JP4910036B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing a lottery with the progress of a game and giving a player a profit according to the result.

(Background of the Invention)
In general, with this type of gaming machine, the higher the possibility of obtaining a large amount of profit (for example, a large number of balls) as a result of the game, the more the player can play with a high sense of expectation. There is a tendency that the game can be continued for a long time. From the standpoint of the hall operator, it can be said that a gaming machine that allows a player to continue playing for a longer period of time, that is, a gaming machine with a high operation rate, is more desirable as an introduction target.

  Against this background, so-called big hit probability fluctuation machines are widely provided as gaming machines that are likely to obtain a large amount of profits in recent years, and in many halls, the big hit probability fluctuation machine is a high introduction rate as the mainstream model.・ The operating rate is realized. In other words, whether or not a player can benefit from a gaming machine is determined by lottery, but the jackpot probability variation machine increases the probability of lottery when a certain condition is satisfied. For this reason, if a player can play a game with a high probability of winning a big hit, it will be easier to win a lottery. As a result, increasing the number of jackpots will increase the possibility of obtaining a large amount of profit. .

  However, in a gaming machine that has a high possibility of obtaining a large amount of profit such as a big hit probability variation machine, a specific value of the big hit probability is set according to the magnitude of the profit. In other words, the higher the probability that the profit from the jackpot will be higher, the lower the probability of winning the lottery, and as a result, the game is less likely to generate a big hit (the first hit is harder) It will be a machine.

(Prior art 1)
In this way, even if there is a high possibility that a large amount of profit can be obtained, if the road to the occurrence of a big hit during a normal game becomes long, the player tends to stop playing until there is no time before. In order to cover this point, for example, a prior art that raises a sense of expectation up to a big hit by various reach effects is known (see Patent Document 1). In this prior art, when the effect display by the reach pattern ends once, the number of times the normal variation display is performed after that is counted, and the mode of the next reach pattern effect display (symbol or character image) is counted according to the counted number. The embodiment of (1) is changed.

(Prior art 2)
As another prior art, there is one that employs a so-called continuous production in order to continuously have a sense of expectation up to the big hit (see Patent Document 2). In ordinary reach production, there is a drawback that you can only expect the fluctuations made in each reach production, but in the technology using continuous production accompanying the start suspension, through the process of continuous reach fluctuation You can gradually increase your expectation for the big hit.

JP 2004-16449 A (page 4-5, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5) JP 2004-135925 A (page 4-6, FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B)

  However, even when a variety of reach effects are used as in the prior art 1, the reach occurrence probability is actually set to be much higher than the jackpot probability. The production will not be directly related to the big hit. For this reason, in a short time, the player can maintain the expectation to some extent by the reach production, but if the reach production that is not related to the big hit is shown many times, the reach production will eventually become anaerobic, It will not be able to endure the game. In addition, on the actual machine, the reach effect takes longer than the normal fluctuation display. Therefore, when the reach effect is frequently used, the actual operation is reduced accordingly. For this reason, heavy use of reach production is not a pleasure for hall operators.

  In addition, the above prior art 2 is intended to eliminate the drawback of expecting only a change in each reach production, but in the end, since the continuous production announcement can only be made within the reserved range, Continuity is limited and not very effective. In this regard, there are some gaming machines that continue the continuous performance announcement even though the suspension is interrupted, but when the suspension is interrupted, the subsequent continuous performance announcement is meaningless (the big hit The player will be able to perceive it, which may cause the player to feel bad.

  And even if the big hit probability fluctuation machine managed to get a big hit, if it was a normal symbol (non-probable variation), after the big hit game ends (if the bonus is added after the big hit, the bonus ends) After) There is a tendency to stop the game immediately. Alternatively, if it is recognized that a big hit has been made with a probability variation game, it will cease immediately after the probability variation game ends (or when the privilege is added after the probability variation game, after the privilege ends). As a result, the operation of the gaming machine per unit time is lowered in the hall, and the player's expectation for the big hit is kept away by monotonizing the production contents. In addition, if the player reduces the willingness to play, the customer will move away from the hall, and the operation of the gaming machine will decrease even in the long run.

  In view of the various problems as described above, the present invention not only does not diminish the player's willingness, but also can dramatically improve the expectation of a big hit, and further reduces the operation of the gaming machine. Is to provide.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 is provided with an entrance capable of accepting a game ball, and a profit lottery means capable of conducting a profit lottery relating to a profit given to a player based on the acceptance of the game ball at the entrance. A gaming machine in which a profit is given to a player based on a result of the profit lottery, and when the result of the profit lottery is a first win, a basic profit grant that gives a basic profit to the player Means, a high value-added profit giving means for giving a player a high value-added profit obtained by adding another value to the basic profit when the result of the profit lottery is the second win, and the high value-added means As a mode of adding the other value by the profit means, the game mode is changed from a low probability mode having a relatively low winning probability in the profit lottery to a high probability mode in which the winning probability is set relatively high. Winning probability change If the game mode is changed to the high probability mode by the winning probability changing means, the high probability mode is set prior to the profit lottery based on the acceptance of the game ball to the entrance. A maintenance lottery means for performing a game mode maintenance lottery of whether or not to continue to maintain, and a concealment unit that can make this a secret state so that information about whether or not the high probability mode is not known to the player In the case of being lost in the game mode maintenance lottery performed based on the acceptance of the game ball to the entrance, the profit lottery based on the acceptance of the game ball to the entrance is not performed, The gist of the invention is that the high-probability mode is changed to the low-probability mode in a form in which the game mode is concealed by a concealing unit.
  The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the profit lottery means is based on the first random number acquired based on the reception of the game ball at the receiving port. It is the gist of performing.
  The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintenance lottery means is based on the second random number acquired based on the acceptance of the game ball to the receiving port. The gist is to perform a game mode maintenance lottery.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine of the present invention performs a profit giving lottery on whether or not to give a profit to a player with a predetermined probability when a predetermined lottery opportunity comes, and in the case of winning, any profit should be given to the player. In a gaming machine comprising a profit discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a player can give a predetermined profit to the player based on the discrimination result of the profit discriminating means, to the player based on the discrimination result of the profit discriminating means When the basic profit granting means for granting basic profit and the discrimination result of the profit discriminating means satisfy a special condition, the player is given a high added value profit obtained by adding another value to the basic profit. As another value added by the high value-added profit granting means and the high value-added profit granting means, from the low-probability gaming mode in which the predetermined probability is relatively low when the profit-giving lottery is executed, The winning probability changing means for changing to a high probability gaming mode with a relatively high rate, and when the gaming mode is changed by the winning probability changing means to become the high probability gaming mode, the lottery opportunity is When visiting, the mode change lottery means for executing the mode change lottery to determine whether or not to maintain the high probability game mode prior to the profit grant lottery with a specific probability, and the mode change lottery by the mode change lottery unit A game mode change means for changing the game mode from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode in the case of a loss, and the profit determination unit is selected when the mode change lottery is won by the mode change lottery unit. Only when the profit-giving lottery is performed, and when the state-changing lottery is lost, the profit-giving lottery is not performed.

When there is a predetermined lottery opportunity (for example, start prize), the gaming machine of the present invention performs a profit-giving lottery, and gives two kinds of profits (basic profit, high value-added profit) to the player according to the lottery result. can do. If one of the basic profits is purely directly related to the amount of play that a player can earn (for example, an increase in the amount of play), the other high value-added profit is In addition to profits, it is a content with a privilege that changes the probability of subsequent lotteries. Of these, if basic profit is granted, the player can get an increase in the amount of balls for the time being, but when the opportunity for granting basic profit ends, the same probability will be returned from there. Since the lottery will be redone, the path to winning will not change. On the other hand, high value-added profit is not only an increase in the number of balls in the same way as the basic profit, but also the content that the lottery probability is changed after the end, and the path to the next winning is As a result, the player can play the game while raising his sense of expectation for the next winning more than before.
In this way, there will be a difference in the level of expectation that the subsequent player will have between when the basic profit is granted and when the high value-added profit is given, In the gaming machine of the present invention, an element for clearly informing (or notifying / disclosing etc.) which profit has been granted to the player is not essential. In addition, since the high value-added profit is given by adding another value to the basic profit, the behavior of the gaming machine is not different from the case where the basic profit is given. For this reason, even if only basic profits are actually granted, it cannot be distinguished from high value-added profits in appearance, and once a player is granted basic profits, In the meantime, the game can be continued while maintaining the expectation that the game mode has been changed to the high probability game mode.

  On the other hand, even if a high value-added profit was actually granted and then changed to a high-probability gaming mode, only a basic profit was given to some players, and it was low after that. In some cases, the probabilistic gaming mode may be reluctantly inferred. In this case, the player will be given an opportunity to win earlier than expected, despite the fact that the player was prepared for the next win not so close, so the satisfaction when the win was actually obtained The feeling gets bigger.

  However, the gaming machine of the present invention does not guarantee that the next winning can be obtained as it is when the game machine is changed to the high probability gaming mode. That is, while changing to the high probability game mode, a mode change lottery (which may be a mode maintenance lottery) is executed to determine whether or not the high probability game mode should be maintained prior to the profit granting lottery. If it is lost in this lottery, even if it has been changed to the high probability game mode, it will be returned to the low probability game mode. Further, when the lottery is lost in the mode change lottery, the profit granting lottery is not performed, and therefore, in the lottery opportunity, the profit granting lottery is not performed with an advantageous probability until then.

  With the above configuration, the following gaming characteristics are realized in the gaming machine of the present invention.

(1) When changed to a high-probability game mode, there is a possibility of winning a profit-giving lottery with a high probability at every lottery opportunity, so a player can play a game while greatly increasing his expectation for winning it can.

(2) Even so, a lottery that changes the state is performed before the profit-giving lottery at every lottery opportunity, and if you lose it, you will be demoted (down) from a stochastic advantage Therefore, the player can always perform a thrilling game while feeling the expectation for winning and the risk of falling back to back.

(3) Furthermore, if the lottery is lost in the above-mentioned mode change lottery, no profit-giving lottery is performed at the lottery opportunity at that time. Therefore, if a player is changed to a high probability game mode, he / she first plays the game with the goal of winning in the mode change lottery as the first goal, and can only proceed to the profit grant lottery after winning this. New interests arise.

(4) And if the player wins the mode change lottery and then wins the next profit-giving lottery, he feels that he was able to break through the two lotteries and receive a profit. Can remember.

(Solution 2)
The gaming machine of the present invention can also take a separate and independent configuration. For example, when a predetermined lottery opportunity comes, a profit giving lottery is performed as to whether or not a player should be given a profit with a predetermined probability, and in the case of winning, a profit for determining what kind of profit should be given to the player In a gaming machine that includes a discriminating means and is capable of giving a predetermined profit to a player based on the discrimination result of the profit discriminating means, the basic profit is given to the player based on the discrimination result of the profit discriminating means. Granting a high-value-added profit that gives a player a high-value-added profit obtained by adding another value to the basic profit, when the basic profit-giving means to be given and the discrimination result of the profit-discriminating means satisfy special conditions And another value added by the high value-added profit granting means, relative to the predetermined probability from a low-probability game mode in which the predetermined probability is relatively low when the profit grant lottery is executed. A winning probability changing means for changing to a high probability gaming mode set to a high value, and when the gaming mode is changed to the high probability gaming mode by the winning probability changing means and the lottery opportunity comes, the profit A mode change lottery means for executing a mode change lottery for determining whether or not the high probability game mode should be changed to the low probability game mode prior to a given lottery, and the mode by the mode change lottery unit A game mode change means for changing the game mode from the high probability game mode to the low probability game mode when winning the change lottery, and the profit determination unit loses the mode change lottery by the mode change lottery unit. This is a gaming machine that performs the profit-giving lottery only when it has been made, and does not perform the profit-giving lottery when the mode change lottery is won.

  In the solution means 2, “mode change lottery” is performed in the opposite sense to the solution means 1. That is, the “mode change lottery” of the solving means 1 is a lottery for deciding whether or not to maintain it when it is changed to the high probability game mode, and in the case of winning, the high probability game mode. Is maintained. On the other hand, the “mode change lottery” of the solving means 2 is used to determine whether or not to change (retract) the game mode to the low-probability game mode when it is changed to the high-probability game mode. This is a lottery (may be a demoted lottery), and if this is won, the game will be changed to a low probability game mode. Therefore, in the solution means 2, the profit discriminating means performs the profit grant lottery only when the “mode change lottery” is lost, and conversely, the profit grant lottery is not performed when the “mode change lottery” is won. It can function in the same manner as the above solution 1.

(Solution 3)
In the solving means 1 and 2, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the profit determination means generates a first random number value for the profit granting lottery to be executed, and the mode change lottery means includes the Second random number generation means for generating a second random number value for performing a mode change lottery is further provided.

  In this case, for two types of lottery (profit granting lottery and mode change lottery) having different meaning contents, the determination of each winning probability and success / failure can be performed using different random numbers.

(Solution 4)
In the solving means 1 to 3, the gaming machine of the present invention is configured such that the profit determining means obtains the first random number value obtained from the first random number generating means and the mode change lottery means obtains from the second random number generating means. Random number storage means for storing the second random number value substantially simultaneously can also be provided.

  In this case, two random values (the first random value and the second random value) having different usage purposes are substantially simultaneously (may be at the same time, almost at the same time, or may have a slight time difference). Since it is stored, the random number of the required one can be used for the lottery immediately according to the purpose of use. For example, even if the mode change lottery is performed first as described above, and then the profit grant lottery is performed, the mode change lottery is not performed and only the profit grant lottery is performed. However, it is possible to immediately use the random number required for each lottery.

(Solution 5)
In the solving means 3 and 4, the second random number value is also used as at least one random number value among other random number values used for purposes other than the purpose of the profit grant lottery or the mode change lottery. It is preferable.

  In gaming machines, in general, for example, a hit determination random number, a hit design random number, a variable variation random number, a reach random number, or the like may be used as various random number values. Of these random number values, if the second random number value is also used as at least one random number value, the second random number value can be used effectively.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, when it is changed to a high-probability game mode, not only the expectation for the next winning will be increased, but also the mode change lottery will always be cleared (in the case of the maintenance lottery, in the case of winning, relegating lottery It is necessary to aim for the next winning (big hit etc.) after having been defeated), and a new sense of purpose of the game is added there, and the player's motivation is not diminished over a long period of time. In addition, when the next winning (such as a big hit) is obtained in the high-probability gaming mode, the player can feel a sense of achievement that the profit is given by passing through two types of lotteries.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the player's expectation is hardly interrupted, and the game can be continued for a long time while maintaining a high expectation until the next profit is always obtained. Therefore, there is an advantage that it becomes difficult to get bored for the player, and there is an advantage that the operation is hardly lowered for the hall operator.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the front frame and main body frame of the pachinko machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is the figure which showed all the display patterns of the special symbol as a list. It is the block diagram which showed roughly the control structure of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of a start winning process. It is a flowchart of a game operation process. It is a flowchart of special figure fluctuation setting processing A. It is a flowchart of a hit variation setting process. It is a flowchart of special figure fluctuation execution processing B. It is a flowchart of a hit determination process. It is a flowchart of jackpot processing. It is a flowchart of a game state maintenance / demotion determination process.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.

(1. Overview of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 specifically show the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment. The pachinko machine 1 includes a frame body and a game board 4, and the frame body includes an outer frame 2, a main body frame 3, a front frame 5, and the like. Among these, the outer frame 2 is configured by combining upper, lower, left, and right frame members in a rectangular shape, and a lower plate 6 for receiving the lower surface of the main body frame 3 is provided at the front lower portion thereof. One side edge (left edge in this example) of the body frame 3 is attached to one side edge (left edge in this example) of the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism 7, as shown in the figure. The main body frame 3 can be opened and closed on the front side of the outer frame 2. The main body frame 3 is configured by integrally molding the front frame body 8, the game board mounting frame 9, and the mechanism mounting frame 10 with a synthetic resin material. Among these, the front frame body 8 is formed on the front side of the main body frame 3, and its outer shape has a size that matches the outer shape of the outer frame 2 excluding the lower plate 6.

  The game board mounting frame 9 is formed integrally with the rear portion of the front frame body 8, and the game board 4 is mounted on the game board mounting frame 9 so as to be fitted from the front. Although not shown here, the game board 4 can also be opened and closed to the front side from the main body frame 3 via a hinge mechanism, and the game board 4 can be attached to and detached from the main body frame 3 along with this opening and closing operation. It has become.

  An annularly formed guide rail 11 is disposed on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 4, and the guide rail 11 includes an outer rail and an inner rail. On the board surface of the game board 4, a substantially circular game area 12 is defined inside the guide rail 11. In addition, the structure (board | board surface structure) in the game area | region 12 is mentioned later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a bass speaker 14 is provided at a lower left position of the front frame body 8, and the bass speaker 14 is attached to the front frame body 8 via a mounting plate 13. Has been. In addition, a launch rail 15 is provided at a lower position of the front frame 8 at the right side from the center, and this launch rail 15 plays a role of guiding the game ball toward the launch path of the game board 4. A lower front member 16 is attached to the front frame 8 at a position below the launch rail 15 and the bass speaker 14. A lower pan 17 is formed at a substantially central position of the lower front member 16, and a firing handle 18 is provided at a position further to the right.

  As shown in part in FIG. 2, a locking device 19 is mounted on the back side of the main body frame 3 (front frame body 8) just on the side opposite to the hinge mechanism 7. The locking device 19 has a function of locking the entire body frame 3 with respect to the outer frame 2 or locking the front frame 5 with respect to the body frame 3. The locking device 19 has two types of frame locking latches 21 and door locking latches 23, and one of the frame locking latches 21 corresponds to the closing tool 20 of the outer frame 2. For example, when the main body frame 3 is pushed into the outer frame 2 from the state shown in FIG. 2, the two frame locking latches 21 on the upper and lower sides respectively engage with the corresponding stoppers 20, thereby causing the main body frame 3 to move. The outer frame 2 is fixed in a locked state.

  The other door locking latch 34 corresponds to the closing tool 22 provided on the rear surface of the front frame 5. For example, when the front frame 5 is pushed into the main body frame 3 from the state shown in FIG. At the top and bottom, the three door locking latches 34 are respectively engaged with the corresponding closures 22, whereby the front frame 5 is fixed in a locked state to the main body frame 3.

  The locking device 19 also has a cylinder lock 24. With the main body frame 3 and the front frame 5 closed, for example, an administrator or employee of the hall inserts a predetermined key into the key hole of the cylinder lock 24. When it is turned in one direction, the engagement between the frame locking latch 21 and the closing tool 20 of the outer frame 2 is released, and the main body frame 3 is unlocked. When the key is turned in the opposite direction, the engagement between the door locking latch 23 and the closing tool 22 of the front frame 5 is released, and the front frame 5 is unlocked. The front end portion of the cylinder lock 24 is exposed to the front surface of the lower front member 16 through the front frame 8 and the lower front member 16 so that the unlocking operation can be performed by inserting a key from the front of the pachinko machine 1. Arranged to do so.

  The front frame 5 is also called a glass frame or a glass door, and the front frame 5 is attached to the front side of the main body frame 3 through a hinge mechanism 25 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 includes a door main body frame 26 on the back side, and includes a side decoration device 27, an upper plate 28, and an acoustic illumination device 29 on the front side. The door main body frame 26 is configured by a pressed metal frame member, and the door main body frame 26 is formed to have a size that covers a portion from the upper end of the front frame body 8 to the upper edge of the lower front member 16. ing. When the front frame 5 is closed, the front side of the front frame 8 including the game board 4 is covered by the front frame 5, but a substantially circular opening window 30 is formed in the center of the door body frame 26. The game area 12 of the game board 4 can be viewed from the front through the opening window 30. In addition, a window frame 31 having a rectangular frame shape larger than the opening window 30 is provided on the rear side of the door main body frame 26, and a transparent glass plate 32 is doubled forward and backward in the window frame 31. Is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 5 is provided with side decoration devices 27 on the left and right sides around the opening window 30, and an upper plate 28 at the lower part thereof. In addition, an acoustic illumination device 29 is disposed at the top. The side decoration device 27, the acoustic illumination device 29, the upper plate 28, and the like are integrated so as to constitute the outer shape of the front frame 5 as a whole, and are designed to recall a sense of unity in appearance.

  Among these, the side decoration device 27 is mainly configured by a side decoration body 33 having a built-in lamp substrate, and the side decoration bodies 33 form a pair just on the left and right of the opening window 30. In the side decorative body 33, a plurality of slit-shaped opening holes (without reference numerals) that are long in the horizontal direction are arranged in the vertical direction, and each opening hole has a light source (for example, LED) disposed on the lamp substrate. A corresponding lens 34 is incorporated.

  The acoustic illumination device 29 includes a transparent cover body 35, a speaker 36, a speaker cover 37, a reflector body (not shown), and the like, and these components are unitized in a state where they are assembled with each other.

(2. Board configuration)
FIG. 3 shows the game board 4 alone. As shown in FIG. 3, in the game area 12, a number of obstacle nails (without reference numerals) are provided in a predetermined gauge arrangement, and a windmill 40 is provided at an appropriate position in the middle thereof. ing. At the center of the game area 12, there is a center feature 42 that attracts a lot of attention. The design of the center feature 42 characterizes the model of the pachinko machine 1, the game concept, and the like.

  The center accessory 42 is composed of a frame-like decorative body as a whole, and a character body 42a designed with the head of a racehorse is integrally attached to the upper edge portion thereof. Furthermore, decorative bodies 42b and 42c designed for the front legs of the racehorses are arranged on the left and right of the character body 42a. Of these, the right decorative body 42c can function as a movable accessory.

  The left and right side edges of the center accessory 42 are decorated with alphabet letters designed, and here the alphabet letters are emitted by a decoration lamp (LED) (not shown). In addition, a warp passage is formed along with a warp entrance (not shown) at the upper edge portion or the left and right side edge portions of the center accessory 42. When a game ball flowing down along the game board surface enters the warp entrance, the warp passage passes through the warp passage. It is taken inside the center accessory 42.

  A ball receiving shelf 42d is formed at the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and the ball receiving shelf 42d has a certain depth in the front-rear direction. The game ball taken in through the warp passage is released to the inside of the center accessory 42 and guided to the ball receiving shelf 42d. The ball receiving shelf 42d can roll a game ball on its upper surface and give various changes to its movement to add interest to the game. Alternatively, a movable body (not shown) is disposed on the ball receiving shelf 42d, and the movement of the game ball can be changed by the movable body.

  A ball guiding path 42e is formed at the center of the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and an inlet (not shown) to the ball guiding path 42e is formed on the upper surface of the ball receiving shelf 42d. Has been. The game ball that has dropped from the ball receiving shelf 42d to the entrance of the ball guiding path 42e is guided downward through the ball guiding path 42e.

  On the other hand, the exit of the ball guiding path 42e is open toward the front, and the game ball released from the exit falls almost downward. In the game area 12, a ball entry device 44 is arranged at a position immediately below the ball guide path 42e, and when a game ball enters the ball entry device 44, a start prize is awarded. Therefore, the game ball released from the ball guiding path 42e can be awarded with a start with a considerably high probability. The ball entry device 44 has a pair of left and right movable pieces 44a, and these movable pieces 44a can be expanded left and right to increase the probability of entry.

  Further, an attacker device 46 is disposed in the game area 12 at a position below the above-described ball entry device 44, and the attacker device 46 opens and closes the big prize opening by opening and closing the opening and closing member 46a. be able to.

  In addition, the game area 12 is provided with a start gate opening, a general winning opening, etc. (without reference numerals). Further, a liquid crystal display device 51 is disposed inside the center accessory 42, and in this liquid crystal display device 51, for example, an effect display by an image is performed.

(3. Special symbol display device)
In the present embodiment, four multicolor LEDs 52 are arranged on the left side of the character body 42a in the upper edge of the center accessory 42, and the arrangement of these LEDs 52 can function as a special symbol display device. . The arrangement of the four LEDs 54 on the right side of the character body 42a is a start hold lamp (up to 4 holds).

  In the present embodiment, the function of the special symbol display device can be realized by turning on / off the LED 52. For example, by changing the four LEDs 52 in various patterns in response to the start winning prize, the variation state of the special symbol can be displayed. When the predetermined fluctuation time is over, the stop state in which the special symbol is determined can be displayed by the turn-on / off display patterns of the four LEDs 52. Thereby, when the lottery is performed, the result information is displayed by turning on / off the LED 52 (lottery information display means). Further, the control of special symbol fluctuation display and stop display by turning on / off the LED 52 is performed by a main control board described later (display control means).

  Specifically, each LED 52 is provided with lighting colors of two colors (for example, red and green), whereby each LED 52 is “lighted off”, “lighted with lighting color 1”, and “lighted color 2”. The lighting / light-off display pattern can be switched in three ways of “lighting”. Accordingly, a total of 81 (34 = 81) lighting / light-off display patterns when four LEDs 52 are arranged can be prepared. Here, for convenience of explanation, only two colors are used, but the lighting color of the LED 52 may be three or more colors (preferably about seven colors). Further, the LEDs 52 need not be arranged in one place, may be arranged separately, and do not particularly need to be arranged on the board surface. Or you may display a special symbol by five or more LED, and you may display using 7 segment LED.

  FIG. 4 shows a list of 81 lighting / light-off display patterns. In the table of FIG. 4, the symbol “◯” represents “off” of the LED 52, the symbol “◎” represents “lighting with lighting color 1”, and the symbol “●” represents “lighting with lighting color 2”. ing. For this reason, for example, in Pattern No. 0, all LEDs 52 are “off”, but in Pattern No. 1, one LED 52 located at the right end is “Illuminated with Lighting Color 1”, and the other 3 One is understood to be in a “light-off” state.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, four hit modes are prepared as modes in which the player is given a profit, and these are (1) “normal (non-probable) big hit”, (2) “ There are four types: “probable big hit”, (3) “short open probable hit”, and (4) “short open per hit”. As an example, in the table of FIG. 4, pattern numbers 15, 30, 41, 46, 47, 48, 49, 54, 59, 73, 76, and 79 are display patterns corresponding to “probability big hit” If a special symbol is stopped and displayed in these display patterns, a profit (high value-added profit) is given to the player.

  Similarly, pattern numbers 35 and 53 correspond to “short open probability variation”, and pattern numbers 40 (35), 61 (53), 50, 56, 69, and 75 correspond to “short open per change”. Numbers 63 (73) and 70 (54) correspond to “ordinary (non-probable) big hit”. It should be noted that the pattern numbers marked with parentheses indicate that display patterns that are very similar are provided for “short opening probability variation per hit” and “short open per hit”. For example, the pattern numbers 40 and 35 are very similar to each other in the combination of turning on / off display, and it is difficult to distinguish the display patterns at first glance from these display modes. Here, similarly, pattern numbers 61 and 53 are very similar.

  Also, the pattern numbers 63 and 70 corresponding to “normal (non-probable change) big hit” and the pattern numbers 73 and 54 corresponding to “probable big hit” are very similar to each other. Is difficult to distinguish.

  As described above, the display pattern shown in FIG. 4 represents the symbol display mode (display eye) when the special symbol display device 60 is stopped. As can be seen from FIG. In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the lottery result and the subsequent internal state are not easily determined from the symbol display mode of the special symbol display device 60 basically. That is, in this embodiment, by preparing a variety of display patterns for special symbols and display patterns that are very similar among a plurality of winning types, the player can read the lottery results from the display mode of the special symbols. The emphasis is on the fact that the lottery result and the internal state can be estimated from the effect display by the liquid crystal display device 51 and the behavior of the attacker device 46 and the like.

  Therefore, even if a “normal (non-probable) big hit” or “probable big hit” is won during the game and the player wins a big hit, the player is not clearly informed of which one has been won, and is hidden internally Will remain. Alternatively, even if “probable big hit” or “ordinary big hit” is won, it is not clearly notified to the player in terms of performance. Further, even when the lottery probability is changed to a high value due to “probable big hit” or “short open probable hit”, the internal state is not clearly notified by character information such as “probably changing”. In addition, because there is no particular difference in the variation display mode (variation time etc.) of the special symbol depending on whether the internal state is a normal state (low probability) or a probability variation state (high probability), Even if the change display of the special symbol is seen, it cannot be determined that the player is “probably changing”. Therefore, the player basically plays the game without being provided with clear information about the type of the winning result and the internal probability state.

  However, when the four LEDs 52 are all lit, as in pattern numbers 15 and 30 in FIG. 4, for example, it is easy to make a visual judgment. In this embodiment, these lighting patterns correspond to “probable big hit”. Assigned as a thing (so-called “iron plate pattern”). This leaves a possibility that the player can clearly read the winning type by the display pattern (display eye) when the special symbol display device 60 is stopped.

  In addition, two LEDs 53 and 55 are arranged on the left and right sides of the ball guide path 42e on the lower edge of the center accessory 42, and the two LEDs 55 on the left side of these function as a normal symbol display device, for example. The two LEDs 53 on the right side can function as a game state display device.

  In the case where the two LEDs 55 function as a normal symbol display device, if there is a passage through the gate opening during a normal game, the LED 55 blinks as a trigger and starts a variable display, and then stops after a certain time. The winning by normal symbol lottery is determined by the lighting pattern at this time.

  On the other hand, when the two LEDs 53 function as a game state display device, for example, it is possible to clearly indicate that the game state is “probability changing” by turning on the two LEDs 55 with high luminance. However, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the internal game mode is usually kept secret inside and is not disclosed to the outside, so this function is used for a specific purpose (for example, a game at the time of opening a hall) Used only for mode confirmation).

(4. Hit mode)
Next, details of each hit mode are as follows.
(1) “Normal (non-probable change) big hit” is, for example, a round operation that opens and closes the attacker device 46 in a certain pattern for a maximum of 30 seconds and repeats up to 10 rounds. It is called. The player can obtain a lot of prize balls (basic profits) by winning the game balls in the big prize opening during the big hit game. Note that each round operation ends when either 30 seconds elapses or 10 winning balls are counted. The jackpot game ends when the round operation ends 10 times.

(2) The “probable big hit” is to enable a big hit game similar to the above (1), but after the big hit game is finished, the probability of the next big hit is set higher than normal (for example, the normal big hit game) When the jackpot probability is 1/320, a privilege of changing 5 times to 1/64) is added (high value-added profit). For this reason, when the player wins a promising big hit, the next big hit probability becomes high, and it is possible to continuously win the big hit (so-called consecutive resort).

(3) “Short opening probability variation hit” is, for example, a round operation of opening the big winning opening for 0.3 seconds twice, and the interval between rounds is 2 seconds. This short opening probability change is ended when the attacker device 46 is opened only twice for a relatively short time (0.3 seconds). If a prize is entered in the big prize opening during this time, a specified number (for example, 15) of prize balls is paid out, but not many prize-winning opportunities are given together like a big hit game (low value-added profit). However, if the player wins a short-open probability change hit, there is a privilege that the probability of the next big hit lottery is set high (1/64), so that the continuity of the big hit game can be expected in the same way as in the case of the probability change big hit. Become.

(4) “Short-per-open” is the same mode as “Short-open-probable per-change” in the operation of the attacker device 46, but the bonus for changing the big-hit lottery probability is not added. In other words, when the short opening is reached, the attacker device 46 is closed only for a relatively short time (0.3 seconds) and is opened only twice (small value profit). However, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls can be paid out when winning a big winning opening during this period.

  In addition, the specific numerical value said by said (1)-(4) is the best thing in implementation of this invention. In addition, these numerical values can be variously changed and are not limited by the best numerical values.

  The probability of winning the winning modes (1) to (4) by lottery during a game is represented by, for example, Table 1 below.

(5. Maintenance lottery)
In this embodiment, when the probability variation state (high probability state) is caused by the “probability big hit” in (2) or “short open probability variation” in (3), the probability variation state is maintained with every start prize as a trigger. A lottery (falling lottery) is performed. The maintenance lottery is performed with a certain probability (for example, 1/640). When the lottery is lost with this maintenance lottery, a process of internally returning from the high probability state to the low probability state (normal probability) is performed.

(6. Control configuration)
FIG. 5 schematically shows a control configuration for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine 1. The control of the pachinko machine 1 is roughly divided into a main board group and a peripheral board group, and among these, the main board group plays game operations (winning detection, winning judgment, special symbol display, prize ball payout, etc.) ), And a group of peripheral boards controls production operations (light emission decoration, sound output, liquid crystal display, etc.). In addition to this, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a power supply board, a launch control board, an interface board, and the like. However, since any known ones can be applied, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

(6-1. Main board)
The main board includes a main control board 56 and a payout control board 58, and the main control board 56 is disposed on the back side of the game board 4. The other payout control board 58 is disposed on the back side of the main body frame 3 together with the prize ball device. The main control board 56 and the payout control board 58 are equipped with CPUs 56c, 58c and other electronic parts such as built-in RAMs 56d, 58d and ROMs 56e, 58e, respectively, and various game control programs are executed by these electronic parts. Execute. Bidirectional communication is performed between the main control board 56 and the payout control board 58 via the respective input / output interfaces 56a and 58a. For example, when the main control board 56 transmits a prize ball command, it responds to this. Then, an ACK signal is returned from the payout control board 58 to the main control board 56.

  The main control board 56 is connected to a special symbol display device 60 (LED 52), a normal symbol display device 65 (LED 55), a game state display device 63 (LED 53), etc., which are provided on the game board 4. A solenoid 62 for driving the ball device 44, the attacker device 46, etc., a winning switch 64 for detecting a winning ball, a start hold lamp (not shown in FIG. 5), and the like are connected.

  A payout motor 66 for driving the payout device is connected to one payout control board 58, and a motor index sensor, a prize ball count switch, and the like (none of which are shown) are connected to the payout control board 58. Yes.

(6-2. Peripheral board)
In addition to the sub-integrated board 68, the peripheral board includes, for example, a plurality of illumination control boards 70 and 72, a waveform control board 74, and the like. Between the main control board 56 and the sub-integrated board 68, communication in only one direction is performed between the input / output interface 56a and the input interface 68a. Even if a command is sent to 68, the reverse is not performed.

  The sub-integrated board 68 also has electronic components such as a built-in RAM 68d and ROM 68e including the CPU 68c, and a predetermined effect control program can be executed by these electronic components. Further, the other electrical decoration control boards 70 and 72 and the waveform control board 74 also have CPUs (RAM / ROM built-in) appropriately labeled in the drawing. Bidirectional communication is performed between the sub-integrated board 68 and the other illumination control boards 70 and 72 and the waveform control board 74 with the respective input / output interfaces 68b, 70a, 72a and 74a. For example, a lamp (LED) 76 for decoration is mainly connected to the first lighting control board 70, and a lighting signal for the lamp 76 is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the lighting control board 70. Then, in response to this, the illumination control board 70 performs a process of turning on the lamp 76. Alternatively, a decoration lamp 78 is connected to the second illumination control board 72 together with the liquid crystal display device 51, and a display command for the liquid crystal display device 51 is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the illumination control board 72. Then, in response to this, the illumination control board 72 performs a process of actually operating the liquid crystal display device 51. In addition to this, for example, in the case where an actor performing an effect operation by a movable body such as a drum or a character body is provided on the board surface, loads such as a motor and a solenoid for driving these are controlled by the illumination control boards 70 and 72. Connected to etc.

  The waveform control board 74 executes processing for generating and transmitting / receiving waveform signals such as inaudible ultrasonic waves as well as audible sound waves as acoustic outputs. For example, when a sound output command is transmitted from the sub-integrated board 68 to the waveform control board 74, the waveform control board 74 performs processing for driving the speakers 14 and 36. In addition, an ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80 is connected to the waveform control board 74, and the ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80 enables ultrasonic communication between a plurality of platforms. Normally, a plurality of pachinko machines 1 are installed side by side in the island facility of the hall, but between the pachinko machines 1 equipped with the ultrasonic transmission / reception device 80, ultrasonic communication is possible. By using this communication function, a plurality of pachinko machines 1 can synchronize the effect operation or exchange game information between specific stands.

(7. Example of control processing)
Next, an example of control processing executed by the main control board 56 (CPU) will be described.

(7-1. Start winning process)
First, FIG. 6 shows a routine of the start winning process. In this start winning process, it is determined whether or not there is a start win during the game (step S101). Specifically, when a detection signal is input from a winning switch 64 (starting port switch) corresponding to the above-described pitching device 44, it is determined that there is a starting winning (YES). It is determined that there is no starting prize (NO).

  When it is determined that there is a start prize (step S101 = YES), it is next determined whether or not the number of start suspensions is less than the maximum of four (step S102). If the start pending number has already reached 4 at this time (NO), the start winning process routine is returned as it is. On the other hand, if the number of start-up holds is less than 4 (YES), a hold storage process is performed next (step S103). In the hold storage process, for example, “1” is added to the hold number counter secured in the RAM, and the number of lighting of the start hold lamp 54 is increased by one.

  In the hold storage process, a random value is acquired together. In the present embodiment, in addition to random numbers used to determine whether or not to win big hits or determine special symbol fluctuation / stop patterns, internal game modes are demoted or dropped (falling from high probability game modes to low probability game modes). A dedicated random number is used to determine

  Accordingly, the random value acquired in the hold storage process (step S203) includes, for example, a winning determination random number (first random value for profit-giving lottery), a winning symbol random number, a variable variation random number (variable variation counter) In addition to the above, there is a random number dedicated to the falling lottery (the second random number value for the mode changing lottery). Among these, the random number for winning determination determines whether the lottery result is a win or not, and in the case of a win, whether it is the above-mentioned “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “short open positive change” Or a random number for determining whether it is “per short opening”. In this embodiment, a common random number (0 to 65535) is used for the discrimination of “normal big hit”, “probable big hit”, “short open positive change hit”, and “short open positive change”, but an internal condition device For the lottery of “per short opening” not related to the operation of, a dedicated random number may be used. Further, the random number for falling lottery may be shared with other random values (for example, random numbers for selecting a variation pattern).

  The next winning design random number is used when the winning determination random number is determined to be winning, and more specifically, the display pattern that is stopped and displayed by the special symbol display device 60 (in FIG. 4). This is a random number for specifying the pattern number of the hit display. The variable variation random number (variable variation counter) is a random number for varying the symbol variation time by the special symbol display device 60 at the time of deviation variation, for example.

  If the random number for falling lottery is internally changed to the probability variation state (high probability game mode), whether or not the probability variation state should be maintained, that is, from the high probability game state to the normal low It is a random number for determining whether or not to demote (fall) to the stochastic game mode.

  When each of the above random number values is acquired and stored in, for example, the RAM, the pending storage process is terminated and the present routine is returned. As described above, in the present embodiment, the random number value used for the jackpot success / failure determination relationship and the random number used for maintaining the internal game mode or determining the demotion (falling) are stored substantially simultaneously. Note that these random number values may be stored at the same time, almost at the same time, or slightly different in time.

(7-2. Game operation processing)
Next, FIG. 7 shows a routine of the game operation process accompanying the start winning. In this game operation process, it is first determined whether or not there is a start suspension (step S201). Specifically, when the value of the hold number counter is not 0, it is determined that there is a start hold (YES), and then it is determined whether or not the special symbol is in an unchanged state (step S202). At this time, if the special symbol display device 60 has not yet started the fluctuation display (fluctuation display by blinking of the LED 52) (YES), then the hold shift process is executed (step S203).

  In the hold shift process, the value of the hold number counter is decremented by “1”, and the process of shifting the contents of each random number value stored in the hold storage area of the RAM is performed. In addition, it has already been described that random numbers shifted by this processing include random numbers for falling lotteries in addition to random numbers for hit determination, random numbers for winning symbols, variable fluctuation random numbers (variable fluctuation counter), and the like. That's right.

  When the hold shift process is performed, the symbol variation process is subsequently performed (step S204). Here, when the game mode is internally shifted to “probability change”, a lottery (so-called relegation / falling lottery, etc.) is performed as to whether or not “probability change” should be maintained before the big hit determination. Then, if the lottery is lost (demotion / fall is determined from “probability change”), the special symbol change at that time does not determine whether or not the big hit is made, and a change (fall change) not related to the big win lottery is performed.

  However, if you do not lose in the game mode maintenance lottery, or if the game mode is not a “probable change” and is a normal low-probability game mode, you can set the special symbol variable time and display when the variable stops A pattern is set. The contents of the symbol variation process will be described later in detail using still another flowchart (FIGS. 8 and 10).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game mode is shifted to the “probability change” internally, the game mode is maintained or demoted (falling) is determined before the big hit determination. .

  When the above-described symbol variation process (step S204) is completed, an information output process (step S205) is then executed. Here, various control information commands are generated and transmitted from the main control board 56 to the sub-integrated board 68. Is called. Based on the received control information command, the sub-integrated board 68 interprets the control information of the main control board 56 (presence / absence of start winning / holding, special symbol fluctuation / stop display mode, hit determination result, probability fluctuation, etc.) Then, a predetermined production operation is controlled. The details of the control information command will be described later (11. Effect process).

  In the game operation process of FIG. 7, a hit determination process (step S206) is finally performed. Note that the value of the hold number counter is 0 at the start of the game operation process (step S201 = NO), or the special symbol display device 60 is changing even if the value of the hold number counter is not 0 (step S202 = If NO, in either case, the information output process (step S205) and the hit determination process (step S206) are executed bypassing the hold shift process (step S203) and the symbol variation process (step S204).

  In the hit determination process (step S206), the hit flag (1 or 2) set at the start of fluctuation of the special symbol is referred to, and if the hit flag is set, another process (FIG. 11) is executed. Thereby, an operation corresponding to each hit flag value (operation of the attacker device 46) is performed. Note that the process of setting the hit flag and the content of the hit determination process will be described in detail later using different flowcharts (FIGS. 9 and 11).

(7-3. Special figure variation setting process A)
Next, details of the symbol variation process (step S204) performed in the game operation process of FIG. 7 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows the contents of the special figure variation setting process A included in the symbol variation process. In the present embodiment, in the special figure variation setting process A, it is first determined whether or not the player has been lost in the game mode maintenance lottery (step S3000). This determination is made when the game mode is shifted to “probability change” internally, and the determination is simply denied (NO) in the normal (non-probability change) low-probability game mode. Whether or not the game mode is “probable change” is determined by the value (0 or 1) of the internal game mode flag. For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the game mode is changed to “probability change” by the above “probability big hit” or “short open probability change hit”, the internal game mode flag is set to “1”. It has become.

  In the game mode maintenance lottery (step S3000), the lottery probability (probability of winning) of the person who maintains “probability change” is set relatively high, for example, 639/640, and a considerably low probability (640 minutes). It is something that only loses in 1). If it does not fall to the lottery here (NO), the game mode is maintained as “probability change”, but conversely, if it falls to the lottery (YES), “demotion determination” to the normal game mode is made.

  In any case, if the game mode is not lost in the game mode maintenance lottery, or if the internal game mode is not “probable change”, the determination in step S3000 is negative (NO), and then step S301 and subsequent steps are executed. From this point onward, the special symbol display device 60 mainly sets the variation time and selects the display pattern at the time of stopping based on the lottery result. Specifically, the lottery result is determined based on the already acquired random numbers for winning determination (step S301). Executed. Here, “winning” means that either (1) the normal big hit, (2) the probability variation big hit, (3) the short opening probability variation, or (4) the short opening per hit.

  On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is out of lane, that is, it is determined that none of (1) to (4) is true (NO), the variable fluctuation random number already obtained (variable fluctuation) The value of the counter is compared with a predetermined value (for example, 1024) (step S303). The variable fluctuation random number is acquired within a range of 0 to 65535, for example. If this random number value is less than 1024 (YES), the variable fluctuation setting process (step S304) is executed. On the contrary, if the value of the random number for variable fluctuation is 1024 or more (NO), the fluctuation timer is set through each determination in step S305 or step S306. The variation timer is a timer for setting the variation time by the special symbol display device 60. Specifically, if the current start pending number is 0 (step S305 = YES), the predetermined variation timer is relatively small. The longer 10 seconds are set (step S307). Similarly, if the start suspension number is 1 (step S306 = YES), the fluctuation timer is set to a relatively medium 8 seconds, and if the start suspension number is 2 or more (step S306 = NO), the fluctuation timer changes. The timer is set to a relatively short 6 seconds (so-called hold time short). In any case, when the variation timer is set, a special symbol stop pattern is subsequently selected (steps S310 to S312). The stop pattern is appropriately selected from the on / off display patterns that do not correspond to any hit mode in FIG.

  When the above special figure fluctuation setting process A is summarized, if the lottery result corresponds to any hit, the special symbol fluctuation display is started after another hit fluctuation setting process (step S302) is executed. (Step S313). On the other hand, if the lottery result does not correspond to any hit (displacement), another variable variation setting process (step S304) with a distribution ratio of 1/64 according to the value of the acquired variable variation random number (variable variation counter). ) Is executed, but in other cases (63/64), the change display of the special symbol is started after the time of the change timer is set in three stages according to the number of pending start (step S313) It becomes.

  However, when the internal game mode is “probable change”, if it is determined that the mode maintenance lottery is lost (YES) in the first step S3000 of the special figure variation setting process A, then the defeat variation setting process ( Step S3001) is executed. Here, using the value of the random number for variable fluctuation (variable fluctuation counter), for example, the fluctuation time is distributed in three ways according to the table shown in Table 2 below.

Since the value of the variable fluctuation counter is acquired within the range of 0 to 65535, the normal fluctuation is applied in most cases in this defeat selection fluctuation setting process. As a result, a normal variation timer corresponding to the number of pending start-ups is set with a considerably high appearance rate, so that the player can hardly distinguish from a normal deviation variation, and in particular, the demotion from "probability variation" It is impossible to immediately determine what has been done. In the selection change setting process, a predetermined stop symbol (outgoing display pattern) is also selected.

  When the above-described selection change setting process (step S3001) is executed, “0” is set to the internal game state flag (step S3002), and then the special symbol change is started (step S313). Thereafter, the game mode flag becomes “0”, so that the internal game mode is pulled back to the normal time.

  In FIG. 8, the game mode is returned from “probability change” to the normal time (low probability) before the start of the change of the special symbol, but is returned to the normal time (low probability) after the change of the special symbol. You may do it.

(7-4. Variable variation setting process)
Here, the variable variation setting process in step S304 is based on the conventional concept of “outlier reach variation”. In other words, when the symbol is removed by lottery, the variation time of the special symbol is gradually shortened according to the number of start suspensions (steps S307 to S309). By changing the variation time to be longer or shorter, or changing the special symbol stop pattern, it is difficult to make the player notice that the variation is out of place. In this variable fluctuation setting process, for example, the fluctuation time is distributed according to the table shown in Table 3 below.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since there is no effect synchronized with the change / stop of the special symbol (for example, the conventional decoration symbol change / stop display, etc.) There is no need to perform “outlier reach fluctuations” to increase For this reason, the setting of the variation time of the special symbol may be basically based on the concept of “short holding time”, but if the setting of the variation time is always fixed, it becomes easier for the player to be aware of “going out”.

  In consideration of this point, by executing the variable variation setting process described above, even if the lottery result is out of the range, “outreach reach variation” is performed at an appearance rate of 1/64. In this regard, in view of the fact that the conventional “displacement reach fluctuation” was performed at a relatively high appearance rate of about 1/11, in this embodiment, a long time for the purpose of providing a space between players. It can be said that the fluctuation is suppressed to a low appearance rate of 1/64. Therefore, from the player's perspective, it is less likely to show “outside reach fluctuations” that are unrelated to hits at a long time, and from the hall operator's perspective, there is a situation where operation is reduced due to various “outside reach fluctuations”. There are advantages to both because it is avoided.

(7-5. Hit variation setting process)
FIG. 9 shows the contents of the above-mentioned hit variation setting process (step S302 in FIG. 8). Here, when the lottery result is a win, it can be roughly divided into the setting of the fluctuation time in the case of `` normal big hit '' and `` probable big hit '', and in the case of `` short open positive change '' and `` The setting of the variation time is shared by the case of “per short opening”.

  That is, if it is determined in step S401 that it corresponds to “per short opening” (YES) or it is determined in step S402 that it corresponds to “short open probability variation” (YES), both cases are common. A short opening per change setting process (step S403) is executed. In this step S403, using the value of the variable fluctuation random number (variable fluctuation counter), for example, the fluctuation time is distributed in four ways according to the table shown in Table 4 below.

Since the value of the variable fluctuation counter is acquired within the range of 0 to 65535, the fluctuation is usually applied to the fluctuation setting process per short opening in most cases (255/256 of appearance rate). As a result, a normal variation timer corresponding to the number of pending start-ups is set at a considerably high appearance rate, so that the player can hardly distinguish from a normal deviation variation. When the above short open per-change variation setting process is executed, “2” is set to the internal hit flag (step S405), and this routine is returned.

  On the other hand, if “normal big hit” or “probability big hit” is true, the determinations in step S401 and step S402 are both denied (NO). In this case, the common big hit fluctuation setting process (step S404) is executed. The In this step S404, using the value of the variable fluctuation random number (variable fluctuation counter) from 0 to 65535, for example, the fluctuation time is distributed in six ways according to the table shown in Table 5 below. When this big hit variation setting process is executed, "1" is set to the internal hit flag (step S406), and this routine is returned.

(7-6. Special figure change execution process B)
Next, FIG. 10 shows the contents of the special figure variation execution process B included in the symbol variation process (step S204 in FIG. 7). When the variation of the special symbol is started by the special symbol variation setting process A, it is determined here whether or not it is during the variation period (step S501). Specifically, whether or not it is during the fluctuation period can be determined by referring to the above-described fluctuation timer. If the fluctuation timer is activated, it is determined that the fluctuation period is in effect (YES). Conversely, if the variation timer is stopped, it is determined that the variation period is not in effect (NO).

  If it is determined in step S501 that the special symbol is changing, a change display control process (step S502) is executed. Here, for the two two-color LEDs 52 constituting the special symbol display device 60, for example, counter values of 0 to 15 are acquired and assigned to 8-bit values, and a total of eight switches (two colors are used by using these values). A process of switching ON / OFF of LED × 4) every 40 ms is performed. Thereby, the high-speed fluctuation | variation by the special symbol display apparatus 60 is implement | achieved, while four 2 color LED52 blinks. Here, the lighting / extinguishing of the LED 52 is controlled with reference to the counter value, but the lighting / extinguishing pattern of the LED 52 can be switched using, for example, a predetermined variation pattern table.

  Thereafter, when the variation timer counts up and the variation period ends, it is determined that it is not during the variation period of the special symbol (NO), and then stop pattern display control (step S503) is executed. In this stop pattern display control, the special symbol display device 60 uses the stop pattern lighting / light-off display pattern data already selected in the special symbol variation setting process A (FIG. 8), the hit variation setting process (FIG. 9), or the like. Sent to. The pattern data need not be transmitted every interrupt cycle (for example, 4 ms), and it is preferable to adjust the light emission luminance of the LED 52 by sampling appropriately.

(7-7. Hit determination process)
FIG. 11 shows the contents of the hit determination process (step S206 in FIG. 7) included in the game operation process. This winning determination process is executed when the lottery result is a win, and is not executed when the lottery is lost. Here, when the lottery result is a win, the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set according to the type of the win.

  From the processing order, it is determined whether or not the lottery result is “per short opening” (step S601). If the determination here is negative (NO), then the lottery result is “short opening probability change”. It is determined whether or not it is “winning” (step S602). Accordingly, when the result of the lottery is “ordinary big hit” or “probability big hit”, the determination is also denied (NO) here, so step S603 is executed next. In step S603, the maximum setting period for the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set to 30 seconds, the maximum setting continuation number (maximum number of rounds) is set to 10 rounds, and the setting interval is set to 2 seconds. .

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “short open probability change hit”, the determination in step S602 is affirmed (YES), and then step S604 is executed. In step S604, the setting maximum period for the operation pattern of the attacker device 46 is set to 0.3 seconds, the setting maximum duration (maximum number of rounds) is set to 2 rounds, and the setting interval is set to 2 seconds. Is done. When step S603 or step S604 is executed, the big hit process (step S605) is executed by operating the condition device internally.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “per short opening”, the determination in step S601 is affirmed (YES), and the short opening per process (step S606) is executed. In this short opening per unit processing, the condition device is not operated internally, but in order to realize a behavior that is the same as or similar to the “short open probability variation per unit” in appearance, the attacker device 46 is simply operated. First, the grand prize opening is opened for 0.3 seconds, and after closing it for an interval of 2 seconds, the grand prize opening is opened again for 0.3 seconds and then closed again. .

(7-8. Big hit processing)
FIG. 12 shows the contents of the big hit process (step S605 in FIG. 11) included in the hit determination process. When the condition device operates internally and the big hit process is executed, first, a predetermined round counter is initialized (step S701). This round counter is secured in the RAM 56d, for example, and the value of the round counter is reset with this initialization. The round counter is for counting the number of rounds in the big hit game, and when the value reaches the set maximum number of times, the big hit process ends.

  After the round counter is initialized, when a predetermined winning ball number counter is set to “0” (step S702), the special winning opening is subsequently opened (step S703). Then, in the next step S704, it is determined whether or not the opening period of the special winning opening is within the set maximum period. The time (30 seconds or 0.3 seconds) set in step S603 or step S604 during the previous hit determination process is applied to the maximum set period here. If the opening period is within the set maximum period (YES), it is then determined whether or not the value of the winning ball counter is less than 10 (step S705). At this time, if the value of the winning ball counter is less than 10 (YES), it is determined whether or not the detection signal of the count sensor corresponding to the big winning opening is turned on (step S706). If the count sensor is turned ON by winning a prize at the big winning opening (YES), “1” is added to the winning ball counter in the next step S707, and the determination in step S704 is performed again. Alternatively, if there is no winning in the big winning opening in step S706 and the count sensor is not ON (NO), the determination in step S704 is performed without adding the winning ball number counter.

  In the case of “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, one round is ended when either the set maximum period of 30 seconds elapses or the winning ball reaches 10 counts. Become. If either of these two conditions is satisfied, the determination in step S704 or step S705 is negative (NO), so that the big prize opening is closed to end the round (step S708). Then, in the next step S709, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter has reached the set maximum continuation count (10 rounds).

  On the other hand, in the case of “short opening probability variation hit”, the set maximum period is as short as 0.3 seconds. For this reason, the winning ball counter does not normally reach 10, and the determination of step S709, that is, the round counter reaches the set maximum number of times (2 rounds) after the set maximum period of 0.3 seconds elapses first. It is determined whether or not.

  In any case, if the value of the round counter has not reached the set maximum number of times (10 or 2) (step S709 = NO), then “1” is added to the value of the round counter (step S710) and the winning ball The number counter is reset to “0” (step S702).

  The above processing corresponds to the processing of the first round during “normal big hit”, “probability big hit”, or “short open probability big hit”. Thereafter, when the round operation is repeated and it is determined that the value of the round counter has reached the set maximum continuation number (10 or 2) (step S709 = YES), the big hit processing is ended there.

(8. Game mode / lottery probability changing means)
As already described, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the big hit game by “probable big hit” or “short open probable hit” is finished, the game mode from there is changed to so-called “probable change (at high probability)”. (Low probability game mode → high probability game mode). That is, in this case, “1” is set in the above-described game state flag, and thereafter, the internal game state is changed to “probability change”. And while the game mode is “probable”, the lottery probability of the big hit is five times the normal (at the low probability), so the player can continuously win the next big hit with a high probability. ing.

  In this regard, the conventional probability variation type pachinko machine clearly notifies the player whether or not it is a “probable big hit” depending on the type of special symbol (decorative symbol) at the time of big hit, In most cases, the player is greatly appealed to the player as being “probable” by displaying character information such as “”. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even if it is shifted to “probability change” internally by “probability big hit” or “short open probability change hit”, the internal state at that time is clear to the player. Without being announced (corresponding to announcement, notification, teaching, suggestion, transmission, etc.). In addition, since the display patterns by the special symbol display device 60 are diverse (81 ways), the player simply looks at the display mode at the time of stop by the special symbol display device 60 (the combination mode of turning on / off the LED 52). It is difficult to immediately determine whether the “probable big hit” has been assigned, the “normal (non-probable) big hit” has been assigned, or simply “displaced”. Of course, when the “normal big hit” or “probable big hit” is made, the jackpot game is enabled by the operation of the condition device, so that the player can detect that either “big hit” was obtained, but clearly Which “big hit” is not easily recognized.

  In addition to this, in this embodiment, there is a mode of “short opening probability variation hit” in which the big prize opening is performed for 0.3 seconds only twice, and then the game mode is shifted to “probability variation”. However, most players do not notice the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 at all, or even if they notice it, it is not easy to enter the big winning opening within the opening period of the “short opening probability variation”. If the player happens to be aware of the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46, it can be predicted that it may have been a “short open probability variation hit”. Since “per short opening” in which the opening / closing action is performed also exists in this embodiment, “short opening probable per hit” and “per short opening” are simply determined by focusing on the movement of the attacker device 46 and the related performance action. It is not easy to determine.

(9. Features of one embodiment)
In summary, the following features are found in the game in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment.
(1) Even if it is a “big hit” for the first time in a normal game mode (at low probability), just seeing the special symbol when the special symbol is stopped will give the player a “normal big hit” Therefore, it is not easy to determine whether it is a “probable big hit”. After that, the special symbol variation display mode (variation time, etc.) is the same (or may be approximate) in the normal state (low probability) and the probability variation state (high probability). It cannot be determined that the player is “probably changing” even when viewing the fluctuation display. Therefore, the player can maintain a high sense of expectation and willingness to play the next “big hit” while expecting that the game mode has shifted to “probability change” after the big hit game has ended. In addition, in the specification of the pachinko machine 1, in view of the fact that the distribution rate of “probable big hit” is 12/16 and the distribution rate of “normal big hit” is 2/16, in many cases, “ It is easy to expect that it has shifted to “Changing”.

(2) In addition to “probable big hit”, there is a possibility that the game state may shift to “probable change” triggered by “short open probable hit”, so that the player can perform an opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and a related production operation. If you notice, even if you haven't paid a big hit yet, expecting a transition from normal gaming to “probable change”, and maintaining high expectations and willingness to win a big hit from there be able to.

(3) However, due to the specifications of the pachinko machine 1, the distribution rate of “short open probability variation” with the operation of the condition device is suppressed to the same level as “normal big hit” (2/16), and it appears as it is The rate is low and the appeal to the player is relatively low. As a supplement to this point, there is a separate “Short Open Per Open” that shows the same behavior as the “Short Open Probability Hit” without opening the condition device (opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and related stage action). By combining the hit probability (1/128) of the “short open probability variation” and the appearance rate of the “short open probability variation”, the player is given an opportunity to come into contact with either one at a relatively high frequency.

(4) For this reason, for example, when the player touches the behavior of the opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 and the related production action in a normal game mode (at a low probability), the player is changed to “probability change” by “short open probability change hit”. While expecting that there may have been a transition, it is possible to maintain a high sense of expectation and willingness to play until the next "big hit" is awarded.

(5) Also, when a player touches an opening / closing action of the attacker device 46 or a related production action at a certain point in time, even if it is actually merely “per short opening”, Since the next opening / closing action and related production action may occur while continuing, the player's expectation for the transition to “probability change” is not easily diminished.

(6) Or, even if you are not blessed with an opportunity to shift to “probability”, if a player wins a “big hit” even once, expecting to go back to (1) above and shift to “probability” As the feelings come out, the willingness to play will increase further while expecting the next big hit.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, there are few points where the player's expectation and willingness to play are interrupted, and the game is eager for a long time while maintaining a high expectation that a profit such as a big hit will always be obtained. Can work on.

  On the other hand, when a player turns around in the hall, it was traditional to read the condition of the nail adjustment, or to select the table by looking at data such as the number of rotations and number of hits per table. In the specification of the form, there is a new interesting aspect of finding a stand that has been abandoned without being aware that the previous player has entered “probability” internally.

(10. Game change maintenance lottery)
As described above, the transition of the game mode to “probable change” is a factor that enhances the interest of the pachinko machine 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, as described in the special figure variation setting process A in FIG. 8, when the game mode internally shifts to “probability change”, for example, the “probability change” is maintained with every start winning prize as an opportunity. Lottery of whether or not to perform (may be referred to as mode maintenance lottery, game mode maintenance lottery, etc.), or lottery of whether or not to return to the normal game mode from "probability change" (mode downgrade lottery, drop lottery, etc.) ) Is performed (mode change lottery means).

  With such a specification, even if it shifts to “probability change” once, there is a possibility that it will be a big hit with a high probability (1/64) due to each starting prize from there, conversely 1/640 It can be said that there is a possibility of being demoted from “probability” with probability. Therefore, even if the player is currently expecting a “probable” game mode, he can always play the game while feeling close to the big hit and the risk of falling. Therefore, a thrilling interest is added there.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, if there is a start win during the “probability change”, whether or not the winner is determined in the mode maintenance lottery prior to the big hit determination (step S301 in FIG. 8). The determination (step S3000) is made, and if it is lost in this lottery, it is a specification that the big win lottery is not performed by the special figure fluctuation at that time. For this reason, according to this embodiment, the following advantages arise, for example.

(1) A new game in which even if the game shifts to a “probability change” that can win a big win with a high probability, if the game mode maintenance lottery is not cleared first in each start winning prize, the subsequent big win lottery cannot be received. Sex is brought.

(2) Accordingly, when the player shifts to “probability change”, the player first plays the game mode maintenance lottery as the first goal, and then wins the jackpot lottery as the second goal. Since the game can be played, the sense of purpose in playing the game is diversified, and it is possible to keep the game motivation high for a long period of time.

(3) Furthermore, if the player can shift to “probability change” and successfully win the next jackpot, the player will achieve double satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment by achieving both the above first and second goals. As a result, the level of fulfillment of the game is greatly improved.

(4) In addition, since the game mode maintenance lottery is performed first when the game shifts to "probability change", and the big win lottery is performed only when winning this, the probability of the mode maintenance lottery (mode change lottery) is simply specified can do. In this regard, for example, if the big hit lottery is performed first, and the mode maintenance lottery is performed only when it is out of this, the big hit probability and the mode maintenance lottery probability are combined. The probability of lottery is simple.

  In one embodiment, the game mode maintenance lottery is performed in the special figure variation setting process A of FIG. 8, but the game mode maintenance lottery is executed independently using a different flowchart. You can also. For example, FIG. 13 shows the contents of the game state maintenance / demotion determination process performed independently. Here, first, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the game mode should be maintained as “probability change” using a random number value acquired in response to the start winning (step S801). The lottery probability of the player who maintains the game mode is set to be relatively high, for example, 639/640, and the lottery is only lost with a considerably low probability of 1/640. If it does not fall in the lottery here (NO), this routine is returned as it is, but if it falls in the lottery (YES), “demotion determination” to the normal game mode is made.

  When the above-described selection change setting process is executed, “0” is set to the internal game state flag (step S803), and this routine is returned. Thereafter, the game mode flag becomes “0”, so that the internal game mode is pulled back to the normal time.

  In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the lottery lottery is not performed when the previous mode maintenance lottery is lost. However, the big hit lottery may be performed when the lottery is lost in the mode maintenance lottery.

(11. Production process)
The above is purely the contents of the processing related to the control of the game operation by the main control board 56, but when the sub integrated board 68 receives the control information command from the main control board 56, it executes various effect processes based on this. be able to.

  As already described, the basic game specification of the present embodiment is that “the result of the lottery cannot be easily read simply by looking at the change / stop display of the special symbol”. For this reason, with regard to the rendering process, basically, combinations of decorative symbols (for example, numbers 1 to 10, numbers, characters, pictures, character icons, etc.) associated with special symbols such as those conventionally used in the liquid crystal display device 51, Scroll fluctuations are not displayed. Similarly, since the conventional reach variation display method is not employed for the special symbol, the liquid crystal display device 51 does not perform the reach effect display using the decorative symbol.

  Instead, when the result of the hit determination is “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, an animation image having a series of stories is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51 before shifting to these big hit games, Then, when some kind of completion (for example, a racehorse wins a domestic race) is seen, it develops into a big hit game production (for example, the same racehorse runs in an overseas race). In addition, sound effects and the like are output from the speakers 14 and 36 in accordance with changes in the video.

  In addition to this, when it comes to “Short Open Probability Per Hit” or “Short Open Per Hit”, any related production action (for example, a visual change such as a racehorse changing position to a paddock or entering a start gate) (Changed video) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 51, and BGM and sound effects are output from the speakers 14, 36.

  The player can continue the highly entertaining game while guessing the change of the internal state and the lottery result by touching the effect operation as described above.

1 Pachinko machine 4 Game board 42 Center role 44 Pitching device (winning entrance)
46 Attacker device (winning device, ball winning means)
46a Opening and closing member (movable body)
52 LED
56 Main control board (profit discriminating means, basic profit giving means, high added value profit giving means, low added value profit giving means, small profit giving means)

Claims (3)

An entrance capable of accepting a game ball, and a profit lottery means capable of performing a profit lottery on a profit to be given to the player based on the acceptance of the game ball at the entrance, and based on the result of the profit lottery A gaming machine that provides a profit to a player,
When the result of the profit lottery is the first hit, basic profit giving means for giving the player a basic profit;
When the result of the profit lottery is per second, a high value-added profit granting means for giving a player a high value-added profit obtained by adding another value to the basic profit;
As a mode of adding the other value by the high value-added profit means, a game mode from a low probability mode in which the winning probability in the profit lottery is relatively low to a high probability mode in which the winning probability is set relatively high Winning probability changing means for changing
If the player manner by the winning probability changing means is in the high probability manner is changed, based on the acceptance of game ball into the receiving port, continue to maintain the high probability manner prior to the profit lottery Maintenance lottery means for performing a game state maintenance lottery of whether or not ,
A concealment means capable of concealing the information so that the player is not informed of whether or not the high probability mode is present ;
If the game state maintenance lottery is performed based on the reception of the game ball at the entrance, the profit means is not performed without performing the profit lottery based on the reception of the game ball at the entrance. The gaming machine is changed from the high probability mode to the low probability mode in a state where the game mode is concealed .   The profit lottery means performs the profit lottery based on a first random number acquired based on the reception of a game ball at the receiving port.
  The gaming machine according to claim 1.   The maintenance lottery means performs the game state maintenance lottery based on a second random number acquired based on the acceptance of the game ball at the entrance.
  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.