JP5247318B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine in which a symbol is variably displayed on a symbol display device such as an electronic display when a game ball wins a start winning opening, and a jackpot is generated when the variation display stops at the jackpot symbol. This relates to a technique for changing the production mode.

A so-called digital pachislot pachinko machine (formerly first type pachinko machine) acquires (lottery) random numbers triggered by the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening, and a plurality of symbol displays such as an electronic display. Display while changing the design of. The symbol variation display is stopped after a predetermined time, and when the random number value is a jackpot value, the jackpot symbol with a specific combination of symbols is displayed as a stop symbol to generate a jackpot. Then, when the jackpot is generated, the opening / closing door of the grand prize opening is opened, and a lot of prize balls are paid out by entering the game balls into the big prize opening. Examples of such pachinko gaming machines include those disclosed in the following patent documents. Especially in recent pachinko machines, popular TV dramas, movies, famous characters, etc. are used as themes, and background images displayed on the symbol display device and symbols for variable display are designed using these as motifs. More and more models are decorated on the board. Players prefer to select models based on the subject matter they are interested in, and enjoy their decoration and production.
Japanese Patent No. 2915370 JP 2000-176113 A JP 2002-177543 A

  By the way, in the above-mentioned digipachi type pachinko machine, the player wants to generate a big hit that can get a large number of prize balls, and expects to win the starting prize opening as the opportunity. Yes. However, game balls that flow down the game board surface collide with a large number of game nails, windmills, etc. arranged on the game board surface and change their flow direction in various ways. It is determined by chance. Therefore, unfortunately, there is a case where the game ball does not win the start winning opening and the state in which the symbol variation display is not started continues for a long time (start slump). Then, not only will there not be a chance to win a lot of prize balls, but there will be no visual change because the symbol display will not be displayed on the symbol display device, and the game will become bored and the player's willingness to play will be reduced. There was a problem. Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention changes the production mode when a start slump occurs, causes a visual change in the production, and gives a fresh impression to the player so as to maintain the game motivation. The purpose is to provide a pachinko machine that has been made.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed, a starting area that is disposed in the gaming area and through which a gaming ball can pass, and the gaming board. And a symbol display device for variably displaying the symbol, and when the game ball passes to the start area, the symbol display on the symbol display device is started, and when the symbol variation display stops at the jackpot symbol, the player A pachinko machine that generates a jackpot that is advantageous to
Non-variable time measuring means for measuring the time during which the non-variable state of the symbol in the symbol display device continues,
Effect mode storage means for storing a plurality of effect modes displayed on the symbol display device;
Effect mode specifying means for specifying one effect mode from the effect mode storage means ;
Effect mode control means for displaying the effect mode specified by the effect mode specifying means on the symbol display device;
Comprising
The production mode specifying means includes:
When the game ball passes through the start area before the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means reaches the first predetermined time, the current effect mode is continuously specified,
When the game ball passes through the start area when the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means exceeds the first predetermined time and does not reach the second predetermined time, the effect mode is different from the current effect mode. Change and identify,
When the game ball passes through the starting area after the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means exceeds the second predetermined time, the current effect mode is continuously specified .

In the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, the non-variable time measuring means measures the time during which the non-variable state of the symbol continues. Then, when the game ball passes through the starting area when the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means exceeds the first predetermined time and does not reach the second predetermined time, the effect mode specifying means A different production mode is determined and changed to the production mode. That is, the state in which the symbol variation display on the symbol display device is not performed continues for the first predetermined time, and when the game ball passes to the starting area, the player actually plays a game. In such a case, the effect mode is changed with the passing of the game ball to the starting area as a trigger. On the other hand, if the non-variable time of the symbol continues longer than the second predetermined time, it is determined that the game machine is idle due to the absence of the player, and the production mode is not changed. I have to. That is, it is determined whether the gaming machine is playing a game or waiting for a customer, and the effect mode is changed only when the game is being played, and the change of the effect mode can be suppressed when the customer is waiting.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention. In the pachinko gaming machine P, a game board 2 is attached to the front side of the game board mounting frame 1, and the game board 2 is provided with a game area 5 surrounded by an outer rail 3 and an inner rail 4 and formed in a substantially circular shape. . The outer rail 3 and the inner rail 4 form a launch opening 6 for launching a game ball to the game area 5 at an upper portion on one side of the game area 5. On the front surface of the game board 2, a front frame 7 having a large circular opening at the center is provided. A transparent plate 8 made of glass is attached to the opening of the front frame 7 so that the game area 5 can be seen through the transparent plate 8. Further, frame lamps 9 and 9 which emit light appropriately during the game are attached to both upper side portions of the front frame 7.

  A large electronic display 10 made of a liquid crystal panel is provided in the center of the game area 5. This electronic display 10 displays a variation of symbols as a symbol display device. On one side of the electronic display 10, an electric decorative member 11 (movable accessory) that is rotated by a motor is provided. Further, on the other side of the electronic display 10, a passage chucker 12 having a through hole through which a game ball can be inserted is formed substantially vertically. Furthermore, below the electronic display 10, a start winning opening 13 as a start area and an open / close start winning opening 14 as a start area are arranged side by side. An electric opening / closing wing piece 14a for changing whether or not to accept a game ball by opening or closing the opening / closing start winning opening 14 is provided above the opening / closing start winning opening 14. Below the opening / closing start winning opening 14, a large winning opening 15 having an electric opening / closing door 15a is provided. When the big winning opening 15 is generated, the electric opening / closing door 15a is opened and many game balls are opened. Can be awarded. In addition, a plurality of normal winning openings 16 are provided at appropriate locations in the game area 5.

  In the lower center of the game area 5, there is provided an out-ball discharge port 17 through which game balls that have not won any of the above-described various winning holes 13, 14, 15, 16 are discharged to the outside of the game area 5. In addition, a large number of game nails 18 for guiding or regulating the flow direction of the game ball are arranged at appropriate positions in the game area 5, and the flow direction of the game ball is changed by the collision of the game ball. A windmill 19 that rotates and rotates is provided. Further, various decorative members 20 are disposed at appropriate positions on the front surface of the game board 2, and a board lamp 21 that appropriately emits light during the game is provided in some of these members.

  At a position on one side of the lower part of the game board 2 and outside the game area 5, a normal symbol display unit 22 composed of a “◯ ×” display unit and a special symbol display unit 23 composed of a 7-segment display unit. Is provided. The normal symbol display 22 performs variable display according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball passes the passing chucker 12. Further, the special symbol display 23 displays a variation of symbols according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball wins the start winning opening 13 or the opening / closing start winning opening 14. A normal symbol holding lamp 24 is provided below the normal symbol display 22, and this is a display of the next fluctuation display that is held when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is being displayed when the game ball passes the passing chucker 12. The number of times (up to 4 times) is displayed. Similarly, a special symbol holding lamp 25 is provided below the special symbol indicator 23, and when the game ball wins the start winning opening 13 or the open / close starting winning opening 14, a special symbol change display is being performed. If it is, the number of the next variable display to be held (up to four times) is displayed.

  A ball tray 26 for temporarily storing game balls is provided on the lower front surface of the front frame 7, and a game ball is placed in the game area 5 inside the pachinko gaming machine P below the game area 5. A ball striking device (not shown) for firing one by one is provided. The game balls in the ball tray 26 are guided in a line toward the hitting ball launching device. Further, a hitting ball launching handle 27 is provided near one side of the lower part of the front frame 7, and the hitting ball launching device is operated by rotating the hitting ball launching handle 27. The strength of game ball launch is adjusted by the magnitude of the rotation angle of the hit ball launch handle 27. On the other hand, a ball box 28 is provided below the front frame 7, and the game balls in the ball tray 26 are discharged to the ball box 28 by a ball removing operation. In addition, speakers 29 and 29 are provided on both sides of the lower part of the pachinko gaming machine P for outputting sound effects as appropriate according to the gaming state.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention. The game control circuit 30 is a main circuit that controls basic operations of the game, and includes a CPU that performs arithmetic processing, a ROM that can read programs and data stored in advance, and a RAM that can appropriately read and write programs and data according to arithmetic processing. It is equipped with. The game control circuit 30 is connected to the payout control circuit 31 and the effect control circuit 32 which are sub-circuits so as to be electrically communicable, and the image control circuit 33 and the lamp control which are sub-circuits to the effect control circuit 32. The circuit 34 is connected to be electrically communicable so that the entire control circuit is generally configured. In addition, each of the sub-circuits 31, 32, 33, and 34 is also provided with a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, respectively, as in the main circuit. It has been.

  The game control circuit 30 includes a switch 35 for detecting a game ball won at the start winning opening 13, a switch 36 for detecting a game ball won at the opening / closing start winning opening 14, and a game ball that has passed through the passing chucker 12. A switch 37 for detecting, a switch 38 for detecting a game ball won in the grand prize opening 15, and a switch 39 for detecting a game ball won in the normal prize opening 16 are connected. The game control circuit 30 receives signals transmitted from various switches when the game ball passes or wins. The game control circuit 30 is connected to a solenoid 40 for operating the electric opening / closing wing piece 14a of the opening / closing start winning opening 14 and a solenoid 41 for operating the electric opening / closing door 15a of the large winning opening 15. The game control circuit 30 transmits an operation signal to each of the solenoids 40 and 41 to control the open / close state of the electric opening / closing blade piece 14a and the electric opening / closing door 15a. The normal symbol display 22 and the special symbol display 23 are connected to a game control circuit 30, and the variation display of symbols on these symbol displays is controlled by the game control circuit 30. Further, the normal symbol holding lamp 24 indicating the number of times the variable display is held on the normal symbol display 22 and the special symbol holding lamp 25 indicating the number of times the variable display is held on the special symbol display 23 are also connected to the game control circuit 30. Has been.

  The payout control circuit 31 is connected to the game control circuit 30 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and is connected to a game ball payout device including a payout drive motor 42. The payout control circuit 31 operates the payout drive motor 42 in accordance with the payout signal from the game control circuit 30 to perform payout control such as paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to the ball tray 26.

The effect control circuit 32 is unidirectionally connected to the game control circuit 30 so as to receive a control signal from the game control circuit 30. The effect control circuit 32 is connected to a switch 43 for detecting a game ball discharged from the out-ball discharge port 17, and receives a signal transmitted from the switch 43. Further, in the ROM of the effect control circuit 32, out ball number counting means 44 for counting the number of game balls that have passed through the out ball discharge port 17 based on a signal from the switch 43, and a symbol of the electronic display 10 are displayed. A non-variable time measuring means 45 that measures the time during which the non-variable state continues, an effect mode storage means 46 that holds data of a plurality of different effect modes, and one effect mode is determined from the effect mode storage means 46, and Each program and data are stored as effect mode specifying means 47 for changing the effect mode of the electronic display 10 to the effect mode.

  The image control circuit 33 is connected to the effect control circuit 32 so that bidirectional communication is possible. The image display circuit 33 is connected to the electronic display 10 and the speaker 29, and operates while controlling these devices according to the gaming state. Further, the lamp control circuit 34 is unidirectionally connected to the effect control circuit 32 so that the lamp control circuit 34 receives a signal from the effect control circuit 32. The frame control lamp 34 and the panel lamp 21 are connected to the lamp control circuit 34, and these lamps are appropriately controlled to be lighted according to the gaming state. In addition, a motor 48 that drives the electric decorative member 11 that is a movable accessory is connected.

  In such a pachinko machine, when the player manually rotates the hitting ball launching handle 27, the hitting ball launching device is activated, and the game ball guided from the ball tray 26 corresponds to the turning angle of the hitting ball launching handle 27. It is launched one ball at a strength. Thereby, the game ball is guided to the outer rail 3 and the inner rail 4 and is launched from the launch port 6 to the upper part of the game area 5. The game ball launched into the game area 5 flows down in the game area 5 while colliding with the game nail 18 and the windmill 19. When a game ball wins the start winning opening 13, the opening / closing start winning opening 14, the big winning opening 15, and the normal winning opening 16, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the ball tray 26 according to the type.

  When the game ball passes the passing chucker 12, a lottery for acquiring a random value is performed with this as a trigger. The result of the lottery is notified to the player by the stop symbol after the variable display on the normal symbol display 22, and in the case of winning, “○” is displayed as the stop symbol, and the electric opening / closing blade of the opening / closing start winning opening 14 The piece 14a performs a short opening / closing operation once. In addition, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 13 or the opening / closing start winning opening 14, a lottery for acquiring a random number value is performed. The result of the lottery is notified to the player by the special symbol display 23 and the stop symbol after the symbol change display on the electronic display 10. When the lottery result is “big hit”, the electric opening / closing door 15a of the big prize opening 15 is opened, and the player is given a chance to win a large number of prize balls.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a timer interrupt process executed by the game control circuit 30 of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. The CPU of the game control circuit 30 first executes a random number update process (S11), and then executes a start port switch process (S12). Further, special symbol processing (S13) is executed, and finally, output processing (S14) for transmitting various commands set in the special symbol processing to the effect control circuit 32 and the like is executed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of the start port switch process. The CPU of the game control circuit 30 determines whether or not a game ball has won the start prize opening 13 or the opening / closing start prize opening 14 from the switch 35 of the start prize opening 13 or the switch 36 of the opening / closing start prize opening 14. The determination is made based on whether or not a signal has been received (S21). If it is determined that the signal has been received (Y in S21), it is determined whether or not the number of times the variable symbol special display is suspended reaches the upper limit of 4 (S22). If the number of reservations has not reached the upper limit (Y in S22), 1 is added to the number of reservations (S23), and a random number for the winning is obtained and stored in the RAM (S24). Then, the start port switch process ends. On the other hand, when no signal is received from either the switch 35 of the start winning opening 13 or the switch 36 of the opening / closing start winning opening 14 (N in S21), it is determined that the number of suspensions has reached the upper limit of 4 times. If this happens (N in S22), the start port switch process is immediately terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the special symbol process in detail. In this special symbol processing, processing such as determination of whether or not big hit, determination of special symbol variation pattern and stop symbol, determination of gaming state, etc. based on the random number value acquired by the start port switch processing and stored in the RAM To do. The special symbol variation display on the special symbol display 23 and the symbol variation display on the electronic display 10 are displayed in conjunction with each other.

  If the game is not a big hit (N in S31) and the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable display (N in S32), it is determined whether or not the number U of the special symbol variable display is held (one or more times) ( S33). If the determination result is 1 or more (Y in S33), the number of suspensions is decremented by 1 (S34), and a jackpot determination process (S35) described later and a variation pattern selection process described later are executed (S36). ). Various commands such as variation pattern (variation time), symbol (probability big hit / normal big hit / losing), gaming state (probability variation / short-time / normal game), waiting for customers, etc. determined in these processes are described above. As a preparation for transmission to the game control circuit 30, a change start command is set (S37). Thereafter, the special symbol display on the special symbol display 23 is started (S38), and the measurement of the symbol variation time is started (S39).

  If it is determined in S32 that the special symbol variation display is being performed (Y in S32), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation time has ended (S40). When it is determined that the symbol variation time has ended (Y in S40), a variation stop command is set (S41) and the variation display of the special symbol is stopped (S42). Then, the variation time is reset to 0 (S43), and the stop process described later is executed (S44), and the special symbol process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S40 that the symbol variation time has not ended (N in S40), the special symbol processing is immediately terminated. Further, when it is determined in S31 that it is a big hit (Y in S31), and when it is determined in S33 that the number of suspensions U of the special symbol variation display is not more than one (S33), that is, the number of suspensions If the value is 0, the special symbol processing is immediately terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the jackpot determination process. In the jackpot determination process, a jackpot random number is first determined (S51). When the determination result is a big hit (Y in S52), a big hit symbol random number is determined (S53). If the determination result is a probability variation symbol (Y in S54), the probability variation symbol is set (S55). On the other hand, if the determination result is not a probability variation symbol (N in S54), the normal symbol set is determined. In step S56, the big hit determination process is terminated. If it is determined in S52 that the game is not a big hit (N in S52), a lost symbol is set (S57), and the big hit determination process is terminated.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern selection process in detail. In the variation pattern selection process, it is first determined whether or not a big hit is made (S61). If it is a big hit (Y in S61), the big hit table is set (S62). On the other hand, if it is not a big hit (N in S61), the reach random number is determined (S63). If the result of the determination is reach (Y in S64), the reach table is set (S65). If the result is not reach (N in S64), the table for losing is set (S66). After any one of the jackpot table, reach table, or lose table is set, the fluctuation pattern random number is obtained and stored in the RAM (S67), and the fluctuation pattern random number is determined ( S68), a variation pattern is set (S69). Then, the variation pattern selection process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the stopping process. In the stop process, it is first determined whether or not the game is a big hit (S71). If it is not a big win (N in S71), it is determined whether or not the remaining loss J in the short-time gaming state is 0 (S72). If the remaining loss J is not 0 (N in S72), the lost 1 is subtracted from the remaining number J (S73). Then, it is determined again whether or not the remaining loss J is 0 (S74). If the result is that the remaining loss J is 0 (Y in S74), the normal gaming state is set (S75). ). Further, it is determined whether or not the number of holdings U of the special symbol variable display is 1 or more (S76). If the number of holdings U is not 1 or more (N in S76), a waiting command is set (S77). ). Then, the stop process is terminated. In S72, when the remaining loss J is 0 (Y in S72), when the remaining loss J is not 0 in S74 (N in S74), or when the holding number U is 1 or more in S76. (Y of S76), the stop process is immediately terminated.

  If the determination is a jackpot in S71 (Y in S71), it is further determined whether or not the jackpot is a probabilistic symbol (S78). If the result of the determination is a probability variation symbol (Y in S78), a probability variation gaming state started after the end of the jackpot is set (S79), and a jackpot start command to be transmitted to the effect control circuit 32 is set (S80). ). Then, the jackpot for opening the electric door 15a of the special winning opening 15 is started (S81), and the stop process is ended. On the other hand, if the jackpot is not a probable variation symbol in S78 (N in S78), it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a normal symbol (S82). If the result of the determination is a normal jackpot (Y in S82), the short-time gaming state that is started after the jackpot is ended is set (S83), and the remaining number J of lost in the short-time gaming state is set to 100 (S84). . Then, a jackpot start command is set (S80), the jackpot is started (S81), and the stopped process is terminated. If the jackpot is not a normal symbol in S82 (N in S82), the jackpot start command is set (S80), only the jackpot is started (S81), and the stop process is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the non-variable time measurement process executed by the effect control circuit 32. In the non-variable time measuring process, the non-variable time measuring means 45 first determines whether or not the duration of the non-variable state of the symbol is being measured (S91). If the non-variable time of the symbol is not being measured (N in S91), it is determined whether or not a customer waiting command has been received from the game control circuit 30 (S92). And when the customer waiting command is received (Y of S92), the non-variable time measuring means 45 starts measurement of the non-variable time of the symbol (S93). On the other hand, in S91, when it is determined that the non-change time of the symbol is being measured (Y in S91), the processes in S92 and S93 are skipped. In S94, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed for the non-change time of the symbol measured by the non-change time measuring means 45. When the predetermined time of the symbol has passed the predetermined time (Y in S94), the mode change flag is set (S95), and the non-variable time measurement process is terminated. If it is determined in S92 that a customer waiting command has not been received (N in S92), or if it is determined in S94 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (N in S94). Immediately, the non-variable time measurement process is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the effect process executed by the effect control circuit 32. In the effect mode change process, first, it is determined whether or not the effect display is being performed on the electronic display 10 (S101). If the effect display is not being performed (N in S101), the game control circuit 30 starts the variation. It is determined whether a command has been received (S102). As a result, when the change start command is received (Y in S102), an effect pattern selection process described later is executed (S103). Thereafter, the measured no-change time of the symbol is reset to 0 (S104), an effect start command is set (S105), and the effect process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S101 that the effect is being displayed (Y in S101), it is determined whether a change end command has been received from the game control circuit 30 (S106). If the change end command has been received (Y in S106), the effect end command is set (S107), and the effect process ends. If the change end command has not been received (N in S106), the effect process is ended as it is.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the effect pattern selection process executed by the effect control circuit 32. In the effect pattern selection process, first, it is determined whether or not a mode change flag is set (S111). If the mode change flag is set (Y in S111), the effect mode specifying means 47 sets the changed mode table (S112) and sets the effect pattern of the mode (S114). That is, the effect mode specifying means 47 refers to the effect mode table held by the effect mode storage means 46 shown in FIG. 12, selects an effect mode (usually the next effect mode) different from the current effect mode, The production pattern is changed to the production mode. For example, when the current effect mode is A (sea mode) in the effect mode table, the background image displayed on the background of the electronic display 10 is “ocean landscape” A1, and “Yacht” A2 as the character. Is superimposed on the background image. When the effect mode is changed to B (underwater mode) by the effect mode specifying means 47, the background of the electronic display 10 is changed to “underwater scenery” B1, and “Sana” B2 as the character is the background image. Overlaid on the screen. On the other hand, if it is determined in S111 that the mode change flag is not set (N in S111), the same mode table is set (S113), and the effect pattern of the mode is set (S114). Finally, the mode change flag is canceled (S115), and the effect pattern selection process is terminated.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a change in the effect mode of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. The top row (symbol variation) indicates whether symbol variation is being displayed on the electronic display 10 (variation) or not (stopped). The second row (start winning port switch) is the start winning port 13 or It shows whether signals from the switches 35 and 36 provided at the opening / closing start winning opening 14 are received (ON) or not (OFF). That is, it represents whether or not the game ball has won the start winning opening 13 or the open / close starting winning opening 14. The third level (effect mode) indicates the state of the effect mode (“sea mode” or “underwater mode”) changed by the effect mode specifying means 47. The bottom row (decorative image) is the type of the decorative image displayed on the electronic display 10 (“ocean landscape + yacht” or “underwater landscape + fish”).

In this timing chart, the symbol variation display is ended (stopped) at time T1. And the said non-variable time measurement means 45 has started the measurement of the non-variable time of a symbol from the time T1 as the beginning. After that, since the start winning opening switch continues to be in the OFF state, the game ball has not won the starting winning opening 13 and the open / close starting winning opening 14, and therefore, the state of the symbols remains unchanged. I understand. At time T2, the non-variable time measured by the non-variable time measuring unit 45 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Thereafter, at time T3, the game ball wins the start winning opening 13 or the opening / closing start winning opening 14 and receives a signal from the switch 35 or the switch 36. Therefore, the effect mode specifying means 47 sets the effect mode to “sea mode”. To "Underwater mode". The effect mode specifying means 47 changes the decoration image displayed on the electronic display 10 from “seascape + yacht” to “underwater scenery + fish”, and at the same time, the symbol change display is started (changed). At this time, it is preferable that the reach symbol of the symbol variation display started by the starting ball winning is also changed in accordance with the effect mode.

In the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment described above, the non-variable time measuring means 45 measures the time during which the non-variable state of the symbol continues after the symbol variable display on the electronic display 10 stops. Yes. And when the predetermined time is measured after the non-variable time measuring means 45 starts measurement, and the game ball wins the start winning opening 13 or the opening / closing start winning opening 14, the effect mode specifying means 47 An effect mode different from the present is determined from the effect mode storage means 46 for storing a plurality of effect modes, and the effect mode is changed. Thereby, it can be detected that the state in which the display of the variation of the symbol on the electronic display 10 is not started continues for a predetermined time, and when such a state (start slump) is detected, the current presentation mode is ended. It is possible to change to another production mode. Therefore, even if a start slump occurs and the player's willingness to play is likely to decline, the player's willingness to continue to play by stimulating the player's interest by causing a visual change in the effect by changing the effect mode Can be sustained.

  When the non-variable time measuring means 45 starts measuring the non-variable time of the symbol, the start time of the measurement does not necessarily coincide with the stop of the symbol variable display as in the first embodiment described above. . For example, the measurement of the non-variable time by the non-variable time measuring means 45 may be started after a predetermined time has elapsed since the symbol fluctuation display is stopped.

  Next, a second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention will be described. The schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment and the configuration of the control circuit are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following description, only the configuration different from the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals to the same configuration. In the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment, the non-variable time measurement process in the effect control circuit 32 is different from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the non-variable time measurement process of the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment. In the non-variable time measurement process, the non-variable time measuring means 45 first determines whether or not the duration of the non-variable state of the symbol is being measured (S121). If no symbol variation time is being measured (N in S121), it is determined whether a customer waiting command has been received from the game control circuit 30 (S122). And when the customer waiting command is received (Y of S122), the non-variable time measurement means 45 starts measurement of the non-variable time of a symbol (S123). On the other hand, in S121, when it is determined that the non-change time of the symbol is being measured (Y in S121), the processes in S122 and S123 are skipped.

  In S124, it is determined whether or not a first predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed for the non-variable time of the symbol measured by the non-variable time measuring means 45, and the first non-variable time of the symbol is determined. If the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S124), it is then determined whether or not the second predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed (S125). If the symbol no-change time has not passed the second predetermined time (Y of S125), that is, if the symbol no-change time exceeds 30 seconds and less than 5 minutes, the mode change flag is set. (S126). Then, the non-variable time measurement process is terminated. On the other hand, in S125, when it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed in the symbol (N in S125), the mode change flag is canceled (S127), and the non-variable time measurement process is terminated. If it is determined in S122 that a customer waiting command has not been received (Y in S122), or if it is determined in S124 that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (S124). N), and immediately ends the non-variable time measurement process.

Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment, the non-variable time measuring means 45 measures the non-variable time of the symbol, the non-variable time exceeds the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time. The mode change flag of the production mode is set when the condition is not satisfied. Then, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 13 or the opening / closing start winning opening 14, the effect mode specifying means 47 determines an effect mode different from the present from the effect mode storage means 46 for storing a plurality of effect modes. The production mode is changed. As a result, if the non-variable time of the symbol continues longer than the second predetermined time, it can be detected that the gaming machine is waiting for a customer because there is no player. Even if there is a winning game ball, the production mode can be prevented from changing. On the other hand, if the game ball wins when the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means 45 exceeds the first predetermined time and is less than the second predetermined time, the player is playing a game. It is determined that there is, and the production mode can be changed only in such a case. That is, it is possible to determine whether the gaming machine is waiting for a customer or playing a game. When waiting for a customer, the change of the effect mode can be suppressed and the effect mode can be changed only when the game is being played.

  Next, a third embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention will be described. The schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment and the configuration of the control circuit are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following description, only the configuration different from the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals to the same configuration.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail the non-variable time measurement process executed by the effect control circuit 32 in the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment. In the non-variable time measuring process, the non-variable time measuring means 45 first determines whether or not the duration of the non-variable state of the symbol is being measured (S131). If the non-variable time of the symbol is not being measured (N in S131), it is determined whether a customer waiting command has been received from the game control circuit 30 (S132). And when the customer waiting command is received (Y of S132), the non-variable time measuring means 45 starts measurement of the non-variable time of the symbol (S133). On the other hand, in S131, when it is determined that the non-variable time of the symbol is being measured (Y in S131), the processes in S132 and S133 are skipped. In S134, it is determined whether or not the non-variable time of the symbol measured by the non-variable time measuring means 45 has passed a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). When the predetermined time of the symbol has not elapsed (Y in S134), the non-variable time excess flag is set (S135), and when the predetermined time has not elapsed (N in S134) Then, the no-variation time excess flag is canceled (S136). Then, the non-variable time measurement process is terminated. If it is determined in S132 that a customer waiting command has not been received (N in S132), the non-variable time measurement process is immediately terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the out-ball number counting process executed by the effect control circuit 32 in the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment. In the out-ball number counting process, first, whether or not the game ball is discharged from the out-ball discharge port 17 to the outside of the game area 5 is detected from the switch 43 that detects the game ball discharged from the out-ball discharge port 17. A determination is made based on the signal (S141). When the signal from the switch 43 is received (Y in S141), the out ball number counting means 44 reads out the number of out balls stored in the RAM of the effect control circuit 32 and After adding the number, it is written again in the RAM and stored (S142). Further, the out ball number counting means 44 determines whether or not the number of out balls stored in the RAM has reached a predetermined number (for example, 100) (S143). If the number of out balls has reached 100 (Y in S143), it is then determined whether or not the symbol no-change time excess flag is set (S144), and if not set (S144). N), since a predetermined number of out balls have been discharged before a predetermined time elapses, a mode change flag is set (S145). Then, the out ball count process ends. On the other hand, if there is no signal from the switch 43 in S141 (N in S141), or if the number of out spheres has not reached 100 in S143 (N in S143), or the symbol's invariable time is exceeded in S144 If the flag is set (Y in S144), the out ball count process is immediately terminated.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the change of the effect mode of the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment. The top row (symbol variation) indicates whether symbol variation is being displayed on the electronic display 10 (variation) or not (stopped). The second row (start winning port switch) is the start winning port 13 or It shows whether signals from the switches 35 and 36 provided at the opening / closing start winning opening 14 are received (ON) or not (OFF). That is, it represents whether or not the game ball has won the start winning opening 13 or the open / close starting winning opening 14. The third stage (out ball discharge port switch) indicates whether a signal from the switch 43 for detecting the game ball discharged from the out ball discharge port 17 is received (ON) or not (OFF). That is, it indicates whether or not the game ball is discharged from the out ball discharge port 17 to the outside of the game area 5. The fourth row (effect mode) indicates the state of the effect mode (“sea mode” or “underwater mode”) changed by the effect mode specifying means 47. The lowermost row (decorative image) is the type of ornamental image displayed as a background on the electronic display 10 ("seascape + yacht" or "seascape + fish").

In this timing chart, the symbol variation display is ended (stopped) at time T4. And the said non-variable time measurement means 45 has started the measurement of the non-variable time of a symbol with time T4 as the beginning. After that, since the start winning opening switch continues to be in an OFF state, no game ball has won the starting winning opening 13 and the open / close starting winning opening 14, while the out ball discharge opening switch is intermittently It is in the ON state, indicating that game balls are being discharged one after another from the out ball discharge port 17 to the outside of the game area 5. The out ball number counting means 44 counts the number of out balls based on this signal. At time T5, when the number of out spheres counted by the out sphere number counting means 44 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100), the non-variable time measured by the non-variable time measuring means 45 is measured. The predetermined time T7 (for example, 30 seconds) has not been reached. Thereafter, at predetermined time T7 previous time T6, the gaming ball prize to start winning opening 13 or the opening and closing start winning opening 14, for receiving the signal from the switch 35 or switch 36, the presentation mode identifying unit 47 is directed The mode has been changed from "Sea mode" to "Underwater mode". The effect mode specifying means 47 changes the decoration image displayed on the electronic display 10 from “seascape + yacht” to “underwater scenery + fish”, and at the same time, the symbol change display is started (changed).

In the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment described above, the non-variable time measuring means 45 measures the time during which the non-variable state of the symbol continues after the symbol variable display on the electronic display 10 is stopped, During this period, the number of out balls discharged from the out ball discharge port 17 is counted by the out ball number counting means 44. Then, the out ball number counting means 44 counts a predetermined number of out balls after the non-variable time measuring means 45 starts measuring until a predetermined time is measured, and the start winning opening 13 or the When a game ball wins the opening / closing start winning opening 14, the effect mode specifying means 47 determines an effect mode different from the present from the effect mode storage means 46 for storing a plurality of effect modes, and changes to the effect mode. Yes. As a result, even though a predetermined number of game balls have been fired into the game area 5 within a predetermined time, none of the game balls will win the start winning opening 13 or the opening / closing start winning opening 14, and the pattern on the electronic display 10 will be displayed. When it is detected that the variable display is not started (start slump), it is possible to end the current effect mode and change to another effect mode. Therefore, even if a start slump occurs and the player's willingness to play is likely to decline, the player's willingness to continue to play by stimulating the player's interest by causing a visual change in the effect by changing the effect mode Can be sustained.

  In starting the measurement of the non-variable time of the symbol by the non-variable time measuring means 45 and the counting of the number of out-balls by the out-ball number counting means 44, the start of the measurement and counting is not necessarily displayed. It is not necessary to adjust when stopping. For example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the change display of the symbol is stopped, the measurement of the non-change time by the non-change time measuring means 45 is started and the counting of the number of out balls by the out-ball number counting means 44 is started. Also good.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention will be described. The schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following description, only the configuration different from the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals to the same configuration. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in this block diagram, the production mode selection means 49 is connected to the production control circuit 32 of the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment. The effect mode selection means 49 is an operation unit such as an effect button mounted on the front side of the gaming machine, for example. When the effect mode is changed, when a predetermined time is measured after the non-variable time measuring means 45 starts measurement, an effect mode selection screen is displayed on the electronic display 10 and the player can select the effect mode. An arbitrary rendering mode is selected by operating the selection means 49.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the non-variable time measurement process of the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment. In the non-variable time measuring process, the non-variable time measuring means 45 first determines whether or not the duration of the non-variable state of the symbol is being measured (S151). If the non-variable time of the symbol is not being measured (N in S151), it is determined whether a customer waiting command has been received from the game control circuit 30 (S152). And when the customer waiting command is received (Y of S152), the non-variable time measuring means 45 starts measurement of the non-variable time of the symbol (S153). On the other hand, if it is determined in S151 that the symbol non-change time is being measured (Y in S151), the processes in S152 and S153 are skipped. In S154, it is determined whether or not the non-variable time of the symbol measured by the non-variable time measuring means 45 has passed a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). When the predetermined time of the symbol has not passed (Y in S154), a mode selection process described later is executed (S155). Then, the non-variable time measurement process is terminated. If it is determined in S152 that a customer waiting command has not been received (N in S152), or if it is determined in S154 that the predetermined time has not passed (N in S154). Immediately, the non-variable time measurement process is terminated.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the mode selection process in detail. In this mode selection process, first, a mode selection screen is displayed on the electronic display 10 (S161), and then an input from an operation unit such as an effect button as the effect mode selection means 49 is received (S162). ). That is, when the player operates the effect button, an arbitrary effect mode is selected from a plurality of effect modes displayed on the mode selection screen. If the effect mode is selected by this operation (Y in S163), the selected effect mode is set (S164). Then, the mode change flag is set (S165), and the mode selection process is terminated. On the other hand, when the effect mode is not selected in S163 (N in S163), the mode selection process is immediately terminated.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing in detail the effect pattern selection process executed by the effect control circuit 32. In the effect pattern selection process, first, it is determined whether or not the mode change flag is set (S171). If the mode change flag is set (Y of S171), the mode table selected by the player in the mode selection process is set (S172), and the effect pattern of the mode is set (S174). On the other hand, if it is determined in S171 that the mode change flag is not set (N in S171), the same mode table is set (S173), and the effect pattern of the mode is set (S174). Finally, the mode change flag is canceled (S175), and the effect pattern selection process ends. Then, the set of effect start commands executed in the effect process (FIG. 10, S105) is performed according to the effect pattern set in the mode selection process.

  Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment, when the non-variable time measuring means 45 measures the non-variable time of the symbol and detects that the non-variable time continues for a predetermined time, the electronic display 10 In addition to displaying an effect mode selection screen, the player can select an arbitrary effect mode from a plurality of effect modes by operating an operation unit such as an effect button as effect mode selection means. . As a result, even if a start slump occurs and the player's willingness to play is likely to decline, the player can freely select the desired production mode, and the production mode will be of interest to the player By doing so, the willingness to continue the game can be sustained.

The front view which shows the pachinko game machine which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit of the pachinko game machine which concerns on this invention. The flowchart figure which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart figure which shows a start port switch process. The flowchart figure which shows special symbol processing. The flowchart figure which shows a jackpot determination process. The flowchart figure which shows a fluctuation pattern selection process. The flowchart figure which shows a process during a stop. The flowchart figure which shows a non-variable time measurement process. The flowchart figure which shows effect processing. The flowchart figure which shows an effect pattern selection process. The production mode table figure of the pachinko game machine which relates to this invention. The timing chart figure which shows production mode change. The flowchart figure which shows the non-variable time measurement process of the pachinko game machine which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows the non-variable time measurement process of the pachinko game machine which concerns on 3rd embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows the out ball number count process of the same pachinko gaming machine. The timing chart figure which shows the production mode change of the same pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit of the pachinko game machine which concerns on 4th embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows the non-variable time measurement process of the same pachinko machine. The flowchart figure which shows the mode selection process of the same pachinko gaming machine. The flowchart figure which shows the production | presentation pattern selection process of the same pachinko machine.

Explanation of symbols

2 Game board 5 Game area 10 Electronic display (symbol display device)
13 Start prize opening (starting area)
14 Opening and closing start prize opening (starting area)
17 Out-ball discharge port 44 Out-ball number counting means 45 Non-variable time measuring means 46 Production mode storage means 47 Production mode specifying means 49 Production mode selection means

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area is formed; a start area that is arranged in the game area and through which a game ball can pass; and a symbol display device that is provided in the game board and displays the symbols in a variable manner. A pachinko gaming machine that starts symbol variation display in the symbol display device triggered by the passage of a ball, and generates a jackpot advantageous to the player when the symbol variation display stops at the jackpot symbol,
Non-variable time measuring means for measuring the time during which the non-variable state of the symbol in the symbol display device continues,
Effect mode storage means for storing a plurality of effect modes displayed on the symbol display device;
Effect mode specifying means for specifying one effect mode from the effect mode storage means ;
Effect mode control means for displaying the effect mode specified by the effect mode specifying means on the symbol display device;
Comprising
The production mode specifying means includes:
When the game ball passes through the start area before the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means reaches the first predetermined time, the current effect mode is continuously specified,
When the game ball passes through the start area when the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means exceeds the first predetermined time and does not reach the second predetermined time, the effect mode is different from the current effect mode. Change and identify,
A pachinko gaming machine characterized in that when the game ball passes through the start area after the time measured by the non-variable time measuring means exceeds the second predetermined time, the current effect mode is continuously specified .

Images