JP2021013845A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of easily understanding an entry situation of game balls into a general winning hole.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 includes: one or plural general winning holes 10 that are winning holes that game balls may enter in a state of a game to be played while aiming at winning a jackpot and do not permit execution of a jackpot lottery although a predetermined number of game balls are put out as winning balls; and winning state reporting means that shows an entry situation of game balls into the general winning hole 10, and reports occurrence of a nonstandard event when the nonstandard event in which the entry situation deviates from a predetermined standard. In the game machine 1, a reported state regarding occurrence of the nonstandard event by the winning state reporting means is maintained until a predetermined reset condition as a condition that a player cannot establish is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

Many pachinko gaming machines are provided with a general winning opening in which a prize ball is paid out when the game ball is won, but a big hit lottery is not executed when the prize is won (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-093498

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily grasping the winning status of a gaming ball with respect to a general winning opening.

The gaming machine according to the present invention made to solve the above problems is a winning opening in which a gaming ball may win a prize in a gaming state in which a game is played aiming at winning a big hit, and the gaming ball wins a prize. A predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls, but the lottery for big hits is not executed. One or more general prize openings and the winning status of the game balls for the general prize openings are shown. When a non-standard event occurs in which the winning status deviates from a predetermined standard, the non-standard event by the winning status notification means is provided with a winning status notification means for notifying that the non-standard event has occurred. The notification state of occurrence is characterized in that it is maintained until a predetermined reset condition, which is a condition that the player cannot satisfy, is satisfied.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the winning status of the gaming ball with respect to the general winning opening.

It is a front view of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the winning situation notification means. It is a figure for demonstrating the time measurement method by a timer part. (A) is a diagram showing a light emitting mode of a light emitting unit showing a winning situation, and (b) is a diagram showing a light emitting mode of the light emitting unit when a specific effect is generated. It is a figure for demonstrating the 4th specific example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the game machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The game machine 1 includes a game board 90. The game board 90 is formed of a substantially square plywood, and the guide rail 903 forming a passage for guiding the game ball launched by the operation of the launch device 908 (launch handle) to the game area 902 has a substantially arc shape. It is provided as follows.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a start winning opening 904, a large winning opening 906, an out opening 907, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is an area that can be visually recognized through the opening 901 formed in the game board 90. In some drawings, the display area 911 is roughly described, but its shape and the like can be changed as appropriate (the shape and size of the opening 901 and the shape and size of the display device 91 itself can be changed. The shape of the display area 911 can be changed with.).

Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the flow mode of the game balls when the flowing game balls collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes in various modes depending on the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a game machine 1, the game ball is launched toward the game area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a game ball flowing down the game area 902 wins a prize opening such as a start winning opening 904 or a large winning opening 906, it is paid out when a predetermined number of game balls (hereinafter, a game ball wins a prize in the winning opening). The game ball is called a prize ball) is paid out by the payout device.

The components of the game machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the game machine 1, the lower plate and the upper plate for storing the game balls, will not be described. As for these, those having the same structure as a known game machine can be applied.

The jackpot lottery is executed by a winning / failing determination means provided on a control board (not shown) triggered by winning a game ball into the starting winning opening 904 (a plurality of such starting winning openings may be provided). Specifically, a numerical value is acquired from the random number source triggered by the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 904, and if the numerical value is the same as the predetermined jackpot value, it becomes a jackpot, and if it is different, it becomes a jackpot. It will be out of order. Since it is the same as a known game machine, a detailed description will be omitted, but in the case of a big hit, the identification symbol 80 (the symbol for notifying the hit / fail determination result; see FIG. 1 and the like) is a predetermined combination (for example, the same). It will be notified by making a set of three symbols), and if any other combination is displayed, it will be out of order.

The game machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a general winning opening 10 in addition to the above-mentioned starting winning opening and large winning opening as a winning opening to which the winning ball is paid out when the game ball wins (see FIG. 1). .. The number of prize balls to be paid out when a prize is won in each prize opening can be set as appropriate. The general winning opening 10 is different from the starting winning opening in that the big hit lottery is not executed when the game ball is won. In other words, although they are common in that prize balls are paid out (regardless of the number of prize balls), they are different in that the jackpot lottery is executed or not. Further, the general winning opening 10 is different from the large winning opening in that the game ball may win a prize in the game state in which the game is played aiming at the big hit. That is, the big winning opening is a winning opening that is opened during the big hit game that is executed after winning the big hit, and the game ball may win only in the opened state, while the general winning opening 10 Is different in that its entrance is always open and it is a winning opening where a game ball may win even if the jackpot game is not in progress. Of course, since the entrance of the general winning opening 10 is always open, there is a possibility that the game ball will win the general winning opening 10 even during the big hit game.

The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a normal gaming state (low probability gaming state) in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively low and a game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively low. A special gaming state (high probability gaming state) is set. The normal game state is a game state in which the player plays (so-called left-handed) so that the game ball enters the left side of the game area. The special game state is a game state in which the player plays a game (so-called right-handed strike) so that the game ball enters the right side of the game area. The specifications of the gaming machine regarding the transition of the gaming state may be any. As long as the jackpot that shifts to the normal game state after the end of the jackpot game is not won, the special game state may be continued (so-called continuous chan) "probability variation loop machine", or the winning / failing lottery may be lost a predetermined number of times in a row. It may be an "ST machine" in which the special gaming state continues until it becomes. Unless otherwise specified, the various items described below shall refer to those in the normal gaming state (when performing so-called left-handed hitting).

The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes one or a plurality of general winning openings 10 at positions where the gaming ball may win when the player strikes left. In the present embodiment, the first general winning opening 11, the second general winning opening 12, and the third general winning opening 13 are provided (see FIG. 1). In addition, a winning status notification means (see FIG. 2) indicating the winning status of the game ball with respect to the general winning opening 10 is provided. The winning status notification means includes a control unit 21 for grasping the winning status of the game ball with respect to the general winning opening 10, a notification unit 22 for notifying when a predetermined condition (details will be described later) based on the winning status is satisfied. A timer unit 23 capable of measuring time is provided. Some of the elements that make up these winning status notification means form a circuit built on a board (not shown). The control unit 21 is a game ball detection sensor (first sensor 111, second sensor) provided in each general winning opening 10 (first general winning opening 11, second general winning opening 12, third general winning opening 13). It is possible to communicate with 121, the third sensor 131). Through the communication, it is possible to grasp how much the game ball has won in the general winning opening 10.

The notification unit 22 has a light emitting unit (which is an LED in this embodiment) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of general winning openings 10 (naturally, the light emitting unit is one of the circuits constructed on the substrate. Not a department). The light emitting unit emits light in a predetermined mode in response to a command from the control unit 21. In the present embodiment, the first light emitting unit 221 associated with the first general winning opening 11, the second light emitting unit 222 associated with the second general winning opening 12, and the third general winning opening 13 are associated with each other. A third light emitting unit 223 is provided. The position where each light emitting unit is provided may be such that the correspondence relationship with the corresponding general winning opening 10 can be grasped. Specifically, each light emitting unit is provided at a position closer to the first general winning opening 11 than the second general winning opening 12 and the third general winning opening 13. It is provided at a close position so that the distance to the corresponding general winning opening 10 is smaller than that of the other general winning openings 10. In the present embodiment, a light emitting unit is provided in front of the pockets constituting each general winning opening 10. Each light emitting unit is capable of emitting light in two or more light emitting colors.

The winning status notification means 20 according to the present embodiment emits light from the light emitting unit when the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 10 is not detected for a predetermined period measured by the timer unit 23 during the normal game state. Notifies that the event has occurred. Here, in the present embodiment, the time measured by the timer unit 23 is the time when the game ball is actually fired, that is, the time when the player is playing. When the game is not being played, the time measurement by the timer unit 23 is stopped. The time measured by the timer unit 23 is reset when the winning of the game ball to the corresponding general winning opening 10 is detected. Therefore, the situation where the game is being played (during the previous game) is shifted to the situation where the game is not being played (the game is stopped), and then the situation where the game is being played again (during the later game). Occasionally, when the previous game ends, the time measurement is temporarily stopped, and the time measurement is restarted from the start of the later game (see FIG. 3). That is, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the general winning opening 10 before the period in which the game is actually performed reaches a predetermined period. Any method may be used to determine whether or not the game is actually being played (whether or not the game ball is being fired). Judgment based on whether or not the game ball is detected by the sensor in the guide rail through which the game ball launched toward the game area passes, and whether or not the launching device (launching handle) is operated. It can be exemplified to make a judgment based on.

In the present embodiment, the control is executed for each of the plurality of general winning openings 10. For example, when the first general winning opening 11 is not recognized for a predetermined period, the first light emitting unit 221 is made to emit light in a predetermined mode. The light emission of the "predetermined mode" is such that the light emission continues in a predetermined emission color until the reset condition is satisfied. Here, the predetermined emission color is different from the emission color when the specific effect is generated, which will be described in detail later. In the present embodiment, the light is continuously emitted in the red emission color until the reset condition is satisfied (in the drawing, it is indicated by characters that the emission is red) (see FIG. 4A). In addition, "continue to emit light" includes a light emitting mode in which the light continues to blink. That is, the light emission (including blinking) of a predetermined mode continues until the reset condition is satisfied. Since the light emitting unit emits light in a predetermined manner in this way, the game store in which the game machine 1 is installed must not win a prize in the general winning opening 10 corresponding to the light emitting unit for a while. It is possible to grasp.

Moreover, the reset condition can be set from various viewpoints. In the present embodiment, an operation means (not shown) that can be operated by the game store side (game clerk) is provided inside the game machine (provided at a place where the player cannot operate without permission), and the operation is performed. By operating the means, the light emission of the light emitting unit that emits light in a predetermined mode (red) is reset (turned off). That is, the light emitting unit continues to emit light in a predetermined mode until the game store side grasps that the winning of the game ball is not recognized for a predetermined period.

Further, in the present embodiment, the reset condition is not satisfied even when the power of the game machine 1 is turned off. That is, the power supply is temporarily turned off with the light emitting unit emitting light in a predetermined mode, and the light emitting unit is maintained in the light emitting state even when the power is turned on again (however, the power supply is OFF). During that time, the light emitting part is non-light emitting). The power of the game machine 1 is turned off without knowing that the winning of the game ball is not accepted for a predetermined period for the general winning opening 10 where the game store side is located (after the store is closed, the power is turned on without confirming the light emission of the light emitting part. It may be turned off). Further, even during business hours, it is conceivable to temporarily turn off the power to solve the problem. In such a case, if the light emission of the light emitting unit is reset, it will not be possible to grasp the notification about the winning status of the general winning opening 10, so that the light emitting unit will emit light again when the power is turned on. To be.

When a game ball wins in the general prize opening 10, the prize ball is paid out, so that the player can play without reducing the game ball (playing for a relatively long time) so that the game ball wins in the general prize opening 10. .. It can be said that such a situation in which a game ball hardly wins a prize in the general winning opening 10 is not so preferable. According to the game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to grasp that such a situation has occurred by the notification by the winning status notification means 20.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the light emitting unit corresponding to each of the plurality of general winning openings 10 is provided, it is easy to determine which general winning opening 10 has a situation in which the game ball does not win much. It is possible to grasp.

The light emitting unit not only notifies the event that the game ball has not won the general winning opening 10 for a predetermined period (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "winning status"), but also exerts a directing effect. Function. Specifically, the light emitting unit temporarily emits light as a specific effect (details of the specific effect will be described later). That is, the light emission indicating the winning status continues to emit light in a predetermined mode (red) until the reset condition is satisfied, while the light emission as a specific effect temporarily emits light for a certain period of time. It is a thing. Here, the term "temporary" is not limited to a constant light emission time. It is assumed that a configuration in which the light emitting time changes each time is included according to the mode of the specific effect. Since the light emission as a specific effect is performed as a "effect", the light emission is different from the light emission when notifying the winning status in that the light emission ends naturally without any operation or the like.

In the present embodiment, as a specific effect, when a game ball wins a prize in the general winning opening 10, the corresponding light emitting unit is made to emit light for a predetermined period (however, blinks for a predetermined period) in order to inform the player of the fact of the winning in an easy-to-understand manner. It is set to continue (including continuing) (the light emitting unit corresponding to the general winning opening 10 in which no winning has occurred is not made to emit light). Here, the light emitting mode as the specific effect is different from the light emitting mode for indicating the winning situation. In the present embodiment, the emission color of the light emitting unit is different. Specifically, the light emission indicating the winning status is a red light emission color, while the light emission as a specific effect is a white light emission color (see FIG. 4B). By doing so, the amusement shop side can easily determine whether the light emitting unit emits light to indicate the winning status or as a directing effect.

An effect other than the above effect may be set as a specific effect. For example, when an effect of displaying a predetermined image (including both a moving image and a still image) is executed in the display area, it is conceivable to make the light emitting unit emit light together with the illumination provided for decoration. .. That is, it is set as a specific effect that the light emitting unit functions as a kind of illumination. Since emitting light as a kind of such illumination does not emit light as an indication of winning of the general winning opening 10, a plurality of light emitting units are made to emit light in a certain fixed mode. For example, a plurality of light emitting units are made to function as decorations, such as making a plurality of light emitting units emit light (blinking) at the same time, or causing the first light emitting unit 221 to emit light, the second light emitting unit 222, and the third light emitting unit 223 in this order. It will be. Even when the light emitting unit functions as a decoration in this way, the light emitting color of the light emitting unit is different from the light emitting color (red in the present embodiment) for notifying the winning status.

Hereinafter, specific examples in which the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment has been improved, embodied, and modified will be described. In addition, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of techniques described with reference to the following specific examples are applied in combination.

○ First Specific Example In the above embodiment, the light emitting unit is set to a predetermined mode on the condition that the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 10 is not detected for a predetermined period (hereinafter, may be referred to as a light emitting condition). However, the light emitting conditions can be changed as appropriate as long as it indicates the winning status of the general winning opening 10.

For example, it is conceivable that the light emitting condition is that the number of game balls that have won a prize in the general winning opening 10 during a predetermined period is less than the predetermined number. That is, the light emission condition may be whether or not the number of prizes has reached a predetermined number, not whether or not there has been a prize.

In addition, whether or not the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 10 is detected or whether or not a predetermined number of winnings are recognized between the time when one big hit is won and the time when the next big hit is won. Is considered to be the light emitting condition. That is, a predetermined period is set from one big hit to the next big hit. Acquiring a new jackpot means that the player is playing the game continuously to a certain extent, so it is not preferable that the game ball does not win the general winning opening 10 in the meantime. Assuming that, it is notified. In this way, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to measure the time (it is not necessary to provide the timer unit 23). From the same point of view, whether or not the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 10 is detected or whether or not a predetermined number of winnings are recognized during the transition from the normal gaming state to the special gaming state. It is also conceivable to set the light emission condition.

○ Second Specific Example As the length of the above-mentioned predetermined period, the same length may not be set for each of the plurality of general winning openings 10. That is, the length of the predetermined period set in one general winning opening 10 is different from the length of the predetermined period set in another general winning opening 10. Since the ease of winning a game ball for each general winning opening 10 differs depending on the position where the general winning opening 10 is provided, the arrangement of the game nails, etc., a length of a predetermined period suitable for each general winning opening 10 is set. To do so. By doing so, it is possible to prevent unnecessary notification (light emission in a predetermined mode of the light emitting unit) from being generated.

○ Third specific example The configuration is such that the length (time) of a predetermined period can be set to any length. Since the predetermined period is a threshold value for notifying whether or not the winning frequency for the general winning opening 10 is in a situation different from the intended one, the threshold value can be set to an arbitrary value. By doing so, it is possible to prevent unnecessary notification (light emission in a predetermined mode of the light emitting unit) from being generated.

When a plurality of general winning openings 10 are provided, it is preferable that the length of each of the plurality of general winning openings 10 can be adjusted for a predetermined period. That is, it is preferable that the length of the predetermined period can be adjusted for each of the general winning openings 10 according to the ease of winning the game ball.

○ Fourth Specific Example In the above embodiment, a light emitting unit emits light (red light in the above embodiment) to notify that a game ball has not won a prize for a predetermined period for a certain general winning opening 10. However, other notification modes may be used.

For example, it is conceivable to display in the display area that the game ball has not won a prize for a certain general winning opening 10 for a predetermined period. As shown in FIG. 5A, an image 51 (“○○ general winning opening” makes it possible for not only the game store side but also the player to easily grasp that the situation has occurred. : A display that directly indicates the situation, such as "Long-term non-winning") may be displayed, or as shown in FIG. 5 (b), an indirect image that can only be grasped by the amusement store side. 52 (something like a mark) may be displayed.

As another example, information that the game ball has not won a prize for a predetermined period (non-winning information) for a certain general winning opening 10 is notified to the control device (so-called hall computer) of the game store. It is conceivable to do so. That is, the game machine itself does not have a means for notifying that the situation is as described above, but has a communication means for transmitting the non-winning information to the device owned by the game store. With such a configuration, even if the above situation occurs, the game machine itself does not change, so that the player playing the game feels uncomfortable. It is possible to suppress.

○ Fifth Specific Example The configuration is such that a mode in which the winning status is notified by the winning status notification means 20 (notification mode) and a mode in which the notification is not made (non-notification mode) are set. Since it is expected that there will be a certain number of players who think that it is not necessary to notify the winning status, a non-notification mode will be installed for such players. When the non-notification mode is set, the light emitting unit does not emit light to notify the winning status, but the light emitting unit may emit light as an effect. For example, even when the non-notification mode is set, the light emitting unit may emit light to indicate that the game ball has won a prize in the general winning opening 10.

It is conceivable that the switching of the above modes can be performed at the player's will. That is, it can be considered to be installed as a kind of so-called customization function. In this way, the player can select whether or not to enjoy the winning status notification action by the winning status notification means 20 according to his / her preference. When a plurality of general winning openings 10 are provided, the player can individually select whether to set the notification mode or the non-notification mode for each of the plurality of general winning openings 10. It may be possible.

Further, as another example, it is conceivable that the above mode can be switched by the game store side (game store clerk) in which the game machine 1 is installed (switching by the player is not possible). The game store side can select whether or not to show the player the winning status of the general winning opening 10. When a plurality of general winning openings 10 are provided, the game store side can individually select whether to set the notification mode or the non-notification mode for each of the plurality of general winning openings 10. It may be a thing.

Further, as another example, a time acquisition means (real-time clock (RTC)) for acquiring the actual time (real time) is provided, and the notification mode and the non-notification mode are provided according to the real time acquired by the time acquisition means. Can be switched. A gaming machine in which a special effect (hereinafter referred to as RTC effect) is executed when the actual time is at a predetermined time (for example, between PM1: 00 to PM1: 30). As is well known, it is assumed that the notification mode is set when the RTC effect is being executed, and the non-notification mode is set when the RTC effect is not being executed. In this way, while the RTC production is being executed, the winning status notification effect of the winning status notification means 20 can be enjoyed, which contributes to the promotion of the game during the RTC production. .. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the game is not played even though the RTC effect is being executed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Specific means (game machines) obtained from the above embodiments are listed below.

・ Means 1
It is a winning opening where a game ball may win a prize in a game state in which a game is played aiming at winning a big hit, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls when the game ball wins a prize. The jackpot lottery will not be executed with one or more general winning openings,
A winning status notification means indicating the winning status of the game ball with respect to the general winning opening, and
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.
According to the above-mentioned game machine, it is possible to easily grasp the winning status of the game ball with respect to the general winning opening.

・ Means 2
The gaming machine according to means 1, wherein a plurality of general winning openings are provided, and a winning status notification means corresponding to each of the general winning openings is provided.
In this way, it is possible to grasp the winning status of each general winning opening.

・ Means 3
When the winning status notification means includes a light emitting unit provided so as to accompany the corresponding general winning opening, and the winning status of the game ball to the corresponding general winning opening does not meet a predetermined standard. The gaming machine according to the means 2, wherein the light emitting unit is configured to emit light in a predetermined mode.
In this way, it is possible to easily grasp which general winning opening is in a situation that does not meet the predetermined criteria.

・ Means 4
When the light emitting unit emits light in a mode different from the predetermined mode as at least a part of the specific effect when the winning status of the corresponding general winning opening does not satisfy the predetermined criterion. The gaming machine according to means 3, wherein there is.
As described above, the light emitting unit can function not only as an indicator of the winning status of the general winning opening but also as an indicator of the effect of effect. In addition, even if the light emitting unit emits light because the winning status of the corresponding general winning opening does not meet the predetermined criteria, it seems to the player that the light is emitted as a "directing" ( It is difficult for the player to notice that the winning status does not meet the prescribed criteria).

・ Means 5
When the winning status of the corresponding general winning opening does not meet the predetermined criteria, the light emission of the predetermined aspect of the light emitting unit continues to emit light in a predetermined emission color until the reset condition is satisfied. And
As a kind of the specific effect, when the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening is detected, the light emitting portion corresponding to the general winning opening is temporarily changed to a different emitting color from the predetermined emitting color. The gaming machine according to means 4, wherein a light emitting effect is set.
By doing so, it is possible to easily determine whether the light emitting unit is emitting light or whether it is emitting light as an effect because the winning status of the corresponding general winning opening does not meet the predetermined criteria. (It can be easily identified by the game store).

1 Game machine 10 General winning opening 11 First general winning opening 111 First sensor 12 Second general winning opening 121 Second sensor 13 Third general winning opening 131 Third sensor 20 Winning status notification means 21 Control unit 22 Notification unit 221 First 1 Light emitting unit 222 Second light emitting unit 223 Third light emitting unit 23 Timer unit 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

It is a winning opening where a game ball may win a prize in a game state in which a game is played aiming at winning a big hit, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls when the game ball wins a prize. The jackpot lottery will not be executed with one or more general winning openings,
It shows the winning status of the game ball with respect to the general winning opening, and when a non-standard event occurs in which the winning status deviates from a predetermined standard, the winning status for notifying that the non-standard event has occurred. Notification means and
With
A gaming machine characterized in that the notification state of occurrence of the non-standard event by the winning status notification means is maintained until a predetermined reset condition, which is a condition that the player cannot establish, is satisfied.

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