JP4553103B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine.

  Conventionally, among the various ball game machines, in particular, the first type pachinko game machine displays a plurality of symbols in a display area such as a liquid crystal display provided substantially at the center of the game board (hereinafter referred to as such). The display is called “symbol change” or “change display”). This gaming machine executes a lottery every time a game ball launched by a player falls into a start winning opening provided in the game board, and holds a lottery result up to a predetermined number. The held lottery results are sequentially read, and the symbols are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time (hereinafter, after the lottery results are held, the held lottery results are read out and the symbol variation display is started. Is called "variable waiting time").

  This game machine shifts to a special game called so-called jackpot where a special number of winning balls can be obtained when the special symbol when the symbol variation stops according to the result of the lottery Known to do. The variable display of symbols in the display area is not only a variable display of multiple symbols, but the time of variable display is usually reduced in a state where it is a big hit if one more symbols are aligned, as in the so-called reach screen. For example, an effect is made to increase the player's expectation, such as making it longer. In addition, the player's expectation is enhanced by such control that a character is used for an image such as a design to give a story to the variable display, or the probability of transition to a special game is changed.

The symbol variation display time is determined at the start of symbol variation. If the variable display time is long, even if the game ball falls into the start winning opening during this period, the number of lottery results will be reached and the lottery result cannot be held any longer. This results in lost lottery opportunities for players (hereinafter referred to as “holding opportunity losses”), which greatly distracts the pachinko gaming machine. On the other hand, if the variable display time is short, it is not possible to provide a sufficient performance to increase the player's expectation, and the entertainment of the pachinko gaming machine is impaired. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a bullet ball game machine that controls the symbol variable display time according to the number of lottery reservations to determine an appropriate variable display time according to the game situation.
Japanese Patent No. 2868302

  However, it is not easy to determine an appropriate variation display time at the start of symbol variation. This is because, even if the number of lottery results held is detected at the start of symbol variation, it is undecided how long the symbol is variably displayed based on each lottery result. Therefore, it was not possible to determine the optimal variation display time from the situation of the whole game. A general pachinko gaming machine is controlled to have a long variable display time when the number of lottery results held is small and a short variable display time when the lottery result is large. For this reason, after all, the display time of the symbol variation tends to be roughly divided into two depending on whether it is long or short.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, The objective is to provide the bullet ball game machine which raises the interest of a game regarding the change display time of a symbol.

  In order to solve the above problems, a ball game machine according to an aspect of the present invention provides a start winning processing unit that acquires start winning information indicating a drop in a game ball into a start winning opening, and acquires start winning information. As a trigger, a lottery execution unit that executes a lottery with a predetermined probability, and a pattern storage unit that stores a plurality of display patterns including a variation display of a pattern, which is a pattern showing an effect process executed based on the result of the lottery A variable time determining unit that determines the variable display time of the symbol based on the lottery result, a variable time storage unit that stores the variable display time, and a plurality of display patterns corresponding to the lottery result and the variable display time. A pattern determination unit that selects from the display pattern; and a display processing unit that causes the display device to perform effect display using the selected display pattern. The variation time determination unit determines the variation display time in response to the game ball falling into the start winning opening.

  According to the ball ball game machine of this aspect, the symbol variable display time is determined when the game ball is dropped into the start winning opening. The variable display time may be determined at the same timing as the lottery, for example, but may be determined at a predetermined timing during the variable standby time. Even when continuous variation display is executed by holding a plurality of lottery results, the respective variation display times can be acquired before the start of variation. Therefore, there is an effect that it is easy to determine the variable display time of the optimum length. For example, when a game ball is dropped into the start winning opening, if the variable time storage unit has already stored a long variable display time, the variable time determination unit holds it in view of the length of the variable display time. Opportunity loss is unlikely to occur, and it is easy to determine a variable display time as short as necessary to exhibit a sufficient performance effect. Thereby, the conventional problem that the length of the variable display time is divided into two can be solved.

  This variable time determination unit is based on the estimated waiting time that is predicted as the time from when the game ball drops into the start winning opening until the start of the variable display of the symbol triggered by the drop. May be determined. The predicted waiting time is a time when the length of the variable waiting time is predicted. Based on this predicted waiting time, there is an effect that it becomes easy to determine the fluctuation display time of the optimum length. For example, when the predicted waiting time is long, the fluctuation time determining unit is less likely to cause a holding opportunity loss in view of the length of the predicted waiting time, and the fluctuation display is as short as necessary to exert a sufficient effect. It becomes easier to determine the time.

  The bullet ball game machine may further include a holding storage unit that stores a result of a lottery made in response to a drop of the game ball into the start winning opening during the variable display. Then, the fluctuation time determination unit may calculate the predicted waiting time based on the number of lottery results stored when the game ball enters the start winning opening. Based on the number of reserved lottery results, there is an effect that it is easier to determine the optimal length of the variable display time. For example, since the estimated waiting time tends to be long when the number of lottery holds is large, the variable time determination unit is necessary to exhibit a sufficient stage effect and to prevent a loss of hold opportunity in view of the number of holds. It becomes easy to determine the fluctuation display time as short as possible.

  Further, the variation time determination unit may calculate the predicted waiting time based on whether or not there is a win in the lottery result stored when the game ball drops into the start winning opening. Based on the presence / absence of the hit, there is an effect that it is easier to determine the optimal display time of the fluctuation. For example, when there is a win as the lottery result, it is considered that the player's sense of expectation for hitting again will be particularly enhanced by special games or win effects, so the variable time determination unit may hold the lottery result to win In order to further maintain the player's expectation, a long variable display time may be determined. Alternatively, in a situation where the predicted standby time is particularly long due to a special game or a winning effect and the long variable display time is determined, rather, the entertainment of the game is likely to be impaired, the short variable display time may be determined. In this way, since the variable display time can be determined after confirming the presence of the winning in advance, it becomes easy to determine the optimal variable display time for the effect for continuing the player's expectation accompanying the winning.

  This bullet ball game machine may further include a variation time adjusting unit that adjusts the determined variation display time after the game ball drops into the start winning opening. When the fluctuation display time is adjusted, the fluctuation time storage unit may store the fluctuation display time after the correction. Even if the variable standby time is once determined, the variable display time is compensated according to the game situation after the determination, thereby making it easier to determine the optimal length of the variable display time. As a result, it is possible to determine an optimal variation display time in a flexible manner corresponding to a change in the game situation.

  The fluctuation time compensation unit may compensate the fluctuation display time in accordance with the number of game balls dropped into the start winning opening after the game balls drop into the start winning opening. The “number of hits” here may be the number of lottery results that are held due to the game balls dropping into the start winning opening, or the number of game balls dropped into the start winning opening per unit time It may be a number. Further, the length of the variable display time may be compensated based on the timing at which the game ball enters the start winning opening. The fluctuating time correction unit may execute the correction process when the number of lottery results held due to falling into the start winning opening exceeds a predetermined threshold, or may be executed periodically. Alternatively, the variable time adjustment unit may execute the correction process according to the timing at which the game ball enters the start winning opening. For example, when the game ball drops into the start winning opening after the variable display time is determined, the total of the continuous variable display time is considered to be long. The determined variable display time may be adjusted to a variable display time that is less likely to cause a holding opportunity loss and is short enough to exhibit a sufficient effect. As a result, there is an effect that it becomes easier to determine the variable display time of the optimum length.

  The fluctuation time compensation unit may compensate the fluctuation display time in accordance with the frequency of launching the game ball onto the game board after the game ball has dropped into the start winning opening. When the player does not fire a game ball against the game board, it is considered that loss of a holding opportunity is unlikely to occur. For example, when the player stops the launch of the game ball after the variable display time is determined, it is considered that loss of the holding opportunity is unlikely to occur, so the variable time correction unit is sufficient when the stop is detected. You may correct | amend to the fluctuation display time long enough to be able to exhibit a production effect. As a result, there is an effect that it becomes easier to determine the variable display time of the optimum length.

  The variable time determination unit determines the variable display time as the time to display a special symbol to indicate whether or not to generate a win. After the game ball falls into the start winning opening, the result of the lottery is visually displayed. In order to produce an effect, an effect time adjustment unit may be further provided that sets a variation display time of the decorative symbol to be displayed in conjunction with a variation display of the special symbol longer than the variation display time of the special symbol. For example, after the short variation display time is determined, when the game ball does not drop into the start winning opening, the effect time compensation unit may extend the variation display time of the decorative symbol. Since the special symbol variation display time is not extended, it is possible to exhibit a sufficient effect without increasing the probability of occurrence of a holding loss opportunity.

  Another aspect of the present invention is also a ball game machine. The ball game machine has a start winning processing unit that acquires start winning information indicating a drop in a game ball into a start winning opening, and a lottery execution that executes a lottery with a predetermined probability triggered by the acquisition of the start winning information. A pattern storage unit for storing a plurality of display patterns including a variation display of a pattern, which is a pattern indicating a process of an effect executed based on a lottery result, and a lottery result based on the lottery result A pattern determining unit that selects a display pattern, and a display processing unit that causes the display device to perform effect display using the selected display pattern. The pattern determination unit selects a display pattern when the game ball enters the start winning opening.

  According to the ball ball game machine of this aspect, the display pattern of the symbol is determined when the game ball is dropped into the start winning opening. The display pattern may be determined at the same timing as the lottery, for example, but may be determined at a predetermined timing during the variable waiting time. Thereby, even if it is a case where a continuous change display is performed by holding a plurality of lottery results, the display pattern for each change display can be acquired before starting the change. Therefore, there is an effect that it is easy to determine an optimal display pattern. For example, when a game ball falls into the start winning opening, a display pattern that has already been determined by the pattern determination unit and a display pattern that has continuity of effects may be determined. By combining various display patterns effectively, a highly synergistic effect can be achieved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the amusement of the ball game machine and to avoid the disadvantage of the player.

  In the embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine determines the symbol variable display time when the game ball enters the start winning opening. This makes it easy to calculate an appropriate variation display time. Hereinafter, after a general description of pachinko gaming machines, details of the embodiment will be described.

(General description)
FIG. 1 shows a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine. Hereinafter, a so-called first type pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a bullet ball gaming machine. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board surface.

  The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12, a glass door 13, a set board 14, an upper ball dish 15, a lower ball dish 16, and a launch handle 17. The outer frame 11 is a frame having an opening, and is fixed at a position where the pachinko gaming machine 10 is to be installed. The front frame 12 is a frame body that aligns with the opening of the outer frame 11, and is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front frame 12 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like.

  The glass door 13 and the set board 14 are attached to the front frame 12 so as to be freely opened and closed. The set board 14 includes a storage tank for prize balls, a flow path for prize balls, a prize ball apparatus for paying prize balls, and the like. The prize balls paid out from the prize ball device are supplied to the upper ball tray 15 or the lower ball tray 16 via a predetermined flow path. The upper ball tray 15 has a mechanism for storing game balls, sending out the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 16. The lower ball tray 16 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. When the player rotates the firing handle 17, the game ball is launched, and when the single shot switch near the launch handle 17 is pressed, the launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped.

  On the game board surface of the pachinko gaming machine 10, a large number of game nails 20, a windmill 21, an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23, a general winning port 24, an out port 25, a symbol display device 26, a center decoration component 27, A one-type start winning opening (hereinafter referred to as “start opening”) 28, a large winning opening 29, a normal symbol operating port 30, and a normal symbol display device 32 are provided. A large number of game nails 20 and windmills 21 change the falling direction of the launched game balls. The outer rail 22 guides the launched game ball to the game area 31, and the inner rail 23 defines the game area 31. A game ball dropped into each winning port such as the general winning port 24 is processed as a safe ball, and a game ball flowing into the out port 25 is processed as an out ball. Note that each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes, and “incoming” in this specification includes “passing”.

  The symbol display device 26 displays on the screen while changing a symbol called a first type special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol”) and a decorative symbol linked to the special symbol. Here, the special symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not to generate a jackpot according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball falls into the start port 28, and the decorative symbol is the result of the lottery. It is a design for producing visually. The symbol display device 26 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays a plurality of rows of symbol variation moving images simulating a slot machine game as a decorative symbol in the central area of the screen. When displaying a decorative symbol, the special symbol does not need to have an effect role, and is displayed in an inconspicuous area at the corner of the symbol display device 26. The special symbol may take a display form in which the symbols “O” and “X” are repeated during the fluctuation, but in the following, a case in which a display form in which C and the numbers 0 to 9 are repeated is shown. Specifically, the special symbol is displayed in the order of C, 0, 1,..., 8 and 9 during the fluctuation, and takes a display mode in which C to 9 are repeated again. The special symbol stop symbol indicates whether or not it is a jackpot. For example, if the stop symbol is an odd number of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, the jackpot with probability variation is displayed. Further, when “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” is an even number, a normal jackpot may be indicated, and “C” other than that may indicate a loss. Here, the jackpot with probability variation means a jackpot subject to probability variation. In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the expandability of the production effect in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the numbers used as the special symbols are not limited to 10 numbers from 0 to 9, but for example, 12 numbers from 0 to 11 are used. May be. The twelve types of numbers can be equally divided into three or four, thus providing expansion of production.

  A center decorative component 27 is provided around the symbol display device 26, and has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the symbol display device 26, and decoration. One or a plurality of start ports 28 are provided at a position such as below the center decorative component 27, for example. The big winning opening 29 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened as a “big hit” when the special symbol stops in a specific manner, and is provided, for example, above the out opening 25. The inside of the special winning opening 29 is divided into a specific area (so-called V zone) and a general area. On the normal symbol display device 32, symbols such as numbers are variably displayed as normal symbols. The normal symbol variation display is started when a game ball enters the normal symbol operating port 30. The normal symbol display device 32 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment display.

  When the player turns the launch handle 17 by hand, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 15 are launched one by one into the game area 31 with the strength corresponding to the turning angle, and the player launches the launch handle 17. When the rotation position is fixed by hand, the game ball is repeatedly fired at a constant time interval. The game ball launched to the upper part of the game area 31 falls in a direction according to the way of hitting while hitting the plurality of game nails 20, and when it falls into each prize opening such as the general prize opening 24 and the start opening 28, the prize is given. A prize ball corresponding to the type of mouth is paid out to the upper ball tray 15. When the game ball falls into the start opening 28, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are variably displayed on the symbol display device 26. The change display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped after a lapse of a certain time, and when the special symbol at the time of stoppage is a number from “0” to “9”, the opening / closing operation of the big winning opening 29 is started as a so-called “big hit”. . At this time, the decorative pattern imitating the game of the slot machine takes a display mode in which the three patterns are matched.

  The special winning opening 29 is temporarily closed after being opened for about 30 seconds or after 10 or more game balls are dropped. If at least one game ball falls into the specific area while the big prize opening 29 is open, the big prize opening 29 is opened again. In this way, the opening / closing of the big prize opening 29 is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times, on condition that at least one or more game balls drop into the specific area while the big prize opening 29 is opened once.

  FIG. 2 shows a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine. The power switch 40 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main board 41 controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and processes all game operations such as a lottery when a winning is made to the start opening 28 in particular. The sub board 49 includes a liquid crystal unit 42, controls display contents on the symbol display device 26, and changes display contents according to a lottery result by the main board 41 in particular. The payout unit 43 pays out the game balls supplied from the winning ball tank 44 to the upper ball tray 15 in accordance with winning in each winning opening. The payout control board 45 controls the payout operation by the payout unit 43. The launching device 46 launches the stored balls in the upper ball tray 15 to the game area 31 one by one. The launch control board 47 controls the launch operation of the launch device 46. The power supply unit 48 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  FIG. 3 is a basic functional block diagram focusing on a configuration for controlling a game in the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main control unit 70 corresponds to the function of the main board 41 in FIG. 2, and mainly controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the basic operation of the game. The sub-control unit 80 corresponds to the function of the sub-board 49 in FIG. 2 and mainly controls staging operations such as decorative display variation display and lighting around the pachinko gaming machine 10. Instruction signals relating to various controls are sent from the main control unit 70 to the sub control unit 80, but feedback information or signals are not sent from the sub control unit 80 to the main control unit 70, and the main control unit 70 is always sent. To one-way communication to the sub-control unit 80. The main control unit 70 and the sub control unit 80 include elements such as a ROM for storing data and programs and a CPU used for arithmetic processing in terms of hardware. In this figure, the various functions are divided into the main control unit 70 and the sub control unit 80, but the division method is not limited to the illustrated example. Further, the main control unit 70 and the sub control unit 80 may be configured integrally.

  The general winning detection unit 50 is a sensor provided in the general winning opening 24, detects the falling of a game ball into the general winning opening 24, and displays the general winning information indicating that there has been a general winning. The data is sent to the processing unit 55. When receiving the general winning information from the general winning detection unit 50, the general winning processing unit 55 sends a payout instruction such as the number of prize balls to the payout control unit 79 of the payout control board 45.

  The start winning detection unit 51 is a sensor provided in the start opening 28, detects a drop of a game ball into the start opening 28, and indicates start win information indicating that the drop has occurred. Send to 56. Upon receiving the start winning information from the start winning detection unit 51, the start winning processing unit 56 sends a payout instruction such as the number of prize balls to the payout control unit 79, and also to a special symbol lottery execution unit 60 that executes a lottery for the start win. Send lottery instructions.

  The special symbol lottery execution unit 60 receives the start winning information, and specifically receives a lottery instruction from the start winning detection unit 51 and then executes the lottery. The special symbol lottery execution unit 60 generates a random number for the start winning and determines a random number determination unit 72, acquires a random number to determine whether or not the lottery is successful, and determines whether the lottery is successful or not. A special symbol determining unit 62 that determines a stop symbol and a special symbol pattern determining unit 73 that determines a display pattern of the special symbol are included. The special symbol may be composed of, for example, numbers, letters, symbols, marks, and the like. In this embodiment, the special symbol is composed of letters “C” and numbers “0” to “9”. Each time the random number determination unit 72 receives a lottery instruction from the start winning processing unit 56, the random number determination unit 72 generates a count value in a predetermined count range, for example, a range from 0 to 65535, as a random number, and stores the random number in the special symbol hold storage unit 63 To do. The special symbol hold storage unit 63 has a storage area that can store a predetermined number, for example, a maximum of four random numbers, as an upper limit of the number of holds, and when the reserved number is stored, a random number larger than that until a free area is generated Do not remember. If the symbol variation is not performed at the time of determining the random number, the random number determination unit 72 sends the random number to the success / failure determination unit 61 without storing the random number in the special symbol hold storage unit 63.

  The success / failure determination unit 61 determines whether the lottery result is “big hit” or “out” according to the random number value stored in the special symbol hold storage unit 63 or according to the random number value directly sent from the random number determination unit 72. Which of the following is determined. These results are respectively defined in the form of numerical ranges in the success / failure table of the success / failure determination unit 61. In the success / failure table, for example, the range from 0 to 207 is the jackpot value range, and the range from 208 to 65535 is the outlier range. A part of the jackpot value range from 0 to 207 may be set as a jackpot range with probability variation. The special symbol determination unit 62 determines the symbol number of the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the lottery result by the success / failure determination unit 61. When the special symbol display mode is to repeatedly display C and symbols from 0 to 9 during symbol variation, if the lottery result is a normal jackpot, “0”, “2”, “4”, If “6”, “8” are jackpots with probability variation, “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” are determined, and if they are off, “C” is determined as the stop symbol. . Therefore, in this case, in the success / failure table, the range of the jackpot value from 0 to 207 is further divided into 10 ranges and associated with the numbers of the special symbols, and the special symbol determination unit 62 determines the random number value. The special symbol stop symbol is determined accordingly.

  The special symbol pattern determination unit 73 determines a display pattern of the special symbol, for example, determines a variation time of the special symbol. The determination of the success / failure by the determination unit 61, the determination of the special symbol stoppage by the special symbol determination unit 62, and the determination of the special symbol display pattern by the special symbol pattern determination unit 73, the symbol variation based on the previous lottery result ends. This is performed when the effect display based on the current lottery result is started. The number of random numbers held by the special symbol storage unit 63, the success / failure result by the success / failure determination unit 61, the symbol number of the stop symbol by the special symbol determination unit 62, and the display pattern number of the special symbol by the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 are sub-control units. 80.

  The display instruction unit 74 instructs the sub-control unit 80 to display the special symbol in the lower left corner of the symbol display device 26 in accordance with the determined special symbol display pattern and stop symbol. Specifically, as the display pattern of the special symbol, it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol is 60 seconds, the stop symbol is “3”, and the stop symbol is displayed in the last 2 seconds of the variation time. If it is determined, the display instructing unit 74 cyclically displays C and the numbers from 0 to 9 until 58 seconds have elapsed from the start of fluctuation, and 60 seconds after 58 seconds have elapsed. Instruct to display “3” as a stop symbol until the time elapses. The display processing unit 92 of the sub control unit 80 receives an instruction from the display instruction unit 74 and controls the display of the symbol display device 26. Note that the special symbol may be displayed in another place in the symbol display device 26 or may be displayed on a display unit provided other than the symbol display device 26. Further, the display instructing unit 74 displays the maximum number of special symbols on the screen of the symbol display device 26, that is, up to four random numbers for which the special symbols are not yet displayed. Note that the number of holds may also be displayed on a display unit other than the symbol display device 26.

  The sub-control unit 80 includes a decorative symbol determination unit 82, a decorative symbol pattern determination unit 84, a decorative symbol pattern storage unit 86, and a display processing unit 92. The decorative symbol determination unit 82 determines stop symbols of the decorative symbols of a plurality of columns to be displayed on the symbol display device 26 based on the result of the success / failure determination unit 61. The decorative symbol determination unit 82 may determine a plurality of decorative symbols, generally three columns, based on the special symbol stop symbol number determined by the special symbol determination unit 62. The decorative symbol determination unit 82 has a table in which the result of the determination or the symbol number of the special symbol is associated with the symbol number of the decorative symbol, and determines the stop symbol of the decorative symbol based on this table. Table 1 below shows the correspondence of the jackpot stop symbol of the decorative symbol associated with the jackpot stop symbol of the special symbol in the table.

  The jackpot stop symbol of the decorative symbol is a display mode in which three symbols of the left symbol, the central symbol, and the right symbol are aligned. When the lottery result is a jackpot, when the special symbol determining unit 62 determines the special symbol jackpot stop symbol, the decorative symbol determining unit 82 determines the jackpot stop symbol of the decorative symbol based on the correspondence in the above table. To do. The odd symbols “111”, “333”, “555”, “777”, and “999” indicate that the player is a jackpot with probability variation, and “000” “222” “444” “666” “888” An even number symbol indicates that it is a normal jackpot.

  On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the decorative symbol determination unit 82 determines each symbol number so that at least one of the left symbol, the central symbol, and the right symbol does not match the other symbols. Note that there is no need for one-to-one correspondence between special symbols and decorative symbols, and a plurality of decorative symbol images may be associated with symbol numbers of special symbols. In this case, the decorative symbol determination unit 82 may select and determine any one of the plurality of associated decorative symbols.

  As described above, a table in which special symbols and decorative symbols are associated with each other may be prepared in advance. However, when three rows of stopped symbols are displayed as decorative symbols on the screen of the symbol display device 26, the decoration is displayed. The symbol determination unit 82 may select each symbol number of the left symbol, the central symbol, and the right symbol at random within a predetermined symbol number range. However, the decorative symbol determination unit 82 determines each symbol number so that the left symbol, the central symbol, and the right symbol are the same when the stop symbol number of the special symbol indicates “big hit”, and further stops the special symbol. When the number indicates “big hit with probability variation”, in order to present to the player that the jackpot is with probability variation, the odd symbol numbers that are all arranged are determined. On the other hand, when the result of the success / failure indicates “off” or when the stop symbol number of the special symbol indicates “out”, the decorative symbol determination unit 82 has at least one of the left symbol, the central symbol, and the right symbol as another symbol. Each symbol number is determined so as not to match.

  The decorative symbol pattern determining unit 84 determines at least a display pattern of symbol variation of the decorative symbol based on the lottery result. Specifically, the decorative symbol display pattern mainly represents a decorative symbol image, a decorative symbol variation pattern, and a variation display effect pattern. In the variation pattern, the variation process of the decorative pattern is defined. The effect pattern defines how the display process including the decorative symbol change display and the reach operation proceeds or is effected. The decorative symbol pattern determining unit 84 determines a decorative symbol image, a decorative symbol variation pattern, and a variation display effect pattern based on the special symbol display pattern number determined by the special symbol pattern determining unit 73. The decorative symbol pattern storage unit 86 stores various images such as a decorative symbol image, a background image, and a character image, and in what display form these images are changed in the screen of the symbol display device 26. Are stored, and a plurality of effect patterns are stored. The variation pattern and the effect pattern are associated with a special symbol display pattern determined by the special symbol pattern determination unit 73. Note that the variation pattern and the effect pattern are determined so that the overall effect time including the change display of the decorative symbol and the reach operation is equal to the change time of the special symbol. The display processing unit 92 causes the symbol display device 26 to display the symbol variation of the decorative symbol with the variation pattern and the effect pattern of the decorative symbol determined by the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 84, and the decorative symbol determining unit 82 determines the variation after the change. The stop symbol of the decorated decoration is displayed.

  The decorative symbol pattern determining unit 84 refers to the effect pattern table and determines the effect pattern corresponding to the display pattern number received from the special symbol pattern determining unit 73. In the effect pattern table, the correspondence between the display pattern number and the effect pattern is defined.

  In the main control unit 70, when the display instruction unit 74 determines the variation display content of the special symbol, the display instruction unit 74 sends a variation start instruction to the display processing unit 92 of the sub-control unit 80, and counts the display time of the symbol variation. When the display processing unit 92 of the sub-control unit 80 receives the change start instruction, the display processing unit 92 starts to display the decorative symbol change display. The display instruction unit 74 sends a change display stop instruction to the sub-control unit 80 so that the special symbol stop symbol is displayed on the symbol display device 26 at the timing when the special symbol variation time ends. Upon receiving the variable display stop instruction, the display processing unit 92 displays the decorative symbol stop symbol on the symbol display device 26. Thereby, the display process by one lottery result is complete | finished.

  When the random number value read from the special symbol hold storage unit 63 is a jackpot value, the success / failure determination unit 61 sends a special game start instruction to the special game execution unit 64 after the stop symbol is displayed. The special game execution unit 64 includes a special game processing unit 65, a continuation determination unit 66, and a probability variation determination unit 67. The special game processing unit 65 sends an instruction to open the big prize opening to the big prize processing unit 58. The special prize processing unit 58 opens the special prize opening 29 based on the opening instruction received from the special game processing unit 65. The game ball that falls into the opened big winning opening 29 is detected by the big winning detecting unit 53 that is a sensor provided in the big winning opening 29, and when the gaming ball falls into the big winning opening 29, the big winning prize is obtained. The processing unit 58 sends a payout instruction such as the number of prize balls to the payout control unit 79 and counts the number of game balls falling in one open of the big winning opening 29. The big prize processing unit 58 temporarily closes the big prize opening 29 when an opening period of about 30 seconds elapses or when ten game balls drop into the big prize opening 29 reach.

  The area passage detection unit 54 is a sensor that detects the passage of a game ball to a specific area (V zone) provided inside the special winning opening 29, and specific area passage information indicating that a game ball has passed. Is sent to the region passage processing unit 59. The region passage processing unit 59 receives the specific region passage information from the region passage detection unit 54 and sends it to the continuation determination unit 66 of the special game execution unit 64. The continuation determination unit 66 instructs the special game processing unit 65 to perform the next opening when the passing of one or more balls to the specific area is detected in the opening of the one big winning opening 29. The special game processing unit 65 repeats the special winning opening 29 at the maximum 15 times and keeps it in the open state on the continuation condition that the continuation determination unit 66 has determined that the specific area has passed. The probability variation determination unit 67 determines whether the game after the jackpot is a normal game or a probability variation game with a high probability of hitting according to the random number value or the stop pattern of the special symbol, and the determination result is reliably varied. The data is sent to the execution unit 68. The probability variation determination unit 67 determines that the next game should be transferred to the probability variation game when the stop symbol is a specific symbol.

  When the probability change execution unit 68 receives a determination from the probability change determination unit 67 that it should shift to the probability variation game, the probability change execution unit 68 changes the success / failure table of the success / failure determination unit 61 to the probability variation game. For example, the range of the jackpot value in the normal game is from 0 to 207, while the range of the jackpot value in the probability variation game is from 0 to 1093. Thereby, the jackpot probability at the time of the probability variation game becomes larger than that at the time of the normal game.

  The operation detection unit 52 is a sensor provided inside the normal symbol operation port 30, detects the ingress of the game ball into the normal symbol operation port 30, and displays the normal symbol operation information indicating that the intrusion has occurred. This is sent to the operation processing unit 57. When receiving the normal symbol operation information from the operation detection unit 52, the operation processing unit 57 sends a normal symbol lottery instruction to the normal symbol lottery execution unit 69. When the normal symbol lottery execution unit 69 receives the lottery instruction, the normal symbol lottery execution unit 69 acquires a random number as the lottery result and stores the random number in the normal symbol holding storage unit 71. The normal symbol lottery execution unit 69 acquires a count value in the range from 0 to 9, for example, as a random number for the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol holding storage unit 71 has a storage area for storing a predetermined number of random numbers, for example, a maximum of four random numbers as the normal symbol lottery results. The normal symbol lottery execution unit 69 reads a random number from the normal symbol hold storage unit 71 and determines whether or not the lottery is appropriate. For example, 7 is defined as a winning value and a value other than 7 is defined as an outlier in the success / failure table of the normal symbol lottery execution unit 69. The normal symbol lottery execution unit 69 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is successful based on whether the read random number is a winning value or an outlier. The determination result is sent to the display instruction unit 74 and the operation processing unit 57. The display instruction unit 74 instructs the normal symbol display device 32 to display the symbol variation of the normal symbol having the random number value received by the display processing unit 92 as the stop symbol. When the operation processing unit 57 receives the winning determination result from the normal symbol lottery execution unit 69, the operation processing unit 57 operates the movable pieces (so-called electric tulips) provided on both sides of the predetermined winning port, for example, the start port 28 for a certain period of time. The game ball is more likely to fall into the start port 28 than in the normal state.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of shifting from a normal game to a special game. First, when the start winning detection unit 51 detects the drop of the game ball into the start port 28 (Y in S10), the random number determination unit 72 determines whether or not the symbol is changing (S12). If the symbol is not changing (N in S12), the random number determination unit 72 determines a random number (S14), and the winning / not determining unit 61 determines whether or not the lottery is appropriate based on the random number (S28). On the other hand, if the symbol is changing (Y in S12), the random number determination unit 72 determines the random number (S16), and determines whether the random number can be stored in the special symbol storage unit 63 (S18). ). For example, if four random numbers are held in the special symbol hold storage unit 63 during the symbol variation, no more random numbers can be held (N in S18), so the special symbol hold storage unit 63 stores the random number. Do not get. Note that when the determination that the random number cannot be suspended is made before the random number is determined, the random number determination unit 72 may not ignore the winning and not generate the random number itself. On the other hand, if the number of reserved random numbers is within three, the random number determination unit 72 determines that the storage area for storing random numbers is free (Y in S18). In this case, the random number determination unit 72 stores the random number in an empty area of the special symbol reservation storage unit 63 (S20).

  In S10, if there is no winning at the starting port 28 (N in S10), the success / failure determination unit 61 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the special symbol storage unit 63 (S22). If it is not held (N in S22), this flow is ended, and if it is held (Y in S22), it waits for the end of the symbol variation performed at that time. Note that the case where the random number is held indicates a state in which a winning has occurred before and the symbol variation of the winning lottery result has not yet been performed. At this time, in the symbol display device 26, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are displayed in a variable manner for the winning lottery result before the holding ball. Note that the symbol variation in S12 and the symbol variation displayed at the time of determination in S22 are referred to as “previous symbol variation” in this flow for convenience of explanation, and the symbol variation following this is referred to as “the current symbol variation”. This will be called “variation”.

  When the previous symbol variation is completed, the success / failure determination unit 61 reads out the random number stored first as the lottery result among the lottery results held in the special symbol hold storage unit 63 and erases the stored content (S24). If random numbers of lottery results are stored in the second and subsequent areas, they are each shifted to the previous storage area (S26). The success / failure determination unit 61 determines whether or not the lottery is successful based on the read random number (S28), and subsequently the display content of the symbol variation is determined. In response to the display instruction of the display instruction unit 74, the display processing unit 92 causes the symbol display device 26 to variably display the special symbol and the decorative symbol of this time (S30). If the random number is a jackpot value as a result of the success / failure determination by the success / failure determination unit 61 in S28 (Y in S32), the process shifts to a special game (S34), and if the random number in the lottery result is an outlier (N in S32) , S34 is skipped, and this flow ends.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail the process for determining whether or not the lottery is successful in S28 of FIG. Below, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are used to show the determination of whether or not the lottery is successful and the determination of the display content of the subsequent symbol variation. FIG. 5 shows processing S28a in the main control unit 70, and FIG. 6 shows processing S28b in the sub-control unit 80.

  When the random number read by the success / failure determination unit 61 in S24 or the random number determined in S14 corresponds to the jackpot value (0 to 207) (Y in S50), the random number is a jackpot value with probability variation. Is determined (S51). In the case of the jackpot value with probability variation (Y in S51), the special symbol determination unit 62 determines the stop symbol of the special symbol for probability variation, and the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 determines the special symbol for probability variation. A display pattern is determined (S52). When it is not a jackpot value with probability variation (N in S51), the special symbol determination unit 62 determines a stop symbol of a special symbol for normal winning, and the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 displays a special symbol for normal winning. A pattern is determined (S53). In S50, when the random number is an outlier (208 to 65535) (N in S50), the special symbol determination unit 62 determines a stop symbol of the special symbol for removal, and the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 Then, the display pattern of the special symbol for detachment is determined (S54). As a result of the determination, the special symbol stop symbol and the display pattern number are sent to the sub-control unit 80.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol determination process. The decorative symbol determination unit 82 determines the stop symbol of the decorative symbol based on the result of the determination or the stop symbol of the special symbol (S60). Subsequently, the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 84 determines whether or not to reach the decorative symbol based on the display pattern of the special symbol (S61). This determination may be made based on the display pattern number of the special symbol. For example, when the display pattern number of the special symbol indicates a display pattern to be reached (Y in S61) and further indicates a display pattern to be effected in a super reach (Y in S62), the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 84 is Then, the display pattern of the decorative pattern for super reach is determined (S63). When a display pattern that produces a reach that is not super-reach is shown (N in S62), the decorative design pattern determining unit 84 determines a display pattern of a decorative design for normal reach (S64). In S61, when the display pattern number of the special symbol indicates a display pattern that does not reach (N in S61), the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 84 determines the display pattern of the decorative symbol without reach (S65). In addition, when the winning / losing result or the special symbol stop symbol indicates that the lottery result is a big hit, the display pattern for the reach effect is always determined. In addition, the decoration symbol stop design determination in S60 may be performed simultaneously with the display pattern determination in S63, S64, and S65, or may be performed after the display pattern determination.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the operation of the special game in S34 of FIG. When the special game starts, the big prize processing unit 58 opens the big prize opening 29 (S70), and when the big prize detection unit 53 detects the drop of the game ball into the big prize opening 29 (Y in S71), the big prize winning unit 29 opens. The winning processing unit 58 counts the number of balls (S72), and when the region passing detection unit 54 detects that the game ball dropped into the big winning opening 29 has passed the specific region (Y in S73), the region passing The processing unit 59 turns on the passage flag (S74). If no drop of the game ball to the special winning opening 29 is detected (N in S71), S72 to S74 are skipped. When the game ball dropped into the special winning opening 29 does not pass through the specific area (N in S73), S74 is skipped, and the area passage processing unit 59 leaves the passage flag as it is. The processing from S71 to S74 is repeated until the count value of the number of dropped balls to the big winning opening 29 reaches 10 balls or more, or until the opening time of the big winning opening 29 reaches 30 seconds (N in S75). When any one of these conditions is reached (Y in S75), the big prize processing unit 58 temporarily closes the big prize opening 29 (S76). Here, if the passing flag is on (Y of S77), the passing flag and the count value of the number of falling balls are reset as having passed to the specific area (S78), and the number of rounds of the special game is set. Increment (S79) and repeat the processing from S70 to S79 until the number of rounds reaches 15 (N in S80). When the number of rounds reaches 15 (Y in S80), or when the passing flag is not turned on (N in S77), the special game is terminated. The above is a general description of pachinko machines.

(Description of Examples)
In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the variable display time of the symbol is determined in response to the game ball dropping into the start winning opening. The pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment further has the following configuration and functions in addition to the configuration and functions of the general pachinko gaming machine 10 described above.

  FIG. 8 is a basic functional block diagram centering on a configuration for controlling a game in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. The configurations denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 have the same or similar functions as the configurations described in FIG. As a configuration to be added to FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a firing detection unit 110, a firing processing unit 102, and a variable time holding storage unit 104. The special symbol pattern determination unit 73 further includes a variation time determination unit 106 and a variation time correction unit 108.

  The launch detection unit 110 detects the launch of a game ball by operating the launch handle 17 and sends launch information indicating that the game ball has been launched to the launch processing unit 102. When the special symbol lottery execution unit 60 acquires a lottery instruction from 50, the variation time determination unit 106 of the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 determines the variation display time of the symbol based on whether or not the lottery is successful. The variable time storage unit 104 holds the value of the variable display time determined by the variable time determination unit 106 (hereinafter simply referred to as “variable display time value”). The variable time hold storage unit 104 holds the variable display time value in correspondence with the random value held by the special symbol hold storage unit 63. The upper limit of the number of variable display time values held by the variable time hold storage unit 104 coincides with that of the random number hold by the special symbol hold storage unit 63.

  The variation time correction unit 108 of the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 corrects the variation display time value held in the variation time hold storage unit 104 during the change waiting time. At this time, the variable time storage unit 104 holds the variable display time after correction instead of the variable display time value before correction. The special symbol pattern determination unit 73 determines a display pattern of a special symbol corresponding to the variable display time held by the variable time storage unit 104. The display instruction unit 74 instructs the sub-control unit 80 to display the special symbol in the lower left corner of the symbol display device 26 in accordance with the determined special symbol display pattern and stop symbol. The method by which the variation time determination unit 106 determines the variation display time and the method by which the variation time compensation unit 108 compensates will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the variation time determination unit 106 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment determines the variation display time. First, the start winning detection unit 51 detects the drop of a game ball into the start opening 28 (hereinafter simply referred to as “start winning”). If no start prize is received (N in S100), the processing from S102 to S108 is skipped. If the start prize is won (Y in S100), the random number determination unit 72 determines whether or not the symbol is changing (S102). If the symbol is not changing (N in S102), the changing time determining unit 106 determines the changing display time based on whether or not the winning determining unit 61 determines that the lottery is selected (S110). At this time, the variation time determination unit 106 determines the variation display time by a known method disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  If the symbol is in a variable display (Y in S102), the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 determines whether or not the variable display time value can be held in the variable time holding storage unit 104 (S104). If, for example, four variable display time values are reserved in the variable time storage unit 104 during symbol variation, no more variable display time values can be reserved. If the suspension is impossible (N in S104), the variation time retention storage unit 104 does not acquire the variation display time value. At this time, the processing of S106 and S108 is skipped. If suspension is possible (Y in S104), the variation time determination unit 106 determines the variation display time (S106). The variable time storage unit 104 holds the determined variable display time value (S108).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of S106 of FIG. 9 in more detail. First, the variation time determination unit 106 determines whether or not the variation time hold storage unit 104 holds the variation display time value (S120). If the variable time hold storage unit 104 does not hold the variable display time value (N in S120), the processing from S122 to S126 is skipped.

  If the variable time hold storage unit 104 holds the variable display time value (Y in S120), the variable time determination unit 106 calculates the hold prediction time in order to predict the variable standby time. The reserved predicted time refers to the time required for all the variable displays that the special symbol pattern determination unit 73 reads and executes the random number value held in the special symbol storage unit 63. For example, the special symbol hold storage unit 63 holds three random values, and the corresponding variable time hold storage unit 104 holds three variable display time values of 15 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds. Suppose you are. At this time, a total of 65 seconds is calculated as 15 + 20 + 30 as the predicted hold time. That is, when a winning is won in S100 of FIG. 9, it can be predicted that the variation waiting time until the symbol variation for the lottery result starts is at least 65 seconds or more.

  The predicted holding time further includes a variable stop holding time. When the special symbol hold storage unit 63 holds a plurality of random numbers, the variable display of symbols continues. However, a certain amount of time is required between the symbol variation display based on each random number value due to the stop symbol display time and the like. The variation stop holding time is a time corresponding to the interval between the variation displays when the variation display of the symbol continues. For example, when the variable stop holding time is 3 seconds and the variable time holding storage unit 104 holds three variable display time values, the variable stop holding time after the symbol fluctuation at the time of starting winning is also ended. It is necessary to consider the three times of variable stop holding time. That is, there is a variable stop holding time of 3 × 3 for a total of 9 seconds. Returning to the previous example, a total of 74 seconds is calculated as 65 + 9 as the estimated hold time. That is, when a winning is won in S100 of FIG. 9, it can be predicted that the variation waiting time until the symbol variation for the lottery result starts is at least 74 seconds or more.

  After calculating the estimated hold time, the variation time determination unit 106 determines whether or not the special symbol hold storage unit 63 holds the random number value to be won (S124). When the special symbol hold storage unit 63 holds the random number value to win (Y in S124), the variation time determination unit 106 calculates the special game prediction time (S126). The special game prediction time is a time required for execution of the special game. If it is a win, the special game execution unit 64 executes the special game. For example, when the average execution time of a special game is 300 seconds, the special game prediction time is obtained by multiplying the number of reserved random numbers to be won by 300 seconds. If the special symbol hold storage unit 63 does not hold the winning random number (N in S124), the process of S126 is skipped. At this time, the special game prediction time is zero.

  Next, the variation time determination unit 106 calculates the remaining variation display time (S128). The remaining fluctuation display time refers to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the already displayed fluctuation display time from the fluctuation display time determined for the symbol fluctuation being executed. The process of S106 shown in FIG. 9 is a process executed during the variable display. The fluctuation time determination unit 106 calculates the remaining time of the fluctuation display. For example, when 10 seconds have elapsed from the variation display of the symbol determined for the variation display time of 30 seconds, the variation time determination unit 106 displays the remaining variation display for 20 seconds of 30 seconds to 10 seconds. Calculate as time. The variation time determination unit 106 calculates a time obtained by accumulating the estimated hold time, the special game prediction time, and the remaining variation display time calculated by the above processing as a predicted standby time (S130). For example, if the predicted hold time is 74 seconds, the special game predicted time is 300 seconds, and the remaining change display time is 20 seconds, the change time determination unit 106 calculates 394 seconds as a sum of the hold prediction times.

  The variation time determination unit 106 determines the variation display time based on the calculated predicted standby time (S132). The variation time determination unit 106 determines a variation display time by comparing a plurality of threshold values provided in advance with the predicted standby time. For example, if the predicted standby time is less than 20 seconds, the fluctuation time determination unit 106 sets the fluctuation display time to 30 seconds. If the predicted standby time is 20 seconds or more and less than 60 seconds, the fluctuation time determination unit 106 sets the fluctuation display time to 20 seconds. The variation time determination unit 106 performs control so that the loss of the holding opportunity is less likely to occur by setting the variation display time to be shorter as the predicted standby time is longer. In addition, since an appropriate variable display time can be set based on the estimated standby time, the variable display time is set to be shorter than necessary, thereby avoiding a situation in which an effect that is insufficient to increase the player's expectation cannot be achieved. It becomes easy to do. When the lottery result associated with the start winning in S100 in FIG. 9 is a win, the variation time determination unit 106 controls the variation display time so as not to be shorter than a predetermined threshold. As a result, a short variation display time is set although it is a hit, and control can be performed so that an insufficient hit effect is not produced.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the variation display time compensation processing by the variation time compensation unit 108. The horizontal axis represents the passage of time. In order to simplify the explanation, the variable stop holding time is not considered. This figure shows a case where a start winning is made during a variation display (hereinafter referred to as “first variation display”) when the special symbol storage unit 63 does not hold a random number value. The variation display executed in accordance with the start winning in the first variation display is hereinafter referred to as “second symbol variation”.

From time t ₁ to time t ₃ is a variation display time of the first variable display. In the first time t ₂ in variable display of, start winning detector 51 detects the start winning. At the time of detection, it is assumed that the variable display is being performed and the variable display time value can be suspended. Therefore, the variation time determination unit 106 determines the variation display time. This corresponds to S106 in FIG. Since the variable time hold storage unit 104 does not hold the variable display time value, the hold prediction time is zero. Remaining variable display time corresponds the period from time t ₂ to time t _4. The fluctuation time determination unit 106 calculates the remaining fluctuation display time as the predicted standby time. Change time determination unit 106 calculates the time from time t ₄ to time t ₅ as variable display time associated with the start winning. The variable time hold storage unit 104 holds the calculated variable display time value.

At time t _3, the time-varying compensation unit 108 to compensate for variable display time pending. For example, it reaches the predetermined time before the time t ₃ when the predetermined from the time t ₄ when first variable display is finished, time-varying compensation unit 108 performs correction processing. From time t ₂ to time t ₃ , since no new start winning is detected, it is considered that a holding opportunity loss is unlikely to occur even if the variable display time calculated at time t ₂ is adjusted to a longer value. . At this time, the fluctuation time correction unit 108 sets the fluctuation display time of the _second fluctuation display from the time corresponding to the time t ₄ to the time t ₅ once determined at the time t ₂ , and from the longer time t ₄ to the time t _4. Change to a time equivalent to ₆ .

Note that the variation time correction unit 108 may change the variation display time of the decorative symbol instead of the variation display time of the special symbol. For example, at time t _2, 2 nd variation display time is determined as the time corresponding to the time t ₄ to time t _5. In this case, at time t ₃ , the variation time correction unit 108 does not change the variation display time of the second special symbol as a corresponding time from time t ₄ to time t ₅ , and changes the variation display time of the decorative symbol to time t 4. it may be compensated as time corresponding to the time t ₆ from _4. At this time, the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 84 selects a display pattern of the decorative pattern corresponding to the time from time t ₄ to time t _6. Alternatively, even lead to the display pattern of the decorative pattern corresponding to the time of the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 84 a display pattern of the decorative pattern corresponding to the time from time t ₅ to time t ₆ from time t ₄ to time t ₅ Good. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute a sufficient effect to increase the player's expectation while making it difficult to cause a loss of holding opportunity.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of correcting the variable display time. The figure shows a process in which the fluctuation time compensation unit 108 compensates the fluctuation display time in response to the start winning during the fluctuation display. The fluctuation time correction unit 108 may periodically correct the fluctuation display time during the fluctuation waiting time. Alternatively, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the fluctuation time correction unit 108 may perform the correction process when a predetermined time comes before the time when the symbol fluctuation display ends.

  When the winning is won, the random number determination unit 72 determines whether or not the special symbol hold storage unit 63 can hold the random number value further (S140). If the number of holds reaches the upper limit and cannot be held (N in S140), the variable time correction unit 108 does not execute the correction process. If hold is possible (Y in S140), the change time determination unit 106 determines the change display time based on this new start winning, and the change time hold storage unit 104 holds the change display time value. . The variation time correction unit 108 acquires the new variation display time value from the variation time hold storage unit 104 (S142). The fluctuation time compensation unit 108 compensates the fluctuation display time value that has already been held by the fluctuation time storage unit 104 according to the acquired fluctuation display time value (S144).

  For example, when the variable display time value of 40 seconds is held, if the variable display time for a new start prize is determined to be 10 seconds, the variable display time value of 40 seconds is shortened to 30 seconds. If the variable display time for a new start prize is determined to be 20 seconds, the variable display time value of 40 seconds is shortened to 15 seconds. In this way, the longer the variation display time for a new start prize may be set to be shorter in advance. As a result, it is possible to avoid occurrence of a holding loss opportunity due to an increase in the waiting time for each random number value held in the special symbol holding storage unit 63. This correction processing is executed for all the variable display time values held by the variable time storage unit 104. By repeating the correction, each variable display time value held by the variable time storage unit 104 can be further optimized. Further, the fluctuation display time for the hit may be short and not corrected. As a result, a short variation display time is set although it is a hit, and control can be performed so that an insufficient hit effect is not produced.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment determines the symbol variable display time when the game ball enters the start port 28. Thereby, it becomes easy to predict the fluctuation waiting time accurately. Therefore, it becomes easier to determine a variable display time sufficient to increase the player's expectation while avoiding the occurrence of a holding loss opportunity. In addition, the variable display time can be more suitably determined by correcting the variable display time according to the change in the game situation during the variable standby time. Further, the variation time correction unit 108 may adjust the variation display time according to a change in the game situation during the symbol variation display. For example, when the start winning is detected during the symbol variation display, the variation time correction unit 108 may end the variation display at a predetermined timing. Thereby, the length of the variable display time can be adjusted more preferably.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications thereof are also effective as an embodiment of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the front side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the back side of a pachinko game machine. It is a basic functional block diagram centering on the structure which controls the game in a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process which transfers to a special game from a normal game. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail a process for determining whether or not a lottery is successful in S28 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of a decoration symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the special game in S34 of FIG. 4 in detail. It is a basic functional block diagram centering on the structure which controls the game in the pachinko game machine in a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process in which the fluctuation time determination part 106 of the pachinko gaming machine in a present Example determines a fluctuation display time. It is a flowchart which shows the process of S106 of FIG. 9 in detail. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the correction process of the fluctuation | variation display time by the fluctuation time correction part. It is a flowchart which shows the process which compensates a fluctuation | variation display time.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Pachinko machines, 51 Start winning detection unit, 56 Start winning processing unit, 60 Special symbol lottery execution unit, 61 Winning determination unit, 62 Special symbol determination unit, 63 Special symbol hold storage unit, 64 Special game execution unit, 70 main Control unit, 72 Random number determination unit, 73 Special symbol pattern determination unit, 80 Sub control unit, 82 Decoration symbol determination unit, 84 Decoration symbol pattern determination unit, 86 Decoration symbol pattern storage unit, 102 Launch processing unit, 104 Variable time hold memory Unit, 106 variation time determination unit, 108 variation time correction unit, 110 launch detection unit.

Claims (7)

A start winning processing unit for acquiring start winning information indicating a drop in the start winning opening of a game ball;
A lottery execution unit that executes a lottery with a predetermined probability triggered by the acquisition of the start winning information;
A pattern storage unit that stores a plurality of display patterns including a variation display of a pattern, which is a pattern indicating a process of an effect performed based on the result of the lottery;
Depending on the time required for symbol variation based on the status of withdrawal from the time when the game ball entered the start winning opening until the start of symbol variation display triggered by the withdrawal. A variable time determination unit that calculates a predicted standby time and determines a variable display time of the symbol based on the result of the lottery;
A variable time storage unit for storing the variable display time;
A pattern determining unit for selecting a display pattern corresponding to the lottery result and the variable display time from the plurality of display patterns;
A display processing unit that causes a display device to perform an effect display in the selected display pattern;
Pinball game machine if there is no next落入to start winning opening in a predetermined time period in the prediction standby time the calculated, characterized in that the Ru and a varying time compensation unit to extend the variable display time and the determined . 2. The ball game according to claim 1, wherein the variation time determination unit determines a shorter variation display time as a symbol variation display time as the predicted waiting time is longer based on the result of the lottery. Machine. A holding storage unit for storing a result of a lottery made in response to a drop of the game ball into the start winning opening during the variable display;
The variation time determination unit, the to start winning port based on the number of results of the lottery, which is stored when the game ball is落入, claim 1, characterized in that to calculate the predicted waiting time or 2. A ball game machine according to 2. A holding storage unit for storing a result of a lottery made in response to a drop of the game ball into the start winning opening during the variable display;
The fluctuating time determination unit calculates the predicted waiting time based on whether or not there is a win in the lottery result stored when the game ball drops into the start winning opening. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2 . The variation time adjusting unit extends the variation display time according to the number of game balls dropped into the start winning opening after the game balls drop into the start winning opening. The bullet ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 4 . The variation time compensation unit, said to start winning opening in accordance with the firing rate of the game ball to the game ball of the game board in After落入, it claims 1-5, characterized in that extending the variation display time A ball game machine according to any one of the above. The variation time determination unit determines the variation display time as a time for variably displaying a special symbol for indicating whether or not to generate a hit,
After the game ball drops into the start winning opening, the variation display time of the decoration symbol to be displayed in conjunction with the variation display of the special symbol in order to visually produce the result of the lottery is changed. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising an effect time adjustment unit that is set longer than the display time.

Images