JP4505314B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine configured so that a presentation form can be changed by detecting a game ball by a detecting means.

Conventionally, in a pachinko machine which is a kind of gaming machine, a symbol combination game is displayed in which a variable display device displays a plurality of types of symbols in a variable manner. And in order to improve the player's interest in this symbol combination game, there is a pachinko machine in which the effect form of the display effect performed on the variable display device is changed by the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, Patent Literature 1). In the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1, a detection switch for detecting a game ball is provided on the game board, and the effect form of the variable display is changed when the game ball is detected.
JP 2004-89690 A (paragraph number [0061])

  By the way, in the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1, one detection switch is provided on the game board, and when the game ball is detected by the detection switch, a configuration in which the effect form is changed, that is, one game ball is detected. Only the production form is changed. As described above, when one detection switch is provided and the effect form is changed by detecting one game ball by the detection switch, the player has few options for changing the effect form. In addition to lack of interest in changing the form, it is difficult to reflect the player's will for changing the production form, and it is difficult to say that the production attracts the player's interest.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and the purpose thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can easily realize the effect of attracting the player's interest because the player's will is easily reflected. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that a start winning means for detecting a game ball won in a start winning opening provided in a game board, and the start winning means wins a game ball. In a gaming machine that includes a display means for performing a symbol variation game that displays a plurality of types of symbols in response to the detection , the symbol variation game is based on an effect mode that defines the effect mode of the symbol variation game . Start holding ball storing means for storing the game ball detected by the start winning means as a start holding ball, and memory number notifying means for notifying the stored number of start holding balls stored in the start holding ball storage means. The effect content determining means for determining the effect content of the symbol variation game, the normal effect mode, and the normal effect mode are different based on the determination result of the jackpot determination based on the start holding ball. Mode setting means for setting any one of the effect modes among the special effect modes that define the effect mode, the effect content determined by the effect content determining means, and the effect content determining means are set when the effect content is determined. The display control means for causing the display means to execute the symbol variation game based on the effect mode being detected, and the game balls that have entered the plurality of mode switching openings provided separately from the start winning opening on the game board, respectively. A plurality of detection means , a counting means for counting the number of detection of each game by the detection means, and a number of detections counted by the counting means based on the detection number counted by the counting means. and a notification unit representation embodiment with the setting to perform the notification effect suggesting timing to be changed, and the reference detection number is determined for each different in the respective detection means, The special effect mode includes a plurality of special effect modes that are associated with each mode switching port and define different effects of the symbol variation game, and the mode setting means includes the detection means When the number of detections in at least one of the detection means has reached the reference detection number set in the detection means, the detection number is associated with the mode switching port of the detection means that has reached the reference detection number. While the special effect mode is set, the normal effect mode is set when the effect content determining means determines the effect content including the reach effect performed by forming the reach as the effect content of the symbol variation game. The notification means is provided separately from the stored number notification means, and is set in a special effect mode associated with each mode switching port. Each time to be changed to the rendered effect mode is configured to be able to be notified in association with each mode switching port, and when the effect mode is changed as the special effect mode is set, It is continuously notified that the production mode has been changed until the changed production mode returns to the original production mode as the normal production mode is reset after the production mode is changed. Among the plurality of mode switching ports, the reference for the mode switching port detection means arranged on the path where the game ball launched on the game board easily reaches the start winning port. While the number of detections is set to be large , the gist of the invention is that the reference number of detections is set to be small for the detection means of the mode switching port arranged on the route that is difficult to reach the start winning port .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, each of the mode switching ports is configured to have a board surface configured to have different difficulty levels related to the entry of the game balls launched on the game board. The gist is that the reference detection number is determined according to the degree of difficulty related to entering the mode switching port provided with each detection means. To do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect , the counting means detects the detection in all the detection means when the mode setting means sets the special performance mode. The gist is to clear the number .
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the plurality of mode switching ports flow downward from above the gaming board. A first mode switching port provided upstream of the start winning port as a mode switching port arranged on a path that easily reaches the starting winning port on the flow path of the game ball, and reaching the starting winning port The gist is to include a second mode switching port provided downstream from the start winning port as the mode switching port arranged on the difficult path.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the mode setting means determines that the effect content determining means is a big hit in the big hit determination. Based on the above, the gist is to set the normal effect mode when the effect content for the big hit effect is determined as the effect content of the symbol variation game.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an effect that easily reflects the player's will and attracts the player's interest.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) that is a kind of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 1, the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is schematically shown, and a vertical rectangular middle frame 12 for setting various game components is opened and closed on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outline of the machine body. And is detachably assembled. On the front side of the middle frame 12, a front frame 14 having a glass frame on which a protective glass for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine is transparently mounted, and an upper ball tray 15 are in a laterally open state. It is assembled so that it can be opened and closed. The front side of the front frame 14 and the game area 13a of the game board 13 are provided with a decoration lamp 16 that is turned on (flashing) or turned off to perform a game effect (light emission effect) based on the light emission decoration. A speaker 17 that outputs various sounds and performs a game effect (sound effect) based on the sound output is disposed below the outer frame 11. A lower ball tray 18 and a launching device 19 are attached to the lower part of the middle frame 12.

  In the approximate center of the game area 13a of the game board 13, a display device 21 having a variable display H as a liquid crystal display type display means is disposed. In the variable display H, a game effect (display effect) based on a varying image (or image display) is performed. In the variable display H, a symbol combination game (symbol variation game) is displayed in which a plurality of types of symbols are displayed in a variable manner in a plurality of columns. In the present embodiment, combinations of three columns of symbols are derived in the symbol combination game, and the types of symbols of each column forming the combination are eight types of 1-8.

  Then, the player can recognize the big hit or miss from the symbol combination (display result) finally displayed in the symbol combination game. When the symbols of all the columns displayed on the variable display H are of the same type, the big hit can be recognized from the symbol combination ([222] [777], etc.). The symbol combination that can recognize the jackpot is a jackpot symbol combination (a jackpot display result). When the jackpot symbol combination is displayed, the player is given a jackpot gaming state. On the other hand, when the symbols of all the rows displayed on the variable display H are of different types, or when the symbols of one row are of a different type from the symbols forming the reach, the symbol combination ([123] [122] [767] etc.) can be recognized. A symbol combination that can recognize this deviation is a symbol combination that is out of sync. Further, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the symbol combination game starts (when the symbols in each column start to change), the left column (left symbol) → the right column (right symbol) → middle as viewed from the player side The symbols are displayed in the order of columns (middle symbols). When the displayed left symbol and right symbol are of the same type, the reach can be recognized from the symbol combination ([↓] indicates that the symbol is changing, such as [1 ↓ 1]).

  Further, below the display device 21, a start winning opening 23 including an opening / closing blade 22 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. Behind the start winning opening 23, a start opening sensor (start detection means) SE1 (see FIG. 5) for detecting a winning game ball is provided. The start winning opening 23 can give a start condition for the symbol combination game in response to detection of winning of a game ball. Also, below the start winning opening 23, a large winning opening 25 having a large winning opening door 24 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) not shown is arranged. When the big hit gaming state is given, the big winning opening 25 is opened by the opening operation of the big winning opening door 24 so that the game ball can be won, so that the player has a chance to acquire a large number of winning balls. Obtainable.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the game display part 20 and the reservation ball number display part 27 are formed in the variable display H. FIG. The game display unit 20 displays an image of the symbol combination game. On the other hand, the number of held combination balls based on the number of stored starting balls stored in the machine (RAM 28c) (hereinafter referred to as “the number of stored memories”) is displayed in the reserved ball number display section 27 (starting hold). The number of spheres is displayed as an image. The reserved memory count is incremented by 1 (+1) when a game ball wins the start winning opening 23, and is decremented by 1 (-1) when the symbol combination game starts, and the game ball wins the start winning opening 23 during the symbol combination game. Then, the reserved storage number is further added and accumulated up to a predetermined upper limit number (4 (maximum number) in the present embodiment).

  The number of reserved balls 27 is composed of a plurality (four in the present embodiment, the same number as the upper limit of the number of reserved memories) of number displays H1, H2, H3, and H4. Then, in the reserved ball number display unit 27, the number of display units H1 to H4 equal to the number of stored stored numbers are lit up (image display as if the lamp is emitting light), so that the number of symbol combination games on hold is displayed. Is notified. In FIG. 2, the number display portions H1 to H4 that are lit and displayed are indicated by “● (black circle)”, and the number display portions H1 to H4 that are not lit are indicated by “◯ (white circle)”.

  Further, the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment has a plurality of types (four types in the present embodiment) of game modes (see FIG. 4). More specifically, there are four game modes: a 1-line mode, a 5-line mode, a character A mode, and a character B mode. The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment varies the form of the display effect (design combination game) performed on the variable display H according to the four game modes.

  The one line mode is a game mode in which the number of effective lines in which the symbol combination displayed in the symbol combination game is valid is one. The 5-line mode is a game mode in which the number of active lines is 5. FIG. 2 shows a screen display of the variable display H in the 1-line mode, and FIG. 6E shows a screen display of the variable display H in the 5-line mode. In FIG. 2, the code “Y1” is assigned to one effective line, and in FIG. 6E, the codes “Y1”, “Y2”, “Y3”, “Y4”, and “Y5” are assigned to the five effective lines, respectively. is doing. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the effective line is shown by a solid line for easy understanding. However, in an actual machine, the effective line may not be visible.

  The player can recognize the big hit or miss from the symbol combination displayed on the active line. And when the five effective lines Y1-Y5 are defined in the variable display H, there exists a chance that several reach will be formed simultaneously by making the symbol arrangement of a right-and-left row into a reverse arrangement, for example. In the present embodiment, there is a chance that reach is simultaneously formed in the effective line Y4 and the effective line Y5, and when reach is formed, double reach is achieved. If a double reach is formed, it will be a big hit if a big hit symbol combination is displayed on one of the active lines Y4, Y5. Will be given twice as many opportunities. Therefore, when the 1-line mode and the 5-line mode are compared, the player can feel a greater sense of expectation for the big hit when the symbol combination game is performed in the 5-line mode.

  The character A mode is a game mode in which the effect character A appears during the symbol combination game. The character B mode is a game mode in which an effect character B different from the effect character A appears during the symbol combination game. The effect character A and the effect character B are effect characters appearing in the character A mode or the character B mode (not appearing in the 1-line mode and the 5-line mode), and the images of these effect characters A and B are rare. It is an image. The player can obtain a sense of superiority by the appearance of an image (rare image) that cannot be usually seen.

  In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the game mode is switched when a predetermined condition (mode switching condition) is established. More specifically, in this embodiment, the 1-line mode is set as the basic mode, and the symbol combination game is normally performed in the 1-line mode. When the mode switching condition is satisfied in the 1-line mode, the mode is switched to any of the 5-line mode, the character A mode, and the character B mode as the special mode, and a predetermined mode end condition (change end condition) is satisfied. Until then, the symbol combination game is performed in the game mode after mode switching. Thereafter, when the mode end condition is satisfied, the mode is switched again, and the symbol combination game is performed in the one-line mode.

Hereinafter, a configuration related to mode switching will be described.
Above the display device 21, a first mode winning opening (winning means) 26a that can give a mode switching condition from the 1-line mode to the 5-line mode is disposed (see FIGS. 1 to 3). A first mode sensor (detection means) SE2 for detecting a winning game ball is provided in the back of the first mode winning opening 26a. In the present embodiment, when eight (reference detection number) game balls win the first mode winning opening 26a (when the first mode sensor SE2 detects eight game balls), the five-line mode is entered. The mode switching condition is established (see FIG. 4).

  Further, a second mode winning port (winning means) 26b that can give a mode switching condition from the 1-line mode to the character A mode is disposed on the right side of the game board 13 (right side of the display device 21). (See FIGS. 1 to 3). A second mode sensor (detecting means) SE3 for detecting a winning game ball is provided in the back of the second mode winning opening 26b. In the present embodiment, when four (reference detection number) game balls win the second mode winning opening 26b (when the second mode sensor SE3 detects four game balls), the character A mode is entered. The mode switching condition is established (see FIG. 4). Also, a third mode winning opening (winning means) that can give a mode switching condition from the 1-line mode to the character B mode at the lower left of the game board 13 (to the left of the starting winning opening 23 and the big winning opening 25). 26c is disposed (see FIGS. 1 to 3). A third mode sensor SE4 that detects a winning game ball is provided behind the third mode winning opening 26c. In this embodiment, when one (reference detection number) game balls wins in the third mode winning opening 26c (when the third mode sensor SE4 detects one game ball), the player enters the character B mode. The mode switching condition is established (see FIG. 4).

  The game board 13 has a board configuration (gauge configuration) so that the difficulty levels relating to winning of game balls in the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c are different. The board configuration refers to game nails, windmills, and various types of objects (display effects (display device 21 (center role) and decorative lamp 16 (lighting feature))) arranged on the game board 13. The arrangement and the size of various members (including adjustments in the case of nails). The game board 13 of the present embodiment is configured such that the difficulty increases in the order of first mode winning port 26a <second mode winning port 26b <third mode winning port 26c. When the difficulty level is low, the game ball is easy to win, and when the difficulty level is high, the game ball is difficult to win. In the third mode winning opening 26c having a higher difficulty level, obstacles (such as game nails) are arranged around the third game winning opening 26c, making it difficult for a game ball to win. Further, since the second mode winning opening 26b needs to fire the game ball aiming at the right area of the game board 13 with a higher firing strength than normal (right-handed), the first mode winning opening 26b. Difficulty becomes higher than 26a. In the present embodiment, the higher the difficulty level, the smaller the number of winning game balls that will satisfy the mode switching condition, and the lower the difficulty level, the greater the number of winning game balls that will satisfy the mode switching condition. ing.

  In addition, the game ball launched on the game board 13 flows down from the upper area of the game board 13 on both the left and right sides of the display device 21 and is guided toward the start winning opening 23. Then, the game balls that have not won the start winning opening 23 are discharged out of the machine through an out opening T (shown in FIG. 1) disposed below the large winning opening 25. For this reason, the first mode winning opening 26a or the second mode winning opening 26b is disposed above the start winning opening 23, so that the game ball fired on the game board 13 is in the first mode winning opening. There is a possibility that even if the player does not win the 26a or the second mode winning opening 26b, the winning winning opening 23 may be won. Therefore, the first mode winning opening 26 a and the second mode winning opening 26 b are arranged on a route that easily reaches the starting winning opening 23. On the other hand, since the third mode winning opening 26c is disposed below the start winning opening 23, the game ball launched on the game board 13 does not win the third mode winning opening 26c. There is no possibility of winning at the start winning opening 23. Therefore, the third mode winning opening 26c is arranged on a route that is difficult to reach the starting winning opening 23. In the present embodiment, the number of winning game balls that the mode switching condition is satisfied increases as the position is more easily reached on the start winning opening 23, and the mode is increased as the position is more difficult to reach. The number of winning game balls that will satisfy the switching condition is set to be small.

  Also, in the vicinity of the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c, there are separately displayed winning number indicators (notifying means) for notifying the number of winning game balls to the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c. It is arranged. In the vicinity of the first mode winning opening 26a (between the variable display H and the first mode winning opening 26a), a first winning quantity display HR for notifying the number of game balls won in the first mode winning opening 26a. Is arranged. The first prize display HR is composed of a plurality (eight in this embodiment) of notification lamps R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 (see FIG. 2). The first winning number display HR is lit in the order of notification lamp R1, notification lamp R2,..., Notification lamp R7, notification lamp R8 when a game ball has won the first mode winning opening 26a. It has become.

  Further, in the vicinity of the second mode winning opening 26b (in front of the second mode winning opening 26b), a second winning number display HL for notifying the number of winning game balls to the second mode winning opening 26b is disposed. ing. The second winning number display HL includes a plurality (four in this embodiment) of notification lamps L1, L2, L3, and L4 (see FIG. 3). The second winning number indicator HL is lit in the order of the notification lamp L1, the notification lamp L2, the notification lamp L3, and the notification lamp L4 when a game ball has won the second mode winning opening 26b. Further, in the vicinity of the third mode winning opening 26c (in front of the third mode winning opening 26c), a third winning number display HK for notifying the number of winning game balls to the third mode winning opening 26c is disposed. ing. The third prize display HK is composed of one notification lamp K1 (see FIG. 3). In the third winning number display HK, the notification lamp K1 is turned on when a game ball has won the third mode winning opening 26c.

  The first to third winning number display units HR, HL, and HK are notified lamps R1 to R8, L1 to L4 when a game ball has won the first to third mode winning ports 26a, 26b, and 26c. , K1 is turned on, so that the notification means for executing the notification effect suggesting the time when the game mode is changed (switched) is provided. That is, in the first to third winning number display units HR, HL, and HK, the winning number of the game ball can be grasped from the number of lighting of the notification lamps, while the winning mode is changed from the number of the notification lamps turned off until the game mode is switched. The number of game balls to be played can be grasped. Therefore, it is suggested that the game mode is changed from the number of lights off (when the number of game balls to be won has been won). The first to third winning number display units HR, HL, and HK have different functions from the reserved ball number display unit 27 that displays the number of reserved game balls, and are provided as separate members.

Hereinafter, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
A main control board 28 for controlling the entire gaming machine is mounted on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. The main control board 28 executes various processes for controlling the entire gaming machine, performs arithmetic processing on various control signals (control commands) for controlling the game according to the processing results, and executes the control signals (control Command). An effect control board 29 is mounted on the back side of the machine. The effect control board 29 is based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 28, and the display mode (display images of symbols, backgrounds, characters, etc.) of the variable display H and the first to third prize display. The light emission modes (lighting (flashing) / lighting timing, etc.) of the devices HR, HL, HK and the decoration lamp 16 and the sound output mode (sound output timing, etc.) of the speaker 17 are controlled. In addition, a start port sensor SE1 and first to third mode sensors SE2 to SE4 are connected to the main control board 28 (main CPU 28a).

Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the main control board 28 will be described with reference to FIG.
The main control board 28 is provided with a main CPU 28a, a ROM 28b, and a RAM 28c. The main CPU 28a updates the values of various random numbers such as a jackpot determination random number and a reach determination random number every predetermined cycle. The RAM 28c stores (sets) various pieces of information (random number values, reserved storage numbers, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. On the other hand, the ROM 28b stores a main control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10 and a plurality of types of variation patterns.

  The variation pattern is a game effect (display effect, light effect, sound effect) from when the symbol starts to change (the symbol combination game starts) to when all symbols in the row are displayed (the symbol combination game ends). The pattern used as the base of is shown. Further, the plurality of types of variation patterns are classified into a variation pattern for a big hit effect, a variation pattern for an outlier reach effect, and a variation pattern for an outlier effect. The jackpot effect is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to finally display the symbol combination of the jackpot through the reach effect. The outlier reach effect is an effect in which the symbol combination game is developed so as to finally display the symbol combination that has gone through the reach effect. The outlier effect is an effect developed so that the symbol combination game is displayed without displaying the reach effect. The reach effect is an effect that is performed after the reach is formed until the jackpot symbol combination or the off symbol combination is displayed.

The main CPU 28a executes various processes based on the main control program.
When the game ball wins the start winning opening 23 and receives the detection signal from the start opening sensor SE1, the main CPU 28a determines whether or not the number of reserved storages stored in the RAM 28c is less than the upper limit number. If the determination result is affirmative, the main CPU 28a adds 1 to the number of reserved storage and rewrites it. Further, the main CPU 28a reads the value of the random number for jackpot determination from the RAM 28c and sequentially stores it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 28c. The main CPU 28a subtracts 1 from the reserved memory number and rewrites it at the start of the symbol combination game.

  In addition, the main CPU 28a compares the jackpot determination random number stored in the RAM 28c with the jackpot determination value stored in the ROM 28b to determine the jackpot immediately before starting the symbol combination game. The main CPU 28a determines that the value that can be taken by the random number for determining the big hit is “0 to 616 (all 617 different integers)”, and if three big hit determination values are set, the lottery probability for the big hit is set to 3/617. The big hit determination is performed as (= 205.6 / 1). When the result of the big hit determination is affirmative (the value of the big hit determination random number matches the big hit determination value), the main CPU 28a determines the big hit. The main CPU 28a, which has determined the big hit, creates a big hit symbol for displaying the big hit symbol combination and determines a variation pattern for the big hit effect.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (the value of the big hit determination random number does not match the big hit determination value), the main CPU 28a reads the reach determination random number value read from the RAM 28c and the reach determination value stored in the ROM 28b. And reach determination (determination as to whether or not to perform an outlier reach effect). When the result of the reach determination is affirmative (the reach determination random number value and the reach determination value match), the main CPU 28a determines the detachment with reach. Then, the main CPU 28a creates a missed symbol for displaying a missed symbol combination forming a reach and determines a variation pattern for a missed reach effect. When the determination result of reach determination is negative (the reach determination random number value and the reach determination value do not match), the main CPU 28a determines the detachment without reach. Then, the main CPU 28a creates a missed symbol for displaying a missed symbol combination that does not form a reach and determines a variation pattern for a missed effect.

  The main CPU 28a having determined the symbol and the variation pattern outputs a predetermined control command to the effect control board 29 (sub CPU 29a). The main CPU 28a outputs a fluctuation pattern designation command for instructing a fluctuation pattern and instructing the start of symbol fluctuation. In addition, the main CPU 28a outputs a symbol designation command for designating the created symbol. Further, the main CPU 28a outputs an all symbol stop command for instructing to stop (determine display) symbols in each column when the game effect time set in the instructed variation pattern has elapsed. Furthermore, when the main CPU 28a receives detection signals from the first to third mode sensors SE2 to SE4, the main CPU 28a outputs a winning detection command indicating that the game ball has won to the effect control board 29 (sub CPU 29a). The main CPU 28a recognizes a winning detection command (this book) corresponding to the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c so that the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c in which the game ball has been won can be identified. In the embodiment, three types of winning detection commands are prepared).

Next, a specific configuration of the effect control board 29 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control board 29 includes a sub CPU 29a, and a ROM 29b and a RAM 29c are connected to the sub CPU 29a. The ROM 29b stores an effect control program for controlling game effects (display effects, light emission effects, and sound effects). The ROM 29b stores various image data (image data such as symbols, backgrounds, characters, performance characters, etc.). The RAM 29c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. In the present embodiment, the RAM 29c stores a game mode flag indicating the type of the current game mode and the number of times a winning detection command is input as information related to mode switching. Since the winning detection command is output every time the game ball wins the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c, the number of times of input is the game that won the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c. This indicates the number of winning balls (or the number of times the first to third mode sensors SE2 to SE4 have detected a game ball). In the present embodiment, since three first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c are provided, the number of inputs for each of the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c (that is, three input times). Is to be memorized.

  When the sub CPU 29a inputs the variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 29a controls the variable display H so that the symbol combination game (display effect) is executed with the game content corresponding to the variation pattern. When the current game mode is the 1-line mode, the sub CPU 29a causes the symbol combination game to be executed with the game content of the 1-line mode. Further, when the current game mode is the 5-line mode, the sub CPU 29a causes the symbol combination game to be executed with the game content of the 5-line mode. Further, when the current game mode is the character A mode, the sub CPU 29a causes the symbol combination game to be executed with the game content in which the effect character A appears. Further, when the current game mode is the character B mode, the sub CPU 29a causes the symbol combination game to be executed with the game content in which the effect character B appears. In the character A mode or the character B mode, the sub CPU 29a may cause the effect character A or the effect character B to appear for each symbol combination game. Alternatively, the effect character A or the effect character B may appear in the symbol combination game selected for each symbol combination game in accordance with a predetermined appearance rate (for example, 10% or 20%).

  Thereafter, when the sub CPU 29a inputs an all symbol stop command, the sub CPU 29a displays a symbol combination corresponding to the symbol designated by the symbol designation command. For example, when the number of effective lines is 1 (in the 1-line mode, the character A mode, or the character B mode), the sub CPU 29a displays the big hit symbol combination on the effective line Y1. Further, when the number of effective lines is five (in the five-line mode), the sub CPU 29a displays the big hit symbol combination on any of the effective lines Y1 to Y5.

Hereinafter, the control content related to mode switching executed by the sub CPU 29a will be described in detail.
When the winning detection command is input, the sub CPU 29a checks the game mode flag and determines whether or not the current game mode is the one-line mode. When the determination result is affirmative (1 line mode), the sub CPU 29a executes control before the mode switching, and when the determination result is negative (any of the 5 line mode, the character A mode, or the character B mode) The CPU 29a executes control after mode switching.

First, the control contents before mode switching (that is, the control contents during the one-line mode) will be described.
In the control before the mode switching, when the sub CPU 29a inputs a winning detection command, the sub CPU 29a adds 1 to the number of times the winning detection command is input. At this time, the sub CPU 29a adds 1 to the number of times of input corresponding to the winning port indicated by the winning detection command (any of the first mode winning ports 26a to 26c). Then, the sub CPU 29a controls the first to third winning number display units HR, HL, and HK so that the notification lamp corresponding to the number of inputs after the addition is turned on. For example, when a game ball wins the first mode winning opening 26a and the number of inputs is added, if the number of inputs after the addition is “2”, the notification lamps R1 and R2 are turned on, and the number of inputs after the addition is If “5”, the notification lamps R1 to R5 are turned on. The number of inputs is associated with each notification lamp in advance.

  In addition, the sub CPU 29a determines the number of times that the number of inputs after the addition satisfies the satisfaction of the mode switching condition (“8” for the first mode winning opening 26a, “4” for the second mode winning opening 26b, third mode). It is determined whether or not “1”) has been reached for the winning opening 26c. If this determination result is negative, the sub CPU 29a continues to execute control before mode switching. On the other hand, when the determination result is affirmative, since the mode switching condition is satisfied, switching to the game mode (5 line mode, character A mode, or character B mode) that satisfies the condition is determined.

  Then, the sub CPU 29a that has decided to switch the game mode rewrites the display content of the variable display H with the display content for the special mode of the switching destination, and starts the special mode. Further, the sub CPU 29a changes the game mode flag indicating the one-line mode set in the RAM 29c to the game mode flag indicating the special mode of the switching destination, and sets “0 (zero)” for all the input counts. Set. That is, when one mode switching condition is satisfied, the number of winning game balls that have been won in the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c when the condition is satisfied is cleared. If the mode switching condition is satisfied during the execution of the symbol combination game, the sub CPU 29a switches to the display content of the special mode after the symbol combination game is ended. On the other hand, if the mode switching condition is satisfied when the symbol combination game is not executed, the sub CPU 29a switches to the display content of the special mode at that time. Thereafter, the sub CPU 29a executes control after mode switching.

Next, the control content after mode switching (that is, the control content during the special mode) will be described.
In the control after the mode switching, the sub CPU 29a controls the first to third winning number display units HR, HL, and HK so that all the notification lamps corresponding to the special mode to be switched to blink. For example, when switching to the 5-line mode, the notification lamps R1 to R8 of the first prize display HR are blinked. The sub CPU 29a causes all the notification lamps to blink until the special mode of the switching destination ends. By flashing the notification lamp, it is continuously notified that the game mode is the special mode (the game mode is changed to the special mode). Further, in the control after mode switching, when the sub CPU 29a inputs a winning detection command, the input winning detection command is invalidated without adding 1 to any number of inputs.

  Further, in the control after the mode switching, the sub CPU 29a determines whether or not the variation pattern instructed by the variation pattern designation command is a variation pattern for a loss reach effect. When this determination result is affirmative, the sub CPU 29a performs mode switching lottery. The mode switching lottery is performed by random number lottery. In the present embodiment, the mode switching lottery is performed with the winning probability set to 1/2. The winning probability of 1/2 means that half of the values that can be taken by the random numbers used in the mode switching lottery are set as winning values. Then, when the sub CPU 29a inputs a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern for an outlier reach effect, the sub CPU 29a extracts one random number value, determines whether or not it matches a predetermined hit value, and mode switching lottery I do.

  When the mode switching lottery is won, the sub CPU 29a determines to continue the current special mode. On the other hand, when the mode switching lottery is missed, the sub CPU 29a determines switching to the one-line mode because the mode end condition is satisfied. Then, the sub CPU 29a that has decided to switch to the 1-line mode rewrites the display content of the variable display H to the display content for the 1-line mode after the symbol combination game of the outlier reach effect is finished, and starts the 1-line mode. Further, the sub CPU 29a changes and sets the game mode flag indicating the special mode set in the RAM 29c to the game mode flag indicating the one-line mode, and turns off all the notification lamps. Thereafter, the sub CPU 29a executes control before mode switching. Note that the sub CPU 29a also determines whether or not the variation pattern instructed by the variation pattern designation command is the variation pattern for the big hit effect in the control after the mode switching. If the determination result is affirmative, the current special mode is forcibly terminated at the end of the symbol combination game as a big hit effect.

  Next, a mode in which the game mode is switched in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 6 shows a mode in which the mode is switched from the 1-line mode to the 5-line mode. Further, FIG. 6 shows only the game display unit 20 of the variable display H and the notification lamps R1 to R8 of the first winning display HR.

  FIG. 6A shows a state in which the current game mode is the 1-line mode, and the notification lamps R1 to R8 of the first winning number display HR are not lit (the number of inputs stored in the RAM 29c is “0”). (Zero) state). In this state, when a game ball wins the first mode winning opening 26a, the main CPU 28a outputs a winning detection command, and the sub CPU 29a that has input the winning detection command controls the lighting of the notification lamp R1. As a result, in the first winning number display HR, the notification lamp R1 is turned on and there is one winning (in other words, seven more game balls are won before the mode switching to the five-line mode). That it is necessary). In FIG. 6, the lit notification lamps R1 to R8 are painted black. Thereafter, similarly, in the first winning number display HR, the notification lamps R1 to R8 are sequentially turned on every time a game ball wins the first mode winning opening 26a. When a game ball is won in the second mode winning slot 26b or the third mode winning slot 26c during the game, the notification lamps L1 to L4 of the second winning number display HL and the third winning number display HK are displayed. The notification lamp K1 is turned on.

  FIG. 6B shows a state in which six game balls have been won in the first mode winning opening 26a, and FIG. 6C shows that seven game balls have been won in the first mode winning opening 26a. Indicates the state. In the state of FIG. 6C, the number of game balls to be awarded to the first mode winning opening 26a before the mode switching (switching from the 1-line mode to the 5-line mode) is one.

  When the eighth game ball wins the first mode winning opening 26a, the notification lamp R8 is lit, and all the notification lamps R1 to R8 are lit on the first winning number display HR. Further, the sub CPU 29a determines to switch to the 5-line mode because the mode switching condition is satisfied.

  Thereafter, when the symbol combination game in the 1-line mode shown in FIG. 6D is finished, the display content is switched to the display content in the 5-line mode on the variable display H (FIG. 6E). Further, in the first winning number display HR, all the notification lamps R1 to R8 are blinked. In FIG. 6, blinking notification lamps R1 to R8 are indicated by hatching. Then, after changing to the display contents of the 5-line mode, the variable display H performs a symbol combination game in the 5-line mode. When the mode is switched to the 5-line mode, the notification lamps L1 to L4 of the second prize display HL and the notification lamp K1 of the third prize display HK are turned off during the 5-line mode.

  During the five-line mode, a mode switching lottery is performed every time a loss reach effect is performed. When the mode switching lottery is won, the continuation of the 5-line mode is determined, and the variable display H continues the symbol combination game with the display content of the 5-line mode. In the first prize display HR, all the notification lamps R1 to R8 are continuously blinked. On the other hand, when the mode switching lottery is missed, the display content of the variable display H is switched to the display content of the one-line mode after the symbol combination game where the outreach effect is performed. In the first prize display HR, all the notification lamps R1 to R8 are turned off. Then, on the variable display H, a symbol combination game is performed with the display content of the one-line mode (FIG. 6A). Thereafter, similarly, FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D are repeated. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the symbol combination game is being performed on the variable display H, but even when the symbol combination game is not being performed, the first winning number display HR has a game ball. The notification lamps R1 to R8 corresponding to the number of winnings (number of inputs stored in the RAM 29c) are turned on, and all the notification lamps R1 to R8 are blinked during the 5-line mode.

  Incidentally, when four game balls are won in the second mode winning opening 26b and the mode switching condition is satisfied, the mode is switched from the 1-line mode to the character A mode. During the character A mode, the notification lamps L1 to L4 of the second prize display HL are blinked. When one game ball wins the third mode winning opening 26c and the mode switching condition is satisfied, the mode is switched from the 1-line mode to the character B mode. During the character B mode, the notification lamp K1 of the third prize display HK flashes.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) A plurality of mode winning openings (in the present embodiment, first to third mode winning openings 26a to 26c) for providing conditions related to the change of the production form are provided on the game board 13, and each winning entry is provided for each winning opening. Separately, the number of winning game balls that will satisfy the mode switching condition is determined. For this reason, when changing the production form, there is a need to select which mode winning opening to aim at launching the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the player's will regarding the change of the production form by giving the player the pleasure of aiming the mode winning opening. When a plurality of mode winning holes (first to third mode winning holes 26a to 26c) are provided in the game board 13, mode sensors (first to third mode sensors SE2 to SE4) that detect the winning game balls. ) Are also provided.

  (2) Also, since the difficulty level of winning is set in the first to third mode winning holes 26a to 26c, the range of games is widened, and the player's will is more easily reflected. In other words, it is up to the player to decide whether to play a challenging game with a high-difficulty mode prize opening or to play a solid game with a low-difficulty mode winning opening.

  (3) Normally, the player is aiming at the start winning opening 23 to fire a game ball. For this reason, by arranging the first to third mode winning holes 26a to 26c with reference to the launch path of the game ball to the starting winning opening 23, the width of the game is widened and the player's will is more easily reflected. . In other words, prepare to start with a symbol combination game and start a challenging game aiming at the mode winning opening, or aiming at the starting winning opening 23 as usual, and playing the game at the mode winning opening in the process It will be left to the player's will to play a solid game to win the ball. Then, the first to third mode winning holes 26a to 26c are determined by determining the number of winning balls of the game balls that will satisfy the mode switching condition according to the arrangement of the first to third mode winning holes 26a to 26c. It is possible to vary the value for winning game balls.

  (4) By changing the production form to be changed for each of the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c, the player's will is more easily reflected. At this time, if there is a difference in the value of the effect form that is changed depending on the number of winning game balls that will satisfy the mode switching condition, the rarity of the change of the effect form can be further increased. For example, if the number of winning prizes is set so as to be changed to an effect form with higher values, the rarity can be further increased with respect to the change of the effect form.

  (5) When the mode switching condition is established at any of the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c and the production mode is changed, the game winning the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c The number of spheres (corresponding to the number of inputs) is reset. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which, after being changed to an effect form in line with the player's will, immediately changed to an effect form not meeting the will. Conversely, a reset can prompt the player to challenge again.

  (6) The number of game balls that have been won in which mode prize opening and the change in the form of play by the notification of the first to third prize display units HR, HL, HK The player can recognize whether or not to win a prize. This recognition makes it possible for the player to have a desire to continue the game until the effect form is changed. That is, the continuation of the game can be promoted.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the above embodiment, the arrangement of the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c may be changed. Moreover, you may change the board surface structure of the game board 13 for setting the difficulty of winning a prize. Further, a plurality of mode winning openings may be arranged in which the effect form (that is, the game mode) that is changed when the mode switching condition is satisfied is the same type. In this case, it is preferable that the difficulty level is set to be the same.

  In the above embodiment, the number of winning game balls (reference detected number) determined in the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c may be changed. For example, the number of game balls that are determined in the first to third mode winning holes 26a to 26c may all be the same, or a plurality of mode winning holes (for example, two of the three mode winning holes) are won. The number may be the same. In addition, the number of winning game balls determined in the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c may be all plural (two or more). When all are made plural, it is necessary to win a plurality of game balls in order to change the effect form, so compared to the case where the effect form is changed by winning one game ball. The rarity related to the change of the production form can be enhanced. In addition, in the case of a plurality, the game ball is accidentally won as compared with the case of one, and the effect form can be suddenly changed (the form is changed against the will of the player) Low. For this reason, it is easy to recognize the change timing of the production form, and the production form can be changed without causing confusion to the player.

  In the above embodiment, the game mode may be changed when all the mode switching conditions defined for each of the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c are satisfied. In this case, in order to change the effect form, it is necessary to establish the mode switching condition in all of the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c. Since it is not an easy task to establish all the mode switching conditions, it is possible to increase rarity regarding the change of the production form. In this case, as a game mode, for example, two types of a 1-line mode (basic mode) and a 5-line mode (special mode) are prepared, and the game mode is changed to the special mode when all the mode switching conditions are satisfied.

  In the above embodiment, when the mode switching condition is satisfied at any of the first to third mode winning holes 26a to 26c, the mode winning condition is satisfied without resetting all the input counts. Only the number of inputs may be reset, and the number of other inputs may be continuously counted. In this case, after the mode switching, counting may be resumed when the game mode ends and returns to the basic mode. It is also possible to measure during the special mode and switch to another special mode when the mode switching condition is satisfied.

In the above embodiment, the winning probability of mode switching lottery may be changed. For example, it may be 1/3 or 1/4.
-In the said embodiment, you may change the number of mode winning holes arrange | positioned in the game board 13. FIG. For example, it may be changed to 2, 4, 5, etc.

  In the above embodiment, the number of winning game balls required to switch the game mode is set in a plurality of stages (for example, in the case of the first mode winning opening 26a, “2 stages”, “5 stages”, “8 It is possible to set the stage to “stage”) and change the effect form step by step every time the number of game balls corresponding to one stage wins. For example, the number of active lines is changed for each step. In this case, it is preferable to increase the number of active lines as the number of winnings increases. Moreover, the appearance rate of a rare image is changed for every step. In this case, it is preferable to increase the appearance rate as the number of winnings increases. By changing the effect form step by step, the player can have the desire to change to the next stage every time the effect form is changed once, and the interest can be improved. In addition, it is possible to be interested in what kind of effect form is changed to the next stage.

  -In the said embodiment, you may change a background image and a pattern by switching game mode. Moreover, you may change the appearance rate of a rare image (effect character A and effect character B in embodiment) by switching game mode. For example, in the embodiment, the production characters A and B may appear even in the 1-line mode or the 5-line mode, and the appearance rate may be increased by switching to the character A mode or the character B mode. In the special mode, the appearance rate of the super reach effect may be changed. Further, the present invention is not limited to changing the effect form of the display effect of the variable display H, and the music (sound effect) output from the speaker 17 and the light emission pattern (light effect) of the decorative lamp 16 may be changed. That is, if the player can recognize the switching of the game mode, the content may be changed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c are produced by the sound effect by the speaker 17 (“XXth prize is received” or the like) and the display effect of the variable display H (number image display or the like). The number of winning game balls won may be notified. Moreover, you may alert | report using a some apparatus. Furthermore, as a notification form of the number of winnings, the number of winnings may be counted up (this embodiment) or may be counted down. That is, the type and number of notification means may be changed as long as the number of winning game balls required until the game mode is switched can be recognized.

In the above embodiment, the mode end condition may be set by the number of symbol combination games performed after mode switching or the elapsed time after mode switching.
In the above embodiment, the first to third winning number display units HR, HL, and HK may be omitted, but in order to make the player recognize the winning number to the first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c. It is preferable to provide the first to third winning number display units HR, HL, and HK.

  In the above embodiment, the first to third mode sensors SE <b> 2 to SE <b> 4 are connected to the main control board 28, but may be connected to the effect control board 29. In this case, a common variation pattern designation command may be output from the main control board 28 to the effect control board 29 regardless of the type of game mode. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the number of variation patterns stored in the main control board 28 and reduce the load on the storage of the main control board 28. When the first to third mode sensors SE <b> 2 to SE <b> 4 are connected to the effect control board 29, no winning detection command is output from the main control board 28 to the effect control board 29. For this reason, the production control board 29 receives the detection signals from the first to third mode sensors SE2 to SE4 and receives the number of times of input (first to third mode winning ports 26a to 26c as in the above embodiment). (The number indicating the number of winning game balls) is counted and stored in the RAM 29c.

  In the above embodiment, a plurality of game modes may be associated with one mode winning opening, and a game mode to be switched by lottery may be selected from a plurality of game modes when a mode switching condition is satisfied. . For example, when the mode switching condition is satisfied at the first mode winning opening 26a, the mode may be switched to either the 3-line mode, the 5-line mode, or the 9-line mode. With this configuration, it is possible to give the player a pleasure as to which game mode is switched to when the mode switching condition is satisfied. This configuration can also be applied to the case where mode switching is performed when all the mode switching conditions described above are satisfied.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.
(A) Among the detection means, the detection means having a high degree of difficulty has a large number of reference detection numbers, while the detection means having a low difficulty level has a low reference detection number. The

(B) the presentation form is a plurality of types prepared, Ru is changed to a different presentation forms according to said reference sensing the number which is determined in the detection means.

(C) When there are a plurality of the reference detection numbers, the reference detection numbers are divided into a plurality of stages, and each time the number of game balls corresponding to one stage is detected, the effect form is changed step by step. Ru is changed.

(D) when the one detection unit detects the reference detection number fraction of game balls, Ru number of playing balls which are detected by the detecting means is reset.

Triggered by the (e) All of the detecting unit detects the reference detection number fraction of game balls, Ru is changed the effect form.

(F) Notification means for notifying the number of game balls detected by each detection means or the number of game balls necessary for each detection means to detect the number of game balls corresponding to the reference detection number. It was.

(G) a reference detection number of the stipulated in each detection means, Ru plurality der.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of a pachinko machine. The enlarged view which shows a display apparatus. The enlarged view which shows a game board. Explanatory drawing explaining game mode. The block diagram which shows the control structure of a pachinko gaming machine. (A)-(e) is a schematic diagram which shows the aspect switched from 1 line mode to 5 line mode.

Explanation of symbols

  H: Variable display, SE1: Start port sensor, SE2: First mode sensor, SE3: Second mode sensor, SE4: Third mode sensor, HR: First prize display, HL: Second prize display , HK ... third prize display, 10 ... pachinko machine, 13 ... game board, 26a ... first mode prize opening, 26b ... second mode prize entry, 26c ... third mode prize entry, 28a ... main CPU, 29a: Sub CPU.

Claims (5)

A start winning means for detecting a game ball won in a start winning opening provided on the game board, and a symbol change for displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols in response to detection of the winning of the game ball by the start winning means. In a gaming machine comprising display means for playing a game , wherein the symbol variation game is performed based on an effect mode that defines an effect mode of the symbol variation game ,
A start holding ball storage means for storing the game ball detected by the start winning means as a start holding ball;
Storage number notifying means for notifying the stored number of start holding balls stored in the start holding ball storage means;
Based on the determination result of the jackpot determination based on the start holding ball, the effect content determining means for determining the effect content of the symbol variation game,
Mode setting means for setting any one of the effect modes among the normal effect mode and the special effect mode that defines an effect mode different from the normal effect mode;
Effect control means for causing the display means to execute a symbol variation game based on the effect content determined by the effect content determination means and the effect mode set when the effect content determination means determines the effect content;
A plurality of detection means for detecting each of the game balls entered in a plurality of mode switching ports provided separately from the start winning port in the game board ;
Counting means for counting the number of detection by which each detection means has detected a game ball for each detection means;
Based on the number of detections counted by the counting means, a notification means for executing a notification effect suggesting a time when the effect mode is changed in accordance with the setting of the special effect mode,
A reference detection number is set for each of the detection means, and the special effect mode is associated with each mode switching port for each of the mode change ports, and a plurality of different design aspects of the symbol variation game are defined. Including special production mode,
The mode setting means, when the number of detections in at least one detection means among the detection means has reached the reference detection number determined in the detection means, the detection number has reached the reference detection number While setting the special effect mode associated with the mode switching port of the detecting means, the effect content determining means has determined the effect contents including the reach effect performed by forming the reach as the effect contents of the symbol variation game With the opportunity, the normal production mode is set,
The notifying means is provided separately from the stored number notifying means, and each time when the mode is changed to the effect mode determined in the special effect mode associated with each mode switching port is set for each mode switching port. When the production mode is changed as the special production mode is set, the normal production mode is reset after the production mode is changed. Along with this, until the changed production mode returns to the original production mode, it is continuously informed that the production mode has been changed,
Of the plurality of mode switching ports, the number of reference detections is determined for the mode switching port detection means arranged on the path where the game balls launched on the game board can easily reach the start winning port. On the other hand, the gaming machine is characterized in that the reference detection number is set to be small for the detection means of the mode switching port arranged on the path that is difficult to reach the start winning port . Each of the mode switching ports is arranged on the game board having a board configuration so that the difficulty level relating to the entry of the game ball launched on the game board is different,
2. The game according to claim 1, wherein the reference detection number is determined for each of the detection means in accordance with a degree of difficulty related to entering a mode switching port provided with the detection means. Machine. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the counting unit clears the number of detections in all the detection units when the mode setting unit sets the special performance mode . 4.   In the plurality of mode switching ports, the start winning prize is a mode switching port arranged on a path that easily reaches the starting winning port on a flow path of a game ball that flows downward from above the game board. A first mode switching port provided upstream from the mouth, and a second mode switching port provided downstream from the start winning port as a mode switching port disposed on a path that is difficult to reach the starting winning port. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising:   The mode setting means, based on the fact that the effect content determining means is determined to be a big hit in the jackpot determination, has determined the effect content for the big hit effect as the effect content of the symbol variation game, as a trigger The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a mode is set.

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