JP2009160436A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with higher entertaining potentialities. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 1 has an open/close type front frame 5 on the front side of its main body, and the front frame 5 covers a game board from its front side but makes a playing area 12 visually recognizable from its front side through an opening window 30 formed large at its center. A number of decoration lamps are arrayed on the left and right side rim parts of the front frame 5 and the decoration lamps are lit or flashed with the progress of a game to conduct a prescribed performance-oriented light emitting operation. Especially, when a special game state such as the jackpot is presented, the decoration lamps are lit or flashed in a special pattern, eventually raising desires for games with higher performance-oriented effects. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing lottery in a plurality of game modes as a game progresses and giving a player a profit according to the result.

  In a conventional gaming machine, whether or not a player can be profited is determined by lottery. Especially, a big hit probability variation machine increases the probability of a lottery when it wins a specific hit. . For this reason, if a player can play in a state in which the lottery probability is high (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation state”) from the normal probability state (hereinafter referred to as “normal state”), it is easier to hit. As a result, increasing the number of jackpots increases the possibility of obtaining a large amount of profit.

  For this reason, the jackpot probability fluctuation machine adopts a technique that raises the expectation that if the probability fluctuation state due to so-called probabilistic jackpot etc. becomes probable, it will appeal to the player extensively, and the profit of the jackpot can be continuously obtained. Has been. In this case, the player who knows that the probability variation state is in the game continues with a sense of expectation for the next jackpot. On the other hand, if the player knows that the first jackpot will not change the probability (so-called normal jackpot), the player loses his expectation and willingness to play the next jackpot, Therefore, the game tends to be stopped, and as a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine is reduced.

  As described above, the probability big hit is good, but if not, the game willingness is reduced, resulting in a problem that the operation of the gaming machine is lowered.

  In order to solve such problems, a gaming machine that does not display the current game mode during the game can be considered.

  For example, there is known a gaming machine that delays as much as possible of notifying the player that the game mode is a probability variation state (see Patent Document 1).

  In this known game machine, the probability variation notification delay counter is decremented every time the special symbol variation stops after the big hit, and when this probability variation notification delay counter becomes 0, the current game state is displayed. According to such a gaming machine, it is considered that the gaming machine can be continuously operated and the operation of the gaming machine can be increased until the player knows the transition to the probability variation state.

JP 2000-271297 A

  However, since these known techniques notify that the probability variation state has been reached only at a predetermined time inside the gaming machine, the internal state of the gaming machine can be known only at a predetermined time.

  In this way, in the specification where there is a period during which the internal state of the gaming machine cannot be known at all, for example, if the closing time of the hall comes before being informed whether the probability fluctuation state has been reached after the big hit, The game is interrupted without being informed of whether or not he has gained the benefit of probability fluctuation. In this case, there is a problem that the player is dissatisfied with not being informed of his / her own interests, and feels distrusted as if somehow lost.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of solving the problems that occur when there is a period when the internal state of the gaming machine cannot be known at all.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a lottery to determine whether or not to give a profit to a player with a predetermined probability, and in the case of winning, has a profit discriminating means for discriminating what kind of profit should be given to the player. In the gaming machine capable of giving a predetermined profit to a player based on the determination result of the profit determination means, the first game mode in which the predetermined probability is set relatively low when the lottery is executed. The winning probability changing means which can be changed to any one of the second gaming modes in which the predetermined probability is set higher than the low probability gaming mode, and the player based on the determination result of the profit determining unit. If the determination result of the basic profit granting means for granting a special profit and the profit determining means satisfies a special condition, the change to the second game mode by the winning probability changing means in addition to the basic profit is Done Value-added profit granting means for giving a value-added profit to a player, and game mode disclosure that allows a gaming machine to disclose to the outside whether the game mode is the first game mode or the second game mode And a game mode in which the operation of the game mode disclosure unit is continuously controlled during the game, and information regarding whether or not the change to the second game mode has been performed is disclosed without being disclosed to the outside. Concealing means, and disclosure permitting means for releasing the regulation by the game mode concealing means triggered by a predetermined operation and permitting the game mode disclosing means to be disclosed.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, a basic profit such as a large number of balls is given to the player by winning, but a value-added profit different from this may be given. This value-added profit is obtained by changing the subsequent lottery probability to a second game mode that is advantageous to the player, in addition to acquiring a lottery by basic profit. From the player's point of view, the first goal is to get a lot of balls by winning, but if the change to the second game mode is added to it, the game will continue because the next winning will be near. Increased motivation. On the other hand, if the player knows from the beginning that the game has not been changed to the second game mode, he may feel a long way to winning the next game and may lose his willingness to play.

  For this reason, even if the gaming machine of the present invention has means for disclosing which game mode it is, the disclosure is continuously restricted during the game, and the basic profit or added value profit Regardless of which is given, the information is normally kept secret without disclosing information on whether or not the change to the second game mode has been made. For this reason, the player cannot usually know whether the current game mode is the first game mode or the second game mode, and if a basic profit is given by one win, However, the game can be continued with the expectation that the player may have entered the second game state.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, even if any profit is given by winning, whether it is just a basic profit or a change to the second gaming mode is added to the basic profit. An element for clearly notifying the player about the information (for example, clear display by a lottery symbol) is not essential. For this reason, the player searches for the internal game mode from the behavior of the gaming machine (for example, the variation mode of the lottery pattern, the mode of production, etc.) or guesses the game mode based on his own empirical rules. You can continue to enjoy the game.

  In this way, although it is usually interesting to improve the internal game mode by concealing it, it is impossible to know the game mode from the outside if the concealment state lasts permanently. Bugs (player dissatisfaction and misuse for fraudulent sales) cannot be avoided. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, although the gaming mode which is normally the internal state of the gaming machine is not disclosed, the operation of the gaming mode disclosing means capable of disclosing the gaming mode is permitted when triggered by a predetermined operation. The game mode which is the internal state of the machine is disclosed, and the game mode of the game machine can be confirmed from the outside. Here, the “outside of the gaming machine” in which the gaming mode is disclosed, for example, may include not only the game board and the frame but also a part of the island facility where the gaming machine is arranged in the hall. Nor.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the game mode can be disclosed whenever necessary, so that, for example, the following utility can be found.

  (1) When the second game mode has been created intentionally from the beginning of opening the hall, it is easy to find out whether or not fraudulent sales are being conducted if a predetermined operation is performed for public security reasons. be able to.

  (2) On the other hand, for the gaming machine that has been operating until the end of business, the hall operator confirms the gaming mode by performing a regular operation, and if it is the second gaming mode, Since the game must be ended despite the fact that the next winning is near, it is possible to provide a service corresponding to that (for example, provision of a service ball, addition to a membership system point card, etc.).

  (3) Alternatively, it is possible to provide a service that actively discloses the game mode as an appropriate service during normal business. In other words, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is not clear what the game mode is, and it is interesting that the player can continue the game while searching for it, but on the other hand, the player also says `` the game mode '' There is a potential demand to know what is going on. In view of this point, for example, a hall operator can perform a regular operation on a player who has continued to play a game for a certain period of time, and the game mode can be disclosed as a voluntary service.

  The predetermined operation may be, for example, an operation that can be performed only by an authorized manager of the gaming machine such as a hall operator (for example, a switch operation on the back side of the gaming machine). What can be performed as one part (for example, the production equipment etc. in the front of a game machine) may be sufficient.

(Solution 2)
If the above configuration is defined in more detail, the gaming machine of the present invention executes a lottery to determine whether or not to give a profit to the player with a predetermined probability, and in the case of a win, gives any profit to the player. In a gaming machine that includes a profit discriminating unit that discriminates whether or not to grant, and that can give a player a predetermined profit based on the determination result of the profit discriminating unit, the predetermined probability is determined when the lottery is executed. The winning probability that can be changed to either the first game mode set relatively low and the second game mode set higher than the predetermined probability (or more than double) than the first game mode. As one operation for giving a profit to the player, the changing means, a ball winning means for facilitating acceptance of a game ball by operating a predetermined movable body, and based on the determination result of the profit determination means Making movable objects A basic profit granting means for giving a player a basic profit by providing facilitating acceptance of a game ball by the ball winning means, and when the determination result of the profit determination means satisfies a special condition , Providing the player with high added value by providing both the change to the second game mode by the winning probability changing means and the easy acceptance of the game balls by the ball winning means by the operation of the movable body A high value-added profit giving means for giving a profit, a change to the second game mode by the winning probability changing means based on a determination result of the profit determining means, and a ball winning means by the operation of the movable body In addition to providing easy reception of game balls, the game ball accepting means in the ball winning means is relatively low in comparison with the case of the high added value profit granting means. By operating a moving object, when the determination result of the low value-added profit granting means for giving the player a low value-added profit having a value lower than the high value-added profit to the player, and the profit determining means satisfy a specific condition, Without the change to the second game mode by the winning probability changing means, the game ball of the ball winning means by the operation of the movable body in the same or approximate manner as the low added value profit giving means By providing facilitating acceptance, a small value profit granting means for giving a player a small value profit different from the low value added profit, and the game mode is either the first game mode or the second game mode. The game mode disclosure means that allows the gaming machine to disclose to the outside whether or not the game mode is disclosed, and the operation of the game mode disclosure means is continuously restricted during the game, thereby changing to the second game mode. The game mode concealment means for concealing without disclosing the information on whether or not it has been disclosed to the outside, and the regulation by the game state concealment means is released when triggered by a predetermined operation, and the game mode disclosure by the game state disclosure means Disclosure permitting means for allowing

  In Solution 2, there are not only basic profits and value-added profits with added benefits but also four types of profits (basic profits, high-value-added profits, low-value-added profits, Small value profit) is given to the player, and which profit is given depends on the determination result when the lottery is won. Of these, the basic profit is directly related to the amount of play that can be obtained by the player, and the high value-added profit, in addition to the basic profit, changes the probability of subsequent lotteries to a high level (second game) Although it is a content with a privilege to be changed), the low value-added profit is lower in value than the high value-added profit, and is not directly related to the increase in the amount of balls. However, even if there is not so much play amount due to low value-added profits, since the lottery probability is changed to a high level, the player can increase the expectation of the next winning. .

  Here, as with Solution 1, even if the basic profit, high value-added profit, low value-added profit, or low-value profit is granted by the winning, Therefore, an element that clearly announces (for example, clear display by a lottery symbol) is not essential. Furthermore, even when the lottery probability is changed to a high value-added profit or low-value-added profit (changed to the second game mode), this is clearly notified to the player (for example, “probably changing”). The element to be notified by character information such as) is not essential. For this reason, the player plays the game without being clearly informed that the lottery probability has been changed to be advantageous to the self by the high added value profit or the low added value profit. On the other hand, even if a basic profit is simply given, it can continue to have a sense of expectation that it may have been an advantageous lottery probability. Such effects become even more pronounced when the information on whether or not the game mode has been changed in a normal state, and the player carefully observes the behavior of the gaming machine or applies his own rule of thumb. You can enjoy the game while searching for and guessing the game mode.

  On the other hand, things that change the lottery probability high, such as low value-added profits, must be valuable to the player, but the internal lottery probability changes high without increasing the amount of play. It is difficult for the player to feel the benefits by just doing it, and the existence itself does not make much sense if it is done, so some behavior (acting of the actor or performing the production etc.) may be combined there preferable. Therefore, when a low value-added profit is given, the player has a sense of expectation by exhibiting a behavior that the player can understand. If the player recognizes (guesses) that low-value-added profits have been granted through such behavior, even if he / she cannot acquire a conspicuous number of balls on the spot, he will win the high-value-added profit sooner or later. By doing so, it is possible to continue the game while expecting that many games can be obtained.

  However, since the low value-added profit is a content that raises the lottery probability itself, it is not realistic to give the player a low value-added profit too often from the viewpoint of the game specifications. On the other hand, if a low value-added profit is given only rarely, it will dilute itself as a rare privilege for the player, and it will distract from the expectation.

  Therefore, as a means to solve this point in a high dimension, the gaming machine of the present invention gives a small value profit to the player, and the content of this small value profit is equivalent to or approximate to the low value added profit. The contents are as follows. Specifically, in addition to changing the lottery probability higher for low value-added profits, some behavior (acting of an accessory or performance action) will be provided, but for low-value profits, changing the lottery probability ( The change to the second game mode is not performed, and only the behavior similar to or similar to the case of the low value-added profit is shown. Such a small value profit is not a content that increases the lottery probability itself, so even if it appears at an appropriate frequency, the game specifications are not greatly distorted. However, the behavior that is visible to the player when a small value profit is granted is difficult to distinguish from the case of a low value added profit, so if a player touches the small value profit, it is due to the small value profit. It is not possible to immediately determine whether it is a product or a low value-added profit, and whether or not the game mode has been changed is concealed by the game mode concealment means. There is nothing to offer.

  Therefore, if the player knows that the lottery probability is high due to the low value-added profit, even if the low-value profit is actually given, it was the low value-added profit (probability With the expectation that it may have become high), it is possible to maintain high expectations and willingness to play until the next winning. Or, even if you have not been able to obtain high-value-added profit or low-value-added profit for a while and are gradually giving up, you can win a small-value profit while continuing to play games with a slight sense of expectation. Yes, in this case, the expectation that “this time low-value-added profits may have been granted” has been revived, making it difficult for the game motivation to decline.

  As described above, the solving means 2 can give a player a profit (low value-added profit, small value profit) that is difficult to distinguish which type. For this reason, while providing many opportunities to make the player think that the game mode may have been changed, the player can scrutinize it by keeping secret whether or not the game mode has actually been changed. However, the game will continue and the willingness to play can be kept high for a long time.

  However, the solution means 2 does not normally disclose the game mode that is the internal state of the gaming machine, but can disclose the game state that is the internal state of the gaming machine at any time by the disclosure permitting means when necessary. Since the game mode can be disclosed to the outside of the gaming machine, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily detect fraudulent sales and provide a regular service.

(Solution 3)
In any one of the above solutions 1 and 2, the predetermined operation is preferably a power supply start operation.

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide a special operation unit for a predetermined operation for releasing and disclosing the concealment state of the game mode, and further, the following utility can be exhibited. it can.

  First, for example, when a hall is opened, there is a possibility that the second game mode is intentionally created from the beginning of the opening by an operation related to an unauthorized gaming machine by a hall employee. In the second game mode, the lottery probability is set high, so that the player is very profitable because the distance to the big hit is close, but such a service should not be performed for fair reasons.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the gaming state that is the internal state of the gaming machine is output to the outside of the gaming machine, so the gaming state that is the internal state of the gaming machine is clearly defined. Disclosure to the outside and a third party can confirm the game mode. Therefore, even if an operation related to the gaming mode of an unauthorized gaming machine by a hall employee is performed, the unauthorized service can be easily detected.

  For example, assuming that the hall is closed, the player must interrupt the game due to the convenience of the hall. Since the interruption of the game due to the end of the hall operation is not due to the player's convenience, the player cannot enjoy the profit that should be originally obtained by the big hit depending on the game mode of the gaming machine. There is a risk that you will have to quit and you will be dissatisfied. In other words, if the gaming mode of the gaming machine is, for example, the second gaming mode, the player may not be able to enjoy any profit even though the next big hit should be close. is there.

  However, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the game state that is the internal state can be disclosed outside the gaming machine by turning the power off and then on again, so the game state is clearly informed to a third party. be able to. For this reason, the hall operator provides a service corresponding to the player instead of the profit that the player should have been able to enjoy by the next jackpot (for example, provision of a service ball, membership) Can be added to the point card).

  For example, assuming that the hall is normally open, the player is not sure about the game mode of the gaming machine of the present invention, and it is interesting to continue playing while the player is searching for it, but depending on the situation The player sometimes wants to know the current game mode. In order to respond to such needs, in the gaming machine of the present invention, for example, the hall operator reapplies power to a player who has continued to play for a certain time or longer, thereby changing the gaming mode of the gaming machine to the outside of the gaming machine. Can be disclosed clearly to the player. Therefore, the hall operator can also provide the player with a voluntary service as to which game mode is being used.

(Solution 4)
In any one of the above solutions 1 to 3, it is desirable that the game mode disclosure unit discloses whether the game mode when the power supply is stopped is the first game mode or the second game mode. .

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, it is disclosed to the outside of the gaming machine whether the gaming mode when the power supply is stopped is the first gaming mode or the second gaming mode. The game state that is the internal state is clearly disclosed to the outside, and a third party can confirm the game state. Therefore, even if an operation related to the gaming mode of an unauthorized gaming machine by a hall employee is performed, the unauthorized service can be easily detected.

  For example, assuming that the hall is closed, the player must stop the game due to the convenience of the hall, but even if the previous game mode is the second game mode, the player The game will be interrupted without knowing. For this reason, for a player who has continued to play the game assuming that it is in the second game mode until the store is closed, the game ends without any information being made, and there is a place where dissatisfaction remains.

  However, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the game mode that is the internal state when the power supply is stopped can be disclosed to the outside of the gaming machine by turning the power off and then on again. Can be clearly communicated to a third party. Therefore, if the hall operator can confirm that the gaming machine that has been operating until the closing time is in the second gaming mode, the profit that the player should have been able to enjoy by the next jackpot Instead of this, a service corresponding to that can be provided to the player (for example, provision of a service ball, addition to a membership system point card, etc.).

(Solution 5)
In any one of the solving means 1 to 4 described above, the determination result indicates that the specific condition satisfies the specific condition as compared to the probability that the determination result in the first game mode satisfies the special condition. When the probability of winning the lottery in a satisfying mode is set to be higher than double (or twice or higher), and when the winning game changing means is changed from the first game mode to the second game mode, In the first game mode, the lottery is performed in such a manner that the determination result satisfies the special condition in the first game mode without changing the probability of winning the lottery in the mode satisfying the specific condition. It is desirable that the probability of winning is changed more than twice (or more than twice).

In this case, in the first game mode having a relatively low winning probability, the probability that a small value profit is given to a player is more than twice (or more than twice) than the probability that a high added value profit is given to the player. Since it will be set high, the appearance rate of small value profit will be relatively high, even if it is low probability (first game mode), many opportunities to continue to maintain the expectation until the next winning You can touch.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even if the player cannot recognize whether or not the player is in the first game mode by concealing that the game mode is hidden by the game mode concealing means, the player has a small value profit. With the emergence of, you can come in contact with many opportunities to continue to maintain your expectations until the next winning. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the player can increase the occupancy rate without losing his willingness to play even though he is in the first gaming mode due to the appearance of the small value profit.

  Alternatively, when the second game mode is changed to a relatively high winning probability, the probability that a small value profit will be granted remains unchanged, and the probability that a high value added profit will be granted is set to be more than double. Therefore, the player can actually come into contact with many opportunities to obtain a lot of balls with high added-value profit, and can feel the lottery result as expected.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even if the player cannot recognize whether or not the player is in the second game mode by using the game mode concealing means as the second game mode in a concealed state, the player has a small value profit. With the emergence of, you can come in contact with many opportunities to continue to maintain your expectations until the next winning. Moreover, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to make a lot of contact with the opportunity to obtain many balls with high added value profit, and it is disclosed that the concealment state is released by the disclosure permitting means and is the second game mode. Even in such a case, the lottery result as expected can be realized.

(Solution 6)
In any one of the solving means 1 to 5, the lottery for maintaining the second game mode is specified while the game mode is changed to the second game mode by the lottery probability changing unit. It is desirable to further include a mode maintenance lottery unit that executes with probability and a game mode change unit that changes the game mode from the second game mode to the first game mode when the lottery is lost by the mode maintenance lottery unit. .

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is one attraction that the lottery probability changing means is changed to the second game mode (a game mode having a relatively high lottery probability). There is still the possibility of falling from there before the next winning is obtained during the game mode. For this reason, even if it is changed to the second game mode once, there is a possibility of winning with a high probability from there, conversely, it will be lost in the maintenance lottery of the second game mode and from there to the first game mode It can be said that there is a possibility of being demoted. Therefore, even if it is expected that the game has been changed to the second game mode, it is possible to play a game while always feeling the risk of falling with the expectation of winning and back to back. Thrilling interest will be added.

  Even when such a maintenance lottery element is added, if the game mode is concealed by the game mode concealment means, the game lotion is lost in the maintenance lottery of the second game mode and demoted to the first game mode. Can be prevented from being notified to the player. For this reason, the player thinks that the second game mode is continuing and continues the game. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the operation rate is unlikely to decrease despite being demoted to the first game mode.

  Furthermore, the following utility is brought about by the solution means 6. For example, even if the hall operator actively provides a service for disclosing to the player that it is the second game mode using the function of the disclosure permitting means, the disclosure permitting means will be reappeared at an appropriate time thereafter. If this function is used, it can be confirmed whether or not it has been demoted to the first game mode. In this case, even if the player knew that he was in the second game mode once, even if he fell into a situation where he couldn't win the game, he actually knew that he was lost in the maintenance lottery. Can accept the situation smoothly.

  In addition, since the gaming machine of the present invention has the possibility of falling from the second game mode, it can be said that the change to the second game mode can be realized at a higher frequency. In other words, if the player has more opportunities to play in a game mode with a high probability of drawing, the expectation can be maintained for a longer period of time. However, it is not always possible for a player to win, and there is a possibility that the player may fall and return to the first game mode, so that only the player is not unilaterally advantageous and maintains high operation for a long period of time. This can be beneficial for both players and hall operators.

(Solution 7)
In the solving means 1 to 6 and the subsequent solving means, the profit determining means is a winning value (in which a winning determination random number value acquired in response to winning of a game medium (for example, start winning) is prepared in advance ( A lottery is performed by determining whether or not a numerical range is applicable. Further, in the case of winning, the profit discriminating means discriminates which one of a plurality of types of winning prepared in advance and corresponds to the high value-added profit (or value-added profit) as a result of the discrimination. The special conditions are met when the winning category is met. Alternatively, as a result of the determination by the profit determining means, the specific condition is satisfied when the winning type corresponding to the small value profit is satisfied.

(Solution 8)
In the above solutions 1 to 7, the gaming machine of the present invention is a ball-type gaming machine (or a pachinko machine). As an example of the configuration of a ball-type game machine, a launching means for launching a game ball to a game area in the game board in accordance with a predetermined operation, and that a game ball has won a prize opening arranged in the game area. A winning detection means for detecting, a winning ball paying means for paying out a winning ball according to the winning of a game ball, and a stop after changing the symbol over a predetermined time triggered by the winning of the gaming ball, There is provided symbol display means for displaying a state and special game state transition means for shifting to a special game state when the stopped symbol is in a specific symbol display mode. In this special game state, a movable body (a member that opens and closes a specific prize opening, etc.) arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened and a game ball can be won, and according to the number of wins of the game ball Profit is given to the player. As a benefit given to the player, paying out a game medium (giving a prize ball) to the player can be mentioned. In this case, the basic profit is to shift to the special gaming state.

(Solution 9)
In the above solutions 1 to 7, examples of the gaming machine according to the present invention include a swivel type gaming machine (or slot machine). As an example of the configuration of this spinning cylinder type game machine, after determining the number of game media to be multiplied (including betting operation in addition to the insertion of game media), the operation of the starting operation means (for example, lever) is triggered. A symbol display means for displaying the state of the stopped symbol by changing the symbol and stopping the variation of the symbol upon the operation of a stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or the elapse of a predetermined time, and the stopped symbol A payout means for paying out game media when the state of the game satisfies a predetermined condition, and special game state transition means for shifting to a special game state when the state of the stopped symbol satisfies a specific condition. In this special game state, the player can continue the game in a state where the symbol stop state is advantageous to the player for a predetermined time or a predetermined condition.

(Solution 10)
In the above solutions 1 to 7, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a spinning-type gaming machine (or a parrot machine, a pachislot machine, etc.) that uses a game ball as a gaming medium. A revolving game machine that uses a game ball to play a game can determine the multiplier of the game value by taking the game ball in place of the medal. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the solution means 9, and the design is changed by the operation of the start operation means (for example, a lever), and the operation of the stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or a predetermined time. The symbol display means for displaying the state of the stopped symbol by stopping the change of the symbol with the passage of time, the payout means for paying out a game medium when the stopped symbol condition satisfies a predetermined condition, and the stopped symbol Special game state transition means for shifting to the special game state when the state of the game satisfies a specific condition. In this special game state, the player can continue the game in a state where the symbol stop state is advantageous to the player for a predetermined time or a predetermined condition.

(Solution 11)
In the solving means 9 and 10, the symbol display device may employ a reel device that changes the symbol by changing the symbol by rotation of the reel to which the symbol is attached, or is provided separately from the reel. You may employ | adopt the display apparatus (for example, liquid crystal display device) which can display the pseudo | simulation design corresponding to or corresponding to a design.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can disclose the game mode in a timely manner as necessary, and can increase the game motivation of the player and increase the operating rate of the game machine according to the disclosed game mode. Can be provided.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the front frame and main body frame of the pachinko machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is the figure which showed all the display patterns of the special symbol as a list. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the control structure of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of a start winning process. It is a flowchart of a game operation process. It is a flowchart of special figure fluctuation setting processing A. It is a flowchart of a hit variation setting process. It is a flowchart of special figure fluctuation execution processing B. It is a flowchart of a hit determination process. It is a flowchart of jackpot processing. It is a flowchart of a game state maintenance / demotion determination process.

  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 pachinko machine (Fig. 1, Fig. 2)
2. Board configuration (Figure 3)
3. Special symbol display device (Fig. 4)
4). 4. Hit mode Maintenance lottery Control configuration (Figure 5)
6-1. Main board 6-2. Peripheral board 7. Example of control processing 7-1. Start winning process (Figure 6)
7-2. Game operation processing (Fig. 7)
7-3. Special figure variation setting process A (Fig. 8)
7-4. Variable variation setting process (Fig. 8)
7-5. Hit variation setting process (Fig. 9)
7-6. Special figure variation execution process B (FIG. 10)
7-7. Hit determination process (Fig. 11)
7-8. Big hit processing (Figure 12)
8). 8. Game mode / lottery probability change means Features of one embodiment 10. 10. Game state maintenance / demotion determination processing Concealment / Concealment Release Process 12. Reference to the usefulness of one embodiment 13. Production processing 14. Reference to other embodiments

(1. Overview of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 specifically show the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment. The pachinko machine 1 includes a frame body and a game board 4, and the frame body includes an outer frame 2, a main body frame 3, a front frame 5, and the like. Among these, the outer frame 2 is configured by combining upper, lower, left, and right frame members in a rectangular shape, and a lower plate 6 for receiving the lower surface of the main body frame 3 is provided at the front lower portion thereof. One side edge (left edge in this example) of the body frame 3 is attached to one side edge (left edge in this example) of the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism 7, as shown in the figure. The main body frame 3 can be opened and closed on the front side of the outer frame 2. The main body frame 3 is configured by integrally molding the front frame body 8, the game board mounting frame 9, and the mechanism mounting frame 10 with a synthetic resin material. Among these, the front frame body 8 is formed on the front side of the main body frame 3, and its outer shape has a size that matches the outer shape of the outer frame 2 excluding the lower plate 6.

  The game board mounting frame 9 is formed integrally with the rear portion of the front frame body 8, and the game board 4 is mounted on the game board mounting frame 9 so as to be fitted from the front. Although not shown here, the game board 4 can also be opened and closed to the front side from the main body frame 3 via a hinge mechanism, and the game board 4 can be attached to and detached from the main body frame 3 along with this opening and closing operation. It has become.

  An annularly formed guide rail 11 is disposed on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 4, and the guide rail 11 includes an outer rail and an inner rail. On the board surface of the game board 4, a substantially circular game area 12 is defined inside the guide rail 11. In addition, the structure (board | board surface structure) in the game area | region 12 is mentioned later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a bass speaker 14 is provided at a lower left position of the front frame body 8, and the bass speaker 14 is attached to the front frame body 8 via a mounting plate 13. Has been. In addition, a launch rail 15 is provided at a lower position of the front frame 8 at the right side from the center, and this launch rail 15 plays a role of guiding the game ball toward the launch path of the game board 4. A lower front member 16 is attached to the front frame 8 at a position below the firing rail 15 and the bass speaker 14. A lower pan 17 is formed at a substantially central position of the lower front member 16, and a firing handle 18 is provided at a position further to the right.

  As shown in part in FIG. 2, a locking device 19 is mounted on the back side of the main body frame 3 (front frame body 8) just on the side opposite to the hinge mechanism 7. The locking device 19 has a function of locking the entire body frame 3 with respect to the outer frame 2 or locking the front frame 5 with respect to the body frame 3. The locking device 19 has two types of frame locking latches 21 and door locking latches 23, and one of the frame locking latches 21 corresponds to the closing tool 20 of the outer frame 2. For example, when the main body frame 3 is pushed into the outer frame 2 from the state shown in FIG. 2, the two frame locking latches 21 on the upper and lower sides respectively engage with the corresponding stoppers 20, thereby causing the main body frame 3 to move. The outer frame 2 is fixed in a locked state.

  The other door locking latch 34 corresponds to the closing tool 22 provided on the rear surface of the front frame 5. For example, when the front frame 5 is pushed into the main body frame 3 from the state shown in FIG. At the top and bottom, the three door locking latches 34 are respectively engaged with the corresponding closures 22, whereby the front frame 5 is fixed in a locked state to the main body frame 3.

  The locking device 19 also has a cylinder lock 24. With the main body frame 3 and the front frame 5 closed, for example, an administrator or employee of the hall inserts a predetermined key into the key hole of the cylinder lock 24. When it is turned in one direction, the engagement between the frame locking latch 21 and the closing tool 20 of the outer frame 2 is released, and the main body frame 3 is unlocked. When the key is turned in the opposite direction, the engagement between the door locking latch 23 and the closing tool 22 of the front frame 5 is released, and the front frame 5 is unlocked. The front end portion of the cylinder lock 24 is exposed to the front surface of the lower front member 16 through the front frame 8 and the lower front member 16 so that the unlocking operation can be performed by inserting a key from the front of the pachinko machine 1. Arranged to do so.

  Also, a power switch (not shown) is provided on the back side of the main body frame 3 (front frame body 8). For example, an employee in the hall opens the closed main body frame 3 as necessary, and this power The pachinko machine 1 is turned on and off by operating a switch.

  The front frame 5 is also referred to as a glass frame or a glass door, and the front frame 5 is attached to the front side of the main body frame 3 via a hinge mechanism 25 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 includes a door main body frame 26 on the back side, and includes a side decoration device 27, an upper plate 28, and an acoustic illumination device 29 on the front side. The door main body frame 26 is formed of a pressed metal frame member, and the door main body frame 26 is formed to have a size that covers a portion from the upper end of the front frame body 8 to the upper edge of the lower front member 16. ing. When the front frame 5 is closed, the front side of the front frame 8 including the game board 4 is covered by the front frame 5, but a substantially circular opening window 30 is formed in the center of the door body frame 26. The game area 12 of the game board 4 can be viewed from the front through the opening window 30. In addition, a window frame 31 having a rectangular frame shape larger than the opening window 30 is provided on the rear side of the door main body frame 26, and a transparent glass plate 32 is doubled forward and backward in the window frame 31. Is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 5 is provided with side decoration devices 27 on the left and right sides around the opening window 30, and an upper plate 28 at the lower part thereof. In addition, an acoustic illumination device 29 is disposed at the top. The side decoration device 27, the acoustic illumination device 29, the upper plate 28, and the like are integrated so as to constitute the outer shape of the front frame 5 as a whole, and are designed to recall a sense of unity in appearance.

  Among these, the side decoration device 27 is mainly configured by a side decoration body 33 having a built-in lamp substrate, and the side decoration bodies 33 form a pair just on the left and right of the opening window 30. In the side decorative body 33, a plurality of slit-shaped opening holes (without reference numerals) that are long in the horizontal direction are arranged in the vertical direction, and each opening hole has a light source (for example, LED) disposed on the lamp substrate. A corresponding lens 34 is incorporated.

  The acoustic illumination device 29 includes a transparent cover body 35, a speaker 36, a speaker cover 37, a reflector body (not shown), and the like, and these components are unitized in a state where they are assembled with each other.

(2. Board configuration)
FIG. 3 shows the game board 4 alone. As shown in FIG. 3, in the game area 12, a number of obstacle nails (without reference numerals) are provided in a predetermined gauge arrangement, and a windmill 40 is provided at an appropriate position in the middle thereof. ing. At the center of the game area 12, there is a center feature 42 that attracts a lot of attention. The design of the center feature 42 characterizes the model of the pachinko machine 1, the game concept, and the like.

  The center accessory 42 is composed of a frame-like decorative body as a whole, and a character body 42a designed with the head of a racehorse is integrally attached to the upper edge portion thereof. Furthermore, decorative bodies 42b and 42c designed for the front legs of the racehorses are arranged on the left and right of the character body 42a. Of these, the right decorative body 42c can function as a movable accessory.

  The left and right side edges of the center accessory 42 are decorated with alphabet letters designed, and here the alphabet letters are emitted by a decoration lamp (LED) (not shown). In addition, a warp passage is formed along with a warp entrance (not shown) at the upper edge portion or the left and right side edge portions of the center accessory 42. When a game ball flowing down along the game board surface enters the warp entrance, the warp passage passes through the warp passage. It is taken inside the center accessory 42.

  A ball receiving shelf 42d is formed at the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and the ball receiving shelf 42d has a certain depth in the front-rear direction. The game ball taken in through the warp passage is released to the inside of the center accessory 42 and guided to the ball receiving shelf 42d. The ball receiving shelf 42d can roll a game ball on its upper surface and give various changes to its movement to add interest to the game. Alternatively, a movable body (not shown) is disposed on the ball receiving shelf 42d, and the movement of the game ball can be changed by the movable body.

  A ball guiding path 42e is formed at the center of the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and an inlet (not shown) to the ball guiding path 42e is formed on the upper surface of the ball receiving shelf 42d. Has been. The game ball that has dropped from the ball receiving shelf 42d to the entrance of the ball guiding path 42e is guided downward through the ball guiding path 42e.

  On the other hand, the exit of the ball guiding path 42e is open toward the front, and the game ball released from the exit falls almost downward. In the game area 12, a ball entry device 44 is arranged at a position immediately below the ball guide path 42e, and when a game ball enters the ball entry device 44, a start prize is awarded. Therefore, the game ball released from the ball guiding path 42e can be awarded with a start with a considerably high probability. The ball entry device 44 has a pair of left and right movable pieces 44a, and these movable pieces 44a can be expanded left and right to increase the probability of entry.

  Further, an attacker device 46 is disposed in the game area 12 at a position below the above-described ball entry device 44, and the attacker device 46 opens and closes the big prize opening by opening and closing the opening and closing member 46a. be able to.

  In addition, the game area 12 is provided with a starting gate port 48, a general winning port 50, and the like. Further, a liquid crystal display device 51 is disposed inside the center accessory 42, and in this liquid crystal display device 51, for example, an effect display by an image is performed.

  In the present embodiment, two multi-color LEDs 63 are further arranged at the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and the arrangement of these LEDs 65 can function as a normal symbol display device. The function of the normal symbol display device can be realized by turning on / off the LED 65. In the present embodiment, two multi-color LEDs 63 are further arranged on the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and the arrangement of these LEDs 63 can function as a game state display device. In the present embodiment, the function of the game state display device that displays the game state that is the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 can be realized by turning on / off the LED 63.

(3. Special symbol display device)
Further, in the present embodiment, four multicolor LEDs 52 are arranged on the left side of the character body 42a in the upper edge of the center accessory 42, and the arrangement of these LEDs 52 functions as a special symbol display device. Can do. The arrangement of the four LEDs 54 on the right side of the character body 42a is a start hold lamp.

  In the present embodiment, the function of the special symbol display device can be realized by turning on / off the LED 52. For example, by changing the four LEDs 52 in various patterns in response to the start winning prize, the variation state of the special symbol can be displayed. When the predetermined fluctuation time is over, the stop state in which the special symbol is determined can be displayed by the turn-on / off display patterns of the four LEDs 52. Thereby, when the lottery is performed, the result information is displayed by turning on / off the LED 52 (display means). Further, the control of special symbol fluctuation display and stop display by turning on / off the LED 52 is performed by a main control board described later (display control means).

  Specifically, each LED 52 is provided with lighting colors of two colors (for example, red and green), whereby each LED 52 is “lighted off”, “lighted with lighting color 1”, and “lighted color 2”. The lighting / light-off display pattern can be switched in three ways of “lighting”. Accordingly, a total of 81 (34 = 81) lighting / light-off display patterns when four LEDs 52 are arranged can be prepared. Here, for convenience of explanation, only two colors are used, but the lighting color of the LED 52 may be three or more colors (preferably about seven colors). Further, the LEDs 52 need not be arranged in one place, may be arranged separately, and do not particularly need to be arranged on the board surface. Or you may display a special symbol by five or more LED, and you may display using 7 segment LED.

  FIG. 4 shows a list of 81 lighting / light-off display patterns. In the table of FIG. 4, the symbol “◯” represents “off” of the LED 52, the symbol “◎” represents “lighting with lighting color 1”, and the symbol “●” represents “lighting with lighting color 2”. ing. For this reason, for example, in Pattern No. 0, all LEDs 52 are “off”, but in Pattern No. 1, one LED 52 located at the right end is “Illuminated with Lighting Color 1”, and the other 3 One is understood to be in a “light-off” state.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, four hit modes are prepared as modes in which the player is given a profit, and these are (1) “normal (non-probable) big hit”, (2) “ There are four types: “probable big hit”, (3) “short open probable hit”, and (4) “short open per hit”. As an example, in the table of FIG. 4, pattern numbers 15, 30, 41, 46, 47, 48, 49, 54, 59, 73, 76, and 79 are display patterns corresponding to “probability big hit” If a special symbol is stopped and displayed in these display patterns, a profit (high value-added profit) is given to the player.

  Similarly, pattern numbers 35 and 53 correspond to “short open probability variation”, and pattern numbers 40 (35), 61 (53), 50, 56, 69, and 75 correspond to “short open per change”. Numbers 63 (73) and 70 (54) correspond to “ordinary (non-probable) big hit”. It should be noted that the pattern numbers marked with parentheses indicate that display patterns that are very similar are provided for “short opening probability variation per hit” and “short open per hit”. For example, the pattern numbers 40 and 35 are very similar to each other in the combination of turning on / off display, and it is difficult to distinguish the display patterns at first glance from these display modes. Here, similarly, pattern numbers 61 and 53 are very similar.

  Also, the pattern numbers 63 and 70 corresponding to “normal (non-probable change) big hit” and the pattern numbers 73 and 54 corresponding to “probable big hit” are very similar to each other. Is difficult to distinguish.

  As described above, the display pattern shown in FIG. 4 represents the symbol display mode (display eye) when the special symbol display device 60 is stopped. As can be seen from FIG. In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the lottery result and the subsequent internal state are not easily determined from the symbol display mode of the special symbol display device 60 basically. That is, in this embodiment, by preparing a variety of display patterns for special symbols and display patterns that are very similar among a plurality of winning types, the player can read the lottery results from the display mode of the special symbols. The emphasis is on the fact that the lottery result and the internal state can be estimated from the effect display by the liquid crystal display device 51 and the behavior of the attacker device 46 and the like.

Therefore, even if a “probable big hit” or “ordinary big hit” is won during the game, it is not clearly notified to the player in terms of performance. Further, even when the lottery probability is changed to a high value due to “probable big hit” or “short open probable hit”, the internal state is not clearly notified by character information such as “probably changing”. In addition, because there is no particular difference in the variation display mode (variation time etc.) of the special symbol depending on whether the internal state is a normal state (low probability) or a probability variation state (high probability), Even if the change display of the special symbol is seen, it cannot be determined that the player is “probably changing”. Therefore, the player basically plays the game without being provided with clear information about the type of the winning result and the internal probability state.

  However, when the four LEDs 52 are all lit, as in pattern numbers 15 and 30 in FIG. 4, for example, it is easy to make a visual judgment. In this embodiment, these lighting patterns correspond to “probable big hit”. Assigned as a thing (so-called “iron plate pattern”). This leaves a possibility that the player can clearly read the winning type by the display pattern (display eye) when the special symbol display device 60 is stopped.

(4. Hit mode)
Next, details of each hit mode are as follows.
(1) “Normal (non-probable change) big hit” is, for example, a round operation that opens and closes the attacker device 46 in a certain pattern for a maximum of 30 seconds and repeats up to 10 rounds. It is called. The player can win a lot of prize balls by winning the game balls in the big prize opening during the big hit game. Note that each round operation ends when either 30 seconds elapses or 10 winning balls are counted. The jackpot game ends when the round operation ends 10 times.

  (2) The “probable big hit” is to enable a big hit game similar to the above (1), but after the big hit game is finished, the next lottery probability is set higher than usual (for example, the normal big win) When the jackpot probability is 1/320, a privilege of changing 5 times to 1/64) is added. For this reason, when the player wins a promising big hit, the probability of the next big hit becomes high and it becomes possible to continuously win the big hit (so-called consecutive resort).

  (3) “Short opening probability variation hit” is, for example, a round operation of opening the big winning opening for 0.3 seconds twice, and the interval between rounds is 2 seconds. This short opening probability change is ended when the attacker device 46 is opened only twice for a relatively short time (0.3 seconds). If a prize is won in the big winning slot during this time, a specified number (for example, 15) of prize balls will be paid out, but not as many prize-winning opportunities as in the big hit game. However, if the player wins a short-open probability change hit, there is a privilege that the probability of the next big hit lottery is set high (1/64), so that the continuity of the big hit game can be expected in the same way as in the case of the probability change big hit. Become.

  (4) “Short-per-open” is the same mode as “Short-open-probable per-change” in the operation of the attacker device 46, but the bonus for changing the big-hit lottery probability is not added. That is, when the short opening is reached, the attacker device 46 is terminated only by opening it twice for a relatively short time (0.3 seconds). However, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls can be paid out when winning a big winning opening during this period.

  In addition, the specific numerical value said by said (1)-(4) is the best thing in implementation of this invention. In addition, these numerical values can be variously changed and are not limited by the best numerical values.

  The probability of winning the winning modes (1) to (4) by lottery during a game is represented by, for example, Table 1 below.

(5. Maintenance lottery)
In this embodiment, when the probability variation state (high probability state) is caused by the “probability big hit” in (2) or “short open probability variation” in (3), the probability variation state is maintained with every start prize as a trigger. A lottery (falling lottery) is performed. The maintenance lottery is performed with a certain probability (for example, 1/640). When the lottery is lost with this maintenance lottery, a process of internally returning from the high probability state to the low probability state (normal probability) is performed.

(6. Control configuration)
FIG. 5 schematically shows a control configuration for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine 1. In FIG. 5, the configuration related to the power supply (power supply board and the like) is not shown. The control of the pachinko machine 1 is roughly divided into a main board group and a peripheral board group, and among these, the main board group plays game operations (winning detection, winning judgment, special symbol display, prize ball payout, etc.) ), And a group of peripheral boards controls production operations (light emission decoration, sound output, liquid crystal display, etc.). In addition to this, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a power supply board, a launch control board, an interface board, and the like. However, since any known ones can be applied, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

(6-1. Main board)
The main board includes a main control board 56 and a payout control board 58, and the main control board 56 is disposed on the back side of the game board 4. The other payout control board 58 is disposed on the back side of the main body frame 3 together with the prize ball device. The main control board 56 is equipped with electronic components such as a CPU 56c, ROM 56e, and RAM 56d, and executes various game control programs by these electronic components. The CPU 56c is configured to include a ROM 56e and a RAM 56d. On the other hand, the payout control board 58 is equipped with electronic components such as a CPU 58c, ROM 58e and RAM 58d, and executes various payout control programs using these electronic components. The CPU 58c is configured to include a ROM 58e and a RAM 58d. Bidirectional communication is performed between the main control board 56 and the payout control board 58 via the respective input / output interfaces 56a and 58a. For example, when the main control board 56 transmits a prize ball command, it responds to this. Then, an ACK signal is returned from the payout control board 58 to the main control board 56.

  The main control board 56 is connected to a special symbol display device 60 (LED 52), a normal symbol display device 65, and a game state display device 63 provided on the game board 4, as well as a ball entry device 44 and an attacker device 46. Are connected to a solenoid 62 for driving etc., a winning switch 64 for detecting a winning ball, a start hold lamp (not shown in FIG. 5), and the like. A payout motor 66 for driving the payout device is connected to one payout control board 58, and a motor index sensor, a prize ball count switch, and the like (none of which are shown) are connected to the payout control board 58. Yes.

(6-2. Peripheral board)
In addition to the sub-integrated board 68, the peripheral board includes, for example, a plurality of illumination control boards 70 and 72, a waveform control board 74, and the like. Between the main control board 56 and the sub-integrated board 68, communication in only one direction is performed between the input / output interface 56a and the input interface 68a. Even if a command is sent to 68, the reverse is not performed.

The sub-integrated board 68 also has electronic components such as a CPU 68c, ROM 68e, and RAM 68d, and a predetermined effect control program can be executed by these electronic components. The CPU 68c is configured to incorporate a ROM 68e and a RAM 68d. Bi-directional communication is performed between the sub-integrated board 68 and the other illumination control boards 70 and 72 and the waveform control board 74 with the respective input / output interfaces 68b, 70a, 72a and 74a. The illumination control board 70 also includes electronic components such as a CPU 70c, ROM 70e, and RAM 70d, and a predetermined effect control program can be executed by these electronic components. The CPU 70c is configured to include a ROM 70e and a RAM 70d. On the other hand, the illumination control board 72 also has electronic components such as a CPU 72c, ROM 72e, RAM 72d, etc., and a predetermined effect control program can be executed by these electronic components. The CPU 72c is configured to incorporate a ROM 72e and a RAM 72d. Moreover, this illumination control board 72 is further provided with a RAM 72f and a ROM 72g.
(Shown as “CROM” in the drawing).

  For example, a lamp (LED) 76 for decoration is mainly connected to the first lighting control board 70, and a lighting signal for the lamp 76 is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the lighting control board 70. Then, in response to this, the illumination control board 70 performs a process of turning on the lamp 76. Alternatively, a decoration lamp 78 is connected to the second illumination control board 72 together with the liquid crystal display device 51, and a display command for the liquid crystal display device 51 is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the illumination control board 72. Then, in response to this, the illumination control board 72 performs a process of actually operating the liquid crystal display device 51. In addition to this, for example, in the case where an actor performing an effect operation by a movable body such as a drum or a character body is provided on the board surface, loads such as a motor and a solenoid for driving these are controlled by the illumination control boards 70 and 72. Connected to etc.

  The waveform control board 74 executes processing for generating and transmitting / receiving waveform signals such as inaudible ultrasonic waves as well as audible sound waves as acoustic outputs. The waveform control board 74 also has electronic components such as a CPU 74c, ROM 74e, and RAM 74d, and a predetermined effect control program can be executed by these electronic components. The CPU 74c is configured to incorporate a ROM 74e and a RAM 74d. The waveform control board 74 further has a ROM 74g (shown as “OROM” in the drawing). For example, when a sound output command is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the waveform control board 74, the waveform control board 74 performs processing for driving the speakers 14 and 36. In addition, an ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80 is connected to the waveform control board 74, and the ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80 enables ultrasonic communication between a plurality of platforms. Normally, a plurality of pachinko machines 1 are installed side by side in the island facility of the hall, but between the pachinko machines 1 equipped with the ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80, ultrasonic communication is possible. By using this communication function, a plurality of pachinko machines 1 can synchronize the effect operation or exchange game information between specific stands.

(7. Example of control processing)
Next, an example of control processing executed by the main control board 56 (CPU) will be described.

(7-1. Start winning process)
First, FIG. 6 shows a routine of the start winning process. In this start winning process, it is determined whether or not there is a start win during the game (step S101). Specifically, when a detection signal is input from a winning switch 64 (starting port switch) corresponding to the above-described pitching device 44, it is determined that there is a starting winning (YES). It is determined that there is no starting prize (NO).

  When it is determined that there is a start prize (step S101 = YES), it is next determined whether or not the number of start suspensions is less than the maximum of four (step S102). At this time, if the start pending number has already reached 4 (NO), the start winning process routine is returned as it is. On the other hand, if the number of start suspensions is less than 4 (YES), a suspension storage process is performed next (step S103). In the hold storage process, for example, “1” is added to the hold number counter secured in the RAM, and the number of lighting of the start hold lamp 54 is increased by one.

  In the hold storage process, a random value is acquired together. The random value acquired at this time includes, for example, random numbers for hit determination, random numbers for win symbols, random numbers for variable fluctuation (variable fluctuation counter), etc. for different purposes. Among these, the random number for winning determination determines whether the lottery result is a win or not, and in the case of a win, whether it is the above-mentioned “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “short open positive change” Or a random number for determining whether it is “per short opening”. In this embodiment, “normal big hit”, “probability big hit”, “short open positive change hit” and “short open hit per change” are acquired based on a common random number (0 to 65535). For the lottery of “per short opening” not related to the operation of, a dedicated random number may be used.

  The next winning design random number is used when the winning determination random number is determined to be winning, and more specifically, the display pattern that is stopped and displayed by the special symbol display device 60 (in FIG. 4). This is a random number for specifying the pattern number of the hit display. The variable variation random number (variable variation counter) is a random number for varying the symbol variation time by the special symbol display device 60 at the time of deviation variation, for example. When the above random number values are acquired and stored in, for example, the RAM, the suspension storage process is finished and the present routine is returned.

(7-2. Game operation processing)
Next, FIG. 7 shows a routine of the game operation process accompanying the start winning. In this game operation process, it is first determined whether or not there is a start suspension (step S201). Specifically, when the value of the hold number counter is not 0, it is determined that there is a start hold (YES), and then it is determined whether or not the special symbol is in an unchanged state (step S202). At this time, if the special symbol display device 60 has not yet started the fluctuation display (fluctuation display by blinking of the LED 52) (YES), then the hold shift process is executed (step S203).

  In the hold shift process, the value of the hold number counter is decremented by “1”, and the process of shifting the contents of each random number value stored in the hold storage area of the RAM is performed. Following this, symbol variation processing is executed (step S204). Here, the variation time of the special symbol, the setting of the display pattern when the variation is stopped, and the like are performed. The contents of the symbol variation process will be described later in detail using yet another flowchart (FIGS. 8 and 10).

  When the above-described symbol variation process (step S204) is completed, an information output process (step S205) is then executed. Here, a control information command is generated and transmitted from the main control board 56 to the sub-integrated board 68. . Based on the received control information command, the sub-integrated board 68 interprets the control information of the main control board 56 (presence / absence of start winning / holding, special symbol fluctuation / stop display mode, hit determination result, probability fluctuation, etc.) Then, a predetermined production operation is controlled.

  In the game operation process of FIG. 7, a hit determination process (step S206) is finally performed. Note that the value of the hold number counter is 0 at the start of the game operation process (step S201 = NO), or the special symbol display device 60 is changing even if the value of the hold number counter is not 0 (step S202 = If NO, in either case, the information output process (step S205) and the hit determination process (step S206) are executed bypassing the hold shift process (step S203) and the symbol variation process (step S204).

  In the hit determination process (step S206), the hit flag (1 or 2) set at the start of the variation of the special symbol is referred to, and if the hit flag is set, another process (FIG. 11) is executed. Note that the process of setting the hit flag and the content of the hit determination process will be described in detail later using different flowcharts (FIGS. 9 and 11).

(7-3. Special figure variation setting process A)
Next, details of the symbol variation process (step S204) performed in the game operation process of FIG. 7 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows the contents of the special figure variation setting process A included in the symbol variation process. In the special figure variation setting process A, the special symbol display device 60 mainly sets the variation time and selects the display pattern at the time of stop according to the lottery result. Specifically, the result of the lottery is determined based on the already acquired random numbers for winning determination (step S301). If the winning (winning) is determined (YES), the hit fluctuation setting process (step S302) is performed. Executed. Here, “winning” means that either (1) the normal big hit, (2) the probability variation big hit, (3) the short opening probability variation, or (4) the short opening per hit.

On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is out of lane, that is, it is determined that none of (1) to (4) is true (NO), the variable fluctuation random number already obtained (variable fluctuation) The value of the counter is compared with a predetermined value (for example, 1024) (step S303). The variable fluctuation random number is acquired within a range of 0 to 65535, for example. If this random number value is less than 1024 (YES), the variable fluctuation setting process (step S304) is executed. On the contrary, if the value of the random number for variable fluctuation is 1024 or more (NO), the fluctuation timer is set through each determination in step S305 or step S306. The variation timer is a timer for setting the variation time by the special symbol display device 60. Specifically, if the current start pending number is 0 (step S305 = YES), the predetermined variation timer is relatively small. The longer 10 seconds are set (step S307). Similarly, if the start suspension number is 1 (step S306 = YES), the fluctuation timer is set to a relatively medium 8 seconds, and if the start suspension number is 2 or more (step S306 = NO), the fluctuation timer changes. The timer is set to a relatively short 6 seconds (so-called hold time short). In any case, when the variation timer is set, a special symbol stop pattern is subsequently selected (steps S310 to S312). The stop pattern is appropriately selected from the on / off display patterns that do not correspond to any hit mode in FIG.

  When the above special figure fluctuation setting process A is summarized, if the lottery result corresponds to any hit, the special symbol fluctuation display is started after another hit fluctuation setting process (step S302) is executed. (Step S313). On the other hand, if the lottery result does not correspond to any hit (displacement), another variable variation setting process (step S304) with a distribution ratio of 1/64 according to the value of the acquired variable variation random number (variable variation counter). ) Is executed, but in other cases (63/64), the change display of the special symbol is started after the time of the change timer is set in three stages according to the number of pending start (step S313) It becomes.

(7-4. Variable variation setting process)
Here, the variable variation setting process in step S304 is based on the conventional concept of “outlier reach variation”. In other words, when the symbol is removed by lottery, the variation time of the special symbol is gradually shortened according to the number of start suspensions (steps S307 to S309). By changing the variation time to be longer or shorter, or changing the special symbol stop pattern, it is difficult to make the player notice that the variation is out of place. In this variable fluctuation setting process, for example, the fluctuation time is distributed according to the table shown in Table 2 below.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since there is no effect synchronized with the change / stop of the special symbol (for example, the conventional decoration symbol change / stop display, etc.) There is no need to perform “outlier reach fluctuations” to increase For this reason, the setting of the variation time of the special symbol may be basically based on the concept of “short holding time”, but if the setting of the variation time is always fixed, it becomes easier for the player to be aware of “going out”.

  In consideration of this point, by executing the variable variation setting process described above, even if the lottery result is out of the range, “outreach reach variation” is performed at an appearance rate of 1/64. In this regard, in view of the fact that the conventional “displacement reach fluctuation” was performed at a relatively high appearance rate of about 1/11, in this embodiment, a long time for the purpose of providing a space between players. It can be said that the fluctuation is suppressed to a low appearance rate of 1/64. Therefore, from the player's perspective, it is less likely to show “outside reach fluctuations” that are unrelated to the hits at a long time. There are advantages to both because it is avoided.

(7-5. Hit variation setting process)
FIG. 9 shows the contents of the above-mentioned hit variation setting process (step S302 in FIG. 8). Here, when the lottery result is a win, it can be roughly divided into the setting of the fluctuation time in the case of `` normal big hit '' and `` probable big hit '', and in the case of `` short open positive change '' and `` The setting of the variation time is shared by the case of “per short opening”.

  That is, if it is determined in step S401 that it corresponds to “per short opening” (YES) or it is determined in step S402 that it corresponds to “short open probability variation” (YES), both cases are common. A short opening per change setting process (step S403) is executed. In step S403, using the value of the variable variation random number (variable variation counter), for example, the variation time is distributed in four ways according to the table shown in Table 3 below.

  Since the value of the variable fluctuation counter is acquired within the range of 0 to 65535, in this fluctuation setting process per short opening, the normal fluctuation is applied in most cases (appearance rate 255/256). As a result, a normal variation timer corresponding to the number of pending start-ups is set at a considerably high appearance rate, so that the player can hardly distinguish from a normal deviation variation. When the above short open per-change variation setting process is executed, “2” is set to the internal hit flag (step S405), and this routine is returned.

  On the other hand, if “normal big hit” or “probability big hit” is true, the determinations in step S401 and step S402 are both denied (NO). In this case, the common big hit fluctuation setting process (step S404) is executed. The In this step S404, using the value of the variable fluctuation random number (variable fluctuation counter) from 0 to 65535, for example, the fluctuation time is distributed in six ways according to the table shown in Table 4 below. When this big hit variation setting process is executed, "1" is set to the internal hit flag (step S406), and this routine is returned.

(7-6. Special figure change execution process B)
Next, FIG. 10 shows the contents of the special figure variation execution process B included in the symbol variation process (step S204 in FIG. 7). When the variation of the special symbol is started by the special symbol variation setting process A, it is determined here whether or not it is during the variation period (step S501). Specifically, whether or not it is during the fluctuation period can be determined by referring to the above-described fluctuation timer. If the fluctuation timer is activated, it is determined that the fluctuation period is in effect (YES). Conversely, if the variation timer is stopped, it is determined that the variation period is not in effect (NO).

  If it is determined in step S501 that the special symbol is changing, a change display control process (step S502) is executed. Here, for the two two-color LEDs 52 constituting the special symbol display device 60, for example, counter values of 0 to 15 are acquired and assigned to 8-bit values, and a total of eight switches (two colors are used by using these values). A process of switching ON / OFF of LED × 4) every 40 ms is performed. Thereby, the high-speed fluctuation | variation by the special symbol display apparatus 60 is implement | achieved, while four 2 color LED52 blinks. Here, the lighting / extinguishing of the LED 52 is controlled with reference to the counter value, but the lighting / extinguishing pattern of the LED 52 can be switched using, for example, a predetermined variation pattern table.

  Thereafter, when the variation timer counts up and the variation period ends, it is determined that it is not during the variation period of the special symbol (NO), and then stop pattern display control (step S503) is executed. In this stop pattern display control, the special symbol display device 60 uses the stop pattern lighting / light-off display pattern data already selected in the special symbol variation setting process A (FIG. 8), the hit variation setting process (FIG. 9), or the like. Sent to. The pattern data need not be transmitted every interrupt cycle (for example, 4 ms), and it is preferable to adjust the light emission luminance of the LED 52 by sampling appropriately.

(7-7. Hit determination process)
FIG. 11 shows the contents of the hit determination process (step S206 in FIG. 7) included in the game operation process. This winning determination process is executed when the lottery result is a win, and is not executed when the lottery is lost. Here, when the lottery result is a win, the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set according to the type of the win.

  From the processing order, it is determined whether or not the lottery result is “per short opening” (step S601). If the determination here is negative (NO), then the lottery result is “short opening probability change”. It is determined whether or not it is “winning” (step S602). Accordingly, when the result of the lottery is “ordinary big hit” or “probability big hit”, the determination is also denied (NO) here, so step S603 is executed next. In step S603, the maximum setting period for the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set to 30 seconds, the maximum setting continuation number (maximum number of rounds) is set to 10 rounds, and the setting interval is set to 2 seconds. .

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “short open probability change hit”, the determination in step S602 is affirmed (YES), and then step S604 is executed. In step S604, the setting maximum period for the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set to 0.3 seconds, the setting maximum duration (maximum number of rounds) is set to 2 rounds, and the setting interval is set to 2 seconds. Is done. When step S603 or step S604 is executed, the big hit process (step S605) is executed by operating the condition device internally.

On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “per short opening”, the determination in step S601 is affirmed (YES), and the short opening per process (step S606) is executed. In this short opening per unit processing, the condition device is not operated internally, but in order to realize a behavior that is the same as or similar to the “short open probability variation per unit” in appearance, the attacker device 46 is simply operated. First, the grand prize opening is opened for 0.3 seconds, and after closing it for an interval of 2 seconds, the grand prize opening is opened again for 0.3 seconds and then closed again. .

(7-8. Big hit processing)
FIG. 12 shows the contents of the big hit process (step S605 in FIG. 11) included in the hit determination process. When the condition device operates internally and the big hit process is executed, first, a predetermined round counter is initialized (step S701). The round counter is secured in, for example, the RAM, and the value of the round counter is reset with the initialization. The round counter is for counting the number of rounds in the big hit game, and when the value reaches the set maximum number of times, the big hit process ends.

  After the round counter is initialized, when a predetermined winning ball number counter is set to “0” (step S702), the special winning opening is subsequently opened (step S703). Then, in the next step S704, it is determined whether or not the opening period of the special winning opening is within the set maximum period. The time (30 seconds or 0.3 seconds) set in step S603 or step S604 during the previous hit determination process is applied to the maximum set period here. If the opening period is within the set maximum period (YES), it is then determined whether or not the value of the winning ball counter is less than 10 (step S705). At this time, if the value of the winning ball counter is less than 10 (YES), it is determined whether or not the detection signal of the count sensor corresponding to the big winning opening is turned on (step S706). If the count sensor is turned ON by winning a prize at the big winning opening (YES), “1” is added to the winning ball counter in the next step S707, and the determination in step S704 is performed again. Alternatively, if there is no winning in the big winning opening in step S706 and the count sensor is not ON (NO), the determination in step S704 is performed without adding the winning ball number counter.

  In the case of “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, one round is ended when either the set maximum period of 30 seconds elapses or the winning ball reaches 10 counts. Become. If either of these two conditions is satisfied, the determination in step S704 or step S705 is negative (NO), so that the big prize opening is closed to end the round (step S708). Then, in the next step S709, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter has reached the set maximum continuation count (10 rounds).

  On the other hand, in the case of “short opening probability variation hit”, the set maximum period is as short as 0.3 seconds. For this reason, the winning ball counter does not normally reach 10, and the determination of step S709, that is, the round counter reaches the set maximum number of times (2 rounds) after the set maximum period of 0.3 seconds elapses first. It is determined whether or not.

  In any case, if the value of the round counter has not reached the set maximum number of times (10 or 2) (step S709 = NO), then “1” is added to the value of the round counter (step S710) and the winning ball The number counter is reset to “0” (step S702).

  The above processing corresponds to the processing of the first round in the “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “short open probable big hit”. Thereafter, when the round operation is repeated and it is determined that the value of the round counter has reached the set maximum continuation number (10 or 2) (step S709 = YES), the big hit processing is ended there.

(8. Game mode / lottery probability changing means)
As already described, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the big hit game by “probable big hit” or “short open probable hit” is finished, the game mode from there is changed to so-called “probable change (at high probability)”. (First game mode → second game mode). While the game mode is “probability”, the probability of winning a big hit is five times the normal (at low probability), so the player can continuously win the next big hit with a high probability. .

  In this regard, in the conventional probability variation type pachinko machine, the special symbol (decorative symbol) at the time of the big hit is notified to the player whether it is “probable big hit” or “probably changing” after the big hit game, etc. In most cases, the player is notified of the fact that it is “probable change” by displaying the character information. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even if it is shifted to “probability change” internally by “probability big hit” or “short open probability change hit”, the internal state at that time is clear to the player. Not announced. In addition, since the display patterns by the special symbol display device 60 are diverse (81 ways), the player simply looks at the display mode at the time of stop by the special symbol display device 60 (the combination mode of turning on / off the LED 52). It is difficult to immediately determine whether the “probable big hit” has been assigned, the “normal (non-probable) big hit” has been assigned, or simply “displaced”. Of course, when the “normal big hit” or “probable big hit” is made, the jackpot game is enabled by the operation of the condition device, so that the player can detect that either “big hit” was obtained, but clearly Which “big hit” is not easily recognized.

  In addition to this, in this embodiment, there is a mode of “short opening probability variation hit” in which the big prize opening is performed for 0.3 seconds only twice, and then the game mode is shifted to “probability variation”. However, most players do not notice the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 at all, or even if they notice it, it is not easy to enter the big winning opening within the opening period of the “short opening probability variation”. If the player happens to be aware of the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46, it can be predicted that it may have been a “short open probability variation hit”. Since “per short opening” in which the opening / closing action is performed also exists in this embodiment, “short opening probable per hit” and “per short opening” are simply determined by focusing on the movement of the attacker device 46 and the related performance action. It is not easy to determine.

(9. Features of one embodiment)
In summary, the following features are found in the game in the pachinko machine 1 of one embodiment.
(1) Even if it is a “big hit” for the first time in a normal game mode (at low probability), that fact is not clearly notified, so just watching the display when the special symbol is stopped gives the player However, it is not easy to determine whether it is “normal big hit” or “probable big hit”. After that, since the variation display mode (variation time, etc.) of the special symbol is the same in the normal state (at low probability) and the probability variation state (at high probability), the player can see the variation display of the special symbol. Cannot be determined as “probably changing”. Therefore, the player can maintain a high sense of expectation and willingness to play the next “big hit” while expecting that the game mode has shifted to “probability change” after the big hit game has ended. In addition, in the specification of the pachinko machine 1, in view of the fact that the distribution rate of “probable big hit” is 12/16 and the distribution rate of “normal big hit” is 2/16, in many cases, “ It is easy to expect that it has shifted to “Changing”.

  (2) In addition to “probable big hit”, there is a possibility that the game state may shift to “probable change” triggered by “short open probable hit”, so that the player can perform an opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and a related production operation. If you notice, even if you haven't paid a big hit yet, expecting a transition from normal gaming to “probable change”, and maintaining high expectations and willingness to win a big hit from there be able to.

  (3) However, due to the specifications of the pachinko machine 1, the distribution rate of “short open probability variation” with the operation of the condition device is suppressed to the same level as “normal big hit” (2/16), and it appears as it is The rate is low and the appeal to the player is relatively low. As a supplement to this point, there is a separate “Short Open Per Open” that shows the same behavior as the “Short Open Probability Hit” without opening the condition device (opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and related stage action). By combining the hit probability (1/128) of the “short open probability variation” and the appearance rate of the “short open probability variation”, the player is given an opportunity to come into contact with either one at a relatively high frequency.

  (4) For this reason, for example, when the player touches the behavior of the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and the related production action in a normal game mode (at a low probability), the player is changed to “probability change” by “short open probability change hit”. While expecting that there may have been a transition, it is possible to maintain a high sense of expectation and willingness to play until the next "big hit" is awarded.

  (5) Also, when a player touches an opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 or a related production action at a certain point in time, even if it is actually merely “per short opening”, Since the next opening / closing action and related production action may occur while continuing, the player's expectation for the transition to “probability change” is not easily diminished.

  (6) Or, even if you are not blessed with an opportunity to shift to “probability”, if a player wins a “big hit” even once, expecting to go back to (1) above and shift to “probability” As the feelings come out, the willingness to play will increase further while expecting the next big hit.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, there are few points where the player's expectation and willingness to play are interrupted, and the game is eager for a long time while maintaining a high expectation that a profit such as a big hit will always be obtained. Can work on.

  On the other hand, in the case of the player's turn in the hall, conventionally, only the condition of the nail adjustment was read or the table was selected by looking at the data such as the number of rotations and the number of hits per table. Then, it will be interesting to find a table that has been abandoned without knowing that the previous player has entered “probability” internally.

(10. Game mode maintenance / demotion determination process)
As described above, the fact that the game mode shifts to “probable change” for some time is a factor that enhances the interest of the pachinko machine 1, but in this embodiment, another aspect is further elaborated. Specifically, when the game mode shifts to “probability change” internally, for example, a lottery (whether so-called relegation / falling etc. ) Is performed (mode maintenance lottery means).

FIG. 13 shows the contents of the game state maintenance / demotion determination process for executing the above lottery. As described above, when the game mode shifts to “probability change”, the main control board 56 executes the processing of FIG. Here, first, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the game mode should be maintained as “probability change” using a random number value acquired in response to the start winning (step S801). The lottery probability of the player who maintains the game mode is set to be relatively high, for example, 639/640, and the lottery is only lost with a considerably low probability of 1/640. If it does not fall in the lottery here (NO), this routine is returned as it is, but if it falls in the lottery (YES), “demotion determination” to the normal game mode is made.

  If the lottery is lost in the above lottery, then a loss variation setting process (step S802) is performed. Here, using the value of the random number for variable fluctuation (variable fluctuation counter), for example, the fluctuation time is distributed in three ways according to the table shown in Table 5 below.

  Since the value of the variable fluctuation counter is acquired within the range of 0 to 65535, the normal fluctuation is applied in most cases in this defeat selection fluctuation setting process. As a result, a normal variation timer corresponding to the number of pending start-ups is set with a considerably high appearance rate, so that the player can hardly distinguish from a normal deviation variation, and in particular, the demotion from "probability variation" It is impossible to immediately determine what has been done. In the selection change setting process, a predetermined stop symbol (outgoing display pattern) is also selected.

  When the above-described selection change setting process is executed, “0” is set to the internal game state flag (step S803), and this routine is returned. After this, the game mode flag is “0”, so that the internal game mode is pulled back to the normal time.

  With such a specification, even if it shifts to “probability change” once, there is a possibility that it will be a big hit with a high probability in every starting prize from there, conversely from “probability change” with a probability of 1/640. It can be said that there is a possibility of being demoted. Therefore, even if the player is currently expecting a “probable” game mode, he can always play the game while feeling close to the big hit and the risk of falling. Therefore, a thrilling interest is added there.

  In this way, in this embodiment, even if it shifts to `` probability change '' once, there is a possibility that it will win the next `` big hit '', conversely, it will be lost in the maintenance lottery, and from there it will be in the normal probability state It can be said that there is a possibility of being demoted. Based on the possibility of demotion due to such a maintenance lottery, in this embodiment, the rate of transition to “probability change” at the time of hitting is relatively high (accuracy change in 14/16, non-probability change in 2/16) ), Which increases the player's expectation and avoids the player becoming more unilaterally advantageous than the hall operator.

(11. Concealment / Concealment Release Process)
As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment makes it difficult for the player to determine whether the game mode is the first game mode or the second game mode, and the player reads some behavior to win the game. While increasing expectations, it increases game motivation, but there are also times when players and hall employees want to know the game mode clearly.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, first, a change from the “normal state” to the “probable change state” is performed by restricting the light emission operation of the LED 63 as the game state display device continuously during the game. Whether or not the game has been performed is kept secret without being disclosed to the outside (game mode concealment means). Further, in the pachinko machine 1, this regulation is released in response to a predetermined operation, and the disclosure of the game mode is permitted by, for example, turning on / off the LED 63 (disclosure permission means). The disclosure of the game mode is not limited to visual ones such as turning on / off the LED 63, and may be expressed by voice or vibration.

  The LED 63 as the game mode disclosure means is turned on / off by the control of the main control board 56 to indicate whether the game mode is “normal state” or “probability change state”. It is the structure which can be disclosed toward Here, when the operation of the LED 63 is permitted, for example, the high probability state is represented by red lighting of the LED 63 and the low probability state is represented by turning off the LED 63. The “outside of the pachinko machine 1” referred to here may include not only the surface of the game board 4 but also part of the lamps of the frame and the island facilities of the hall.

  As described above, the lighting / extinguishing state of the LED 63 may not correspond to the game state that is the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 in appearance, and the player is in the state of the LED 63 when the game state is in a concealed state. The current game mode cannot be judged by looking at

  Next, an operation example of the pachinko machine 1 in the embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described. In the following description, as an example of the predetermined operation, the case where the power is turned on by the operation of the power switch and the power supply is started will be described as an example. Further, the LED 63 as the game mode display device discloses whether the game mode when the power supply is stopped is the first game mode or the second game mode.

  The pachinko machines 1 are installed, for example, so as to be arranged in the island facility of the hall, and all the pachinko machines 1 are turned on all at once in preparation for opening the hall. The power-on here includes not only the case where all the pachinko machines 1 are turned on all at once as described above, but also the case where the power supply is started by operating the power switch of one pachinko machine 1. Yes. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a backup function is mounted on the main control board 56, and for example, a game state when the power is shut off is stored as an internal state in the RAM 56d of the main control board 56. When the game state that is the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is represented by a game state flag, for example, the “normal state” is “0” and the “probability change state” is “1”. The main control board 56 internally manages whether the game state is “normal state” or “probability change state” by the game state flag managed by such a backup function.

  First, in the pachinko machine 1 that is turned on, an initial process is performed, and then a concealment / confidential release process is performed. Then, the game state flag managed by the main control board 56 by the backup function is referred to, and the game state represented by the game state flag is grasped.

  Thus, even after grasping whether the game mode is the “normal state” or the “probability change state”, the pachinko machine 1 does not disclose the game mode to the outside as a secret state. Specifically, the main control board 56 does not control the operation of the LED 63 as the game state display device during the period when the game state should be kept secret, so that the LED 63 as the game state display device does not display the game state. The operation is restricted (game style concealment means). In this state, from the outside, it is impossible for the outside of the pachinko machine to know whether the game mode that is the internal state is the first game mode or the second game mode.

  For this reason, for example, the player may search for whether the internal game mode is the first game mode or the second game mode from the behavior such as the variation of the lottery pattern or the mode of performance, You can continue to enjoy the game while guessing the game mode based on the rule of thumb.

  In this way, although it is said that the state of interest is usually enhanced by setting the concealment state as to whether the internal game mode is “normal state” or “probability state”, such a concealment state is If it continues for a long time, it is impossible to know from the outside whether the game mode is `` normal state '' or `` probable change state '', for example, various problems such as dissatisfaction with players and misuse for illegal sales Is also possible. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment, although it is not disclosed whether the game mode of the pachinko machine 1 is the first game mode or the second game mode, a predetermined operation such as an operation of a power switch, for example, is not disclosed. As an opportunity, the operation of the LED 63 as a game state display device capable of disclosing the game state is permitted, the game state that is the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is disclosed, and the game state can be confirmed from the outside. ing. In the present embodiment, since the hidden state of the game state is released using such a power switch, it is not necessary to provide a special operation unit as an operation unit for disclosing the game state.

  In the present embodiment, it is desirable to disclose the game mode disclosed by turning on / off the LED 63 as such a game mode display device, for example, for a predetermined time, and then stop the disclosure. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which disclosure of the game mode is stopped in response to an operation of the firing handle 18 in conjunction with or instead of this.

(12. Reference to usefulness of one embodiment)
As described above, the pachinko machine 1 can disclose the game mode whenever necessary, so that the following various utilities can be found.

  (1) First, according to the present embodiment, when the “probable change state” is intentionally created from the beginning of the hall opening, the game state display device 63 is activated by turning on the power at the beginning of the opening, It is possible to easily find out whether or not fraudulent sales are performed from the display contents.

  For this reason, for example, when the game mode of the pachinko machine 1 in this embodiment has been intentionally changed to the “probable change state” from the beginning of the store opening due to an unauthorized operation by a hall employee, the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. At this point, the concealed state of the game state is released, and it is possible to visually determine whether the game state is the “normal state” or the “probable change state” by turning on / off the game state display device 63. .

  In general, the pachinko machine 1 whose game mode was “probable change” at the end of business on the previous day is a so-called RAM clear operation performed by employees in the hall. It is unlikely that the state is “probable change”. Therefore, when the pachinko machine 1 is in the “probability change state” when the power is turned on, it is considered that the “probability change state” is an intentionally set lottery probability. Such a “probable change state” is very beneficial for the player because it is easy to win a jackpot, but such a service should not be provided for fair reasons.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the game state display device 63 is lit when the power is turned on in this way, it is suspected that the game state has been intentionally tampered with, and the hall operator Unauthorized services such as the so-called morning service can be easily detected.

  (2) In addition, when the hall closing time comes, the player must stop the game there, but if the game mode of the pachinko machine 1 is “probable change”, for example, the next big hit Despite being supposed to be close, the player cannot enjoy any profit and is likely to be dissatisfied.

  For this reason, in general, instead of the profits that should be obtained in the game, the player who must stop the game even when the pachinko machine 1 is in the “probable change state” when the hall is closed. Halls are offering some benefits. However, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the game mode is not disclosed to the outside of the pachinko machine in principle, at first glance, whether the game mode at the end of the hall operation is “normal state” or “probable change”. It seems that it is impossible to confirm whether it is in the “state”, and such a service of the hall operator cannot be provided to the player.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, at the end of the business hours of the hall, the employee releases the lock to open the main body frame 3, and then the power switch (not shown) exposed by opening the main body frame 3 The game mode can be confirmed by operating and turning off the power and then turning it on again. In this case, when the LED 63 as the game state display device is lit, it can be disclosed to the outside of the pachinko machine that the game state is “probable change state”, so it is clear to employees and players. Can inform the game mode. Therefore, even if the player is playing without knowing that it is in the “probable change state”, if the hall operator can confirm that it is in the “probable change state” when the hall is closed, the hall operator will To provide the player with a service (for example, provision of a service ball, addition to a membership point card, etc.) commensurate with the profit that should have been originally enjoyed by the next jackpot Can do.

  (3) Alternatively, the hall operator can provide a service that actively discloses the game mode as an appropriate service during normal business. That is, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is not clear which game mode is present, and there is an interest in that the player can continue the game while searching for it. There is a potential demand for “I want to know what the game is like”. In view of this point, for example, a hall operator can perform a regular operation on a player who has continued to play a game for a certain period of time, and the game mode can be disclosed as a voluntary service.

  The predetermined operation may be, for example, an operation that can be performed only by an authorized manager of the gaming machine such as a hall operator (for example, a switch operation on the back side of the gaming machine). What can be performed as one part (for example, the production equipment etc. in the front of a game machine) may be sufficient.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the element such as per short opening is added, even if the player cannot recognize whether or not the player is in the probability change state as the secret state, the game A lot of opportunities for a person to continue to maintain their expectation until the next winning by the emergence of a short opening (small value profit). In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to make contact with many opportunities to obtain a lot of balls by probabilistic jackpots (high value-added profit), and the game mode of the pachinko machine 1 is temporarily released as the game mode is hidden. Even when it is disclosed that the probability variation state is disclosed, the player can feel the lottery result as expected.

  In addition, even if the maintenance lottery element is added in the embodiment of the present invention, if the game state that is the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is set as the concealment state, the winning lottery in the probability variation state is lost. It is possible to prevent the player from being informed that the player has been demoted. Even in such a state, the player thinks that the probability variation state continues as it is, and continues the game. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 in this embodiment, the operation rate is reduced despite being demoted from the probability variation state to the normal state. It becomes difficult to decrease.

  Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 to which the maintenance lottery element has been added, for example, even when the hall operator actively provides a service that discloses to the player that it is in a probable state, If the game mode is disclosed by a predetermined operation again at a certain time, it can be confirmed whether or not it is demoted from the probability change state to the normal state. In this case, even if the player knows that it has become probable once, even if the player feels dissatisfied because it is difficult to win after that, in fact, in the maintenance lottery in the probable state in the maintenance lottery Knowing that he was lost, the player can easily accept the situation.

(13. Production process)
The above is purely the contents of the processing related to the control of the game operation by the main control board 56, but when the sub integrated board 68 receives the control information command from the main control board 56, it executes various effect processes based on this. be able to.

  When there is a start prize, the main control board 56 performs random number acquisition, special symbol variation processing, etc., but in this embodiment, the special symbol variation or stop display and the effect display operation by the liquid crystal display device 51 are not necessarily synchronized. Absent. For example, even if special symbol change / stop display is performed on the special symbol display device 60 in response to a start winning every time during a normal game, the liquid crystal display device 51 is at a constant pace regardless of this. Continuous images (for example, images of racehorses being grazed, connected to stables, or being trained in a race) continue to be displayed. Similarly, since the conventional reach variation display method is not employed for the special symbol, the liquid crystal display device 51 does not perform the reach effect display using the decorative symbol.

  Instead, when the result of the hit determination is “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, an animation image having a series of stories is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51 before shifting to these big hit games, Then, when some kind of completion (for example, a racehorse wins a domestic race) is seen, it develops into a big hit game production (for example, the same racehorse runs in an overseas race). In addition, sound effects and the like are output from the speakers 14 and 36 in accordance with changes in the video.

  In addition to this, when it comes to “Short Open Probability Per Hit” or “Short Open Per Hit”, any related production action (for example, a visual change such as a racehorse changing position to a paddock or entering a start gate) (Changed video) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51, and BGM and sound effects are output from the speakers 14, 36.

  The player can continue the highly entertaining game while guessing the change of the internal state and the lottery result by touching the effect operation as described above.

(14. 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.

  In the above embodiment, the lighting state of the LED 63 as the game state display device is not only turned on / off. For example, the duty ratio is set to 0.6 when the probability is high, and the duty ratio is set to 0.4 when the probability is low. It is desirable to change the luminance according to the disclosed game mode by making the duty ratios different at high probability (probability change state) and low probability (normal state). In such a disclosure method, since the luminance is slightly different depending on the game mode, it is difficult for the player to understand the game mode corresponding to the luminance even after the disclosure, and limited to only hall employees. It can be made easier.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the concealment of the game state is canceled by a predetermined operation, and for example, by the control of the sub-integrated board 68, the liquid crystal display device 51 or the voice or the lamps 76, 77, 78 has a high probability (probability change state). It is desirable to disclose to the player in a unique manner.

Further, as a modification of the above embodiment, for example, if the pachinko machine 1 finishes the big hit and turns a predetermined number of times, the player can have an opportunity to know the game mode only once. Specifically, this pachinko machine 1 can be exemplified by performing a notification such as “If you turn x (if you draw lots), you know the game mode” after the big hit. In this modified example, for example, when a predetermined number of times has been turned (lottery), it is possible to make a notification such as “If you press the operation button when you like, you can see the game state (state)”.

  Specifically, the main control board 56 of the pachinko machine 1 counts the number of fluctuations (for example, the number of transmissions of the fluctuation start command) after the big hit. When the number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number, an instruction display is made to operate the operation unit connected to the main control board 56, and the game mode is disclosed by the LED 63 as the game mode display device when the operation button is operated. I do.

  Alternatively, the main control board 56 transmits a change start command and a state command indicating a game mode to the sub integrated board 68 at the start of change. Sub-integrated board 68 counts the number of times the change start command is received after the big hit. When the number of receptions reaches a predetermined number, an instruction display is made to operate the operation unit connected to the sub-integrated board 68. In response to the operation of the operation button, for example, the sub-integrated board 68 further transmits a game mode disclosure command to the illumination control board 72 and the liquid crystal display device 51 discloses the game mode.

  It should be noted that the timing of disclosure of the game mode may be any one time after the instruction display to operate the operation unit is made, and the game mode when the operation button is operated is disclosed for several seconds (recognizable time).

  In this way, it is possible to enjoy the disclosed result as to whether or not the game mode estimated by the player is correct.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, application to a pachinko machine is illustrated as an example of a gaming machine. Nor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 4 Game board 42 Center object 44 Entrance device 46 Attacker device 46a Opening / closing member 52 LED
56 Main control board (profit discrimination means, first to third profit granting means, game mode concealment means, disclosure permission means)
63 LED (game state display device, game state disclosure means)

Claims (1)

A lottery is performed to determine whether or not to give a player a profit with a predetermined probability, and in the case of winning, a profit discriminating means for discriminating what kind of profit should be given to the player is provided. In a gaming machine capable of giving a predetermined profit to a player based on the result,
Upon execution of the lottery, the game can be changed between the first game mode in which the predetermined probability is set relatively low and the second game mode in which the predetermined probability is set higher than the low probability game mode. Winning probability changing means to
Basic profit granting means for granting a player basic profit based on the discrimination result of the profit discrimination means;
When the determination result of the profit determination means satisfies a special condition, an addition value that gives a player an added value profit that is changed to the second game mode by the winning probability changing means in addition to the basic profit A value-profit means,
A game mode disclosure means for allowing a gaming machine to disclose to the outside whether the game mode is the first game mode or the second game mode;
A game mode concealment unit that keeps the information on whether or not a change to the second game mode has been performed by continuously restricting the operation of the game mode disclosure unit during a game without disclosing information to the outside; ,
A gaming machine comprising: a disclosure permitting unit that releases a restriction by the game mode concealing unit in response to a predetermined operation and allows the game mode disclosure unit to disclose the game mode.