JP2009153998A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively carry out a performance until game balls win the V prize after entering a variable prize winning device. <P>SOLUTION: A center accessary 6 which makes the winning of a prize ready when a mobile piece as a wing member is opened is provided within a playing area of a Pachinko game machine 1. A liquid crystal display device is disposed in the center accessary 6 and used to effectively carry out an image performance. Furthermore, a mobile object such as a character body is set beside the liquid crystal display device and makes this accomplish a performance with higher entertaining potentialities, for example, by operating the character body to match an image display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of displaying an image using a display device, for example.

  As a conventional example of this type of gaming machine, there is a gaming machine that is particularly excellent in image rendering technology (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine of this conventional example can determine whether or not a privilege can be granted in response to a winning at the start opening, and can allow the player to recognize the result of the determination made or not at this time by symbol variation. As a display mode of the symbol variation, for example, three symbols can be scrolled at a high speed in the vertical or horizontal direction on the screen of the display device and stopped after a certain period of time. When a predetermined display mode (for example, a state in which three symbols of the same kind are arranged) is obtained at the time of stopping, the provision of a privilege to the player is determined (confirmed). In addition, there are two types of bonus grants: one that gives only a series of jackpot games, and one that gives another advantageous bonus (for example, probability fluctuation) after the jackpot game. It is notified by the type of symbol (for example, normal symbol or probability variation symbol) displayed at the time of final stop.

  In this way, even if the player usually wins the starting opening, the player cannot recognize the result at that time until the symbol is confirmed and stopped. When a symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the background image is switched at another opportunity. For example, if a background (raining background image) that becomes a specific effect appears by lottery, it will be a promising big hit when the symbol is stopped. The timing at which the raining background image ends differs depending on the case and the case of the non-probability big hit. For this reason, the player can recognize the rainy background image and the probable big hit in association with each other, so that it is possible to play a highly interesting game while being attracted by the change of the background image in addition to the display of the variation of the symbols. .

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200221 (pages 2-3 and 7, FIG. 6)

  The gaming machine of the conventional example has a particularly excellent production technique in that, in addition to the variable display of symbols that determines whether or not a privilege can be granted, the interest can be further improved by the change of the background image at that time. However, even in that case, there is no opportunity to be involved in the performance from the player's standpoint, and the player can only play the game passively while accepting the mechanically determined performance.

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

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine of the present invention has a display device arranged on the gaming machine main body for displaying an image, and an image to be displayed by the display device as image information composed of a plurality of types of display patterns, and the held image information Display control means for controlling the display content of the display device based on one display pattern selected from the above, and a predetermined time is set according to the event that occurs as the game progresses, and display control is performed when this predetermined time arrives A change trigger giving means for giving the opportunity to change the display pattern selection target to the means and a specific condition based on an operation input from the player are set, and when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, the display control means On the other hand, change instruction means for instructing change of the selection target of the display pattern is provided.

  Said display control means can perform the production | presentation using various images by selectively switching the display based on the multiple types of display pattern which it has. At this time, various events occur in the game as the game progresses. When a predetermined time set according to such events (for example, a timing related to the operation of an accessory) arrives, a change trigger is given. The means gives the opportunity to change the display pattern selection target. Therefore, since the output image of the display device visually recognized by the player changes in accordance with the progress of the game, there is an advantage of visual change, and there is an advantage that the player is not bored.

  Thus, the visual change of the output image of the display device has the effect that the appealing power to the player is so strong that the game content and the game result (such as the number of hits) at that time are likely to remain in memory. . Therefore, when a player touches the gaming machine of the present invention, the game result based on his / her own experience is recalled, and a good game result is easily obtained (easy to hit) when a specific image is displayed. On the contrary, when another image is displayed, there may be an idea that only an unfavorable game result can be obtained (it is difficult to hit). In this case, when a player plays a game, as described above, there is a tendency to incorporate ideas based on personal experience into the game and play it as his own enjoyment. It is also conceivable that a desire to play a game in a state where a good image based on his / her own experience is displayed.

  The present invention pays attention to this point and adopts a configuration in which a change in the display pattern selection target is instructed in accordance with an operation input by the player, so that each player can display a desired image. You can enjoy the game.

  However, changing the display content of the image only by the operation input is troublesome because the display content of the image is easily and frequently switched due to an erroneous operation or the like. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, a specific condition is set for the operation input, and only when this specific condition is satisfied, the display control means is effectively instructed to change the display pattern selection target. ing.

  In addition, such a configuration further brings about a new effect that has not been achieved in the past with respect to the player's action principle. That is, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when a player tries to display a desired image, the operation is concentrated in order to satisfy the specific condition because it does not satisfy the specific condition just by maneuvering. become. When such a behavior is seen by some players, it becomes a strong appeal to the surrounding players, and an effect of encouraging the surrounding players to perform the same behavior is produced. Therefore, more players can effectively use the functions of the gaming machine of the present invention and can play highly interesting games while reflecting their own enjoyment. In addition, from the viewpoint of the amusement hall operating entity, many of the players who are customers are enthusiastically engaged in the game, and as a result, it is expected to lead to improvement in operation.

(Solution 2)
In the above solution 1, the change instruction unit includes an operation unit that is disposed in the gaming machine main body and can be operated by the player, and when the operation input to the operation unit reaches a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, A mode in which it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied is preferable.

  According to such an aspect, the display content of the image is not changed by simply touching the operation unit unintentionally or without inconvenience due to frequent changes of the display content.

(Solution 3)
The gaming machine according to the present invention may further include a notifying means for notifying the player of predetermined operation input information in accordance with the operation input by the player in the above solution means 1 and 2.

  As described above, when a specific condition based on an operation input is set, the player needs to perform an operation so as to satisfy the specific condition. If you can know, you can give a guideline until a specific condition is met. In particular, when the number of operations within a predetermined time is set as a specific condition as in Solution 2 described above, a guideline for reaching the specified number can be easily provided, which is convenient for the player.

(Solution 4)
Alternatively, in the above-described solving means 1 to 3, the display control means further holds a specific type of display pattern separately from the plurality of types of display patterns held as image information, and the display instruction is selected by the change instruction means. When a change is instructed, a specific type of display pattern can be selected as a selection target after the change.

  In this case, a specific type that is displayed only when the player is actively involved, as opposed to waiting for the player to passively change the display content of the image without any additional operation input. Since an opportunity to play a game under the image of is given, the game can be executed more eagerly.

(Solution 5)
Further, the gaming machine of the present invention has a display device arranged on the main body for displaying an image, and an image to be displayed by the display device as image information composed of a plurality of types of display patterns, and the stored image information. Display control means for controlling the display content of the display device based on one display pattern selected from the above, and a predetermined time is set according to the event that occurs as the game progresses, and display control is performed when this predetermined time arrives Change trigger selection means for giving a trigger to change the display pattern selection target to the means, and change the display pattern selection target for the display control means based on the operation input from the player. It is also possible to provide specific change opportunity granting means for giving an opportunity to do this.

  In such an aspect, even if the change of the display content of the image is originally left only to the change of the selection target by the display control means, the player can positively give the opportunity for the change. The player can play a game while actively participating in the production, not just a passive attitude.

  In addition, about said solution means 5, the game machine of this invention can be comprised in combination with the component of the solution means 1-4. Therefore, the specific change trigger giving means can also take a configuration that functions when, for example, the specific condition is satisfied.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, an effect is produced by the display device, and the effect operating body is actuated in accordance with the change in the display content, so that further effect effects are added.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of a center character. It is a perspective view in case a game ball passes through a low-probability route in the center character. It is the top view which showed a mode that the game ball was guided to the ball | bowl stationary member and went to the distribution member in the vicinity of the terminal of a low probability path | route. It is the top view which showed a mode that a game ball fell to a general winning opening, without being guided by the ball | bowl stop member in the terminal vicinity vicinity of a low probability path | route. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the action | operation of a ball path | route change member. It is a perspective view in case a game ball passes through a high probability path within the center bonus. It is the top view which showed the destination (4 ways) of the game ball which fell on the stage through the high probability path | route. It is a figure showing the movement of the game ball which entered the general winning opening guide part of a ball distribution member. It is the perspective view which showed the relationship between a ball distribution member and a specific area switch. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the appearance operation | movement of a notice effect character. It is the figure which showed roughly the control structure of the pachinko machine. It is a timing chart at the time of power-on. It is a timing chart in the case where a game ball wins a single start opening. It is a timing chart when a game ball wins at the starting port twice. It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (1st round). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (scheduled continuation round). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (the last round by lottery). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (final (15) round). It is the figure which showed the display pattern (1) of the image displayed with a liquid crystal display. It is the figure which showed the display pattern (2) of the image displayed with a liquid crystal display. It is the figure which showed the display pattern (3) of the image displayed with a liquid crystal display. It is the figure which showed the example of the display accompanying operation of a production button.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described along the following items with reference to the corresponding drawings.
1. Overview of one embodiment (FIG. 1)
2. Winning device (Figure 2)
2-1. Big prize opening 2-2. Ball path changing member 2-3. First and second passage paths 2-4. Ball stop member 2-5. 2. Ball distribution member 3. Operation of game ball 3-1. When passing through a low-probability route (Figure 3)
3-1-1. When the ball stop member is not operating (Fig. 4)
3-1-2. When the ball stop member is activated (Fig. 5)
3-2. When passing through a high-probability route (Figure 7)
3-2-1. Non-uniform member 3-2-2. Behavior on the ball distribution member (Fig. 8)
3-3. Ball distribution operation (Figs. 9 and 10)
3-3-1. Sorting operation in the case of low probability path 3-3-2. 3. Sorting operation for high probability path Production element supplement (Figure 11)
5. Configuration of control system (Fig. 12)
5-1. Main control board 5-2. Sub control board 6. Content of control processing 6-1. At power-on (Figure 13)
6-2.1 When winning a prize at the starting point (Fig. 14)
6-3.2 Winning the start opening twice (Figure 15)
6-4. Special gaming state 6-4-1. Round execution means (FIGS. 16 and 17)
6-4-2. Continuation means 6-4-3. Winning guidance means A. Execution of guidance operation Stop of guidance operation 6-4-4. Winning opportunity granting means (Figure 18)
A. B. Synchronize with opening / closing operation of big prize opening Non-uniformization means 6-5. Final round (Figure 19)
7). Supplement on timing chart 8. Example of production 8-1. Display pattern (FIGS. 20 to 22)
8-2. Display control means 8-3. Selection of display pattern 8-4. Change opportunity granting means 8-5. Change instruction means 8-6. Specific conditions 8-7. Notification means (FIG. 23)
8-8. Specific types of display patterns 8-9. 8. Specific change opportunity granting means Reference to other embodiments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the character body 42 is arranged so that the tip (lower end) of the kite held by the character body 42 faces the vicinity of the end of the low probability path 36, and this kite-shaped member acts on the movement of the game ball. The ball stopping member 44 can be functioned. Specifically, when the position of the ball retaining member 44 is changed by the movement of the character body 42 as described above, the action on the game ball passing through the low probability path 36 differs depending on the position (left or right) at that time. It will be. The operation of the ball retaining member 44 will be further described later.

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

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

  Further, two ball discharge passages 48 and 50 are formed in the center accessory 6 below the ball sorting member 46, and one (here, the left side) of the ball discharge passages 48 has a specific area. A switch (specific winning opening detection switch) 52 is installed. The game ball that has entered the specific winning opening in the center accessory 6 (passed through the specific area) is detected by the specific area switch 52 and then released. The game ball that has entered the general winning opening is released as it is through the right ball release passage 50.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3-1-2. During operation of ball stopping member)
Next, FIG. 5 shows the time of operation of the ball retaining member 44. When the solenoid 54 is energized, the ball retaining member 44 is activated, and the tip portion thereof is retracted outward from the low probability path 36. In this case, the game ball passing through the low probability path 36 passes through the side of the ball sorting member 46 as it is without coming into contact with the ball retaining member 44 in the vicinity of the terminal end. The above-described general winning opening 56 is formed at the terminal position of the low probability path 36, and the game ball that has reached this point enters the general winning opening 56 and is released through the above-described ball discharge passage 50 as it is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the game balls that have entered the specific winning opening guide 46a are transferred. As described above, the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is positioned on the inner side from the peripheral wall surface surrounding the ball sorting member 46 ((a) in FIG. 10). If the game ball is positioned above the ball, it can fall into the specific winning opening 60, that is, pass through the specific area. Further, the fall of the game ball to the specific winning opening 60 (hereinafter referred to as “V winning”) is detected by the specific area switch 52 described above. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, words such as “special prize opening”, “V prize winning”, etc. are used, but this means that some kind of privilege is generated when the game ball falls to the special prize opening 60. However, it is not essential that the game ball is actually led to the back side of the board or awarded.

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

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

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

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

  At this time, since there is one specific winning opening guide 46a out of all eight, as a result, when a game ball is guided through the low probability path 36, the probability of winning a V in the future is 1/8. . However, this probability is based on the premise that the game ball is guided to the ball stopping member 44. If the ball stopping member 44 is retracted as described above, it is not received by the ball sorting member 46. The general winning opening 50 may be entered as it is. In the present embodiment, no special benefits are prepared based on the fact that a game ball enters the general winning opening 50, but when a ball entering the big winning opening 26 is detected in the previous stage. A prize ball has been paid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, in accordance with the appearance of the notice effect character 64, the notice effect is visually and audibly produced by lighting up the surrounding area with a decoration lamp / LED illumination or generating a sound effect. It is intended to enhance the effect of.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(6. Details of control processing)
Next, the contents of the control process performed by the main control board 68 and the sub control board 70 will be described. In the following description, the control content related to the operation of the center accessory 6 is mainly taken up. Further, in the following, for convenience of explanation, as a main subject for executing each control, the execution subject of the control process by the main control board 68 is “main CPU”, and the execution subject of the control process by the sub control board 70 is “sub-subject” Sometimes referred to as “CPU”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(6-4. Special gaming state)
Next, FIG. 16 shows a process when a game ball wins a V prize in the center accessory 6. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a V prize is won in the normal game state, the game machine shifts to a special game state (big hit game).

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

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

  As described above, a predetermined effect time is provided before the opening / closing of the big prize opening 24 is started as a big hit game, and a so-called round lottery effect is performed during this time. The lottery itself is performed at the timing when the game ball wins at the first start port 12 or the second start port 14 which has been the trigger of the big hit, but the round lottery effect is an animation display by the liquid crystal display 40 and the speaker 88. It is executed by the sound output from.

  When the main CPU receives the detection signal from the specific area switch 52, the main CPU first switches the operating state of the ball sorting member 46 to the rotation speed B (for example, about 3.7 seconds per rotation), and then switches to the rotation speed A. .

  As described above, when the round lottery effect is in progress, the rotation speed of the ball sorting member 46 is switched to two stages, and when the main CPU receives the third index signal from the motor index sensor 86 in this process. Therefore, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is stopped. In the case of this embodiment, when the ball sorting member 46 is stopped at the timing of receiving the index signal, in this state, the specific winning opening guide 46a moves to the end of the low probability path 36 (the direction in which a game ball can be received). Positioned relative to each other. Further, since the ball path changing member 34 is held in a stopped state, the ball path changing member 34 remains fixed in a posture for guiding the game ball to the low probability path 36 during this period.

When the above-described round lottery effect is finished and a player is notified of a winning round, the main CPU starts the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 in accordance with the jackpot game sequence. In accordance with this, the main CPU activates the function of the specific area switch 52.

(6-4-2. Continuing means)
In the case of this embodiment, the jackpot game can continue up to 15 rounds, and the end condition of one round is, for example, that any one of the following (1) to (3) is satisfied.
(1) When the number of times of opening / closing the special winning opening 24 reaches 18 times.
(2) When the number of game balls won in the grand prize opening 24 reaches ten.
(3) When a game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Also, when the main CPU ends the round (one break) for the time being, either the 10 winning balls are detected by the big winning count switch 28 or the big winning opening 24 is opened or closed 18 times earlier. As a trigger, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is resumed after a predetermined time (for example, 1.8 seconds) has elapsed. At this time, since the first winning ball has already entered the specific winning opening guide 46a, the gaming ball surely wins V. As a result, since the passing of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52, the continuation to the next round is confirmed.

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

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

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

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

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

  Accordingly, at this time, for example, the main CPU moves the ball stopping member 44 backward at the timing when the specific winning opening guide 46a is opposed to the end of the low probability path 36, and conversely at the timing when the general winning opening guide 46b is opposed. By advancing the stop member 44, the operation of guiding the game ball that has passed through the low probability path 36 to the specific winning opening guide 46a can be stopped.

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

  That is, in the present embodiment, the specification that the opportunity to enable V winning by technical intervention is provided only once at a specific timing during the round. The specific timing is a winning ball to the big winning opening 26. Is when the seventh count is reached. For example, the game ball (seventh) that has won the grand prize opening 26 at this specific timing is given an opportunity to win a V in the following manner, for example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  That is, in a round that is not scheduled to continue, rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is started at the timing when the first opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 24 is started as described above (time ts). At this time, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 26 is repeated at a constant cycle, and the rotational speed (angular velocity) of the ball sorting member 46 is constant. The posture (rotation angle) of the minute member 46 and the timing at which the special winning opening 24 is released are synchronized with a certain relative relationship.

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

(B. Non-uniformization means)
However, if the behavior always continues mechanically, the player may get bored and the interest in technical intervention may be halved. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the above-described ball dropping portion (one-hole croon) 38a is formed at the terminal position of the high probability path 38. Unevenness will occur in the time required for the fall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (2) In FIG. 14 or FIG. 15, when the passing of the game ball is detected within the effective period of the specific area switch 52, the main CPU shifts to the processing of FIG.

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

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

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

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

(8. Production examples)
Next, actual presentation contents in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with some examples. Examples of effects here are mainly related to the display of images by the liquid crystal display 40 described above.

(8-1. Display pattern)
20 to 22 show examples of display patterns of images displayed on the liquid crystal display 40. FIG. The content common to these images is that there is a comical character imitating a police officer in some background, but the character takes different actions and poses depending on the type of background as follows. There are differences in scenes and scenes.

In particular,
(1) A scene where a police station is drawn as a background and a police officer is standing in the morning in front of it (Fig. 20).
(2) A scene of a summer living room is drawn as a background, and a police officer who lies there takes a break while watching TV (FIG. 21).
(3) The scene in the evening office is depicted as a background, where the police officers at work are thinking while eating (Fig. 22).

  The above scenes (1) to (3) are examples of basic depictions. In each scene, a character imitating a police officer moves in the background over time, and other characters (Persons, animals, vehicles, etc.) appear. For this reason, each scene is different from a mere fixed image, and includes the pleasure of exploring “what the character will move next, what new character will appear” and so on from the viewpoint of the player. It has become a thing.

(8-2. Display control means)
In order to display the image represented by the scenes (1) to (3) on the liquid crystal display 40 as an actual output image, the storage device of the sub-control board 70 stores image information including a plurality of types of display patterns. Has been. The sub-control board 70 can control the display content of the liquid crystal display 40 based on one scene selected from the sub-control board 70, that is, the display pattern.

(8-3. Selection of display pattern)
In the present embodiment, the sub-control board 70 determines by drawing whether the display pattern corresponding to any of the above scenes (1) to (3) is to be selected. That is, when the opportunity to change the display pattern selection target on the sub-control board 70 is lost, for example, a lottery is performed with a probability of 1/20. As a result, the scenes (1) to (3) are selectively selected. Switching processing is performed.

(8-4. Change opportunity granting means)
In addition, when the sub-control board 70 performs such a change of the selection target, a case (predetermined time) in which an accessory operation end command is received from the main control board 68 can be cited as a suitable example. The accessory operation end command is a signal indicating that the operation of the center accessory 6 has ended. For example, after the center accessory 6 has been activated in response to the winning at each of the start ports 12 and 14, for example, a V prize is awarded. Are output from the main control board 68, respectively, when the operation ends without being performed and when the operation of the center bonus 6 is completed due to the end of the big hit game. In the example of the above-described control processing (FIGS. 14 to 19), if the V winning is not detected within a certain time (for example, 8 seconds) after the big winning opening 26 is finally closed, the main control board 68 plays a role. An object operation end command is output.

  As a result, lottery is performed on the sub-control board 70 at the end of various events that occurred during the game (winning at the start opening, jackpot game), so that the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 is switched randomly. Will be. Therefore, the player can feel the excitement due to the visual change by changing the scenes of the above (1) to (3), and even if the game is played for a relatively long time, the player is not bored so much. Also, if the image (background that is the basis of display) is switched at the end of the action of the accessory, it is a perfect timing for the player, so even if a visual change appears, the player feels uncomfortable. There is no such thing.

(8-5. Change instruction means)
As described above, in this embodiment, consideration is given to preventing the player from getting bored, but the player desires to switch the image (background displayed on the screen) according to his / her preference. There is a case. The reason for this is that when a player plays a game, he has a personal rule of thumb such as which background is easy to hit when it is displayed and difficult to hit when another background is displayed. This is because there is a tendency to play as a fun of their own while incorporating such personal rules of thumb into the game. It is also true that as part of the mood change during the game, the player may simply want a visual change and change the image.

  In order to meet such a demand, in the present embodiment, when the player arbitrarily pushes the above-described effect button (operation unit) 22, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40, that is, a display screen is displayed. A configuration is provided that allows the background to be changed as a keynote. For example, when the production button 22 is pushed down, an operation signal is input to the sub-control board 70 by the operation input, so that the sub-control board 70 is forcibly set on the background based on the operation signal. The process which switches is performed.

(8-6. Specific conditions)
Such switching of the background based on the operation of the effect button 22 may be realized by simply pressing the operation button 22 once, but in the present embodiment, for example, it is 30 in 10 seconds. When the button is pressed more than once, a process of switching the background is executed on the sub-control board 70.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the process of switching the background after allowing the player to operate the effect button 22 many times is employed. Malfunctions can be prevented. On the other hand, if there is a player who has pressed (that is, utilized) the production button 22 many times in the amusement hall, the situation will lead to an interesting appeal to other players. It is expected that the use of the production buttons 22 by the players will further spread to surrounding players, and the number of players who actively use the functions will increase. Further, from the viewpoint of the game hall operating entity, it is expected that a large number of players showing interest in the operation of the production buttons 22 will increase the player's eagerness and improve the operation. A big merit for both amusement halls

(8-7. Notification means)
Next, FIG. 23 shows a screen of the liquid crystal display 40 while the effect button 22 is being operated. Here, the scene of (2) above (in the room) is displayed as the background, but when the player operates the effect button 22 to change the background, a character imitating a frog at the bottom of the screen (Or icon) is displayed.

  At this time, when the player first operates the effect button 22 once with no frogs displayed on the screen (FIG. 21), the sub control board 70 is based on the operation signal. Performs character display processing, and only one frog appears in the lower left of the screen. The display mode at this time is, for example, a state in which a frog jumps and jumps (see the fourth frog from the left in FIG. 23) and then changes its posture in an animated manner (see FIG. 23). In FIG. 23, all three frogs from the left).

In addition, the sub-control board 70 also executes a process of outputting sound effects based on the operation signal of the effect button 22. As a result, the frog calls (“Kerokero”, “Gekogeko”, etc.) and the fake sounds (“Pyokon”, “
Boyon "etc.) is output from the speaker 88.

  In addition, the number of frogs displayed on the screen increases with the number of operations of the production button 22, and for example, only one frog is displayed at the lower left of the screen up to three operations. Next, when there is a fourth operation, it is displayed in a state where the number of frogs is increased to two next to it (right side).

  After this, every time the production button 22 is pushed in three times, the number of frogs displayed at the rate of one animal increases. When the number of operations is the 28th, 10 animals are fully filled from the left end to the right end at the bottom of the screen. Are displayed side by side (this is not shown). Further, in this display process, the display content is changed according to the length of the time interval when the production button 22 is continuously operated (so-called continuous hitting), for example, from one operation to the next operation. If the interval is relatively short, the currently displayed frogs are displayed as an animation, and conversely, if the operation interval is relatively long, the displayed frogs jump all at once. The effect of being displayed is taken into consideration.

  In any case, when the number of operations of the production button 22 reaches 30 times in 10 seconds, ten frogs displayed at the bottom of the screen are enlarged and displayed with sound effects, and are enlarged to a certain size. Then, the state of disappearing as if it burst is displayed with sound effects. Then, after such a series of effect displays, the display content of the liquid crystal display 40 is changed to a state in which it is switched to another background (for example, the background in the scene of (3) above). The background changed at this time may be randomly switched to any one other than the background displayed so far (for example, (1) and (2) above), or regularly in a certain order. It may be switched to.

  While the player has pressed the production button 22 many times as described above, even if the player has not counted how many times the player has pressed (operated) the production button 22 so far, the player can press the production button 22. Since the number of frogs increases according to the number of times of pressing, the player can easily give an indication of the number of times of pressing. In addition, the number of frogs displayed (10) is set corresponding to the condition (specific condition) for the background to be switched finally, and after the frog line has reached the right edge from the left edge at the bottom of the screen Since the background is switched, there is an advantage that it is possible to predict how many times the player should operate the effect button 22 (whether the frogs are aligned to the right end).

  In addition, what notifies the frequency | count of operation of the production | production button 22 may be displayed by lighting of a lamp, a level gauge other than what used characters, such as a frog, and it notifies by the audio | voice which counts the frequency | count. It may be.

(8-8. Display patterns of specific types)
Furthermore, there are three types of background display patterns (FIGS. 20 to 22) that are the basis of the image. For example, they appear only when the player uses the effect button 22 to switch the background. A mode in which a specific type of display pattern is prepared may be used. Examples of such specific types of display patterns include “a scene in which a character imitating a police officer is patroling against a city background” and “a scene in which a character is searching for or tracking a criminal”. If these elements are added, the player is expected to play the game with a screen that cannot be seen in the normal gaming state, and is more eager to operate the effect button 22 .

(8-9. Specific change opportunity granting means)
In the above example, the background switching process is forcibly executed in accordance with the operation input of the effect button 22, but as another example, the lottery by the sub control board 70 is performed in accordance with the operation input of the effect button 22. List those that give players an opportunity.

  That is, usually, the lottery is performed by the sub-control board 70 in response to the input of the accessory operation end command, and the background selection / switching process is performed based on the result. As one of them, it is possible to add a time when an operation signal of the effect button 22 is input.

  In this case, the player can be actively involved in the lottery to switch the screen (background), and just eagerly take part in the game production by moving away from the passive attitude of waiting for the background to change. can do. When the player is involved in the lottery, the lottery probability may be higher than usual (for example, about 1/5).

(9. Reference to other embodiments)
The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. In the following, other embodiments will be described with some examples.

  (1) The display patterns of images (including individual backgrounds, characters, etc.) listed with illustrations in one embodiment are preferred examples, and it goes without saying that other images can be used as appropriate according to the model of the pachinko machine. Absent.

  (2) Further, in one embodiment, the effect button 22 is cited as an operation unit that can be operated by the player, but the arrangement and shape thereof are not particularly limited. The operation unit is not limited to a push-type button, and may be a pull-type operation unit, or other lever type or dial type.

  (3) Furthermore, in one embodiment, it is determined whether or not the specific condition is satisfied by the number of times the production button 22 is pressed in time (30 times within 10 seconds). For example, it may be an aspect in which it is determined whether or not the specific condition is satisfied by the pressing order or combination thereof.

  (4) In one embodiment, the background is switched by lottery upon reception of the accessory operation end command. However, the predetermined timing that triggers such lottery is other timing (for example, For example, when the conditions for the number of winnings are satisfied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 6 Center actor 22 Direction button 40 Liquid crystal display 68 Main control board 70 Sub control board

Claims (1)

A display device disposed on the gaming machine body and displaying an image;
Display control means for holding an image to be displayed by the display device as image information composed of a plurality of types of display patterns, and controlling display contents by the display device based on one display pattern selected from the held image information When,
A change timing giving means for setting a predetermined time according to an event that occurs as the game progresses, and for giving the opportunity to change the display pattern selection target to the display control means when the predetermined time arrives;
A change instruction means for setting a specific condition based on an operation input from a player, and instructing the display control means to change a display pattern selection target when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied;
A gaming machine comprising

Images