect. For example, the result of the special symbol lottery (“winning” or “miss”), the type of the effect (such as presence / absence of reach), or the change time is indicated.

  When the stop symbol command and the variation pattern are received, the effect symbol display control board 27 holds (stores) them, and causes the effect symbol display unit 4b to display the effect according to the contents instructed by the variation pattern.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the special winning opening 13 is in the open state (special game state), on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4, the symbol variation display different from the above-described special symbol variation display due to the start winning. Is done. In the symbol variation display, as shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol variation display is vertically performed in three columns of left, middle, and right in the effect symbol display unit 4b. At this time, the player can stop the symbol variation for each column by watching the display on the screen and operating the effect button 36 at an appropriate timing. The illustrated example will be described below.

  For example, when the variable symbol in the left column is stopped as the symbol column to be stopped first (hereinafter referred to as “first reel”), as shown in FIG. The left and right column parts (first reel) are made to stand out by darkly displaying the middle and right line parts. Furthermore, the timing of pressing the effect button 36 is instructed to the player by demonstrating (illuminating) the effect button 36 by driving a light emitting diode (LED) or other light emitting body arranged on the inside thereof. At this time, when the player presses the effect button 36, the symbol variation of the first reel stops at a position corresponding to the timing. On the other hand, when the effect button 36 is not operated within the predetermined time, as long as the special winning opening 13 is in the open state, the display is returned to the display before the start of the symbol variation and the variation display is performed.

  After stopping the first reel, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), when changing the middle symbol as the symbol sequence to be stopped next (hereinafter referred to as “second reel”), as shown in FIG. The middle row portion (second reel) is made conspicuous by displaying the right row portion darkly. Further, as in the case of the first reel, by clearly indicating (illuminating) the effect button 36, the player is instructed to press the effect button 36. At this time, when the player presses the effect button 36, the symbol variation of the second reel stops at a position corresponding to the timing. On the other hand, when the effect button 36 is not operated within the predetermined time, as long as the special winning opening 13 is in the open state, the display is returned to the display before the start of the symbol variation and the variation display is performed.

  After stopping the second reel, when the variable symbol in the right column is stopped as the symbol column to be stopped next (hereinafter referred to as “third reel”), as shown in FIG. Displaying the middle row portion darkly makes the right row portion (third reel) stand out. Further, as in the case of the first and second reels, the effect button 36 is clearly indicated (illuminated) to instruct the player to press the effect button 36. At this time, when the player presses the effect button 36, the symbol variation of the third reel stops at a position corresponding to the timing. On the other hand, when the effect button 36 is not operated within the predetermined time, as long as the special winning opening 13 is in the open state, the display is returned to the display before the start of the symbol variation and the variation display is performed.

  Thus, when all three rows of symbol fluctuations stop and a predetermined symbol combination such as “winning” is prepared, the player feels that he has achieved “hit” by his own operation. Obtainable.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the symbol combination when the symbol variation display is stopped is “winning”, a payout sound of the game ball is generated from the speaker 10. Thereby, in addition to the above-mentioned feeling of achievement, the player can obtain a sense when acquiring many game balls.

  Hereinafter, an effect operation such as a symbol variation display performed using the effect button (switch) 36 as described above is referred to as a “switch effect”, which indicates that a switch operation for stopping the symbol variation display can be started. “Switch production start screen”. Further, a display screen for requesting a player to perform an effect button (switch) operation is referred to as a “switch operation request screen”. When the switch effect as described above is performed, the player's expectation for the jackpot is enhanced, so that the player can be prompted to operate the effect button.

[Direction processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the process procedure for performing the process according to operation of the effect button in said special game state with a control means is demonstrated.

  In the present embodiment, this processing procedure is executed on the effect symbol display control board 27. That is, the effect symbol display control board 27 receives the signal indicating that the special winning opening 13 is in the open state from the main control board 23, and causes the effect symbol display unit 4b to display the following symbol fluctuations. An effect process for stopping the variable display according to the button operation is executed.

  In this process, first, a “switch effect start screen” that displays the symbol variation of the first to third reels is displayed (step ST1), and a timer T that measures the time (switch time) during which the effect button operation is valid is counted. Is set (ST2).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4A, a switch operation request screen for specifying the first reel is displayed (ST3), and the player is prompted to perform an effect button operation for stopping the change display of the first reel. Then, the elapse of the set time of the timer T is determined (ST4). If “YES”, the display returns to the initial “switch effect start screen” display. In the case of “NO”, the player is notified of the timing of pressing the effect button 36 in order to stop the change display of the first reel by illuminating the effect button 36 by driving the light emitter as described above. A display for instructing (referred to as “first reel stop request display”) is performed, and it is determined whether the display is being performed (ST5). If “YES”, it is determined whether or not the effect button 36 is pressed. This is determined by whether or not the internal switch operation flag is ON (ST6). The switch operation flag is turned on when an effect button operation input is accepted in an effect button activation process (FIG. 6) described later. If “YES” in this determination, that is, if the player presses the effect button 36, the symbol variation of the first reel is stopped at a position corresponding to the timing (ST7). At this time, the illumination of the effect button 36 is also stopped.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4B, a switch operation request screen for clearly indicating the second reel is displayed (ST8), the elapse of the set time of the timer T is determined again (ST4), and the elapse of the set time of the timer T is elapsed. If it is before, it is determined whether or not the “first reel stop request display” is in progress (ST5), and the result is “NO” (no lighting of the effect button 36). (Illumination) is performed to indicate to the player the timing of pressing the effect button 36 to stop the change display of the second reel (referred to as “second reel stop request display”), and whether or not the display is in progress Is determined (ST9). As a result, if “YES”, it is determined whether or not the effect button 36 is pressed, that is, whether or not the switch operation flag is ON (ST10). If “YES”, the timing when the player presses the effect button 36. The symbol variation of the second reel is stopped at a position corresponding to (ST11). At this time, the illumination of the effect button 36 is also stopped.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4C, a switch operation request screen for clearly indicating the third reel is displayed (ST12), the elapse of the set time of the timer T is again determined (ST4), and the elapse of the set time of the timer T is elapsed. If it is before, it is determined whether or not “first reel stop request display” is in progress (ST5). Since the result is “NO”, it is next determined whether or not “second reel stop request display” is in progress. (ST9) Since this is also “NO”, the player is given the timing to press the effect button 36 in order to stop the change display of the third reel by clearly showing (illuminating) the effect button 36 again. A display for instructing (referred to as “third reel stop request display”) is performed, and it is determined whether or not the display is being performed (ST13). As a result, if “NO”, the elapse of the set time of the timer T is determined (ST4), and if the time has elapsed, the process returns to the beginning. On the other hand, if the “third reel stop request display” is in progress, it is determined whether or not the effect button 36 has been pressed, that is, whether or not the switch operation flag is ON (ST14). If “YES”, the effect button 36 is pressed. The symbol variation of the third reel is stopped at a position corresponding to the determined timing (ST15). At this time, the illumination of the effect button 36 is also stopped.

  Since all three reels of symbols are stopped in this way, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination is a predetermined symbol combination (for example, “big hit”) (ST16). If there is, a corresponding sound (for example, a game ball payout sound corresponding to “big hit”) is generated from the speaker 10 (ST17), and the process returns to the beginning.

[Direction button activation processing]
In the present embodiment, the operation of the effect button 36 operated to perform the switch effect as described above is enabled under a predetermined condition (this is referred to as “effect button activation”). Hereinafter, the effect button activation process will be described.

  This process is also executed by the effect symbol display control board 27. That is, the effect symbol display control board 27 activates the effect button when the preconditions for driving the launching device are satisfied when controlling the switch effect as described above. The precondition is that a detection signal from the touch sensor 34 that detects that the player is holding the launching handle 8 is input as described above.

  In the effect button activation process, as shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not the touch sensor 34 is ON (with detection input) (ST21). When the result is “YES”, the switch operation flag is set to ON (ST23), and the process returns to the beginning. Thereby, the above-mentioned effective line increase effect is possible.

  On the other hand, if the determination in ST21 is “NO”, as described above, it is determined that the player does not hold the firing handle 8 and has stopped firing the game ball. Even if the button 36 is operated, an input as an effect command for performing a predetermined effect is not accepted by the operation, and thus the switch effect as described above is not performed. Even if the touch sensor 34 is ON, if the determination in ST22 is “NO”, that is, if there is no effect button operation, the switch operation flag is not turned ON.

  By the above-described effect button activation processing, in the present embodiment, when the player does not operate the firing handle 8 and stops firing the game ball, the touch sensor as a precondition for driving the launching device When the detection signal from 34 is not input, the effect button 36 is disabled, so that the player is restricted from not performing effects. Therefore, a player who wants to produce will be required to launch a game ball, reducing the state in which the launch of the game ball is stopped, so it is possible to increase the operating rate of the gaming machine for the game store side Become.

  In addition, when a push button switch, that is, a mechanical switch is used as the “production button” as described above, even if the operation timing is appropriate, if the player slams the production button with a predetermined force or more, the machine Typical switches can be damaged. However, in the present embodiment, the launch handle 8 is arranged on the right side of the player, the effect button is arranged on the left side of the player, and the effect button is not activated unless the player touches the launch handle 8. Therefore, when the player operates the effect button at an appropriate timing, the posture of the player can be limited. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the force applied to the effect button from the player at an appropriate operation timing.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, the production command for performing the production operation is not limited to the operation input of the production button in the embodiment, but may be a signal or input instructing the production operation by the player's operation.

  The variable winning device for generating the symbol variation display is not limited to the large winning opening (attacker) as shown in the figure, but may be a variable winning apparatus (so-called bladed thing) that opens and closes the winning opening with a pair of wing pieces.

  Further, the variable winning device recognizes the first variable winning device in which it is difficult for the player to recognize either the first state or the second state, and the player recognizes either the first state or the second state. A combination with the second variable winning device that is easy to use may be used. An example is shown in FIG. In this game board, a door opening / closing type large winning opening having a large movable range is used as the second variable winning apparatus as in the above-described attacker, and the first variable winning apparatus is provided below the large winning opening 13. The arranged wing piece opening / closing type winning device 18 is used. This winning device 18 has a structure in which a pair of wing pieces opens and closes to the left and right, and has a smaller movable range than the large winning opening 13, so it is difficult for the player to identify the state of the wing pieces. In other words, the winning device 18 can be used as a first variable winning device in which it is difficult to recognize either the first state where the wing pieces are closed or the second state where the wing pieces are opened.

  Furthermore, the precondition for driving the launching device is not limited to the detection signal input from the touch sensor, but may be any condition that permits the driving of the launching device.

  The present invention is not limited to pachinko gaming machines but can be applied to gaming machines provided with means for launching gaming balls.

  Further, as a game program for causing a home game machine or computer to execute the operation of the pachinko game machine described above, a step of displaying a game area of the ball game on the screen of the game machine or the computer, a controller of the game machine, or a key of the computer In response to a player's operation using the input, a step of displaying a game ball on the game area on the screen, and a predetermined effect operation (display on the screen or effect expression by sound) in a specific game state ), A step of performing an effect control for performing the effect operation in response to an effect command by an operation of the controller, and the effect command when a precondition for displaying the launch of the game ball is not satisfied. The computer is configured to execute the step of processing so as not to accept the password. With this game program, a simulation game such as a pachinko game can be executed on the game machine or the like.

The front view of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. The front view of the game board in the gaming machine of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the circuit part in a pachinko game machine. The figure which shows the example of the symbol fluctuation | variation display in a special game state. The figure which shows the process sequence according to the production button operation in a symbol fluctuation display. The flowchart which shows an effect button activation process. The front view of the game board of another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 2 ... Front frame, 3 ... Game board, 4 ... Liquid crystal display device, 4a ... Special symbol display part, 4b ... Production symbol display part, 5 ... Standing ball lending machine, 6 ... Top plate, 7 ... Lower plate, 8 ... Launch handle, 11 ... Starting port, 12 ... Normal electric accessory, 13 ... Large winning port, 14 ... Out port, 15 ... Ball rail, 18 ... Variable winning device, 21 ... Main board, 22 ... Peripheral board, 23 ... main control board, 24 ... payout control board, 25 ... launch motor control board, 33 ... launch switch, 36 ... production button.

Claims (7)

A launcher for launching a game ball into the game area;
A variable winning device that is convertible between a first state in which game balls launched from the launching device cannot win and a second state in which a plurality of winnings can be won;
A payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls when a game ball wins the variable winning device;
An effect device that performs symbol variation display,
Command means for generating a change stop command for stopping the symbol change display by a player's operation;
Control means for causing the effect device to display a predetermined symbol variation display when the variable winning device is in the second state, and to stop the symbol variation display according to the variation stop command. A ball game machine to play.   2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the command means is an effect selection switch installed at a position where the player can operate during the game. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The variable winning device includes a first variable winning device that makes it difficult for a player to recognize either the first state or the second state, and a player to perform either the first state or the second state. Including a second variable winning device that is easy to recognize,
The control means causes the effect device to perform the symbol variation display when the first variable winning device is in the second state. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
The control means determines the stop position of the symbol variation display according to the timing at which the variation stop command is generated, and generates a sound when the symbol combination when the symbol variation display is stopped becomes a predetermined combination. A bullet ball game machine characterized by outputting a payout sound signal for generating a predetermined payout sound from the means.   5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means does not accept the change stop command when a condition for driving the launching device is not satisfied. .   6. The ball game machine according to claim 5, wherein the condition is that a launchable signal indicating that the player is holding the firing operation unit is input. A game area of a ball game, a variable winning part that can be converted into a first state in which no gaming ball can win and a second state in which a plurality of winnings can be won, and an effect display part that performs predetermined symbol variation display A step of displaying and
Performing a display of launching a game ball in the game area in accordance with a player's launch operation;
Displaying a payout of a predetermined number of game balls when a game ball wins the variable winning portion;
Performing the symbol variation display on the effect display unit when the variable winning unit is in the second state;
Generating a change stop command for stopping the symbol change display by the player's operation;
The game program which makes a computer perform the step which carries out stop control of the said symbol fluctuation display according to the said fluctuation | variation stop command.

Images