JP2010207648A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remarkably improve interest in a game machine such as a Pachinko machine. <P>SOLUTION: On a game board 2 of a Pachinko machine 1, an operation port 3 and a big winning port 4 are provided, and a display device 13 including a display part 13a is incorporated in a center part of the game board 2. A plurality of symbol trains are displayed in the display part 13a, and the symbol trains are formed of a plurality of kinds of symbols. In the display device 13, background is displayed in the back side of the symbols. A controller 24 executes variable display at least as if the background varies with scrolling in the display part 13a. Further, the controller 24 can generate a normal game state, a special game state which is advantageous to a player, and an additional game state which is more beneficial for the player than the normal game state, and is not so advantageous as the special game state. Mutual changeovers between the normal game state and the additional game state are executed without it makes the generation of the special game state into a necessary condition, and report to the player is executed according to each game state with a different mode each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  Conventionally, as a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko machine having a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols (numerical symbols) in a predetermined arrangement is known.

  In this type of pachinko machine, depending on the display pattern (stop pattern) when the variable display is stopped on the display device, the “special gaming state (hit state)”, which reaches the player's advantageous state after reaching the reach state, reach A “release reach state” that does not become a special game state after passing through a state, or a “release state” that does not go through a reach state and does not become a special game state is generated. The stop symbols include a special game symbol for generating a special game state, a release reach symbol for generating a release reach, and a release symbol for generating a release state.

  In the pachinko machine as described above, the game situation that changes in accordance with the player's operation satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a game ball wins an operating slot). The change display of is started. Further, a stop symbol corresponding to the game situation is selected from the special game symbol (big hit symbol), the missed reach symbol, and the missed symbol. Then, the variable display is stopped at the selected stop symbol. In this case, the special gaming state described above is generated on the condition that the stop symbol is a predetermined specific symbol (for example, a jackpot symbol such as “7”, “7”, “7”, etc.). More specifically, the big prize opening is opened for a predetermined time, and when the game is opened, a lot of prize balls are paid out to the player by winning the game balls at the big prize opening.

  Recently, a pachinko machine having a probability variation mode set is known. The probability variation mode currently known is that the special game is when the jackpot symbol is a special symbol such as “3” “3” “3”, “7” “7” “7”, for example. Until the next big hit state occurs once (or twice) after the end of the state (big hit state), or until a predetermined number of symbol changes (for example, 50 times, 100 times, etc.) The probability of occurrence of a jackpot state is increased. In addition, it is also known that the occurrence of the probability variation mode is notified on another display unit or the like regardless of the jackpot symbol. For example, when “7” or “H” is displayed on another display unit or the like, the player is notified that the probability variation mode has occurred, and “−” or “L” is displayed. There is also known a model in which the player is notified that the probability variation mode does not occur (so-called normal mode).

  When the probability variation mode occurs in this way, not only the probability of occurrence of the big hit state is increased until a predetermined release condition is satisfied, but in addition, the variation time of the special symbol variation display device is shortened. There is also a known model in which the probability of being per ordinary symbol in the ordinary symbol variable display device is increased. Although such a probability variation mode is not as large as the jackpot state described above, it can be said that it is an effective (desirable) state for the player as compared to the normal mode.

  However, in the pachinko machine in which the probability variation mode is set in the above-described prior art, there are the following problems. That is, when the probability variation mode occurs, it is known that the probability variation mode will surely continue until the cancellation condition is satisfied, and during that time, the player simply feels as if he is playing a digest game. There are cases to remember. For this reason, there is a risk that the game content may become monotonous during the probability variation mode.

  Further, while a game is being played in a so-called normal mode, the player cannot experience a special additional game mode such as a probability variation mode unless a jackpot state occurs. For this reason, even if the game is continued for a long time, there is a possibility that a player who cannot enjoy the probability variation mode etc. is produced. In this respect, further improvement of interest has been desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of dramatically improving interest in gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

  Means effective for achieving the above object will be described below. In addition, the operation | movement etc. are demonstrated as needed.

  Means 1. A gaming machine capable of generating a normal gaming state, a special gaming state advantageous to the player, and an additional gaming state that is more effective for the player than the normal gaming state and is less advantageous to the player than the special gaming state. Thus, the mutual switching between the normal gaming state and the additional gaming state is performed without requiring the occurrence of the special gaming state, and the player is different from each other depending on the gaming state. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured so as to be notified.

  According to the above means, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player, and an additional gaming state that is more effective for the player than the normal gaming state and is less advantageous to the player than the special gaming state are generated. The player plays a game under each state. Now, in this means, the mutual switching between the normal gaming state and the additional gaming state is performed without requiring the occurrence of the special gaming state. For this reason, even when there is no sign of a special gaming state during the occurrence of the normal gaming state, the player can expect the occurrence of the additional gaming state. In addition, since the player is notified in a manner different from each other according to each gaming state, the player can grasp that the gaming state has been switched as the notification manner changes. Therefore, the player can feel anxious according to the change of the notification mode.

  Mean 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the additional gaming state includes a mode in which the occurrence probability of the special gaming state is higher than that of the normal gaming state. According to the above means, when the additional gaming state occurs, the probability of occurrence of the special gaming state becomes higher than that of the normal gaming state, so that the player can play the game while expecting the occurrence of the special gaming state.

  Means 3. Means 1 or 2 comprises a display device capable of variably displaying at least one of a symbol and a background.

  Means 4. The game machine according to claim 3, wherein the special game state is generated on the condition that the symbol on the display device is in a specific stop mode.

  Means 5. In the means 3 or 4, the notification is performed on at least one of a symbol and a background. According to the above means, it is possible to grasp that the gaming state has been switched based on at least one notification mode of the symbol and the background.

  Means 6. In the means 5, the notification is performed based on at least one display object displayed in the background.

  Mean 7 Means 5 or 6, wherein the background is displayed periodically and continuously as long as the player continues the game.

  Means 8. In the means 3 to 7, the aspect includes a coloring aspect of at least one of a design and a background. According to the above means, even when the mode is switched, notification according to each game state can be performed by using different data and different coloring.

  Means 9. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein the notification can be performed in different modes even in the same gaming state. According to the above means, even if the notification mode is changed, the gaming state is not necessarily switched, so that the player may be unsure of the current gaming state. Therefore, the thickness of the game content increases.

  Means 10. A gaming machine characterized in that, in the means 1 to 9, a generation period of the additional gaming state when the additional gaming state occurs without occurrence of at least a special gaming state is shorter than a generation period of the normal gaming state. . According to the above means, a rare value is generated in the additional gaming state.

  Means 11. Means 1 to 10 are characterized in that a plurality of types of additional gaming states are provided, and mutual switching between each additional gaming state is performed without requiring the generation of the special gaming state. To play. According to the above means, it is possible to enjoy additional game states with different contents.

  Means 12. A gaming machine characterized in that the means 1 to 11 are configured to delay the generation of the additional gaming state based on a predetermined opportunity. According to the above means, when a predetermined opportunity occurs, the occurrence of the additional gaming state is delayed, and thus a rare value is further generated in the additional gaming state.

  Means 13. In the means 12, the predetermined opportunity includes that the player has not played a game for a predetermined time or more. According to the above means, if the player has not played a game for a predetermined time or more, the occurrence of the additional gaming state is delayed, so the player stops the game until the additional gaming state occurs Is avoided.

  Means 14. In the means 1 to 13, the notification is configured such that the notification is performed at least temporarily so that the player cannot specify the current gaming state or is difficult. According to the above means, there are cases where the game state is sometimes unknown to the player, and the fun is increased.

  Means 15. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the occurrence period and occurrence frequency of the additional gaming state is variable depending on the occasion. According to the above means, the game content is further increased in thickness.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, there is an excellent effect that a dramatic improvement in interest can be achieved.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one embodiment. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the display state of a display part. It is a figure explaining the kind of symbol which can be displayed on a display part. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the fluctuation state of the symbol sequence in a display part. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the jackpot line and jackpot state in a display part. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the jackpot line and jackpot state in a display part. (A) is a figure which shows the drift reach state in a display part, (b) is a figure which shows a log reach state, (c) is a figure which shows an ice reach state, (d) is a girl reach state. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows each background layer of morning and daytime. It is a figure for introducing the character displayed on a background. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the coloring mode of the background and the presence or absence of the display of the character with respect to passage of time. It is a figure which shows the background layer in each period. It is a figure which shows the background layer in each period. It is a figure which shows the background layer in each period. It is a figure which shows the background layer in each period. It is a figure which shows the background layer in each period. It is a flowchart which shows the "game mode switching routine" performed by the control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the "forced initialization flag setting routine" performed by the control apparatus in another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the "symbol fluctuation start process routine" performed by the control apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As is well known, the pachinko machine 1 includes an outer frame and a front frame that is provided at the front of the outer frame and that can be opened and closed at one side of the outer frame. A glass door frame is provided on the front side of the front frame so as to be opened and closed. A game board 2 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the front frame (the back of the glass door frame, the inside of the outer frame). The game board 2 includes an inner rail, an outer rail, and the like. These rails guide the game ball 5 launched by the game ball launcher to the upper part of the game board 2. In addition, on the lower side of the glass door frame, a front decoration frame is provided on the front frame so as to be openable and closable, and an upper tray is provided on the front decoration frame. On the other hand, at the lower part of the front frame, a lower saucer is provided at a position below the upper saucer, and a handle constituting a game ball launching device is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an operation port 3 and a prize winning port 4. The operation port 3 includes a passage for the game ball 5, and a blade 6 is supported at the passage entrance so as to be opened and closed. A V zone is provided on the right side of the back of the big prize opening 4 and a winning path is provided on the left side (not shown. Alternatively, the left and right sides may be reversed). Then, the game ball 5 which has won the grand prize opening 4 is guided to a winning ball processing apparatus (not shown) through either the V zone or the winning path. A shutter 11 is provided in front of the special winning opening 4. The shutter 11 is actuated by a special prize opening solenoid 12 provided on the side of the special prize opening 4 to open and close the special prize opening 4. Specifically, when the solenoid 12 is in an excited state, the shutter 11 is inclined substantially horizontally, thereby opening the special winning opening 4. Further, when the solenoid 12 is in a non-excited state, the shutter 11 is in a substantially vertical state, whereby the special winning opening 4 is closed.

  A special symbol display device (hereinafter simply referred to as “display device”) 13 is incorporated in the central portion of the game board 2. The display device 13 includes a display unit 13a made up of a liquid crystal display (LCD), on which a plurality of symbol rows are displayed. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, three symbol sequences of an upper symbol sequence 14, a middle symbol sequence 15, and a lower symbol sequence 16 are displayed as these symbol sequences. May be displayed. The background is appropriately displayed on the display unit 13a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 is basically composed of a plurality of types of symbols 17A to 17H and a single type of symbols 17K. Each of the symbols 17A to 17H is configured by a combination of various “dog” characters DG1 to DG8 and numeric symbols N1 to N8 “1” to “8”. The numerical symbols N1 to N8 of “1” to “8” are arranged in descending order for the upper symbol row 14, and in ascending order for the middle and lower symbol rows 15 and 16, respectively. More specifically, the symbol 17A is composed of a combination of a numeric symbol N1 of “1” and a character DG1 of “Doberman”. The symbol 17B is a numeric symbol N2 of “2” and the character “DG2” of “Dachshund”, the symbol 17C is a numeric symbol N3 of “3” and the character DG3 of “poodle”, and the symbol 17D is a numeric symbol N4 of “4”. The character DG4 of “Old Sheepdog”, the symbol 17E is the numeral symbol N5 of “5” and the character DG5 of “Tosa Inu”, the symbol 17F is the numeral symbol N6 of “6” and the character DG6 of the “terrier”, the symbol 17G is “7” The symbol design N7 of "" and the character DG7 of "Bulldog", and the design 17H are respectively configured by a combination of the number design N8 of "8" and the character DG8 of "St. Bernard". These symbols 17A to 17H can be any of a jackpot symbol, a miss reach symbol and a miss symbol as special game symbols (these will be described later).

  The symbol 17K is constituted by a “heart” mark, and is arranged between the symbols 17A to 17H. Furthermore, the symbol 17K can only be an outlier symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in each of the symbol rows 14 to 16, the symbols 17 A to 17 H and 17 K to be displayed are displayed on the grassland (background screen) as if they run from the right to the left.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a normal symbol display device 51 is provided at the upper part of the special symbol display device 13. The normal symbol display device 51 has four holding lamps 52 made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a 7-segment display portion 53 made of LEDs which are normal symbol display portions.

  Further, a pair of passage gates 54 are disposed on the left and right sides of the special symbol display device 13. When the game ball 5 passes through the passing gate 54, the normal symbol display device 51 operates. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 51 variably displays the numbers from “0” to “9” and causes the 7-segment display unit 53 to display segments, and the numbers are set to predetermined values (in this embodiment, “ 7 "), the blade 6 of the working port 3 is opened for a predetermined number of seconds. Due to this opening, winning to the operation port 3 becomes relatively easy. The normal symbol display device 51 can store the number of times the game ball 5 has passed through the passage gate 54 up to four times, and the hold lamp 52 displays the hold number. Therefore, even if the game ball 5 passes through the passing gate 54 with the four holding lamps 52 lit, it is not counted. As long as the holding lamp 52 is lit, the gaming ball 5 passes through the passing gate 54. The normal symbol display device 51 is activated as many times as the number of holdings.

  In the display unit 13 a of the display device 13, the symbol variation (rotational variation) of each symbol row 14 to 16 is started based on the winning of the game ball 5 to the operation port 3. Also, one of the jackpot symbol, the missed reach symbol, and the missed symbol is selected and set as a stop symbol. The stop symbol is a symbol displayed when each symbol row 14 to 16 stops symbol variation. In the present embodiment, the symbol variation is stopped in the order of the upper symbol row 14, the lower symbol row 16, and the middle symbol row 15, but this is only an example, and it should be stopped in a different order. Also good.

  5 and 6 are diagrams showing a big hit screen on the display unit 13a. As shown in the figure, the jackpot symbol is a symbol for generating a jackpot state as a special gaming state advantageous to the player after the reach gaming state (reach state). Specifically, when the variation of all the symbol rows 14 to 16 is stopped, the combination of the displayed symbols 17A to 17H is a predetermined jackpot combination, that is, the same type of symbols 17A to 17H is a jackpot. In some cases, the patterns 17A to 17H are combined when lined up along the lines L1 to L5 (for example, “1”, “1”, “1”, “2”, “2”, “2”, etc.). The symbol constituting the combination is the “big hit symbol”.

  In this embodiment, left and right vertical lines L1 and L2 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), a central vertical line L3 (see FIG. 6A), and two diagonal lines L4 and L5. (See FIG. 6B), jackpot lines L1 to L5 are configured (referred to as 5 lines). When the jackpot combination is established, the special electric accessory is activated (the jackpot 4 is opened), and it is possible to obtain a jackpot state that is advantageous to the player, that is, to obtain more prize balls.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the reach state means a state immediately before the big hit (of course, the big hit state may not be reached). The reach state includes a state in which the symbol variation of the lower symbol row 16 stops at the same kind of symbols as the stop symbol of the upper symbol row 14 on the jackpot lines L1 to L5. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7A, on the jackpot line L1, the upper symbol row 14 and the lower symbol row 16 are stopped at the same symbol 17A, and the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K of the middle symbol row 15 are not yet processed. The state during the change is shown. In this case, the jackpot state is generated on the condition that the stop symbol on the jackpot line L1 of the middle symbol row 15 is the symbol 17A.

  In the above reach state, the symbol variation in the middle symbol row 15 will eventually stop at the same kind of symbol (big hit symbol) as the stop symbols in both the upper and lower symbol rows 14 and 16 and become a big hit state Also included are those that stop at different types of symbols (this is referred to as “outgoing reach design”) and do not become a big hit state (hereinafter referred to as “outgoing reach state”). Furthermore, after the symbol variation of the middle symbol row 15 is temporarily stopped, all the symbol rows (or some of the symbol rows) are changed again, and thereafter the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K of all the symbol rows 14 to 16 are stopped. (Also referred to as re-variable reach).

  In the reach state, various reach patterns are set. As the reach pattern, in addition to the “normal reach” in which the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K in the middle symbol row 15 are simply scrolled, “Dorobo Reach (see FIG. 7A)” in which a character is displayed as a character, a river and a log “Log reach (see FIG. 7B)” is displayed, “Ice reach (see FIG. 7C)” in which ice is displayed on the background screen, and “Girl reach (see FIG. 7) in which characters are displayed as characters. 7 (d)) ”is set. Among these reach patterns, reach patterns other than “normal reach” are so-called “super reach”. When the operation of “super reach” is started, the expected value (expected value for jackpot) at which a big hit state occurs is higher than in the case of “normal reach”. Also, in “Super Reach”, the expected value of jackpot varies depending on each reach pattern (for example, “Girl Reach” has a higher expected value of jackpot than “Dorbo Reach”). These reach patterns are determined based on a reach type determination counter.

  Although it has already been described that the symbol variation of each symbol row 14 to 16 is started based on the winning of the game ball 5 to the operation port 3, when the game ball 5 further wins the operation port 3 during this variation display In this case, the corresponding change display is performed after the end of the current change display. That is, the variable display is waited (held). The maximum number of variable displays to be held is determined for each model of pachinko machine. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of holds is set to 4 times, but is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the display device 13, holding lamps 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are incorporated above the display unit 13a. The number of the holding lamps 18a to 18d is the same as the above-described maximum holding number (in this case, four). The hold lamps 18a to 18d are turned on every time the variable display is held, and are turned off when the variable display corresponding to the hold is executed. In addition to this, various lamps for enhancing the gaming effect are attached to a plurality of locations of the pachinko machine 1. These lamps can be turned on (turned off, turned on, blinked, etc.) as the game progresses. Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a speaker (not shown) that generates sound effects as the game progresses.

  In the present embodiment, the game board 2 includes a through switch 20, an operating port switch 21, a V zone switch 22, and a count switch to detect the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 that changes in accordance with the player's operation. 23 etc. are respectively attached. The through switch 20 detects the passage of the game ball 5 through the passage gate 54, the operation port switch 21 detects the winning of the game ball 5 to the operation port 3, and the V zone switch 22 is a large game ball 5. The winning in the V zone of the winning opening 4 is detected, and the count switch 23 detects the winning of the game ball 5 in the large winning opening 4.

  In the present embodiment, the control device is used to drive and control the winning prize solenoid 12, the display device 13 (display unit 13a), the holding lamps 18a to 18d, the speaker, and the like based on the detection results of the switches 20 to 23. 24 is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 24 includes a main substrate 61, a display device control substrate 62, and the like. The main board 61 is mounted in a sealed state in a board box (not shown) on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The display device control board 62 is incorporated in the display device 13.

  The main board 61 of the control device 24 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that is a calculation means, a read-only memory (ROM) that stores various control programs, and a random access memory (RAM) that stores various data. (Both not shown). The RAM is provided with a command buffer and a command counter. The command buffer is a buffer for temporarily storing control data. The control data of the command buffer is updated by a display data creation process executed based on a predetermined trigger, and is output (transmitted) to the display device control board 62 and eventually the display unit 13a by a timer interrupt process. The command counter is a counter indicating the number of control data transmitted to the display device control board 62 by the timer interrupt process. The control data written in the command buffer is transmitted to the display device control board 62 byte by byte by one timer interrupt process. A command counter indicates the number of the transmitted control data.

  The RAM also includes a random number counter for determining the occurrence of jackpots. The random number counter is updated by one count every 2 ms, for example, within a predetermined range (for example, “0” to “299”) by random number update processing. In the present embodiment, when the value of the random number counter is “7”, for example, the game ball 5 wins the operating port 3 and is detected by the operating port switch 21 (except for the maximum number of times of holding). ), The jackpot state is generated.

  These CPU, ROM, and RAM are connected to each other via a bus line. The bus line is also connected to an input / output port (not shown) of the main board 61. The input / output port is connected to the input / output port 75 of the image controller 74 of the display device control board 62 and other input / output devices via a connector and a cable. Of course, the input / output port of the main board 61 is connected to the operation port switch 21 and the like via a connector. That is, the main board 61 of the control device 24 is connected to the display device control board 62 or other input / output device via the input / output port based on a winning signal or the like input from the operation port switch 21 or the like via the input / output port. Various operation commands such as control data are sent to (including other substrates) to control each device.

  The display device control board 62 includes a CPU 63, a program ROM 64, a work RAM 65, a video RAM 66, a character ROM 73, and an image controller 74 having a built-in input / output port 75. The CPU 63 of the display device control board 62 controls the display of the display unit 13a according to the control data transmitted from the main board 61, and the program executed by the CPU 63 is stored in the program ROM 64. Yes. The work RAM 65 stores work data used when the CPU 63 executes the program.

  The video RAM 66 is a memory for storing data to be displayed on the display unit 13a, and the display content of the display unit 13a is changed by rewriting the content of the video RAM 66. Further, the character ROM 73 is a memory for storing data such as symbols 17A to 17H, 17K, background, and characters displayed on the display unit 13a. The image controller 74 adjusts the respective timings of the CPU 63, the video RAM 66, and the input / output port 75, intervenes in reading and writing data, and displays display data stored in the video RAM 66 with a predetermined timing with reference to the character ROM 73. Is displayed on the display unit 13a.

  In the present embodiment, the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K and the background displayed on the display unit 13a of the display device 13 are displayed by controlling the display of separate symbols, backgrounds, and the like on a plurality of layers, and overlaying them. The display is controlled as a screen. Actually, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 8, a color image for one screen is held in the video RAM 66 corresponding to each layer. The display data of the image held in the video RAM 66 is stored in the character ROM 73. After the image display data fetched from the character ROM 73 by the image controller 74 is once held in the video RAM 66, it is converted into a scan data signal. The signals are converted and sequentially output, and the color, brightness, etc. are controlled based on the data output signal, and a predetermined symbol is displayed.

  However, in the present embodiment, control is performed so that an image held in the higher priority video RAM is displayed with priority over an image held in the lower video RAM. Specifically, the video RAM 66 corresponding to the patterns 17A to 17H and 17K is set in advance so that the priority order is higher than the video RAM 66 corresponding to the background layer. Furthermore, not only fluctuation / stop control of the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K but also fluctuation control of the background screen constituted by the layers related to the background is performed by a signal from the main board 61 connected to the image controller 74. It has become.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the background display object constituting the landscape such as the sky including clouds, trees, buildings, roads, grasslands, etc. as the background layer constituting the background screen is subject to fluctuations in the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K. In addition, the variable display is controlled. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the background layer includes the morning background layer ML, the daytime background layer DL, and the night background layer NL that have the same outline and are differently colored. These ML, DL, and NL are variably displayed based on the same image data, and only the coloring is different. That is, the morning background layer ML has a contrast as if it was hitting the morning sun, and the daytime background layer DL has the contrast as if the brightest and warm afternoon was displayed, and the night background layer The NL has the darkest contrast, and a part of each of the layers ML, DL, and NL (for example, half the length of the layers in FIGS. 9A to 9C) is displayed on the display unit 13a. , One round in 34 seconds.

  In the present embodiment, the daytime background layer DL is initially displayed (as an initial state) for convenience of contrast. And, the daytime background layer DL is 6 laps → the night background layer NL is 6 laps → the morning background layer ML is 4 laps → returning to the original state (daytime background layer DL) continuously and periodically. Is displayed. Therefore, it takes 34 seconds x 6 + 34 seconds x 6 + 34 seconds x 4 = 544 seconds from the start of fluctuation until it returns to its original state (16 laps = 1 cycle time). Has been.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the displayed background screen is reset (initialized) to the initial state (the first state of the daytime background layer DL) based on a predetermined trigger. Examples of the predetermined trigger include occurrence of a jackpot state, occurrence of a specific reach state (for example, log reach, ice reach), display of a demonstration screen, and the like. The demo screen is a screen that has almost no relation to the game displayed on the display unit 13a on condition that the non-fluctuating state of the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K continues for a predetermined time when the power is turned on. is there.

  In addition, in this embodiment, a character as a display target is appropriately displayed on the background screen. As a character, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a dugong character JC in which a cloud is artificially transformed into a dugong, and as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, a cloud is simulated in a shark. Deformed shark character SC, as shown in FIGS. 10 (e) and 10 (f), the source character GC in which the tree is pseudo-transformed into a sushi chef (herein referred to as “source” for convenience), FIG. 10 ( g), as shown in (h), Kanna-chan character KC, which is pseudo-transformed into a girl helping a sushi restaurant (here called “Kanna-chan” for convenience), UFO as shown in FIG. 10 (i) In addition, a UFO character UC composed of a picture of a cow descending from it, and a sluggish character DC composed of a sluggish picture are prepared as shown in FIG. Here, the dugong character JC and the shark character SC are mutually related characters, and the source character GC and the kanna-chan character KC are also mutually related characters. These characters are displayed on the display unit 13a at a predetermined timing as the background screen is scrolled.

  Next, a specific display mode related to the background screen in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. However, for convenience of explanation (for the sake of display), FIGS. 12 to 16 are illustrated without providing a difference in contrast (without distinguishing between morning and night in the drawing). First, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the control device 24 initially displays the scroll variation with the source character GC and the shark character SC displayed on the daytime background layer DL. Then, after the layer DL has made two revolutions, the scroll fluctuation display is performed in the state where the Kanna-chan character KC and the shark character SC are displayed on the daytime background layer DL as shown in FIG. .

  Subsequently, in the fourth lap of the day, as shown in FIG. 14, the scroll variation display is performed with the source character GC, the shark character SC, and the UFO character UC displayed on the daytime background layer DL. Further, on the fifth lap of the day, as shown in FIG. 15, scroll variation display is performed in a state where the source character GC and the dugong character JC are displayed on the daytime background layer DL. Further, on the sixth lap of the day, as shown in FIG. 12 again, the scroll variation display is performed in the state where the source character GC and the shark character SC are displayed on the daytime background layer DL.

  In this way, after making the daytime background layer DL six turns, the control device 24 then changes the coloring and scrolls with the source character GC and the shark character SC displayed on the night background layer NL. Display fluctuation. Then, after the layer NL has made three turns, as shown in FIG. 16, scroll change display is performed in a state where the Kanna-chan character KC, dugong character JC, and roaring character DC are displayed. Thereafter, on the fifth lap of the night, as shown in FIG. 15, scroll variation display is performed with the source character GC and the dugong character JC displayed on the night background layer NL. Also, on the sixth lap of the night, as shown in FIG. 12, scroll variation display is performed with the source character GC and the shark character SC displayed on the night background layer DL.

  As described above, after the night background layer NL has made six turns, the control device 24 then changes the coloring and displays the source character GC and the shark character SC on the morning background layer ML. Display scroll fluctuation. Furthermore, in the second lap in the morning, as shown in FIG. 14, scroll variation display is performed with the source character GC, the shark character SC, and the UFO character UC displayed on the morning background layer DL. Also, in the third lap in the morning, as shown in FIG. 13, scroll fluctuation display is performed with the Kanna-chan character KC and the shark character SC displayed on the morning background layer ML. Then, in the fourth lap in the morning, as shown in FIG. 12 again, scroll variation display is performed with the source character GC and the shark character SC displayed on the morning background layer ML.

  As described above, the control device 24 continuously and repeatedly executes the background screen display control as described above except when a predetermined trigger occurs. When the predetermined trigger occurs, after the jackpot state, a specific reach state (for example, a state where a specific reach pattern such as log reach or ice reach is produced), and display of the demonstration screen are finished, The displayed background screen is reset to the initial state (the first state of the daytime background layer DL).

  In the present embodiment, there is a game mode switching control as one of the controls by the CPU (control device 24) on the main board 61 side. In the present embodiment, basically two modes are prepared except for the big hit state. That is, for example, a normal mode in which a jackpot state is generated with a low probability of about 1/300 and a high probability mode in which a jackpot state is generated with a high probability of about 1/150, which is twice that (hereinafter referred to as “probability mode” for convenience). ").

  In general, the concept of the probability variation mode is as follows: (1) The probability that “7” is displayed on the 7-segment display unit 53 is increased compared to the normal time, and the opportunity to open the blades 6 of the operation port 3 is increased. , (2) shortening the fluctuation time of the numbers in the 7-segment display section 53, (3) increasing the opening time of the blades 6 (and / or increasing the number of winning prizes), (4) special symbol display device 13 display parts 13a 17A to 17H, 17K variation time is shortened, (5) jackpot probability is higher than the normal mode, etc. In the probability variation mode in the present embodiment, Only (5) is executed. More specifically, when the value of the random number counter is, for example, “7” or “77”, the game ball 5 wins the operating port 3 and is detected by the operating port switch 21 (at the maximum number of times of holding) The jackpot state is generated based on the above.

  Now, in the present embodiment, the game mode is appropriately switched according to the display mode of the background. That is, when the morning background layer ML is displayed, more specifically, in the first and third laps in the morning, the probability change mode is set as the game mode, and at other timings, the normal mode is set as the game mode. Is set.

  This control content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. That is, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a “game mode switching routine” executed by the control device 24, and is executed every predetermined time (for example, “2 ms”). When the processing shifts to this routine, the control device 24 first determines in step S001 whether or not a big hit state is currently occurring and a demonstration screen is not displayed. In the subsequent step S002, the current background timing is confirmed. In other words, it is confirmed which background is currently displayed (the number of laps in the morning, noon, and night).

  Further, in step S003, it is determined whether the present is the first lap in the morning or the third lap. If a negative determination is made, the game mode is set to the normal mode, and the subsequent processing is temporarily ended. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made (in the case of the first or third lap in the morning), the game mode is set to the probability change mode (special mode), and the subsequent processing is temporarily ended. Therefore, during the first or third lap in the morning when the probability variation mode is set, the jackpot occurrence probability is increased by a factor of two compared to the other cases.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the mutual switching between the normal mode and the probability variation mode is performed without requiring the occurrence of the jackpot state as a necessary condition. For this reason, even if there is no sign of a big hit state during the normal mode, the player can expect the probability variation mode to occur.

  In addition, in the display unit 13a, the player is notified in a different manner depending on each game mode. That is, by displaying the morning screen in the background, the player can grasp that the probability variation mode may occur. Therefore, joy is felt based on such a change from night to morning, and conversely, it is anxious based on the change to the daytime screen. As a result, a dramatic improvement in interest can be achieved.

  Furthermore, when the probability variation mode occurs, the probability of occurrence of the jackpot state becomes higher than that in the normal mode, and during this time, the player can play the game while expecting the occurrence of the jackpot state.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the notification is performed in the background of the display unit 13a. Therefore, based on the fact that the background is switched from night to morning and from morning to noon, it can be understood that the game mode has been switched. Further, the display modes of day, night, and morning are changed by changing the coloring modes. Therefore, even when the mode is switched, notification according to each game mode can be performed only by changing the coloring after using similar data. As a result, control complexity can be suppressed.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the notification may be performed in different modes even in the same game mode. For example, in the present embodiment, the game mode is not necessarily switched just because the game mode is switched from day to night. Therefore, the game content can be made thick.

  In this embodiment, the probability variation mode generation period is very short compared to the normal mode generation period. Therefore, a rare value is generated in the probability variation mode. The player who understands the probability change mode is spurred by the joy.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the background is initialized based on a predetermined trigger, and as a result, the occurrence of the probability variation mode is delayed. For this reason, a rare value is further generated in the probability variation mode, and the above-described operational effect is further ensured. Further, when the time during which the player is not actually playing a game exceeds a predetermined time, a demo screen is displayed, and this also initializes the background. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player waits without playing a game until the background is switched in the morning.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the background of the grassland or the like is displayed on the display unit 13a. However, any background such as in the sea, in space, in the sky, or in the house may be displayed.

  (B) In the above embodiment, as the symbols 17A to 17H, a combination of the graphics (character) symbols DG1 to DG8 and the numeric symbols N1 to N8 is adopted. Also good. Moreover, you may combine symbol factors other than embodiment, such as a combination of another symbol. Furthermore, you may combine 3 or more types of design factors.

  (C) In the above-described embodiment, the morning and daytime scenery is created by changing the coloring, but in addition to this, a change in time (minute / second unit, hour unit) different from morning and daytime, A change in season (spring, summer, autumn and winter) or a change in weather (such as cloudy weather) may be brought about. Moreover, it is good also as not changing a coloring.

  (D) In the above embodiment, each layer DL, NL, ML is scrolled by day: 6 laps → night: 6 laps → morning: 4 laps each, but there may be no more than one lap each.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the game mode is notified based on the scenery (background) of morning, day and night. However, the game mode is notified based on the display forms of the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K. Also good. For example, the colors of the symbols 17A to 17H and 17K may be changed every time switching is performed between the normal mode and the probability variation mode. At this time, even if there is no switching, the coloring may be different.

  (F) Furthermore, notification may be performed based on at least one display target displayed in the background. For example, the probability variation mode may be generated only when, for example, a high-premium character (UFO character UC or roaring character DC) is displayed.

  (G) The display mode of the display unit 13a may be changed so that the player cannot grasp the current game mode or is more difficult than the above embodiment. For example, it may be configured to be switched to the probability change mode at the fourth lap at night at a certain timing and at the fifth lap at noon at another timing. By adopting such a configuration, the game mode may be unknown to the player at that time, and the thickness is further increased depending on the game content.

  (H) In the embodiment described above, the occurrence of a jackpot state, the occurrence of a specific reach state (for example, log reach, ice reach), and display of a demonstration screen are given as predetermined triggers. At least one of these is given. May be excluded from a predetermined opportunity.

  Moreover, it is good also as resetting not only with the said specific reach state but with generation | occurrence | production of all reach states.

  (I) Furthermore, when the first lap in the morning approaches, it is sometimes possible to forcibly generate the specific reach state and perform initialization. Here, a forced initialization process executed by the control device 24 will be described. That is, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a “forced initialization flag setting routine” executed by the control device 24, and is executed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms).

  When the process proceeds to this routine, the control device 24 first determines in step S101 whether or not the initialization flag XCL is set to “0”. When the initialization flag XCL is not set to “0” (when set to “1”), the forced initialization process is assumed to be executed soon, and the subsequent processes are temporarily ended. To do. If the initialization flag XCL is set to “0”, it is determined in step S102 whether the current time corresponds to the second or third lap of the night. If a negative determination is made, it still takes time to switch to the morning, and it is not necessary to forcibly initialize, and the subsequent processing is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, if the current time corresponds to the second or third lap of the night, it is determined in subsequent step S103 whether or not the initialization is actually forcibly performed. Here, in the present embodiment, an affirmative determination is made with a probability of 1/2 using a predetermined counter or the like. Of course, this is merely an example, and a positive determination may be made with a probability of 99%, a positive determination may be made with a probability of one third, or a positive determination with a probability of 1%. It may be determined. If a negative determination is made in step S103, it is assumed that there is no need to perform forced initialization this time, and the subsequent processing is temporarily ended.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S103, the forced initialization flag XCL is set to “1” in step S104 to forcibly execute initialization, and the subsequent processing is temporarily ended.

  As described above, in the forced initialization flag setting routine, the forced initialization flag XCL is still “0”, the background is the second or third lap of the night, and the predetermined initialization condition is satisfied. The forced initialization flag XCL is set to “1”.

  Next, processing contents when a specific reach pattern is generated according to the forced initialization flag XCL at that time will be described. That is, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a “design variation start routine” executed by the control device 24. This routine is a “special electric accessory control routine” for controlling the special electric accessory, the display device 13 and the like using the calculation results of “random number distribution routine”, “storage processing routine”, etc. (not shown). Are executed at predetermined intervals after the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, on condition that the value of the hold counter is not “0”.

  In the “symbol fluctuation start processing routine”, the control device 24 first determines in step S201 whether or not the value of the internal random number counter is a jackpot value. If the value of the internal random number counter is a jackpot value, the jackpot symbol corresponding to the jackpot value is stored in the memory as a stop symbol in step S202. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  On the other hand, if the determination condition in step S201 is not satisfied, it is determined in step S203 whether or not the current forced initialization flag XCL is set to “1”. If a negative determination is made (in the case of XCL = “0”), it is determined that there is no need to forcibly initialize the background, and the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the control device 24 determines whether or not the value of the outreach random number counter is the same as the predetermined outreach value. If the value of the outlier reach random number counter is the same as the outlier reach value, in step S205, the symbol corresponding to the outlier reach value (outlier reach symbol) is stored in the memory as a stop symbol, and the process proceeds to step S207. . If the determination condition in step S204 is not satisfied, in step S206, the separately determined off symbol is stored in the memory as a stop symbol, and the process proceeds to step S208.

  Now, the process proceeds from step S202 or step S205, and a reach pattern is acquired in step S208. That is, any one of various reach patterns such as the above-mentioned “normal reach”, “slave reach”, “log reach”, “ice reach”, “girl reach” and the like is determined based on the reach type determination counter. And it transfers from step S207, step S206, or step S211 mentioned later, and in step S208, the symbol fluctuation | variation of the special symbol display apparatus 13 is started, and this routine is once complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S203, that is, if the forced initialization flag XCL is currently set to “1”, the process proceeds to step S209 to forcibly initialize the background. In step S209, regardless of the value of the reach random number counter, the control device 24 stores the symbol corresponding to the outlier reach value (outlier reach symbol) as a stop symbol in the memory.

  In the subsequent step S210, one of the specific reach patterns is acquired. That is, either log reach or ice reach is acquired and stored in order to generate a reach state with the reach pattern.

  Then, in the next step S211, the forced reach flag XCL is switched to “0” on the assumption that the background is initialized by producing the specific reach pattern, and the process proceeds to the above-described step S208. Then, in step S208, the symbol variation of the special symbol display device 13 is started, and this routine is once ended. As described above, according to the “symbol fluctuation start processing routine”, when a big hit occurs, a reach state occurs when the value of the outlier reach counter matches the outlier reach value. In addition, in the present embodiment, a specific reach state (log reach or ice reach) occurs even when the forced initialization flag XCL is set to “1”. In this way, when a specific reach state occurs, the background screen is initialized after the reach state ends, and the background is scrolled from the first round of the day.

  By adopting such a configuration, a more rare value is generated by the probability variation mode, and the fun is increased.

  (J) In the above embodiment, only one type of probability variation mode (a big hit state occurs at 1/150) is prepared. However, a plurality of types of additional gaming states (such as probability variation mode) may be prepared. Then, the mutual switching between the probability variation modes may be performed without requiring the occurrence of the big hit state.

  (K) In the above embodiment, the probability variation mode is adopted as the additional gaming state, and the concept is only that the jackpot probability is increased, but in addition to the jackpot probability being increased, (1) 7 segments Increasing the probability that “7” is displayed on the display unit 53 compared to the normal time, increasing the opportunity to open the blades 6 of the operating port 3, and (2) shortening the fluctuation time of the numbers in the 7-segment display unit 53. (3) Increasing the opening time of the blade 6 (and / or increasing the number of winnings), (4) Shortening the fluctuation time of the symbols 17A to 17L and 17K of the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13. All matters may be executed. In addition to increasing the jackpot probability, satisfying any one of (1) to (4) may be regarded as a probability variation mode.

  (L) Further, as the additional gaming state, a time reduction mode (time reduction mode) may be adopted instead of the probability variation mode. As the time reduction mode, any combination of (1) to (4) of (k) (for example, (1) and (2), (1) and (3), (1) and (4), (2) And (3), (2) and (4), (3) and (4), (1) and (2) and (3), (1) and (2) and (4), (1) and ( 3) and (4), (2), (3) and (4)) can be adopted.

  (M) Although not described in the above embodiment, in addition to the probability variation mode of the above embodiment, the game machine that can execute a general time reduction mode, probability variation mode, and the like that has been conventionally performed Applicable. Such a short time mode, a probability variation mode, etc. may be continued until the next big hit time, or it is continued for a predetermined number of rotation fluctuations of the symbols 17A to 17H, 17K, and then switched to the normal mode. You may do it. Further, when the time reduction mode or the probability variation mode is selected, the special mode may be continued until the big hit state occurs twice or more. In addition, as a result, the number of continuations in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode (the number of continuation occurrences of the jackpot state) may be made variable according to the jackpot symbol. Further, when the conventional probability change mode or the time reduction mode is finished and the mode is shifted to the normal mode, the probability change mode in the present embodiment occurs relatively frequently or for a relatively long time as a special bonus. It is good also as a structure. By adopting such a configuration, the fun is further increased.

  (N) The scroll fluctuation speed may be varied depending on each coloring mode. For example, when a character with high premierness (UFO character UC or throbbing character DC) appears, the scroll fluctuation speed may be made slower than before. By doing in this way, the player can see the character carefully and can have a thrilling feeling that something will happen.

  (O) As the display device 13, other than the liquid crystal display described above, a CRT, a dot matrix, an LED, an electroluminescence (EL), a fluorescent display lamp or the like may be used.

  (P) The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a type different from the above embodiment. For example, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that is in a special gaming state under the condition that a game ball is awarded in a predetermined area after a jackpot symbol is displayed. In addition to pachinko machines, the present invention can be implemented as various gaming machines such as alepatchi, sparrow balls, and slot machines. In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating an operation lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and the symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating a stop button or the like. belongs to. Accordingly, the basic concept of the slot machine is that it is provided with a symbol display means for displaying a fixed symbol after a symbol string consisting of a plurality of symbols is variably displayed, and is caused by the operation of a starting operation means (for example, an operating lever). As a necessary condition, the fluctuation starts and the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses, and the confirmed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. The slot machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player.

  (Q) In the above embodiment, the display mode is changed in the background of the display unit 13a. However, the notification may be made using sound or light.

  (R) Based on a separate opportunity, it may be possible to change the background at least temporarily (for example, it is displayed as if smoke is emitted from the chimney of the house, and the probability change mode occurs while smoke is emitted). It is also possible to use a configuration that can

  (S) Depending on the time (for example, the number of cycles), the period and frequency of occurrence of the probability variation mode may be variable. For example, in the first cycle, a specific reach state may always occur before the morning background is displayed.

  (T) A longer cycle (for example, one cycle is, for example, about 1 hour) than the above embodiment may be required.

  (U) The jackpot probability may be set lower than in the normal mode for a predetermined period immediately before the probability variation mode in the above embodiment is generated.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 2 ... Game board, 3 ... Operation opening, 4 ... Grand prize opening, 5 ... Game ball, 13 ... Display apparatus, 13a ... Display part, 14 ... Upper symbol row, 15 ... Middle symbol row, 16 ... Lower symbol row, 17A to 17H, 17K ... symbol, 24 ... control device, ML ... morning background layer, DL ... daytime background layer, NL ... night background layer.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of generating a normal gaming state, a special gaming state advantageous to the player, and an additional gaming state that is more effective for the player than the normal gaming state and is less advantageous to the player than the special gaming state. And
The mutual switching between the normal gaming state and the additional gaming state is performed without requiring the occurrence of the special gaming state, and the player is notified in a different manner depending on each gaming state. A gaming machine that is configured to perform.

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