JP4039815B2 - Game equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus such as a pachinko gaming apparatus that converts a valuable value held corresponding to a storage medium such as a prepaid card to acquire a gaming value such as a gaming ball and plays a game using the acquired gaming value. In particular, the present invention relates to a device capable of storing a plurality of winning prizes in the start winning section.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is a pachinko gaming device as a type of gaming device that plays a game using a gaming value obtained by converting a valuable value held corresponding to a storage medium. This pachinko gaming machine is composed of, for example, a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit, and a gaming card storing frequency information as a valuable value is attached to the card unit. When the game card is inserted, the card unit reads the frequency information stored in the game card. Then, when there is a request signal for a rental ball, information is exchanged between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine, and a game ball (a kind of game value) is paid out in exchange for the frequency information.
[0003]
In this pachinko gaming apparatus, when a game ball flowing down the game area in the game is lucky and wins a winning opening, a game ball (prize ball) as an award privilege is paid out. That is, game value is given. Further, when the game ball flowing down wins the start winning opening, the prize ball is paid out and an auxiliary game is performed. This auxiliary game is, for example, a so-called symbol matching game in which a plurality of symbols that are displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed. . In this special game, a large winning opening for easy winning of game balls is opened, and a large number of prize balls can be obtained in a short time.
[0004]
In addition, this pachinko gaming machine is provided with a storage function for storing a plurality of winnings at a start winning opening where an auxiliary game has not yet been executed in order to improve game playability. This storage function is a function for storing a winning at a new start winning opening during the execution period of an auxiliary game or a special game. For example, a maximum of four winnings can be stored. In order to further improve the gameability, it is conceivable to increase the number of start winning memories, for example, to store up to eight winnings.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above gaming apparatus, since a plurality of winnings at the starting winning opening can be stored, the balance of the gaming card and the holding ball may be lost although the starting winning memory remains.
[0006]
Here, if the auxiliary game is a big hit with no card balance and no balls, no special game can be performed because there is no game ball that can be launched. If the game ball does not win within the specified time, the special game is forcibly terminated (so-called puncture state), and the “big hit” at the corner becomes large. For this reason, the player rushes to purchase an additional game card, but the game card vending machine is not always nearby, and if it is not in time, a “hit” is wasted. Similarly, jackpots are wasted when money is not available or cannot be taken out immediately.
As described above, if the balance of the game card and the possession ball are lost in the state where the start winning memory is left, it will be in a very disadvantageous state for the player. In particular, when the storable number of start winning memories is increased, the probability of falling into an unfavorable state increases.
[0007]
In addition, there is a player who leaves the gaming device at the end of firing the ball, but in this case, an auxiliary game may be performed after the player leaves the gaming device. It can be a big hit. When a big hit occurs after the player leaves, the big hit at the corner becomes large, which causes a serious disadvantage for the player.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent a disadvantage for a player.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object, and the one according to claim 1 includes a game area provided with a plurality of types of winning portions including a starting winning portion, and corresponds to a storage medium. Obtained by converting the valuable value heldGame ballIs launched into the game area by the launching device, and the game is performed.Prize ballIn a gaming device capable of executing an auxiliary game in accordance with winning in the start winning section and executing a special game advantageous to the player on condition that a jackpot in the auxiliary game,
  Start winning storage means capable of storing up to a predetermined number of winnings to a starting winning portion where the auxiliary game has not yet been executed;
  Storage state determination means for determining presence or absence of storage in the start winning storage means;
  Storage medium information acquisition means capable of acquiring valuable value held corresponding to the storage medium;
  Storage medium information determination means for determining whether the valuable value acquired by the storage medium information acquisition means is equal to or less than a determination reference value;
  Advice necessity determination means for determining whether advice for the game is necessary based on the determination result by the storage state determination means and the storage medium information determination means;
  When it is determined that the advice is required by the advice necessity determination means,Game ballGame advice information notifying means for notifying advice information for suppressing the launch of
  The advice necessity determination means is a gaming device characterized in that it determines that advice is necessary when the valuable value is determined to be “0” and the start winning memory is determined to be “present”.
[0010]
Here, the “valuable value” is a monetary value and corresponds to, for example, frequency information stored in a prepaid card, an IC card game card, or the like. “Hold in correspondence with the storage medium” means to store directly in the storage medium and to store in an external storage means (such as a management device) specified by the identification information of the storage medium. Including both.
The “game value” is a value in the game, and includes game media such as a game ball itself and quantity information indicating the amount of game media.
Also, “advice information” is information for conveying advice to the game, such as preparation of storage media and how to use the game value, to information or sound (sound or warning sound) by visual (light or character display). Etc.).
[0012]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a storage amount determination unit that determines a storage amount in the start winning storage unit is provided,
  The game advice information notifying means is responsive to the determination result by the storage amount determining means.Game ballThe gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein advice information with a different degree of warning that suppresses the launch of is notified.
[0013]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the advice information notified by the game advice information notification means includes information prompting purchase of a storage medium or addition of a valuable value to the storage medium. Or it is a game device of Claim 2.
[0017]
  Claim 4The storage medium information acquisition means acquires the value corresponding to the inserted storage medium and automatically ejects the storage medium when the value of the inserted storage medium is lost. Is a configuration to
  SaidThe storage medium information determination means treats an uninserted state of the storage medium as a valuable value “0”.Claims 1 to 3A gaming device according to any one of the above.
[0018]
  Claim 5As described in the above,Judgment of necessity of adviceThe means is characterized by determining whether or not advice for the game is necessary in consideration of a determination result of whether or not the auxiliary game is being executed.Claims 1 to 4A gaming device according to any one of the above.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming apparatus 1 which is a kind of gaming apparatus to which the present invention is applicable.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated pachinko gaming apparatus 1 includes a card unit 2 that is also called a CR sand unit, and a pachinko gaming machine 3 (hereinafter referred to as a gaming machine 3) that is arranged next to the card unit 2. It is composed of
[0021]
The card unit 2 includes a card reader 4. The card reader 4 is a type of storage medium information acquisition means of the present invention, and acquires frequency information (a type of valuable value) stored in a prepaid game card which is a type of storage medium. For example, read or write.
That is, when a game card is inserted into the card insertion slot 5 on the front surface of the card unit, the card reader 4 draws the inserted game card into the card unit 2 and reads the frequency information. Further, the stored frequency information is subtracted and rewritten in accordance with the lending ball discharge command. Further, the card reader 4 discharges the game card drawn in response to the card discharge operation. Further, when the frequency information of the game card reaches “0”, the drawn game card is automatically discharged.
[0022]
The gaming machine 3 includes a frame-shaped front frame 11 supported to be openable and closable with respect to a wooden machine frame 10 (see FIG. 3), and is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the front frame 11 and is made of transparent glass. A glass frame 12 made of resin holding the game board 14, a game board 14 in which a game area 13 is formed, a front panel 16 disposed below the glass frame 12 and provided with an upper plate 15, and the front panel 16 And an operation panel 20 to which an ashtray 17, a lower dish 18, and a firing operation handle 19 are attached.
[0023]
The upper plate 15 is provided with a ball storage unit 23 for storing game balls paid out as rental balls or prize balls (that is, game media given as game value). As shown in FIG. 2, the ball storage portion 23 is configured by a concave portion whose flow path width is narrowed toward the right side, which is the launching device 24 (see FIG. 3), and its bottom surface 23 a is on the launching device 24 side. It is gently descending toward you. And in the ball | bowl storage part 23, a game ball | bowl flows down along the downward slope of the bottom face 23a, and is stored in order from the downstream side.
[0024]
The ball storage unit 23 is formed with a ball amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of stored game balls. This spherical quantity detection sensor constitutes a part of the remaining amount detection means of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the first spherical quantity detection sensor 26 disposed on the upstream side close to the spherical inlet 25, The second spherical quantity detection sensor 27 is arranged on the downstream side close to the launching device 24.
These ball quantity detection sensors 26 and 27 are configured by proximity sensors whose outputs change when game balls come close to each other. For this reason, the amount of game balls stored in the ball storage unit 23 can be detected by monitoring the outputs of the first ball amount detection sensor 26 and the second ball amount detection sensor 27.
[0025]
For example, when no game balls are stored in the ball storage unit 23, the outputs from the first ball amount detection sensor 26 and the second ball amount detection sensor 27 both indicate “no ball”. For example, an “L” level signal is continuously output. When the game ball is stored in the ball storage unit 23 from this no-ball state and the game ball is stored on the second ball amount detection sensor 27 on the downstream side, the output from the second ball amount detection sensor 27 is Indicates “with sphere”. For example, an “H” level signal is continuously output. In this case, the output from the upstream first ball quantity detection sensor 26 indicates “no sphere”. If the amount of storage further increases from this state and the game ball is stored on the first ball amount detection sensor 26 on the upstream side, the outputs from the first ball amount detection sensor 26 and the second ball amount detection sensor 27 are both. Indicates “with sphere”.
[0026]
Therefore, when both the outputs from the first ball amount detection sensor 26 and the second ball amount detection sensor 27 are “no balls”, the number of stored game balls is “0” to about “none”. I understand that. Similarly, when the output from the first ball amount detection sensor 26 is “no ball” and the output from the second ball amount detection sensor 27 is “ball”, the stored game balls are “small amount”. It turns out. Furthermore, when the outputs from the first and second sphere detection sensors 26 and 27 are both “with sphere”, the storage amount is “medium or more” exceeding the small amount. I understand.
[0027]
These ball amount detection sensors 26 and 27 are not limited to proximity sensors, as long as they can detect the presence or absence of a game ball. For example, a micro switch may be used. Further, the number of ball detection sensors is not limited to two. One or three or more may be used.
[0028]
In addition, an information display 28 is disposed at a position on the front side of the upper plate 15 and visible from the player who is playing the game. This information display 28 constitutes a part of the game advice information notifying means of the present invention, and is composed of a display element capable of displaying character information, for example, a liquid crystal display or an LED (light emitting diode) display. Then, advice regarding the game is notified to the player who is playing the game through the information display 28.
The arrangement position of the information display device 28 is not limited to the upper plate 15, and may be any position that can be visually recognized by the player who is playing the game. When the upper plate 15 is provided as in the present embodiment, the information display device 28 enters the player's field of view when the upper plate 15 is viewed in order to check the amount of game balls stored. Can be made. Further, since the amount of movement of the line of sight is relatively small between the game area 13 and the information display 28 (upper plate 15), it is convenient that the game is hardly hindered.
The advice by the information display 28 will be described later in detail.
[0029]
In addition to this, the upper plate 15 includes a ball lending button 29 that is operated when borrowing a game ball, that is, when paying out a game ball using the remaining number (balance) of the game card, and the remaining number of game cards. There are a remaining number display 30 to be displayed, a card discharge button 31 (return button) that is operated when the game card is discharged, an open / close lever 32 that is operated when the game ball of the upper plate 15 is moved to the lower plate 18, and the like. Is provided.
[0030]
The game board 14 is a plate-like member having a game area 13 defined by a partition member 35 such as a guide rail. A variation display device 36 is disposed almost in the center of the game area 13, and a start winning opening 37 is disposed immediately below the variation display device 36. Below the start winning opening 37, a large winning opening 38 called an attacker is disposed, and a normal gate 39 is disposed on the left and right sides of the starting winning opening 37. In addition, the game area 13 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 40, out ports 41, windmills 42, obstacle nails (not shown), side lamps 43, and the like.
[0031]
Among these, the start winning opening 37, the big winning opening 38, and the general winning opening 40 function as the winning section of the present invention, and the winning of the game ball is set as the acquisition condition of the winning ball as the award privilege. . A plurality of winning sensors capable of detecting winning balls are arranged corresponding to each winning opening. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a start opening sensor 46 corresponding to the start winning opening 37, a large winning opening count sensor 47 corresponding to the large winning opening 38, and a winning opening sensor 48 corresponding to the general winning opening 40 are provided. ing.
[0032]
The start winning opening 37 is a kind of start winning portion of the present invention, and winning of a game ball is set as an execution condition of the auxiliary game. That is, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 37, an auxiliary game is played on the variable display device 36 as will be described later. The start winning opening 37 in the present embodiment is a so-called tulip type having a pair of blade members, and the game ball wins more than the normal state with the blade members facing upward and the blade members opened outward. It can be converted into an easy open state. The opening and closing of the blade member is performed by the operation of a general electric solenoid 49 (see FIG. 4), and is determined based on a random number acquired when the game ball passes through the general gate 39.
[0033]
The above-described variable display device 36 is a device that performs auxiliary games and various effect displays, and is configured by a liquid crystal display device in the present embodiment. In the auxiliary game, the variation display device 36 performs a so-called symbol matching game in which a plurality of symbols are variably displayed for a while and then stopped. And if each symbol at the time of a stop comes together in the predetermined jackpot mode, it will be a jackpot and it will shift to a special game. In this special game, the large winning opening 38 is appropriately opened, which makes it easy for a game ball to be won, that is, an advantageous state for a player who can easily acquire a lot of prize balls.
In addition to the liquid crystal display device, the variable display device 36 includes a dot matrix type in which LED elements are arranged in a matrix, and a drum type having a drum having a pattern drawn on its peripheral surface. Even if it is a type, the present invention can be applied.
[0034]
A storage indicator 50 is provided at the top of the variable display device 36, more specifically, on the front surface of the heel. The storage indicator 50 displays a stored winning prize opening 37 (hereinafter referred to as a starting prize memory), and is constituted by a light emitting element such as an LED.
This start winning memory is a function provided to enhance game playability. That is, one auxiliary game is played for a few seconds to several tens of seconds, and one special game is played for a relatively long time of about several minutes. Even if a game ball wins, the auxiliary game accompanying this win cannot be executed. Therefore, this type of pachinko gaming machine 3 is configured to be capable of storing a plurality of winning prizes at the start winning opening 37 during the execution period of the auxiliary game and the like, even if there is a prize during this execution period. It is configured so that an auxiliary game can be continued after the end of the game.
In the present embodiment, since up to eight winnings can be stored, eight light emitting elements are arranged.
[0035]
The large winning opening 38 includes a horizontally-long rectangular door-like member pivotally attached to the lower end thereof, and the game ball cannot win by turning the door-like member in the front-rear direction. It is configured to be switchable between a closed state and an open state where winning is easy. The door-like member is normally closed and is appropriately opened in a special game.
[0036]
Next, the back mechanism of the gaming machine 3 will be described. Here, FIG. 3 is a view showing a back mechanism of the gaming machine 3.
[0037]
A base frame body 53 is attached to the back side of the front frame 11 via a metal frame (not shown) that holds the game board 14. The base frame 53 is configured by, for example, an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin. Various components such as a storage tank 54, a guide path 55, a half-end sensor unit 56, a ball discharge unit 57, a flow path switching unit 58, a launching device 24, a power supply unit 59, and a game control device are provided on the base frame 53. 60, a discharge control device 61 is attached. These various parts and the base frame 53 are collectively referred to as a back mechanism board.
[0038]
The storage tank 54 stores game balls before being paid out in advance, and the balls in the storage tank 54 are guided to the ball discharge unit 57 by the guide path 55. The half-end sensor unit 56 detects whether or not there is a sufficient amount of game balls on the guide path 55 for the prize ball discharge or the ball lending discharge. The operation of the ball discharge unit 57 is controlled by the discharge control device 61, and a required number of game balls are discharged to the player side based on the ball discharge command signal from the discharge control device 61. Then, the discharged game balls are stored in the ball storage unit 23 of the upper plate 15. The launching device 24 launches a game ball with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launching operation handle 19.
[0039]
Next, the control devices 60 and 61 will be described. Here, FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the gaming apparatus 1.
[0040]
The game control device 60 is an input / output interface that inputs and outputs signals between a game control unit 64 composed of a game microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, and RAM, an oscillation circuit 65 that generates an operation clock, and an external device. 66 (hereinafter referred to as input / output I / F 66). The game control unit 64 is input with various sensor detection signals such as a start port sensor 46, a big winning port count sensor 47, a winning port sensor 48, etc. via the input / output I / F 66. Further, the game control unit 64 outputs necessary control signals to the big prize opening solenoid 67, the general electric solenoid 49, and the respective control devices via the input / output I / F 66.
[0041]
And this game control apparatus 60 functions as a game control means, and performs general control of a game, such as controlling another control apparatus. For example, when a winning of a game ball is detected by a winning sensor provided for each winning opening of the game board 14, a prize ball number information (game value discharging control information) indicating a preset number of winning balls is controlled to be discharged. Transmit to device 61.
[0042]
The game control device 60 also functions as a start winning storage means, a storage state determination means, and a storage amount determination means of the present invention, and starts up the RAM for up to eight start winnings for which no auxiliary game has been executed yet. It memorize | stores in a prize memory | storage area | region, and the presence or absence and memory amount of start prize memory | storage are determined based on the memory content of the said area | region. Further, the game control device 60 functions as the remaining amount detection means of the present invention together with the above-described ball amount detection sensors 26 and 27, and the remaining amount of game balls (a kind of game value) that can be used for games, that is, the balls The amount of the holding ball stored in the storage unit 23 is detected.
These determination results and detection results are transmitted to the discharge control device 61 as chance loss prevention control information.
[0043]
The discharge control device 61 is an input / output I / F 72 for inputting / outputting signals to / from an external device, a discharge control unit 70 including a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, and RAM, an oscillation circuit 71 that generates an operation clock. And is configured. The discharge control unit 70 receives a detection signal from the ball rental sensor or the prize ball detection sensor of the flow path switching unit 58 via the input / output I / F 72. The discharge control unit 70 outputs necessary control signals to the ball discharge motor of the ball discharge unit 57, the flow path switching solenoid of the flow path switching unit 58, the information display 28, and the like.
Further, the discharge control unit 70 receives a ball lending request signal, a ball lending unit signal, and a card amount information signal from the card unit 2, and receives a ball lending unit completion signal and a ball lending acceptance from the card unit 2. Send possible signal. Here, the card amount information signal is a signal indicating the frequency information (remaining frequency) stored in the game card.
[0044]
The discharge control device 61 functions as a discharge control means, and controls various electric parts necessary for discharging game balls, such as a ball discharge motor and a stopper solenoid provided in the ball discharge unit 57, or a card unit. The control associated with the lending of the ball is performed while exchanging signals with 2. For example, when prize ball number information is transmitted from the game control device 60, energization to the ball discharge motor is controlled to discharge a predetermined number of game balls.
[0045]
  The discharge control device 61 also functions as the game advice information notifying means of the present invention together with the information indicator 28 described above,Furthermore, it functions as an advice necessity determination means of the present invention,It is determined whether or not advice for the game is necessary. If it is determined that the advice is necessary, display control information for informing the information display unit 28 of advice information is output.
[0046]
Further, the discharge control device 61 also functions as a storage medium information determination unit of the present invention, and determines whether or not the remaining frequency read by the card reader 4 is equal to or less than a determination reference value based on the received card amount information signal. . Here, in this embodiment, since this determination reference value is set to “0”, the discharge control device 61 determines whether or not the remaining number stored in the game card is “0”.
The card reader 4 is configured to automatically discharge the game card when the remaining number stored in the game card becomes “0”. For this reason, the discharge control device 61 treats the frequency information as “0” when the received card amount information signal indicates that the gaming card is not attached.
[0047]
Next, game advice by the information display 28 will be described in detail.
[0048]
In this information display 28, various advice displays (a type of game advice information) are performed in order to prevent inconvenience that the ball is lost despite the start winning memory remaining. In the present embodiment, a message related to a game ball launch operation and a message related to the purchase of a game card are displayed.
[0049]
For example, as shown in Fig. 5, messages related to game ball launch operations may be missed, such as "Please stop firing", "Please stop firing", and "Please miss a chance" ”, Etc., and is a content that advises a preferable method of launching a game ball in stages, that is, with different degrees of warning.
In addition, the message regarding the purchase of a game card is, for example, “Please note that there is no balance”, “Please prepare for card purchase”, “Purchase card”, etc. This is a step-by-step advice on the purchase of.
[0050]
These messages are stored in the ROM of the discharge control unit 70, for example. Then, the discharge control unit 70 is stored based on the presence / absence and amount of the start winning memory, the remaining number (card balance) stored in the game card, the amount of balls stored in the ball storage unit 23, and the like. Select an appropriate message from the messages. Then, control information is output to the information display 28 in order to display the selected message.
[0051]
Hereinafter, a series of operations for displaying a message will be described step by step.
[0052]
During the game, the game control device 60 monitors the output from the start opening sensor 46, and if there is a winning at the start winning opening 37 during the execution period of the auxiliary game or the special game, this winning is awarded to the start winning of the RAM. Store in the storage area. However, since the maximum number of starting winning prizes is 8, the winning prize is stored when the storage amount is less than 8.
[0053]
Here, the game control device 60 functions as a storage state determination unit to determine the presence / absence of start memory, and also functions as a storage amount determination unit to determine the amount of start memory (winning number). In addition, the game control device 60 includes the above-described ball amount detection sensor.WhenBoth function as remaining amount detection means, and detect the amount of game balls stored in the ball storage unit 23. In the present embodiment, since the two ball quantity detection sensors are arranged in the ball storage unit 23, it is detected whether it is “none”, “small quantity”, or “medium quantity or more”.
[0054]
Then, the game control device 60 transmits the above determination result and detection result to the discharge control device 61 as chance loss prevention control information.
[0055]
On the other hand, the discharge control device 61 also functions as a storage medium information determination unit during the game, and based on the card amount information signal from the card unit 2, the remaining number stored in the game card is “0” (that is, the valuable value). Is “0”).
[0056]
Subsequently, the discharge control device 61 determines whether or not to display a message based on the chance loss prevention control information sent from the game control device 60 and the determination result about the remaining number, and displays the message. The contents of the message are also determined.
[0057]
This determination is made, for example, with the pattern shown in FIG. That is, when there is no remaining number of game cards and there is a start winning memory, it is determined to display a message, and the content of this message is based on the memory amount of the starting winning memory and the amount of stored balls in the ball storage unit 23 Selected.
[0058]
For example, regarding the message related to the launch operation, if the memory amount of the start winning memory is 1 to 3 and the amount of the stored ball is more than the medium amount, “Please suppress the launch.” If the amount is small, “Please stop firing”. If the amount of stored ball is not enough, “Please note that you may miss a chance”.
Also, if the amount of starting winning memory is 4 or more and the amount of stored balls is more than medium or small, “Please stop firing”. If there is no stored ball amount, Please note that chances may be missed. "
Thus, in this embodiment, a severe warning message is selected as the amount of stored balls decreases. As for the storage amount of the start winning memory, a severe warning message is selected as the storage amount increases. This is to increase the appeal of the message to the player.
[0059]
On the other hand, regarding the message related to the purchase of a game card, if there is 1 to 3 memory amounts in the start winning memory and the amount of stored balls is more than the medium amount, “Please note that there is no balance”. If the amount is small, “please prepare for card purchase”, and if there is no storage ball amount, “please purchase card”.
Also, if the amount of starting winning memory is 4 or more and the amount of stored balls is more than medium amount, “Please prepare for card purchase”. Is "Please purchase a card."
As described above, the message regarding the purchase of the game card is also configured such that a severe warning message is selected as the amount of stored balls decreases and the amount of memory increases, thereby increasing the appealing power of the message.
[0060]
Then, the game control device 60 outputs control information to the information display 28 so as to alternately display a message regarding the selected launch operation and a message regarding the purchase of the game card. For example, if the amount of the start winning memory is 1 to 3 and the amount of stored balls is more than the medium amount, the control information for displaying the message “Please control the launch”, “ Control information that causes the message “Please note that there is no” is output alternately. Thereby, the information display 28 which received control information displays these messages alternately.
[0061]
In displaying these messages, either a message relating to the launch operation or a message relating to the purchase of the game card may be displayed, or both messages may be displayed simultaneously.
[0062]
Further, regarding the message selection, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. For example, the normal gaming state may be divided into a specific gaming state such as a probability variation period or a short time period, and a message may be displayed only in the normal gaming state.
[0063]
This is because during the probability variation period, even if the game balls in the ball storage unit 23 are lost, the game balls acquired in the special game that has already been performed can be used. This is because it is difficult to reduce the number of holding balls that can be used in the game because the blade members of the start winning opening 37 are frequently opened, and it is considered that advice for the game is unnecessary.
[0064]
In this case, the game control device 60 functions as a game state determination unit, acquires the game result of the auxiliary game, and determines whether the game state is the normal game state or the specific game state. The determination result is included in the chance loss prevention control information and transmitted to the discharge control device 61.
On the other hand, the discharge control device 61 (game advice information notifying means) prohibits notification of advice information when the received chance loss prevention control information includes a determination result indicating that “the game state is in a specific game state”. .
[0065]
In the pachinko gaming apparatus 1 that performs the above-described operation, the presence / absence of the start winning memory is determined on the condition that the remaining number of game cards is “0”. And a message regarding the purchase of the game card are displayed on the information display 28. The content of this message is such that the degree of warning increases as the amount of stored balls decreases and as the storage amount of the start winning memory increases.
[0066]
For this reason, the player can recognize that there is a possibility that the ball is lost by checking the content of the message displayed on the information display 28. In other words, the player can be alerted.
[0067]
Then, the player can advance the game in accordance with the displayed message, so that it is possible to avoid in advance an extremely disadvantageous state in which the ball is lost when the auxiliary game is a big hit. For this reason, a significant disadvantage to the player can be prevented, and the player can surely obtain the bonus due to the jackpot of the auxiliary game, that is, the large number of prize balls that can be obtained in the special game.
[0068]
On the other hand, a player who wishes to continue the game can prepare a game card at an optimal timing. For this reason, even if the auxiliary game is a big hit when the remaining number is exhausted, the special game can be performed without any problem by the newly prepared game card.
[0069]
In addition, the message displayed on the information display 28 has a warning content that is so severe that the ball is likely to run out. Thereby, the appeal power of the message with respect to a player can be improved, the disadvantage with respect to a player can be prevented more reliably, and a privilege can be obtained reliably.
[0070]
In the gaming machine 3 described above, when the remaining number is “0” and the auxiliary game is being executed, it is preferable to display a message even if the start winning memory is not determined to be “present”. This is because the auxiliary game being executed may be a big hit.
That is, when the remaining number of game cards is “0”, there is a possibility that the possession ball is used up when the last auxiliary game is a big hit, so it is preferable to call attention by displaying a message. .
[0071]
In this case, the game control device 60 functions as auxiliary game execution recognition means, recognizes whether or not the auxiliary game is being executed, and sets auxiliary game execution information (for example, a flag) over the period of execution. To do. Then, the auxiliary game execution information is transmitted to the discharge control device 61 by being included in the chance loss prevention control information together with the determination result of the presence / absence or amount of the start winning memory, the detection result of the possession ball, and the like.
Since the auxiliary game is performed under the control of the game control device 60, the game control device 60 can recognize whether or not the auxiliary game is being executed without requiring any special detection means. .
[0072]
On the other hand, the discharge control device 61 (game advice information notifying means) is based on the received chance loss prevention control information and the result of determination on the remaining number, and the remaining number is “0” and the auxiliary game is being executed. It is determined whether or not. When the remaining number is “0” and the auxiliary game is being executed, the discharge control device 61 outputs control information to the information display 28 to display a message.
In this state, there is a high possibility that the possession ball will be lost when the game ball is launched. For example, the message regarding the launch is “Please stop firing”, and the message regarding the purchase of the game card is, for example, “Please purchase a card”.
[0073]
By the way, in the above-described embodiment, whether or not to display a message based on the remaining number of game cards, the presence / absence and amount of the start winning memory, the amount of game balls stored in the ball storage unit 23, and Although the contents of the message are defined, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
[0074]
For example, it is detected whether or not the game value is consumed, in other words, whether or not the possessed ball is consumed by the game, and this detection result is determined based on the presence / absence and amount of the start memory and the retained amount of the retained ball A message may be selected in consideration of the above.
[0075]
In this case, the game control device 60 determines whether or not the holding ball is consumed based on the detection signal from the execution state detection means capable of detecting the consumption of the holding ball, and the determination result is determined based on whether or not the start winning memory is stored. It is included in the chance loss prevention control information together with the determination result of the amount and the detection result of the ball, and transmitted to the discharge control device 61.
[0076]
Here, the execution state detection means is only required to be able to detect consumption of the holding ball directly or indirectly, and various configurations are conceivable. For example, a launch ball detection sensor attached to the tip of a launch rail to which the launched game ball is guided or an out ball detection sensor that has flowed into the out port 41 can be used as the execution state detection means.
[0077]
Further, a volume or an encoder provided on the firing operation handle 19 can also be used as an execution state detection unit. That is, according to the turning operation of the firing operation handle 19, the volume changes the resistance value, and the encoder changes the output, so that the presence or absence of the turning operation can be detected. The fact that the turning operation of the firing operation handle 19 is performed means that the game ball is being fired, that is, the holding ball is consumed. It can be used as a detection means.
[0078]
On the other hand, the discharge control device 61 and the information display 28 select and notify game advice information from a plurality of patterns in consideration of the detection result by the execution state detection means.
[0079]
This selection is performed based on the pattern shown in FIG. That is, first, a determination result regarding the gaming state of the gaming machine 3 is referred to. Here, when the gaming machine 3 is in a specific gaming state (during a probability variation period, during a short time period, etc.), the message is not notified. On the other hand, when the gaming machine 3 is in the normal gaming state, the determination result regarding the presence / absence of the frequency information is referred to.
[0080]
And when frequency information is memorize | stored in the game card (when there exists a balance), alerting | reporting of a message is not performed. On the other hand, when there is no balance, the determination result regarding the presence / absence and amount of the start winning memory is referred.
[0081]
Here, when there is no start winning memory (when there is no memory), the message is not notified. On the other hand, if there is storage, it is confirmed whether the storage amount is in the range of 1 to 3 or 4 or more. Then, the determination result regarding the ball consumption is referred.
[0082]
If the ball consumption is not confirmed, and the start winning memory is within the range of 1 to 3, the message “Please control the launch” is selected as the message regarding the launch operation, and the game card Select the message “Please prepare for card purchase” as a message regarding the purchase of. On the other hand, if there are four or more start winning memories, select the message “Please stop firing” as the message regarding the launch operation, and “Prepare for card purchase” as the message regarding the purchase of the game card. "Message.
[0083]
Also, if the ball consumption is confirmed, if the start winning memory is within the range of 1 to 3, select the message “Please note that chances may be missed” as the message regarding the launch operation, As a message regarding the purchase of a game card, the message “Please purchase a card” is selected. On the other hand, if there are 4 or more start winning memories, select the message “Please stop firing” as the message regarding the launch operation, and “Please purchase the card” as the message regarding the purchase of the game card. Select a message.
[0084]
Then, the game control device 60 outputs control information to the information display 28 so as to display a message related to the selected launch operation and a message related to the purchase of the game card. Thereby, the information display 28 displays a message based on the received control information.
[0085]
By adopting such a configuration, the consumption state of the holding ball is also reflected in selecting a message. For this reason, a more suitable message can be displayed. For example, when the ball is consumed despite the possibility that the starting memory remains and the player may win, the player can be alerted by giving a severe warning. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the chance of a corner being wasted.
[0086]
By the way, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made based on the description of the scope of claims.
[0087]
First, regarding the advice information, the advice information in the above embodiment is a message that conveys the advice in characters, but is not limited to this message. For example, the game advice information notification means may be configured using a lamp provided on the front side of the gaming machine such as the surface of the gaming board 14. Similarly, the display area of the variable display device 36 may be used in place of the information display 28 described above. Further, advice may be given by voice or warning sound. In this case, a voice or warning sound is generated together with the message display or instead of the message display.
[0088]
Further, the number of memories that can be stored in the start winning storage means is not limited to eight. For example, four or six may be sufficient and nine or more may be sufficient. In short, there may be a plurality. And this invention exhibits a remarkable effect, so that there are many storable maximum numbers.
[0089]
In the above embodiment, the card unit 2 is provided with storage medium information acquisition means, the game control device 60 of the gaming machine 3 is provided with start winning storage means and storage state determination means, and the discharge control device 61 is provided with storage medium. Although the information determination means is provided, it is arbitrary in which control device each of these means is provided, and is appropriately set according to the configuration of the gaming apparatus 1. The other means are the same. For example, the game advice information notification means may be constituted by the game control device 60 and the fluctuation display device 36.
[0090]
Further, regarding the storage medium, in the above-described embodiment, the prepaid game card that stores the valuable value as the frequency information has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be an IC game card of a type that can add frequency information in exchange for coin insertion.
Further, the valuable information stored in the storage medium is not limited to the frequency information. For example, the actual amount of money may be stored, or the number of game balls that can be lent out may be stored.
Furthermore, the determination reference value for this valuable value is not necessarily “0”, and may be set in consideration of the amount of game value that can be paid out.
[0091]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the auxiliary game is a so-called one-type gaming machine 3 that is a symbol matching game on the variation display device 36, but is not limited to this gaming machine 3.
For example, a V prize opening is provided in a concave chamber that can receive a game ball, and a variable prize device (so-called center role) that can guide the game ball into the concave chamber when the wing member that can be opened / closed is open is provided. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called type 2 gaming machine that opens the blade member of the variable prize winning device for only a short time.
[0092]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the frequency information as the valuable value is directly stored in the game card as the storage medium is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the present invention can also be applied to information in which valuable value information is stored in external storage means provided in a hall management device or the like.
In this case, the game card stores identification information for specifying the game card, and the RAM (a kind of external storage means) of the management device stores a storage area for the frequency information for each game card (that is, the identification card). For each information). Then, frequency information is transmitted and received between the gaming device and the management device. That is, the management device holds frequency information for each gaming card, and the gaming device (storage medium information acquisition means) acquires the frequency information held in the management device. Then, the acquired frequency information is converted into a game ball, that is, a game value.
[0093]
The present invention can also be applied to gaming devices other than the pachinko gaming device 1 including the card unit 2 and the pachinko gaming machine 3. For example, a so-called encapsulated ball type gaming device that circulates and uses game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 3 may be used. In this enclosed ball type gaming device, the ball is stored in a storage means such as a memory, and the stored ball information is consumed to play a game.
More specifically, in this enclosed ball type gaming device, when a lending ball is operated, the frequency corresponding to the operation is subtracted from the frequency information stored in the game card, and the count number of the possessed ball is added. . Each time a game ball is fired, the count of the ball is subtracted, and when a prize is entered, the count is added by the number corresponding to the prize opening. Therefore, in this encapsulated ball type gaming device, the count number of possessed balls is handled as a gaming value.
[0094]
Further, the gaming device described above may be a pachinko game realized on various display devices such as a cathode ray tube or a liquid crystal display device. In this pachinko game, an image simulating a game ball is used as a game medium, and winning is determined based on the relationship between the display position of this ball image and the image display positions of various winning holes. In this pachinko game, the ball is handled by the count as in the case of the enclosed ball type gaming machine.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the present invention has the following effects.
  That is, when it is determined that advice is required by the advice necessity determination means and whether the advice is required by the advice necessity determination means, based on the determination results by the storage state determination means and the storage medium information determination means In addition,Game ballA game advice information notifying means for notifying the advice information that suppresses the launch of the game, and the advice necessity determining means provides advice when the valuable value is determined to be “0” and the start winning memory is determined to be “present”. Since it is determined that it is necessary, it is possible to cause the player to play the game according to the procedure according to the advice information. Thereby, it is possible to avoid in advance an extremely disadvantageous state that the game cannot be continued when the auxiliary game is a big hit, and it is possible to prevent a disadvantage for the player. As a result, it is possible to surely enjoy the benefits due to the jackpot of the auxiliary game without missing. AndGame ballAt the end of the auxiliary game by letting the game play in accordance with the advice information to suppress the launch ofGame ballCan be prevented, and even if an auxiliary game is a big hit, a special game can be performed without any problem.
[0096]
  In addition, a storage amount determination means for determining the storage amount in the start winning storage means is provided, and the game advice information notification means is in accordance with the determination result by the storage amount determination meansGame ballSince the advice information with a different degree of warning for suppressing the launch of the game is notified, the content of the advice can be changed according to the amount of the start winning memory, and the appealing power of the advice to the player can be enhanced. Thereby, the privilege with respect to a player can be enjoyed still more reliably.
  further,Game ballIf the degree of warning is increased to the extent that there is a high possibility that the error will disappear, the appealing power of advice can be further enhanced.
[0100]
  If the advice information notified by the game advice information notification means includes information that prompts the purchase of a storage medium or the addition of a valuable value to the storage medium, the player's attention is confirmed by confirming this instruction. Can be aroused. For example,Game ballCan arouse consumption control. As a result, at the end of the auxiliary gameGame ballCan be prevented from disappearing.
  In addition, a player who desires to continue the game can prepare a storage medium at an optimal timing. For this reason,Game ballEven if the auxiliary game is a big hit when there is no longer any special game, the special game can be performed without any problem with the newly prepared storage medium.
[0101]
Further, the storage medium information acquisition means is configured to acquire a valuable value corresponding to the inserted storage medium, and to automatically eject the storage medium when the inserted storage medium runs out of valuable value. When the medium information determination means treats the non-inserted state of the storage medium as the valuable value “0”, it can notify the player of the advice information regardless of the type of the storage medium information acquisition means.
[0102]
  Also,Means for determining necessity of adviceIs configured to determine whether or not advice on the game is necessary in consideration of the determination result of whether or not the auxiliary game is being executed, even if a big hit is made in the last auxiliary game, the privilege is missed. It can be enjoyed reliably.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming device.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper plate.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming device.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the gaming device.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a message selection pattern;
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of a message selection pattern;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
2 Card unit
3 Pachinko machines
4 Card reader
5 Card slot
10 Airframe
11 Front frame
12 Glass frame
13 Game area
14 Game board
15 Top plate
16 Front panel
17 Ashtray
18 Lower plate
19 Launch control handle
20 Operation panel
23 ball storage
24 Launcher
25 ball inlet
26 First ball quantity detection sensor
27 Second ball detection sensor
28 Information display
29 Ball rental button
30 Remaining frequency indicator
31 Card eject button
32 Open / close lever
35 partition members
36 Variable winning equipment
37 Start prize opening
38 grand prize opening
39 Universal Map Gate
40 general prize opening
41 Out mouth
42 Windmill
43 Side lamp
46 Start sensor
47 Grand Prize Counter Count Sensor
48 winning mouth sensor
49 Solenoid solenoid
50 Memory display
53 Base frame
54 Storage tank
55 Taxiway
56 Half-end sensor unit
57 ball discharge unit
58 Channel switching unit
59 Power supply unit
60 Game control device
61 Emission control device
64 Game control unit
65 Oscillator circuit
66 I / O interface
67 Grand Prize Solenoid
70 Emission control unit
71 Oscillator circuit
72 I / O interface

Claims (5)

A game area provided with a plurality of types of winning sections including a start winning section is provided, and a game ball obtained by converting a valuable value corresponding to the storage medium is launched into the gaming area by a launching device. A prize ball is awarded in accordance with the winning in the winning part in the game, an auxiliary game is executed in accordance with the winning in the starting winning part, and a special advantageous to the player on the condition of the jackpot in the auxiliary game In a gaming device capable of executing a game,
Start winning storage means capable of storing up to a predetermined number of winnings to a starting winning portion where the auxiliary game has not yet been executed;
Storage state determination means for determining presence or absence of storage in the start winning storage means;
Storage medium information acquisition means capable of acquiring valuable value held corresponding to the storage medium;
Storage medium information determination means for determining whether the valuable value acquired by the storage medium information acquisition means is equal to or less than a determination reference value;
Advice necessity determination means for determining whether advice for the game is necessary based on the determination result by the storage state determination means and the storage medium information determination means;
Game advice information notifying means for notifying advice information that suppresses the launch of a game ball when it is determined that the advice is required by the advice necessity determination means;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the advice necessity determination means determines that advice is necessary when the valuable value is determined to be “0” and the start winning memory is determined to be “present”. A storage amount determination unit for determining a storage amount in the start winning storage unit;
2. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game advice information notifying unit notifies advice information having a different degree of warning for suppressing the release of the game ball according to a determination result by the storage amount determining unit.   3. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the advice information notified by the gaming advice information notification means includes information that prompts the user to purchase a storage medium or add a valuable value to the storage medium. . The storage medium information acquisition means is configured to acquire a valuable value corresponding to the inserted storage medium and automatically eject the storage medium when the valuable value of the inserted storage medium is lost,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage medium information determination unit treats the uninserted state of the storage medium as a valuable value "0".   5. The advice necessity determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the advice necessity determination unit determines whether or not advice for the game is necessary in consideration of a determination result of whether or not the auxiliary game is being executed. A gaming device according to claim 1.

Images