JP2009226134A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine which can secure a balance between a player's profit and a game operator's profit while maintaining the player's expectation and the player's will to continue a game as well by devising a design for putting out balls in a special game. <P>SOLUTION: In the pinball game machine in a certain mode, a specific area and a nonspecific area are provided in the interior of a jackpot pocket 66. A prize ball putting out control means determines whether a ball wins in the specific area or the nonspecific area for every unit game of a special game. When determining that the ball wins in the specific area, the control means puts out more prize balls during the unit game than when the ball wins in the nonspecific area. Namely, a movable accessory control means determines whether the ball wins in the nonspecific area for every unit game. When determining that the ball wins in the nonspecific area, the control means controls a movable accessory 140 so as to regulate balls winning in the jackpot pocket 66 during the unit game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more particularly to a technique for controlling the payout of prize balls in a ball game machine.

  Conventionally, among the various ball game machines, a so-called first type pachinko game machine is used while changing a plurality of symbols in a display area such as a liquid crystal display provided substantially at the center of the game board. Display (hereinafter, such display is referred to as “symbol change” or “change display”). This gaming machine shifts to a special game called so-called jackpot where more prize balls can be obtained than a normal game when a combination of symbols when a plurality of rows of symbol variations are stopped becomes a specific mode. It is known as a thing (for example, refer patent document 1).

Some gaming machines also shift the game state to a specific game advantageous to the player, which is called a so-called probability variation game (hereinafter also referred to as “probability change”) even after the special game is over. In such a gaming machine, when a special game is generated and the winning stop symbol at that time is in a specific mode, the probability change is further started after the special game ends. In the probability change, a lottery with a higher win probability than the normal probability state is performed, and a new special game is generated relatively early. For this reason, how many jackpots with probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) can be generated to continue the special game is also a decisive factor in obtaining more prize balls.
JP 2003-230714 A

  By the way, when operating a hall where such a gaming machine is installed, it is necessary to maintain a good balance between the profits of both the manager and the player. In the design that emphasizes only the operator side, there is less chance for the player to get a game, and as a result, there is a possibility that the customer's foot will be distant. On the other hand, if the game is designed so that the player side is emphasized too much and the specified value is greatly exceeded, the operation of the hall will be jeopardized. Therefore, in the past, in order to maintain the profit of the hall regardless of the type of gaming machine and maintain the player's expectation, the probability of jackpot, the number of unit games in special games (also called “number of rounds”), large The player's gain factors, such as the number of winning balls per entry to the winning opening and the duration of the open state of the large winning opening in the unit game, were adjusted. For example, in order to increase the player's expectation, a method of increasing the probability of jackpot while reducing the number of rounds or reducing the probability of occurrence per probability while keeping the number of rounds may be used. It was.

  In this way, by setting the specification to increase one of the player's gain factors while lowering the other one, the gain is averaged over the long term regardless of which model of gaming machine is selected. Therefore, it is possible to balance the profits of both the manager side and the player side. Further, the player can select a desired gain form by grasping the difference in specifications between different models. However, if the specifications for each model are fixed in this way, after a certain model is selected, only the ball corresponding to the specifications can be expected, so that unexpectedness and excitement are lacking. In particular, if the payout of the ball is monotonous during a special game period in which many prize balls can be obtained, that period is only a time-consuming period for which it is only necessary to maintain the state of entering the open big prize opening. there is a possibility.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and its purpose is to devise a game design for special games, while maintaining the player's expectation and willingness to continue the game, while benefiting the player and the game operator. An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of ensuring the balance of the above.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a bullet ball game machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a start port provided at a predetermined position in the game area and into which a game ball can enter, When the ball enters the starting port, a winning / no-go lottery means for executing a winning / no-go lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, and a predetermined position in the game area A variable pitching device that is provided and can be entered into a state in which a game ball can enter when the game state satisfies a predetermined operation condition when the result of the lottery result is successful, and a predetermined position in the game area Specific game control means for executing a special game consisting of a predetermined number of unit games when the operating condition is satisfied when the result of the lottery wins and the result of winning / failing lottery is won, and specified for each unit game of the special game To determine whether or not he has entered the area If it is determined that the ball entrance to a specific area, and a prize balls paid out control means for paying out a number of prize balls to a period of the unit game than when it is determined that no ball entrance.

  The “operation condition” referred to here may be, for example, a condition that a symbol variably displayed on a specific display device is stopped at a predetermined winning symbol, or to a predetermined entrance provided in a game area. It is good also as the condition of entering. The “unit game” constitutes one unit of a special game and is played a predetermined number of times in advance in the special game. For example, a predetermined number of balls may be entered into the variable pitching device, or the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of operation of the variable pitching device into a state where the pitching is possible may be set as the end condition of the unit game. In this respect, it differs from the conventional game format in which a special game is a continuation condition for entering a specific area in a unit game. Even if there is no entry into a specific area during a unit game, the special game does not end, so the number of balls played is not affected by the number of unit games. On the other hand, since a variable pitching device can enter during special games, more balls are expected than in normal games, but the number of prize balls is limited when there is no entry to a specific area. The

  According to this aspect, even if there is a ball entering the variable pitching device after the transition to the special game, the number of prize balls varies depending on whether or not the ball has entered the specific area. Depending on whether or not he enters the ball, he will be angry. As a result, the special game period can be prevented from becoming a simple time-consuming period, and the player's feeling of expectation and thus the game continuation motivation can be maintained. In addition, by adjusting the number of prize balls when there is a ball entering a specific area and the number of prize balls when there is no ball, it is possible to maintain a balance between the profits of the player and the game operator. . On the other hand, if a lot of balls enter the specific area fortunately, a large number of balls can be obtained.

  As a specific configuration, a specific area and a non-specific area may be provided inside the variable pitching device. The prize ball payout control means determines whether a specific area or a non-specific area has been entered for each unit game of a special game, and when it is determined that a specific area has been entered, it has entered a non-specific area More prize balls may be paid out during the unit game than in the case.

Specifically, the number of prize balls per ball entering the specific area and the number of prize balls per ball entering the non-specific area may be simply made different. The number of winning balls when entering a non-specific area may be zero, or may be considerably smaller than when entering a specific area. For example, based on the conventional average number of balls played per unit game (referred to as “average number of balls”), the number of prize balls when entering a specific area corresponds to the average number of balls played, The number of winning balls when entering a specific area may be reduced. In that case, since there is a possibility of entering a non-specific area, there will be relatively fewer balls in the special game than before, so in order to keep the balance between the profits of the player and the game operator, On the contrary, the probability of hitting may be increased. By doing so, it is possible for the player to win a win early with a relatively small initial investment amount. Alternatively, the number of prize balls when entering a specific area is considerably larger than the value corresponding to the average number of balls, while the number of prize balls when entering a non-specific area is considerably less than that. Good. In that case, the balance between the profits of the player and the game operator can be maintained by making the average increase / decrease in the number of prize balls correspond to the average number of balls played. On the other hand, since the entry into the specific area or the non-specific area varies depending on the player's luck, the number of prize balls may become extremely high or hardly obtained depending on the luck. In particular, there is a possibility that a lot of winning balls can be obtained even if the probability variation does not occur, so that the player can be focused on the game during the unit game period, and the continuation motivation is maintained.
Alternatively, regardless of whether or not there is a difference in the number of winning balls per entry between the specific area and the non-specific area, by entering one of the specific area and the non-specific area, one of them Mechanical or soft control may be performed so as to improve the ease of entering the ball. Conversely, mechanical or soft control may be performed so as to reduce the ease of entering the other ball by entering one of the balls. The mechanical control may be such that, for example, the game ball is guided to one area by driving and controlling a movable object, or the entry to the other area is restricted. That is, by entering into one of the specific area and the non-specific area, the probability of entering the both may be changed. With regard to software control, for example, by entering a specific area or a non-specific area, even if it enters any area thereafter, the number of prize balls is determined as having entered that area. It may be determined.

  The winning ball payout control means determines whether the specific game area or the non-specific area is entered first for each unit game, and when it is determined that the non-specific area is entered first, the period of the unit game is determined. The number of prize balls may be smaller than when it is determined that a specific area is first entered.

  In this aspect, depending on whether the specific area or the non-specific area is entered first, the appearance in the unit game is affected. Specifically, when a player enters a non-specific area for the first time after the start of a unit game, the appearance of a ball in that unit game may be restricted in software. For example, the entry detection to a specific area after entering the non-specific area in the unit game may be invalidated. Alternatively, as described later, a movable object may be operated to mechanically restrict the appearance of balls in the unit game. In this way, the player's sense of tension and expectation can be further enhanced by the one-game gameability in which the gain state in each unit game is determined by the first entry.

  The bullet ball game machine may include a movable object that influences the entry to the variable entry device, and a movable object control unit that controls the operation of the movable object. The movable object control means determines whether or not a non-specific area has been entered for each unit game. When it is determined that a non-specific area has been entered, the movable object control means determines whether or not the unit game period, The movable object may be controlled so as to restrict entry.

  In this aspect, the ease of entering the variable entry device itself is affected by the first entry. The “movable object” as used herein may include the variable pitching device itself or a movable accessory provided outside the variable pitching device. As for the former, when the variable pitching device is opened and closed, the pitching may be blocked or made difficult depending on the open / closed state. For example, the opening of the variable pitching device is reduced by entering a non-specific area, or the variable pitching device is opened and closed at a high opening / closing speed several times during the unit game to prevent or make difficult to enter. May be. Even in such a configuration, if a specific area is accidentally entered after the first entry, the entry restriction to the variable entry apparatus may be canceled.

  Alternatively, the movable object may be provided in the variable pitching device. The movable object control means determines whether a specific area or a non-specific area has been entered for each unit game, and if it is determined that a specific area has been entered, the movable object control means While the movable object is controlled to be guided to the specific area, if it is determined that the ball has entered the non-specific area, the movable object may be controlled to guide the game ball to the non-specific area during the unit game period. Good.

  The “control of the movable object” referred to here may include a case where the movable object is held in a standby state (a drive stop state is maintained). According to this aspect, when the ball enters the specific area, the movable object moves in a direction advantageous to the player, and when the ball enters the non-specific area, the movable object moves in a disadvantageous direction. In addition, when entering into the specific area accidentally after the first entry, the movable object may be controlled so as to guide the game ball to the specific area.

  In this way, the gameability that whether the ball enters into the specific area or the non-specific area has an influence on the ball can keep the player's attachment to the game even during the unit game, It is desirable that the willingness to continue playing will not be lost even when entering the area. Therefore, the bullet ball game machine includes an effect display device for displaying a predetermined effect image, an effect image storage means for storing a privilege image that can be displayed only when entering a non-specific area during a unit game, An effect display control means for displaying an effect image on the effect display device based on the game state and displaying a privilege image during the unit game period when entering a non-specific area in the unit game is further provided. May be.

  Here, the “privilege image” may be configured as a part of a moving image such as a movie, drama, animation, or the like that has become a topic, and may be reproduced and displayed step by step for each unit game. Alternatively, it may be a single image with little relevance between unit games, a still image with a rare value, or the like. Even if the player knows that the number of balls to be played is reduced by entering the non-specific area, the player can view the privilege image instead. That is, the player can obtain the benefit of continuing the game without wasting the unit game period. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the player's feeling of loss due to entering the non-specific area, and it is possible to suppress a situation in which the player stops the game itself by using the player.

  On the other hand, depending on the content of the privilege image, it may be assumed that the player wants to see it even if he / she sacrifices a ball. Therefore, the bullet ball gaming machine has an effect display device for displaying a predetermined effect image, an effect image storage means for storing a privilege image that can be displayed only during a unit game, and an effect display device based on the game state. You may provide the effect display control means which displays an effect image. Then, when the effect display control means does not enter the specific area in a predetermined period from the start of the unit game, the benefit image may be displayed during the unit game period.

  In other words, since it depends largely on luck whether to enter the specific area or non-specific area, it is virtually impossible for the player to adjust this, but it is possible to adjust if the ball enters the variable pitching device itself It is. For example, when the predetermined period of time elapses when the player intentionally removes the entry into the variable entry device, such as stopping the launch of the game ball, the privilege image is reliably displayed. As a result, it is possible to save the game without giving the player a feeling of loss and to improve the profits of the game operator.

  An operation input device that receives an operation input by the player may be further provided. The effect display control means displays a selection screen for allowing the player to select whether or not to display the privilege image when the player does not enter the specific area in the unit game, and via the operation input device accordingly. Only when there is a predetermined selection request, the privilege image may be displayed during the unit game period.

  Here, “when the ball has not entered the specific area” includes both the case where the ball enters the non-specific area and the case where there is no ball in the variable ball apparatus itself. According to this aspect, whether or not the privilege image is displayed is left to the player's intention. Since the player's intention is reflected, the privilege image can be evaluated. For example, it is possible to promote the ball-out by the player by taking statistics and replacing it with a popular privilege image. In particular, in a configuration in which it is not possible to aim at entering a specific area during the unit game due to entering a non-specific area, it is convenient that a selection operation can be performed when the player's hand is free.

  A second movable object that is provided in the variable pitching device and operates to prompt entry into the specific area when the movable object performs an operation of guiding the game ball to the non-specific area. May be further provided. Here, the “operation for encouraging the player to enter the specific area” means an operation that does not involve the certainty of entering the specific area. This is because if the possibility of entering a non-specific area is not secured, the meaning of providing a movable object is lost. The second movable object is not particularly controlled, and may be a mechanically constant operation as the driving is started.

  According to this aspect, even if the movable object moves to enter the non-specific area by entering the non-specific area, there is a possibility of entering the specific area by the operation of the second movable object. Left behind. In other words, even if a player enters a non-specific area in a unit game, the player is given a chance to reverse, so that his expectation and willingness to continue playing can be maintained.

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

  According to the present invention, a ball game machine capable of ensuring the balance between the profits of the player and the game operator while maintaining the player's expectation and the willingness to continue playing by devising the ball design in the special game is provided. can do.

FIG. 1 shows a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, a so-called first type pachinko gaming machine, which is conventionally known as a bullet ball gaming machine, will be described as an example.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board. The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12, a transparent plate 13, a door 14, an upper ball dish 15, a lower ball dish 16, and a launch handle 17. The outer frame 11 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 12 is a frame body that aligns with the opening portion of the outer frame 11, and is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The front frame 12 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like.

  The transparent plate 13 is made of glass or the like and is supported by the door 14. The door 14 is attached to the front frame 12 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The upper ball tray 15 has a mechanism for storing game balls, sending out the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 16. The lower ball tray 16 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. A speaker 18 is provided between the upper ball tray 15 and the lower ball tray 16, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state is output.

  The game board 50 has an out port 58, a special symbol display device 61, an effect display device 60, and a start winning port (hereinafter referred to as “start port”) 62 on a game area 52 defined by the outer rail 54 and the inner rail 56. , A center ornament 64, a grand prize opening 66, an operation opening 68, and a general prize opening 72. Furthermore, in the game area 52, a plurality of mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill (not shown) are installed. The start port 62 includes a start winning detection device 74 for detecting the entrance of a game ball and a normal electric accessory solenoid 76 for expanding the expanding mechanism of the start port 62. When the expansion mechanism of the start port 62 is expanded, the opening width of the start port 62 is expanded and the ease of entering the ball is improved. The start winning detection device 74 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the start port 62, and generates start win information indicating the winning at the time of entering. The general winning opening 72 includes a general winning detecting device 73 for detecting the entering of a game ball. The general winning detection device 73 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the general winning opening 72, and generates general winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning. The special winning opening 66 includes a winning detection device 78 for detecting the entry of a game ball and a special winning opening solenoid 80 for expanding the special winning opening 66. The winning detection device 78 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the big winning opening 66, and generates big winning opening winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning.

  The big winning opening 66 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened as a “big hit” when the special symbol 192 stops in a predetermined manner. The big prize opening 66 is arranged in parallel to the right of the effect display device 60 provided in the approximate center of the game area 52. The winning detection device 78 of the big winning opening 66 includes a sensor that detects the passage of a game ball. In addition, a pair of movable objects 140 that can advance and retreat in the front surface of the game area 52 are embedded slightly above the special winning opening 66. Further, a display window 142 made of a transparent resin material is provided immediately below the winning prize opening 66, and a crone 144 is disposed on the back of the display window 142, that is, inside the game board 50. . The croon 144 functions as a distribution mechanism that distributes the game balls that have entered the special winning opening 66 into specific areas or non-specific areas. In the present embodiment, the game balls that have entered the grand prize winning opening 66 are once collected in the central area immediately below the opening, and then dropped to the center of the cron 144 through a game passage (not shown). The sensor of the winning detection device 78 is placed in the game path and detects the passing of the game ball to detect the winning to the big winning opening 66. On the back of the display window 142, an illumination lamp 146 for illuminating the path of the game ball formed by the clune 144 is also provided. A black synthetic resin film having a relatively low transparency is attached to the display window 142. For this reason, in a normal gaming state, the visibility of the internal structure such as the clune 144 is low, but when the illumination lamp 146 is turned on, these can be clearly seen from the outside.

  A special symbol display device 61 is provided on the left side of the game area 52. The special symbol display device 61 and the effect display device 60 display the variation of the special symbol 192 and the variation of the effect image including the decorative symbol 190 linked to the special symbol 192 on each screen (hereinafter, such display is referred to as “symbol variation”). Or “variable display”). Here, the special symbol 192 is a symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball is dropped into the start port 62, and the symbol mode when the change display is stopped is determined to be the winning symbol. When the symbol is a symbol, the timing at which the stop symbol is displayed is the jackpot occurrence timing.

  The special symbol display device 61 is display means composed of, for example, 7 segment LEDs. The effect display device 60 is a liquid crystal display that variably displays the decorative symbol 190 in a manner interlocked with the variation display of the special symbol 192. The decorative symbol 190 is a symbol for visually rendering the lottery result display indicated by the special symbol 192. The effect display device 60 displays, as the decorative symbol 190, for example, a plurality of rows of moving images of symbol variation simulating a slot machine game in the central area of the screen. The effect display device 60 is constituted by a liquid crystal display in this embodiment, but may be constituted by a mechanical rotating device such as a drum or other display means such as an LED. Since the special symbol 192 does not necessarily have a role of production, in this embodiment, the special symbol 192 is displayed in an inconspicuous size on the special symbol display device 61 at the lower left of the production display device 60. In the case of adopting a technique in which a decorative role is not displayed and a decorative symbol is not displayed, the special symbol may be displayed on a liquid crystal display such as the effect display device 60.

  The operation port 68 is provided at the left side position of the game board 50. The operation port 68 includes a passage detection device 69. The passage detection device 69 is a sensor that detects the passage of the game ball to the operation port 68, and generates passage information indicating the passage at the time of passage. The passage of the game ball to the operation port 68 triggers an open lottery for determining whether or not to expand the expansion mechanism of the start port 62. When the game ball passes through the operation port 68, a normal symbol, which is a symbol indicating the result of the open lottery, is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 59. The normal symbol display device 59 is provided on the lower right side of the effect display device 60. When the normal symbol variation display is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, the start port 62 is normally expanded for a predetermined time with a probability of about 50% to 80%.

  A center ornament 64 is provided around the effect display device 60. The center decoration 64 has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the special symbol display device 61 and the effect display device 60, and decoration. A lottery hold lamp 20 is provided below the effect display device 60, and an operation hold lamp 22 is provided below the normal symbol display device 59 at the lower right of the game area 52, which is a symmetrical position. . The lottery hold lamp 20 is composed of four lamps, and displays the number of lottery holds depending on the number of lights. The number of lottery holds is the number of lottery results won to the start port 62 during symbol variation or special game, and indicates the number of winning balls for which symbol variation has not yet been executed. The operation hold lamp 22 is also composed of four lamps, and displays the number of hold of normal symbol fluctuations depending on the number of lights. The number of normal symbol fluctuations held is the number of game balls that have passed through the operation port 68 during the fluctuation of the normal symbol, and indicates the number of normal symbol lotteries for which the fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet been executed. Furthermore, game effect lamps 90 are respectively provided above and below the effect display device 60. The operation button 82 is a button that the player operates to input a predetermined instruction to the gaming machine. The operation button 82 is provided on the outer wall surface near the upper ball tray 15.

  When the player turns the launch handle 17 by hand, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 15 are guided one by one to the inner rail 56 and the outer rail 54 with a strength corresponding to the turning angle, thereby playing the game area. To 52. When the player fixes the rotation position of the firing handle 17 by hand, the game ball is repeatedly fired at regular time intervals. The game ball launched to the upper part of the game area 52 falls in a direction according to the way of hitting while hitting a plurality of game nails and windmills. When a game ball is dropped into each of the general winning port 72, the start port 62, and the big winning port 66, the winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning port is paid out to the upper ball plate 15 or the lower ball plate 16. A game ball dropped into each winning hole such as the general winning hole 72 is processed as a safe ball, and a game ball dropped into the out hole 58 is processed as an out ball. Each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes. In this application, “incoming”, “entering”, and “winning” include “passing”.

  When the game ball falls into the start port 62, the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 61 and the effect display device 60. The variable display of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is stopped after the elapse of the display time determined prior to the display. When the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 at the time of the stop are symbols indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 66 is started. At this time, the decorative pattern 190 simulating the game of the slot machine takes a display mode in which the three patterns are matched. In the special game, the grand prize winning slot 66 is temporarily closed after being opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls are dropped. Such opening / closing of the big prize opening 66 is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times.

  In the normal game after the end of the special game, a variable time shortening game (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction” as appropriate) that is one of the specific games is started. In the variation time shortening game, the variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is shortened from the normal time. The variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is returned to the original variation time after the variation display of a predetermined variation number is performed. When a special game occurs and the winning stop pattern at that time is in a specific mode, a probability variation game (hereinafter referred to as “probability change” as appropriate) that is one of the specific games after the special game ends Be started. In the probability variation game, a lottery with a higher win probability than the normal probability state is performed, and a new special game is generated relatively early.

FIG. 2 shows a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine.
The power switch 40 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main board 102 controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and processes all game operations such as a lottery when a winning is made to the start port 62. The sub board 104 includes the liquid crystal unit 42 and controls display contents on the effect display device 60, operations of the plurality of movable objects 140, and lighting of the game effect lamp 90, and in particular, display contents according to the lottery result by the main board 102. And the lighting of the movable accessory 140 and the game effect lamp 90 is activated along with the progress of the production. The main board 102 and the sub board 104 constitute a game control device 100. The set base 39 includes a prize ball tank 44, a flow path for prize balls, a payout unit 43 for delivering prize balls. The payout unit 43 pays out the game balls supplied from the winning ball tank 44 to the upper ball tray 15 in accordance with winning in each winning opening. The payout control board 45 controls the payout operation by the payout unit 43. The launching device 46 launches the stored balls in the upper ball tray 15 to the game area 52 one by one. The launch control board 47 controls the launch operation of the launch device 46. The power supply unit 48 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

FIG. 3 shows functional blocks of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment.
In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game control device 100 includes a start port 62, a big winning port 66, a general winning port 72, an operating port 68, a special symbol display device 61, an effect display device 60, a normal symbol display device 59, and operation buttons 82. The speaker 18, the game effect lamp 90, the movable accessory 140, the illumination lamp 146, and the payout control board 45 are electrically connected to each other so that various control signals can be transmitted and received. The game control device 100 controls not only the basic operation of the game but also the staging operations such as the symbol variation display, the movable accessory 140, and the electric decoration. The game control device 100 is configured in such a manner that functions are shared between a main board 102 that controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including basic operations of the game, and a sub board 104 that controls design effects and the like. The game control device 100 is configured by hardware including elements such as a ROM and a RAM for storing data and programs, and a CPU used for arithmetic processing. The payout control board 45 is electrically connected to the payout unit 43 and drives and controls the payout unit 43 based on a control command signal sent from the main board 102.

  In the present embodiment, the main board 102 is a ball determination unit 110, a winning / failing lottery unit 112, a symbol determination unit 114, a hold control unit 116, a main display control unit 118, a special game control unit 120, a specific game execution unit 122, and an opening / closing control. Means 124 and movable object control means 126 are provided. The sub-board 104 in this embodiment includes a pattern storage unit 130, an effect image storage unit 131, an effect determination unit 132, and an effect display control unit 134. The payout control board 45 in this embodiment includes a prize ball payout control means 138. Each functional block included in the main board 102 may be configured such that any one of the functional blocks is mounted on the sub board 104 instead of the main board 102. Similarly, each functional block included in the sub-board 104 may be configured such that any one of them is mounted on the main board 102 instead of the sub-board 104.

  The entrance determination means 110 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening. When receiving the start winning information, the winning determination means 110 determines that the game ball has won the start opening 62, and when receiving the big winning opening winning information, determines that the game ball has won the big winning opening 66, and the general winning is achieved. When the information is received, it is determined that the game ball has won the general winning opening 72. When receiving the passage information, the ball entering determination unit 110 determines that the game ball has passed through the operation port 68.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 accepts a random number value to determine whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game when the game ball enters the start port 62. Get as a value. For example, the success / failure lottery value is acquired from a value range from “0” to “65535”. The “random number” in the present application may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo-random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like. The success / failure lottery means 112 holds a plurality of success / failure tables to be referred to in the success / failure determination. In the plurality of success / failure tables, the determination result of winning or losing is associated with the winning / losing lottery value, and the success / failure probability is determined according to the associated winning range setting. The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to a success / failure table for determination of success / failure based on a normal probability in normal times, and refers to a success / failure table in which the winning probability is higher than the normal probability when the probability changes. The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to any of the plurality of success / failure tables and determines whether or not the success / failure lottery value is a win. The determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 is variably displayed in a special symbol form on the special symbol display device 61. In addition, a decorative symbol that shows the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 is displayed in a variable manner on the effect display device 60.

  The symbol determination unit 114 determines the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 61 according to the lottery result by the success / failure lottery unit 112. Moreover, the symbol determination means 114 determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display device 59 by lottery. The stop symbol is a symbol to be displayed at the end of symbol variation. The symbol determination means 114 holds a symbol range table to be referred to in order to determine a special symbol or a normal symbol stop symbol, or a pattern determination table to be referred to in order to determine a variation pattern.

  The symbol determination means 114 acquires a symbol determination lottery value for determining a special symbol, and determines the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the determination result of the success / failure lottery means 112 and the symbol determination lottery value. The symbol determination unit 114 selects one of a plurality of variation patterns in accordance with the determination result of the success / failure lottery unit 112. The symbol determination unit 114 sends data indicating the determined stop symbol and variation pattern to the main display control unit 118 and the effect determination unit 132.

  The symbol determination means 114 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns in which variation modes from the variation start to the stop when the special symbol is variably displayed are defined. Multiple types of variation patterns have various variation times. That is, for each variation pattern, a variation display time is defined for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the variation of the special symbol is stopped when the variation display time elapses.

  The symbol determining means 114 acquires a lottery random number for determining a normal symbol when the game ball passes through the operation port 68, and determines a stop symbol of the normal symbol according to the lottery random number. When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a specific symbol, the opening / closing control means 124 expands the normal electric accessory at the start port 62 for a predetermined time.

  The hold control means 116 holds the winning / losing lottery value acquired by the winning / failing lottery means 112 as a holding ball. The success / failure lottery value is accumulated until the number of holds reaches a predetermined upper limit. The upper limit of the number of holds is 4.

  The main display control means 118 causes the special symbol display device 61 to display the lottery result by the success / failure lottery means 112 as a special symbol variation display according to the variation pattern determined by the symbol determination unit 114. The main display control means 118 transmits the change start command and the change stop command to the effect display control means 134 at the timing of starting and stopping the change display of the special symbol, so that the main display control means 118 and the effect display are displayed. The fluctuation display by the control means 134 is synchronized and interlocked. The main display control means 118 displays the normal symbol variation on the normal symbol display device 59.

  The special game control means 120 controls the execution process of the special game when the result of the lottery determination by the success / failure lottery means 112 is a win. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 66 is continuously performed a plurality of times, and is configured by one or a plurality of unit games with one opening / closing as a unit. The unit game is repeated up to 15 times, for example, and the grand prize opening 66 is opened for about 30 seconds in one unit game. If the number of continuations of the unit game has not reached the upper limit number, the special game control means 120 starts the next unit game after the end of the current unit game. When the upper limit number of unit games is exhausted, the special game is terminated.

  The specific game execution means 122 executes control for shifting the game state from the normal state to the specific game state, and control for returning the specific game state to the normal state. The specific game in the present embodiment has a probability change in which the winning probability of the winning / failing lottery is switched from a normal probability state to a high probability state, and a short time in which the symbol variation time is switched from a normal time to a short time.

  The specific game executing means 122 shifts the gaming state after the special game to the probability changing state when the winning / failing lottery value is a value to be shifted to the probability changing state. The probability variation state is continued until the next jackpot is generated in principle, and during that time, the probability of the hit determination by the success / failure lottery means 112 is maintained at a high value. In addition, the specific game executing means 122 shifts the game state to the time-shortened state after the special game regardless of the winning lottery value. The short time is continued until the number of changes of the special symbol after the special game reaches a predetermined number, for example, 100 times.

  The opening / closing control means 124 controls the opening / closing of the ordinary electric accessory at the start opening 62 and the special winning opening 66. When the normal symbol is stopped at a specific symbol, the opening / closing control unit 124 sends an opening instruction to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 76 to open the start port 62. Further, the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening instruction to the special winning opening solenoid 80 during the special game, and opens the special winning opening 66.

  The movable object control means 126 drives the pair of movable objects 140 as a penalty to be raised in the game area 52 when the game ball that has entered the special winning opening 66 passes through the non-specific area. The movable accessory 140 rises like a roof above the grand prize winning opening 66 and changes the course of the falling game ball to prevent entry into the big winning prize opening 66. Specific operation modes and the like of the movable accessory 140 will be described later.

  The pattern storage unit 130 holds a plurality of variation pattern data in which a variation process from variation start to stop in variation display is defined as a variation pattern of the effect image including the decorative design. In the fluctuation pattern, a pattern for displaying a normal out symbol, a pattern for displaying a symbol out of reach after reaching a big win if one more symbols are aligned, and a jackpot symbol through a reach state are displayed. When the pattern is included. In particular, the pattern that passes through the reach state includes patterns having various fluctuation times. Each variation pattern has a variation time for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the symbol variation is stopped when the variation time elapses. The effect determining means 132 selects the variation pattern of the effect image having the same variation time as that of the special symbol according to the variation pattern of the special symbol.

  The effect image storage means 131 stores a plurality of effect images that can be displayed on the screen of the effect display device 60 during the special game. In the present embodiment, a preset jackpot effect is performed during the execution of the special game, while a mechanical lottery is performed by distributing the clown 144 for the game balls that have entered the big winning opening 66 during each unit game. If this machine lottery is won, more prize balls can be obtained, but even if the prize is missed, a privilege image preset by the player's selection is displayed. The effect image storage means 131 holds a plurality of effect images including these jackpot effects and privilege images. Specific examples of these effect images will be described later.

  The effect determining means 132 determines the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbols and their arrangement and variation pattern according to the result of the lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112, according to the stop symbol of the special symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol. The effect determining unit 132 holds a symbol range table to be referred to in order to determine a stop symbol of a decorative symbol and a pattern table to be referred to in order to determine a variation pattern.

  The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols. For example, when the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 indicates the transition to the special game, three symbols such as “777” and “111” are arranged. A combination is selected. In this case, it is preferable that the same numbers as the special symbols are selected as the numbers arranged as the decorative symbols. For example, when the special symbol is “3”, the decorative symbol is “333”. In the case where the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 indicates that the game does not shift to the special game, a combination that does not have three symbols such as “312” and “946” is selected. However, if the determination result is that the game does not shift to a special game, and a variation pattern of a special symbol indicating a loss with reach is selected, only one such as “191” or “727” is selected. Select a combination that does not have the same pattern. The effect determining unit 132 sends information about the stop symbol of the decorative symbol and the variation pattern of the effect image to the effect display control unit 134.

  The effect display control means 134 displays the effect image on the effect display device 60 in accordance with the selected variation pattern data as a result of the success / failure lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112. The effect display control means 134 further controls effect processing such as lighting and extinguishing of the game effect lamp 90 and sound output from the speaker 18. The effect display control means 134 also displays the effect image set in advance on the effect display device 60 during the special game, and displays the above-described privilege image according to the player's selection.

  The prize ball payout control means 138 controls the payout unit 43 in accordance with the payout command sent from the main board 102, and executes control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls. The payout unit 43 includes a payout mechanism for paying out game balls from the prize ball tank 44 one by one, and an actuator such as a motor for driving the payout ball. Is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control example of movable objects that can be executed during each unit game in the special game. (A) shows a state before the execution of a special game, (b) shows a state in which game balls that have entered the big prize opening 66 are distributed after the start of the special game, and (c) shows that a unit game enters a non-specific area. It shows how it expands when it spheres.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the special winning opening 66 is closed before the execution of the special game, and the movable accessory 140 is also in a state of waiting behind the surface of the game area 52. Since the illumination lamp 146 is turned off, the cron 144 disposed behind the display window 142 is in a state that is difficult to check by the player, in other words, inconspicuous. The game ball 150 launched to the right of the game area 52 passes through the front of the movable accessory 140, the special winning opening 66, and the display window 142 as shown in the drawing and falls.

  Then, when the special game is entered, the special winning opening 66 is opened as shown in FIG. 5B, and the illumination lamp 146 is turned on to illuminate the back of the display window 142, so that the internal clown 144 is visually recognized. Become so. As a result, the player can confirm the whereabouts of the game ball that has entered the special winning opening 66. The croon 144 is provided with two entrance holes 151 and 152, the entrance hole 151 is connected to a specific area (indicated by “◯” in the figure), and the entrance hole 152 is connected to a non-specific area (in the figure “ Is indicated by “×”. The game ball that has entered the grand prize winning hole 66 rolls on the upper surface of the croon 144 and enters the entrance hole 151 or 152. In this embodiment, since the entrance probability of the entrance holes 151 and 152 is designed to be equal, the game ball 150 enters the specific area and the non-specific area with a probability of 1/2. become. Passage detection devices 153 and 154 are respectively provided below the entrance holes 151 and 152. The passage detection devices 153 and 154 are sensors that detect the passage of a game ball that has entered the respective entrance holes, and generate passage information indicating the passage at the time of passage. When receiving the passing information, the entrance determining unit 110 determines that the game ball has passed through the specific area and the non-specific area. In this embodiment, as long as the ball enters the specific area continues, the state shown in the figure is maintained and a predetermined number of balls (20 balls in this embodiment) are paid out.

  On the other hand, when the player enters a non-specific area in the state shown in FIG. In addition, when entering the non-specific area, as shown in FIG. 5C, the pair of movable accessories 140 are operated to rise to the front side. As shown in the drawing, the left and right movable accessories 140 are arranged so as to be symmetric with respect to the center line of the big prize opening 66 (see the alternate long and short dash line in the figure). The entire opening of the large winning opening 66 is covered from above. The upper surface of the movable accessory 140 is an inclined surface, and is configured such that the side near the center line is at a high position and the far side is at a low position. For this reason, the game ball 150 launched to the right of the game area 52 by so-called right strike is prevented from entering the big winning opening 66 by the movable accessory 140 and guided to the left and right. As a result, the player cannot obtain a prize ball for the duration of the unit game. Each time the unit game is completed, the state shown in FIG. 6C is reset, and after the special winning opening 66 is once closed, the state is returned to the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of the effect image displayed on the effect display device during the special game. (A) represents a normal effect image, (b) represents a selection screen displayed when entering a non-specific area, and (c) represents a privilege image.
When the game is shifted to the special game, as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, only characters are displayed, but in addition to this, an effect image by a predetermined character may be displayed.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the non-specific area through the entrance hole 152 by the mechanical lottery by the above-mentioned clune 144, the selection screen shown in FIG. This selection screen is for selecting whether or not to view a privilege image that can be displayed only when entering a non-specific area, instead of obtaining a prize ball by entering the non-specific area. is there. When the player presses the operation button 82 within a predetermined period (for example, within 10 seconds) after the selection screen is displayed, a movie 202 as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as a privilege image, a specific scene of a drama that has recently become a topic is reproduced and displayed step by step for each unit game. In the example shown in the figure, the third game drama consisting of a plurality of episodes is displayed because the third game has entered the non-specific area for the third time. In this embodiment, if there is a ball entering the non-specific area, the movable accessory 140 is actuated, so that it is substantially impossible to enter the big winning opening 66. As a result, the player's hands become free after entering the non-specific area of the unit game. For this reason, it can be said that it is convenient for the player to perform a selection operation or the like in this way.

  In the modified example, two-way communication is enabled between the pachinko gaming machine 10 and a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, and a privilege image can be displayed according to the player's previous privilege image selection history. Also good. In other words, when the reproduction of the privilege image in the unit game is finished, the pachinko gaming machine 10 holds this for a predetermined period (for example, one week), and the player's portable terminal is associated with the selection history. Send the password. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also displays a password input screen when displaying the selection screen, and when the player inputs the password in the next game, it is reproduced and displayed from the next privilege image corresponding to the password. May be. This makes it possible to view even a privileged image that cannot reach the final story unless it has passed through a relatively large number of stages, such as a drama consisting of 50 episodes.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a basic operation process in the pachinko gaming machine.
First, processing is performed when the game ball has won the start port 62, the general winning port 72, the big winning port 66, or when the game ball has passed through the operation port 68 (S10). (N in S12), control processing for normal games such as winning / failing lottery is executed (S14), and if a special game is in progress (Y in S12), control processing for special game is executed (S16), from S10 to S16 In step S18, a prize ball payout process corresponding to various winnings is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. In the normal game control process, if the winning / losing lottery value is on hold (Y in S30) and the symbol variation is not being displayed (N in S32), the winning / losing lottery means 112 executes the determining process. (S34). In accordance with the determination result, the main display control means 118 starts changing display, transmits a change start command to the effect display control means 134, and the effect display control means 134 that receives the command displays the effect image according to the change pattern data. The fluctuation display is started (S36). If the winning or failing lottery value is not held in S30 (N in S30), the processing from S32 to S36 is skipped, and if the symbol variation is being displayed in S32 (Y in S32), S34 and S36 Is skipped. Subsequently, if the symbol variation display has already started (Y in S38), the symbol variation display process is executed (S40). If the symbol variation display has not started (N in S38), S40 is skipped. .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the success / failure determination process of S34 in FIG.
First, the success / failure lottery means 112 reads the success / failure lottery value (S42), and determines the success / failure based on the success / failure lottery value (S44). The symbol determining means 114 determines a stop symbol of the special symbol based on the determination result (S46), and selects a variation pattern of the special symbol (S48). The effect determination means 132 determines the stop symbol combination of the decorative symbols based on the determination result and the special symbol (S50), and selects the variation pattern of the decorative symbol according to the variation pattern of the special symbol (S52).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail S16 in FIG.
First, if the big prize opening 66 has not been opened (N in S70), the production display control means 134 starts the special game production process (S72), and the open / close control means 124 opens the special prize opening 66 (S74). ). At this time, the effect image shown in FIG. 5A is displayed, and a prize ball control start process described later is started (S75). If the big winning opening 66 has been opened (Y in S70), the processing from S72 to S75 is skipped. When the predetermined opening time has elapsed since the grand prize opening 66 was opened (Y in S76), or the opening time has not elapsed (N in S76), there are nine or more game balls to the big winning opening 66 When the player has entered the ball (Y in S78), the opening / closing control means 124 closes the special winning opening 66 (S80). Then, a prize ball control end process described later is executed (S81). If the opening time has not elapsed (N in S76) and the number of balls entered into the grand prize winning opening 66 has not reached nine or more (N in S78), the processing after S80 is skipped and the flow of S16 Exit.

  When the special winning opening 66 is closed in S80 and the winning ball control end process is completed, when the number of rounds of the unit game has reached 15 (Y in S82), the effect display control means 134 performs the effect process of the special game. (S84), the special game control means 120 ends the special game (S86). If the number of rounds has not reached 15 (N in S82), 1 is added to the number of rounds and the flow of S16 is terminated (S90).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the prize ball control start process of S75 in FIG. The effect display control means 134 turns on the illumination lamp 146 to light up the game ball distribution unit including the clown 144 (S110). When the game ball dropped into the special winning opening 66 enters the specific area (Y in S112), the movable object control means 126 is held in the standby state without operating the movable accessory 140 (S114). .

  On the other hand, when entering a non-specific area instead of a specific area (N in S112, Y in S116), the movable object control means 126 activates the movable accessory 140 to prevent entry into the big winning opening 66. (S118). Further, the effect display control means 134 turns off the illumination lamp 146 to make the sorting unit inconspicuous (S120), and displays the selection screen shown in FIG. 5B (S122). At this time, if there is a selection request from the player by operating the operation button 82, the privilege image shown in FIG. 5C is displayed. Even when a predetermined time (10 seconds in this embodiment) has passed without entering the non-specific area in S116 (N in S116, Y in S124), the processing from S118 to S122 is executed. That is, when the player intentionally interrupts the launch of the game ball in order to view the privilege image, such as when the player has not entered the grand prize winning slot 66 itself, the player's intention is given priority to display the privilege image. Display. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in S124 (N in S124), the processing from S118 to S122 is skipped.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the prize ball control end process of S81 in FIG. The effect display control means 134 retreats the movable accessory 140 to the far side of the game area 52 if the entry to the grand prize winning hole 66 is restricted by the operation of the movable accessory 140 (Y in S130). (S132). If the movable accessory 140 is in a standby state (N of S130), the process of S132 is skipped. Then, if the number of rounds has not reached 15 (N in S134), the effect display control means 134 stores the history of privilege images displayed in the unit game (S136). Thereby, it is possible to display a subsequent privilege image in the next unit game. If the number of rounds reaches 15 in S134 (Y in S134), the privilege image history stored so far is cleared (S138).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the prize ball payout process of S18 in FIG. The prize ball payout control means 138 pays out the special prize ball when the game ball passes through the specific area (Y in S142) when the big winning hole 66 is entered (Y in S140). ). That is, as described above, award balls of a predetermined number (20 in this embodiment) are paid out. If a non-specific region is passed even though there is a ball entering the big winning opening 66 (N in S142), the process of S144 is skipped and the payout of the winning ball is not performed.

  On the other hand, when there is a ball entered into the other winning ports such as the general winning port 72 and the start port 62 instead of the grand winning port 66 (N in S140) (Y in S146), the normal winning ball is paid out. (S148). That is, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out for winning in the winning opening. If there is no entry in any winning opening (N in S146), this process is temporarily terminated.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. is there.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game balls that have entered the grand prize opening 66 are mechanically distributed to a specific area or a non-specific area by the internal clown 144. The provided movable accessory 140 is operated to prevent entry into the big winning opening 66. In the modified example, a second movable object is provided inside the special winning opening 66 so that the subsequent distribution is controlled depending on whether the game ball that has entered enters the specific area or the non-specific area first. It may be.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a movable object according to a modified example and a control example of the movable object that can be executed during each unit game. (A) shows a state before the execution of the special game, and (b) and (c) show a state in which the game balls that have entered the special winning opening 66 after the start of the special game are distributed. Further, (d) represents a state of being unfolded when entering a specific area in a unit game, and (e) represents a state of unfolding when entering a non-specific area in a unit game. (C)-(e) is the AA arrow sectional drawing of (a). In the figure, components that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  As shown in the figure, a distribution passage 250 is provided in the special winning opening 66 to distribute the game balls that have entered from the left and right. The central portion of the distribution passage 250 is slightly raised so that the game ball that has entered the ball is guided to either the left or right. Entrance holes 251 and 252 are provided at the left end portion and the right end portion of the distribution passage 250. The entrance hole 251 is connected to a specific area, and the entrance hole 252 is connected to a non-specific area. Below these entrance holes 251 and 252 are also provided detection devices (sensors) that detect the passage of game balls in specific areas and non-specific areas, respectively, but are not shown here.

  In the back portion of the sorting passage 250, at the positions corresponding to the entrance holes 251 and 252, movable combination items 241 and 242 are embedded so as to be able to move forward and backward. The movable combination 241 and 242 have an arrangement configuration that becomes lower toward the center of the sorting passage 250 as shown, and forms an inclined surface that is smoothly connected to the sorting passage 250 when advanced forward. The movable accessories 241 and 242 are driven forward and backward by drive solenoids 243 and 244, respectively. In the present modification, no movable object is provided outside the special winning opening 66 to prevent entry.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the special winning opening 66 is closed before the execution of the special game, and the movable accessories 241 and 242 are also waiting on the back of the distribution passage 250. Since the illumination lamp 146 is turned off, the distribution passage 250 disposed behind the display window 142 is inconspicuous. The game ball 150 launched to the right of the game area 52 passes through the front of the special winning opening 66 and the display window 142 and falls as shown in the figure.

  When the game is shifted to the special game, the special winning opening 66 is opened and the illumination lamp 146 is turned on so that the distribution passage 250 can be visually recognized as shown in FIGS. The game balls that have entered the big winning opening 66 roll on the upper surface of the sorting passage 250 and enter the entrance holes 251 or 252. The entrance probability of the entrance holes 251 and 252 is designed to be equal, and when the movable combination 241 and 242 are not in operation, both the specific area and the non-specific area have a probability of 1/2. Enter the ball.

  On the other hand, when a game ball that has entered the grand prize winning opening 66 first enters a specific area, the movable object control means 126 activates the movable accessory 242 as shown in FIG. Closed. At this time, even if the game ball rolls to the entrance hole 252 side, the game ball does not enter and is rebounded after riding on the inclined surface of the movable accessory 242 or rolls in the opposite direction as it is. As a result, the game ball gets over the raised portion provided at the center of the sorting passage 250 and reaches the left end, and enters the entrance hole 251. That is, when a player enters a specific area for the first time, the unit game always enters the specific area. Similarly, when a game ball that has entered the big winning opening 66 first enters the non-specific area, the movable accessory 241 is actuated to close the entrance hole 251 as shown in FIG. As a result, the game ball that has entered the special winning opening 66 always enters the non-specific area during the unit game.

  In other words, in this variation, the number of prize balls in the unit game greatly varies depending on which of the specific area and the non-specific area is entered first in the unit game. Each time the unit game is completed, the state shown in FIG. 6D or FIG. 5E is reset, and after the special winning opening 66 is once closed, the state again returns to the state shown in FIG.

  In this modification, the movable accessory 242 and the drive solenoid 244 for driving the movable accessory 242 are omitted, and the movable accessory 241 is advanced to enter the specific area when the player enters the non-specific area for the first time in the unit game. Only the sphere may be blocked. As a result, it is possible to obtain substantially the same operational effects as in the above embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a movable object according to another modified example and a control example of the movable object that can be executed during each unit game. (A) And (b) represents a mode that the game ball | bowl which entered the big winning opening 66 after special game start is distributed. (C) and (d) show how the game is unfolded when entering a non-specific area for the first time in a unit game. (E) represents a further modification and corresponds to (d). In the figure, substantially the same components as those of the modification of FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

  In this modification, the distribution passage 350 is configured to be tiltable by a small angle. In addition, a movable object corresponding to the entrance hole 251 is not provided, and a moveable accessory 342 having a relatively large inclination angle is provided corresponding to the entrance hole 252 so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the sorting passage 350. . At the beginning of the unit game, the distribution path 350 is maintained in a substantially horizontal state, but when entering a specific area or a non-specific area, the distribution path 350 is moved in the same direction via a gear mechanism (not shown). It is tilted and driven so as to prompt the player to enter. In the example of FIG. 5C, since the first entry into the non-specific area, the sorting passage 350 tilts downward to the right, and the game balls that have entered thereafter are held in a posture to urge the non-specific area. .

  On the other hand, the movable accessory 342 repeats an operation of moving forward or backward toward the sorting passage 350 at a constant period when a ball entering the non-specific area is detected. Therefore, depending on the advancement timing of the movable accessory 342, the game ball rolls in the reverse direction after riding on the inclined surface of the movable accessory 342 and enters the entrance hole 251 as shown in FIG. There is a possibility to sphere. In other words, the first entry into the non-specific area facilitates entry into the non-specific area, but depending on the operation timing of the movable accessory 342, the ball enters the specific area later, and the distribution path 350 is on the opposite side. There is a possibility that the entry into a specific area may be promoted. In this way, the player may be given an opportunity to reverse even when entering the non-specific area. In this modified example, the inclined movable combination 342 is configured to advance and retreat. However, as shown in FIG. 5E, the movable combination that can rotate around its own axis and return the game ball 150 is returned. An object 442 may be provided. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which a gear mechanism or the like (not shown) is driven to operate the movable accessory 442 like a so-called pinball, and depending on the operation timing, the game ball is returned and can enter the specific area.

  In the above embodiment, the movable accessory 140 is actuated by entering the non-specific area to mechanically prevent the subsequent entry into the specific area. In a modified example, when the player enters a non-specific area for the first time after the start of a unit game, the software control may be performed so as to reduce the number of payouts in the unit game.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail a prize ball control start process according to still another modification. This process can be executed in place of the process of S75 shown in FIG. In that case, the movable accessory 140 shown in FIG.

  That is, the effect display control means 134 turns on the illumination lamp 146 to light up the game ball distribution unit including the clown 144 (S210). When the game ball dropped into the special winning opening 66 enters the specific area (Y in S212), the prize ball payout control means 138 turns on the prize ball flag set in the predetermined area on the RAM ( S214).

  On the other hand, when the player enters a non-specific area instead of the specific area (N in S212, Y in S216), the prize ball payout control means 138 turns on the prize ball prohibition flag set in the predetermined area on the RAM (S218). ). Further, the effect display control means 134 turns off the illumination lamp 146 to make the sorting unit inconspicuous (S220), and displays the selection screen shown in FIG. 5B (S222). At this time, if there is a selection request from the player by operating the operation button 82, the privilege image shown in FIG. 5C is displayed. Even when a predetermined time (10 seconds in this embodiment) has passed without entering a non-specific area in S216 (N in S216, Y in S224), the processing from S218 to S222 is executed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in S224 (N in S224), the processing from S218 to S222 is skipped.

The prize ball payout control means 138 executes the prize ball payout process after performing such a prize ball control start process. In this modification, a flag is checked in the process of S142 shown in FIG. If the prize ball flag is turned on, the special prize ball is paid out in S144, but if the prize ball prohibition flag is turned on, the special prize ball is not paid out in the unit game. These prize ball flags and prize ball prohibition flags are cleared in the prize ball control end process of S81 shown in FIG. At this time, the history of privilege images is stored until the number of rounds reaches 15.
Contrary to this modification, when a player enters a specific area for the first time after the start of a unit game, it will be specified whether he / she enters a specific area or a non-specific area during that unit game. A predetermined number of prize balls may be paid out for entering the area.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the movable accessory 140 is actuated and protrudes, the game balls that subsequently fall in the game area 52 do not enter the big winning opening 66. . In a modified example, the gap between the pair of movable objects 140 is configured to be approximately the same as the width of the game ball, for example, so that the falling game ball passes through the gap with a low probability to the big prize opening 66. It is good also as a structure which can enter a ball. Then, when the game ball enters the specific area as described above, the movable accessory 140 may be retreated to the back of the game area 52. That is, the probability of entering the big prize opening 66 varies depending on whether or not the movable accessory 140 is activated, and when activated, the number of game balls entering the big prize opening 66 during the unit game is reduced or entered. Therefore, the number of game balls launched by the player may be increased, and as a result, the number of game balls acquired by the player during the unit game may be changed.
Alternatively, the entrance of the game ball may be regulated by the open / close state of the special winning opening 66 itself without providing an obstacle such as the movable accessory 140. For example, it is possible to make it difficult for a game ball to enter by increasing the opening / closing speed of the big prize opening 66, or to temporarily reduce the opening of the big prize opening 66 to prevent the entry.
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a selection screen as to whether or not to display a privilege image is displayed when there is a ball entering a non-specific area has been shown. You may make it display a privilege image automatically whenever there is a ball in a specific area.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the ball game machine of the present invention is configured as a multi-function machine in which a plurality of games corresponding to the conventional type 1 pachinko game machine are mixed is shown. It may be configured. Or you may comprise as other gaming machines containing the function of 1st type pachinko gaming machines, such as the gaming machine which combined the function of 1st type pachinko gaming machine, and the function of 2nd type pachinko gaming machine.
In the above-described embodiment and each modified example, when shifting to a special game, it is determined whether a specific area or a non-specific area has been entered in all of the unit games, and it has been determined that a specific area has been entered. In this case, an example is shown in which a process of paying out more prize balls during the unit game period (referred to as “out of ball adjustment process” for the sake of convenience) than when it is determined that the ball has not been entered. In another modified example, the unit game for which the payout adjustment process is performed and the unit game for which the game is not performed may be selectively determined. That is, when the result of the winning / losing lottery wins, the prize ball payout control means determines whether or not to perform a ball adjustment process in a special game executed after that, and in what number of unit games It may be determined. For example, a predetermined control pattern table holds a pattern that does not perform a ball adjustment process as a prize ball control pattern, a pattern that performs a ball adjustment process for a specific unit game, and a pattern that performs a ball adjustment process for all unit games. Any pattern may be selected by lottery. In that case, you may provide multiple types of the pattern which performs a ball adjustment process about a specific unit game. The “specific unit game” may be one specific unit game or a plurality of specific unit games. For example, when the unit game is composed of 15 rounds, a pattern may be included in which the ball adjustment process is performed up to 7 rounds and the ball adjustment process is not performed after 8 rounds. For patterns that do not perform the payout adjustment process, for example, the detection by the passage detection devices 153 and 154 shown in FIG. 4 is temporarily disabled, while only the detection by the winning detection device 78 shown in FIG. This can be realized by paying out a certain prize ball on the condition.
In this way, by determining whether or not to perform the ball adjustment processing for each unit game by lottery or the like, the number of winning balls greatly depends on luck depending on the unit game. As a result, similar to the above embodiment, it is possible to increase the player's expectation and joyfulness for the number of balls that can be acquired as a whole special game, and the player can concentrate on the game during the unit game period. Willingness to continue will be maintained.

It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the front side of the pachinko game machine which concerns on an Example. It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the back side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the pachinko game machine in a present Example. It is a figure showing the example of control of the movable object which can be performed during each unit game in a special game. It is a figure showing the example of a screen of the effect image displayed on an effect display apparatus during a special game. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement process in a pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the success / failure determination process of S34 in FIG. 7 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows S16 in FIG. 6 in detail. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the prize ball control start process of S75 in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail a prize ball control end process in S81 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the prize ball payout process of S18 in FIG. It is a figure showing the structure of the movable object concerning a modification, and the example of control of the movable object which can be performed during each unit game. It is a figure showing the example of control of the movable object which can be performed in the structure of the movable object concerning another modification, and each unit game. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the prize ball control start process concerning another modification.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Pachinko machines, 43 payout units, 44 prize ball tanks, 45 payout control boards, 50 game boards, 52 game areas, 60 production display devices, 61 special symbol display devices, 62 start openings, 64 center decorations, 66 big prize openings , 78 winning detection device, 80 large winning opening solenoid, 82 operation buttons, 100 game control device, 102 main board, 104 sub board, 120 special game control means, 124 opening / closing control means, 126 movable object control means, 130 pattern storage means 131 effect image storage means, 132 effect determination means, 134 effect display control means, 138 prize ball payout control means, 140 movable accessory, 142 display window, 144 kroon, 146 illumination lamp, 150 game ball, 151 entrance hole, 152 entrance hole, 190 decorative symbol, 192 special symbol, 200 display screen, 202 movie, 241 movable accessory, 242 movable accessory, 243 driving solenoid, 244 driving solenoid, 250 sorting passage, 251 entrance hole, 252 entrance hole, 342 Things, 350 Sorting passages, 442 Movable combination.

Claims (9)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area, into which a game ball can enter;
Triggering lottery means for executing a lottery lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by entering the starting opening,
A variable entry ball that is provided at a predetermined position in the game area and that operates to enter a state where a game ball can enter when the game state satisfies a predetermined operation condition when the result of the success / failure lottery wins Equipment,
A specific area provided at a predetermined position of the game area;
Special game control means for executing the special game consisting of a predetermined number of unit games when the result of the success / failure lottery wins and the operation condition is satisfied;
It is determined whether or not a player has entered the specific area for each unit game of the special game, and when it is determined that the player has entered the specific area, the period of the unit game is greater than when it is determined that the player has not entered Prize ball payout control means for paying out a lot of prize balls to
A ball game machine characterized by comprising: The specific area and the non-specific area are provided inside the variable pitching device,
The prize ball payout control means determines which of the specific area and the non-specific area has been entered for each unit game of the special game, and determines that the non-specific area has entered the non-specific area. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein more prize balls are paid out during the unit game period than when the player enters a specific area.   The prize ball payout control means determines which of the specific area and the non-specific area is first entered for each unit game, and when it is determined that the non-specific area is first entered, 3. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the number of prize balls is smaller than that when it is determined that the player has first entered the specific area during the unit game. A movable object that influences entry into the variable entry device;
Movable object control means for controlling the operation of the movable object,
The movable object control means determines whether or not a ball has entered the non-specific area for each unit game. If it is determined that a ball has entered the non-specific area, the variable game period, the variable The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the movable object is controlled so as to restrict entry into the entry device. A movable object that is provided in the variable pitching device and influences the pitching into the specific area;
Movable object control means for controlling the operation of the movable object,
The movable object control means determines whether the specific area or the non-specific area has been entered for each unit game, and if it is determined that the specific area has entered, the period of the unit game, While controlling the movable object to guide the game ball to the specific area, if it is determined that the ball has entered the non-specific area, the game ball is guided to the non-specific area during the unit game period. 4. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the movable object is controlled. An effect display device for displaying a predetermined effect image;
Effect image storage means for storing a privilege image that can be displayed only when entering the non-specific area during the unit game;
An effect display control means for displaying the effect image on the effect display device based on the game state and displaying the privilege image during the unit game when the non-specific area is entered in the unit game. When,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: An effect display device for displaying a predetermined effect image;
Effect image storage means for storing a privilege image that can be displayed only during the unit game;
An effect display control means for displaying the effect image on the effect display device based on a gaming state;
The said effect display control means displays the said privilege image during the period of the unit game, when it does not enter the said specific area in the predetermined period from the start of the said unit game. 5. A ball game machine according to 5. An operation input device for receiving an operation input by a player;
The effect display control means displays a selection screen for causing a player to select whether or not to display the privilege image when the specific area is not entered in the unit game, and the operation is performed accordingly. The ball game machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the bonus image is displayed only during a unit game period when a predetermined selection request is made via the input device.   A second action that is provided in the variable pitching device and that urges the pitching into the specific area against the non-specific area when the movable object performs an operation of guiding the game ball to the non-specific area; The ball game machine according to claim 5, further comprising a movable object.

Images