JP6959088B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, various gaming machines have been proposed in order to increase the player's motivation to play. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine that executes a so-called pre-reading effect that suggests a lottery result after a ball wins a prize at a starting port and acquires a random number before executing a symbol variation based on the random number. There is.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-6203

However, although the selection rate of the effect to be executed by the game machine is set by the game machine manufacturer for only one pattern, it may not be shipped at the selection rate of the effect that the player finds interesting, and a new type of effect is available. When a game machine is installed, it may not be possible to ensure the operation as expected by the game hall side or the game machine manufacturer side. In other words, there is room for improvement in providing high-performance gaming machines.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that tends to have high operation.

It is possible to change the selection rate of the production when the operation frequency is not sufficient due to the fact that the selection rate of the production is not interesting to the player or the player is tired of the production. That is, since the selection rate of the effect can be changed when the operation frequency is lower than the intended degree, it is possible to easily increase the operation frequency.

Front view of a pachinko gaming machine showing an embodiment of the present invention Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine Explanatory diagram showing a symbol fluctuation time determination table Flowchart of symbol fluctuation time determination table selection process Flowchart of standby effect processing Flowchart of firing number identification process Explanatory drawing showing the production table Flowchart of production table selection process

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “gaming machine 1”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a front door 2 attached to an underframe (not shown) via a hinge 2a, and a gaming board 3 arranged inside the front door 2 and covered with the front door 2. .. The game board 3 is formed with a game area 3a surrounded by a substantially circular shape, and the front door 2 is provided with a substantially circular transparent window 2b corresponding to the game area 3a. The direction in which the player is located with respect to the gaming machine 1, that is, the side of the front door 2 in the gaming machine 1 is the front, and the opposite direction is the rear. Further, in the gaming machine 1, the side where the hinge 2a of the front door 2 is located is on the left side, and the opposite side is on the right side. Further, in the game area 3a, the downward direction of the ball (pachinko ball which is the game value) flows down is directed in the vertical direction.

In the gaming machine 1, an upper plate 4a and a lower plate 4b are provided below the game area 3a, and a handle 5 is provided located at the lower right of the upper plate 4a, and the player operates the handle 5. The ball is fired into the game area 3a according to the above.

A liquid crystal display 8 is provided in the center of the game area 3a, and a start port 7 (winning section) and a large winning port 6 are provided above and below the liquid crystal display 8 at the center of the game area 3a. .. A ball flowing down the game area 3a can win a prize at the starting port 7, and when the ball wins a prize at the starting port 7, a lottery described later is executed. Along with this, the symbol (special symbol) displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 fluctuates, and then the symbol variation ends.

When a symbol that has stopped after a fluctuation of a predetermined time on the liquid crystal display 8 is a big hit, a big hit occurs, the big winning opening 6 opens and closes until the predetermined ending condition is satisfied, and the ball wins the big winning opening 6. A predetermined number of balls are paid out. One jackpot is about 1500 balls (difference balls). In the present embodiment, the numbers 1 to 9 are displayed in three columns on the liquid crystal display unit 8, and basically, a big hit occurs when the same numbers are stopped and displayed in the three columns.

In the case of the gaming machine 1, the upper limit of the so-called reserved balls that cause the above-mentioned lottery is four, and if a ball wins again in the starting port 7 during the symbol change, it is held up to the maximum upper limit and sequentially after the symbol change is completed. Execute the held symbol change. At this time, the number of reserved balls is displayed on the special figure holding display unit 8a at the lower part of the liquid crystal display unit 8. Further, in the lower left of the game area 3a, a special figure display unit 9 which is composed of, for example, an LED or the like and shows the result of a lottery executed in response to a prize in the starting port 7 is provided.

On the left side of the game area 3a, a gate 10 is provided, and for example, a normal drawing display unit 11a and a normal drawing holding display unit 11b composed of LEDs are provided. When the ball fired in the game area 3a passes through the gate 10, a general drawing lottery for whether or not to open the electric chew 7a provided corresponding to the starting port 7 is executed, and the lottery result is displayed in the general drawing. It is displayed in the part 11a. The electric chew 7a promotes the inflow of balls into the starting port 7 in the open state, while hinders the inflow of balls into the starting port 7 in the closed state. In addition, the upper limit of the number of reserved balls for the above-mentioned Fuzu lottery is two, and if a ball passes through the gate 10 again during the Fuzu lottery, it is held up to the maximum limit, and the Fuzu is sequentially held after the end of the Fuzu lottery. Execute a lottery. At this time, the number of balls on hold is displayed on the hold display unit 11b.

At the lowermost part of the game area 3a, a ball discharge portion (out hole) 12 opened so as to collect the balls that have flowed down without winning a prize is provided. The gaming machine 1 is also provided with decorative lamps 13 and speakers 14 for executing various effects.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1. The main control circuit 15 of the gaming machine 1 (the firing number specifying means, the lottery means, the special gaming state generating means, the winning number specifying means, the symbol changing means described later) is from the CPU 15a, the ROM 15b, the RAM 15c, and the interface for transmitting and receiving signals. It is composed of a microcomputer provided with an I / O 15d or the like, and power is supplied from the power supply circuit 16. The main control circuit 15 controls the entire gaming machine 1 based on signals input from a gate passage detector 17, a start winning detector 18, a large winning detector 19, a ball ejection unit detector 20, and the like.

In response to the launch operation in which the player operates the handle 5, the launch device 21 is driven by the launch control circuit 21a into which the operation information is input, and a ball is launched into the game area 3a. As described above, the launch control circuit 21a and the launch device 21 correspond to the launch means for launching the ball into the game area in response to the launch operation of the player.

A ball launched into the game area 3a may pass through the gate 10 when flowing down the game area 3a. At this time, the gate passage detector 17 detects a ball passing through the gate 10 and outputs a signal to the main control circuit 15 each time the ball passes through the gate 10. When the main control circuit 15 receives a signal from the gate passage detector 17, the random number extraction unit 23 extracts one of the random numbers generated by the random number generation unit 22 to execute the normal drawing lottery. When the general drawing is won in this general drawing lottery, the electric chew solenoid 24 is driven and the electric chew 7a is opened. Further, the LEDs of the normal figure display unit 11a and the normal figure hold display unit 11b are turned on or off according to the passage of the ball gate 10.

In the normal drawing lottery, the winning probability and the like change depending on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. As the gaming state, the gaming machine 1 is set to a normal state or a time saving state, which will be described later. Normally, the time saving state after the jackpot state is 50 rotations. The probability of winning a normal figure, which is the probability of winning a normal figure, is set to 1/30 in the normal state and 1/1 in the time saving state. The time required for the normal map lottery, that is, the normal map fluctuation time in which the variation display is performed on the normal map display unit 11a is set to 30 seconds in the normal state and 1 second in the time saving state. Then, when the general drawing is won in the general drawing lottery, the electric chew 7a is opened for 0.2 seconds in the normal state and 1.5 seconds × 3 times in the time saving state. That is, in the short time state, the opening time of the electric chew 7a is long and the number of times is increased, so that the winning of the starting port 7 is promoted more than in the normal state.

Further, when a ball fired in the game area 3a flows down the game area 3a, a prize may be won in the start port 7. At this time, the start winning detector 18 detects the winning ball in the starting opening 7, and outputs a signal to the main control circuit 15 each time the winning ball wins. When the main control circuit 15 receives a signal from the start winning detector 18, the random number extraction unit 23 extracts one of the random numbers generated by the random number generation unit 22 to execute the special drawing lottery. In the present embodiment, the same random number generation unit 22 and random number extraction unit 23 are shared by the special drawing lottery and the above-mentioned general drawing lottery, but different random number generation units 22 and random number extraction units 23 are provided, respectively. May be good.

After executing the special drawing lottery, the main control circuit 15 starts to change the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8. In this special drawing lottery, a lottery result of either a small hit, a big hit (the state of the big hit is regarded as a special game state), or a miss is set. Therefore, the main control circuit 15 is a lottery means for executing a lottery in a special gaming state in favor of the player when a ball wins a prize in the starting port 7 (by using the game value by the player), and a lottery means thereof. When the lottery is won, it functions as a special game state generating means for generating the special game state, and when it becomes a small hit or a big hit, the big prize solenoid 25 is driven to open and close the big prize opening 6. Switch control is executed. The big winning opening 6 is switched between an open state and a closed state for 1 round (1R) for a small hit and 15 rounds (15R) for a big hit. 1R ends after 10 prizes or 30 seconds have passed.

In the normal state and the time saving state, the small hit winning probability that becomes a small hit in the special figure lottery is set to 1/100, the big hit winning probability that becomes a big hit is set to 1/300 in the normal state and the time saving state, and 1/60 in the probability variation state. There is. Further, the probability variation rate, which is a so-called probability variation at the time of a jackpot, is set to 50% (of the symbols 0 to 9, odd-numbered symbols correspond to the occurrence of a probability variation jackpot state). The main control circuit 15 displays the result of the special figure lottery by turning on or off the LED of the special figure display unit 9 according to the result of the special figure lottery.

Further, when the ball wins a prize in any of the winning openings as described above, the main control circuit 15 controls the display control circuit 27, which is a sub control circuit, to display various effects on the liquid crystal display unit 8 and pay out. By instructing the control circuit 28a to pay out the balls from the payout device 28, the balls are paid out to the player. Specifically, when a ball wins in the starting opening 7, 3 balls are paid out, and when a ball wins in the big winning opening 6, 15 balls are paid out.

Like the main control circuit 15, the display control circuit 27 includes a CPU 27a, a ROM 27b, a RAM 27c, and an I / O 27d, and also includes an RTC (Real Time Clock) 27e having a function of specifying date and time information. Further, the display control circuit 27 includes an operation battery (not shown), and is configured to retain the information stored in the storage unit such as the RAM 27c and the function of the RTC 27e even when the power supply circuit 16 is turned off.

The display control circuit 27 controls the game effect by the display control of the liquid crystal display unit 8 and the decorative lamps 13 and the drive control of the speaker 14, and also uses the symbol changing means, the standby effect executing means, which will be described later. It functions as a game value specifying means, an operation frequency specifying means, an effect table storage means, an effect table selection means, and an effect execution means.

The main control circuit 15 gives the player an out signal (pulse output) capable of specifying out, which is the number of balls fired in the game area 3a, from the signal output unit 30 according to the progress of the game by the player. A safe signal (pulse output) that can identify the safe, which is the number of balls, and a start signal (pulse signal) that can specify the start (start) of the fluctuation display of the symbol that occurs when the start port 7 is won. A definite signal that can identify the end of the fluctuation display of the symbol, a jackpot signal that can identify the jackpot (high and low level output), a probability variation signal that can identify the probability variation state (high and low level output), and a round is in progress. It outputs a game signal such as a round signal (high and low level output while the big winning opening 6 is open) that can be specified. Of these game signals, for example, the out signal is output based on the detection of passing balls by any of the ball ejection unit detector 20, the start winning detector 18, and the large winning detector 19 (that is, the game). The out is specified by the machine 1), and these detectors 18 to 20 together with the main control circuit 15 constitute a means for specifying the number of shots.

By the way, various gaming machines have been proposed in order to increase the player's motivation to play, but the selection rate of the production to be executed by the conventional gaming machine is only one pattern, and the setting is such that the player finds it interesting. There is a problem that the operation is not secured as expected by the amusement machine side and the amusement machine maker side due to the deviation.

Further, in order to suppress a decrease in motivation for playing, for example, when the number of reserved balls described above is small in a gaming machine, it is conceivable to execute a long symbol variation. In this regard, considering the pace of digestion of symbol fluctuations, etc., the response to the occurrence of situations in which symbol fluctuations are not executed differs depending on whether or not the gaming machine is prone to symbol fluctuations. preferable. However, even with the same type of gaming machine, the susceptibility to symbol variation changes depending on the inclination and dirt on the balls when the gaming machine is installed. The reality is that we have not been able to provide gaming machines that can respond appropriately.

Based on these issues and actual circumstances, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is likely to be operated at a high rate, and has a configuration capable of responding to changes in the susceptibility to symbol fluctuations. The configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described in detail in the order of “1. Configuration / processing on the main control circuit 15 side” and “2. Configuration / processing on the display control circuit 27 side” with reference to FIGS. 3 and later.

<1. Configuration / processing on the main control circuit 15 side>
3A to 3D are so-called time lottery tables used for determining the symbol variation time, and show a plurality of symbol variation time determination tables stored in advance in the ROM 15b of the main control circuit 15. There is. Of these, the tables (a) to (c) are used when the lottery result of the special drawing lottery is "missing", and the table (d) is used when the big hit is won.

Specifically, in the "non-standard table" of FIG. 3A, the number of symbol fluctuations (winning rate) per 100 shots of balls fired into the game area 3a by the firing means is 5.0 times. It is used to determine the symbol fluctuation time when the number of times is less than 6.5 and the lottery result is out of order. Here, the number of occurrences of the symbol variation corresponds to the number of winnings in which the ball has won the starting port 7, and the winning ratio is the ratio of the number of winnings to the number of shots. This winning ratio is expressed as a percentage of the number of occurrences of symbol fluctuations with respect to the number of shots of 100, but for convenience of explanation, the winning ratio is expressed by adding "times". In the present embodiment, the winning ratio of 5.0 times is set as a predetermined reference ratio, and it can be said that FIG. 3A defines a standard symbol fluctuation time.

The symbol fluctuation time is the time required from the start of the symbol fluctuation until all the symbols are stopped and displayed. If the lottery result is incorrect, for example, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 70. There are 6 settings, seconds and 80 seconds. For example, the symbol variation time is set to about 5 to 30 seconds depending on the presence or absence of reach effect, and the symbol variation time of 60 to 80 seconds is set for a longer symbol variation, but the number of reserved balls. The average value of the symbol fluctuation time differs depending on how many (number of reserved symbols) the symbol variation starts from.

In the example of FIG. 3A, the selection rate (distribution probability) is defined for each symbol fluctuation time, and if there is no number of reserved balls "hold 0", the symbol fluctuation time 5 seconds is "0". %, 10 seconds is "60"%, 30 seconds is "28"%, 60 seconds is "4"%, 70 seconds is "4"%, 80 seconds is "4"%, and so on. The selection rate is distributed.

In "Hold 1 and 2" where the number of balls on hold is relatively small, the symbol fluctuation time of 5 seconds is "0"%, 10 seconds is "80"%, 30 seconds is "14"%, and 60 seconds is "2". %, 70 seconds is "2"%, and 80 seconds is "2"%. In "Hold 3,4", which has a relatively large number of balls on hold, the symbol variation time of 5 seconds is "60"%, 10 seconds is "30"%, 30 seconds is "7"%, and 60 seconds is "1". %, 70 seconds is "1"%, and 80 seconds is "1"%.

Looking at the non-standard table of FIG. 3A as a whole, when the number of reserved balls is relatively small, distribution is made to make it easier to select a relatively long symbol variation, and when the number of reserved balls is relatively large. Can be said to be sorted to make it easier to select relatively short symbol fluctuations. The average time from the start to the end of the symbol fluctuation is the longest when it is "hold 0", and in the order of "hold 1,2" and "hold 3,4" (as the number of balls on hold increases). ) It can be said that the stepwise setting is made so that the average time is shortened.

On the other hand, in the low winning loss table of (b), the symbol fluctuation time is determined when the winning rate is less than 5.0 times (when it is lower than the reference rate) and when the lottery result is lost. Used for. In the "hold 3,4" of the low winning off table, the same symbol fluctuation time as in the case of "hold 3,4" of the above off table (a) is distributed. In "Hold 0" and "Hold 1, 2" of the low winning table, compared to "Hold 0" and "Hold 1, 2" of the above table (a), from the start to the end of the symbol change. The symbol fluctuation time is distributed so that the average time of is longer.

Further, as is clear from the comparison of the respective disengagement tables (a) to (c), when a ball wins a prize at the start port 7 and the symbol change is started in the state of "hold 0", that is, in the state where the symbol change is not executed. In the case of the out-of-table (b) when the winning ratio is lower than the reference ratio of 5.0 times, the symbol change starts and ends as compared with the out-of-tables (a) and (c) in the case of high. It can be said that the setting is made to lengthen the average time until.

The high winning loss table of (c) is used to determine the symbol variation time when the winning rate is 6.5 times or more and the lottery result is missing. In the "hold 3,4" of this high winning non-winning table, the same symbol fluctuation time as in the case of "hold 3,4" of the above table (a) is distributed. In the "hold 0" of the high prize loss table (c), the same symbol fluctuation time distribution (common distribution) as in the case of "hold 1, 2" of the above loss table (a) is made. Then, as is clear from the comparison of the outlier tables (a) to (c), when the symbol change is started from "hold 0", this is the outlier table (c) in the case where the winning ratio is the highest. Compared to the deviation tables (a) and (c) when the value is lower than the above, the average time from the start to the end of the symbol variation is set to be the shortest.

The winning table of (d) defines three symbol fluctuation times of 60 seconds, 70 seconds, and 80 seconds regardless of the winning ratio and the number of reserved balls. Therefore, in the case of the jackpot winning, the average time from the start to the end of the symbol change is the same in all of "hold 0 to 4".

Subsequently, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, regarding the process of selecting each of the outlier tables (a) to (c) described above, and the symbol variation time determination table selection process executed by the main control circuit 15 at a predetermined cycle. I will explain while.

First, the main control circuit 15 determines whether or not the ball has been ejected from the game area 3a (S1). In the main control circuit 15, for example, as the ball is fired into the game area 3a in response to the operation of the handle 5 by the player, the starting prize detector 18, the large prize detector 19, and the ball ejecting unit detector 20 When the passage of a ball is detected by any of them, it is determined that the ball has been discharged (S1: YES), and the number of shots is counted (S2). That is, in order to specify the number of shots fired by the firing means in the game area 3a, the count value of the number of shots is incremented by 1 each time the detectors 18 to 20 detect a passing ball.

Next, when the main control circuit 15 counts the number of shots in S2, the main control circuit 15 stores the count value in the RAM 15c and transmits the count value to the display control circuit 27 (S3). After transmitting this count value or after determining in S1 that no balls have been ejected (S1: NO), the main control circuit 15 determines whether or not there is a symbol variation based on the confirmation signal (S4). ).

That is, when the main control circuit 15 outputs a confirmation signal at the end of the symbol variation, it determines that the symbol variation has occurred (S4: YES) and counts the number of occurrences of the symbol variation (S5). In this S5, the number of occurrences of the symbol variation is obtained as the winning number incremented by 1 each time the confirmation signal is output, and is stored in the RAM 15c and transmitted to the display control circuit 27.

Further, the main control circuit 15 calculates the number of occurrences of symbol fluctuations per 100 shots to specify the winning ratio (S6). Then, the main control circuit 15 selects an out-of-order table corresponding to the specified winning ratio (S7). Specifically, when the specified winning ratio is 5.0 times or more and less than 6.5 times, the non-standard non-standard table (a) is used, and when the specified winning ratio is less than 5.0 times, the low non-standard table (b) is displayed. When the number of times is 6.5 or more, which is higher than the standard, the high prize loss table (c) is selected.

Here, the main control circuit 15 determines whether or not the disengagement tables (a) to (c) are switched according to the selection of the disengagement table (S8). When the main control circuit 15 determines that there is a switch to another outlier table due to the selection of the outlier table (S8: YES), the main control circuit 15 transmits the information of the selected outlier table to the display control circuit 27 (S9). End (return) processing.

On the other hand, when the main control circuit 15 determines that the selected outlier table matches the outlier table before selection and there is no switching between the outlier tables (a) to (c) (S8: NO), the information on the selected outlier table Terminates this process without sending.

The number of shots and the number of occurrences of symbol fluctuations described above are reset to zero when the power supply circuit 16 of the gaming machine 1 is interrupted. Further, in the above process, it can be said that the winning frequency to the starting port 7 is indirectly specified by obtaining the number of occurrences of the symbol variation per 100 shots.

In this way, when the lottery result of the special figure lottery is out of order, the main control circuit 15 refers to the outlier table selected in S7 based on the random numbers extracted by the random number extraction unit 23 when starting the symbol variation. The symbol variation time is determined, and the lottery result and the symbol variation time are transmitted to the display control circuit 27.

<2. Configuration / processing on the display control circuit 27 side>
Based on the lottery result and the symbol variation time received from the main control circuit 15, the display control circuit 27 has a symbol variation pattern (contents of effect) on the liquid crystal display unit 8 and an effect symbol (for example, each digit) when stopped. A three-digit number represented by "1" to "9") and the like are determined. Then, the display corresponding to the determined symbol variation pattern is started, and the symbol variation is executed until the determined effect symbol is stopped and displayed (stopped in the order of left, right, middle) (the symbol corresponding to the winning ratio). By controlling the liquid crystal display unit 8 so as to execute the variation), the player is notified of the lottery result by the lottery means.

Further, the display control circuit 27 sets the winning ratio in the period from when the ball wins the start port 7 to when the new symbol change is started in the state where the new symbol change is not started after the symbol change is completed. Execute the corresponding standby effect. The specific content of the standby effect will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, FIG. 5 shows a flow of standby effect processing executed in a predetermined cycle by the display control circuit 27, and the standby effect is an image effect or decoration for introducing the gaming machine 1 on the liquid crystal display unit 8. This is a demonstration effect set in advance to be executed when the symbol variation is not executed, such as a lamp effect by blinking the lamps 13.

That is, first, the display control circuit 27 determines whether or not the information on the number of occurrences of the symbol variation has been received from the main control circuit 15 (S11). When the display control circuit 27 determines that the information on the number of occurrences of the symbol variation has been received (S11: YES), the latest outlier table (selected outlier table) received from the main control circuit 15 is the low winning outlier table (b). ) Or not (S12).

Here, when the display control circuit 27 determines that the low winning loss table (b) is selected (S12: YES), the display control circuit 27 sets the blinking time of the decorative lamps 13 after the end of the symbol variation to 30 seconds. At the same time (S13), the time from the end of the symbol variation to the start of the demo screen display on the liquid crystal display unit 8 is set to 30 seconds (S14). On the other hand, when the display control circuit 27 determines that the loss tables (a) and (c) other than the low winning loss table (b) are selected (S12: NO), the decorative lamps 13 after the end of the symbol variation The blinking time of is set to 20 seconds (S15), and the time from the end of the symbol variation to the start of the demo screen display is set to 20 seconds (S16), and this process ends (returns). ..

That is, for the standby effect, when the winning ratio is less than 5.0 times, the blinking period of the decorative lamps 13 is set to be relatively long so as to delay the timing at which the demo screen is displayed after the symbol change ends (S13, S14), when the winning ratio is 5.0 times or more, the timing at which the demo screen is displayed is set to the blinking period of the decorative lamps 13 as a standard (S15, S16). As described above, two patterns of the standby effect by the decorative lamps 13 and the demo screen are prepared according to the winning ratio, which is less than the number of patterns of the out-of-tables in (a) to (c).

Note that the process of FIG. 5 ends as it is when it is determined by the display control circuit 27 that the information on the number of times the symbol variation has occurred has not been received (S11: NO). Therefore, the standby effect pattern is the latest symbol. It can be said that it is determined by the winning rate at the end of the fluctuation.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the firing number specifying process executed by the display control circuit 27 at a predetermined cycle. The display control circuit 27 determines whether or not the count value of the number of shots has been received from the main control circuit 15 (S21). When the display control circuit 27 determines that the count value of the number of shots has not been received (S21: NO), the display control circuit 27 ends this process, but when it determines that the count value of the number of shots has been received (S21: YES). , The number of shots stored in the RAM 27c of its own 27 is updated with the received count value (S22).

In this way, the number of shots is stored (specified) in the display control circuit 27 as the magnitude of the game value used, which is the game value used by the player, and the number of shots stored in the display control circuit 27, etc. The information is retained by the operating battery even when the power supply circuit 16 is turned off.

7 (a) to 7 (d) are a plurality of types of effect tables stored in the ROM 27b, and exemplify an effect table having a symbol variation time (effect time) of 80 seconds. The out-of-order effect tables of (a) to (c) are used to determine the content of the effect when the lottery result of the special figure lottery is "out of order", and the effect table of (d) is the jackpot winning. Used in cases.

Specifically, the "out-of-standard effect table" of FIG. 7A is a table that defines the above-mentioned symbol variation pattern together with the selectivity, and there are a plurality of patterns such as pattern A, pattern B, pattern C, and pattern D. The effect pattern of is associated with. Pattern A is, for example, an out-of-order effect in which a ally character and an enemy character battle each other to lose. In this case, the patterns B to D are different from the disengagement effect of the pattern A, and the disengagement effects are different between the patterns B to D. That is, the patterns A to D differ in the type (content of the effect) of the off-effect effect operation to be executed.

In this non-standard production table, the selection rate is defined for each of patterns A to D, and pattern A is "25"%, pattern B is "25"%, pattern C is "25"%, and pattern D is "25". The same selection rate is distributed, such as "%".

The "first low operation deviation effect table" in FIG. 7 (b) and the "second low operation deviation effect table" in (c) have different selectivity between the deviation effect tables (a) to (c). It is set. That is, in the first low operation out-of-operation effect table (b), patterns A and B are distributed with a relatively low selection rate of "20"%, and patterns C and D are selected with a relatively high selection rate of "30"%. The rates are distributed.

On the other hand, in the second low operation out-of-operation effect table (c), patterns A and B are assigned a relatively high selection rate of "30"%, and patterns C and D are relatively low "20"%. By allocating the selection rate of, the selection rate is set in contrast to the first low operation out-of-operation effect table (b). As a result, the disengagement effect tables (a) to (c) are switched and used according to the operation frequency described later, so that the selection rate of the effect content is diversified.

The "hit effect table" of FIG. 7D is used in the case of a big hit, and a selection rate of "20"% is assigned to each of the patterns A'to E. The pattern A'of the hit effect table (d) and the above pattern A differ only in whether they win or lose in the battle. Similarly, the patterns B'to D'and the above patterns B to D are also hit and miss. The content of the production is different.

Further, in FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, only the effect table having a symbol variation time of 80 seconds is shown, but other symbol variation times (5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 70 seconds described above) are also shown. , A non-standard effect table, a first low operation deviation effect table, and a second low operation deviation effect table are prepared, which define the content and selection rate of the effect according to the symbol fluctuation time.

The display control circuit 27 selects the deviation effect table from the plurality of types of deviation effect tables (a) to (c) described above, and selects the deviation effect table when the operation frequency reaches the end of a predetermined reference frequency. Executes the process of switching the out-of-order effect table to another out-of-order effect table. Such processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, FIG. 8 shows an effect table selection process executed by the display control circuit 27 when the power supply circuit 16 is turned on.

That is, the display control circuit 27 determines whether or not the effect table (a) to (c) is switched within one week when the power is turned on (S31). When the display control circuit 27 determines that the effect table has been switched within one week (S31: NO), the display control circuit 27 ends (returns) this process. This is to maintain the same disengagement effect table for one week so that the disengagement effect table (a) to (c) is not switched too frequently.

When the display control circuit 27 determines that there is no switching between the disengagement effect tables (a) to (c) within one week (S31: YES), for example, the operation frequency per day in the latest one week is specified (S32). .. This operation frequency is specified by obtaining the number of shots per day with the latest one week as a predetermined operation period based on the date of RTC27e and the number of shots specified in S21 and S22 (see FIG. 6). In this way, the display control circuit 27 specifies the operation frequency, which is the frequency at which the player plays the game in the predetermined operation period, based on the number of shots representing the magnitude of the game value used.

Next, the display control circuit 27 collates its own RAM 27c and determines whether or not the number of times the gaming machine 1 has been switched from the factory setting is 0 (that is, whether or not the game machine 1 has not been switched from the factory setting). Judgment (S33). In this case, when the display control circuit 27 does not store the operating frequency at the time of switching the detachment effect table and does not store the information on the number of times of switching once (see S37, S42, etc. described later), the display control circuit 27 is shipped. It is determined that the effect table has not been switched from time to time (S33: YES), and a predetermined reference frequency stored in its own ROM 27b is read and specified (S34).

Here, the predetermined reference frequency is a pre-switching reference frequency (for example, 18,000 shots per day) stored in advance in association with the non-switching of the off-effect table, and is preset by the manufacturer at the time of shipment. This is the average operating frequency of the other type of gaming machine 1 (national operating average). Then, does the display control circuit 27 have the latest operating frequency (the number of shots per day in the last week, hereinafter abbreviated as "most recent operating frequency") specified in S32, which is the reference frequency of 18,000 or more? Whether or not it is determined (S35). The national operating average is calculated by a third-party organization that aggregates the operating status of each type of gaming machine collected by each game hall, and can be specified by the manufacturer by receiving notification of the calculation result. It has become.

When the display control circuit 27 determines that the most recent operation frequency is 18,000 or more (S35: YES), the display control circuit 27 ends this process while maintaining the selected out-of-order effect table. Therefore, for example, when the non-switching non-standard effect table (a) is selected as the initial setting, if the gaming machine 1 is operating at high speed, the non-standard non-standard effect table (a) is not switched.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the latest operation frequency is less than 18,000 (S35: NO), the display control circuit 27 displays the selected non-standard operation table (a) as the first low operation non-operation effect. Switch to the table (b) (S36). As described above, when the latest operation frequency is less than the average operation frequency, the display control circuit 27 deviates from the effect table (a) to (b) as being less than the reference frequency (belonging to the operation lower than the reference). Switch. After that, the display control circuit 27 stores the switching date and time in the RAM 27c from the date of the RTC 27e and stores the number of switching times once (S37), and ends this process.

Since the switching of the disengagement effect table is performed not only for 80 seconds in FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c) but also for other seconds, those (a) to (c). ) Will be mainly explained.

When the display control circuit 27 determines in S33 that the detached effect table is not unswitched (S33: NO), the display control circuit 27 determines whether or not the number of switching times is one (S38). If the display control circuit 27 stores the information that the number of times of switching is one in S37, the display control circuit 27 determines that the number of times of switching is one (S38: YES), and determines the predetermined reference frequency after switching stored in the ROM 27b. Read and specify (S39).

Here, the predetermined reference frequency after switching is the reference frequency after switching that is stored in advance in association with the number of switching times of the off-effect table, and is lower than the national operating average (for example, per day). The number of shots is set to 9000). Then, the display control circuit 27 determines whether or not the latest operation frequency is 9000 or more, which is the reference frequency after switching (S40).

When the display control circuit 27 determines that the latest operation frequency is 9000 or more (S40: YES), the display control circuit 27 ends this process while maintaining the selected out-of-order effect table. Therefore, even when the first low operation deviation effect table (b) is selected after one switching, if the latest operation frequency is 9000 or more, the first low operation deviation effect table (b) is selected. Is not switched.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the latest operation frequency is less than 9000 (S40: NO), the display control circuit 27 sets the selected first low operation deviation effect table (b) to the second low. Switch to the out-of-operation production table (c) (S41).

As described above, the display control circuit 27 assumes that the most recent operation frequency is at the end of the reference frequency (18,000), and after switching the reference deviation effect table (a) to (b) (S36), thereafter. When the latest operation frequency is equal to or higher than the reference frequency after switching (9000 pieces), the same type of deviation effect table (b) is maintained, while the latest operation frequency after that is the standard frequency after switching. The disengagement effect table (b) is switched to (c) (S41).

In other words, the operation frequency of the display control circuit 27 is at the end of the reference frequency, and the operation frequency of the display control circuit 27 is lower than the reference frequency after the off-effect table used as the effect execution means is switched from (a) to (b). If the frequency is equal to or higher than the reference frequency after switching, the same type of deviation effect table (b) is maintained, while if the operation frequency is at the end of the reference frequency after switching, the deviation effect table is switched from (b) to (c). After that, the display control circuit 27 stores the switching date and time to the second low operation deviation effect effect table (c) in the RAM 27c, and also stores the current operation frequency (that is, the operation frequency specified in S32 at the switching date and time). (S42), this process is terminated.

Further, when the display control circuit 27 determines in S38 that the number of times of switching of the disengagement effect table is a plurality of times (S38: NO), the operation frequency stored in the RAM 27c (that is, in S42 and S46 at the previous switching date and time). The stored operation frequency) is read and specified (S43).

Here, the display control circuit 27 determines whether or not the latest operation frequency is higher than before by comparing the latest operation frequency with the operation frequency stored in the previous switching date and time (S44). Then, when it is determined that the latest operation frequency is higher than before (S44: YES), the display control circuit 27 ends this process while maintaining the selected out-of-order effect table. Therefore, for example, when switching is performed twice and the second low operation deviation effect table (c) is selected, if the operation frequency most recent is higher than the operation frequency of the switching date and time, the second operation is performed. The low operation out-of-operation effect table (c) is not switched.

On the other hand, when the display control circuit 27 determines that the latest operation frequency has not increased from the previous time (S44: NO), the display control circuit 27 switches the selected deviation effect table to the deviation effect table in the next order (S44: NO). S45). That is, if the latest operation frequency is not higher than before, for example, the second low operation deviation effect table (c) → the standard deviation effect table (a) → the first low operation deviation effect table (b) → the second low. The out-of-operation effect table (c) → ... is switched in this order.

Therefore, for example, when the second low operation deviation effect table (c) is selected after switching twice, when the operation frequency most recent is not higher than the operation frequency of the switching date and time, the reference deviation effect is produced. Switching to the table (a) is performed. In this way, the display control circuit 27 can determine and execute the content of the effect to be notified when the lottery result by the lottery means is out of order, using the deviated effect table selected by switching in order. In addition, when the third (the same applies to the fourth and subsequent times) detachment effect table is switched in S45, the switching date and time of the detachment effect table and this time are the same as when the second detachment effect table is switched. The operation frequency of the above is stored (S46), and this process is terminated.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
Since the content of the symbol fluctuation is changed according to the ratio of the number of winnings to the number of shots, the player's willingness to play tends to be low when the winning ratio is low, but the winning ratio is low when the winning ratio is low. It is possible to appropriately execute the symbol variation on the game machine 1 side, such as executing the symbol variation so as not to be noticed. That is, with this configuration, even if the winning ratio differs depending on the installation status of the gaming machine 1, it is possible to easily maintain the player's willingness to play, so that the symbol variation is likely to occur. It becomes possible to provide a gaming machine 1 capable of responding to changes.

When the symbol variation time is uniform, a situation in which the symbol variation is not executed is more likely to occur when the winning ratio is low than when the symbol variation time is high. On the other hand, in the above configuration, when a new symbol change is started in a situation where the symbol change is not executed, if the winning ratio is lower than the reference ratio of 5.0 times, the symbol change is started. Since the average time from to the end to the end is lengthened, it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of a situation in which the symbol change is not executed when the winning rate is low. As a result, it becomes difficult for the player to notice that the winning rate is low, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the player's willingness to play due to the low winning rate.

Since the content of the standby effect in the state where the symbol change is not executed can be changed according to the winning ratio, if the situation is such that the symbol change is unlikely to occur, the situation in which the symbol change is unlikely to occur depending on the execution mode of the standby effect. It is possible to perform an effect that makes it easy for the player to maintain the player's motivation to play, such as making it difficult for the player to notice that.

Changing the selection rate of the content of the production when the operation frequency is not sufficient due to the fact that the selection rate of the content of the production that the player finds interesting is not sufficient or that the player is tired of the production. Can be done. That is, when the operation frequency is lower than the intended degree, the selection rate of the content of the effect can be changed, so that the operation frequency can be easily increased.

Since the content of the effect is changed depending on whether or not it is equal to or higher than the average operating frequency of the other type of gaming machine 1, it is possible to prevent the situation where the operating frequency is extremely low from continuing.
When the effect of switching the disengagement effect table is not sufficiently obtained, the disengagement effect table is switched again, so that the effect of facilitating the operation frequency can be remarkable.

Further, in general, the operating frequency of the gaming machine 1 tends to decrease as the installation period becomes longer, but in the case of this configuration, it is judged from the reference frequency whether or not the effect of switching the off-effect table is obtained. Since it is performed depending on whether or not the frequency is higher than the reference frequency after switching, it is possible to determine whether or not the switching of the off-effect table has been effective in consideration of the installation period.

<Other Embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified or expanded as follows, each modification may be combined with the above embodiment, or each modification may be combined.

Although the pachinko gaming machine has been illustrated, it may be applied to other gaming machines. For example, an enclosed pachinko machine that has balls enclosed and consumes points to shoot balls, a slot machine that consumes medals to perform a lottery, and a slot machine that consumes points to draw lots. A credit-type slot machine or the like in which the game progresses by doing so can be considered. In other words, not only balls but also points and medals can be adopted as game values. Further, although the jackpot state is illustrated as the special game state, the high probability state in the pachinko gaming machine can be set as the special game state, and the bonus game in the slot machine can be set as the special game state.

The number and contents of the effect tables in FIG. 7 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, as in the effect tables (a) to (c) for disconnection, a plurality of effect tables (d) for hitting are also arranged according to the operation frequency. It may be provided. In other words, the word "directing table" can be grasped as including the one for hitting and the one for hitting.

The predetermined operating period for which the operating frequency is specified is not limited to the illustrated one week, but may be one month or one day, or may be a cumulative period from the day when the gaming machine 1 is installed. Further, although the operation frequency is specified based on the number of shots, the game time may be timed and specified by RTC27e or the like. That is, a predetermined operating period can be arbitrarily set, and the operating frequency indicating the operating status of the gaming machine 1 can be obtained by an arbitrary method.

The predetermined reference frequency is not limited to the configuration in which the above-mentioned national operating average is stored in the ROM 27b at the time of shipment, but the game machine 1 enables communication with an external device (for example, a distribution server), and the nationwide total is calculated by the distribution server. By receiving the operation average, the reference frequency may be updated as needed and compared with the actual operation frequency (most recent operation frequency). Further, as the reference frequency, a value irrelevant to the national operating average may be set. Further, the reference frequency after switching may be appropriately changed in the same manner, and may be, for example, a value higher than the reference frequency (that is, a value exceeding 18,000 illustrated).

When the production table was switched, the content of the production to be executed was the same except that the selection rate of the content of the production changed, but when the production table was switched, the production content itself was executed so that the production that had never existed before was executed. You may prepare a production table with different effects. Further, not only when the symbol change is executed, but also an effect table which changes the effect when the symbol change is not executed may be prepared.

The predetermined reference ratio is illustrated by the number of occurrences of symbol fluctuations (winning ratio 5.0 times) with the number of shots being 100, but the winning ratio may be 6.0 times, or per 1000 shots. It may be set as the number of times the symbol changes in. Further, the number of balls reduced from the difference between the out and the safe described above may be specified, and the number of occurrences of symbol fluctuation when a predetermined number (for example, 250) of balls is reduced may be specified as a reference ratio. .. That is, the values and calculation methods of the winning ratio and the reference ratio may be arbitrarily changed.

The average value of the symbol variation time changes according to the winning rate of the balls, but the content of the effect to be executed without changing the symbol variation time may change. In this configuration, it is preferable to switch the effect table in addition to or instead of the symbol variation time table according to the winning ratio of the balls. When the symbol fluctuation time is not changed, in a situation where the winning rate of the ball is low, it is conceivable that the player executes the content of the effect that the player wants to see more. As a production that is more visually recognized, for example, a production that allows the content of an existing movie or program to be viewed may be considered, and a production table that includes a part of the content may be prepared.

The content of the standby effect may be changed as appropriate, and the decorative lamps 13 may be configured to display only the demo screen without blinking, or instead of the lamp blinking or the demo screen display, or in addition to the game method. Or a game hall may be advertised (introduced).

The circuit (part) for storing each data may be changed. For example, the effect table may be stored in the ROM 15b on the main control circuit 15 side instead of the display control circuit 27 side. That is, the circuit (part) configuration including each means such as the effect table storage means and the effect execution means may be appropriately changed.

Each of the above-mentioned numerical values is an example, and it goes without saying that any numerical value may be adopted, for example, setting an appropriate value according to a change in the above-mentioned operating period or operating frequency calculation method.
It is also possible to extract the following features from the embodiments illustrated above.

A launching means that launches a ball into the game area according to the launching operation of the player, a firing number specifying means that specifies the number of launches that the launching means has launched into the game area, and a ball that flows down the game area. A winning section that can win, a lottery means that executes a lottery of a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player when a ball wins in the winning section, and a lottery means that wins the lottery of the lottery means. A special game state generating means for generating As a result, the player is provided with a symbol changing means for notifying the player of the lottery result by the lottery means.

When the ball wins a prize in the winning portion and starts the symbol variation in a state where the symbol variation is not executed, the symbol variation means is high when the winning ratio is lower than a predetermined reference ratio. It is characterized in that the average time from the start to the end of the symbol variation is lengthened as compared with the above.

In the period until the ball wins the winning portion and the symbol changing means starts a new symbol change in a state where the symbol changing means has finished the symbol change and has not started a new symbol change. It is characterized in that it is provided with a standby effect executing means for executing a standby effect corresponding to the winning ratio.

A launching means that launches a ball into the game area according to the launching operation of the player, a firing number specifying means that specifies the number of launches that the launching means has launched into the game area, and a ball that flows down the game area. A winning section that can be won, a lottery means that executes a lottery in a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player when a ball wins in the winning section, and a lottery means that wins the lottery of the lottery means. A special game state generating means for generating Until the ball wins the winning portion and the symbol changing means starts a new symbol change in a state where the means and the symbol changing means have not started a new symbol change after the symbol change is completed. It is characterized in that it is provided with a standby effect executing means for executing a standby effect corresponding to the winning ratio in the period.

In the drawing, 1 is a game machine, 7 is a starting port 7 (winning unit), 15 is a main control circuit (fire number specifying means, firing number specifying means, lottery means, special game state generating means, winning number specifying means, symbol variation. Means), 18 to 20 are detectors (means for specifying the number of shots), 21 is a launching device (launching means), 21a is a firing control circuit (launching means), 27 is a display control circuit (design changing means, standby effect executing means). Used game value specifying means, operating frequency specifying means, effect table storage means, effect table storage means, effect table selection means, effect execution means).

Claims (4)

A lottery means for the player to use the game value to execute a lottery in a special game state that is advantageous to the player.
When the lottery of the lottery means is won, the special game state generating means for generating the special gaming state and the special gaming state generating means
The game value identification means used to specify the magnitude of the game value used, which is the game value used by the player, and
An operation frequency specifying means for specifying an operation frequency, which is the frequency at which a player plays a game in a predetermined operation period, based on the magnitude of the game value used.
An effect table storage means for storing a plurality of types of effect tables associated with a plurality of effects,
An effect table is selected from a plurality of types of the effect tables, and when the operation frequency specified by the operation frequency specifying means reaches the end of a predetermined reference frequency, the selected effect table is changed to another. A production table selection method to switch to the production table,
Using the effect table selected by the effect table selection means, the effect execution means for determining and executing the content of the effect for notifying the lottery result by the lottery means, and
A determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the effect table was switched is provided .
When the operating frequency is less than the average operating frequency of other types of gaming machines set at the time of shipment, the effect table selection means switches the effect table to the effect table as if it is less than the reference frequency. A gaming machine characterized in that switching of the effect table is suppressed when the predetermined period has not elapsed since the switching. The presentation tables selecting means is the operation frequency is the standard frequency MatsuMitsuru, after switching the effect table, if the operation frequency is the reference frequency or after a predetermined switch, maintains the same type of effect table while, if the operating frequency is the reference frequency MatsuMitsuru after the switching, the gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that switches the effect table. In the effect table selection means, the operation frequency is at the end of the reference frequency, and after switching the effect table used by the effect execution means, the operation frequency is lower than the reference frequency and equal to or higher than the reference frequency after switching. in some cases, while maintaining the same type of effect table, if the operation frequency is the reference frequency MatsuMitsuru after the switching, the gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that switches the effect table. A launching means that launches a ball into the game area according to the player's launch operation,
1 The gaming machine described in any one of 3 to 3.

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