JP4413451B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention comprises start winning storage means capable of storing start winning information up to a predetermined upper limit number based on winning of a game ball in the start winning area, and a display device based on the start winning storage information of the start winning storage means It is related with the game machine which opens the variable prize-winning apparatus when the variable display game of a symbol is performed, and the stop symbol displayed on a display apparatus is a special aspect.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Some conventional gaming machines play a variable display game using a variable display device by winning a game ball at a predetermined starting prize opening. In this type of gaming machine, during a variable display game, etc. Furthermore, when a ball winning at the start winning opening occurs, and the variable display game cannot be performed or not performed based on this start winning, not all the start winning balls are invalidated, but up to a predetermined number of start winning information. A function for storing (starting winning ball detection information and information such as a random value acquired for the variable display game based on the starting winning detection) is added. The notification of the number of start winning memories is generally configured to display the start memory area on a predetermined position of the game board, for example, on the decorative part of the variable display device or in the display area of the variable display device. Has been adopted.
[0003]
  In the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines, the start winning memory is mainly one that employs four MAX. After the start winning memory reaches the upper limit of four, even if more starting winning balls are detected, the start winning memory is stored. The overflow start state is not added to the game, and the start-up winning at the corner is invalid until the start-up winning memory is decremented after the variable display game based on the start-up winning memory is performed. In particular, in a special game state or a specific game state (probability change etc.) that is expected to be advantageous to the player, the frequency of winning at the start winning opening is increased, or the start of the variable display game is regulated. Therefore, there is a tendency that the overflow winnings that are not added to the start winning memory are increased compared to the normal gaming state.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  By the way, during the special game that shifts from the auxiliary game based on the start prize, since the execution of the auxiliary game is restricted, the start prize memory is not consumed during the special game, and the start prize memory is stored after the special game ends. Will be digested. As a player, we expect that special games will continue to occur, but since the previous starting winning memory number is only 4 MAX, even if the starting winning ball is stored up to the maximum number of memories Since the number of times the auxiliary game is executed based on the start winning memory is never large, the possibility that a special game is generated from the auxiliary game performed by digesting the start winning memory is low.
[0005]
  Accordingly, the present invention proposes a gaming machine that can suppress the occurrence of a start winning ball that is not an object of the start winning memory and that is overflowed, and that can effectively increase the player's expectation for the continuous occurrence of special games. With the goal.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with start winning storage means capable of storing start winning information up to a predetermined upper limit number based on winning of a game ball in the start winning area, Based on the start winning memory information of the storage means, a game that displays a variable winning game is performed in a game machine that performs a variable winning game of symbols on the display device and the stop symbol displayed on the display device is in a special mode. Based on the establishment of the storage upper limit change condition, the storage upper limit change control means capable of changing the storage upper limit number of the start winning information stored in the start winning storage means to any of a plurality of types, and any of the above types of storage Whether the upper limit is validIn addition to notifying by the MAX tab, the storage number of the start winning storage means is stored in the storage display area.A storage upper limit state notification means for notifying, and when the storage upper limit changing control means is changed so as to reduce the storage upper limit number, there is start winning information that overflows beyond the changed storage upper limit number. On condition that the change of the upper limit number of storage for the start winning storage means is temporarily suspended, the storage of the start prize information based on the detected start winning ball after the change of the upper limit number of storage for the start winning storage means is temporarily suspended is invalidated. When the variable display game based on the start winning information is performed and the memory number of the start winning memory means is reduced, the memory number of the start winning memory means becomes equal to the new upper limit number,When the storage upper limit number for the start winning storage means that has been temporarily suspended is changed, on the other hand, when the storage number of the start winning storage means falls below the new storage upper limit number, Re-enable the memory of starting prize information based on the starting prize ball,The storage upper limit state notification meansWhen changing so as to reduce the storage upper limit number, the notification by the MAX tab is changed to a notification of a smaller storage upper limit number,The number of memories in the start winning memory means is not equal to the new upper limit number of memories.Then, the number of memories to be notified in the storage display areaIt is characterized in that the notification is changed to a notification with a smaller storage upper limit number.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Next, an embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0008]
  As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 that can perform a ball game in which a game ball as a gaming medium is ejected is composed of a gaming machine main body 2 and a CR sand unit 3, and the gaming machine main body 2 is used for gaming. Various related functions (detailed later) are added, and the CR sand unit 3 is a prepaid card (a card for a ball game that is sold in advance at a predetermined amount, and stores valuable data equivalent to currency. Card control function and ball lending control function, etc., that enable the use of
[0009]
  The gaming machine main body 2 is configured by rotatably providing a frame-shaped front frame on the front side of a hollow box frame-shaped machine frame. And the glass frame 6 and the front panel 5 are provided in the said front frame so that rotation is possible. In addition, a game board 8 having a game part 7 surrounded by a guide rail 6 is arranged behind the glass frame 4 on which transparent glass is arranged.
[0010]
  The game board 8 is a main body of the ball game, and as shown in FIG. 2, the game ball that is bulleted by an electric drive source such as a rotary solenoid enters the game unit 7 along the guide rail 6. Upon reaching the game nail, the direction of flow down is changed by the windmill, and the flow is made to flow down. When a prize is entered in any one of the various prize holes 9a, which are prize areas provided in the game section 7, each prize hole 9a,... Each winning ball is detected by a winning mouth sensor (not shown) provided for each, and based on this detection signal, a winning ball (award gaming value) as a gaming value for winning (the occurrence of a gaming value grant state) is given to the player. A ball that is given and does not win any of the winning openings 9a... Is collected from the out opening 10 as a detached ball.
[0011]
  The prize game value given to the player is not limited to the prize ball. For example, in an enclosed ball type game machine (a game machine in which a player can circulate a ball enclosed in the machine and can play a ball game without handling an actual ball), virtual ball number data The game value giving operation is performed in such a form that is added. The game value to be given to the player is not limited to game media such as pachinko balls and medals, and various prizes may be given to the player.
[0012]
  In addition to the winning opening 9a ..., the game unit 7 is provided with general-purpose starting gates 9b, 9b. These general-purpose starting gates 9b, 9b are gate types through which game balls pass, and the winning opening 9a. It is not eligible for award balls as in However, when the normal start gate sensor detects the passing ball of the normal start gates 9b, 9b, this becomes a variable display start condition of the normal symbol display 12 provided in the normal electric accessory 11, and a plurality of types of identification information A general-variation display game is started in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner to stop the symbols.
[0013]
  When the stop symbol that is the result of the above-described universal map display game is predetermined special identification information (winning symbol), the opening / closing members 11a and 11a of the ordinary electric accessory 11 come close to each other and the start opening From the state where it is difficult to win the ball to 11b (first state unfavorable for the player), the open / close members 11a, 11a are separated from each other left and right, and the winning to the start port 11b is easy (second state advantageous to the player). ) Note that the ordinary electric accessory 11 is converted to the second state in a relatively short time of about 2 to 3 seconds and temporarily once or twice.
[0014]
  When a game ball is won at the start port 11b of the ordinary electric accessory 11 and the start port sensor detects this, a special symbol display device 13 which is a relatively large variable display device provided near the center of the game unit 7 is used. The auxiliary game by is started. The auxiliary game is, for example, acquiring a random number based on the winning of a ball to the start port 11b, determining whether the random number corresponds to a random number value for jackpot at the time of determination, and identifying according to the determination result This is a game that is stopped after the variable display of the identification information (for example, three digits) of the variation display unit 14 so that the information (for example, three digits) is displayed on the variation display unit 14 of the special symbol display device 13. Is a big hit, the combination of stop symbols is derived in a special form (for example, a prize form in which three-digit numbers are aligned to “777” or “333”) and the judgment result is out of place. Is to derive a combination of stop symbols into a predetermined lost symbol (a variety of symbols that are not jackpot symbols).
[0015]
  Then, when a winning mode based on the jackpot determination is derived in the auxiliary game, the opening / closing plate 16 that opens and closes the large winning opening of the variable winning device 15 provided at the lower center of the gaming unit 7 opens and closes according to a predetermined condition. (For example, the first state that is disadvantageous for a player who does not allow a ball flowing down on the board to enter the grand prize opening, and an advantage for a player who receives the ball flowing down on the board and invites it to the big prize opening. By converting to the second state, a special game, which is a game with a high possibility that the player can acquire many prize balls in a relatively short time, is executed. In other words, the start opening 11b of the ordinary electric accessory 11 functions as a start winning area where the ball winning is a requirement for starting the auxiliary game related to the transition to the special game.
[0016]
  Note that the special game in the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is a series of cycle games, and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the opening / closing door 16 of the variable winning device 15 is opened, or A predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is detected by the large winning opening count sensor or one of the conditions is achieved as one cycle, and the time until the end of the one cycle is achieved is large. When the cycle update condition is achieved by detecting the ball by the winning port continuation sensor, the cycle update is performed and the special game is continued. As a result, a special game with a high possibility that the player can acquire a lot of winning balls based on the winning of balls to the variable insertion device 10 in a relatively short time is realized. In order to maintain a profit balance between the game store and the player, an upper limit (for example, 8 times) is set for the number of cycles that can be updated so that the cycle game does not continue to be updated. The special game may be ended by invalidating the cycle update condition.
[0017]
  When the above-mentioned special game is completed, if there is a start winning memory based on the detection output of the starting port sensor, the auxiliary game (the special symbol display device 13 including the variable display unit 14 is used again based on the starting winning memory. (Variable display game) will be performed. On the other hand, when the special game ends, if there is no start winning memory, the normal game state is restored without executing the auxiliary game. In order to display information in a state where it is easy for the player to confirm the presence or absence of the start winning memory, a dedicated start winning memory display section is provided at an appropriate place or displayed on the variable display section 14 of the special symbol display device 13. May be. In addition, when the award mode in the auxiliary game that has become the condition for shifting to the special game is a special award mode, after the special game is finished, a certain privilege (for example, the probability of becoming the award mode in the auxiliary game) is increased. The content of the game may give a specific game state such as a probability change state.
[0018]
  The front panel 5 located below the glass frame 4 has a prize ball (a ball acquired by a player based on winning in various winning holes 9a in the game unit 7) or a rental ball (the game). A ball supply tray 17 for storing a ball lent to a player from a store) is provided, and a ball is supplied from the ball supply tray 17 to the launch ball standby unit, and the game ball waiting on the launch ball standby unit Is fired by the bullet mechanism of the bullet unit. In addition, at an appropriate position below the front frame 5, an operation handle 18 for operating the operation and stopping of the projecting unit, adjustment of the projecting force, and the like, and an overflowing ball that cannot be stored in the ball supply tray 17 ( A ball tray 19 for receiving an overflow ball is appropriately provided.
[0019]
  In the gaming machine main body 2 described above, the main body frame including the machine frame, the front frame, the glass frame 4, the front panel 5 and the like has a common function for performing a ball game in the gaming machine 1, The game board 8 is detachable from the main body frame. In other words, it is possible to exchange the game board 8 with a different board configuration so that the ball game with different game contents can be performed.
[0020]
  On the other hand, the CR sand unit 3 has various functions related to the ball lending control, reads valuable data of the prepaid card inserted from the card insertion / extraction port, and, for example, an appropriate place of the ball supply tray 17. The player rents a predetermined number of game balls according to the player's operation of the ball lending button provided in, rewrites the prepaid card value data to a value obtained by subtracting the currency corresponding to the rented game ball, and sets the return button to the player. Is operated, or when the remaining number of valuable data of the prepaid card becomes “0”, the prepaid card taken in is discharged from the card insertion / extraction slot.
[0021]
  As described above, the gaming machine 1 shown as the present embodiment includes a separate CR sand unit 3 so as to include a gaming ball lending function and is controlled by a discharging device of the gaming machine main body 2. The game ball for lending and the game ball for rent are discharged from the game machine. The game ball lending function and the card control function provided on the CR sand unit side are included in the game machine main body side. It may be a gaming machine with a structure.
[0022]
  The gaming machine 1 described above is used by being mounted on an island facility 20 of a gaming store. For example, an information display device 21 is provided on the upper panel 20a of the island facility 20 so as to correspond to each gaming machine 1, Various information collected from the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the information display device 21, and information sent from a management device that comprehensively controls each device in the gaming store is displayed. The information display device 21 includes a display panel 21a composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. For example, the information display device 21 has a function of switching to the information display desired by the player by selecting and operating the data selection switch 21b. The information display device 21 is also provided with decorative lamps 22, 22 that perform a light-emitting display that enhances the effect when a special game occurs in the gaming machine 1, or the call switch 21 d is set by the player. When operated, a flashing display is made to notify a nearby store clerk that a call request has been made. In addition, since the information display device 21 should just be provided corresponding to each game machine 1, you may make it arrange in parallel at the side of CR sand unit 3, for example.
[0023]
  Next, various control functions in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Each control device necessary for game control is provided at an appropriate position on the back side of the gaming machine main body 2, and as such a control device, a game that performs overall game control in the gaming machine main body 2 of the gaming machine 1. Upon receiving a prize ball discharge command from the control device 22, the game control device 22 or a ball rental discharge command from the CR sand unit 3, the discharge unit and the flow path switching unit are controlled to perform a ball discharge operation (a prize ball discharge operation or a loan). Discharge control device 23 for performing a ball discharge operation), display control device 24 for performing display control on the special symbol display device 13 according to a command from the game control device 22, prize ball discharge display LED, game machine state display LED, decoration There are a decoration control device 25 for performing display control on a decoration display such as a display LED, a sound control device 26 for controlling sound output to a speaker as sound output means, and the like.
[0024]
  The game control device 22 divides the oscillation frequency of the crystal and a game microcomputer 27 composed of a one-chip microcomputer for controlling the operation of various game devices (such as the variable winning device 15) required for the ball game, and is predetermined. An oscillator (CLK) 28 that generates a clock of a time width and supplies it to the gaming microcomputer 27, etc., an input interface 29a that receives detection signals from various sensors, etc., and outputs command signals to various electrical devices and control devices Output interface 29b. The gaming microcomputer 27 is integrated on a single chip as an IC for an amusement chip incorporating a CPU 27a, ROM 27b, and RAM 27c. The RAM 27c of the gaming microcomputer 27 is configured such that the stored contents are backed up by the backup power source 30 even when a power failure occurs.
[0025]
  In the input interface 29a, a start winning detection signal from a start opening detection sensor 31 that detects a ball won in the start opening 11b of the ordinary electric accessory 11 detects a ball that has passed through the normal start gates 9b and 9b. The continuous winning ball detection signal from the big winning opening continuation sensor 33, which detects only the continuous winning ball that has entered the continuation opening in the variable winning apparatus 15 from the gate start detection sensor 32 of the normal start gate sensor 32, is the variable winning apparatus. The winning ball winning ball detecting signal from the big winning port counting sensor 34 for detecting all winning balls into the winning ball 15 is a winning ball from the winning port sensor 35 for detecting the winning ball that has won each winning port 9a. An overflow state detection signal from an overflow sensor 36 for detecting a state where the detection signal does not completely enter the ball supply tray 17 and the ball discharge channel overflows is supplied to the discharge unit. The glass frame open state detection from the glass frame open sensor 38 which detects that the glass frame 4 is in the open state based on the half-end state detection signal from the half-end ball sensor 37 which detects the state where the game balls to be played are insufficient. Each signal is input.
[0026]
  On the other hand, the output interface 29b outputs appropriate command signals to the discharge control device 23, display control device 24, decoration control device 25, and sound control device 26, respectively. The variable display control signal is output to the large prize opening solenoid 39 which is an electric drive source for opening and closing the opening / closing door 16 of the variable prize winning device 15, and the opening / closing member 11a of the ordinary electric accessory 11 is opened / closed. A start port opening operation signal is output to the general electric solenoid 40 which is an electric drive source to be operated.
[0027]
  The gaming machine 1 provided with the game control device 22 as described above can execute a special game (game using the variable winning device 15) that is advantageous for the player and starts as a predetermined start winning area. The ball winning to the mouth 11b becomes a requirement to start the auxiliary game related to the transition to the special game, and the starting winning information based on the winning to the starting port 11b is provided with a start winning memory means capable of storing up to a predetermined upper limit number. Become. In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment functions as “a storage upper limit change control means that can change the upper limit number of start winning memories in the start winning storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined storage upper limit changing condition”. Is provided in the game control device 22, and the upper limit number of memories stored in the start winning opening 11b can be changed.
[0028]
  In other words, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a storage upper limit change control means that can change the upper limit number of the start prize storage in the start prize storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined storage upper limit change condition. Since the upper limit of the number of starting prizes was changed during the game, there is a possibility that the upper limit of the number of starting prizes will be changed due to the establishment of the memory upper limit change condition. Can be effectively increased, and there is a possibility that the frequency of the overflow prize will be reduced, and the act of temporarily stopping the launching action to avoid the overflow prize can be suppressed. In addition, it is inevitable for the player to stop firing to avoid overflow of the start winning memory, but during that time, the ball game will be interrupted and the actual operating rate of the gaming machine will decrease Therefore, it has an effect on the sales of the game store, and the interest of the player may be reduced due to the interruption of the ball game, so the suspension action is not desirable for both the game store and the player. It is.
[0029]
  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 provided with the storage upper limit number change control means, the upper limit number may be changed by the storage upper limit change control means every time the storage upper limit change condition is satisfied. For example, the game strategy according to the number is taken, and the opportunity for the skilled person to exhibit the game skill amount is generated and the interest is enhanced.
[0030]
  In addition, since the upper limit number may be changed every time the storage upper limit change condition is satisfied, not only is the memory upper limit number not always kept low, but the memory upper limit number is always kept high. Therefore, unlike the case where the upper limit number of the start winning memory is fixed to a high value in order to avoid the overflow of the starting winning memory, it is possible to avoid misunderstanding the player. In other words, the winning percentage at the start winning opening is about the standard (for example, when the upper limit of memory is fixed at 8 MAX, the memory number is uniformly stored up to 4, but the chance to become more than that is rare. Poor settings for players who have played with the gaming machine set to (winning state), with a large number of unstored starting prize memories remaining (there is almost no opportunity to store from 5 to 8 memories) This makes it difficult to give a misunderstanding that this is a gaming machine.
[0031]
  Next, based on FIG. 4, the flow of the upper limit number change control of the start winning memory in the gaming machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. This pending upper limit determination process is executed as needed by, for example, a timer interrupt every 4 ms. In addition, immediately after the gaming machine 1 is operated, the hold upper limit (upper limit number of start winning memories) is set to 4 by the initialization process, and the hold upper limit is changed by a subsequent game.
[0032]
  In the holding upper limit determination processing, first, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is started (at the time of transition to the special game) (step S1). If the big hit game is not started, the big hit game is finished (the special game). (When transitioning from normal game to normal game) or not (step S2). If it is not at the end of the big hit game, the hold upper limit determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the big hit game has ended, it is determined whether or not the next game state (the game state after the big hit game has ended) is a specific game state (step S3). If it is not in the specific gaming state, the hold upper limit determination process is terminated as it is. However, if the next gaming state is the specific gaming state in the above step S3, the holding upper limit value is set to 10 (step S4), and the start winning memorized upper limit value is increased with the start of the specific gaming state. It will be changed to 10.
[0033]
  Here, the specific game state in the present embodiment is a game state performed with a privilege that is advantageous to the player over the normal game state, and disappears when the next special game occurs. (The determination at the start of the special game is substantially the determination of the end of the specific game). The benefits granted in the specific gaming state are not particularly limited, but for example, the probability that a big hit (prize mode) occurs in a variable display game performed using the special symbol display device 13 is relatively small. A privilege that allows the next special game to be generated by the number of times of execution of the variable display game may be given, or an auxiliary winning function for directing the flow direction of the ball toward the start port 11b so that the game ball can easily win the start port 11b. A privilege that activates may be given, or a privilege that increases both the probability of occurrence of a prize in the variable display game and the frequency of winning at the start port 11b may be given.
[0034]
  The game state that makes it easier to win a ball to the start port 11b than the normal time is set to the specific game state, the change to the specific game state is set as the memory upper limit change condition, and the memory upper limit is changed. In the change control of the upper limit number of the start winning memory based on the achievement of the condition, the storage upper limit change control means has an upper limit number (for example, four) higher than the upper limit number (for example, four) before the change to the specific gaming state. 10) is set as a new upper limit, it is possible to effectively avoid invalidation as an overflow even if the winning frequency to the starting port 11b increases, and an auxiliary game based on the starting winning Can be executed at a high frequency. Therefore, while playing a game for a relatively short time, the possibility of shifting from the auxiliary game based on the start winning prize to the special game becomes high, and the player's sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special game can be effectively enhanced.
[0035]
  In order to inform the player of the change state of the number of starting winning prizes in an easy-to-understand manner, the game machine 1 according to the present embodiment uses the variable display unit 14 of the special symbol display device 13 as a storage upper limit state informing means. The upper limit number information related to the upper limit number change control by the storage upper limit change control means is notified to the player. In addition, it is good also as a memory | storage upper limit state alerting | reporting means by outputting upper limit number information as audio | voice information from a speaker.
[0036]
  A specific example of the storage upper limit state notifying means in the present embodiment is such that a start winning storage display unit 41 is provided in the variation display unit 14 as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 (a) shows that the 4MAX tab 41a is valid and the start winning memory is up to four (only four square frames which are display controllable storage display areas are displayed). ) Indicates that the 10MAX tab 41b is valid and the start winning memory is up to 10 (displaying 10 square frames which are storage display areas capable of display control). Thus, if the upper limit number of the start winning memory is notified as the upper limit number information depending on which of the 4MAX tab 41a and the 10MAX tab 41b is valid, the upper limit number of the current start winning memory can be easily understood. It is possible to notify the player.
[0037]
  Then, when the start winning memory number is displayed on these 4MAX tab 41a and 10MAX tab 41b, the memory display area selected according to the memory number is set as the effective display color, and the other memory display areas are set as the invalid display color. Control display. For example, when the storage upper limit number is 4 and the current start winning storage number is 2, the storage display area with “1” and the storage display area with “2” are red (effective display color). The other storage display area is white (invalid display color) (see FIG. 5A). That is, the start winning memory is notified in correspondence with the number of displays in the memory display area. When the number of display areas that can be controlled is relatively small, such as four or ten, it is easy for the player to grasp the number of display areas that are effective display colors. In this case, the display area numbered according to the number of start winning memories (for example, “3” is set when the number of starting winning memories is three). Only the stored display area) may be changed to the effective display color to notify the start winning memory number.
[0038]
  As described above, when the 4MAX tab 41a is valid, four storage display areas are displayed, and when the 10MAX tab 41b is valid, ten storage display areas are displayed, so that the display can be controlled. By notifying the upper limit number in association with changing the number of areas, and controlling the display of the number of memory display areas corresponding to the number of memories, the player can be notified of the current start winning memory number. , Stored from the number of storage display areas that can be controlled by the storage upper limit state notification means (four storage display areas when the 4MAX tab 41a is valid and 10 storage display areas when the 10MAX tab 41b is valid). As for the upper limit number, the actual storage number can be easily obtained from the display number of the storage display area whose display is controlled to be effective display (the number of storage display areas having the effective display color). Therefore, even if the upper limit number is changed, the player can instantly grasp the changed upper limit number of memory and the current stored number, and can quickly establish a gaming strategy in accordance with the current situation. Can be used.
[0039]
  In the example of the storage upper limit state notifying means shown in FIG. 5, the upper limit number in the valid state is indicated by controlling the display so that one of the 4MAX tab 41a and the 10MAX tab 41b is in front. However, the method of displaying the valid state and the non-valid state in a distinguishable manner is not limited to this. For example, even if the display color of the tab in the active state and the tab in the inactive state are different, or the form (size, shape, design, etc.) of the tab itself is different between the active state and the inactive state, 4MAX The players can easily identify the valid state and the invalid state in the tab 41a or the 10MAX tab 41b.
[0040]
  Further, in the example of the storage upper limit state informing means shown in FIG. 5, a tab-like design is adopted that can notify information including a plurality of types of upper limit numbers that can be changed (two types of upper limit numbers of 4MAX and 10MAX). In addition to “valid upper limit number” and “start winning memorization number”, the upper limit number information including “variable upper limit number type” can be notified, so that the type of memory upper limit number that can be changed is determined. Although the player is made to recognize in advance and the expectation is increased, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as at least “valid upper limit number” and “start winning memorization number” can be notified as upper limit number information, the storage upper limit state notification means may be any notification mode. Note that when the storage upper limit information notification means notifies a plurality of types of upper limit numbers that can be changed, not only the display method of tabbing for each upper limit number, for example, all upper limit types are displayed at the same time. If the start winning memory is notified only at the location corresponding to the effective upper limit number, the “upper limit number that is enabled” is displayed while the “variable upper limit type” is displayed. The player can be informed of the “starting prize memory number”.
[0041]
  As described above, after the holding upper limit value is changed and set to 10 with the start of the specific gaming state, when a special mode is started in the variable display game and a special game is started, the big hit game is performed in the above step S1. Since it is determined that it is the start time, the holding upper limit value is changed and set to four (step S5). That is, in this embodiment, depending on whether or not the game state after the end of the special game is the specific game state, whether the upper limit number of the start winning memory is changed to 10 or left is divided, When the upper limit number of winning prize memories is changed to ten, the upper limit number of starting prize memories is returned to four with the start of the next special game.
[0042]
  In addition, when changing the upper limit number of the start winning memory, it is possible to clear the start winning memory that has been stored so far so that the starting memory can be immediately stored with the new upper limit number. If the start winning memory is invalidated, a great disadvantage is given to the player. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the storage upper limit change control means changes the storage upper limit number to a number smaller than that before the change, the start winning memory that overflows beyond the memory upper limit number after the change. On the condition that there is, the change of the upper limit number of storage for the start winning storage means is temporarily suspended. In this case, when the memory upper limit change control means changes the memory upper limit number to a number smaller than that before the change, the start prize is obtained on the condition that there is a start prize memory that overflows beyond the memory upper limit number after the change. Since the change of the storage upper limit number for the storage means is temporarily suspended, the start winning memory that is already stored in the start winning storage means is invalidated with the change of the storage upper limit number, which causes a great disadvantage to the player Can be prevented.
[0043]
  Further, the memory upper limit change control means that temporarily suspended the change of the memory upper limit number for the start winning memory means invalidates the memory of the start winning based on the subsequently detected start winning ball, and all the start winning memories are digested. If the control for changing the upper limit of the memory is performed later, the start prize memory that is already stored in the start prize memory means is not invalidated, and the state without the start prize memory is shifted to a new memory upper limit number. Although there is an effect that the player is strongly impressed that the upper limit number of memory has been changed, in order for a new start winning memory to be possible, until the variable display game for the total memory number is consumed You have to wait and can make the player feel frustrated.
[0044]
  Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the storage upper limit change control means that temporarily holds the change of the storage upper limit number for the start winning storage means invalidates the start winning memory based on the subsequently detected start winning ball. When the start winning memory is exhausted and becomes equal to the new memory upper limit number, the memory upper limit number change control is performed. Thus, when the start winning memory is digested and becomes equal to the new memory upper limit number, the memory upper limit change control means that temporarily holds the change of the memory upper limit number with respect to the start winning memory means performs the memory upper limit number change control. Since this is done, it is possible to naturally shift to the new storage upper limit without invalidating the start winning memory already stored in the starting winning memory means.
[0045]
  An example of the process of changing the start winning memory number as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 (1) shows a state where the 10MAX tab 41b of the start winning memory display unit 41 is valid (the upper limit number of memory of the starting winning memory is 10) and the start winning memory is full. Although the upper limit number is changed and the 4MAX tab 41a becomes valid, the start winning memory (10) for the undigested portion up to that point remains pending. After the memory upper limit value is changed to four, the new start winning memory is invalidated and the stored starting winning memories are sequentially digested (for example, FIG. 6 (3) is up to six). Shows the state of digestion of memory). Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (4), when the number of start-winning storage units becomes four and matches the new storage upper limit number, the process shifts to a normal start-winning storage process in a state where the 4MAX tab 41a is valid. In FIG. 6 (4), no further start winning memory can be stored when the start winning memory section is full. However, as shown in FIG. 6 (5), the start winning memory can be stored if there is a free space.
[0046]
  In the first example of the hold upper limit determination process described above, the process is such that the hold upper limit is changed from 4 to 10 only during the specific gaming state. Is not limited to this. For example, the game control device 22 includes upper limit number selecting means for selecting the upper limit number of start winning information that can be stored in the start winning memory means, and the storage upper limit changing control means is the upper limit number selected by the upper limit number selecting means. If the storage upper limit number of the start winning storage means is changed so that is set as a new upper limit number, a variety of methods for selecting the start winning memory can be employed. At this time, if the upper limit number selecting means sequentially switches a plurality of upper limit numbers prepared in advance according to a predetermined order, the upper limit number selecting means can set various kinds of upper limit numbers without complicating the function of the storage upper limit changing means. It can be set. However, when switching the upper limit number of memories based on the order, once the order of switching is known, it becomes easy to predict the upper limit number of memories to be selected next, and it is not possible to enhance interest.
[0047]
  Therefore, by preparing multiple types of upper limit numbers in advance and selecting them as one option, and selecting one upper limit number at random, if a new upper limit number is selected, the new upper limit number is difficult to predict. The player's expectation is high. A second example of such a holding upper limit determination process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0048]
  First, it is determined whether or not the specific gaming state is ended (step S11). If the specific gaming state is not ended, it is subsequently determined whether or not the specific gaming state is started (step S12). If there is not, it is not the timing for changing the holding upper limit value, and the holding upper limit value determining process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined at the above step S12 that the specific gaming state is started, a holding upper limit value determining random number is acquired (step S13), and it is determined whether or not the acquired random number is true (step S13). S14). If the acquired random number is a win, it is possible to change and set the holding upper limit value to 10 (step S15), and to play a game with the holding upper limit value increased during the specific gaming state. It becomes. However, if the acquired random number is out of place (random numbers that do not fall per hit), the holding upper limit value is not changed to 10, and the game in the specific gaming state remains with the four holding upper limit values. Will be done.
[0049]
  That is, according to the hold upper limit determination process, when the storage upper limit change condition at the start of the specific gaming state is achieved, a random number is acquired and the hold upper limit is determined as one of two types. It is possible to determine a pending upper limit value that cannot be predicted as to whether 4 or 10 values are selected. In the second example of the holding upper limit determination process, the holding upper limit is set to 4 unconditionally when it is determined at the end of the specific gaming state in step S11 (step S16). Even if a specific game is played in the state of being changed and set to the number, the holding upper limit value returns to 4 with the end of the specific game state. However, a process for randomly selecting the same holding upper limit value at the end of the specific gaming state may be adopted, and the holding upper limit value to be selected is not limited to two types, but is selected from three or more types of holding upper limit values. You may do it.
[0050]
  Further, in the above-described hold upper limit determination process of the second example, the timing of transition of the gaming state in the gaming machine 1 (start and end of the specific gaming state) is set as the storage upper limit changing condition of the start winning memory. It is not limited, and it may be set as a memory upper limit change condition that the ball has won a special prize opening or passed through a special passing gate, and various conditions not related to the change of the game state Conditions (such as the game duration and the number of shot balls satisfying predetermined conditions) may be set as the memory upper limit changing condition.
[0051]
  However, for a player who is playing a game on the gaming machine 1, the memory upper limit value is changed in relation to the gaming state changed as a result of the game performed by the player. It is easy to make a strategy and motivation to play. Therefore, the storage upper limit change condition may be set in association with achievement of the transition condition to the special game or the end of the special game (change of the game state in the gaming machine 1). As described above, if the storage upper limit changing condition is set in relation to the change of the gaming state in the gaming machine 1 (such as occurrence or termination of the special gaming state), the start winning memory in the starting winning storage means is accompanied with the change of the gaming state. Thus, the player's interest in changing the gaming state can be effectively increased by the synergistic effect. A third example of such a holding upper limit determination process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0052]
  First, it is determined whether or not the big hit ends (step S21). If the big hit is not ended, it is subsequently determined whether or not the big hit occurs (step S22). Since it is not the timing, the pending upper limit determination process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined at step S22 that the big hit has occurred, it is determined whether the big hit symbol is “333” or “777” (step S23), If it is one of the seeds, the holding upper limit value is set to 50 (step S24), and during the big hit (in the special game state) where the execution of the variable display game based on the start winning is restricted. It is possible to play a game with the holding upper limit increased to 50.
[0053]
  If the jackpot symbol is neither “333” nor “777” in step S23, it is determined whether the jackpot symbol corresponds to “111”, “555”, or “999” ( Step S25) If the jackpot symbol is one of these three types, the holding upper limit value is set to 10 (Step S26), and the jackpot for which the execution of the variable display game based on the start winning is regulated is restricted. Some games can be played with the holding upper limit increased to ten. However, if it is a big hit symbol (for example, “222”, “444”, “666”, “888”) that does not correspond to any in step S25, the hold upper limit value is not changed, and the hold upper limit as standard set. A special game will be played with the value of 4.
[0054]
  That is, according to the hold upper limit determination process, the hold upper limit is selected from 50, 10, and 4, depending on the result of the auxiliary game (variable display game) that has caused the big hit. Then, a special game is played with a corresponding holding upper limit value. In the third example of the holding upper limit determination process, when it is determined at step S21 that the big hit is over, the holding upper limit is unconditionally set to four (step S27), and the holding upper limit is set to 50. Even if a special game is played with the number changed to ten, the holding upper limit value returns to four as the special game ends.
[0055]
  In addition, in the third example of the hold upper limit determination process, the variable display game is set to a high-speed change game so that the already-held start winning memory can be quickly consumed at the end of the big hit (step S28). In other words, by shortening the time required for each variable display game, the digestion of the start winning memory is promoted, and even when 50 starting winning memories are full, a new memory is quickly and efficiently stored. In addition to being able to shift to the upper limit value, there is an effect that the time from the auxiliary game based on the start winning memory to the occurrence of a new special game can be substantially shortened. In order to quickly digest the start winning memory without invalidating it, it is only necessary that the auxiliary game control means for controlling the execution of the auxiliary game can quickly digest the start winning memory by changing the execution mode of the auxiliary game. Not only high-speed fluctuation that shortens the execution time of the fluctuation display game, a plurality of fluctuation display games may be played in parallel.
[0056]
  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are all examples and are not limited to the disclosed technology. Should. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above-described embodiment, but should be construed in accordance with the description of the scope of claims, and the description of the scope of claims. All modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.
[0057]
  For example, in the above embodiment, the special symbol display device 13 is shown as a game machine having a game content with a variable display game for variable display, but the auxiliary game is not limited to this, and the variable prize device Alternatively, a game in which success or failure of the special game transition condition is determined based on whether or not a ball wins a special winning area in the sorting apparatus may be used. Anyway, the starting condition of the auxiliary game related to the transition to the special game that is advantageous for the game development for the player is the ball winning to the start winning area, and the start of the auxiliary game based on the starting winning ball is deferred Any gaming machine that can store up to a predetermined number.
[0058]
  In addition, it is possible to enhance the gameability by combining the change setting of the hold upper limit value described above and various game conditions. For example, in a gaming machine equipped with a guidance function for guiding a ball to the start winning opening (in the above embodiment, the opening / closing members 11a and 11a are opened and the normal electric accessory 11 that guides the ball to the start opening 11b) is stored after the big hit. The upper limit number is selected, and options are as follows: (1) Normal state (the memory upper limit number is low [e.g., one, etc., the guidance function to the start winning opening is disabled), (2) Super chance state ( When the maximum number of memories is high (e.g. 8) and the guidance function to the start winning a prize is activated), each time the generated big hit ends, either (1) or (2) is drawn (or alternately Selection). In the gaming machine having such a setting, the number of executions of the variable display game is substantially reduced in the normal state of (1), and a game that is difficult to generate a big hit is performed, but in the super chance state of (2) The number of winning balls at the starting winning opening increases and the number of winning balls increases. In addition, the variable display game is played efficiently and continuously, so that the next big hit will occur sooner, and the maximum number of memory for starting winning memory It becomes possible to impress the player with the change in gameability accompanying the change more remarkably.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect, the storage upper limit number of the start winning information stored in the start winning storage means can be changed based on the establishment of the predetermined storage upper limit changing condition. Since the upper limit change control means is provided, there is a possibility that the upper limit number of the start winning memory is changed due to the establishment of the memory upper limit change condition, so that the player's expectation can be effectively increased. In addition, the frequency of overflow winnings can be suppressed.
[0060]
  Moreover,A storage upper limit state notifying means for notifying which number of storage upper limit numbers of a plurality of types is in an effective state and notifying the storage number of the start winning storage means in the storage display area is provided,When the storage upper limit change control means is changed so as to reduce the storage upper limit number, the storage upper limit number of the start prize storage means is determined on the condition that there is start winning information that exceeds the storage upper limit number after the change and overflows. Temporarily hold the change, invalidate the storage of the start winning information based on the starting winning ball detected after temporarily holding the change of the upper limit number of memories for the starting winning storage means, and a variable display game based on the start winning information is performed When the memory number of the start winning memory means is reduced by the decrement of the memory number of the start winning memory means,When the storage upper limit number for the start winning storage means that has been temporarily suspended is changed, on the other hand, when the storage number of the start winning storage means falls below the new storage upper limit number, Re-enable the memory of starting prize information based on the starting prize ball,The storage upper limit state notification meansWhen changing so as to reduce the storage upper limit number, the notification by the MAX tab is changed to a notification of a smaller storage upper limit number,The number of memories in the start winning memory means is not equal to the new upper limit number of memories.Then, the number of memories to be notified in the storage display areaSince the notification is changed to a notification with a small memory upper limit number, the start winning memory already stored in the start winning memory means is invalidated along with the change of the memory upper limit number, and it is possible to prevent the player from being greatly disadvantaged. In addition, even when changing to reduce the upper limit of storage,Notify this via the MAX tab,The variable display game is played until the memory number is reduced to the new memory upper limit number without invalidating the start prize memory already stored in the start prize memory means, and the memory number of the start prize memory means is set to the new memory upper limit number. If they are equal,Change the notification to the notification of the upper limit number of memories with a small number of memories to be notified in the storage display areaTherefore, the transition to a new memory upper limit number can be naturally performed without causing confusion to the player.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram related to input / output in the gaming machine.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of a holding upper limit determination process.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display image of a variation display section of a special symbol display device in which a start winning storage display section capable of informing a storage upper limit change state is formed.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process of changing the storage upper limit in the start winning storage display section.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of a holding upper limit determination process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third example of the hold upper limit determination process.
[Explanation of symbols]
    1 gaming machine
  11 Ordinary electric equipment
  11b Start port
  27 Microcomputer for game
  27c RAM
  31 Start sensor
  41 Start winning memory display

Claims (1)

Start winning storage means capable of storing start winning information up to a predetermined upper limit number based on the winning of a game ball in the starting winning area, and variations in symbols in the display device based on the start winning storage information of the start winning storage means In a gaming machine that performs a display game, and the stop symbol displayed on the display device is a special aspect,
A storage upper limit change control means capable of changing the storage upper limit number of the start winning information stored in the start winning storage means to any one of a plurality of types based on establishment of a predetermined storage upper limit changing condition;
A storage upper limit state notifying means for notifying which of the plurality of types of storage upper limit numbers is in an effective state by a MAX tab, and notifying the storage number of the start winning storage means in a storage display area ;
Provided,
The storage upper limit change control means, when changing so as to reduce the storage upper limit number, the storage upper limit number for the start winning storage means on condition that there is start winning information that overflows beyond the changed memory upper limit number Is temporarily suspended, the storage of the start winning information based on the starting winning ball detected after the change of the storage upper limit number for the starting winning storage means is temporarily suspended, and the variable display game based on the start winning information is executed. If the stored number of the start winning storage means is reduced and the stored number of the start winning storage means becomes equal to the new upper limit number of storage, the upper limit storage number for the start winning storage means that has been temporarily suspended On the other hand, if the stored number of the start winning storage means falls below the new upper limit of storage and the number of stored memory is vacant, it is based on the starting winning ball. The memory of the dynamic prize information and re-enable,
When the storage upper limit state notifying means is changed so as to reduce the storage upper limit number, the notification by the MAX tab is changed to a notification of a smaller storage upper limit number, and the memory number of the start winning storage means is newly stored. When ing equal to the maximum number, a game machine, characterized in that so as to change the notification in the number storage limit also store a smaller number of notifying the storage display area.

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