JP4617443B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for realizing an effect accompanying the movement of a game ball.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a pachinko machine that is one of the gaming machines, a technology has already been disclosed in which a contact pair is provided on a surface on which a pachinko ball rolls, and a decoration lamp is turned on when the pachinko ball contacts the contact pair (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-262553 (page 4, FIG. 2)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described prior art only turns on the decorative lamp accidentally. Therefore, the player who recognized the lighting of the decoration lamp did not enjoy watching the lighting and had no expectation about the progress of the game.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is configured so that a player who has recognized an effect (including lighting of the decorative lamp described above) can enjoy the effect and have a sense of expectation regarding the progress of the game. An object is to provide a gaming machine.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problem 1]
Means 1 for solving the problem is a gaming machine provided with a control board that performs control to display a symbol linked to the movement of a game ball on a display screen, the display screen being a game board surface on which the game ball flows down The rolling screen is provided with a rolling part on which the game ball rolls immediately below the display screen, and a plurality of pieces arranged at intervals along the top surface of the rolling part. Each game ball detection sensor detects the presence or absence of a game ball and outputs a detection signal. When a game ball wins at the start opening arranged below the display screen, a winning judgment is made to determine whether or not it is a big hit to give the player an opportunity to obtain a prize ball corresponding to each winning game ball A display command for realizing a variable display of a symbol is received from a main control board that reads and stores a random number, and starts a variable display according to a display pattern specified by the display command. If the notice is a permitted variable display, the notice implementation condition is satisfied. The detection signal from the game ball detection sensor is input, and based on the detection signal input last time and the detection signal input this time, the movement direction and the movement speed of the upper surface of the rolling part of the game ball are obtained, and the movement direction Based on the speed of movement and the speed of the game ball Follow It is characterized by displaying symbols. As schematically shown in FIG. 1, a first detection unit 1 that detects a game ball B, a lottery unit 2 that performs a lottery when the first detection unit 1 detects the game ball B, and the lottery A gaming machine including a display unit 4 that displays a change according to a lottery result obtained by the means 2, a rolling unit 6 (a wavy path in the example of FIG. 1) in which the game ball B can roll, and the rolling unit A plurality of second detection means 7 (five second detection means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e in the example of FIG. 1) for detecting the game ball B rolling by the moving part 6, and the plurality of second detection means And interlocking production means 8 for producing an effect in conjunction with the rolling of the game ball B detected by the means 7. As well good.
[0006]
here, Above The terms are interpreted as follows. The interpretation is the same for other means, claims and detailed explanation of the invention.
(1) The “display unit” may be almost the entire display screen of one display device (the display device, the display body, and the light emitting body are the same) as long as variable display is possible. It may be a part of The one display device may be provided with a predetermined number of digits for a display element (for example, a segment element or a dot matrix element) that displays quantity information for one digit.
(2) “Rolling part” is a part, member, device, or the like in which a game ball can roll, and corresponds to, for example, a shelf board or a passage.
(3) “Production” includes all means that can be transmitted through a transmission medium as long as the linkage with the game ball can be recognized. For example, an effect by display on the display unit, an effect of causing the light emitter to emit / flash, an effect of producing sound (sound, music, sound effect, etc.), an effect of vibrating a specific device or member, an effect of operating a movable body For example, the production of one production or a combination of two or more is applicable. Examples of the transmission medium include a display unit, a light emitting body, an acoustic device, a vibrating body, and a movable body. The relationship between the production and the transmission medium is arbitrary, a form in which one production is performed using a plurality of transmission media, a form in which a plurality of presentations are performed using one transmission medium, and a plurality of productions using a plurality of transmission media. There are forms to produce.
[0007]
Above means According to the above, when the plurality of second detection means 7 detect the game ball B rolling by the rolling unit 6, the interlocking effect means 8 produces an effect in conjunction with the rolling of the game ball B. Since the decoration lamp is not turned on accidentally as in the prior art, but an effect linked to the rolling of the game ball B is performed, the player can play the game while enjoying the effect. If it is set as the structure which changes an effect according to a rolling form, the player can play a game, enjoying how the effect changes.
Note that the game ball B detected by the first detection means 1 and the game ball B rolling on the rolling unit 6 may be the same game ball or different game balls. Further, the quantity of the second detection means 7 may be arbitrarily set according to the game content and the like.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problem 2]
Means 2 for solving the problem is: the above The interlocking effect production means 8 performs an effect unrelated to the rolling of the game ball B when the predetermined notice execution condition is not satisfied, and when the notice execution condition is satisfied, 2 Performing effects linked to the rolling of the game ball B detected by the detection means 7 Can be good .
[0009]
Above The term “preliminary execution condition” is a condition that can be appropriately set according to the type of gaming machine, date and time, gaming state, etc., and the content of the condition may be either invariable or variable. For example, when a predetermined signal is received, a predetermined result is obtained by lottery, a game ball wins or passes a predetermined area (for example, a gate or a start port), a specific game (for example, a big hit game or Probability fluctuation, etc.), movable members (for example, a lid, a blade, a movable piece, etc. of a prize opening) are in a predetermined posture. The interpretation is the same for other means, claims and detailed explanation of the invention.
[0010]
According to the means 2, the linked effect means 8 changes the effect form depending on whether or not the notice execution condition is satisfied, so that the player can play while enjoying the effect particularly when the notice execution condition is satisfied. Can do.
[0011]
[Means 3 for Solving the Problems]
Means 3 for solving the problem is: the above The interlocking production means 8 is a plurality of second detections triggered by satisfying a predetermined notice implementation condition or triggered by the fact that the lottery by the lottery means 2 results in a predetermined lottery result. An effect linked to the rolling of the game ball B detected by the means 7 is performed. Can be good .
[0012]
According to the means 3, the interlocking effecting means 8 performs an effect linked to the rolling of the game ball B only when the notice execution condition is satisfied or when the lottery results in a predetermined lottery result. Therefore, a player who wants to enjoy the effect plays a game in order to satisfy the notice execution condition, or plays a game expecting that the lottery will be a predetermined lottery result.
[0013]
[Means 4 for Solving the Problems]
Means 4 for solving the problem is: Any of the above In the described gaming machine, the interlocking production means 8 is composed of a visual device 5 (seven light emitters arranged side by side in substantially the same horizontal position in the example of FIG. 1) visible to the player, and the visual device 5 is arranged in the vicinity of the rolling part 6 Can be good .
[0014]
The term “visual device” described in the above means 4 is a visual device, such as a light emitting body (ie, display device, lamp, LED, etc.), a movable body (ie, an opening / closing member, a slide member, a rotating member, etc.), etc. Is applicable. The interpretation is the same for other means, claims and detailed explanation of the invention.
[0015]
According to the means 4, using the visual device 5 arranged in the vicinity of the rolling part 6, the interlocking effect means 8 performs an effect linked to the rolling of the game ball B. For example, in the case of the visual device 5 including seven light emitters as shown in FIG. 1, the light emitters to be emitted are switched in accordance with the movement of the game ball B. In this way, it is possible to give a sense of unity to the linkage between the game ball B rolling on the rolling part 6 and the effect performed through the visual device 5. Therefore, the player can play the game while enjoying a sense of unity.
[0016]
[Means 5 for Solving the Problems]
Means 5 for solving the problem is: Any of the above In the described gaming machine, the rolling unit 6 is disposed in the vicinity of the display unit 4, and the interlocking production means 8 performs an effect of interlocking the symbols displayed on the display unit 4 with the rolling of the game ball B. Can be good .
[0017]
According to the means 5, using the display unit 4 disposed in the vicinity of the rolling unit 6, the interlocking production unit 8 performs an effect linked to the rolling of the game ball B. In addition, the effect is displayed using a symbol displayed on the display unit 4. As the symbols to be displayed on the display unit 4, especially if the symbols are used for variable display (ie, lottery display symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.), the player can have a sense of expectation in relation to the variable display. Is desirable. In the example of FIG. 1, the character symbol 3 moves on the display unit 4 in accordance with the movement of the game ball B. That is, when the second detection means 7b detects the game ball Ba after the second detection means 7a, it can be assumed that the game ball Ba is moving rightward in the drawing, so that the character design 3a is placed at the position of the character design 3b. Move in the direction of arrow Da. When the game ball Bb is further detected by the second detection means 7c after the second detection means 7b, the character symbol 3b is moved in the direction of the arrow Db. On the other hand, when the game ball Bc is detected by the second detection means 7d next to the second detection means 7e, it can be assumed that the game ball B is moving in the left direction of the drawing. Move to the position of symbol 3b in the direction of arrow Dc. In this way, it is possible to give a sense of unity to the linkage between the game ball B rolling on the rolling unit 6 and the effect by the symbol displayed on the display unit 4. Therefore, the player can play the game while enjoying a sense of unity.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is one of gaming machines, and an effect of displaying on a liquid crystal display in conjunction with the rolling of a pachinko ball is realized. The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. A pachinko ball used as a game medium corresponds to the game ball B.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the game board 10 provided in the pachinko machine. The game board 10 includes gates 16 and 34 through which pachinko balls can pass, an accessory device 12 having a liquid crystal display 14 and an on-hold number display 30 and 36, as will be described later, and below the accessory device 12. A start opening 20 through which a pachinko ball can be won, a large winning opening 24 that can be controlled by a solenoid or the like, and other general winning openings, obstacle nails, windmills, and the like are appropriately arranged. Among these, the liquid crystal display 14 corresponds to the display unit 4 and the visual device 5.
[0020]
The gate 16 includes a gate sensor 18 that detects the passage of the pachinko sphere. Similarly, the gate 34 includes a gate sensor 32. The start port 20 includes a start port sensor 26 that detects the winning of a pachinko ball and a pair of movable pieces 22 (so-called tulips; movable members) that can be controlled to open and close from a main control board 120 described later. The starting port 20 is configured so that a pachinko ball can be won even when the pair of movable pieces 22 is opened and closed. The liquid crystal display 14 includes, for example, lottery display symbols (special symbols, normal symbols, etc.), decorative symbols (characters, alphanumeric characters, kana, kanji, etc.), symbols, symbols, figures (characters, etc.), images, etc. Foreground symbols, background symbols, etc.) are displayed. Instead of the liquid crystal display 14, a plasma display, an LED display, or the like may be used. The number-of-holds display 30 displays the number of holds based on the fact that the pachinko ball has won the start opening 20 during a period during which the variation display of the special symbol cannot be started (for example, during the variation display or during the big hit game). The number-of-holds display 36 displays the number of holds based on the fact that pachinko balls have passed through the gates 16 and 34 during a period during which normal symbol fluctuation display cannot be started (for example, during fluctuation display or when the movable piece 22 is opened). . The variable display means a form in which the symbol display is changed using a symbol group mainly composed of a plurality of lottery display symbols (for example, special symbols, ordinary symbols, etc.).
[0021]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the accessory device 12 of FIG. 2, a front view thereof is shown in FIG. 3A, and a perspective view is also shown in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B, illustration of some components (for example, the number-of-holds indicator 30) is omitted for easy viewing.
In addition to the liquid crystal display 14 and the number-of-holding indicators 30 and 36 described above, the accessory device 12 includes a wavy path 50 through which the pachinko sphere can pass and a right guide path that guides the pachinko sphere entered through the small piece 42 to the wavy path 50. 46, and a left guide path 52 that guides the pachinko ball that has entered through the small piece 56 to the wavy path 50 along the direction of arrow D4 (see FIG. 3B). A cylindrical passage is used for each of the right guide path 46 and the left guide path 52. In order to detect the passage of the pachinko ball, the small piece 42 is provided with a passage sensor 44, and the small piece 56 is provided with a passage sensor 54.
[0022]
The wavy path 50 corresponding to the rolling part 6 on which the pachinko ball rolls is curved in a gentle concave shape (that is, substantially U-shaped) as a whole, and the details are formed in a wavy shape. The wavy path 50 is provided with a plurality of passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e that roll on the wavy path 50. The passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e correspond to the second detection means 7, respectively.
[0023]
The symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 are, for example, lottery display symbols (special symbols, ordinary symbols, etc.), decorative symbols, such as characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, etc.), symbols, symbols, figures (characters, etc.), and images. (Foreground design, background design, etc.) are applicable and may be still images or animations. When the pachinko ball wins the start opening 20, the display of the special symbol is started, and after the change display is finished, the next and subsequent changes are displayed within the range of the number of reserves. Instead of the liquid crystal display 14, a light emitter such as a 7-segment element or a plasma display device may be arbitrarily used. The number-of-holds indicator 30 notifies the number of holds by causing an LED, a lamp or the like to emit light. The LED, the lamp, and the like are provided inside a member formed with numbers “1” to “4”.
[0024]
The small pieces 42 and 56 are fixed to the accessory device 12 in this example. The pachinko ball B2 that has entered through the small piece 56 falls in the left guide path 52 and obtains kinetic energy by gravity. For this reason, the pachinko ball B4 rolling on the wavy path 50 has a higher moving speed, and usually falls after reciprocating a plurality of times in the left-right direction (arrow D2 direction) in the drawing. Similarly, the pachinko ball that has entered through the small piece 42 falls in the right guide path 46, and the moving speed when rolling on the wavy path 50 increases, and the pachinko ball can reciprocate a plurality of times on the wavy path 50.
[0025]
Next, a connection example of a board or a device configured to realize a pachinko game by a pachinko machine will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, when simply “connecting”, it means that it is electrically connected unless otherwise specified.
[0026]
A main control board 120 mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 122 includes a ROM 124 storing a game control program and certain data, a random number, a holding number (special holding number, ordinary holding number), an upper limit value, a buffer, and the like. RAM 126 capable of storing temporary data, an input / output processing circuit, a communication control circuit, and the like. The CPU 122 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 124 to realize a pachinko game. The game control program includes a program that realizes each procedure such as a start port process, a variable display process, and a linked effect process, which will be described later. Other components are the same as those in the well-known technology, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted.
[0027]
The main control board 120 includes a payout control board 112 that receives signals from the drive sensor 102, the counting sensor 104, and the like to drive and control the payout motor M4, an external terminal board 116 that can transmit a signal to an external device, and a display. The sub-control board 130 for controlling effects such as sound and sound, and the relay terminal board 138 for relaying signals are connected. External devices include hall computers provided at game halls, island computers provided at island facilities, other game machines (eg, pachinko machines, slot machines, etc.), mobile terminal devices (eg, mobile phones, portable personal computers, etc.) And so on. The signal transmitted to the external device includes game information such as jackpot, symbol confirmation, probability change, and the like.
[0028]
The payout control board 112 includes a firing control board 110 that drives and controls the firing motor M2 in response to a signal from the touch sensor 100 provided on the handle for controlling the firing of the pachinko ball, an information display 106, and a card unit. An interface board 114 (referred to as “I / F board” in FIG. 4) for controlling transmission / reception of data and the like is connected to the terminal 108 and the like. The launch control board 110, the interface board 114, and the like are configured with a CPU as the center, like the main control board 120.
[0029]
As the motors M2 and M4, for example, pulse motors (preferably those capable of forward and reverse rotation) are used, but servo motors or the like may be used. The drive sensor 102 monitors the drive state of a motor M4 and a payout device that pays out pachinko balls. The counting sensor 104 counts the number of pachinko balls actually paid out. The card unit 108 provided in the pachinko machine can input / output balance information, valuable value information, etc. recorded on a recording medium (for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, a portable terminal device, etc.), and the range indicated by the balance information, etc. The number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount desired by the player can be lent out. The specific configuration, operation, and the like of the card unit 108 are the same as known configurations, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted. The information display unit 106 is configured to display information recorded on the above-described recording medium, game information, and the like.
[0030]
The sub-control board 130 includes a symbol control board 140 for controlling display on the liquid crystal display 14, a speaker 142, a decorative light emitter 144, passage sensors 44, 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, 48e, 54, and the like. Connecting. The sub-control board 130 is mainly composed of a CPU 132, a ROM 134 for storing a sub-control program and required data, a RAM 136 for storing temporary data such as received data, jackpot symbols, lottery data, an input / output processing circuit, A communication control circuit is provided. The CPU 132 executes a sub-control program stored in the ROM 134, receives an effect command transmitted from the main control board 120, displays a design or the like on the liquid crystal display 14 through the design control board 140, or from the speaker 142. A sound is produced and the display of the light emitter 144 is controlled. Other components are the same as the well-known configuration, and illustration and description are omitted.
[0031]
Similar to the main control board 120, the symbol control board 140 is configured around a CPU, stores a symbol in advance and generates a display command or the like, and a display command transmitted from the sub control board 130. And a VDP (Video Display Processor) for displaying a design on the liquid crystal display 14. The VDP preferably has a palette RAM or the like and can control display / non-display independently by two or more layers. The VDP reads the design data generated by the character generator in accordance with the display information included in the command, performs image editing such as color specification and sprite processing, develops the design data in the VRAM and palette RAM, and finally the video. Signals, synchronization signals, etc. are output to the liquid crystal display 14. Display of symbols (special symbols, ordinary symbols, background symbols, etc.) and symbol variations can be easily realized by the sprite function realized by executing sprite processing.
[0032]
The relay terminal plate 138 is connected to a device (for example, a start port sensor 26 or a solenoid that moves the movable piece 22) provided at a position apart from the main control board 120. By controlling the operation of the solenoid 28, the pair of movable pieces 22 can be opened and closed by reciprocating in the arrow direction.
Note that the drive sensor 102, the counting sensor 104, the start port sensor 26, the passage sensors 44, 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, 48e, 54 and the like described above include contact type sensors (for example, reed switches, micro switches, pressure sensors, etc.). ) Or a non-contact type sensor (for example, proximity sensor, optical sensor, infrared sensor, etc.).
[0033]
The procedure for realizing the present invention in the pachinko machine configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 shows the procedure of the start opening process for realizing the determination of the winning of the pachinko ball to the start opening 20, and FIG. 6 shows the procedure of the change display process for realizing the change display of the special symbol on the liquid crystal display 14. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the interlocking effect process for interlocking the rolling of the pachinko ball and the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. Among these procedures, for example, the start port process is realized by the main control board 120, and the change display process and the linked effect process are realized by the sub control board 130. Note that step S12 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the lottery means 2, and the linked effect processing in FIG.
[0034]
In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term “variable display” simply means variable display of a special symbol. The “stop (or stop display)” is not limited to a completely stationary display, but includes a temporarily stationary display. For example, the display can be moved at any distance or range (including rotation while moving) in any direction (up / down, left / right, diagonal, etc.) around the reference position, or the size of the symbol itself can be scaled without moving. The display to be changed in this way, the display to perform both of these, and the like are applicable.
[0035]
In the starting port process shown in FIG. 5, it is first determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won a prize at the starting port 20 [step S10]. For example, if a detection signal is received from the start port sensor 26 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES), and if no detection signal is received, it is determined that no prize has been won (NO). If a pachinko ball wins at the starting port 20 (YES), various random numbers are read and stored (stored) in the RAM 126 or the like corresponding to each winning pachinko ball [step S12].
[0036]
As the random number read in step S12, one or both of a software random number using a counter or the like and a hardware random number using an oscillator or the like is used. As the type of the random number, for example, a winning determination random number RA for determining whether or not it is a jackpot, or a jackpot symbol to be confirmed and displayed after the variable display is stopped (for example, [333] And random numbers RB for specifying a display pattern from the start to the stop of a variable display, pachinko balls, etc. For example, a random number RD for interlock control for specifying an effect form to be interlocked with the rolling of the corresponding.
[0037]
After reading various random numbers, a payout signal is sent to the payout control board 112, and a predetermined number (for example, five or seven) of pachinko balls are paid out as a prize ball in accordance with the winning of the start port 20 this time. [Step S14] Similarly, the number of holds is increased in accordance with the winning of the starting port 20 this time [Step S16].
[0038]
If the number of holdings is increased in step S16, or if the pachinko ball has not won the start opening 20 in step S10 (NO), it is determined whether or not the change is impossible or whether the number of holdings is 0 or less [ Step S18]. That is, when the current gaming state is being displayed in a variable manner or when a big hit game is being played, it is determined that it cannot be changed, and when it is not in any state, it is determined that it can be changed. If the number of holds is 0 or less, all of the variable displays related to the hold have already been finished.
[0039]
If it is a time when variable display is possible and the number of holds is 1 or more (NO in step S18), the number of holds is reduced to digest the hold [step S20], and a display command is issued to realize a change display or the like. The information is transmitted from the main control board 120 to the sub-control board 130 etc. [Step S22]. The display command includes a display pattern based on the current start opening prize (or on-hold digestion), a random number (for example, a variable display random number RC), and the like. Receiving the display command, the sub-control board 130 executes a variable display process (specific details will be described later) shown in FIG.
[0040]
A predetermined variation period (for example, 60 seconds) is required to finish the variation display started by transmitting the display command to the sub-control board 130 in step S22. Therefore, it is necessary to wait for the execution of steps S24 and S26 during the variable display. When the variable display is completed, it is determined whether or not the lottery result of the lottery for the current variable display is a big win (ie, winning) [step S24]. If it is a big hit (YES), a big hit game is realized in order to give the player an opportunity to realize a big hit game and obtain a prize ball [step S26], and the start port process is completed. And the pachinko game is continued by repeating the start port process described above again.
[0041]
For example, the jackpot processing is performed by opening an opening / closing member provided in the grand prize winning opening 24 only for a required period (for example, 30 seconds), or paying out a prize ball according to the number of pachinko balls won in the big winning prize opening 24 or the like. Etc. Since the specific procedure of the jackpot processing is well known, its description and illustration are omitted. On the other hand, if it is not possible to change in step S18 or the number of holds is 0 or less (YES), or if the lottery result is lost in step S24 (NO), the start port process is finished at each time point. And the pachinko game is continued by repeating the start port process described above again.
[0042]
In the variable display process shown in FIG. 6, the display command transmitted from the main control board 120 by the execution of step S <b> 22 or the like in FIG. 5 is received (YES in step S <b> 30), and the variable display is performed by the display command. (YES in step S32), the following processing is performed. That is, when the variable display is started according to the designated display pattern or the like [step S34], the variable display is continued until the variable period elapses (NO in step S40). The length of the variable period can be arbitrarily set according to the type of pachinko machine, the game state, the date and time, and the like. For example, the length of the period is usually set by expanding and contracting according to the display pattern, but the length of the period is expanded and contracted according to the random number stored in step S12 of FIG. 5 (for example, the random number RC for variable display). It may be set or a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds).
[0043]
When the passage sensors 44 and 54 detect a pachinko ball during the above-described fluctuation period (YES in step S36), the pachinko ball rolls on the wavy path 50. Therefore, the interlocking effect process is executed to effect the interlocking with the rolling of the pachinko ball [step S38]. The specific procedure of the linked effect process will be described later (see FIG. 7).
[0044]
After the fluctuation period has elapsed (YES in step S40), the current fluctuation display is terminated, a stop display symbol is displayed [step S42], and the fluctuation display process is terminated. The stop display in step S42 is displayed in a non-stationary state or in a stationary state. The non-stationary state mentioned here corresponds to, for example, a form in which a special symbol to be stopped and displayed is reciprocated by shaking in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, an oblique direction, or a form in which enlargement / reduction is repeated. With the stop display, the player can recognize the lottery result (winning, winning).
[0045]
In the linked production process shown in FIG. 7, first, if the production start condition is satisfied (YES in step S50), the production starts (step S56), and the production is continued until the production end condition is satisfied (NO in step S64). Therefore, if the production end condition is satisfied (YES in step S64), the linked production process is finished at that time.
[0046]
The production start condition in step S50 corresponds to the notice execution condition, and can be arbitrarily set according to the type of pachinko machine, the game state, the date and the like. For example, it is a variable display in which a notice (especially a notice about jackpot) is permitted according to a designated display pattern, or the random number (eg, interlocking control random number RD) acquired in step S12 in FIG. 5 is a specific value. That the number of pachinko balls that have passed or won a specific area (for example, the gates 16, 34, the starting port 20, the wavy path 50, etc.) provided in the game board 10 has reached a predetermined number (10, etc.), For example, the number of actuations of the movable part such as the 20 movable pieces 22 and the opening / closing member of the special prize opening 24 has reached a predetermined number (specifically, 5 times). These conditions may be imposed independently, or two or more conditions may be imposed.
Note that the random number acquired in step S12 of FIG. 5, information on passing through a specific area provided in the game board 10 or winning, information on the number of operations on the movable part, etc. are included in the display command transmitted from the main control board 120. Realized.
[0047]
The “production” in step S56 is realized by means capable of transmitting through any transmission medium as long as the linkage with the rolling pachinko ball can be recognized. For example, an effect design such as a character design is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, a sound for interlocking effect (especially music) is resonated from the speaker 142, and the light emitter 144 arranged in the vicinity of the game board 10 is specified. Various forms such as displaying in the pattern are applicable, and rendering is realized by performing these forms alone (or combining two or more forms).
[0048]
The production end condition in step S64 can be arbitrarily set according to the model of the pachinko machine, the game state, the date and time, etc., similarly to the production start condition described above. For example, when a required period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the passage sensors 44 and 54 detected the pachinko sphere, or a passage sensor (for example, the passage sensor 48c) provided in the central portion of the wavy path 50 is unit time. For example, the number of hit detections reaches a predetermined number (for example, three times per second), the start port sensor 26 detects a pachinko ball, and the like. These conditions may be imposed independently, or two or more conditions may be imposed.
[0049]
If any of the passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e detects the pachinko ball B4 that rolls on the wavy path 50 (YES in step S58; see FIG. 3), the relationship with the previous detection is used. The movement direction, movement speed, and the like of the pachinko sphere are obtained [step S60], and the effect is changed to match the rolling (movement) [step S62]. For example, the change in performance is achieved by moving the character design or the like displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 in accordance with the rolling mode of the pachinko sphere, or adjusting the pitch or tempo of the sound reverberated from the speaker 142 according to the rolling mode of the pachinko sphere. Examples of such a configuration include changing the display content (flashing speed, color, etc.) of the light emitter 144 according to the rolling mode of the pachinko sphere. That is, in the example in which the character design is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, when the pachinko ball B4 rolls to the right side as viewed from the player, the character design etc. also moves to the right side on the screen, and conversely, the pachinko ball B4 is on the left side. When rolling to, the character design etc. also moves to the left on the screen.
[0050]
If the effect start condition is not satisfied in step S50 (NO in step S50), it is not necessary to realize the effect linked to the rolling of the pachinko ball, and the linked effect process is terminated at that time. In other words, if the production start condition is not satisfied, a variable display (production) unrelated to the pachinko ball rolling on the wavy road 50 is performed.
[0051]
FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples in which symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 in conjunction with the rolling of the pachinko balls by executing the processes shown in FIGS. First, when the pachinko ball wins the start opening 20, the change display is started {see steps S 10 and S 22 in FIG. 5 and step S 34 in FIG. 6}. A display example of the liquid crystal display 14 at this time is shown in FIG. In the display example of FIG. 8A, the left symbol variation Ca is started using the left symbol group 70, the middle symbol variation Cb is started using the middle symbol group 72, and the right symbol group 74 is used. The fluctuation Cc has started. When the passing sensor 54 detects the pachinko ball B6 that has entered the left guide path 52 after starting the variable display, the character symbol 76 as the effect symbol appears on the screen {step S36 in FIG. 6, step in FIG. See S56}. Since the character symbol 76 in this example indicates the left guiding path 52, the player can recognize that the pachinko ball B6 is falling on the left guiding path 52.
[0052]
The pachinko sphere B6 that has fallen on the left guide path 52 obtains kinetic energy along with the fall, so that the pachinko sphere B8 shown in FIG. 8B and the pachinko sphere B10 shown in FIG. 50 reciprocates in the horizontal direction of the drawing. With respect to this reciprocating motion, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the pachinko ball B8 rolls and moves in the right direction of the drawing (in the direction of arrow D6), the passing sensor 48e → the passing sensor 48d →... → the passing sensor 48a. The pachinko sphere B8 is detected {step S58 in FIG. 7}. The moving direction of the pachinko ball B8 is obtained from this detection order, and the character symbol 76 on the screen is moved rightward in the drawing (arrow D8 direction) {steps S60 and S62 in FIG. 7}.
[0053]
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the pachinko ball B10 rolls and moves in the left direction of the drawing (in the direction of arrow D10), the pachinko ball B10 in the order of the passage sensor 48a → the passage sensor 48b →... → the passage sensor 48e. Is detected {step S58 in FIG. 7}. The moving direction of the pachinko ball B10 is obtained from this detection order, and the direction of the character symbol 76 is changed and moved in the left direction of the drawing (arrow D12 direction) {steps S60 and S62 in FIG. 7}. When the character symbol 76 is moved on the screen in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the pachinko balls B8 and B10 in this way, the character symbol 76 seems to follow the pachinko balls B8 and B10.
[0054]
Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, a solid line indicates the timing at which the pachinko sphere B12 falls from the wavy path 50 in the direction of the arrow D14 (for example, when the passage sensor 48c detects the pachinko sphere B12 five times or more per second). A state in which the falling pachinko ball B12 is seen off is displayed as in the character pattern 76 illustrated in FIG. In this way, an effect linked to the rolling of the pachinko ball can be realized, so that the player can enjoy watching the pachinko ball B12 and the screen.
[0055]
Here, in the display example of FIG. 8B, the left symbol variation Ca is stopped and the left symbol 70a “7” is displayed, and in the display example of FIG. 9A, the right symbol variation Cc is further stopped and the right symbol variation is displayed. 74a "7" is displayed and the reach state is reached. In this example, control is performed so that the change display and the display of the character design 76 do not overlap, so that the player can recognize both displays. If the production start condition in step S50 shown in FIG. 7 is not satisfied (NO), it is not necessary to perform control so that the variation display and the character design 76 do not overlap. Continue to display.
[0056]
In the display example of FIG. 9B, the middle symbol variation Cb is finally stopped, and the middle symbol 72a “7” is displayed. When the symbol pattern “777” is a jackpot symbol, a state in which the character symbol 76 illustrated by a two-dot chain line is banzai is displayed. In this way, the fluctuation display and the effect linked to the rolling of the pachinko ball are displayed in parallel and on the same screen, so the player can recognize both even if the range of movement of the line of sight is narrowed be able to.
[0057]
According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(A1) When the pachinko balls rolling on the wavy path 50 are detected by the passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e, an effect of moving the character design 76 in conjunction with the rolling of the pachinko balls is performed { Interlocking production means 8; see FIGS. 8 and 9}. Instead of accidentally turning on the decorative lamp as in the prior art, an effect linked to the rolling of the pachinko ball is performed, so that the player can play while enjoying the effect. If it is set as the structure which changes an effect according to a rolling form, the player can play a game, enjoying how the effect changes. Furthermore, since the character symbol 76 is displayed as a notice that increases the possibility of a big hit, the player can have a sense of expectation regarding the progress of the game. In this example, the wavy path 50 is provided in the accessory device 12, but the same effect can be obtained even when provided on the game board 10.
Further, since the effect of moving the character symbol 76 in conjunction with the rolling of the pachinko ball is controlled on the sub-control board 130 side {refer to the linked effect processing in FIG. 7], it is realized without imposing a burden on the main control board 120. it can.
[0058]
(A2) When the predetermined production start condition (corresponding to the notice execution condition) is not satisfied, an effect unrelated to the pachinko ball rolling is performed, and when the production start condition is satisfied, the passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, An effect linked to the rolling of the pachinko balls detected by 48d, 48e, 48e was performed {linked effect means 8; see step S50 in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9}. Since the effect form is varied depending on whether or not the effect start condition is satisfied, the player can play the game while enjoying the effect (display of the character symbol 76 in the above-described example) particularly when the effect start condition is satisfied. it can.
In this example, the five passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, 48e, and 48e are provided. However, as the number of equipment is increased, the production becomes smoother. On the other hand, when the number of equipment is two to four, the production can be realized even with a small number of equipment.
[0059]
(A3) In this example, the production form is varied depending on whether or not a predetermined production start condition is satisfied, but the production form may be varied depending on the result of the lottery. The lottery may be performed based on the random number read in step S12 in FIG. 5 in accordance with the winning at the starting port 20, and the step S52 (two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) passes through the left guide path 52 or the right guide path 46. It may be performed based on the random number read in Then, depending on whether the result is a predetermined lottery result such as winning or the like (step S54 in FIG. 7 shown by a two-dot chain line), the effect form is varied. According to this configuration, a player who wants to enjoy the effect plays a game so as to satisfy the effect start condition, or plays a game expecting that the lottery will be a predetermined lottery result.
[0060]
(A4) The liquid crystal display 14 (corresponding to the display unit 4 and the visual device 5) visible to the player is arranged in the vicinity of the wavy path 50 (see FIG. 3 and the like). The liquid crystal display 14 arranged in the vicinity of the wavy path 50 provides an effect of moving the character symbol 76 in conjunction with the rolling of the pachinko ball {see FIG. 8, FIG. 9, etc.}. Thus, it is possible to give a sense of unity to the interlocking between the pachinko ball rolling on the wavy path 50 and the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. Therefore, the player can play the game while enjoying a sense of unity.
In this example, the symbol symbol 76 is the symbol that is moved on the screen of the liquid crystal display 14 in accordance with the movement of the pachinko ball, but may be realized with another symbol. Examples of the other symbols include a lottery display symbol and a background symbol. Even when other symbols are used for display, the player can play the game while enjoying a sense of unity.
[0061]
[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine as in the first embodiment, and an effect is realized by an apparatus other than the liquid crystal display in conjunction with the rolling of the pachinko sphere. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration and the like of the pachinko machine are the same as those in the first embodiment, and in the second embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be described in order to simplify the illustration and description. Therefore, the same elements as those used in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0062]
In the example of FIG. 10, the visual device 5 that realizes an effect in place of the liquid crystal display 14 includes a light emitter group 78 including a plurality of light emitters. The luminous body group 78 of this example is composed of, for example, five LEDs 78 a, 78 b, 78 c, 78 d, 78 e, and is arranged side by side at substantially the same horizontal position between the liquid crystal display 14 and the wave path 50. These LEDs 78a, 78b, 78c, 78d, and 78e correspond to the passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e, respectively, in order. For example, when the pachinko ball B8 rolls in the right direction of the drawing (in the direction of arrow D6), the pachinko ball B10 is detected in the order of the passage sensor 48e → the passage sensor 48d →... → the passage sensor 48a, so that the LED 78e → LED 78d →. In this way, light is emitted temporarily in order from the left side to the right side (steps S54, S56, S58 in FIG. 7). However, the LED corresponding to the passage sensor that has not detected the pachinko sphere B8 does not emit light.
[0063]
In addition, as another visual device 5 that realizes an effect in place of the liquid crystal display 14, in the example of FIG. 11, it is configured by a movable body group 80 composed of a plurality of movable bodies. The movable body group 80 of this example includes, for example, five advance / retreat members 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, and 80e, and is advanced and retracted in the direction of arrow D16 by a drive body such as a solenoid. The movable body group 80 is also arranged in the same horizontal position between the liquid crystal display 14 and the wavy path 50 in the same manner as the light emitter group 78. The postures of the advancing / retracting members 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, and 80e correspond to the passage sensors 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e in order. For example, when the pachinko ball B8 rolls in the left direction of the drawing (in the direction of arrow D18), the pachinko ball B14 is detected in the order of the passage sensor 48a → the passage sensor 48b →... → the passage sensor 48e, so the advance / retreat member 80a → the advance / retreat member 80b → ... → As shown in the advancing / retracting member 80e, the posture is temporarily projected from the right side to the left side in order (steps S54, S56, S58 in FIG. 7). However, the advancing / retreating member corresponding to the passage sensor that has not detected the pachinko ball B8 is set to the basic posture (original posture).
[0064]
According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(B1) A light emitter group 78 or a movable body group 80 (corresponding to the visual device 5) that can be visually recognized by the player is arranged in the vicinity of the wave-like path 50 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). As the pachinko ball rolls left and right, the LEDs constituting the light emitter group 78 are switched in order to emit light, or the advancing and retracting members constituting the movable body group 80 are switched in order to a protruding posture. In this way, it is possible to give a sense of unity to the linkage between the pachinko ball rolling on the wavy path 50 and the effects performed through the light emitter group 78 and the movable body group 80. Therefore, the player can play the game while enjoying a sense of unity.
[0065]
In this example, the luminous body group 78 and the movable body group 80 are provided in the accessory device 12, respectively, but either one or both may be provided on the game board 10. Further, the elements constituting the light emitter group 78 are not limited to LEDs, and may be constituted by lamps, liquid crystal displays, or the like. Furthermore, the elements constituting the movable body group 80 are not limited to the advancing / retreating members, but may be constituted by members (for example, the head, arms, legs, etc. of the character members) that allow the player to recognize the movement. In any case, the effect of the item (b1) described above can be obtained.
[0066]
(B2) Since other requirements, configurations, operations, operation results, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained. {Matters (a1) to (a5 described above) )}.
[0067]
[Other Embodiments]
In the pachinko machine (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented.
(C1) In the embodiment described above, the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine. Instead of this form, the present invention can be similarly applied to other gaming machines other than pachinko machines (for example, slot machines, arrange ball machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, video game machines, etc.). Even in the other gaming machines, the player who has recognized the effect can enjoy the effect and have a sense of expectation regarding the progress of the game.
[0068]
In a slot machine including an auxiliary display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or an LED display), the auxiliary display device can be used as follows. That is, a lottery for an additional privilege game (for example, an AT game or a CT game) is performed, and it is possible to pull in with a symbol corresponding to the lottery result by operating a stop operation unit (for example, a stop button, etc.) when winning by the lottery. Control to stop the annular member (for example, a reel) is performed. Furthermore, the auxiliary display device or the like is performed in conjunction with one or both of the operation mode of the stop operation unit (for example, the operation order and the operation time interval) and the lottery result. In this way, the player can enjoy the production in response to the operation and have a sense of expectation regarding the progress of the slot game.
[0069]
(C2) In the first and second embodiments described above, the variation display process in FIG. 6 and the linked effect process in FIG. 7 are realized on the sub-control board 130 side. Instead of this form, one or both of the variable display process of FIG. 6 and the linked effect process of FIG. 7 may be realized on the main control board 120 side. In this case, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, signals output from the passage sensors 44, 48 a, 48 b, 48 c, 48 d, 48 e, 54 are transmitted to the main control board 120 via the relay terminal plate 138. Is desirable. According to this configuration, the main control board 120 can manage an effect linked to the rolling of the pachinko ball.
[0070]
(C3) In the first and second embodiments described above, the wavy path 50 is applied as the rolling part 6 {see FIG. 3 and the like}. Instead of this form, other passages and other devices that are configured in a shape other than the wavy path and in which the pachinko balls can roll may be applied. Examples of shapes other than the wavy path include a gently concave shape (that is, a substantially U shape), a protrusion shape provided on the passage, and the like. Even in other passages and other devices, the effect is linked to the rolling of the pachinko ball, so the player can play while enjoying the effect.
[0071]
(C4) In the first and second embodiments described above, the small pieces 42 and 56 are fixed to the accessory device 12 {see FIG. 3 and the like}. Instead of this form, a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor may be used to allow movement (rotational movement, reciprocating movement, etc.). This makes it easier for the pachinko balls to enter the right guide path 46 and the left guide path 52 when the small pieces 42 and 56 are in the horizontal posture shown in the figure, but when they are in other postures (for example, an inclined posture or an upright posture). Becomes difficult to enter the right taxiway 46 and the left taxiway 52.
[0072]
(C5) In the first and second embodiments described above, the right guide path 46 and the left guide path 52 are each configured to use a cylindrical passage {see FIG. 3 and the like}. Instead of this form, an inclined or curved passage may be used, or a passage capable of suppressing the falling speed may be used. Examples of the path that can suppress the speed include a path that travels in a zigzag manner, a path that is formed with an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the pachinko sphere, and a path that has irregularities on the inner wall. In this way, since the moving speed of the pachinko ball B4 passing through the wavy path 50 can be controlled, the time for performing the effect accompanying rolling can be expanded and contracted.
[0073]
(C6) In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the rolling part 6 is configured by only the wave-like path 50 (see FIG. 3 and the like). Instead of this form, in addition to the wavy path 50, one or both of the left guide path 52 and the right guide path 46 may be provided. In this way, even when the pachinko ball passes through the left guide path 52 and the right guide path 46, the liquid crystal display 14 {see FIGS. 8 and 9}, the light emitter group 78 {see FIG. 10}, the movable body The group 80 {see FIG. 11} can realize an effect that works together.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a player who has recognized an effect can enjoy the effect and have a sense of expectation regarding the progress of the game.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the outline of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an appearance of a game board provided in the pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an accessory device.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of various substrates and apparatuses.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a start port process.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of variable display processing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of linked effect processing.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display interlocked with the rolling of a pachinko ball.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display interlocked with the rolling of a pachinko ball.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a light emitter group provided in the accessory device.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a movable body group provided in the accessory device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 1st detection means
2 lottery means
3 (3a, 3b, 3c) Character design (design for production)
4 display section
5 Visual equipment
6 Rolling part
7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e) Second detection means
8 Linked production means
B (Ba, Bb, Bc) Game ball
12 Equipment
14 Liquid crystal display (display unit, visual device)
20 Starting port
26 Start port sensor (first detecting means)
42,56 pieces
44, 54 Passing sensor (detection means)
48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, 48e Passing sensor (second detection means)
46 Right taxiway (rolling part)
50 Wavy road (rolling part)
52 Left taxiway (rolling part)
78 Illuminant group (visual device)
80 Movable body group (visual device)
120 Main control board (lottery means, linked production means)
122,132 CPU
124,134 ROM (storage unit)
126,136 RAM (storage unit)
130 Sub-control board (lottery means, linked production means)

Claims (1)

A game machine provided with a control board for control to display an effect for symbols interlocked with the movement of the game ball to the display screen,
The display screen is installed in the approximate center of the game board surface where the game balls flow down,
Immediately below the display screen is provided with a rolling part on which the game ball rolls,
A small piece is fixed beside the display screen,
A cylindrical guide path that guides the game ball that has entered through the small piece to the rolling part,
The small piece is provided with a passage sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball.
Along the upper surface of the rolling portion, a plurality of game ball detection sensors arranged at a respective interval, and outputs a detection signal by detecting the presence or absence of each game balls,
The control board determines whether or not it is a big hit to give a player an opportunity to obtain a prize ball in correspondence with each winning game ball when a winning game ball is won at a start port arranged below the display screen. Receiving a display command for realizing the variable display of the lottery display symbol from the main control board that reads and stores the winning determination random number for the display, and starts the variable display according to the display pattern specified by the display command. , The change display will continue until the change period elapses,
The passing sensor detects a game ball that has entered the taxiway through the small piece during a variation period when the variation display of the lottery display symbol is a variation display in which a notice regarding the jackpot is permitted according to a specified display pattern. When the game sensor detects the game ball as an interlocking effect display linked to the game ball detected by the passage sensor rolling on the rolling part via the guide path, The direction of movement of the game ball on the upper surface of the rolling unit based on the detection signal input last time and the detection signal input this time, by inputting a detection signal from the game ball detection sensor. And a moving speed is obtained, and based on the moving direction and moving speed, an effect design that follows the rolling of the game ball is displayed on the display screen,
The control board is
When the passing sensor detects a game ball during the changing period when the notice regarding the jackpot is permitted according to the specified display pattern, the lottery display pattern is compared to when the passing sensor does not detect the game ball. It is characterized by changing the contents of the fluctuation display of
Gaming machine.

Images