JP6831579B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

A gaming machine that shifts to a standby state when a game is not executed for a predetermined period is known. During the standby state, a predetermined effect (output of an image or the like) dedicated to the standby state is executed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-105923

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of enhancing the effect of the effect in the standby state.

The gaming machine according to the present invention made to solve the above problems is a gaming machine in which a standby effect is executed in a standby state in which a game is not performed, and there are a plurality of types that can occur as the standby effect. It is characterized in that the candidate production of is set.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the effect of the effect during the standby state.

It is a front view of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which showed the identification symbol and the reserved symbol displayed on the display device (display area). It is a figure which showed the outline of the candidate effect which can occur as a standby effect. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of a game specification. It is a figure for demonstrating the fifth concrete example. It is a figure for demonstrating the 7th specific example. It is a figure for demonstrating the eighth concrete example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the game machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The game machine 1 includes a game board 90. The game board 90 is formed of a substantially square plywood, and the guide rail 903 forming a passage for guiding the game ball launched by the operation of the launch device 908 (launch handle) to the game area 902 has a substantially arc shape. It is provided as follows.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a start winning opening 904, a large winning opening 906, an out opening 907, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is an area that can be visually recognized through the opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The shape of the display area 911 can be changed as appropriate (the shape and size of the display area 911 can be changed by changing the shape and size of the opening 901 and the shape and size of the display device 91 itself). ..

Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the flow mode of the game balls when the flowing game balls collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes in various modes depending on the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a game machine 1, the game ball is launched toward the game area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a game ball flowing down the game area 902 wins a prize opening such as a start winning opening 904 or a large winning opening 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by a payout device.

The jackpot lottery is executed by a winning / failing determination means provided on a control board (not shown) triggered by winning a game ball into the starting winning opening 904 (a plurality of such starting winning openings may be provided). Specifically, a numerical value (win / fail judgment information) is acquired from the random number source triggered by the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 904, and if the numerical value is the same as the predetermined jackpot value, it becomes a jackpot. If they are different, they will be out of order. In the present embodiment, the notification of the hit / fail judgment result is started in the order in which the numerical value is acquired (so-called fluctuation is started), but when a certain numerical value is acquired, it is acquired before that. When the hit / fail judgment result based on the numerical value is notified, it is stored in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown) until the hit / fail judgment result based on the certain numerical value is started. The maximum number of stored numbers (maximum number of holds) of the numerical value (hereinafter, also simply referred to as hold) for which the notification of the hit / fail judgment has not been started can be appropriately set. The maximum number of holdings that can be stored by the storage means in the present embodiment is four for one kind of starting winning opening 904. The fact that the above-mentioned numerical value (hit / fail determination information) is stored in the storage means is displayed as the reserved symbol 80 (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the acquired numerical value is a big hit at the time when the notification of the hit / fail judgment is started, but when the numerical value is obtained, the hit / fail judgment is performed. , The hit / fail judgment result itself may be stored (in this case, the hit / miss judgment result itself corresponds to the hit / miss judgment information). In addition, the acquired numerical value is also used as a numerical value for determining the specific content of the effect of notifying the success / failure determination result.

The components of the game machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the game machine 1, the lower plate and the upper plate for storing the game balls, will not be described. As for these, those having the same structure as a known game machine can be applied.

In the present embodiment, similarly to the known gaming machine, the winning / failing determination result is notified to the player by the combination of the identification symbols 70 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, the identification symbol group 70 g (left identification symbol group 70 gL, middle identification symbol group 70 gC, right identification symbol group 70 gR) including a plurality of types of identification symbols 70 starts to fluctuate, and finally each identification symbol group 70 g. One of the identification symbols 70 is selected and stopped. When the jackpot is won, the combination of the identification symbols 70 selected from each identification symbol group 70g and stopped becomes a predetermined combination (for example, three sets of the same identification symbols 70). If it is out of the way, it will be a combination other than that (other than the combination that will be a big hit). In each figure, only the "numbers (characters)" constituting the identification symbol 70 are shown, but a symbol in which the numbers and characters are combined can be set as the identification symbol 70.

In some drawings, the identification symbol 70 and the reserved symbol 80 are omitted.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a standby state is set as a state for a gaming state in which a game is being played, which is a state in which the game is shifted to when no game is being played. In the present embodiment, after the game state, when the game is not played for a certain period of time, the game shifts to the standby state. Further, after the power is turned on, the standby state is set at a stage (so-called morning one state) before the game is started.

During the standby state, the standby effect 10 is executed. The standby effect 10 is an effect in which a predetermined image (still image, moving image, or a combination thereof) is output from the display area 911 of the display device 91. The sound (musical piece) matched to the image may be output from the speaker 60. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of candidate effects having different modes are set as the effects that can occur as the standby effect 10. In the present embodiment, two types of first candidate effect 11 (see FIG. 3A) and second candidate effect 12 (see FIG. 3B) are set.

Which candidate effect is to be executed as the standby effect 10 when the state shifts to the standby state is set according to the currently set "game specification 20" (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as the specification 20). .. The game specification 20 is a specification related to a game and can be arbitrarily customized by the player. In the present embodiment, one or a plurality of types of specific effects 30 that can occur as an effect constituting a notification effect (an effect from the start of fluctuation of the identification symbol 70 to the stop in a mode showing the result of the result) for notifying the result of the hit / fail determination 30 It is possible for the player to arbitrarily set the high or low of the occurrence probability (probability of occurrence) of. As the specific effect 30, it is possible to exemplify an effect (including a definite effect in which the jackpot is determined by the occurrence) indicating that the probability that the hit / fail determination result of the target will be a big hit is increased by the occurrence. That is, in the notification effect, the player can arbitrarily set whether or not the effect is likely to occur. In the present embodiment, the normal probability specification 21 (default specification) in which the occurrence probability of the specific effect 30 is normal (relatively low) and the high probability that the occurrence probability is higher than when the normal probability specification 21 is set. Specification 22 is provided. The player can select (customize) either the normal probability specification 21 or the high probability specification 22. Since the method of using the customization function by the player is known, the description thereof will be omitted. An image showing an outline of the specification 20 is displayed in the display area 911, and any specification 20 can be set by operating an operation means (push button or the like) provided on the game machine 1. It is common to have (see FIG. 4).

In the present embodiment, when the transition to the standby state is made while the normal probability specification 21 is set, the first candidate effect 11 is executed as the standby effect 10. On the other hand, when the high probability specification 22 is set and the standby state is entered, the second candidate effect 12 is executed as the standby effect 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). As described above, in the present embodiment, which of the plurality of types of candidate effects is executed as the standby effect 10 in the standby state is determined according to the currently set game specification 20.

The standby state ends when the start condition indicating the start of the game is satisfied. When the standby state ends, the execution of the standby effect 10 is stopped. The starting condition may be anything. Any conditions that are established due to the start of the game, such as the player operating the launching device 908 (launching handle), the identification symbol 70 starting to fluctuate, and the game ball winning a prize in a predetermined area. Just do it.

As described above, in the game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of candidate effects that can be executed as the standby effect 10 when the state shifts to the standby state are set. Therefore, even if there are a large number of game machines 1 in a standby state as empty machines, the production performed by each machine may be different, and the atmosphere of the game store is gorgeous. It is possible to do.

Further, which of the plurality of types of candidate effects is executed as the standby effect 10 in the standby state is determined according to the currently set game specification 20 (the standby effect 10 and the specifications). The player who has found the relevance of the 20 can grasp the currently set game specification 20 by looking at the standby effect 10.

Hereinafter, specific examples in which the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment has been improved, modified, and embodied will be described. If possible, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of technical matters described with reference to the following specific examples are applied in combination.

〇 First specific example In the above embodiment, it has been explained that which candidate effect is executed as the standby effect 10 in the standby state is determined according to the currently set game specification 20. Regardless of the specification 20, which candidate effect may be executed as the standby effect 10 may be determined. That is, a plurality of types of candidate effects that can be executed in the standby state may be set, and each time the state shifts to the standby state, which candidate effect is to be executed as the standby effect 10 may be determined by lottery. In the lottery, the probability that each of the plurality of types of candidate productions will be selected may be substantially the same (equal lottery), or among the plurality of types of candidate productions, the probability that one production will be selected is the other production. It may be set to be higher than the probability. In the former case, when there are a plurality of empty units, there is an advantage that the production performed on each unit is rich in variety. In the latter case, it is highly probable that a certain candidate effect is basically executed as the standby effect 10, but in rare cases, there is an empty platform in which another effect is executed as the standby effect 10. You can create a situation like this. In addition, in the case of the configuration as in this example, it can be applied to the game specification 20 that does not have the game specification 20 that can be arbitrarily set by the player (it does not have the so-called customization function). It is possible.

〇 Second specific example Similar to the first specific example, which candidate effect is executed as the standby effect 10 in the standby state does not depend on the game specification 20. Specifically, the player or the game store (game clerk) can switch the standby effect 10 executed in the standby state among the plurality of types of candidate effects. When switching by the player is to be realized, the effect executed by the operation of the operation means (push button or the like) for the effect that can be operated by the player is switched. As a result, the player's favorite effect is executed as the standby effect 10. When switching by the game store is to be realized, the standby effect 10 executed by the operation of the operation means (the one that the player cannot operate) provided inside the game machine is switched. As a result, the game store can arbitrarily determine what kind of standby effect 10 exists as an empty platform (determines the atmosphere of the game store).

〇 Third specific example Similar to the first specific example and the second specific example, which candidate effect is executed as the standby effect 10 in the standby state does not depend on the game specification 20. Specifically, it is determined which candidate effect is executed as the standby effect 10 to be executed as the standby effect 10 based on the game situation on the day. Various indicators can be considered as indicators of the game situation on the day. For example, it is assumed that the content of the standby effect 10 can be changed according to the number of big hits, the total number of balls (or difference balls), the number of times of winning / failing determination executed (so-called rotation speed), and the like. By doing so, it becomes possible to grasp the situation of the day by the standby effect 10. The conditions for resetting the index indicating the status of the day (conditions for switching the "day") can be appropriately set. For example, it is conceivable that the power is reset when the power is turned on.

〇 Fourth specific example As a candidate effect, a configuration is set in which the effect is executed as the standby effect 10 (hereinafter referred to as an initial candidate effect) when the power is turned on (so-called morning one state). That is, after the opening of the game store, in a state where the game has not yet been played, the initial candidate effect is executed as the standby effect 10 regardless of the game specification 20. In this way, the player can easily grasp which empty platform is in the so-called morning state.

〇 Fifth specific example At least one of a plurality of types of candidate effects shall be related to the associated specification 20. The candidate effect associated with the associated specification 20 is preferably associated with something other than the normal specification 20 (default specification). According to the above embodiment, the high probability specification 22 is a specification in which the probability that the specific effect 30 is generated is higher than the normal probability specification 21 (default specification). Therefore, the second candidate effect 12 is a specific effect. The effect includes the 30 itself or an effect suggesting the specific effect 30. For example, if the specific effect 30 is an effect that displays an image (stereoscopic image) that is visually recognized three-dimensionally, the second candidate effect 12 produces the image itself or a stereoscopic image that reminds the image. It shall be included (see FIG. 5). Further, regarding the first candidate production 11, the specific production 30 itself is to clarify the difference from the second candidate production 12 and to prevent a situation reminiscent of the relationship with the high-probability specification 22. Alternatively, it is assumed that the effect suggesting the specific effect 30 is not included. By doing so, it is possible to clearly show that the high probability specification 22 is set when the second candidate effect 12 is being executed.

When three or more types of candidate effects are set, at least each of the two or more candidate effects other than the candidate effects associated with the default specification 20 is associated with the associated specification 20. It is preferable that the candidate effect associated with the default specification 20 does not include any of the “associated effects”. However, the candidate effect associated with the default specification 20 may also include an image associated with the default specification 20.

Various methods can be considered as a method for showing the relationship between the candidate effect and the specification 20 associated with the candidate effect. In the case of the specification 20 for changing the occurrence probability of the predetermined effect, the corresponding candidate effect may include the predetermined effect itself and an effect suggesting the predetermined effect, or "○○ effect (predetermined effect)". It is conceivable to include direct indications such as "probability of occurrence: high" and "probability of occurrence of 〇〇 production (predetermined production): normal". In the case of the specification 20 in which the character or the like displayed during the notification effect can be selected from a plurality of types of characters, it is conceivable that each candidate effect includes an image showing the associated character of the specification 20. Be done.

〇 Sixth Specific Example In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the game specification 20 can be arbitrarily selected by the player (customization target), but it automatically changes regardless of the player's selection. It may be a thing. For example, it is assumed that an RTC (real-time clock) is installed, and the specification 20 changes depending on the time measured by the RTC. Then, it is assumed that the standby effect 10 is determined according to the specification 20 set at the present time. The fact that the game specification 20 changes according to the time also means that the standby effect 10 to be executed is determined according to the time (the time when the state shifts to the standby state).

〇 Seventh specific example At the time of executing the standby effect 10, a guide image 40 as a guide for changing the game specification 20 shall be displayed. The guide image 40 shows at least a part (at least an operation of the introduction portion) of the operation for the player to change the game specification 20. For example, a display such as "Customize with button PUSH" is displayed, and the player is shown that the game specification 20 can be changed by operating the push button (see FIG. 6). As described above, since the content of the standby effect 10 changes according to the currently set game specification 20, some players can grasp the currently set game specification 20 from the standby effect 10. can do. If the currently set game specification 20 is not the player's preference, it is preferable that the guide image 40 is displayed so that the game specification 20 can be changed immediately.

〇 Eighth Specific Example In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the content of the standby effect 10 executed in the standby state changes according to the currently set game specification 20, but the standby effect has been described. Instead of 10, the effect that occurs almost at the same time (including immediately after the start) when the player starts the game (the winning area where the game ball is provided in the game area (the area where the prize ball is paid out when the game ball enters)) Or the content of the starting area (excluding the effect generated by entering the area where the entry of the game ball triggers some kind of lottery) may be changed. The start condition of the effect (hereinafter referred to as the start effect) is that the player operates the launch device 908 (launch handle) (the player touches the handle via the sensor provided on the launch handle). It is possible to set conditions that are inevitably established for the player to start the game, such as being detected) and the game ball passing through the guide rail. Any specific mode of the start effect may be used. The image may be output to the display area 911, the sound may be output from the speaker 60, or both of them may be used. It is assumed that a plurality of types of start effects (candidate effects) are set as effects that can be executed as such start effects, and which effect is executed is determined according to the currently set game specification 20. .. For example, it is assumed that the first start effect is executed when the normal probability specification 21 is set, and the second start effect (which is different in mode from the first start effect) is executed when the high probability specification 22 is set (the mode is different from that of the first start effect). (See FIG. 7). By doing so, the player who starts the game can grasp the currently set game specification 20 depending on the content of the start effect. Note that the start effect is executed only when the above start condition is satisfied while in the standby state (in the state where the state has not shifted to the standby state, the start effect is not executed even if the condition is satisfied. ).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the gaming machine according to the above embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, but other gaming machines (for example, a rotating cylinder) that can shift to a standby state when no game is being played, except for a configuration peculiar to the pachinko gaming machine. It is possible to apply the same technical idea to a pachinko / pachislot machine).

Specific means (game machines) obtained from the above embodiments are listed below.

・ Means 1
It is a game machine in which a standby effect is executed in a standby state in which a game is not performed.
A gaming machine characterized in that a plurality of types of candidate effects that can occur as the standby effects are set.
According to the gaming machine according to the above means 1, it is possible to enhance the effect of the effect during the standby state.

・ Means 2
One of a plurality of types of specifications is set for a predetermined specification related to a game.
The gaming machine according to means 1, wherein when the state shifts to the standby state, the type of the candidate effect set as the standby effect is determined according to the specifications currently set.
By doing so, it is possible to grasp the currently set specifications depending on the type of standby effect.

・ Means 3
A specific effect can be executed as part of a series of effects that notify the result of the hit / fail judgment.
As the predetermined specification, either a normal probability specification in which the occurrence probability of the specific effect is a normal probability or a high probability specification having a higher probability than the normal probability is set.
When the high probability specification is set, the specific effect itself or an effect including an effect suggesting the specific effect is executed as the standby effect, while when the normal probability specification is set, the specific effect itself or an effect suggesting the specific effect is executed. The gaming machine according to means 1 or means 2, wherein an effect that does not include either the specific effect itself or an effect that suggests the specific effect is executed as the standby effect.
By doing so, it is possible to relatively easily grasp which of the normal probability specification and the high probability specification is currently set depending on the type of the standby effect.

・ Means 4
The gaming machine according to means 3, wherein the specific effect is an effect that suggests that the probability that the hit / fail determination result will be a hit has increased due to the occurrence.
As described above, it is preferable that the specific effect is an event that is pleasing to the player to occur.

1 Game machine 10 Standby effect 11 First candidate effect 12 Second candidate effect 20 (Game) Specifications 21 Normal probability specification 22 High probability specification 30 Specific effect 70 Identification symbol 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

It is a game machine in which a standby effect is executed in a standby state in which a game is not performed.
Multiple types of candidate effects that can occur as the standby effects are set.
It is possible to execute a specific effect in which a predetermined effect image is displayed as a part of the notification effect for notifying the hit / fail judgment result.
As the specifications of the notification effect, the normal probability specification in which the occurrence probability of the specific effect in the notification effect is a normal probability, and the high probability that the occurrence probability of the specific effect in the notification effect is higher than the normal probability. One of the probabilistic specifications is set,
When the high probability specification is set, the effect of displaying the effect image is executed as the standby effect, while when the normal probability specification is set, the effect is displayed as the standby effect. A game machine characterized in that an effect in which an image is not displayed is executed.

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