JP2022024419A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow even a newcomer to casually enjoy a game without any confusion when starting a game.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a shooting handle with which a player performs a rotating operation for shooting a game ball, and contact detecting means (a touch switch) for detecting contact of the player with the shooting handle. Alternatively, the game machine executes a variable display of identification information (special symbols) based on a fact that a game ball shot to a game area and reaching a prescribed position is detected by ball detecting means and when the identification information is stationarily displayed in a specific mode, and produces a specific state advantageous to the player. When the contact detecting means detects contact of the player in a state where the variable display of identification information is not executed for a prescribed time or more, the game machine executes a game instruction of a game progressing manner. This configuration allows even an unaccustomed newcomer to casually enjoy the game without any confusion by following the game instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) that plays a game by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board.

A gaming machine that plays a game by launching a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board is equipped with a firing handle that the player rotates to launch the gaming ball. When the firing handle is rotated in a predetermined firing direction (for example, clockwise), the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. A prize opening is generally provided in the game area, and when a game ball enters the winning opening, a prize ball is given to the player. In addition, the identification information (special symbol) is variablely displayed based on the entry of the game ball into the predetermined winning opening (starting opening), and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a variable specific winning is given. A gaming machine that performs a specific game (big hit game) that is advantageous to a player whose mouth (large winning opening) is in a state where the ball cannot be entered and is in a state where the ball can be entered is widespread (for example, Patent Document 1). The player in such a gaming machine plays a game while eagerly aspiring that the result of the variable display of the identification information leads to the stop display in a specific mode.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-83217

However, for inexperienced beginners, the progress of the game as described above may be complicated, and the position of the starting port may differ depending on the model, so it is difficult to understand what to do when starting the game, and it is confusing. There was a problem that it could end up.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that even a beginner can easily enjoy without being confused at the start of a game.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
A launch handle that the player rotates to launch the game ball,
A contact detection means for detecting the player's contact with the launch handle,
A ball detecting means for detecting the game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position.
Based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detecting means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific state generating means that generates a specific state advantageous to the player, and a specific state generating means.
It is provided with a game explanation executing means for executing a game explanation about how to proceed with the game when the contact detecting means detects a contact of a player in a state where the variation display of the identification information is not performed for a predetermined time or more. It is characterized by that.

In the gaming machine of the present invention described above,
As the game explanation, the game explanation executing means may at least request that the firing handle be rotated in a predetermined firing direction, and may guide the predetermined position to reach the game ball.

In such a gaming machine of the present invention,
The game explanation execution means may end the game explanation when the content of the game explanation is achieved.

Further, in such a gaming machine of the present invention,
Image display means that can display images and
Equipped with an audio output means capable of outputting audio,
The game explanation executing means may explain the game by displaying an image on the image display means and outputting audio from the audio output means.

According to the present invention, even a beginner can easily enjoy the game without being confused at the start of the game.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board 20 of this Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which enlarged and showed the segment display part 50. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates one aspect of the display in an effect display device 41. It is a flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which a CPU 201 of a main control board 200 performs as a control which concerns on the progress of a game. It is a flowchart which showed the game explanation execution process of this Example performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the game explanation performed by the effect display device 41. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the language selection display performed by the effect display device 41.

In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine (game machine) called a "seven machine" or a "digipachi" will be described. In the embodiment, "front" and "table" indicate "front with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction close to the player (front side when viewed from the player)", and "rear" and "rear". "Back" indicates "backward with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction away from the player (back side when viewed from the player)". In addition, "upper" means "upper" when viewed from the player, "lower" indicates "lower" when viewed from the player, and "left" means "lower" when viewed from the player. It indicates that it is "left", and "right" indicates that it is "right" when viewed from the player.

A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the middle frame 3. A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (opened) to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the middle frame 3. , The game board 20 is exposed. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-shaped members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1.

A window portion 4a is formed in a substantially central portion of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a. The player can visually recognize the game area described later of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). Further, a small window portion 4c is formed in the lower right of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted in the small window portion 4c. The player can visually recognize the segment display portion described later of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the small window portion 4c (transparent plate 4d).

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right peripheral portion of the window portion 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left peripheral portion of the window portion 4a. Is provided. Further, a pair of upper speakers 6a are provided on the left and right above the window portion 4a, and lower speakers 6b are provided on the front side of the lower portion of the main body frame 2. The upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, the left side lamp 5c, the upper speaker 6a, and the lower speaker 6b are driven in order to enhance the effect on the game.

An upper dish portion 7 is provided below the window portion 4a in the front frame 4. The upper plate portion 7 stores game balls rented out via the card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 1. Further, a lower plate portion 8 is provided below the upper plate portion 7, and a game ball rented out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7 or a game paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7. The sphere is stored.

A firing handle 9 that can be rotated by a player is provided on the right side of the lower plate portion 8 of the front frame 4. The axis of rotation of the launch handle 9 is connected to a launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the back side of the launch handle 9. The game ball stored in the upper dish 7 is supplied to the launcher unit 261. When the player rotates the launch handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launcher unit 261 and the launch motor built in the launcher unit 261 is activated to play the game with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. The ball is fired.

Further, an effect button 10a that can be pressed by a player is provided on the front edge of the upper dish portion 7, and a pushing operation or a rotation operation by the player is provided on the left side of the lower dish portion 8. There is a jog shuttle 10b that can be used. Further, on the left side of the effect button 10a, a direction button 10c that can be pressed by the player is provided, and the direction button 10c has four buttons (up button, down button) corresponding to four directions of up, down, left, and right. It has a button, a left button, and a right button). These effect buttons 10a, jog shuttle 10b, and direction button 10c are all effect operation units operated by the player, and the player operates the effect operation unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied to produce a game effect. It is possible to be involved in.

A-2. Game board composition:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 20 of this embodiment. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming region 21 is formed in the center of the gaming board 20. The game ball launched from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) is discharged into the game area 21 through between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, and flows down from above the game area 21. Since the game area 21 is visually recognized by the player through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b) of the front frame 4, naturally, the state of the game ball flowing down the game area 21 can also be visually recognized by the player through the window portion 4a. be.

A central device 40 is provided substantially in the center of the game area 21, and the central device 40 includes an effect display device 41. The effect display device 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen thereof, it is possible to display various images for effect and display various information related to the game. The display contents of the effect display device 41 will be described later with reference to another figure.

A normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol actuating gate 27, it is detected by the built-in gate sensor 27s (see FIG. 3) and flows downward.

A first starting port 24 is provided below the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21. The first starting port 24 is open upward, and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant (constant), so that the game ball can always enter. The game ball that has entered the first start port 24 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the first start port sensor 24s (see FIG. 3). The position of the first starting port 24 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "predetermined position" of the present invention, and the first starting port sensor 24s of the present embodiment corresponds to the "ball detecting means" of the present invention. is doing.

Below the first starting port 24 in the game area 21, a second starting port 25 is provided so that the possibility of entering the game ball can be changed. The second starting port 25 of this embodiment is provided with an opening / closing door 26 that is open toward the front and is rotatable with the upper end side tilted forward with the lower end side as an axis, and the opening / closing door 26 is omitted. It is possible to change between an upright closed state where the game ball cannot enter (or is difficult to enter) and an open state where the opening / closing door 26 rotates forward and the game ball can enter (or easily enter). be. FIG. 2 shows how the second starting port 25 is in the open state. The game ball that has entered the second start port 25 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the second start port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3).

On the right side of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21, a large winning opening 28 having a large opening in a substantially rectangular shape toward the front is provided. The large winning opening 28 is provided with an opening / closing door 29 that can rotate with the upper end side tilted forward with the lower end side as an axis. The door 29 can be rotated forward to change to an open state in which a game ball can enter. FIG. 2 shows that the large winning opening 28 is in an open state. The game ball that has entered the large winning opening 28 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the large winning opening sensor 28s (see FIG. 3).

Two other winning openings 30 are provided on the left side of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21. In addition, the winning opening 30 is open upward, and there is no change in the possibility of entering the game ball, and the game ball can be entered at all times. The game ball that has entered the other winning opening 30 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the other winning opening sensor 30s (see FIG. 3).

Further, around each of the above-mentioned gaming devices, a windmill type wheel 31 that affects the path through which the gaming ball flows down and a large number of gaming nails (not shown in FIG. 2) are provided. Further, an out opening 33 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game area 21, and the ball can be entered into any of the above-mentioned first starting opening 24, second starting opening 25, large winning opening 28, and other winning opening 30. The missing game ball is discharged from the out port 33 to the back surface side of the game board 20.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of a plurality of game nails and the like, the left region of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) flows down to the first starting port 24 and the other winning openings 30 described above. A game ball can be entered. On the other hand, a game ball flowing down the right area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) can pass or enter the normal symbol operating gate 27, the second starting port 25, and the large winning opening 28. be. In the following, launching a game ball so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 is also referred to as "left-handed", and launching the game ball so as to flow down the right area of the central device 40. Is also expressed as "right-handed". In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters any of the first start port 24, the second start port 25, and the other winning openings 30, three game balls are paid as prize balls. When a game ball is put out and a game ball enters the large winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

Further, in the lower right of the game area 21 of the game board 20, a segment display unit 50 that displays information related to the game by combining a plurality of LEDs is provided. The segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through the small window unit 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. The display contents of the segment display unit 50 will be described later with reference to another figure.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, and the like. Focusing on the functions, the main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, the sub control board 220 that controls the control related to the production of the game, and the sub control board 220 control the images. The image sound control board 230 that controls the display and sound output, the lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of the lamp under the control of the sub control board 220, and the control related to the rental and payout of the game ball. It is composed of a payout control board 240, a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of the game ball, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations (CPU 201, 221, 231 and the like in FIG. 3) and a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU (ROM 202, 222 in FIG. 3). , 232, etc.), RAM (RAM 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, input / output circuits, and various other peripheral LSIs are connected to each other by a bus. Has been done.

The main control board 200 includes a first start port sensor 24s that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 24, and a second start port sensor 25s that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 25. Gate sensor 27s that detects game balls that pass through the normal symbol actuating gate 27, large prize opening sensor 28s that detects game balls that have entered the large winning opening 28, and other that detects game balls that have entered the winning opening 30 The winning opening sensor 30s or the like is connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first starting port sensor 24s, the second starting port sensor 25s, the gate sensor 27s, the large winning opening sensor 28s, the other winning opening sensor 30s, and the like. , The command corresponding to the sensor to which the detection signal is input is transmitted to the sub control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like.

Further, on the main control board 200, the start port solenoid 26m for driving the opening / closing door 26 that can switch between the open state and the closed state of the second start port 25, and the open state and the closed state of the big winning opening 28 are switched. A large winning opening solenoid 29m for driving a possible opening / closing door 29, a segment display unit 50, and the like are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting a drive signal to the starting port solenoid 26m, the winning opening solenoid 29m, and the segment display unit 50.

The image / audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, the effect operation board 228, and the like are connected to the sub control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 analyzes the contents of the commands and performs a game effect according to the contents. That is, a command for designating a display image or output sound is transmitted to the image / sound control board 230, and the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter, “various”) are sent to the lamp control board 226. The game is produced by transmitting a command for designating the light emission pattern of the lamps 5a to 5c). Further, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 operates the player with respect to the effect button 10a, the jog shuttle 10b, and the direction button 10c (hereinafter, also referred to as “effect operation units 10a, 10b, 10c”) via the effect operation board 228. When it is detected, the game is produced by reflecting the operation.

The image / audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (for example, sprite data, moving image data, etc.) used for displaying the instructed image from the image ROM 235, generates an image, and outputs the image to the display screen of the effect display device 41. Further, when the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 reads the audio data corresponding to the command from the audio ROM 236 and transmits the audio data signal to the amplifier board 224, thereby performing the upper part. Sound is output from the speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter, also referred to as "various speakers 6a, 6b").

The payout control board 240 is connected to a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper dish portion 7, a card unit 242 juxtaposed with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, the detection signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to rent out the game ball while communicating data with the payout control board 240. Further, when the payout control board 240 receives a payout command instructing payout of the game ball from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 drives the payout motor 243 to pay out the game ball.

Further, the launch control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240, and the launch device unit 261 is connected to the launch control board 260. The launcher unit 261 has a launch motor 262 for launching a game ball, a touch switch 263 for detecting that the player is touching the launch handle 9, and the like. When the touch switch 263 detects that the player is touching the launch handle 9, the launch motor 262 can be operated, and the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. The touch switch 263 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "contact detection means" of the present invention.

B. Outline of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the player rotates the launch handle 9 with the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7, the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7 are supplied to the launcher unit 261 one by one, and FIG. 2 is shown. It is used and fired toward the game area 21 described above. Since the strength with which the game ball is launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, the player can make the game ball flow down to a desired region by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. For example, a game ball may be fired (left-handed) so as to flow down to the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), or a game ball may flow down to the right area of the central device 40. Can be fired (right-handed).

As described above, a left-handed game ball can enter the first starting port 24. When the game ball enters the first starting port 24 and is detected by the first starting port sensor 24s, a predetermined judgment random number (big hit judgment random number, etc.) is acquired, and whether it is a big hit based on the value of the judgment random number. After making a big hit determination to determine whether or not it is out of alignment, the segment display unit 50 displays the variation of the first special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as “first special symbol”). Further, a right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25. When the game ball enters the second starting port 25 and is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, a determination random number is acquired and a big hit determination is made, and then the second special symbol is displayed on the segment display unit 50. (Hereinafter, also referred to as "second special figure") is displayed in a variable manner. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first special figure and the second special figure, it may be simply referred to as a "special symbol". Further, the first special figure of the present embodiment corresponds to the "identification information" of the present invention, and the segment display unit 50 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "identification information display means" of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view showing the segment display unit 50. As described above, the segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through the small window unit 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. As shown in the figure, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special figure display unit 51 for displaying the first special figure and a second special figure display unit 52 for displaying the second special figure, respectively. It is composed of 9 LEDs. The first special figure and the second special figure are variablely displayed by blinking nine LEDs (switching the LED to be turned on) on the corresponding display units 51 and 52, and the predetermined combination of LEDs is turned on. Stop is displayed. At this time, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the LED of the combination corresponding to the jackpot symbol is turned on, and if the result is off, the LED of the combination corresponding to the missed symbol is turned on.

Even if the game ball enters the first starting port 24 or the second starting port 25, the start condition of the new variation display is not satisfied during the variation display of the first special figure or the second special figure. In this case, the value of the judgment random number acquired by entering the ball into the first starting port 24 is stored as the first special figure hold, and the value of the determination random number acquired by entering the ball into the second starting port 25 is stored in the second special figure. Store as figure hold. After that, when the start condition of the new variation display of the special symbol (1st special figure or 2nd special figure) is satisfied, a big hit judgment is made based on the 1st special figure hold or the 2nd special figure hold, and the corresponding special Display the fluctuation of the design. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, up to four such first special figure hold and second special figure hold can be stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 has a first special figure hold display unit 53 for displaying the number of first special figure hold storage (first special figure hold number) and a second special figure hold storage unit 53. A second special figure holding display unit 54 for displaying the number (second special figure holding number) is provided, and each is composed of two LEDs. In these hold display units 53 and 54, if the number of holds is 0, both LEDs are turned off, if the number of holds is 1, one LED is turned on, and if the number of holds is 2, the number of holds is 2. Two LEDs are lit, one LED blinks when the number of holds is three, and two LEDs blink when the number of holds is four.

When the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game in which the big winning opening 28 is opened is executed. In the big hit game, a round game is repeated a plurality of times in which the opened big winning opening 28 is closed when a specified number (for example, 9) of game balls enters or a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. .. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot symbols are provided, and the number of round games performed in the jackpot game differs depending on the type of the jackpot symbol displayed as stopped (for example, 4 times, 6 times, 10 times). times). As described above, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls. Therefore, the larger the number of round games (the number of rounds), the larger the number of players. It is possible to win the prize ball of.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-handed display unit 55 composed of three LEDs. As described above, a right-handed game ball can enter the large winning opening 28, and during the big hit game, the right-handed is advantageous for the player, so the LED of the right-handed display unit 55 is turned on. Let me.

Further, as described above, a normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), and a right-handed game ball can pass through the normal symbol operating gate 27. .. When the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a judgment random number for hitting a normal figure) is acquired, and whether it is a hit or miss based on the value of the judgment random number. After performing the normal symbol hit determination, the segment display unit 50 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal diagram display unit 56 for displaying a normal symbol, and is composed of two left and right LEDs. The normal symbol is variablely displayed by blinking two LEDs (switching the LED to be turned on) on the normal figure display unit 56, and is stopped and displayed with one LED turned on. At this time, if the result of the normal figure hit determination is a normal figure hit, the left LED corresponding to the normal figure hit symbol is turned on, and if it is off, the right LED corresponding to the off symbol is turned on. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as the normal symbol, the normal symbol hit game is performed in which the second starting port 25 is opened for a predetermined time and then returns to the closed state.

Even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, if the start condition of the new fluctuation display is not satisfied, such as during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol, the value of the acquired determination random number is reserved. It is possible to store up to four. After that, when the start condition of the new variable display of the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol hit determination and the variable display of the normal symbol are performed based on the normal symbol hold. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal figure hold display unit 57 composed of two LEDs, and the storage number of the normal figure hold (the number of normal figure hold) is the normal figure hold. It is displayed on the display unit 57.

The opening time of the second starting port 25 in the game per normal figure differs depending on whether it is in the “electric support state” or the “non-electric support state”. In the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. Further, in the electric support state, the probability that the result of the normal figure hit determination will be a normal figure hit (probability of normal figure hit) is higher than in the non-electric support state, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that the game ball enters the second starting port 25 (that is, the possibility that the variation display of the second special figure is performed) is higher than in the non-electric support state, and the electric support state is increased. Since right-handed hitting is advantageous for the player inside, the LED of the right-handed hitting display unit 55 is turned on as in the case of the big hit game.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot symbols provided are roughly classified into a "normal hit symbol" and a "probability variation hit symbol", and even if the special symbol is stopped and displayed at any jackpot symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed. After the jackpot game is over, the electric support state is set. Then, when the normal hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the probability (big hit probability) that the result of the big hit determination becomes a big hit is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability) after the end of the big hit game, and the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is set. When it reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), it is set to the non-electric support state. On the other hand, when the probability variation hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot probability is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability after the end of the jackpot game, and is continued until the next jackpot game together with the electric support state. In the following, a state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability may be referred to as a “probability change state”. Further, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shorter and easier to set than in the non-electric support state. Therefore, the state in which the electric support state and the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is referred to as the "time reduction state". May be called.

Further, in conjunction with the variable display of the above-mentioned special symbols (first special figure and second special figure), the effect display device 41 displays various images for effect. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one aspect of display in the effect display device 41. On the display screen of the effect display device 41, three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c and a background image 41d as a background thereof can be displayed as the design for the effect. When the variable display of the special symbol is started on the first special symbol display unit 51 or the second special symbol display unit 52 of the segment display unit 50, the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c also have a plurality of numbers in the effect display device 41. (For example, nine numbers from "1" to "9") are switched one after another and displayed in a variable manner (hereinafter, also referred to as "design variable effect"). In addition to the numbers, the decorative design may be a design of characters, figures, symbols, etc., and may be in a form in which the player can identify the type.

FIG. 5A conceptually shows how the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed in a variable manner all at once. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left decorative symbol 41a is first stopped and displayed at any of "1" to "9", then the right decorative symbol 41c is stopped and displayed, and finally the middle. The decorative symbol 41b is stopped and displayed. At this time, if the special symbols (1st special symbol or 2nd special symbol) are off and displayed as a stop, the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped in a combination (doublet) that does not have the same number. On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, it is stopped and displayed with the same number combination (doublet). In particular, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a probability variation hit symbol that is more advantageous than the normal hit symbol for the player, the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are all stopped and displayed with the same odd number.

By associating the display contents of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in the effect display device 41 with the display contents of the special symbol in this way, two of the three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 5 (b). If the numbers are the same at the time, the player will pay close attention to the variable display of the decorative symbols (design variation effect), as if the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed at the end are also the same numbers. In this way, the effect performed while the last decorative symbol is variablely displayed while the two decorative symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol is called "reach effect", and by generating the reach effect, the game is enjoyed. It is possible to increase. In addition, such reach production includes a normal reach production (normal reach production) and a reach production that lasts longer than the normal reach production (super reach production), and is decorated by developing into a super reach production. The possibility that the symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed in doublets (big hit reliability) is increased.

Further, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, a hold display area 42 (dashed line in the figure) for displaying a hold symbol corresponding to the special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold) is displayed. The enclosed part) is provided. In the hold display area 42 of this embodiment, as the hold symbol (small circle in the figure), the unexecuted symbol 43 corresponding to the special figure hold in which the change display of the special symbol has not been executed, and the special symbol 43 in which the change display has already started. The running symbol 44 corresponding to the special figure hold that triggered the execution of the symbol is displayed, and if it is in the non-electric support state (when left-handed), the hold symbol corresponding to the first special figure hold is displayed. Is displayed, and if it is in the electric support state (when hitting right), the hold symbol corresponding to the second special figure hold is displayed. As described above, a maximum of four unexecuted symbols 43 can be stored in the hold display area 42 as shown in the example of FIG. Up to 4 can be displayed.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as a control related to the progress of the game. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process of FIG. 6 based on a timer interrupt generated at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 msec). In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process will be omitted.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs the output process (S10). In the main control board 200 of this embodiment, various commands to be transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220 in each process described later are temporarily stored in the output buffer secured in the RAM 203. In the output process (S10), various commands stored in the output buffer are transmitted to various control boards. By doing so, for example, the sub control board 220 controls the effect according to the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out the game ball.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs an input process (S20) following the output process (S10). As described above, when a game ball enters any of the first starting port 24, the second starting port 25, the large winning opening 28, and the other winning opening 30, the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. .. Therefore, in the input process (S20), various sensors (first starting port sensor 24s, second starting port sensor 25s, large winning port sensor 28s, other winning port sensor 30s, etc.) that detect entry with payout of the prize ball are performed. It is determined whether or not the game ball is detected. Then, when the game ball is detected, the payout command instructing the payout of the game ball is stored in the above-mentioned output buffer. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S10). The payout control board 240 that has received the command pays out three game balls if the entry of the game ball is any one of the first start opening 24, the second start opening 25, and the other winning openings 30 as described above. , If it is a big winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

When the input process (S20) is completed, the random number update process (S30) is performed next. As described above, the normal figure hit determination and the big hit determination of the special symbol are performed based on the value of a predetermined determination random number. In addition to this, various decisions described later are made based on the value of a dedicated random number. In the random number update process (S30), these random numbers are updated. The random number is updated not only in the random number update process (S30) in the game control process, but also from the end of the game control process to the start of the next game control process (timer interrupt occurs). It may be done in the meantime. Further, a dedicated circuit for updating the random number may be provided, and the random number may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

After the random number update process (S30) is completed, the gate sensor detection process (S40) is performed. In the gate sensor detection process (S40), when the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved figures has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment). If the judgment is made and the result is not reached, a random number for determining the normal figure is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a hold for the normal figure.

Following the gate sensor detection process (S40), the start port sensor detection process (S50) is performed. In the start port sensor detection process (S50), when the game ball that has entered the first start port 24 is detected by the first start port sensor 24s, the number of reserved first special figures is the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not the value has been reached, and if it has not been reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as the first special figure hold. Further, when the game ball that has entered the second starting port 25 is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved second special figures has reached the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment). Then, if it has not reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as the second special figure hold. Here, as the judgment random number, a big hit judgment random number for performing a big hit judgment, a symbol determination random number for determining the type of the big hit symbol of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed in the case of a big hit, and a start of variable display of the special symbol. The fluctuation pattern determination random number for determining the fluctuation pattern from to the stop display is acquired.

Further, along with the storage of the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold, a hold addition command indicating the addition of the special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. .. This hold addition command is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10), and when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the command, the unexecuted symbol is displayed in the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41. Add 43.

When the start port sensor detection process (S50) is completed, the normal operation process (S60) is then performed. In the normal operation process (S60), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the variable display of the normal symbol or the game per normal symbol is being executed. If it is neither during the variable display of the normal symbol nor during the execution of the game per normal symbol, after confirming that the predetermined fixed time has passed from the stop display of the normal symbol, the number of reserved normal symbols is "0". Judge whether or not. If the number of normal figure holds is not "0" (if the normal figure hold is stored), the first stored normal figure hold is read, and the read normal figure hold (value of the random number determined per normal figure). Judgment is made based on. In this normal figure hit judgment, if the value of the normal figure hit judgment random number read out as the normal figure hold is a predetermined hit value, it is determined to be a normal figure hit, and if it is an outlier other than the hit value, it is determined to be outlier. .. As described above, in the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set higher (more hit values) than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 1/100. On the other hand, in the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 99/100.

Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether to stop and display the normal symbol with the normal symbol or the off symbol. Further, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started, and "1" is subtracted from the number of reserved symbols. As described above, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, whereas in the electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds. The fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

When the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is in progress, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed, and when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined normal symbol per symbol or out-of-balance symbol. Then, after waiting for the elapse of the fixed time, if the stopped and displayed normal symbol is an out-of-order symbol, the process of starting the variable display of the normal symbol again is performed. On the other hand, if the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a normal symbol, the normal symbol game is started.

During the normal game, the starting port solenoid 26m is driven to open the second starting port 25, and then the process of returning to the closed state is performed after the opening time has elapsed. As described above, in the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the opening time is 0.3 seconds (0.1 seconds x 3 times). While it is set to open), the open time is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 times open) in the electric support state.

After the normal operation process (S60) is completed, the special operation process (S70) is subsequently performed. In the special operation process (S70), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is being displayed in a variable manner, the special symbol is being displayed in a definite manner, or the game is a big hit. If neither of these is the case, it is determined whether or not the first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold number are "0", and the first special figure hold number or the second special figure hold number is "0". If not, the values of the various determination random numbers (big hit determination random number, symbol determination random number, fluctuation pattern determination random number) stored as the special figure hold are read out. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the second special figure hold is first stored, the second special figure hold stored first is read, and if the second special figure hold is not stored, the first is the first. The first special figure hold stored in is read (priority digestion of the second special figure hold).

In this way, the jackpot determination is performed based on the value of the jackpot determination random number read out as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold. In the big hit judgment, if the value of the read big hit judgment random number is a value corresponding to "big hit" (big hit value), it is judged as a big hit, and if it is a value corresponding to "outlier" (outlier value), it is judged as a miss. do. As described above, in the probabilistic state, the jackpot probability is set higher (more jackpot values) than in the non-probability change state. For example, in the non-probability change state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1/300. In the probable change state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1/100.

Then, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined. As described above, a plurality of big hit symbols are provided, and they are roughly classified into a normal hit symbol and a probability variation hit symbol, and either one is based on the value of the symbol determination random number read out as the first special symbol hold or the second special symbol hold. Determine the jackpot design of. On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is out of order, the out-of-order symbol is determined as the symbol to be stopped and displayed (stop symbol).

After determining the stop symbol of the special symbol in this way, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is determined. The fluctuation pattern is for identifying the time (variation time) from the start of the fluctuation display to the stop display of the special symbol (first special figure or the second special figure), and a plurality of prepared in advance. The fluctuation patterns of are different from each other in the set fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, and the fluctuation time is shorter in the electric support state than in the non-electric support state. The pattern is easy to determine.

When the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is started, and if it is the second special figure, "1" is subtracted from the second special figure hold number, and if it is the first special figure, the first special figure hold number. Subtract "1" from. Further, the variation pattern specification command for specifying the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol specification command for specifying the stop symbol are stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. These commands are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). By receiving these commands, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol, and does not execute the symbol variation effect in the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41. Move one of the symbols 43 (far left in the example of FIG. 5) to the position of the running symbol 44.

If the fluctuation display of the special symbol is being displayed, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. As described above, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to the fluctuation pattern, and when the fluctuation time elapses, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined stop symbol (big hit symbol or out-of-order symbol). In addition, set the time (fixed time) for confirming and displaying the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed. Further, a variable stop command indicating a stop display of the special symbol is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). Upon receiving the fluctuation stop command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 ends the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41, and deletes the executing symbol 44 in the hold display area 42.

During the definite display of the special symbol, it is determined whether or not the definite time has elapsed, and when the definite time has elapsed, it is determined whether the definitely displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol or a missed symbol. As a result, if it is an out-of-time symbol, it is determined whether or not it is in the time-saving state, and if it is in the time-saving state, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time-saving state is counted. Then, when the counted number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), the electric support state is terminated and the normal state, which is the non-electric support state, is set. Further, with the change of the game state, the game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

On the other hand, when the special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is the jackpot symbol, the opening pattern (number of rounds, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the jackpot 28 in the jackpot game is set, and the jackpot game is started. As described above, the number of rounds differs depending on the type of the jackpot symbol displayed as a stop display (confirmed display). Further, the jackpot game start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10). The jackpot game of the present embodiment corresponds to the "specific state" of the present invention, and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present invention corresponds to the "specific state generating means" of the present invention.

During the big hit game, the round game is started by driving the big winning opening solenoid 29m to open the big winning opening 28. After that, when a specified number of game balls enter the large winning opening 28 or the opening time elapses, the round game is ended with the large winning opening 28 closed, and the next round game is waited for the closing time to elapse. To start. Then, when all the set number of rounds have been exhausted, the jackpot game ends. Further, the jackpot game end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

Further, the game state after the end of the big hit game is set according to the type of the big hit symbol displayed as a stop display (confirmed display). That is, if the jackpot symbol is a probabilistic hit symbol, it is set to a probabilistic state (electric support state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability), and if the jackpot symbol is a normal hit symbol, it is set to a time saving state (big hit probability is a normal probability). Set to the electric support state set to). Further, the game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the special operation process (S70) is completed in this way, the game control process of FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt every 4 msec occurs, the game control process of FIG. 6 is executed again. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 advances the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. Further, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands to the sub control board 220 while executing the game control process. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines the specific content of the effect based on the received command, and performs various game effects using the effect display device 41, various speakers 6a, 6b, and various lamps 5a to 5c. Running.

Here, when the game ball is launched into the game area 21 and the game ball enters the first starting port 24 as described above, the variable display of the first special figure (and the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) is started. The progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 that the big hit game is started when the game is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (doublet) is common for the experienced player, but complicated for the unfamiliar beginner. felt. In particular, since the position of the first starting port 24 may differ depending on the model, it may be difficult for beginners to understand what to do when starting a game, and it may be confusing. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 performs the following game explanation execution process so that even a beginner can easily enjoy the game.

C-2. Game explanation execution process:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the game explanation execution process of the present embodiment performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. This game description execution process is started based on a timer interrupt generated in a predetermined cycle. In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 221, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process will be omitted.

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the game explanation execution process, it first determines whether or not a predetermined time or more has elapsed with the special symbols (first special figure and second special figure) stopped and displayed (). S100). Then, if the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, or if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the special symbol was stopped and displayed (S100: no), the game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is terminated as it is, and the predetermined time is determined. When a timer interrupt occurs in a cycle, the game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is performed again.

On the other hand, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed while the special symbol is stopped and displayed (S100: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not the touch switch 263 has changed from OFF to ON (S101). As described above, the touch switch 263 is a sensor that detects that the player is touching the firing handle 9, and the touch switch 263 is turned from OFF to ON while the fluctuation display of the special symbol has not been performed for a predetermined time or longer. (S101: yes), there is a high possibility that a new player will start the game. Therefore, an explanation of how to proceed with the game (hereinafter, also referred to as “game explanation”) is started (S102). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game is explained by displaying an image on the effect display device 41 and outputting audio from various speakers 6a and 6b. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "game explanation execution means" of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game explanation performed by the effect display device 41. In the illustrated game description, first, an illustration imitating the launch handle 9 and a display requesting the player to rotate the launch handle 9 clockwise (“turn the handle to the right” in the figure) are displayed. In addition, a display (“left-handed” in the figure) is performed to guide the game ball to be launched so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41). Further, along with an arrow pointing to the first starting port 24, a display (“Aiming here” in the figure) for guiding the position of the first starting port 24 into which the game ball is inserted is displayed. The effect display device 41 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "image display means" of the present invention.

Along with the image display of the game explanation on the effect display device 41, the game explanation is performed by voice output from various speakers 6a and 6b. For example, voices such as "turn the steering wheel to the right", "hit left so that the ball flows to the left of the screen", and "aim at the position of the arrow below" are repeatedly output. The upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b of the present embodiment correspond to the "audio output means" of the present invention.

On the other hand, in the determination of S101 of FIG. 7, if the touch switch 263 remains OFF or ON (S101: no), then it is determined whether or not the game explanation is being executed (S103). Then, if the game explanation is not being executed (S103: no), the game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the game explanation is started by the above-mentioned processing of S102, or when the game explanation is already being executed (S103: yes), subsequently, the game ball enters the first starting port 24. Whether or not it is determined (S104). As described above, when the game ball enters the first starting port 24, the hold addition command of the first special figure is transmitted from the main control board 200. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can grasp the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 24 based on the received hold addition command of the first special figure.

When the game ball has not entered the first starting port 24 (S104: no), it is determined whether or not the operation of the direction button 10c is detected while continuing the game explanation (S105). Then, when the operation of the direction button 10c is detected (S105: yes), the language of the game explanation is changed (S106). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the language selection display is performed on the effect display device 41 along with the execution of the game explanation.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the language selection display performed by the effect display device 41. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a language selection display area 46 (not shown in FIG. 8) is secured by using a part of the display screen of the effect display device 41. Then, when the language selection display is started, a plurality of selectable languages are listed in the language selection display area 46, and an illustration imitating the direction button 10c is displayed.

In the illustrated example, in addition to the default Japanese, four languages, English, Chinese, and Korean, are available as selectable languages. Then, the language selection is changed by operating the up button or the down button of the direction button 10c. FIG. 9 shows that the language selection is still in Japanese. For example, when the lower button of the direction button 10c is operated, the language is switched from Japanese to English, Chinese, and Korean in that order. Instead, it returns from Korean to Japanese again. On the other hand, when the upper button of the direction button 10c is operated, the order is switched in the reverse order.

In the process of S106 of FIG. 7, the language of the game explanation by the image display on the effect display device 41 and the audio output from the various speakers 6a and 6b is changed according to the selection in the language selection display area 46. On the other hand, if the operation of the direction button 10c is not detected (S105: no), the process of S106 is omitted, the game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, it is again. The game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is performed.

After that, in the judgment of S104, when the game ball enters the first start port 24 (S104: yes), the player understands the game explanation (how to proceed with the game), rotates the launch handle 9, and starts the first start. It means that the game ball was fired aiming at the mouth 24. Therefore, the game explanation by the image display on the effect display device 41 and the audio output from the various speakers 6a and 6b is finished (S107), and the game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is finished.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the touch switch 263 changes from OFF to ON while the special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined time or longer, the method of proceeding with the game is described. It is designed to execute game explanations. When the player's contact with the firing handle 9 is detected by the touch switch 263, if the variation display of the special symbol is not performed for a predetermined time or longer, there is a high possibility that the player will newly start the game. Since the game explanation is given in this case, even an inexperienced beginner can easily enjoy the game without being confused by following the game explanation.

In particular, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a game explanation, it is required to rotate the firing handle 9 in a predetermined firing direction (clockwise), and the pachinko machine 1 is guided to the first starting port 24 into which the game ball is inserted. It has become like. At the start of the game, by first explaining at least the operation method of the firing handle 9 and the goal of the game ball (first starting port 24), even a beginner can start the variable display of the first special figure according to the explanation. It becomes possible.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game explanation ends when the game ball enters the first starting port 24. After the content of the game explanation is actually achieved in this way, the game explanation is not given as understood by the player, which causes excessive annoyance to the player who does not need the game explanation. It is possible to avoid it.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game is explained by displaying an image on the effect display device 41 and outputting audio from various speakers 6a and 6b. By performing the game explanation in combination with the image display and the audio output in this way, it is possible to facilitate the understanding of the player who receives the game explanation, and even a beginner can easily enjoy the game without being confused. It will be possible.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, game explanations are prepared in advance in a plurality of languages, and the language of the game explanation can be changed by operating the direction button 10c by the player. Therefore, even foreign travelers who do not understand Japanese can enjoy the game by receiving explanations of the game in an understandable language.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge usually possessed by those skilled in the art can be appropriately added to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, as a game explanation, the firing handle 9 is required to be rotated clockwise, and the game is guided to the first starting port 24 into which the game ball is inserted. However, the content of the game description is not limited to this, and for example, the description may be made from the method of borrowing the game ball via the card unit 242.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game explanation is terminated when the game ball enters the first starting port 24. However, if the game description includes a plurality of contents, the game description may be ended step by step when each content is achieved. For example, by installing a launch ball detection sensor at a position facing the end of the inner rail 23 on the outer rail 22 of the game board 20, the game ball launched from the launcher unit 261 is detected by the launch ball detection sensor. In this case, the player has rotated the firing handle clockwise, so the game explanation of "turning the handle to the right" is finished before the game ball enters the first starting port 24. May be good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 that gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game ball supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. An example was explained. Not limited to this, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that imparts a game benefit in a form different from that of “paining a gaming ball”. For example, when a game ball enters various entrances, data indicating the amount of profit corresponding to the entry (magnitude of the game value) is stored to store a game profit (game). The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that imparts a value) to a player, and in this case as well, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. As a type of pachinko machine that converts game benefits (game value) into data and gives it to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return a game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various entrances or out ports and launch it again.

<Game machines A1 to A4 that can be extracted from the above-mentioned examples>
The pachinko machine 1 of the above-described embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A4.

<Game machine A1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
A launch handle that the player rotates to launch the game ball,
A contact detection means for detecting the player's contact with the launch handle,
A ball detecting means for detecting the game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position.
Based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detecting means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific state generating means that generates a specific state advantageous to the player, and a specific state generating means.
It is provided with a game explanation executing means for executing a game explanation about how to proceed with the game when the contact detecting means detects a contact of a player in a state where the variation display of the identification information is not performed for a predetermined time or more. A game machine characterized by that.

In such a gaming machine A1, when the player's contact with the firing handle is detected, if the variation display of the identification information is not performed for a predetermined time or more, there is a high possibility that the player will newly start the game. In that case, the game explanation is given, so even an inexperienced beginner can easily enjoy the game without being confused by following the game explanation.

<Game machine A2>
In the gaming machine A1
The game description executing means is characterized in that, as the game description, at least the launch handle is requested to be rotated in a predetermined launch direction, and the predetermined position for reaching the game ball is guided.

In such a game machine A2, at the start of the game, by first explaining at least the operation method of the launch handle and the achievement target of the game ball, even a beginner can start the variable display of the identification information according to the game explanation. Is possible.

<Game machine A3>
In the gaming machine A1 or the gaming machine A2
The game description executing means is a gaming machine characterized in that the game description is terminated when the content of the game description is achieved.

In such a gaming machine A3, after the content of the game explanation is actually achieved, the game explanation is not performed as understood by the player, so that the game explanation is excessive for the player who does not need the game explanation. It is possible to avoid giving annoyance to the machine.

<Game machine A4>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 and the gaming machine A3,
Image display means that can display images and
Equipped with an audio output means capable of outputting audio,
The game explanation executing means is a gaming machine characterized in that the game explanation is given by an image display by the image display means and a voice output from the voice output means.

In such a game machine A4, by performing the game explanation in combination with the image display and the voice output, it is possible to facilitate the understanding of the player who receives the game explanation, and even a beginner can feel free to do so without any confusion. It becomes possible to enjoy the game.

The present invention can be used for a gaming machine used in a gaming hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 6a ... Upper speaker (voice output means),
6b ... Lower speaker (audio output means), 9 ... Launch handle,
20 ... Game board, 21 ... Game area, 24 ... First start port,
24s ... 1st start port sensor (ball detection means), 25 ... 2nd start port,
27 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 28 ... Grand prize opening,
40 ... Central device, 41 ... Direction display device (image display means),
50 ... Segment display unit (identification information display means),
200 ... Main control board, 201 ... CPU (specific state generating means),
220 ... Sub control board, 221 ... CPU (game explanation execution means),
263 ... Touch switch (contact detection means).

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
A launch handle that the player rotates to launch the game ball,
A contact detection means for detecting the player's contact with the launch handle,
A ball detecting means for detecting the game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position.
Based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detecting means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific state generating means that generates a specific state advantageous to the player, and a specific state generating means.
It is provided with a game explanation executing means for executing a game explanation about how to proceed with the game when the contact detecting means detects a contact of a player in a state where the variation display of the identification information is not performed for a predetermined time or more. A game machine characterized by that. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The game description executing means is characterized in that, as the game description, at least the launch handle is requested to be rotated in a predetermined launch direction, and the predetermined position for reaching the game ball is guided. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.
The game description executing means is a gaming machine characterized in that the game description is terminated when the content of the game description is achieved. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
Image display means that can display images and
Equipped with an audio output means capable of outputting audio,
The game explanation executing means is a gaming machine characterized in that the game explanation is given by displaying an image on the image display means and outputting voice from the voice output means.

Images