JP7415149B2 - mahjong ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mahjong ball game machine in which the game progresses depending on which ball entry port a game ball enters into among a large number of ball entry ports arranged side by side.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, mahjong ball game machines (jumpball game machines) that are capable of playing games based on the rules of mahjong are known (paragraphs 0018 to 0020 of Patent Document 1, etc.). In this type of mahjong ball game machine, the CPU control of the computer allows the player to play by hitting the game balls fired by the player, discard tiles by the player's button operations, set the winning combination, and establish the winning combination. It is now possible to make judgments, etc.

In such a mahjong ball game machine, the game progress is controlled, for example, as follows. First, the patterns (tile distribution) of 14 tiles, which are necessary tiles at the start of the game, are determined by lottery using random number generating means. The symbol codes of these 14 dealt tiles are stored in the hand tile data storage area of the storage device, and the symbols are displayed on the display device as the player's hand tiles.

Next, if the symbols of the 14 tiles that have been dealt do not complete the winning hand, the player selects one tile that is deemed unnecessary from the 14 tiles in his/her hand and uses the discard tile switch, etc. Use this to perform "manipulation of discarded tiles." Then, the software of the control device updates the hand tile data in the hand tile data storage area of the storage device, displays the symbols of the now 13 tiles on the display device, and further updates the hand tile data of the hand tile data storage area of the storage device. Controls supply of game balls to the game ball launcher.

Subsequently, the player performs a Tsumo operation (hereinafter referred to as self-playing operation) to fire one game ball from the game ball launcher into the game board. Then, the pattern of the tile corresponding to the entrance into which the fired game ball entered is added to the hand tiles as a self-printed tile (self-printed tile). At this time, the software of the control device performs processing to store the symbol code of the own copy tile in the hand tile data storage area of the storage device, and also updates the display device with the 14 symbols that are the player's current hand tiles. and display it.

Next, the winning determination means provided in the control device determines whether the combination of the symbols of the 14 tiles in hand that has been created by this self-drawing operation completes a preset winning combination. Performs processing to determine. If the tiles in his hand do not complete the combination of winning hands, the player again selects one unnecessary tile from his hand and performs a discard tile operation. This discard tile operation is performed by pressing the discard tile switch button corresponding to the pattern of the hand tile displayed on the display device.

In this way, when the player performs a self-study operation to fire game balls within a predetermined number (for example, 11), the 14 tiles in his hand form a preset combination of winning hands. When completed, the control device performs a process of paying out a predetermined number of medals (hereinafter referred to as the number of medals acquired by winning) for each winning combination as a prize. Furthermore, even when the automatic arrangement of the 14 tiles is completed at the start of one game as described above, the prize determining means determines whether or not these 14 tiles have already completed the combination of winning hands. Do the following.
On the other hand, if the player is unable to complete a winning combination even after firing a prescribed number of game balls, the control device performs processing to end the game (run).

Furthermore, in mahjong ball game machines that have been put into practical use, the winning combination completed by the player is the same as a specific winning combination determined by lottery using random number generation means at the start of one game. In this case, for the next predetermined number of games, it is possible to play a game in which the player has acquired the right to a special game combination that is more advantageous than a normal game (regular game).

This special game role (bonus game role) generally includes a big game role (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "big role", "BB" or "BB role") and a chance game role (hereinafter referred to as a "chance role", There are two types of CB (sometimes referred to as ``CB'' or ``CB role''). A big game win is a game that is advantageous to the player for a predetermined number of games from the next time onwards if it goes up in a specific winning combination (for example, Big Three) that is set in advance by lottery as a big game win for each game. This refers to a game in which you can obtain .

In a game that has acquired the right to play a big game role, the passage port (attacker activation port) on the game board is activated, and when the game ball fired by the player passes through this attacker activation port, the special ball entrance (attacker) is activated. opens. When a game ball enters the attacker, the player can select a desired tile as a self-printed tile by operating a tile selection button or the like. Then, when the player completes the winning hand for the game for which he has acquired the right to the big game, he can play a plurality of subsequent games with the right to this big game hand established.

The chance game winning combination is a winning combination that, when won in a specific winning combination set by lottery as a chance game winning combination for each game, allows a game equivalent to a big winning combination only in that game.

Therefore, when a player obtains the right to a special game role, in addition to being able to select any tile and move up to a higher role, the player also has a function that doubles the score increase device when the attacker hits the ball. Since there are many medals, you can earn more medals. Note that the normal game refers to a game in which the rights to the above-mentioned big game role or chance game role have not been acquired.

Most mahjong ball game machines are based on mahjong motifs, but instead of using mahjong rules or mahjong tiles (for example, in card games or goroku games), the symbols play predetermined Agari (upward) hands. In this specification, a gaming machine which, when completed, pays out the number of game media corresponding to the winning combination, is also referred to as a "sparrow ball gaming machine".
JP2006-314550

By the way, the above-mentioned mahjong ball game machine was originally a pinball type game machine (pinball game machine) that fires game balls into the game area, and reproduces the game under the rules of mahjong as much as possible. Efforts have been made to make this possible. For this reason, when developing the game features of a mahjong ball gaming machine, it is likely to be subject to constraints from the rules of mahjong, and it is originally not easy to diversify the game features. Furthermore, if mahjong is used as a motif for the production as usual to match the gameplay, players who do not understand the rules of mahjong may avoid the game.

In addition, in the ``Regulations for Certification and Type Testing of Gaming Machines'' related to the ``Act on Regulation of Entertainment Businesses, etc. and Appropriate Business Operations, etc.,'' '' also has functions based on the rules of mahjong, such as an ``automatic symbol setting device'' related to tile distribution, an ``opening condition device'' and ``score increase device'' related to dora (also called prize tiles, etc.). Even if a mahjong ball game machine is developed without these functions, the risk of not being able to obtain approval increases.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a mahjong ball game machine that maintains the basic game characteristics of mahjong ball while adding new game characteristics. .

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a plurality of ball entry ports (such as symbol entry ports) arranged in a gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
A game ball firing means (such as a firing device) capable of firing game balls one by one toward the game area;
A game control means (control means including a main control device, etc.) for controlling the game,
When the game ball enters any of the ball entry holes, the symbol corresponding to the ball entry hole becomes the symbol obtained by the player,
If the combination of symbols obtained by the player satisfies a predetermined condition, the player will win a bonus (such as the bonus according to the third embodiment 3-1-1),
The bonuses include multiple types of bonuses with different numbers of rounds, which are the number of games related to the bonus state,
The plurality of types of bonuses are predetermined in a bonus table referred to by the game control means,
Different bonus tables are referenced in the bonus state and in the normal state where the game progresses without any bonus state,
If you win any of the above bonuses, you will be able to move to the bonus state corresponding to the bonus you won.
If you win another bonus while in the bonus state, you may move to the bonus state corresponding to that other bonus.
A bonus drawing during a bonus state is performed with reference to a bonus table consisting only of bonuses with a larger number of rounds than the bonus related to the bonus state,
The bonus state includes a first bonus state in which the number of game media acquired is greater than the number used, and a second bonus state in which the number of game media acquired is not greater than the number used,
A case of transitioning from the normal state to the first bonus state, and a case of transitioning from the normal state to the first bonus state via the second bonus state,
This is a mahjong ball game machine that is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mahjong ball game machine that maintains the basic game characteristics of mahjong ball and adds new game characteristics.

1 is a front view of a mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing the board configuration of a mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. (a) is a chart showing a list of symbols of a mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention, and (b) is a chart showing a list of winning combinations. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel of the mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the performance display displayed on the first performance display device. 1 is a functional block diagram of a mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. (a) is a functional block diagram showing communication control means of a mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention, and (b) is a functional block diagram showing medal management means. It is a functional block diagram showing a game progress control means of the mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram showing a game state temporary storage means of the mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram showing a sub-display control device of a mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a main flowchart on the main control device side of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the medal management process of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the game start determination process of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of game start/launch ball setting processing of the mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the self-playing control process of the mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the rising determination process of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the discard tile control process of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the payout number calculation process of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the game end process of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a main flowchart on the sub-display control device side of the mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. It is a flowchart of hand tile display control processing of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of hand tile display after automatic symbol setting in normal state, (b) is explanatory diagram showing an example of hand tile display after self-drawing in normal state, (c) is BB It is an explanatory view showing an example of hand tile display after hand drawing in state. 1 is a flowchart showing a game flow of a mahjong ball game machine according to the best mode of the present invention. (a) is a chart showing the bonus combinations of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best mode of the present invention, (b) is a chart showing the bonus table, and (c) is a chart showing the number of combinations for each bonus table. It is a chart showing a method of determining a pattern of time values related to the effect at the time of ball entry. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing example 1 of performance at the start of the game, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing example 2 of performance at the start of the game, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing example 3 of performance at the start of the game. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing example 1 of effect upon entering a ball, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing example 2 of effect upon entering ball, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing example 3 of effect upon entering ball. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing example 4 of performance at the time of entering a ball, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing example 4 of performance at game start, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing example 5 of performance at game start. (a) to (c) show an example of a series of performances from the game start performance to the ball entry performance, where (a) is an explanatory diagram showing example 6 of the game start performance, and (b) is (a). ) is an explanatory diagram showing example 1 of effect upon entering the ball, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing example 2 of effect upon entering the ball, which also follows from (a). 3 is a chart showing an overview of game characteristics according to second embodiments 1 to 4. FIG. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game flow according to the second embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the game flow according to the second embodiment. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game flow according to the second embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the game flow according to the fourth embodiment. 7 is a chart showing an example of specifications according to the second embodiment 4-1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game flow according to the second embodiment 4-1. 12 is a chart showing an overview of game characteristics according to third embodiments 1 to 3. FIG. (a) is a diagram showing an example of a bonus table according to the third embodiment 1-1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bonus addition according to the third embodiment 1-1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game flow according to the third embodiment 1-1-1. (a) is a chart showing an example of specifications according to the third embodiment 1-1-1, and (b) is a chart showing an example of a bonus according to the third embodiment 1-1-2. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bonus addition according to the third embodiment 2-1. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game flow according to the third embodiment 3-1, and (b) is a chart showing an example of table allocation according to the third embodiment 3-1-1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game flow according to the third embodiment 3-1-2.

<Basic configuration>
Hereinafter, the mahjong ball game machine of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the mahjong ball game machine of this embodiment (first embodiment). Regarding the mahjong ball game machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, first, basic matters will be explained. The mahjong ball game machine 1 is of a type having an automatic tile dealing function.

Further, in the mahjong ball game machine 1, one game is played using one game ball during normal times when the big bonus (BB) game is not in progress. During one game, after 14 tiles (14 pieces) are automatically dealt, one tile is dealt by one game ball entering the game, and based on a total of 15 symbols, various hands are dealt. A determination regarding establishment is made. Details of the game characteristics and the configuration related to game control will be described later.

The mahjong ball game machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a game board 2, an operation panel 3, a game ball firing lever 4a of a firing device 4 provided below the operation panel 3, a medal tray 5, and a speaker on the front side of the casing. It has an audio output port 7 for outputting audio and sound effects (not shown), a lamp device 8, a guide rail 9, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, regarding the configuration of the game board 2, the guide rails 9 are arranged near the tips of the outer rails 2c and inner rails 2d, which define the game area 2a, and the inner rails 2d. A return ball prevention member 2e is installed to prevent short game balls from returning between the outer rail 2c and the inner rail 2d. Further, a large number of game nails 2f, . . . are planted in the game area 2a. The arrangement of these game nails 2f,... is a factor in the degree to which the game ball approaches game parts such as various ball entrances and gates (so-called "closeness") and the difficulty of entering the ball, which will be described later. It is what it is.

In the gaming area 2a surrounded by the guide rail 9, on the left side when viewed from the front of the mahjong ball game machine 1, a windmill with a lamp 15, a special ball entrance operating gate 12, and a special ball entrance 11 are installed from above. They are arranged in order. A first performance display device 10 is provided in the center of the gaming area 2a, and a triple ball opening 14 is provided in the right region of the first performance display device 10 when viewed from the front. .

Of these, the special ball entry port 11 opens a rectangular opening by lowering the opening/closing door 11a using a drive source such as a solenoid (not shown) with its lower side as a pivot axis. When the opening/closing door 11a is opened and the game ball falls into the opening, the game ball further enters the opening in the specific area and is detected by the special ball entry entrance ball detection sensor 11b.

Here, the term "special ball entrance 11" refers to a special ball entrance device that is integrally equipped with the following components: an opening/closing door 11a, a drive source, an opening, a game ball guide, a ball entry detection sensor, etc. . The same applies to the triple ball opening 14 described above, and the triple ball opening 14 includes the three symbol ball openings 14a to 14c, a game ball guide portion (not shown), and a ball entrance portion (not shown). This refers to a ball entrance device that is integrally equipped with a mouth sensor and other components.
The special ball entrance operating gate 12 is located on the same straight line as the left-right center axis of the special ball entrance 11, and includes a game ball passage detection sensor 12a.

In addition to these, for example, a decorative device with a lamp, a windmill, etc. can be provided in the game area 2a. LEDs that emit light in various colors are used as light emitters for the lamp-equipped decorative device and the lamp-equipped windmill (including the aforementioned lamp-equipped windmill 15).

In the lower part 2b of the gaming area 2a, a multi-success ball opening device 13 is provided with 25 symbol openings 13a to 13y in the horizontal direction. These 25 symbol entrance holes 13a to 13y are assigned 16 kinds of alphabet symbols, and in this embodiment, from the left in the figure, "T, A, B, C, T, D , E, T, F, G, H, I, T, J, K, L, M, T, S, T, W, T, S, T, W" are arranged. In addition, in this embodiment, alphabets are used as the symbols, but the symbols are not limited to this, and various symbols can be used as long as they can provide mutually distinguishable information.

When a game ball enters any of the symbol entry ports 13a to 13y, the player acquires the symbol corresponding to the symbol entry port 13a to 13y into which the game ball entered (ball entered). . The details of these symbols and the combinations of symbols will be described later.

Further, in the triple ball entry hole 14 described above, the three symbol ball entry holes 14a to 14c are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Further, three types of symbols "S, W, T" from the left in the figure are respectively assigned to these symbol entry ports 14a to 14c. When a game ball enters any of the symbol entry ports 14a to 14c, the player acquires the symbol corresponding to the symbol entry port 14a to 14c into which the game ball entered (ball entered). becomes.

In this embodiment, so-called left-handed hitting is recommended in the normal state, and the shooting position of the game ball (recommended shooting position) in the normal state is basically the left side of the game area 2a. Furthermore, fewer S symbols, T symbols, and W symbols are arranged in the left region of the game area 2a than in the right region. Furthermore, the game balls that have reached the upper part of the triple ball slot 14 mentioned above and are certain to enter the triple ball slot 14 are designed to have a T pattern at a rate of approximately 1/4. The ball can enter the allocated symbol ball entry port 14c. Note that the game nature and game control using these symbols will be described later. In addition, the ratio of balls entering the symbol entry ports 14a to 14c in the three consecutive ball entry ports 14 is 1/4 for the ball entry port 14a for the S symbol, 1/4 for the ball entry port 14a for the S symbol, and 1/4 for the ball entry port 14a for the S symbol, considering the distribution to the left and right by the upper game nail 2f. The ball entrance 14b of the symbol is 2/4, and the ball entrance 14c of the T symbol is 1/4 as described above.

Next, a main display device 36 is arranged in an area below the gaming area 2a. Examples of the main display device 36 include those that display various information generated during game control using a dot display using LEDs or a 7-segment display (7-segment display). Furthermore, examples of the information displayed on the main display device 36 include the symbols of the tiles currently owned, the number of remaining rounds of the special game combination, the remaining number of shot balls, the number of bets, the number of credits, and the like.

In this embodiment, the main display device 36 is capable of 7-segment display, but the main display device 36 may also be capable of displaying only a combination of dot displays, for example. Further, in the present embodiment, the main display device 36 is provided in the multi-ball opening device 13, but the main display device 36 is not limited to this, and may be mounted on the game board 2 (for example, an area inside or outside the game area 2a). , it is also possible to mount it on a gaming machine frame 1a provided with an operation panel 3, a medal tray 5, etc.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4(a), the aforementioned operation panel 3 includes a second effect display device 16 constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display device, a medal slot 17, and various operation buttons. (button switch) is provided. These various operation buttons include a game start (BET) button 18, three symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c that serve as buttons for discarding tiles, a right selection button 22a, a left selection button 22b, and a decision button. 23, a game end button 24, a payout button (medal payout button) 25, an agali button 26, and the like. Note that the uses and functions of these operation buttons will be described later.

The above-described second effect display device 16 is arranged on the operation panel 3 that is located at the player's hand, and is spaced downward from the above-described first effect display device 10. The positional relationship between the first effect display device 10 and the second effect display device 16 is such that when a player visually recognizes the second effect display device 16, it is necessary to direct the line of sight downward, and the first effect display device 10, it is necessary to direct the line of sight forward.

When the player is viewing the second performance display device 16, the first performance display device 10 is not within the same visual field; The second effect display device 16 is arranged so that it does not fit in the same field of view when the player is viewing the screen.

When the player operates the various buttons described above (presses them to turn on the switch contacts), a signal related to the switch is generated (or changes), and this signal is transmitted to the control board (including the CPU). Here, it is input to a control board of the main control device 1000, which will be described later. Then, the CPU executes the software (hereinafter referred to as the program) installed in the ROM of the control board, analyzes the input signal, and executes the process corresponding to the analyzed input signal, thereby playing the game. proceed.
The first effect display device 10 and the second effect display device 16 are controlled under the management of a display control means (sub-control device and also referred to as a sub-control display device) 3000 based on information (commands) from the main control device 1000. , is used to display necessary information and presentation images to the player as the game progresses.

The first effect display device 10 is mainly used for displaying effects to be presented to the player. FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the effect displayed on the first effect display device 10. In this performance example, a reel performance (simulated video reel performance using moving images) using images that imitates the display of symbols by rotating and stopping the reels in a slot machine is executed. More specifically, various symbols commonly used in slot machines such as "Red 7", "White 7", "Bell", "Watermelon", "Replay", "Blank" etc. After being displayed in a vertical manner from top to bottom in each of the two variable areas, the display is stopped at a predetermined timing.

Here, in FIG. 4(b), an image simulating the stopped state of three reels is shown, and symbols such as "Red 7", "White 7", "Bell", "Watermelon", and "Blank" are shown. is displayed as stopped. Further, in the figure, "Red 7" is shown to be distinguished from "White 7" by adding dark shading.

In the performance illustrated in FIG. 4(b), a predetermined active line (winning line) is determined as in a general slot machine. These effective lines include, for example, five horizontal upper line L1, horizontal middle line L2, horizontal lower line L3, right upward diagonal line L4, and left upward diagonal line L5, as shown virtually by two-dot chain lines. There is a line. Note that it is also possible to employ the known so-called Z line, V line, or other lines as the effective line.

The effects displayed on the first effect display device 10 include effects in the normal state, effects in the big bonus (BB) state, and the like. These effects can be collectively referred to as, for example, a "game progress notification effect."

Furthermore, the effects performed on the first effect display device 10 in the normal state include, for example, a game start effect executed at the start of one game, a ball entering effect executed when a ball enters the ball, and the like. included. Various performance patterns are provided for the performance at the start of the game and the performance at the time of entering the ball, and these will be described later.

Furthermore, in the BB state, the first performance display device 10 discards unnecessary tiles when the player performs an operation to discard an unnecessary tile from the tiles in his hand, and when he performs a self-drawing operation to remove one tile from his hand. It is used as a means to assist the player in advance by displaying the symbols of the tiles to be drawn and the tiles to be drawn. This allows even beginners with little knowledge of mahjong to easily enjoy the game. Further, in this best mode, information regarding the status of the hand tiles obtained by entering the ball into the various ball entry openings, notification when a winning combination is established, etc. is also displayed on the first performance display device 10. It should be noted that a structure may be adopted in which the game ball flows down in front of the first performance display device 10, and the game ball can be brought close to the center symbol ball entry ports 13l to 13n. In addition, a stage, such as that often provided in pachinko gaming machines, is provided at the lower front of the first effect display device 10, and the game balls that reach the stage are rolled laterally to bring the game balls to the center. It may also be configured to obtain

The second performance display device 16 mainly displays the current number of medals that the player has stored in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1, the remaining number of game balls during one game, and the number of tiles that make up the player's hand. It is used as a means for displaying symbols, symbols of tiles discarded by the player as discarded tiles, etc.

What is shown in FIGS. 21(a) to 21(c) is an example of arrangement display on the second effect display device 16, and FIG. 21(a) shows 14 arrangements. Although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, when the game starts, 14 symbols are automatically distributed as illustrated in FIG. 21(a), and the player adds one symbol (self-drawing). By performing this operation, 15 symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. 21(b).

Here, in FIGS. 21(a) to 21(c), numbers "1" to "14" (from the left) are placed under each hand tile to make it easier to understand the number of tiles in the hand for the sake of explanation and drawings. or "15") numbers (hand tile numbers) are assigned in ascending order. This hand tile number is not actually displayed on the second effect display device 16 in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hand tile number may be actually displayed on the second effect display device 16 so that the player can easily confirm the number of tiles in his hand.

Further, as long as the symbols are displayed on the main display device 36 described above, the hand tiles and hand tile numbers do not necessarily need to be displayed on the sub side (here, the second effect display device 16). By not displaying arrangements on the sub side, more diverse effects can be displayed (such as effects displaying role determination suggestions) on a limited screen size (display area). Furthermore, by allocating the processing power and storage capacity of the aforementioned sub-control means 3000 to effect control other than hand tile display, effects can be further diversified.

Next, various functions of the mahjong ball game machine according to the best embodiment will be explained with reference to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. 5 to 9. First, the main control device 1000 operates with various peripheral devices, including a sub display control device (display control means) 3000 related to performance display, and a medal payout device 4000 that pays out medals based on payout instructions from the main control device 1000. Connected so that information can be transmitted.

Here, the main control device 1000 includes a communication control means 1100 for receiving signals input from various sensors and transmitting various information and signals to various peripheral devices (for example, the sub display control device 3000), and A medal management means 1200 that manages the stored number of medals and performs payout processing as the game progresses, a game start determination means 1300 that determines whether game start conditions are satisfied, and a game progress control that controls the progress of the game. means 1900, display control means 2000 for displaying gaming state information (tile information, medal information) on the main display device 36, gaming state temporary storage means 2100 for temporarily storing the current gaming state, etc., and a predetermined number of medals. It has a payout control means 2200 that controls the medal payout device 4000 so as to payout, and a game-related information storage means 2300 that stores information related to the game (image data, audio data, etc.). Each means will be explained in detail below.

First, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6(a), the communication control means 1100 includes a game start (BET) button 18, symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c, right selection button 22a, and left selection button 22b. , operation signals from the decision button 23, game end button 24, payout button 25, agari button 26, etc., special ball entry detection sensor 11b of the special ball entry port 11, ball entry detection of the symbol ball entry ports 13a to 13y. Sensors 13a-1 to 13y-1, an input signal receiving means 1101 that receives input signals from the game ball passage detection sensor 12a of the special ball entrance activation gate 12, and various peripheral devices (for example, the sub display control device 3000) side. and information transmitting means 1102 for transmitting information/signals to.
Next, the medal management means 1200 has a medal information temporary storage means 1201 that temporarily stores the number of credits and the number of stored medals, as shown in FIG. 6(b).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the game progress control means 1900 has a discard tile control means 1901 that controls discard tile processing as a means that functions in the BB state. Here, in this embodiment, a game in the BB state in which a plurality of games are played under conditions advantageous to the player is referred to as a "special game." In addition, in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game is different between the BB state and the gaming state in which no BB game is occurring (hereinafter referred to as the "normal state" including the time when a chance hand is established). One of the distinctive features is that the methods of proceeding are different. However, first, the overall configuration will be explained here, and how to proceed with the game in the normal state and the differences between the games in the normal state and the BB state will be described later.

The game progress control means 1900 functions in both the normal state and the BB state, and the game progress control means 1900 controls whether or not hand tile data has completed a winning combination. a payout number calculation means 1904 that calculates the number of acquired medals related to the winning combination when it is determined that the winning combination has been completed; and a game end control means 1905 that controls the game ending process. and a special game control means 1906 that controls the special games.

Here, the self-printing tile control means 1902 has a self-printing game ball supply control means 1902a that controls so that one game ball is supplied to the firing device when the self-printing conditions are satisfied. The self-study game ball supply control means 1902a supplies one game ball to the standby position when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the above-mentioned "predetermined condition" which is a self-study condition can include a case where each game is started in the normal state. In addition, the above-mentioned "predetermined condition" in the BB state is when all the tiles have not been dealt after the game start instruction is given by the game start button 18 which is the BET button (when the tiles are dealt manually) ), as will be described later, there is a case where one tile data is deleted from the hand tile data temporary storage means by the discard tile control means after the tiles have been dealt.

Further, the payout number calculation means 1904 has a winning medal number table 1904a for each winning combination, which is referred to when calculating the number of medals won by the winning combination. Furthermore, the special game control means 1906 has a special game content reference table 1906a that is referred to when setting the content of the special game based on winning combinations.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the game state temporary storage means 2100 includes a flag temporary storage means 2101 that temporarily stores on/off information of various flags, and a game ball number temporary storage means 2101 that temporarily stores the number of remaining game balls in the game. A storage unit 2102, a tile information temporary storage unit 2103 that temporarily stores tile information in the game, a special game combination temporary storage unit 2106 that temporarily stores the special game combination in the game, and a temporary storage unit 2106 that temporarily stores the tile information in the game. The winning information temporary storage means 2110 temporarily stores the number of acquired medals), and the special game related information temporary storage means 2111 temporarily stores information related to the special game in the game (for example, the remaining number of rounds). There is.

Here, the tile information temporary storage unit 2103 includes a hand tile information temporary storage unit 2103a that temporarily stores hand tile information in the game, and a discarded tile information temporary storage unit 2103b that temporarily stores the discarded tile information in the game. are doing. Further, the winning information temporary storage means 2110 includes a rising winning combination temporary storage means 2110a that temporarily stores the winning winning combination in the game, and an acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b that temporarily stores the winning medal number calculated by the payout number calculation means 1904. have.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control means (sub control device) 3000 includes a display information receiving means 3100 that receives various information and signals from the main control device 1000 side, and a display control means (sub control device) The display-related information temporary storage means 3600 temporarily stores information related to display on the 3000 side, and the display-related information storage means 3700 stores information related to presentation (image data, moving image data, audio data, etc.). are doing. Each means will be explained in detail below.

The display information receiving means 3100 has a main side information temporary storage means 3101 that temporarily stores various information and signals from the main controller 1000 side. The various information and signals temporarily stored in the main side information temporary storage means 3101 are referred to as necessary by various means described later in each process described below.

The display related information temporary storage means 3600 includes a flag temporary storage means 3601 that temporarily stores on/off information of various flags, and a tile information temporary storage means 3602 that temporarily stores tile information in the game.
<Control flow>

Next, the flow of processing of the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 according to the best embodiment will be explained with reference to the control flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 20 (control flows showing the flow of control processing by various CPUs). First, FIGS. 10 to 18 show the flow of processing on the main control board side of the mahjong ball game machine 1 according to the best embodiment.

First, FIG. 10 is a main flowchart showing the flow of general processing performed by main controller 1000. First, in step 1100, medal management means 1200 executes medal management processing, which will be described later. Next, in step 1200, the game start determining means 1300 executes a game start determining process, which will be described later. Next, in step 1600, the game progress control means 1900 executes a game start/launch ball setting process, which will be described later. Next, in step 1700, the game progress control means 1900 (particularly the self-print tile control means 1902) executes a self-print tile control process to be described later.

Next, in step 1900, the game progress control means 1900 executes control processing related to the game progress according to the game state in the normal state and the BB state.

Next, in step 2300, the payout number calculation means 1904 executes payout number calculation processing, which will be described later. Next, in step 2400, the game progress control means 1900 (particularly the game end control means 1905) executes a game end process, which will be described later, and returns to step 1100. The processing related to each subroutine will be described in detail below.

First, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of medal management processing related to the subroutine of step 1100 in FIG. First, in step 1102, the medal management means 1200 refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and the flag temporary storage means 2101, and determines whether the BET counter value is "3" and the CRE counter value is "50", or if the current game It is determined whether or not the game is in progress (for example, a "gaming flag" to be described later is on). If Yes in step 1102, in step 1104, the medal management means 1200 drives a medal blocker (not shown) so that medals cannot be inserted, and proceeds to step 1108. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1102, in step 1106, the medal management means 1200 drives the medal blocker to enable medal insertion, and proceeds to step 1108. Next, in step 1108, the medal management means 1200 determines whether the input signal receiving means 1101 has received the medal insertion signal. If Yes in step 1108, in step 1110, medal management means 1200 refers to medal information temporary storage means 1201 and determines whether the BET counter value is not "3". If Yes in step 1110, in step 1112, the medal management means 1200 adds "1" to the BET counter value of the medal information temporary storage means 1201, and proceeds to step 1116. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1110, in step 1114, the medal management means 1200 adds "1" to the CRE counter value of the medal information temporary storage means 1201, and proceeds to step 1116. Next, in step 1116, the medal management means 1200 (display control means 2000) refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and displays the current medal information (number of bets, number of credits) on the main display device 36. Then, in step 1118, the medal management means 1200 (information transmission means 1102) transmits the current medal information to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 side, and moves on to the next process (game start determination process 1200). do.

On the other hand, if No in step 1108, in step 1120, the medal management means 1200 determines whether the input signal receiving means 1101 has received a payout button operation signal, that is, whether the player has pressed the payout button 25. Determine. If Yes in step 1120, in step 1122, the medal management means 1200 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the game is currently being played (for example, the "playing flag" to be described later is on). . If Yes in step 1122, in step 1124, medal management means 1200 refers to medal information temporary storage means 1201 and determines whether the CRE counter value is greater than "0". If YES in step 1124, medal management means 1200 subtracts "1" from the CRE counter value of medal information temporary storage means 1201 in step 1126. Next, in step 1128, the medal management means 1200 (payout control means 2200) drives the medal payout device 4000 to eject "1" medal into the medal receiving tray 5. Next, in step 1130, the medal management means 1200 (display control means 2000) refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and displays the current medal information (number of bets, number of credits) on the main display device 36. Then, in step 1132, the medal management means 1200 (information transmission means 1102) transmits the current medal information to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 side, and the process proceeds to step 1124.

On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1124, in step 1134, the medal management means 1200 refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and determines whether the BET counter value is greater than "0". If Yes in step 1134, in step 1136, the medal management means 1200 subtracts "1" from the BET counter value of the medal information temporary storage means 1201, and proceeds to step 1128.
Incidentally, in the case of No in step 1120, step 1122, and step 1134, the process moves to the next process (game start determination process 1200).

Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the game start determination process related to the subroutine of step 1200 in FIG. First, in step 1202, the game start determining means 1300 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not a game is currently being played (for example, a "playing flag" to be described later is on). If Yes in step 1202, in step 1204, the game start determining means 1300 determines whether the input signal receiving means 1101 has received a BET button operation signal, that is, whether the player has pressed the game start button 18. Determine. In the case of Yes in step 1204, in step 1206, the game start determination means 1300 refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and determines whether the BET counter value is "3". If YES in step 1206, the game start determining means 1300 sets the BET counter of the medal information temporary storage means 1201 to "0" in step 1208. Next, in step 1210, the game start determination means 1300 (display control means 2000) refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201, performs automatic symbol setting (described later) for a predetermined number (14 in this case), and medal information (number of bets, number of credits) is displayed on the main display device 36. Next, in steps 1212 and 1214, the game start determining means 1300 (information transmitting means 1102) transmits the current medal information and the game start signal to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 side. Then, in step 1216, the game start determining means 1300 turns on the "game start determination flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and moves to the next process (game start/launch ball setting process 1600).

On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1206, in step 1218, the game start determination means 1300 refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and determines whether the CRE counter value is not "0". If Yes in step 1218, in steps 1220 and 1222, the game start determining means 1300 subtracts "1" from the CRE counter value of the medal information temporary storage means 1201, and adds "1" to the BET counter value. Next, in step 1224, the game start determination means 1300 (display control means 2000) refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and displays the current medal information (number of bets, number of credits) on the main display device 36. . Then, in step 1226, the game start determining means 1300 (information transmitting means 1102) transmits the current medal information to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 side, and the process proceeds to step 1206.
Note that even in the case of No in step 1202, step 1204, and step 1218, the process moves to the next process (game start/launch ball setting process 1600).

Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the game start/launch ball setting process related to the subroutine of step 1600 in FIG. Here, steps 1602 to 1610 are game start processing (game start initial setting processing), and steps 1612 to 1620 are firing ball setting processing.

First, in step 1602, the game start determination means 1300 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether the "game start determination flag" is on. If YES in step 1602, the game start determination means 1300 turns off the "game start determination flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 in step 1604. Next, in step 1606, the special game control means 1906 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the "special game flag" is on. In the case of Yes in step 1606, in step 1608, the special game control means 1906 turns on the "special entrance gate activation flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101. Then, in step 1610, the game start determining means 1300 sets the remaining ball number n information in the game ball number temporary storage means 2102. As the remaining pitch number n information, "1" is set in the normal state, and "15" is set in the BB state. With this, the game start process ends.

Next, after the game start process is completed, a shot ball setting process is executed from step 1612 to step 1620. Specifically, first, in step 1612, the game ball supply control means 1902a controls the game ball feeding device (not shown) to place one game ball at the firing position (not shown) of the game ball firing device. Set the ball. Then, in step 1614, the self-print tile control means 1902 subtracts "1" from the remaining ball number n information in the game ball number temporary storage means 2102. Thereafter, in step 1616, the self-print tile control means 1902 turns on the "unentered ball flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and proceeds to the next process (self-print tile control process 1700). The above is the firing ball setting process immediately after the start of the game (the firing ball setting process for the first model).

As mentioned above, in the BB game, "15" is set as the remaining ball number n information in step 1610, but the following process is executed for the 2nd to 15th balls in the BB game. First, in the case of No in step 1602, in step 1618, the self-printing tile control means 1902 determines whether the "self-printing permission flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 is on. If Yes in step 1618, in step 1620, the self-print tile control means 1902 turns off the "self-print permission flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and proceeds to step 1612.

Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the self-print tile control process related to the subroutine of step 1700 in FIG. First, in step 1702, the self-print tile control means 1902 determines whether or not the "unentered ball flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 is on, that is, whether one game ball supplied to the game ball launcher It is determined whether the situation is such that the ball has not yet entered any of the entry ports. Here, if Yes in step 1702, the self-print tile control process is executed, and if No in this step, the process moves to the next process (discard tile control process in step 1900).

The self-print tile control process (step 1700) includes the special ball entrance opening control process (steps 1702 to 1708), and the ball entry process (steps 1710 to 1728 (particularly, steps 1710 to 1714 are normal ball entry opening control processes). Ball processing, steps 1716 to 1728 are special ball entry processing)), next ball supply permission determination processing (steps 1730 to 1738), display control processing (steps 1740 to 1746), rising determination processing (step 1800). These will be explained in order below.

First, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the number of balls held in the normal state is one ball, and in the normal gaming state, the determination result in step 1703 is Yes, and the next ball supply permission determination process including step 1730, which will be described later. Move to.

Further, in the BB state, a special ball entrance opening control process including steps 1704 to 1708 is executed. In this special ball entrance opening control process, first, in step 1704, the self-print tile control means 1902 determines whether or not the input signal receiving means 1101 has received the special ball entrance activation gate passage signal, that is, whether or not the game ball is specially It is determined whether the ball has passed through the entrance operating gate 12 or not. If YES in step 1704, in step 1706, the self-print tile control means 1902 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether the "special ball entrance activation gate valid flag" is on. If Yes in step 1706, the self-print tile control means 1902 drives a special ball entrance opening/closing device (not shown) to open the special ball entrance 11 in step 1708.

Next, the ball entry process from step 1710 to step 1729 will be explained. First, to explain the normal ball entry process in steps 1710 to 1714, first, in step 1710, the self-print tile control means 1902 determines whether or not the input signal receiving means 1101 has received a symbol entry signal. That is, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the symbol ball entry ports 13a to 13y, 14a to 14c. If Yes in step 1710, in step 1712, the self-printed tile control means 1902 turns off the "unentered ball flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101. Next, in step 1714, the self-print tile control means 1902 adds the tile related to the symbol entry signal to the hand tile information temporary storage means 2103a.

Next, a description will be given of the special ball entrance processing in steps 1716 to 1729, which is executed when the answer is No in step 1710. First, in step 1716, the self-print tile control means 1902 determines whether the input signal receiving means 1101 has received the special ball entrance signal, that is, whether the game ball has entered the special ball entrance 11. Determine. Here, in the case of No in step 1716, the process returns to step 1710 and loops until it becomes Yes in step 1710 or step 1716. On the other hand, if YES in step 1716, the self-printed tile control means 1902 turns off the "unentered ball flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 in step 1718. Then, in step 1720, the self-print tile control means 1902 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the "special ball entry flag" is off. In the case of Yes in step 1720, in step 1722, the self-print tile control means 1902 turns on the "special entrance ball entrance flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101. Next, in step 1724, the self-print tile control means 1902 (display control means 2000) lights up a double score increase lamp (not shown) in the main display device 36. Next, in step 1726, the self-print tile control means 1902 (information transmission means 1102) transmits a special ball entry signal to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 side. Next, in step 1728, the self-print tile control means 1902 determines whether the input signal receiving means 1101 has received the self-print tile determination operation signal. In the case of Yes in step 1728, in step 1729, the hand-drawn tile determined by the hand-drawn tile determination operation is added to the hand. Note that if the result in step 1728 is No, the process is looped until the result is Yes.

Next, the next ball supply permission determination process in steps 1730 to 1738 will be explained. First, in step 1730, the self-printing tile control means 1902 refers to the game ball number temporary storage means 2102 and determines whether n is not 0, that is, the situation is not such that all of the planned number of balls have been discontinued. Determine whether or not. If Yes in step 1730, in step 1732, the self-print tile control means 1902 refers again to the game ball number temporary storage means 2102 and determines whether n is not 1 or not. If Yes in step 1732, in step 1734, the self-print tile control means 1902 turns on the "self-print permission flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101. Then, in step 1800, a rising determination process is executed, and after passing through a predetermined process (in this case, display control process in steps 1740 to 1746), the process moves to the next process (discard tile control process in step 1900). The rise determination process (step 1800) will be described later.

On the other hand, if No in step 1732, the self-print tile control means 1902 turns on the "discard tile permission flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 in step 1736. Further, if No in step 1730, in step 1738, the self-print tile control means 1902 turns on the "game end flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and proceeds to step 1744.

Next, the display control processing from step 1740 to step 1746 will be explained. First, in step 1740, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to rearrange the hand tiles to be displayed on the main display device 36. If Yes, in step 1742, the hand tile information is rearranged. This is executed, and the arrangement order information of the hand tile data temporarily stored in the hand tile information temporary storage means 2103a is updated. Note that in the process of sorting the hand tile information, a sorting execution table is used according to the number of tiles in the hand. Next, in step 1744, the display control means 2000 displays the hand tiles on the main display device 36 based on the hand tile data temporarily stored in the hand tile information temporary storage means 2103a. Then, in step 1746, the information transmitting means 1102 transmits hand tile information (and arrangement order information) to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 side, and moves on to the next process (discarded tile control process in step 1900). do.

Here, in this embodiment, the display control process (steps 1740 to 1746) is performed after the rise determination process (step 1800), but the rise determination process (step 1800) may be performed during the display control process, for example. It is also conceivable to perform the process (eg, between steps 1742 and 1744).

Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the rising determination process related to the subroutine of step 1800 in FIG. First, in step 1806, the combination determination means 1903 refers to the hand tile information temporary storage means 2103a and determines whether the tiles in the hand are up or not (whether or not a winning combination has been established). If Yes in step 1806, in step 1808, the winning combination determining means 1903 turns on the "rising flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and sets the code related to the rising winning combination in the rising winning combination temporary storage means 2110a. . Next, in step 1810, the combination determination means 1903 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the "special game flag" is off. If Yes in step 1810, in step 1812, the winning combination determining means 1903 refers to the rising winning combination temporary storage means 2110a and the special game winning combination temporary storage means 2106, and specifically determines whether or not the rising winning combination is a BB winning combination. determines whether or not the winning combination code related to the winning combination matches the winning combination code related to the BB combination in the game. In the case of Yes in step 1812, in step 1814, the winning combination determination means 1903 turns on the "special entrance gate activation flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101. Next, in step 1816, the combination determination means 1903 refers to the special game content reference table 1906a, sets the number of rounds corresponding to the current big combination to the special game number counter value, and proceeds to step 1818.

On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1812, in step 1820, the winning combination determination means 1903 refers to the winning combination temporary storage means 2110a and the special game combination temporary storage means 2106, and specifies whether or not the winning combination is a chance winning combination. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the winning combination code related to the winning combination matches the winning combination code related to the chance winning combination in the game. In the case of Yes in step 1820, in step 1822, the combination determination means 1903 turns on the "special entrance gate activation flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101. Next, in step 1824, the winning combination determining means 1903 sets the special game game number counter value in the special game related information temporary storage means 2111 to "1", and the process proceeds to step 1818. Moreover, in the case of No in step 1820, the process directly proceeds to step 1818.

Then, in step 1818, the winning combination determining means 1903 turns on each of the "special game flags" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and moves to the next process (the discard tile control process in step 1900). Incidentally, also in the case of No in step 1806 and step 1810, the process moves to the next process (the discarded tile control process in step 1900).

Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the discard tile control process related to the subroutine of step 1900 in FIG. First, in step 1902, the discard tile control means 1901 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether the "discard tile permission flag" is on. This "discard tile permission flag" is set in step 1736 of the next ball supply permission determination process in the above-mentioned self-drawing control process (FIG. 14), and when the remaining number of balls during the BB game is not "1" It is turned on.

If Yes in step 1902, in step 1904, the discard tile control means 1901 determines whether the input signal receiving means 1101 has received a discard tile operation signal, that is, the button used by the player to discard tiles. It is determined whether any of the symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c has been pressed. If Yes in step 1904, the discard tile control means 1901 turns off the "discard tile permission flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 in step 1906. Next, in step 1908, the discard tile control means 1901 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether the "upward flag" is on. Here, first, if No in step 1908, that is, if the tile is discarded by breaking the rising trend, in step 1910, the discarded tile control means 1901 turns off the "rising flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, The process moves to step 1912. On the other hand, if Yes in step 1908, in step 1912, the discard tile control means 1901 deletes the tile related to the discard tile operation signal from the hand tiles temporarily stored in the hand tile information temporary storage means 2103a, and deletes the tile related to the discard tile operation signal. The deleted tiles are added to the discarded tile information temporary storage means 2103b. Then, in step 1914, the display control means 2000 refers to the tile information temporary storage means 2103 and displays the discarded tile information on the main display device 36. Next, in step 1918, the sorting execution means executes sorting based on the hand tile information, and updates the sorting order information of the hand tile data temporarily stored in the hand tile information temporary storage means 2103a. Next, in step 1920, the display control means 2000 displays the hand tiles on the main display device 36 based on the hand tile data temporarily stored in the hand tile information temporary storage means 2103a and their arrangement order information. Next, in step 1922, the information transmitting means 1102 transmits the discarded tile information to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 side. Then, in step 1924, the discard tile control means 1901 turns on the "self-drawing permission flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and moves to the next process (the payout number calculation process of step 2300).

On the other hand, if No in step 1904, that is, if there is no operation to discard tiles even though there are discard tiles, in step 1926, the discard tile control means 1901 causes the input signal receiving means 1101 to receive an end button operation signal. Determine whether or not it has been received. If Yes in step 1926, in steps 1928 and 1930, the discard tile control means 1901 turns off the "discard tile permission flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, turns on the "game end flag", and The process moves to the payout number calculation process of step 2300. Further, in the case of No in step 1902 and step 1926, the process moves to the next process (the payout number calculation process in step 2300).

Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the payout number calculation process related to the subroutine of step 2300 in FIG. First, in step 2302, the payout number calculation means 1904 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether the "upward flag" is on. If Yes in step 2302, in step 2306, the payout number calculating means 1904 refers to the winning medal number table 1904a by winning combination based on the winning combination code temporarily stored in the winning combination temporary storage means 2110a, and The number of acquired medals (Ma) for each winning combination is calculated, and the calculation result is set in a working temporary storage area (not shown) of the acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b. Next, in step 2310, the payout number calculation means 1904 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the "special ball entrance flag" is on. If Yes in step 2310, in step 2312, the payout number calculation means 1904 calculates the increased number of medals (Mc) due to the special game, and stores the calculation result in the working temporary storage area of the acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b. set. Next, in step 2314, the payout number calculation means 1904 refers to the calculation result in the working temporary storage area of the acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b, and calculates the total number of acquired medals (S) related to the rise. (S=Ma+Mc), and the calculation result is set in the working temporary storage area of the acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b. Next, in step 2318, the payout number calculation means 1904 refers to the acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b and determines whether the total number of medals (S) is within "30". If Yes in step 2318, the process moves to step 2322; if No in step 2318, in step 2320, the payout number calculation means 1904 sets "30" in the acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b, and the process moves to step 2322. do. Next, in step 2322, the display control means 2000 refers to the winning information temporary storage means 2110 and displays winning related information (number of acquired medals, etc.) on the main display device 36. Next, in step 2324, the information transmitting means 1102 transmits the winning related information (winning combination, number of acquired medals, etc.) to the sub side, and shifts to the next process (game end process).
Incidentally, if No in step 2302, the process moves to the next process (game end process), and if No in step 2310, the process moves to step 2314.

Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the game end process related to the subroutine of step 2400 in FIG. First, in step 2406, the game end control means 1905 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the "game end flag" is on. If Yes in step 2406, the game end control means 1905 turns off the "game end flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 in step 2407. Next, in step 2408, the game end control means 1905 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the "upward flag" is on. If YES in step 2408, the game end control means 1905 turns off the "rising flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101 in step 2409. Then, in step 2410, the game end control means 1905 refers to the acquired medal number temporary storage means 2110b and adds the calculated total number of medals (S) to the CRE counter value of the medal information temporary storage means 1201. Next, in step 2412, the game end control means 1905 refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201 and determines whether the CRE counter value is greater than "50". If Yes in step 2412, in step 2414, the game end control means 1905 refers to the medal information temporary storage means 1201, calculates the number of medals exceeding "50" from the CRE counter value, and the payout control means 2200, The medal dispensing device 4000 is driven to discharge the calculated number of medals to the medal receiving tray 5. Next, in step 2415, the game end control means 1905 sets the CRE counter of the medal information temporary storage means 1201 to "50".

Next, in step 2416, the game end control means 1905 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether or not the "special game flag" is on. If YES in step 2416, the game end control means 1905 subtracts "1" from the special game game counter value in the special game related information temporary storage means 2111 in step 2418. Next, in step 2420, the game end control means 1905 refers to the special game related information temporary storage means 2111 and determines whether the special game number counter value is not "0". In the case of Yes in step 2420, in step 2422, the game end control means 1905 turns off the "special game flag" in the flag temporary storage means 2101, and proceeds to step 2430.

On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2408, the game end control means 1905 refers to the flag temporary storage means 2101 and determines whether the "special game flag" is on, and in the case of Yes in step 2428, If the answer is No in step 2428, the process moves to step 2422 (if the winning is not achieved during the special game, the special game is canceled).

Next, in step 2430, the display control means 2000 refers to the game state temporary storage means 2100, and displays information after the end of the game (for example, the number of acquired medals when the game is on the up) on the main display device 36. Display above. Next, in step 2432, the game end control means 1905 (information transmission means 1102) sends information after the end of the game to the display control means (sub control device) 3000 (for example, if the game is on the upswing, The winning combination, number of medals obtained, etc.) will be sent.

Next, in step 2444, the game end control means 1905 executes post-game end processing (for example, initialization of each flag and temporary storage means, etc.). Next, in step 2446, the game end control means 1905 determines whether or not the post-game processing has ended. If the answer in step 2446 is No, the process in step 2446 is performed until the post-gaming process is completed, and if the answer is Yes in step 2446, the process moves to step 2448. Next, in step 2448, the game end control means 1905 determines whether or not the waiting time end timing after the end of the game has been reached. Although not detailed in this best mode, in order to regulate the number of games that can be executed per unit time, the number of games per unit time (for example, 1 minute) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 7 games). If this happens, a waiting time is provided to prevent the game from proceeding to the next game. If No in step 2448, the process in step 2448 is performed until the "wait time end timing after game end" is reached, and if Yes in step 2448, the process moves to the next process (medal management process 1100). .

Note that if the answer is No in step 2406, the process moves to the next process (medal management process 1100), if the answer is No in step 2412, the process moves to step 2416, and if the answer is No in step 2416 and step 2420, the process moves to step 2430. .

Next, the flow of processing on the sub-display control device 3000 side of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the best embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 19 and 20. Here, FIG. 19 is a main flowchart showing the flow of general processing performed by the sub-control board side. First, in step 3002, the sub display control device 3000 refers to the main side information temporary storage means 3101 and determines whether the display information receiving means 3100 has received display information/signal from the main control device 1000 side. If YES in step 3002, different processing is performed based on the received information and the like. First, if the information received in step 3002 is information regarding hand tiles such as hand-drawn tiles or discarded tiles, hand tile display control processing in step 3100, which will be described later, is executed. Furthermore, if the information received in step 3002 is other information (for example, a game start signal, a game end signal, special game combination information, medal information, etc.), the sub display control device 3000 controls the information, etc. Based on this, predetermined display control processing is executed on the first effect display device 10 and the second effect display device 16 at predetermined timings, respectively, and the process returns to step 3002.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of hand tile display control processing related to the subroutine of step 3100 in FIG. First, in step 3102, the sub display control device 3000 refers to the main side information temporary storage means 3101 and determines whether hand tile information has been received. Here, the hand tile information transmitted from the main control device 1000 side is the information transmitted in step 1746 in FIG. Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of tiles in hand is 15, and the number of balls used in one game is 1 ball in the normal state and 15 balls in the BB state. Furthermore, the maximum number of throws (stay) is 0 in the normal state and 14 in the BB state. Then, when the sub display control device 3000 determines that the hand tile information has been received from the main control device 1000 side and the result in step 3102 is Yes, the sub display control device 3000 receives the hand tile information from the main control device 1000 in step 3104. The hand tiles are displayed on the second effect display device 16 according to the hand tile information and arrangement information. As described above, in this best mode, the arrangement of the hand tiles on the display control means (sub-control device) side is basically a display consistent with the display mode on the main display device 36 on the main control device 1000 side. is executed. However, in this best mode, since the main controller 1000 does not execute the process of rearranging the symbols in the ascending pattern array when the symbols go up, in this case, the display control means (sub-control device) side realigns the symbols in the ascending symbol array. , it is decided to display in an easy-to-understand manner to the player what kind of rising symbols have been arranged. Specifically, in step 3106, the sub display control device 3000 refers to the main side information temporary storage means 3101 and determines whether or not rising information has been received. If Yes in step 3106, in step 3108, the sub display control device 3000 compares the hand tiles transmitted from the main control device 1000 side with the rising symbol reference table (not shown), and then displays the first effect display device. 10 and a second effect display device 16 to display the hand tiles. Then, in step 3110, the sub display control device 3000 refers to the main side information temporary storage means 3101 and determines whether discarded tile information has been received. If Yes in step 3110, the sub display control device 3000 displays the discarded tiles transmitted from the main control device 1000 side on the second effect display device 16 serving as the discarded tile display section, and performs the next process (step 3002). to move to. Note that if No in step 3102, the process moves to step 3106, if No in step 3106, the process moves to step 3110, and if No in 3110, the process moves to the next process (step 3002).
<Game flow>

Next, the game progress in the normal state and the BB state of the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained based on the game flow (flow chart showing the game progress).

FIG. 22 shows the basic game flow of the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. First, in the game standby state (S101) shown at the top of the figure, when there is a prescribed number (three in this case) or more of medal credits and the above-mentioned game start button 18 is operated, the number of stored medals increases to three. will be reduced. Then, the BET is completed, and a start process (S102) for starting one game is executed. Here, if the processing of S101 and S102 in this game flow is more specifically applied to the various processes described above, the processing of steps 1102 to 1118 in the medal management processing (FIG. 11) and the game start determination processing (FIG. 12).

Here, in the game standby state (S101) described above, the payout button 25 is activated in addition to the game start button 18. Then, when the payout button 25 is pressed during the game standby state (S101), medals are paid out from a hopper that is a medal payout device (described later) until the number of stored medals becomes 0 (zero). Such processing is performed by the processing from step 1120 to step 1136 in the medal management processing (FIG. 11) described above.

In the above-mentioned start process (S102), an automatic symbol setting device provided as a control function is activated. After the automatic symbol setting device is activated, a symbol lottery is performed and 14 symbols are determined. In this drawing of the symbols, one symbol is randomly determined from among a predetermined number (in this case, 16 types) of symbols using random numbers. Such processing is performed at step 1210 in the game start determination processing (FIG. 12) described above.

Specifically, in one lottery related to automatic symbol setting, one symbol is determined from 16 types of symbols with equal probability (1/16). Then, in order to deal 14 tiles, this determination of symbols is repeated 14 times. When the drawing of symbols for automatic symbol setting is completed, the tile processing is performed and the automatically set 14 symbols are displayed on the symbol display device (here, the second displayed on the effect display device 16).

FIG. 21(a) shows an example of symbol combinations acquired by automatic symbol setting. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the T symbol (more specifically, the number of T symbols) is a factor that determines the type of winning combination, as will be described later. When T symbols are acquired, the acquired T symbols are displayed after the tiles are distributed so that they are gathered on the left side of the hand tile display. Such a display allows the player to easily confirm the number of T symbols that have been obtained.

Further, as will be described later, the symbol W is a symbol related to the selection of a presentation pattern. Furthermore, as described above, the symbol S is a symbol assigned to the symbol ball entry hole 14a at the left end of the triple ball entry hole 14 arranged in the right area in the gaming area 2a (FIG. 2). . In this embodiment, the W symbol and the S symbol are also displayed after the tiles are laid out (FIG. 21(a)) so as to be lined up on the right side of the T symbol.

Here, it is also possible to highlight the T symbol to make it even more conspicuous. For example, one idea for highlighting may be to display the T design in a relatively conspicuous color such as red, gold, or rainbow color, and display the other designs in a relatively inconspicuous color such as black or blue. It will be done. Examples of relatively conspicuous forms include displays with animal patterns (such as giraffe patterns) and displays with predetermined characters. It is also conceivable to display the W symbol and the T symbol in an intermediate manner such as green or yellow coloring.

The above-described tile processing is performed in the main control device 1000 by the display control processing described above (steps 1740 to 1746 in FIG. 14). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it is also possible to perform rearrangement on the sub display control device 3000 side instead of on the main control device 1000 side. Furthermore, for example, in the normal state, the main control device 1000 side does not perform the rearrangement, but the sub display control device 3000 side performs the rearrangement, and in the BB state, the main control device 1000 performs the rearrangement, and the sub display control It is also possible to transmit information related to the sorted results to the device 3000.

In addition, in this embodiment, the rearrangement after automatic symbol setting in the normal state is instantaneously performed in the control process. In addition, on the display performance that is visible to the player, for example, once the tiles in the hand are displayed in the order of acquisition, the arrangement of the tiles in the hand is changed and the rearrangement is displayed. It is designed so that it will not be damaged.

In the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, no hand determination is performed at this stage, and ball feeding processing (S103) is performed. This ball feeding process (S103) is performed by the process of step 1612 in the game start/launch ball setting process 1600 described above. In the ball feeding process (S103), game balls are supplied to the above-mentioned firing device 4, and a waiting state for picking (self-drawing) is entered (S104).

This picking waiting state (S104) is performed by the processing of step 1612 and step 1614 in the game start/launch ball setting processing 1600 described above. In the picking waiting state (S104), when the player performs a popping operation with his/her finger on the game ball firing lever 4a, the game ball supplied to the firing device 4 can be fired into the gaming area 2a.

Here, in FIG. 22, between the start process (S102) and the ball feed process (S103) described above, between the ball feed process (S103) and the Tsumo (self-printing) waiting state (S104), or as described later, For example, the arrow shown between the Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105) and the role determination process (S106) is relatively thick white compared to the arrow between the game standby state (S101) and the start process (S102). It is shown as an outline. This means that the game progresses automatically without requiring any specific conditions such as pressing a button or entering a ball.

When a game ball is fired in the picking waiting state (S104), the game ball that has flowed down the game area 2a usually enters one of the normal ball entry ports (symbol ball entry ports 13a to 13y) shown in the lower part of the figure. Enter the ball into one of the following. Here, the right side of the figure shows the state when it becomes a BB game, but in this embodiment, the progress of the game is greatly different between the normal state other than the BB state and the BB state. Therefore, the progress of the game in the normal state will be explained first, and the progress of the game in the case of the BB state will be described later.

Although omitted in the game flow of FIG. 22 and the above-mentioned self-playing control process (FIG. 14), although the game ball is fired, the fired game ball does not reach the game area 2a and becomes a foul ball. In such a case, it is possible to return the game ball to the firing position of the firing device 4 again, or to collect the game ball and feed the subsequent game ball to the firing position of the firing device 4 again. Conceivable.

When a ball enters any of the symbol entrance holes 13a to 13y, a Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105) is performed. The Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105) in this game flow is performed by the normal ball entry process (Steps 1710 to 1714) in the aforementioned self-drawing control process (Step 1700).

The Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105) is a process for acquiring one symbol using one ball that can be used in one normal game. This one symbol is used together with the 14 symbols obtained by the automatic symbol setting described above. Then, by acquiring one symbol in the Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105), all 15 symbols necessary for the combination determination and bonus determination are available in the subsequent combination determination process (S106).

In the combination determination process (S106), a determination is made as to whether or not a combination or bonus is established. This winning combination determination process (S106) is performed by the above-mentioned winning determination process (a series of processes shown in FIG. 15). In the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a CHANCE role and a BIG bonus role are provided, and in the role determination process (S106), it is determined whether or not these are realized (as shown in FIG. 15). Steps 1812 to 1824). Note that the conditions (establishment conditions) for establishing these chance (CB) combinations and big bonus (BB) will be described later.

When the above-mentioned CB combination is established, an opening condition device provided as a control function is activated (activated). This opening condition device is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for opening the special ball entrance 11, and is activated when a predetermined combination of winning symbols is displayed. It becomes. Then, in the state where the opening condition device is activated, the special ball entrance operation gate valid flag is turned on (corresponding to step 1822 in FIG. 15). Therefore, if a game ball passes through the special entrance ball opening activation gate 12 and the game ball is detected, the special entrance ball opening 11 is opened.

However, in the normal state, which is not the BB state, since the player has only one ball in one game, it is not possible to shoot subsequent game balls during the current game (the game). Then, the game ends without being able to fire the second ball, and with the end of the game, the operation of the release condition device also ends. Therefore, in the normal state, although the opening condition device operates, the special ball entry port 11 cannot be opened in practice.

However, in the BB state, the restriction of playing with one ball per game is lifted, and as mentioned above, it is possible to proceed with the game using multiple (15 in this case) game balls during one game. Control is carried out to ensure that. Therefore, during the BB game, in a situation where the opening condition device is activated as in the case of the CB combination, game balls can be fired for the second and subsequent shots during the game. Then, when the shot game ball is detected by the above-mentioned special ball entry gate operating gate 12, the special ball entry port 11 is opened.

Additionally, as a control function, a condition continuous device is provided that operates the open condition device multiple times in succession, but this condition continuous device is supposed to operate only when BB occurs. . Therefore, when a BB occurs, a round (R) game is played multiple times (in this case, three times including the game when the BB is established), and the special ball entrance 11 is opened for each round. It is something that can be opened up.

In this way, in the mahjong ball game machine 1 of this embodiment, the hand determination process (S106) is arranged after the Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105), and this point is a major difference from the conventional mahjong ball game machine. There is one.

In other words, if the control flow from the game start determination process (step 1200) in FIG. 12 to the self-print tile control process (step 1700) in FIG. After that, in step 1702 of the self-imitation tile control process (step 1700), it is determined whether or not there is no ball entered yet. Immediately after automatic symbol setting, there is no ball entered yet, so the ball not entered flag is on. Then, if the unentered ball flag is on (step 1702: Yes), the self-print tile control process (step 1700) is completed without performing the rising determination process (step 1800).

In addition, in the normal state (step 1703: Yes), if the unentered ball flag is not on (step 1702: No), it is assumed that a ball has entered, and the number of remaining balls is zero (n = 0) in step 1730. It is determined (step 1730: No), the game end flag is turned on (step 1738), and the process moves to step 1744 of the display control process without performing the advance determination process (step 1800). Therefore, as described above, it is possible to construct a game flow in which the combination determination process (S106) is arranged after the Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105).

In addition, in the mahjong ball game machine 1 of this embodiment, one game ends with one ball in the normal state, and the game is completed by players using the player's skill (discarded tiles), which is generally performed in conventional mahjong ball game machines. ) and rising (also written as ``agari'' and ``waryo'') are not performed in normal conditions. In addition, in this point as well, in the control flow (FIG. 14), in the normal state (step 1703: Yes), the remaining number of balls is determined to be zero (n=0) in step 1730 (step 1730: No), and the game end flag is This is represented by turning on (step 1738).

Note that in this embodiment, information (commands) are transmitted from the main control device 1000 to the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 as described above, but the game flow in FIG. 1000 and the display control means (sub control device) 3000 comprehensively show the processing. For this reason, in the game flow of FIG. 22, for example, in the winning combination determination process (S106), although the processing for determining winning combinations and displaying symbols has been completed on the main control device 1000 side, the display control means (sub-control device) On the 3000 side, a situation may occur in which the processing for determining a winning combination (including confirmation of whether or not a winning combination is established based on a command and the type of winning combination) and for displaying an effect has not been completed.

Following the above-described combination determination process (S106 in FIG. 22), it is determined whether there is a remaining number of game balls (S107). The determination of the number of remaining game balls in this game flow (S107) is included in the discard tile control process (step 1900, FIG. 16) in the control flows of FIGS. 10 to 20. If there is no remaining number of game balls (S107: NO), an ending process (S111) is performed to end the current game (the game). As mentioned above, in normal times, one game is played with one game ball, so if the role determination process (S106) is performed effectively, there will be no remaining game balls, and it will be determined that there are no remaining game balls. (S107: NO) is determined, and the end process S111 is performed.

In this end processing (S111), if a winning combination is established, processing for payout according to the winning combination (setting of payout data, etc.) is performed, and a signal related to the end of the game is output. Processing is performed for this purpose. Then, as shown in the figure, the game enters a standby state (S101). Further, this end processing (S111) is performed by the game end processing (step 2400) shown in FIG. 18 described above.

On the other hand, the situation where there is a remaining number of game balls in S107 (S107: YES) is a situation where it is possible to fire multiple game balls during one game. This is the situation from the 2nd round onwards. That is, as described above, when a BB occurs, the game nature of one ball per game is no longer applied, and a plurality of game balls are used for each game to play the game.

Furthermore, the game in which the BB occurs is played as a normal game until it is determined that the BB is established. The game in which the BB occurs is a game in which only one ball can be used, and is treated as the first round (R) of the BB game. Therefore, subsequent games in the BB state are treated as games after the second round of the BB game, and it is possible to play a game using a plurality of balls per game until the final round is completed.

In such a game after the 2nd round, unlike the 1st round game, a control state is entered in which the player can play a ste (discarded tile). Furthermore, even if there is a remaining number of game balls in S107 (S107: YES), the game enters a control state in which the game can be ended by the player's selection. In this embodiment. Such a state is called a wait/end wait state (S108).

In this state of waiting/waiting for completion (S108), the aforementioned symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c, the game end button 24, and the agari button 26 can be used. If there is a step, the process returns to the ball sending process (S103), and the game ball can be fired in the game at that time (the game). Further, if a winning combination has been established, the player presses the win button 26, and if no prize has been won, the player presses the game end button 24 to end the game (S111).

Here, regarding the above-mentioned stage, it is possible to use the symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c. However, at the time of ST, as shown on the right end of FIG. status). Then, when one button (in this case, the symbol selection B button 19b) is pressed, the step is executed for the symbol designated by the cursor image 31.

Further, in this embodiment, by rearranging the symbols, the symbols that should be candidates for the STE are arranged so as to gather in the right area when viewed from the player (FIG. 21(c)). By rearranging the symbols in this way, the placement of the symbols that can be candidates for the Ste and the symbols that have the possibility of forming a winning combination is made different, and the differences in the types of symbols and the roles of the symbols are made easier for the player. It's easy to see.

Here, regarding the symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c, the cursor can be sequentially moved to the left each time the symbol selection A button 19a is pressed. Moreover, when the symbol selection B button 19b is pressed, the symbol designated by the cursor can be moved to the symbol designated by the cursor, and each time the symbol selection C button 19c is pressed, the cursor can be sequentially moved to the right. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21(c), when the symbol selection C button 19c is pressed while the cursor image 31 is pointing to the symbol placed at the right end (the symbol with hand tile number 15), the cursor The image 31 is moved to a position that indicates the leftmost (first) symbol (the symbol with hand tile number 1). Similarly, regarding the symbol selection A button 19a, although not shown, the symbol selection A button 19a is pressed while the cursor image 31 is pointing to the symbol placed at the left end (the symbol with hand tile number 1). When this happens, the cursor image 31 moves to a position indicating the rightmost (last) symbol (the symbol with hand tile number 15).

In this embodiment, as described above, the symbols that should be candidates for the stem are displayed at the right end, and the right end symbol is in the cursor indication state. In this situation where the rightmost symbol (the symbol with hand tile number 15 in FIG. 21(c)) is pointed to with the cursor, for example, the player accidentally presses the symbol selection C button 19c and moves the cursor to the right. If you perform this operation, the cursor will move to the T symbol placed on the left end (the symbol with hand tile number 1 in Figure 21(c)), so you may unintentionally move the T symbol required for the BB role. There is a concern that this may happen.

As a countermeasure for such concerns, for example, it is possible to initially arrange the cursor image 31 at the second position from the right end (the position of the symbol of hand tile number 14 in FIG. 21(c)). By doing so, it is possible to prevent symbols advantageous to the player from being stolen due to the player's erroneous operation.

In addition, the initial arrangement of the cursor image 31 is fixed to the rightmost symbol (the symbol with hand tile number 15), so that the cursor image 31 does not move even if the symbol selection C button 19c is pressed. It is also possible to do so. Such countermeasures can also prevent symbols advantageous to the player from being stolen due to the player's erroneous operation. Furthermore, since there is no need to operate the symbol selection C button 19c when playing a game, the burden of operation on the player is not increased.

Further, when the player wants to end the game from the 2nd round onward in the BB state, the player moves to the above-mentioned end process (S111) by operating the game end button 24 or the Agari button 26 which is enabled. Here, even after the 2nd round (from 2nd round to the final round), at the start of each game, the player operates the game start button 18 to proceed with the game.

In this embodiment, even if the game start button 18 is operated when winning a prize, it is not possible to proceed to the game (end the game). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be possible to proceed to the game by operating the game start button 18 when winning a prize.

In addition, regarding the above-mentioned pick waiting state (S104), as shown on the right side of the figure, in the 2Rth position in the BB, it is possible to shoot a plurality of game balls. When a game ball is detected by the special ball entry gate 12, the special ball entry port 11 is opened and the ball can be entered into the special ball entry port 11. When a ball enters the special ball entrance 11, a state of waiting for symbol selection is entered (symbol selection waiting state, S112).

In this symbol selection waiting state (S112), the aforementioned right selection button 22a, left selection button 22b, and decision button 23 are enabled. Then, when the player selects a symbol by operating these buttons, the selected symbol is used as a Tsume symbol, and a Tsume symbol acquisition process (S105) is performed. The subsequent processing shown in FIG. 22 is generally the same as described above, but in the winning combination determination process (S106), if the player is in the BB state, a flag indicating that the player is in the BB state is set and the winning combination is determined. It is possible to avoid this.

As mentioned above, the mahjong ball game machine 1 is equipped with the main display device 36 (FIG. 2), and the main display device 36 displays, for example, the number of balls remaining to be fired. ing. Further, in this embodiment, the number of balls held in the normal state is 1, and the number of balls held in the BB state is 15, and the number of balls held is different between the normal state and the BB state. Therefore, when displaying the remaining number of fired balls on the main display device 36, it is conceivable to perform processing corresponding to this.

As a process that corresponds to the fact that the number of balls held changes depending on the game state, for example, in the BB state, the maximum number of balls held at the start of the game is displayed (in this case, the display corresponding to the number "15"), Each time the remaining number of balls decreases using , the number of balls held is sequentially subtracted, and the corresponding numerical value of the subtraction result is displayed. In other words, in the BB state, the maximum number of balls held is "15" is displayed at the start of one game after the 2nd round, and each time one ball is fired, the number of balls displayed is "14". ”, “13”, “12”, . . . , “2”, “1”, “0”.

On the other hand, in the normal state, the number of balls held at the start of the game is displayed as "15", which is the same value as the maximum number in the BB state, but when one ball is fired, the number changes from "14" to "1". ``0'' is displayed without displaying the numerical value. It can be said that such a display of the number of remaining pitches is not displayed gradually, but intermittently displays "0".

By performing such a display, the number of balls held is displayed in the normal state by performing the same processing as in the BB state up to an intermediate stage, and skipping from a predetermined stage without performing the processing performed in the BB state. At a subsequent stage, the same processing as in the BB state can be performed from a predetermined stage. Then, processing using the same content (or a common control module) as much as possible can be performed between the normal state and the BB state, thereby facilitating program creation.
<Design and role>

Next, the symbols and roles in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 will be explained. FIG. 3(a) shows a list of symbols and roles. As mentioned above, there are 16 types of symbols, and each symbol has a number in the figure. They are numbered 1 to 16 (design numbers). In this embodiment, the types of symbols are simplified and represented by alphabets, and the types of symbols are T, W, S, and A to M.

In this embodiment, there is no limit to the possibility of obtaining symbols, and the number of obtainable identical symbols (number of sheets) is unlimited. For this reason, for example, during one game, multiple game balls may enter the same ball opening, or game balls may enter ball openings that are assigned the same symbol even if the ball openings are arranged differently. Even if the player does so, the same symbol can be obtained multiple times, and the player does not need to fire again.

The acquired symbol (obtained symbol) is displayed on the second effect display device 16 described above. FIG. 21(a) shows a display example of acquired symbols in a situation where 14 symbols have been acquired by the automatic symbol setting described above. Furthermore, FIG. 21(b) shows a display example of the acquired symbols in a situation where one symbol is added due to the ball entering and the 15th symbol is acquired. These obtained symbols are displayed in a state where they are arranged (tiles are arranged) in a line horizontally (left and right) at the top of the screen of the second performance display device 16 (the part at the back when viewed from the player). It is being carried out in

The acquired symbols are displayed in ascending order from left to right according to the hand tile number. The size of the hand tile number matches the size of the symbol number (item numbers No. 1 to 16 shown in FIG. 3(a)). However, the number of types of symbols is greater than the number of symbols obtained in one game (15 in this case), and as mentioned above, the same symbol may be obtained multiple times, so the obtained symbols are not necessarily consecutive. They are not necessarily lined up by symbol number. When displaying the acquired symbols in the order of hand tile numbers, there is no special intervening video display (action display) for the physical tiles, and the symbols are immediately arranged as they are acquired.

Note that in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b), hand tile numbers (1 to 15) are shown to facilitate understanding of the arrangement of symbols, and these hand tile numbers are actually displayed in rows. It won't happen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hand tile number may actually be displayed.

As mentioned above, it is possible to move symbols during the BB, but in this embodiment, as shown in 21(c), the cursor image 31 is added to the 15th symbol located at the right end. It is being done. This cursor image 31 is automatically added to the 15th symbol by estimating that the symbol to be placed is the symbol with the largest displayed hand tile number.

FIG. 3(b) shows a list of winning combinations. There are 15 types of winning combinations, and in the figure, each symbol has a number. Item numbers (role numbers) from 1 to 15 are attached. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the type of winning combination can be distinguished by the number of symbols T acquired. For example, the role number 1 is a role with 15 symbols T, and its name (role name) is "T x 15". Furthermore, the role number 2 is a role with 14 symbols T, and the role name is "T x 14". Similarly, the roles numbered 3 to 15 are those with 13 to 1 symbol T, and the role names are "T x 13" to "T x 1", respectively.

Furthermore, the payout for each role is 25 medals (the number of medals that can be acquired) for "Tx15" to "Tx5", and 15 medals for "Tx4". Furthermore, the payouts for "Tx3" to "Tx1" are 6, 3, and 1, respectively. The total number of dividends is 300 coins. In addition, when converting scores, "Tx15" to "Tx5" are 25 points, "Tx4" is 15 points, "Tx3" is 6 points, "Tx2" is 3 points, "T ×1" is 1 point.

Also, as shown in the diagram, the roles that may be selected as BB are "T x 15" to "T x 4", and the roles that may be selected as CB are "T x 15". ” ~ “T×3”. In other words, "Tx15" to "Tx4" are roles that may be selected as both BB and CB roles, and "Tx3" may be selected only as CB role. It has become a role. Further, in this embodiment, "Tx2" and "Tx1" are combinations in which only some of them may be selected as the CB combination.

Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the number of combinations (number of patterns) of "Tx15" to "Tx1" are "1", "15", "120", "680", "3060", "11628", "38760", "116280", "319770", "817190", "1961256", "4457400", "9657700", "20058300", "40116600", and the total number of these (total winnings) The number of combinations) is "77558760". The probability of selecting "Tx15" to "Tx1" can be calculated by performing an operation using the total number as the denominator and the number of combinations (number of patterns) as the numerator.
<Bonus role>

Next, the bonus role will be explained. The bonus combination is determined by the combination of symbols. That is, in the present embodiment, for a game in which the opening condition device and the condition succession device are not activated, a combination of symbols that will cause the opening condition device to operate and a symbol that will cause the condition continuity device to operate. A combination of these is specified. These combinations are included in the winning symbol combinations, but are defined to be different from the winning symbol combinations.

FIG. 23(a) shows the definition of symbol combinations that may be combinations of symbols that activate the open condition device or the condition continuous device. In FIG. 23(a), five types of definitions for combinations of symbols are shown, and each definition is assigned an item number (No. 1 to 5). The definition name related to the combination of these symbols is No. 1 in the diagram. As shown in order from 1: "BNS of T x 5 or more", "T x 4 BNS", "T x 3 BNS", "BNS of T x 2 and W x 3 or more", "BNS of T x 1 and W x 3 or more" It becomes. Here, the term "BNS" means a general term for bonuses including the aforementioned "BB" and "CB".

Among these, "T x 5 or more BNS" is a combination of symbols using 5 or more T (design T). "BNS of Tx5 or more" is defined to include all of the above-mentioned winning combinations "Tx5" to "Tx15", and the number of combinations thereof is "3268760".

Furthermore, "T×4BNS" is a combination of symbols using four Ts (design T). "Tx4BNS" is defined in the same way as the winning combination "Tx4" described above, and the number of combinations thereof is "4457400". Moreover, "Tx3BNS" is a combination of symbols using three T (design T). "Tx3BNS" is defined in the same way as the winning combination "Tx3" described above, and the number of combinations thereof is "9657700".

Furthermore, "Tx2 and Wx3 or more BNS" is a combination of symbols using two T (design T) and three or more W (W design). "Tx2 and Wx3 or more BNS" is defined as a combination included in the above-mentioned winning combination "Tx2", and the number of combinations is "1961256". Moreover, "BNS of Tx1 and Wx3 or more" is a combination of symbols using one T (symbol T) and three or more W (W symbols). "Tx1 and Wx3 or more BNS" is defined as a combination included in the winning combination "Tx1", and the number of combinations is "4457400".

Among these five definitions, No. 1 “T×5 or more BNS” and No. 2 “T×4BNS”. Further, all of the five definitions apply to the possibility of a combination of symbols that activates the opening condition device.

Regarding the number of combinations, the number of symbol combinations that may be selected for BB is "7726160 (= 3268760 + 4457400)" which is the sum of the number of combinations of "T x 5 or more BNS" and "T x 4 BNS". It has become. Furthermore, the number of symbol combinations that may be selected as a CB combination is "23802516 (=3268760+4457400+9657700+1961256+4457400)" which is the sum of the number of combinations according to the above five definitions. The number of winning symbol combinations is 77558760, which is the total number of combinations (total number of patterns) of the aforementioned "Tx15" to "Tx1".

From these facts, (number of winning symbol combinations)/(number of symbol combinations that may be selected as a CB combination)≈3.26 (not shown). Furthermore, (number of symbol combinations that may be selected for CB)/(number of symbol combinations that may be selected for BB)≈3.08 (not shown). Note that the types of winning combinations and the number of combinations described here are merely examples, and are not limited to these.

Subsequently, the combination of symbols that activates the opening condition device and the combination of symbols that activates the condition continuation device as described above are determined by lottery in each game, as described above. Here, in a game that starts with the condition continuation device activated (the game after the 2nd round at the time of BB mentioned above), the above combination does not exist, and no lottery is held. .

The combination of symbols that activates the opening condition device and the combination of symbols that activates the condition continuation device are determined by bonus table lottery. In this embodiment, the number of bonus tables is two, table 1 and table 2, as shown in FIGS. 23(b) and 23(c).

First, in FIG. 23(b), "a combination of symbols that will cause the opening condition device and the condition succession device to operate" means a combination of symbols that will result in BB, and "the combination of symbols that will cause the opening condition device to operate." "Combination of symbols that results in" means a combination of symbols that results in a CB role. The BB defined in Table 1 is "T x 5 or more BNS", and the CB combinations are of two types: "T x 4 BNS" and "T x 3 BNS". Furthermore, the selection rate for Table 1 is approximately 70%.

On the other hand, there are two types of BBs defined in Table 2: "Tx5 or more BNS" and "Tx4BNS", and CB roles are "Tx3BNS", "Tx2 and Wx3 There are three types: ``Tx1 and Wx3 or more BNS'', and ``Tx1 and Wx3 or more BNS''. The selection rate for Table 2 is approximately 30%.

The number of combinations (symbols) for each table is as shown in FIG. The number of combinations of symbols that cause the condition device to operate is "17383860". Then, the ratio of the two (number of symbol combinations that cause the opening condition device to operate)/(number of symbol combinations that cause the condition continuous device to operate) is approximately 5.381. ing.

Regarding table 2, the number of symbol combinations that cause the condition continuous device to operate is "7726160", and the number of symbol combinations that cause the open condition device to operate is "23802516". The ratio between the two mentioned above is "approximately 3.081".

Here, in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the condition continuation device is not activated after the opening condition device is activated. Further, after the condition continuation device is activated, another condition continuation device is not activated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the condition continuous device may be activated after the open condition device is activated, or another condition continuous device may be activated after the condition continuous device is activated.
<Score increase device>

Next, the score increasing device provided in the mahjong ball game machine 1 will be explained. The mahjong ball game machine 1 is provided with a fast passing point increasing device as a point increasing device which is a control function. This fast passing score increasing device is used in a game where the number of consecutive games (number of rounds) of the condition continuous device is 2 (2nd round game excluding the game that resulted in BB), when the number of game balls used is 0. This is a point increasing device that satisfies activation conditions when a ball passes through a special entrance opening gate (in this case, special entrance opening activation gate 12).

In other words, the above-mentioned "gaming ball that passes through the special entrance opening gate with the number of used game balls being 0" is, in other words, "the game ball that passes through the special entrance opening gate when the number of game balls used is 0" is "game ball that passes through the special entrance opening gate when the 2nd round game starts". It has meanings such as ``a game ball that is flowing down the game area 2a'' or ``a game ball that is the first shot ball that passes through the special entrance opening gate.''

In this embodiment, the score obtained by the quick passing score increasing device is 5 points. Furthermore, the timing that satisfies the operating conditions of the early passing point increasing device is when the player passes through the gate, and the quick passing point increasing device actually operates when winning a prize. Then, by passing through a gate that satisfies the activation conditions, the "Early Pass Point Increase Device Operation Status Indicator Light" will light up, and if you win while this is lit, the Fast Pass Point Increase Device will be activated. There is.

This quick pass point increase device operable state indicator light is provided in the main display device 36 mentioned above. Here, the illustration of the quick pass point increase device operable status indicator light is omitted. Further, the quick pass point increasing device operation status indicator light is designed to go out when the game ends.

By providing the function of such a quick passing point increase device, we can provide technical intervention that allows you to advance the game more advantageously depending on which ball of which round (in this case, the first ball) enters the ball. This makes it possible to realize highly enjoyable gameplay. In addition, it is possible to improve the taste of the score increasing device.

In addition, in this embodiment, the function of the score increase device is used in the 2nd round excluding the game when it becomes a BB game, but it is not limited to this, and it is used in other rounds (for example, the final round). round, etc.). Further, the function of the score increasing device may be used in a plurality of rounds (for example, two rounds in total) during the BB state. By doing so, it is possible to provide a mahjong ball game machine that has functions corresponding to so-called front and back cards in mahjong, for example. Further, the function of the score increasing device may be used in three or more rounds.
<Production at the start of the game>

Next, various effects performed on the first effect display device 10 described above will be explained. In the first performance display device 10, under the control of the sub-display control device 3000, a performance imitating the symbol display of a slot machine (FIG. 4(b)) is performed as described above. Furthermore, as a performance display performed on the first performance display device 10, a game start performance is performed at the start of one game. Then, when a game ball is fired and the fired game ball enters any of the symbol entrances, the entrance effect described later is performed, and then the symbol is stopped and displayed (in this case, it is confirmed (stop display) is performed, and the result of the winning lottery is announced.

The above-mentioned game start performance is executed in a performance pattern that has relevance and continuity to the subsequent ball entry performance in relation to the result of tile distribution by automatic symbol setting. Among these, as a performance at the start of a game, for example, a performance display in which all three reels of the slot machine are in a rotating state (fluctuation state) (shown as "Example 1 of a performance at the start of a game" in FIG. 25(a)) things) can be done.

In addition, as a performance included in the game start performance, after the three reel fluctuation states, "Game start performance example 2" in FIG. 25(b) and "Game start performance example 3" in FIG. 25(c) '', it is possible to perform an effect display in which two reels are stopped (including a temporary stop) and the remaining reel (the last reel to stop) is in a fluctuating state. The specific display contents of these "Example 2 of presentation at game start" and "Example 3 of presentation at game start" will be described later.

Furthermore, without going through the effect display in which all the reels are in a fluctuating state as in "Example 1 of effect at the start of the game" in FIG. 25(a), from the beginning of the effect, the "Example 2" and "Example 3 of the effect at the start of the game" in FIG. It is also possible to perform a performance display.

In the game start performance, a game start performance time is defined as a predetermined performance time managed by the control of the sub display control device 3000. The performance at the start of the game in the normal state varies depending on the combination of symbols laid out. On the other hand, in a game that is started with the condition continuous device activated (BB state), the performance time at the start of the game is set to a uniform value. The uniform presentation time at the start of the game in this BB state may be, for example, about 1 second, but is not limited to this.

Regarding the performance time at the start of the game in the above-mentioned normal state, for example, the following three patterns can be exemplified. The names (pattern names) related to the performance time at the start of the game for these three patterns are "Normal Start", "First Display Chance Introduction 1", and "First Display Chance Introduction 2". Furthermore, the respective time values are, for example, 2 seconds, 7 seconds, and 10 seconds in order, and the determination (selection) of these patterns is made according to the dealt tiles. . Further, the start timing of the time related to each pattern (the timing that triggers the start of time measurement) is the timing when the game start button 18 is operated.

The above-mentioned "normal start" is a performance pattern (variable pattern) for a standard normal game start performance. An example of the performance display related to this "normal start" is, for example, the performance in which all the reels continue to fluctuate as described above (FIG. 25(a)).

In addition, as an example of the effect display related to the "normal start", as illustrated in the above-mentioned "Example 2 of effect at the start of the game" shown in FIG. 25(b), two reels stop (including temporary stop), In the production display where the remaining one reel (the last reel to stop) is fluctuating, "Red 7" on the two stopped reels (here, the left and right reels of the left center right), It can be exemplified that symbols such as "White 7", "Bell", "Watermelon", and "Cherry" do not constitute a reach combination on any of the active lines L1 to L5.

Here, symbols such as "Red 7", "White 7", "Bell", "Watermelon", and "Cherry" are different from those of the player when they stop on the active line in comparison with a general slot machine. It can be said that it is a symbol that makes you expect some sort of winning (winning). Further, the above-mentioned "reach" is a presentation mode similar to the reach display in a slot machine (or a pachinko game machine, etc.).

In contrast to such a "normal start", the aforementioned "first display chance introduction 1" is carried out prior to the display of the lottery results, and it is important to note that there is a possibility that the player will be in some kind of advantageous situation. This effect is intended to indicate when the effect display will be introduced and to arouse players' expectations. In addition, the "First Display Chance Introduction 2" has a longer variable time than the "First Display Chance Introduction 1", and is an effect to arouse the players' expectations like the "First Display Chance Introduction 1".

Examples of effect displays related to these "first display chance introduction 1" and "first display chance introduction 2" include, for example, "red 7", "white 7", "bell" on any of the active lines L1 to L5. ” (for example, the one shown in FIG. 25(c) as “Example 3 of the effect at the start of the game”), and the one that displays a cut-in of a predetermined character (character, etc.) or comment. (not shown), and combinations thereof (not shown).

In addition, since "First showing chance introduction 2" is a production pattern (variable pattern) that has a relatively higher expectation of winning a winning combination than "First showing chance introduction 1", only "First showing chance introduction 2" , "Red 7" (or "White 7") reach display (not shown), cut-in display (not shown), and a combination of these (not shown) are also considered. It will be done.

Furthermore, regarding the determination of the performance time at the start of the game related to these performance patterns, although illustration is omitted, if the tiles dealt at the start of the game are 3 T symbols and 0 W symbols, If the above-mentioned 7 seconds "first display chance introduction 1" is determined as the time value pattern (performance pattern or fluctuation pattern), and if there are 4 T symbols and 0 W symbols, then the above-mentioned time value pattern is determined. A 10-second "earlier display chance introduction 2" is decided. If the tiles in hand are other than these, the above-mentioned "normal start" of 2 seconds is determined as the time value pattern.

Note that the determination of the presentation time at the start of the game is not limited to this method; for example, a plurality of bonus tables are provided, each is assigned a bonus table number, and the game is determined according to the selected bonus table number. It is also possible to determine the start performance time. Further, the effect pattern of the effect at the start of the game is not limited to the above-mentioned ``normal start'', ``earlier display chance introduction 1'', and ``earlier display chance introduction 2''.

Furthermore, as a game start effect, it is also possible to perform a reach display using the two reels that are previously stopped and displayed, as in "Game Start Effect Example 3" illustrated in FIG. 25(c). . In this "Example 3 of Game Start Effects", a ready-to-reach display for "Red 7" is performed on the horizontal middle line L2, and a ready-to-reach display for "White 7" is performed on the diagonal line L5 rising to the left. This kind of effect display is performed when there are 5 or more T symbols or 4 T symbols due to the automatic symbol setting, for example, the above-mentioned "first display chance introduction 2" (or "first display chance introduction 1") etc. It is conceivable to execute this as a performance pattern. Here, there are various presentation modes such as "normal start", "earlier display chance introduction 1", "earlier display chance introduction 2", etc. depending on the purpose, as long as it is carried out within a specified time. It is possible to adopt
<Production upon entering the ball>

Next, the above-mentioned ball entry performance and ball entry performance time will be explained. The entry-time performance is a stage performance subsequent to the above-mentioned game start performance, and includes a performance related to displaying the remaining reels stopped. For example, as shown in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), as a ball entering effect executed after the game start effect (fluctuation state of all symbols) illustrated in FIG. 25(a), The reach is displayed by the symbols on the two stopped reels. Thereafter, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, an effect display in which all the reels are stopped as shown in FIG. 26(c) (or FIG. 27(a)), for example, is performed depending on the presence or absence of a win and its content.

In the example of FIG. 26(a), the reach display (single reach display) with "red 7" is performed only on the horizontal middle line L2. Then, after displaying the reach of "Red Seven" in this way, a stop display of all reels (not shown) shall be performed based on the combination of symbols after the player's drawing (Tsumo) by entering the ball. is possible.

In the example of FIG. 26(b), similar to the game start effect shown in FIG. 25(c), a reach display of "Red 7" is performed on the horizontal middle line L2, and on the diagonal line L5 rising to the left. The reach of “White 7” is displayed. Then, if the ball enters the symbol entry port corresponding to the T symbol, as shown in FIG. 26(c), "Red 7" will stop at the middle stage of the middle reel and " A symbol combination in which three "Red 7" are aligned is displayed.

On the other hand, if the ball does not enter the symbol entry hole corresponding to the T symbol, but there is a ball enter the symbol entry hole corresponding to another symbol (non-T symbol), the case shown in FIG. 27(a) ), "White 7" stops at the middle stage of the middle reel, and a symbol combination with three "White 7"s aligned is displayed on the diagonal line L5 rising to the left.

Here, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 25(c) and 26(b), it is possible that similar effects may be performed between the game start effect and the ball entry effect. ing. In addition, it is possible that a non-reach state (no chance state) is displayed between the game start performance and ball entry performance.

Furthermore, the final stage of the performance at the start of the game is in a non-reach state, and the beginning stage of the performance at the time of entering the ball, which is connected to this, may be in a non-reach state with the same display content as the performance at the start of the game. It's becoming possible. In addition, it is possible to transition from the final stage of the performance at the start of the game to the beginning of the performance at the time of entering the ball with the same display contents.

In addition, as a presentation when entering the ball, from the beginning of the presentation, a presentation is displayed in which all three reels are stopped, and a predetermined cut-in is displayed when the remaining one reel is in a fluctuating state. It is also possible. Furthermore, in the game start performance, all three reels are in a fluctuating state from beginning to end (Figure 25(a)), and following this, even in the beginning of the game entry performance, all three reels are in a fluctuating state. It is also conceivable to perform a certain effect display.

Further, the ball entry performance is provided with a plurality of performance patterns (variable patterns) having different performance times (ball entry performance time). Regarding the performance time when entering the ball, first, when entering the ball in the game in the normal state, the period from immediately after the symbol of the 15th hand tile is displayed (Figure 21 (b)) to immediately before the role is determined. A wait (waiting period) is generated during the process. In this embodiment, this period is a period managed by the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 described above. Moreover, this period is included in (or coincides with) the period between the Tsumo symbol acquisition process (S105) and the hand determination process (S106) shown in the game flow of FIG. 22.

Note that, unlike the above-described embodiment, if the winning combination is determined without setting a wait period, unless measures such as intervening delay processing are taken, the process of displaying information related to winnings and bonuses will continue after the winning combination is determined. You will end up proceeding to . Therefore, by setting a weight before the role determination process (S106) as in the present embodiment and performing the effect at the time of ball entry during this period, it is possible to easily secure the time for the effect at the time of ball entry.

In this way, by setting a wait period and performing the effect at the time of ball entry, even if you try to speed up the game by playing the game with one ball per game, the end processing will not start from the entry of one ball. The time up to (S111 in FIG. 22) can be easily adjusted. Further, by diversifying the performance at the time of ball entry and the time of performance at the time of ball entry, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

Note that the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 is not limited to this method, and for example, it is also possible to provide a wait period as the minimum symbol display time immediately after the combination determination. In this case, the wait period can be set depending on factors such as whether or not a winning combination is established and the type of winning combination that is established. Furthermore, it is possible to set the ball entry time according to the wait period after this hand determination and perform a ball entry performance.

Further, in addition to the weighting before the winning combination determining process (S106), the weighting may be performed after (immediately after) the winning winning combination determining process (S106) in order to ensure the minimum symbol display time. Furthermore, in a game that is started with the condition continuation device in operation, this weight (the weight before the winning combination determination process (S106)) may not be performed. Further, the winning combination determination performed by the display control means (sub-control device) 3000 can be performed based on information regarding whether or not a winning combination is established and the type of winning combination transmitted from the main control device 1000.

For example, the following three patterns can be exemplified regarding the performance time at the time of normal ball entry. The pattern names related to the performance time at the start of the game for these three patterns are "Normal stop", "BB tilt stop", and "First display chance stop", and the respective time values are, for example, 3 seconds, 7 seconds, etc. seconds, 1 second.

Of these, the "normal stop" is a performance that does not aim to arouse the player's expectations for winning a winning combination (a performance without any special performance). In addition, this "normal stop" is now selected not only when the automatic symbol setting does not hit any of the symbols, but also when it hits any of the symbols. There is. It is conceivable to perform the above-mentioned display of the non-reach state, etc. for this "normal stop" pattern.

In addition, the "BB" in "BB tilt stop" means a big bonus, and this "BB tilt stop" is the same as "first display chance introduction 1" and "first display chance introduction 2" in the above-mentioned game start effect. If it is not selected (if there is no previous display) and the symbol by automatic symbol setting (entering symbol) becomes a hand tile in various manners as described below, a BB is established. The content is such that it stirs up expectations. Such an effect can be called, for example, "BIG Kamo Aori".

Furthermore, "first display chance stop" is when "first display chance introduction 1" or "first display chance introduction 2" is selected in the above-mentioned start effect (when there is a first display chance), and when it is automatically The content is such that when the design (incoming ball design) based on the design setting becomes a hand tile as described later, it will arouse the expectation that it will hit some kind of role.

The determination (selection) of the pattern related to the production time when the ball enters like these is based on the hand tiles (14 automatically set symbols) immediately before the pick (just before the ball enters) and the 15th tile obtained by entering the ball. The ball is played according to the symbol (entering symbol).

FIG. 24 shows a pattern (time value pattern) related to the performance time when the ball enters, based on a combination of the hand tiles immediately before the ball enters and the ball entry symbols. For example, if the tiles in your hand just before the ball enters, as shown in No. 1, there are 3 T symbols and 0 W symbols, and the entering ball symbol is the T symbol (No. 1). When the number of T symbols becomes 4 due to the ball), the above-mentioned 1 second "first display chance stop" is determined as the time value pattern (effect pattern or variation pattern). Furthermore, as shown in item number 2 (No. 2), if the tiles in the hand immediately before the ball enters the ball have 3 T symbols and 0 W symbols, and the entering ball symbol is other than the T symbol, Similarly, "earlier display chance stop" is determined as the time value pattern.

Also, the tile in hand just before entering the ball is No. As shown in 3, if there are 3 T symbols and 1 or more W symbols, and the entering symbol is a T symbol (when the number of T symbols becomes 4 due to entering the ball), the time The above-mentioned 7 second "BB tilt stop" is determined as the value pattern. Furthermore, the tile in hand just before entering the ball is No. As shown in 4, if there are three T symbols and one or more W symbols, and the entering symbol is other than the T symbol, the time value pattern is the 3 second "normal stop" mentioned above. is determined.

Also, the tile in hand just before entering the ball is No. As shown in 5, if there are 4 T symbols and 0 W symbols, and the entering ball symbol is a T symbol (when the number of T symbols becomes 5 due to the ball entering), the time value The above-mentioned 1 second "earlier display chance stop" is determined as the pattern. Furthermore, the tile in hand just before entering the ball is No. As shown in 6, even if there are 4 T symbols and 0 W symbols, and the entering symbol is other than the T symbol, "first display chance stop" is similarly determined as the time value pattern. Ru.

Also, the tile in hand just before entering the ball is No. As shown in 7, if there are 4 T symbols and 1 or more W symbols, and the entering ball symbol is the T symbol (when the number of T symbols becomes 5 due to the ball entering), the time The above-mentioned "normal stop" of 3 seconds is determined as the value pattern. Furthermore, the tile in hand just before entering the ball is No. As shown in 8, if there are 4 T symbols and 1 or more W symbols, and the entering symbol is other than the T symbol, the above-mentioned 7 second "BB tilt stop" is applied as a time value pattern. ” is determined. And No. As shown in 9, in all cases other than these (including the case where the number of tiles in hand immediately before the ball is 5), the above-mentioned "normal stop" of 3 seconds is determined.

In addition, the production at the time of ball entry in the normal state includes the symbols obtained by automatic symbol setting, the symbols assigned to the symbol entry hole, the symbols obtained by entering the ball, the types of roles that can be won, Various performances can be performed depending on the interaction with the type of winning role.

For example, Figure 3(b) shows an example of role names and their respective payouts, but the symbols obtained by automatic symbol setting are relatively small, such as "T x 3" to "T x 1". If the situation is such that there is only a chance of winning the winning combination, then when displaying the reach, for example, "Red 7" or "White 7" would not be displayed, but only a predetermined limited symbol ("Bell") would be displayed. ”, etc.).

Further, for example, in a situation where the number of tiles in hand is "Tx4" due to automatic symbol setting, reach on a plurality of effective lines (double reach, triple reach, etc.) is established for presentation purposes. Furthermore, on one active line, a reach with "Red 7" is achieved, and on other lines, a reach with "White 7" or "Bell" is achieved. In this situation, if the ball enters the symbol entry hole of the T symbol and becomes "T x 5", "Red 7" will be placed on the active line where the reach of "Red 7" is established. ” symbol is stopped, but if no ball enters the symbol entry hole of the T symbol, a production control is performed to align “white 7” or “bell” as a production related to “T×4”. , etc. can also be considered.

In this way, by performing a presentation at the time of ball entry that corresponds to the value of the winning combination (in this case, the payout), players are encouraged to imagine and expect ``what symbol will the player stop at?'' It becomes possible to perform exciting performances and games. Here, various production modes such as "normal stop", "BB tilt stop", "first display chance stop", etc. can be adopted depending on the purpose, as long as they are performed within a specified time. It is.
<Various control modes related to game start performance and ball entry performance>

Next, various conceivable control modes regarding the game start performance and ball entry performance will be explained in more detail. First of all, examples 1 to 4 of effects when entering the ball are shown in FIGS. 26(a) to (c) and FIG. 27(a), but regarding the example of effects when entering the ball, the following is a series of configurations connected from the effect when starting the game. It is conceivable to do something like this.

For example, at the start of the game, if 5 or more T symbols are set by automatic symbol setting, or if 4 T symbols are set (4 T symbols will result in a BB state and the above-mentioned table 2 will be used. In case), even if the ball enters the symbol entry hole corresponding to the T symbol or the ball enters the symbol entry hole corresponding to a symbol other than the T symbol, the result will be BB. Therefore, as an effect at the start of the game, as shown in FIG. 25(c), a reach state effect is displayed using "Red 7" and "White 7" on two effective lines (L2 and L5 in this case). conduct. Then, as for the subsequent effect when the ball enters, if the ball enters the symbol entry hole corresponding to the T symbol, as illustrated in FIG. If you stop "Red 7" and line it up, and enter the symbol entry hole corresponding to a symbol other than the T symbol, the ball will be thrown diagonally as shown in Figure 27(a) (example 4 of effect when entering the ball). Align "White 7".

In addition, the following can be exemplified as a series of production compositions other than this. For example, if there are 4 T symbols due to automatic symbol setting but they do not hit the BB (if the condition continuous device does not operate with 4 T symbols), or if there are 3 T symbols and they do not hit the BB due to automatic symbol setting. (The case where the conditional continuation device operates with T4 sheets) is considered. Then, as the effect at the start of the game, as shown in FIG. Here, the reach state of "Watermelon" is displayed on the diagonal line L4) rising to the right. As for the effect at the time of ball entry, when the ball enters the symbol entry hole corresponding to the T symbol, "Red 7" is aligned in the figure as shown in FIG. 28(b) (the entry following the above (a) Ball time production example 1) If the ball enters the ball entry hole with a symbol other than the T symbol, the "watermelon" will be aligned diagonally as shown in Figure 28(c) (Ball entry production example 2 following (a) above) ).

The series of performances illustrated in FIGS. 28(a) to 28(c) can be said to be based on a game in which the T symbols are arranged in the middle row and the symbols other than T are arranged diagonally. Due to such game characteristics, when a multiple reach effect at the start of the game as illustrated in FIG. It is possible to suggest before the ball enters that the ball will become a BB if it enters the entry port, and that it will become a non-BB if the ball enters the entry port with a pattern corresponding to any other symbol, thereby creating anticipation for the ball in advance. It becomes possible. Precisely because the above-mentioned premise is formed, the situation that constitutes the double reach of "Red 7" and "White 7" as illustrated in FIG. Even if the ball lands on any symbol, a symbol or a non-T symbol, it will result in a BB (BB is confirmed), resulting in a so-called extremely hot situation. Furthermore, as shown in the effect display in FIG. 26(b) (example 2 of effect upon entering the ball) and the effect display in FIG. 28(b) (example 1 of effect upon entering the ball following (a) above), the expectation of the BB is By making a suggestion only in a certain game (in this case, a suggestion by displaying a combination of reach), before entering the ball, it is possible to determine whether the ball enters the symbol entry hole corresponding to a T symbol or a non-T symbol. This will further increase expectations.

In addition, as a series of other productions, for example, even if the BB has been determined after automatic symbol setting, in the production at the start of the game, it will be in a non-reach state (no chance state). It is conceivable to perform a presentation display and line up "red 7" or the like in the presentation when the ball enters the ball. In this case, from a non-reach state, it is possible to perform a reach state effect, for example, in the ball entry performance, and then arrange "red 7" or the like. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange "Red 7" etc. from a non-reach state without going through the reach state effect. In addition, various announcements are made from the non-reach state to arrange "Red 7", etc., and an announcement that the effect display of "Red 7", etc., will be in one of the advantageous gaming states for the player. It is also conceivable to make it have a meaning of suggestion.

In addition, automatic symbol setting allows you to select a symbol that corresponds to a predetermined symbol (T, W, or S in this case) from a situation where many relatively advantageous symbols are available (such as a situation where "T x 4" is available). When a game ball enters the ball entrance, a production pattern with a relatively short performance time is selected, while when the game ball does not enter the symbol entrance opening corresponding to the above-described predetermined symbol. It is also conceivable to select a performance pattern with a relatively long performance time when the ball enters the ball.

In addition, in this embodiment, for example, No. 1 in FIG. 1 and no. 6, when the ball enters the symbol entry hole corresponding to the T symbol (No. 1) in a situation where the automatic symbol setting is "T x 3", and when the automatic symbol setting is "T x 4" and the ball does not enter the symbol entry hole corresponding to the T symbol (No. 6), the same time value pattern (previous display chance stop) is established. There is. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the patterns of selected time values may be different in similar situations (such as situations No. 1 and No. 6).

Further, in a predetermined case (special case), it is possible to perform a predetermined special performance. A predetermined case (special case) may be, for example, a case where symbols A to M are aligned due to automatic symbol setting in the normal state. Another example is a case where the symbols A to M are aligned by drawing in the normal state. Examples of the predetermined special effects here include the display of a predetermined moving image, the appearance of a predetermined character, the predetermined cut-in display, and the output of a predetermined song.

Further, for example, when automatic symbol setting is performed in the normal state, it is possible to perform additional notification regarding the obtained result in the first effect display device 10. This additional notification is such that information regarding the hand tile display (FIG. 21(a)) displayed on the second performance display device 16 is additionally transmitted not on the second performance display device 16 but on the first performance display device 10. This is to inform you. The additional notification may be, for example, a text display (which may be accompanied by a predetermined video) such as "There are 5 T symbols!" as shown in FIG. 27(b). I can do it. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, other examples of displays such as ``There are four T symbols!'', ``There are four or more T symbols!'', and ``Winning combination completed!'' are also possible.

In addition, it is not limited to those that specifically indicate numerical values such as "There are 4 T symbols!" or "There are 4 or more T symbols!" as described above. As shown, it is also conceivable that the status of the tiles in hand be vaguely reported to some extent by an additional notification with relatively low specificity such as "CHANCE!".

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above (FIG. 21(c)), as the notification mode of the hand tiles at the time of automatic symbol setting, the symbols that form a winning combination (here, the T symbol), the W symbol, the S A mode is adopted in which the symbols are rearranged to the left to make them easier to see. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible, for example, to arrange the tiles in an irregular manner so that it is difficult for the player to immediately recognize the presence and number of T symbols. In this case, the arrangement of the tiles in hand may include arranging the symbols in the order in which they were acquired without using the tiles during automatic design setting (arranging them in the order in which they were acquired), or a sorting process that randomizes the arrangement after acquisition. It is possible to do this.

Here, by displaying a hand tile different from the automatically set symbol (fake display), it is possible to more reliably make it difficult for the player to recognize the number of T symbols that are advantageous to the player. However, it is considered desirable to prioritize ensuring the reliability of notifications and to arrange the acquisition order as described above or rearrange for randomization without performing fake display. It is also conceivable that the hand tiles acquired by automatic symbol setting in the normal state are not displayed.

Furthermore, in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the hand tiles are displayed on the second effect display device 16 instead of the first effect display device 10 arranged in the game area 2a (FIG. 21(a) ) ~ (c)). This second effect display device 16 is arranged on the operation panel 3 located at the player's hand (FIG. 1). Therefore, by performing various effects on the first effect display device 10, it is possible to urge players to pay attention to the gaming area 2a.

Furthermore, as described above, the positional relationship between the first effect display device 10 and the second effect display device 16 is such that when the player is viewing the second effect display device 16, the first effect display device 10 is the same. Since the second effect display device 16 does not fit within the same field of view when the first effect display device 10 is being viewed, various effects can be displayed on the first effect display device 10. By doing so, the player's line of sight can be diverted from the second effect display device 16 as much as possible.

Then, it becomes possible to make it difficult for the player's attention to focus on the contents of the tiles in hand, and it is possible to perform a function similar to that of hiding (or erasing) the display of the tiles in hand. This also makes it possible to provide a new game experience to the conventional mahjong ball game machine.

In addition, since various performances are performed on the first performance display device 10, the hand tiles are not displayed on the second performance display device 16, and the combination of lighting and blinking patterns of LEDs is displayed on the main display device 36. It is also conceivable that the hand tiles are only displayed in a manner that is difficult for the player to understand.

In addition, since there are cases where a relatively long time is determined as the production time when the ball enters, such as 7 seconds for "BB swing stop", it is possible to use this time to perform highly interesting productions. It is possible. For example, it is possible to use the ball entry performance time to create a performance that relates the game nature generally employed in slot machines to the player's firing operation.

An example of a game feature commonly used in slot machines is a stop operation mode (so-called "bita push") in which winnings cannot be won unless the stop button is pressed at the correct timing to ensure no lag. I can do it. Then, by associating this "Vita push" with the player's firing operation, in the situation of "T x 4" or "T x 3", the words "Vita push challenge" etc. are displayed on the first effect display device 10. It is possible to think of an effect in which a display is displayed to encourage accurate firing aiming at adding a T symbol to obtain 25 game medals. By performing such a performance when entering a ball, the technical intervention in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 can be improved.

Furthermore, in a situation where the combination "T x 4" has been established by automatic symbol setting, if the player hits right and fires the game ball aiming at the triple ball opening 14, the above-mentioned situation will occur. The ball can enter the symbol entry hole 14c to which the T symbol is assigned at a rate of approximately 1/4. For this reason, for example, the first effect display device 10 displays a display that recommends the player to play right-handed (recommended firing position display for right-handed player), and the hand of "T x 5" is displayed at a rate of 1/4. It is also possible to provide a game feature in which the game is realized. In this case, the recommendation for right-handed hitting can be made by voice alone or by both voice and display.
<Actions and effects of the invention according to the first embodiment>
<<Actions and effects of inventions related to basic game play>>

According to the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 described above, the winning combination is made up of 15 symbols, which is a predetermined number (14 in this case) of symbols that are automatically dealt (automatic symbol setting) and 1 symbol from one drawing (tsumo). Judgment is being made. In other words, in the conventional mahjong ball gaming machine, the number of tiles in the hand is "14", and the winning combination is usually determined using 14 symbols. In addition, in the ``Regulations for Certification and Type Testing of Gaming Machines'' related to the ``Act on Regulation of Entertainment Businesses, etc. and Appropriate Business Operations, etc.,'' ”, as a standard regarding the performance of automatic symbol setting devices, it is stipulated that the number of symbols shall be “14” and the symbol setting shall be done at random (Appended Table 7 (1) D). b), (b)).

On the other hand, in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the automatic symbol setting (automatic tile distribution) with 14 symbols is performed as before, and the number of symbols is changed (in this case, one symbol is added) before the hand determination. I'm trying to make progress. Therefore, while satisfying the requirements for automatic symbol setting and release condition devices stipulated in the rules, it is possible to realize new game characteristics with a number of symbols greater than the number of automatically dealt symbols in the normal state. .

Furthermore, according to the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, automatic symbol setting (automatic tile distribution) is performed with the start of one game, and in a predetermined gaming state such as a normal state, the use of one ball The game ends automatically.

In other words, in conventional mahjong ball gaming machines, the game is usually aimed at achieving a winning combination by repeating discarded tiles (stays) and picks within the range of a plurality of balls held. The amount of time that a player spends on operating the cards and cards is not uniform, and the time required for one game may be irregularly prolonged depending on the player's operations on the cards and cards.

In addition, in conventional mahjong ball gaming machines, when a player has a plurality of balls (for example, four balls) and a winning hand is established in a game started in the normal state and the opening condition device is activated, the player remains in possession of the remaining balls in the game. The players used the balls they had to perform a tsmo that progressed with decision-making to obtain the desired pattern. Further, when the score increase device is activated, the remaining balls of the game are used to power up (increase the score) the winning combination (roll) that has been established.

Furthermore, in the conventional mahjong ball game machine, a jackpot (BB) cannot be achieved unless the opening condition device is activated. For example, in "(1) to (a)" in the above-mentioned "Appended Table 7", it states that as a standard related to condition continuous devices, "the number of combinations of symbols that will cause the condition continuous device to operate is limited to the number of symbol combinations that will cause the condition continuous device to The number of symbol combinations that will be activated shall not exceed one-third.''

In other words, the operating conditions of the condition continuous device are defined using the operating conditions of the open condition device, and in order to satisfy this relationship and operate the condition continuous device appropriately, it is necessary to set the open condition in the normal state. The equipment also needs to be operated appropriately so that it stays within the 3x range. Further, in the conventional mahjong ball game machine, when the opening condition device is activated, the player must perform an operation (tsmo) to end the game.

On the other hand, in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in a predetermined gaming state such as a normal state, the player has only one ball in one game, and one game consists of firing one ball. The game ends automatically and immediately when the ball enters (one pick). For this reason, the time required for one game can be minimized, the game can be played quickly with a sense of speed, and it is also possible to quickly move on to subsequent games.

Furthermore, according to the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the normal state, the game ends with one ball, so even if a combination of symbols that activates the release condition device is established during the game, , you run out of balls. For this reason, the game can be finished and the opening condition device can be brought into a non-operating state without allowing game balls to pass through the special entrance gate operating gate 12. Further, even though the function of the opening condition device is installed, the accessory (here, the special ball entrance 11) can be made practically unusable (unable to be opened) in the normal state. By doing so, it is possible to realize a new game experience while satisfying the above-mentioned regulations.

In addition, in the normal state, it is also possible to open the accessory (here, the special ball entry port 11) by some method such as holding a plurality of balls, etc., in conjunction with the operation of the opening condition device. However, by releasing the accessory, the score in the normal state (converted to the number of medals paid out) tends to increase. Furthermore, the operation of the opening condition device must be completed in the game in question and cannot be carried over to the next game.

As mentioned above, in order to keep the gambling quality of the mahjong ball game machine at an appropriate level while allowing the accessories to be released in the normal state, it is necessary to consider the overall balance and to release the accessories during the jackpot game (here, in the BB state). It is necessary to suppress the ball. Therefore, in order to realize a game in which more points can be obtained during the jackpot game, it is desirable to prevent the accessories from being released during the normal state, as in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of this embodiment.

Further, in the conventional mahjong ball gaming machine, if a winning combination has been established through automatic tile dealing, it is possible to end the game before playing the game. However, in the mahjong ball game machine 1 of this embodiment, the game cannot be ended unless all 15 symbols are aligned using the balls held, and this point also differs from the conventional mahjong ball game machine. Realizes gameplay.

The mahjong ball game machine 1 of this embodiment can also be explained as follows. For example, it can be said that in the mahjong ball game machine 1, the winning combination is not determined immediately after automatic symbol setting (automatic tile placement), but the winning combination is determined after the symbol is obtained by operating the Tsumo. For control purposes, the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 performs the hand determination process after the automatic symbol setting and after the acquisition of the symbols by the Tsumo, thereby adding more symbols to the automatically arranged symbols. It can be said that it is possible to perform hand determination by adding . Furthermore, it can be said that the mahjong ball game machine 1 has one ball in the normal state, but the number of balls in possession changes and is no longer one ball in the BB state.

In addition, since the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment repeats the game start (BET) and one firing operation for each game in the normal state, the bet setting (BET) is performed for each game. It can be said that the game has a gameplay similar to that of a slot machine, where you repeatedly operate the start lever. As a result, the function of the opening condition device in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 can be made similar to the single bonus (SB) in a general slot machine.

The mahjong ball game machine 1 of this embodiment functions to make the game performance of the mahjong ball game machine similar to a slot machine in the normal state, and functions to realize the game performance of the mahjong ball game machine in the BB state. It can be said that it is equipped with control means (various control means) to

In addition, according to the mahjong ball game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the hand determination is performed using 15 symbols, which is more than the standard number "14" related to automatic symbol setting (automatic tile distribution), and the number of balls held is minimized ( 1 ball), opening of the special ball entry port 11 can be more reliably suppressed.

In other words, if the winning combination is determined using 14 symbols, the winning combination will be determined with the ball remaining. If the release condition device is activated, a situation arises in which the game cannot be ended unless the ball is used. In this case, it is not certain that the game ends before the game ball passes through the special entrance ball gate 12, and the function of suppressing the opening of the special entrance ball opening 11 becomes incomplete.

However, as in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, by determining the winning combination using symbols that are one symbol larger than the number of tiles that are automatically dealt while holding one ball, the special entrance 11 The opening suppression function can be perfected.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and for example, a role determination is performed using 14 symbols in a situation where tiles are automatically dealt (automatic symbol setting), and a role determination is also performed in a situation where 15 symbols are aligned using the ball being held. , etc. is also possible. In this way, a type of game in which judgments using 14 symbols and judgments using 15 symbols are used together in one game can be said to be, for example, a hybrid game.

When the hand judgment is hybridized in this way, if the combination of symbols that activates the release condition device is established at the tile distribution timing (in a situation where 14 symbols are automatically distributed), the ball holding There is a possibility that one of the balls passes through the special ball entry gate 12 and directly enters the opened special ball entry port 11. However, at the timing after firing one of the balls (in a situation where the 15th symbol is acquired), there will be no balls left, so as in the above-mentioned mahjong ball game machine 1, the game ball will be sent to the special ball opening activation gate. 12 or entering the special ball entrance 11.

It is also possible to prevent the ball from entering the accessory (special ball entrance 11) by utilizing the board structure (board configuration). For example, in order to prevent the accessory (special ball entry port 11) from opening during the normal state, the arrangement of the symbol ball entry ports 13a to 13y may be changed to the position where the game ball is launched (recommended launch position) during the normal state. In a game, it is conceivable that the arrangement is such that it is difficult to establish a combination of symbols that will activate the opening condition device. In order to do this, as described above (Fig. 2), the recommended firing position in the normal state is the left side of the game area 2a (left-handed hitting is recommended), and the left side of the game area 2a is the same as the right side. In comparison, an example of arranging fewer T symbols and W symbols (FIG. 23(a)) related to the operation of the opening condition device can be exemplified.

In addition, as a different aspect from the above-described board structure, for example, among the 25 symbol entrance holes 13a to 13y in the game area 2a, the symbol entrance holes (13a to 13l) are arranged in the left area when viewed from the front. If the ball enters one of the symbol entrances (such as 13n to 13y), the symbol combination that activates the opening condition device is likely to be established. Now, the relationship between the symbol combination of the Agari hand (upward hand) and the symbol entry ports 13a to 13y is determined so that the symbol combination that activates the opening condition device is difficult to be established.

On the other hand, regarding the symbol combination that activates the conditional continuation device, it is difficult to establish the symbol combination for the conditional continuation device to operate at the symbol entrances (13a to 13l, etc.) located on the left side of the gaming area 2a. However, the symbol entry holes (13n to 13y, etc.) located on the right side are designed to facilitate the establishment of symbol combinations for operating the conditional succession device. In this way, it is possible to suppress the entry of balls into the special ball entry hole 11 by separating the gaming areas for the operation of the open condition device and the condition continuous device by the arrangement of the symbol ball entry holes 13a to 13y. be.

In other words, the game play that adopts this kind of board structure is fundamentally different because, for example, with symbols where the opening condition device placed on the left side of the board is easy to activate, the symbol combination of the condition continuous activation device is difficult to establish. It can be said that the player is forced to aim for the right side of the board.

In addition, on the left side of the gaming area 2a, a special ball entrance 11 and a gate for opening the special ball entrance 11 (in this case, the special entrance ball activation gate 12) are arranged, and the recommended firing position in the normal state ( By setting the recommended firing range to right-handed firing, it is also possible to effectively suppress the operation of the open condition device.

However, when suppressing the opening due to the relationship between the arrangement of the special entry gate operating gate 12 (and the special entry gate 11) and the recommended firing position, the ball is fired without following the recommended firing position (here, left-handed shot). When this occurs, it becomes difficult to avoid the ball entering the special ball entrance 11. Therefore, when suppressing the opening of the special ball entrance 11 by using the board structure (board configuration), it is better to separate the gaming areas for the operation of the opening condition device and the condition continuous device as described above. It is considered easy.
<<Operations and effects of the invention related to presentation display>>

Further, according to the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, in the normal state, a game start effect related to the start of each game is performed, and this game start effect includes a plurality of patterns at different times. is provided. Therefore, it is possible to perform various effects at the start of the game depending on the game situation such as the situation of the tiles in hand through automatic symbol setting. Furthermore, since the performance at the start of the game can be diversified, it becomes easy to perform the performance at the start of the game with content that smoothly connects to the performance at the time of entering the ball that will be executed thereafter.

Furthermore, according to the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, an effect upon entering the ball is performed when the ball enters the symbol ball entry ports 13a to 13y. Further, the time for the performance at the time of ball entry (performance time) can be changed depending on the combination of the tiles in hand immediately before ball entry and the ball entry symbol. Therefore, the performance time can be varied depending on the dealt tiles and the tiles in hand, and it is possible to perform a promotion performance or the like according to the game situation.

In other words, in the conventional mahjong ball game machine, even in the normal state, the game of Ste and Tsumo after obtaining the symbols played a relatively large part of the interest. For this reason, the symbols obtained by entering the ball are displayed immediately, and a relatively large amount of time is consumed in subsequent operations by the player. On the other hand, in the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the time from when the ball enters to when the obtained symbol is displayed is expanded, and this time is used to perform the performance when the ball enters. Therefore, even if the game is ended quickly with only one ball in hand as described above, the interest of the game can be supplemented by the presentation at the time of ball entry from the ball entry to the symbol display.

In addition, in the mahjong ball game machine 1 of this embodiment, in the normal state, the game is played with one ball per game in order to speed up the game, but some measures must be taken. For example, it is conceivable that when one ball enters, the game will shift to the end process (S111 in FIG. 22) for immediate payout etc. after a certain period of time, making the game monotonous.

However, as described above, by adding the idea of the effect at the time of entering the ball and the effect time at the time of entering the ball and performing the effect, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and to improve the interest. Furthermore, by providing multiple types of presentation times when entering the ball and varying the presentation time when entering the ball depending on the playing situation, such as the number of tiles in hand during automatic symbol setting, even more diverse and interesting presentations can be made. becomes possible.

Furthermore, the game performance of the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 in the normal state is such that when a ball enters, it is determined whether or not a winning combination has been formed, and it is easy for the player to grasp whether a winning combination has been formed (so-called easy to find out). It can also be considered that However, since the first effect display device 10 is installed in a position that does not fit within the same field of view as the second effect display device 16, it is possible to perform various effects when the ball enters the ball in terms of display content and presentation time. , the hand tile display on the second performance display device 16 is difficult to visually recognize, so that it is difficult to find out first.

Furthermore, according to the mahjong ball game machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game progress notification performance is performed using a display image different from the automatically dealt symbols and the symbols added by the balls held. For this reason, unlike conventional mahjong ball game machines, there is no restriction such as the design of the mahjong tiles. Furthermore, even for players who do not know the rules of mahjong, it is possible to perform an easy-to-understand performance with a high degree of freedom. Furthermore, regardless of the display of hand tiles or winning hands, it is possible to suggest the degree of expectation for the winning combination in the game by a presentation that does not use mahjong tiles.

In addition, as in this embodiment, by using the symbol display on the reels of a slot machine as a motif and performing a game progress notification effect by displaying on a plurality of active lines L1 to L5, winning combinations can be displayed on any of the active lines. It is possible to make a presentation as to what kind of winning combination will be displayed, and a presentation as to what kind of winning combination will be displayed.

Furthermore, by displaying the reach on the active line, you can change the BB role by the type of pseudo reel symbols such as "Red 7", "White 7", etc., without having to display a direct effect such as "BIG?". It is possible to perform game progress notification effects that suggest the presence or absence of a win and the type of BB combination. And, from these things, it becomes possible to perform game progress notification performances that are rich in interest and diversity.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described so far, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, game medals are inserted as game media, and when a winning combination is achieved, the game medals are paid out as game media. It is also possible to use a mahjong ball game machine. Additionally, other embodiments are possible, and are discussed below.

It is also conceivable that the first performance display device 10 performs the above-described fake display (display of a hand tile different from the automatically set design) regarding the hand tile design. Furthermore, the three consecutive ball openings 14 may be arranged in the center of the gaming area 2a instead of on the right side. In this case, a transparent resin is adopted as the material of the triple ball opening 14, so that the image of the first effect display device 10 can be visually recognized through the transparent portion (or the entirety) of the triple ball opening 14. is possible.
<Second embodiment (embodiment for ensuring the use of the ball entry port related to the open condition device)>

Next, various embodiments different from the first embodiment described above will be described. Note that among the equipment and control processing according to the first embodiment described above, items that do not particularly hinder application to other embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

First, as a mahjong ball game machine according to the second embodiment, it is possible to consider one in which the ball entrance (here, the special ball entrance 11) related to the operation of the opening condition device can be used more reliably. The reason for considering such a mahjong ball game machine is as follows.

In other words, in the mahjong ball game machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, the number of balls held by the player in one game in the normal state is only one ball, and one game consists of one ball being fired and one ball entering. It is designed to end automatically and immediately (with one pick). In the mahjong ball gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, the time required for one game can be minimized, the game can be played quickly with a sense of speed, and the transition to subsequent games can be quickly performed. It is now possible to do so.

However, in the mahjong ball game machine 1 of the first embodiment, even if a combination of symbols that activates the release condition device is established during one game in the normal state, the ball has already run out, and at that time During the game (the game), the game ball cannot be passed through the special ball entry gate operating gate 12 and the special ball entry port 11 cannot be opened.

Therefore, even if a combination of symbols that activates the opening condition device is established, there is no possibility that the special ball opening 11 will be opened in the game. If we focus on the game in which the opening condition device starts operating (the game), we can say that the mahjong ball game machine of the first embodiment is the same as the one without the special ball entrance 11. It cannot be said that it is impossible for it to be interpreted by three parties. Depending on the situation, the significance of the existence of the special ball entrance 11 may become ambiguous, and this is not a good thing in terms of objectively clarifying the performance and characteristics of the mahjong ball game machine. .

Based on this idea, the inventors have created a game that allows quick play with as few balls as possible, at least in normal conditions, and that does not make the performance and characteristics of the mahjong ball game machine unclear. investigated. As shown in FIG. 29, a plurality of (four types in this case) game features were created.

In the following, the mahjong ball gaming machines having each game feature shown in FIG. , 2nd Embodiment 2, 2nd Embodiment 3, and 2nd Embodiment 4 will be referred to as mahjong ball gaming machines. Furthermore, unless there is a particular problem, the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be applied, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

First, the game features created by the inventors can be divided into two groups depending on the manner in which game balls are launched. One of these groups is a game ball that is fired every game (including second embodiments 1 and 2), and the other group is a game ball that may not be fired depending on the situation. (including second embodiments 3 and 4).

Further, FIG. 29 shows the features of the second embodiments 1 to 4 divided into the following items: "system type", "hand determination timing", and "number of balls fired per game". Among these items, "system type" means the number of balls held in one game and the presence or absence of discarded tiles (steed) in the normal state. Here, the number of balls held is the number of balls held in one game in a normal state, and if, for example, the player does not win any role, it is possible to appropriately increase the number of balls held to create an appropriate game experience.

Also, the "Role Judgment Timing" means whether the hand judgment is performed when the number of symbols dealt (distributed) is 14 or when the number of tiles is 15. Or, it means whether either case is possible. Furthermore, "number of balls fired in one game" means the number of game balls that can be fired during one game in a normal state.
<<Second Embodiment 1>>

Each of the second embodiments 1 to 4 will be described below. First, regarding the second embodiment 1, as shown in the top row of FIG. 29, the "system type" is "1 ball/no stem". That is, in the second embodiment 1, the number of balls held in one game in the normal state is one ball, and no tiles are discarded.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the "rotation determination timing" can be set either when the number of symbols dealt is 14 or 15. Furthermore, the "number of balls fired per game" is such that the number of game balls that can be fired during one game in the normal state is always one ball (always during the normal state).

FIG. 30(a) schematically shows the gameplay according to the second embodiment 1 from left to right. In the second embodiment 1, in the normal state, 14 symbols are automatically dealt at the start of the game (BET) (S201). Then, a hand determination (S202) is performed using the automatically dealt 14 symbols, and then a game ball is fired (S203). Then, the ball enters one of the entrance holes (S204), the acquired symbols are added, and the number of symbols in the hand becomes 15, and the winning combination is determined using these 15 symbols (S205). It will be done. Thereafter, a performance etc. is performed according to the result of the hand determination (S205), and the game ends (S206).

According to the second embodiment 1, when it is determined that a chance combination (including a single bonus (SB)) is established in the first combination determination (S202) and the opening condition device starts operating, there is still no player This can create a situation where the ball is not being used. In such a situation, it is possible to launch the game ball (S203) and enter the ball (S204).

For this reason, after a chance hand (hereinafter referred to as "SB" which is a single bonus) is established, the game ball is passed through the special entry ball opening operating gate 12 and the special entry ball opening 11 is opened. can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the possibility of using the ball entrance (here, the special ball entrance 11) related to the operation of the release condition device during the game after the hand determination (here, after S202). Then, it is possible to prevent the significance of the existence of the ball entry hole related to the operation of the opening condition device from becoming ambiguous, and it becomes possible to objectively clarify the performance of the mahjong ball game machine.

As mentioned above, although the possibility of using the ball entry port related to the operation of the open condition device (here special ball entry port 11) is ensured, the ball entry port related to the operation of the release condition device (here special ball entry port It is also possible that there is no particular advantage due to the ball entering the ball entrance 11) (winning). Examples of "no particular advantage" here include, for example, not allowing the player to obtain advantageous symbols (not allowing the player to easily obtain points), etc.

If the ball entry advantage is not given in this way, the entry hole (in this case, special It can be said that there is no need to perform a special performance to encourage the ball to enter the ball entrance 11). As a result, at least the contents of the presentation can be simplified, and the developer's burden can be allocated to the development of other presentations.
<<Second Embodiment 2>>

Next, a second embodiment will be described. Regarding this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29 described above, the "system type" is "1 ball/with stay". That is, in the second embodiment, the number of balls held in one game in the normal state is one ball, and discarding of tiles (Ste) can be performed.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the "rotation determination timing" is only when the number of symbols dealt is 14. Furthermore, the "number of balls fired per game" is such that the number of game balls that can be fired during one game in the normal state is always one ball (always during the normal state).

FIG. 30(b) schematically shows the gameplay according to the second embodiment from left to right. In the second embodiment, in the normal state, 14 symbols are automatically dealt with the start of the game (BET) (S211). Then, a hand determination (S212) is performed using the automatically dealt 14 symbols, and the player further performs a step (S217), which is a discard tile operation. The number of symbols (held tiles) here is reduced by one to 13.

Furthermore, a game ball is fired (S213), and the ball enters one of the ball entrances (S214), and the number of symbols in the hand becomes 14, including the one symbol obtained. A winning combination (S215) is performed using the 14 symbols. Thereafter, an effect or the like is performed according to the result of the hand determination (S215), and the game ends (S216).

According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, it is determined in the first combination determination (S212) that a chance combination (including a single bonus (SB)) is established, and the opening condition is met. When the device starts operating, it is possible to create a situation where the player's balls are not yet in use. Furthermore, in such a situation, it is possible to launch the game ball (S213) and enter the ball (S214). Furthermore, due to the game nature different from that of the second embodiment 1 described above, it is possible to achieve the same effects of the invention as those of the first embodiment described above.

In addition, as the performance according to the second embodiment, for example, at the stage of the game start (S211) and the first role determination (S212), a design for performance (such as a pattern as illustrated in FIG. 4(b) etc.) is used. It is conceivable to start the fluctuation of the symbols at the step (S217) (timing of the start of the period in which the ST is possible) without starting the fluctuation of the ST. Then, after the ball enters (S214) through the step (S217), the shot (S213), and the ball enters (S214), the symbol may be displayed to stop (determined stop or provisional stop).

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, in one game, two button operations are performed: game start (BET, S211) and step (S217) before firing (S213). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when a button operation to start a game (BET, S211) is performed, the game is started and a control state is reached in which a player can play a game, and with the subsequent firing (S213), a player can play a game (BET, S214). It is also possible to have it executed. By doing so, the number of button operations can be reduced and the operation can be simplified.

Here, in a gaming state in which the Ste (S217) can be performed, it is conceivable to perform a predetermined performance linked to the Ste (S217). For example, at the time of the game (S217), it is possible to perform a performance that imitates the game nature using decorative symbols (also referred to as performance symbols) that are three-digit symbols for performance in a Pachinko gaming machine.

More specifically, when the player operates the Ste (S217), the first effect display device 10 (the second effect display device 16 may be used) displays a decorative pattern such as a pachinko game machine. When the fluctuation is started and a ball enters (S214), the decorative pattern is stopped. By performing the performance in accordance with the Ste (S217) in this way, it is possible to prevent the game when operating the Ste (S217) from becoming monotonous or feel redundant, and improve the taste of the mahjong ball game machine 10. It becomes possible to improve the
<<Second Embodiment 3>>

Next, a second embodiment 3 will be described. Regarding the second embodiment 3, as shown in FIG. 29 described above, the "system type" is "1 ball/with stay". That is, in the second embodiment 3, the number of balls held in one game in the normal state is one ball, and discarding of tiles (STE) can be performed.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the "rotation determination timing" is set only when the number of symbols dealt is 14. In addition, the "number of balls fired per game" is such that the number of game balls that can be fired during one game in the normal state is sometimes 0 balls and sometimes it is 1 ball.

FIG. 31(a) schematically shows the gameplay according to the second embodiment 3 from left to right. In the second embodiment 3, in the normal state, 14 symbols are automatically dealt upon the start of the game (BET) (S221). Then, a winning combination (S222) is performed using the automatically dealt 14 symbols, and if the result of the winning combination (S222) is relatively disadvantageous for the player (no winning combination is possible) (for example, if the game is inappropriate), the game is ended (forced END, S228).

However, in the winning combination determination (S222), if the winning combination is relatively advantageous to the player (such as when there is a possibility that any winning combination will be formed), a step (S227) is performed. The number of symbols here has decreased by one to 13.

Furthermore, a game ball is fired (S223), and the ball enters one of the entrances (S224), and the number of symbols in the hand, including the acquired symbols, becomes 14, and these 14 A combination determination (S225) is performed using the symbols. Thereafter, a performance etc. is performed according to the result of the hand determination (S225), and the game ends (S226).

According to the second embodiment 3, the gameplay is different from that of the second embodiment 1 and the second embodiment 2 described above, and as in the case of the second embodiment 1 and the second embodiment 2, the opening When the condition device starts operating, it is possible to create a situation in which the player's balls are not yet used. Further, it is possible to achieve the same effects of the invention as in the first and second embodiments described above.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, in the first role determination (S222), it is determined whether a chance role (including a single bonus (SB)) is established, and depending on the determination result, a state is established in which the game ball can be launched. It depends on whether it will happen or not. Then, if the result of the hand determination (S222) is relatively disadvantageous for the player, the game ends without being able to launch the game ball or the game ball (forced END, S228). .

On the other hand, if the result of the first hand determination (S222) is relatively advantageous for the player, the player goes through step (S227) and enters a state in which the game ball can be launched. Then, as in the second embodiment 1 and the second embodiment 2, after the ball is fired (S223) or entered (S224), the game is ended after the second role determination (S225) (S226). .

Therefore, it is possible to realize a game feature in which the game ball is fired (S223) only when the result of the first hand determination (S222) is a predetermined result (here, it is relatively advantageous for the player).

For example, at the start of the game (BET, S221), if a BET operation is performed once, a predetermined story will continue to be produced until the result of the hand determination (S222) becomes relatively advantageous to the player. It is possible to adopt a presentation mode in which the information is output as shown in FIG.

In addition, when the situation progresses to the point where the player can perform a step (S227) or a shot (S223), it is possible to perform an effect in a manner that encourages the player to enter the ball into the ball entry hole, which is advantageous for the player. Such a performance that encourages the ball to enter the advantageous entrance opening can be referred to as a "challenge ball entry performance", for example.

Here, as the "challenge ball entry performance", it is conceivable to perform a performance imitating the decorative pattern of a pachinko game machine, as described in the second embodiment. For example, when the Ste (S227) is operated, the first effect display device 10 (the second effect display device 16 may be used) produces an effect that sets the decorative pattern to the tenpai state (reach state). For example, the decorative pattern is stopped when the ball enters the ball (S224).

By providing such a "challenge ball entry effect", for example, the game is repeated for multiple games without proceeding to the step (S227) until the "challenge ball entry effect" appears, and each In the game, the symbols repeatedly fluctuate and stop, and it is possible to realize game features such as the player being able to play the game or shoot the game ball only after the relevant effect appears.

Furthermore, for example, a function (so-called effect skip function) that allows the player to skip the effect by operating a button when a predetermined time (such as 1 second) has elapsed from the start of the game (BET, S221) is provided, If the game does not proceed, the player may cancel the performance, end the game, and proceed to the next game. By doing so, it is possible to improve the efficiency of game progress. Then, it becomes possible to increase the number of games per unit time and increase the operating rate of the mahjong ball gaming machine.

In addition, when the result of the winning combination determination (S222) is relatively advantageous to the player (such as when there is a possibility that any winning combination will be formed), for example, the above-mentioned T symbol (Fig. 3 (a) and (b)) are more than a predetermined number (such as one). In addition, if the result of the winning combination determination (S222) is relatively disadvantageous for the player (such as when there is no possibility of any winning combination being formed), for example, the above-mentioned T symbol (Fig. 3 An example of this is a case where there are no copies of (a) and (b)).

In addition, according to the second embodiment 3, the player does not need to perform the steal every game, but only performs the steal when the player has a chance to have a feeling of expectation of winning a winning combination, so that the game can be played quickly in the normal state. It is possible to proceed.

Here, the type of mahjong ball game machine that allows the player to finish the game without performing a step, such as the second embodiment 3 or the second embodiment 4 described later, can be considered to be as follows. for example,
A game start operation means (such as a game start button) operated by a player when starting one game;
A game end operation means (such as a game end button) that is operated by a player to end one game;
A plurality of ball entry holes (such as symbol entry holes) arranged in the gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
A game ball firing means (such as a firing device) capable of firing a game ball toward a gaming area;
A station operation means (symbol selection (A to C) buttons, etc.) operated by the player when selecting a symbol;
A game control means (control means including a main control device, etc.) for controlling the game,
A predetermined number of symbols are automatically set based on the operation of the game start operation means,
At least under normal conditions, it is possible to fire two balls per game,
It is possible to use one symbol per game,
In one game,
From the time the first ball enters until the symbol status, the winning combination is determined based on the automatically set number of symbols plus 1 (14, 15, etc.).
From the time the second ball enters after the 1-symbol step until the end of the game, a role determination is made with the same number of symbols as the previous role determination,
If there is no possibility of winning a role more advantageous to the player between the first ball entering and the symbol stage, it is possible to end the game (forced END, etc.) without performing the symbol stage. This is a mahjong ball game machine characterized by the following. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and various ways of understanding may be adopted without departing from the gist.
<<Second Embodiment 4>>

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of similar parts and similar effects to those of the second embodiment 3 will be omitted as appropriate. Regarding this second embodiment 4, as shown in FIG. 29, the "system type" is "2 balls/with stay". That is, in the second embodiment, the number of balls held in one game in the normal state is two balls, and discarding of tiles (Ste) can be performed.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment 4, the "hand determination timing" is not set at the stage when the tiles are automatically dealt (the stage when the number of symbols is 14), but only when the number of tiles dealt is 15. It has become. Furthermore, the "number of balls fired per game" is such that the number of game balls that can be fired during one game in the normal state is sometimes one ball and sometimes two balls.

FIG. 31(b) schematically shows the gameplay according to the second embodiment 4 from left to right. In the second embodiment 4, in the normal state, 14 symbols are automatically dealt with the start of the game (BET) (S231). However, at this stage, no winning combination is determined, and a control state is entered in which the game ball can be fired (S243).

Then, the game ball is fired (S243), and the ball enters one of the ball entrances (S244), and the acquired symbol is added to the number of symbols in the hand, making it 15. A winning combination determination (S232) is performed using the symbols. If the result of the hand determination (S232) is relatively disadvantageous to the player (such as when there is no possibility of any winning combination being formed), the game is ended (forced END). , S238).

However, in the winning combination determination (S232), if the result of the winning combination determination (S232) is relatively advantageous to the player (such as when there is a possibility that some winning combination will be realized), a step (S237) is performed. The number of symbols here is reduced by one to 14.

Furthermore, a game ball is fired (S233), and the ball enters one of the ball entrances (S234), and the number of symbols in the hand, including the acquired symbols, becomes 15, and these 15 A combination determination (S235) is performed using the symbols. Thereafter, an effect or the like is performed according to the result of the hand determination (S235), and the game ends (S236).

According to the second embodiment 4, due to the game nature different from the above-described second embodiments 1 to 3, when the opening condition device starts operating, similarly to the above-described second embodiments 1 to 3, , it is possible to create a situation where the player's balls have not yet been used. Further, it is possible to achieve the same effects of the invention as those of the second embodiments 1 to 3 described above.

Further, according to the second embodiment, one ball is always fired (S243) in each game, and the 15th symbol is acquired as the ball enters (S244). Furthermore, in the first winning combination determination (S232), it is determined whether a chance winning combination (including a single bonus (SB)) is established, and it is determined whether or not the game ball can be launched in accordance with the determination result. If the result of the hand determination (S232) is relatively disadvantageous to the player, the game ends without being able to launch the game ball (forced END, S238).

On the other hand, if the result of the first hand determination (S232) is relatively advantageous for the player, the player goes through step (S237) and enters a state in which the game ball can be launched. Then, as in the second embodiments 1 to 3 described above, after the ball is fired (S233) and the ball is entered (S234), the game is ended (S236) after the second role determination (S235).

Therefore, one ball is always fired before the first hand determination (S232), and only when the result of the hand determination (S232) is a predetermined result (here, when it is relatively advantageous to the player). , the second game ball is fired (S233).

Here, in the case where the result of the first winning combination determination (S232) is relatively advantageous to the player (such as when there is a possibility that any winning combination will be realized), for example, the second embodiment 3, a case can be exemplified in which there are a predetermined number (such as one) or more of the above-mentioned T symbols (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)).

In addition, if the result of the first winning combination determination (S232) is relatively disadvantageous to the player (such as when there is no possibility of any winning combination being established), for example, this also applies to the second implementation. Similar to the third embodiment, a case can be exemplified in which there is no T symbol (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)).

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment 3, the above-mentioned "challenge ball entry effect" appears according to the result of the role determination (S222) only at the time of starting the game (BET, S221). did. However, in the second embodiment 4, a "challenge ball entry effect" is displayed not only at the start of the game (BET, S231) but also after the first ball is fired (S243) and the ball enters (S244). , it is possible to realize a game in which a production that suggests that there is a possibility of winning a winning combination appears.

Further, according to the second embodiment 4, after the first ball is fired (S243) or entered (S244), when there is a chance, the first ball is fired (S233) or entered (S234) through the step (S237). ), it becomes possible to execute a game via hand determination (S235), and more novel gameplay can be realized.

Furthermore, by making it possible to fire two balls depending on the situation, if there is no chance of a winning combination, a quick game can be played with one ball, and if there is a possibility of a winning combination, two balls can be fired. By using it, it is possible to realize a game that provides a broader range of gameplay and effects, although it requires a slight increase in the required time.
<<Second Embodiment 4-1>>

Note that the following can be exemplified as more specific game features according to the second embodiment 4 (hereinafter referred to as "second embodiment 4-1"). First, as the types of winnings, BB (big bonus), SB (single bonus), and small winnings are provided as shown from the middle to the bottom in the chart of FIG.

Furthermore, the probability of winning BB is approximately 1/173, the number of rounds is 14R, and the number of game medals acquired is 420. The "number of coins obtained" here is the product of 30, which is the number of coins paid out in one game, and 14, which is the number of rounds, and the total number of coins put in for each game is not subtracted.

Further, the probability of winning the SB is approximately 1/44.0, the number of rounds is 1R (only the game at that time), and the number of game medals to be paid out is 5. Furthermore, the probability of winning a small winning combination is about 1/5.8, the number of rounds is 1R (only for the game at that time), and the number of game medals to be paid out is 5.

In addition, the structure of the symbols includes, for example, the above-mentioned T symbol (see Figures 3(a) and (b)) and some other symbols (here, the W symbol in Figures 3(a) and (b)). The only pattern required for the role is the ``invoice''. Then, BB is made to be established with 5 or more T symbols (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)). Furthermore, SB is a combination of 3 T symbols (as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b)) and 1 special symbol (as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). Let it hold true. In addition, a small winning combination is established when there are four T symbols or when there are three T symbols (no special symbol).

Furthermore, it is considered that the acquisition rate of the T symbol (the rate of the T symbol entering the ball opening) should be such that the player can acquire the T symbol in about 48% of the time when the game ball is fired. It will be done. However, the acquisition rate of this T symbol is calculated comprehensively, and the probability of the first BB occurring from the normal state is approximately 1/464, and the occurrence of a BB (second BB) within this BB. It is conceivable to set the probability of this to about 1/55, so that the combined probability is about 48%.

Next, an example of the flow of effects that can be adopted in the second embodiment 4-1 will be explained together with the game nature. FIG. 33 illustrates the flow of performance and game performance related to the mahjong ball gaming machine of the second embodiment 4-1. First, as shown at the left end of the figure, the game progresses in the order of "BET", "Fire", and "Enter Ball".

Then, if the T symbol is not included in a predetermined number (in this case, 1) or more during the automatic tile dealing associated with a "BET", and the symbol obtained by "Entering a ball" is also not a T symbol, the chance game state (described later) ) will not occur (it will be a non-chance gaming state). However, if a predetermined number (here, one) or more of the T symbols are included at the time of "BET" or "ball entry", a chance game state (described later) occurs.

Furthermore, as shown on the right side of the "entering ball" in FIG. 33, if the game is not in a chance game state (non-chance case), it is conceivable to perform a "shortening variation". This "shortening variation" can be performed only in a relatively short period of time (for example, about 1 second).

Here, as for the symbol variation, for example, the first effect display device 10 (or the second effect display device 16) changes the three-digit number symbol based on the detection of "launch" or the detection of "ball entering", etc. An example of such a system is to scroll from a stopped state and then stop (determined stop) after a predetermined variable time has elapsed.

In addition, the variable time is a predetermined time from a predetermined timing, or a predetermined game state (such as "ball entering") from the timing when a predetermined game state ("BET", "fire", etc.) is detected. For example, the time it takes to detect the

Furthermore, the start timing of the above-mentioned "shortening variation" can be exemplified when an "entering ball" is detected. Alternatively, a "launch" is detected, and a "shortening variation" is started at a predetermined time (for example, about 2 seconds) after the "launch", and when an "entering ball" is detected and no T symbol is acquired, the "shortening variation" is started. It is also conceivable to perform a stop (determined stop) in this manner.

On the other hand, when there is a chance, as shown by branching downward from "ball entering", a performance (stimulating fluctuation performance) is executed that stimulates expectations as to whether or not the second ball will be able to be fired. Here, it is conceivable that such a performance (inciting fluctuation performance) be performed at the stage from the automatic tile distribution associated with a "BET" to the time when it is determined by "ball entry" which slot the ball has entered. .

The mode at the start stage of the production (in this case, the inciting variation) is the same as the case of the above-mentioned "shortened variation", and if the T symbol is included in the automatic tile allocation accompanied by a "BET", It is also possible to change from the middle of the fluctuation to an inciting fluctuation mode.

Further, it is also possible to start the performance in a unique manner of the excitement fluctuation at the stage when the T symbol is acquired by "ball entering". Furthermore, as an example of a fluctuating effect, it is conceivable to perform a mission effect that indicates the player's advantage/disadvantage depending on whether he/she succeeds or fails in a predetermined mission, for example.

Furthermore, when a mission performance is performed, there are cases where a mission failure performance (failure performance) is performed and the second ball cannot be fired, and a mission success performance (success performance) is performed and the second ball cannot be fired. Make sure that there are times when it is possible to fire. When it becomes possible to fire the second ball, there is a "Ste" operation, and as shown on the right side of the figure, after the second "launch" and "entering ball", the T symbol is displayed. There are cases where the number of acquired sheets does not increase and cases where it increases.

Here, it is conceivable to perform a predetermined performance linked to the "Ste" in a gaming state where the "Ste" can be performed. For example, an LED board is built into the symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c related to the operation of the "Station", and by lighting up these symbol selection (A to C) buttons 19a to 19c, the "Station" is activated. It is conceivable to notify that it is possible.

Further, it is also possible to perform a predetermined performance related to the operation of the "ste" using the first performance display device 10 and the second performance display device 16. Furthermore, in the first performance display device 10 and the second performance display device 16, a performance imitating the game nature using decorative symbols (also referred to as performance symbols etc.) which are three-digit symbols for performance in a Pachinko gaming machine is performed. etc. are also possible.

In this way, by intervening performances that match the "Ste", it is possible to prevent the game when operating the "Ste" from becoming monotonous or feeling redundant, for example. Then, it is possible to smoothly connect the game to the firing of the second ball, thereby improving the fun of the mahjong ball game machine 10.

According to the second embodiment 4-1 embodied as described above, it is possible to proceed with the mahjong ball game and performance with contents suitable for the new game nature of the second embodiment 4.
<Third embodiment (embodiment for enabling addition of bonus)>

Next, we will consider a mahjong ball game machine according to another embodiment (third embodiment) that allows consecutive wins (the occurrence of a plurality of consecutive bonuses) by adding a bonus. Here, the manner in which the bonus is "added" is, for example, during the game (bonus game that is a special game) related to a predetermined bonus (including the final round), without a period such as returning to the regular game. Here are some ways in which bonuses are generated (without any pauses).

This type of bonus addition is considered when it comes to mahjong ball gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines and reel-type gaming machines, which allow players to increase their profits by providing consecutive wins. This is to improve taste. However, in various gaming machines including mahjong ball gaming machines, it is also necessary to prevent the gambling nature from becoming excessive. Therefore, in order to appropriately add bonuses, the inventors selected multiple elements (also referred to as "operation elements", "change elements", etc.) and developed an effective control mode based on whether or not each element was changed. investigated.

Each column in the chart of FIG. 34 indicates a combination of elements selected by the inventors and whether or not each element has been changed in order to control bonus addition. The elements selected by the inventors are "bonus table", "number of rounds", "score increase", and "number of balls held". Furthermore, the symbols “◯”, “△”, and “x” shown for each element represent whether or not each element has been changed at the time of bonus generation. The symbols "○", "△", and "x" mean, in order, "changed", "either is acceptable", and "no change".

Furthermore, each row in the diagram of FIG. 34 shows a plurality of game characteristics. The game properties shown in FIG. 34 are of three types, ie, third embodiments 1 to 3. These game features can be divided into two groups, focusing on the "bonus table" among the above-mentioned elements.

One of these groups is one in which a different "bonus table" cannot be referred to (marked with "X" in FIG. 34), and the third embodiments 1 and 2 correspond to this group. Another group is one in which a different "bonus table" can be referred to, and the third embodiment corresponds to this.

Regarding various embodiments in which bonuses are added, a "bonus table" means a table that defines at least the types of bonuses. As this "bonus table", various types can be adopted in addition to the one described in the above embodiment (such as the one shown in FIG. 23(b)), but for a more specific example, This will be explained later.

Furthermore, regarding various embodiments of adding bonuses, being able to refer to different "bonus tables" means, for example, that the bonus table used in the earlier bonus drawing may be compared to the bonus table used in the later bonus drawing. This means things like using different bonus tables.

For example, for the first bonus drawing, a predetermined bonus table (also called the first bonus table, etc.) is used, and for the second bonus drawing, another predetermined bonus table (also called the second bonus table, etc.) is used. ) is classified as a type with a change in the "bonus table" (marked as "○").

On the other hand, for example, a predetermined bonus table (also referred to as the first bonus table, etc.) is used for the first bonus lottery, and the same bonus table (also referred to as the first bonus table, etc.) is used for the next bonus lottery. ) is classified as a type that cannot refer to a different "bonus table" ("x").

Subsequently, the change in the "number of rounds" is, for example, the number of rounds determined for a bonus determined in a relatively earlier bonus lottery and the number of rounds determined for a bonus determined in a later bonus lottery. This means that the number of rounds is different.

For example, there is a mahjong ball game machine that allows a 7R game with the first bonus (also called the 1st bonus, etc.), and a 14R game with the second bonus (also called the 2nd bonus, etc.). , it is classified as a type with a change in the "number of rounds" ("○"). On the other hand, for example, a mahjong ball game machine where the bonus ends at 7R for both the first bonus and the second and subsequent bonuses is a type where the "number of rounds" does not change ("x"). It is classified into

Next, the change to "score increase" means a change in the function related to the score increase device mentioned above in the mahjong ball gaming machine (such as the number of point increase devices that operate), and it is relatively This means that the function of the point increasing device for the determined bonus is different from the function of the point increasing device for the bonus determined in a later bonus lottery.

Furthermore, mahjong ball gaming machines that can change the "score increase" are ones where the score increase device is switched between activation and non-operation depending on the state when the bonus is activated, or when the bonus is activated. An example is one in which the magnification is changed depending on the state of the image.

Next, the "number of balls held" can be changed, for example, by changing the number of balls held in each game in the bonus determined in the earlier bonus drawing and the number of balls held in each game in the bonus determined in the later bonus drawing. This means that the number of pitches is different.

More specifically, in the first bonus (also referred to as the first bonus, etc.), the number of balls held in each game is three, whereas in the second bonus (also referred to as the second bonus, etc.), the number of balls held in each game is three. A mahjong ball game machine that has 15 balls is of a type in which the "number of balls" can be changed ("○"). On the other hand, for example, a mahjong ball game machine in which the number of balls held is 5 for both the first and second bonuses is a type where the "number of balls held" does not change (it is "x"). It belongs to

In addition, regarding changes to the "number of balls held", for example, it is possible to adopt a change that is not constant for multiple games (rounds) in a bonus game with one bonus (one type) (for example, Third Embodiment 1-1, Third Embodiment 1-1-2, Third Embodiment 1-1-2, etc., which will be described later).

Next, the aforementioned third embodiments 1 to 3 shown in each row of FIG. 34 will be described in order. Note that the outline of each of the third embodiments 1 to 3 will be explained here, and more detailed matters will be described later as specific examples of each of the third embodiments 1 to 3.
<<Third Embodiment 1-3>>

First, regarding the third embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 34, "bonus table", "number of rounds", and "score increase" are all "x", and "number of balls held" is "〇". ”. In other words, in the third embodiment 1, the "bonus table", "number of rounds", and "score increase" do not change between the earlier bonus (bonus before addition) and the later bonus (bonus to be added). First, the ``number of balls held'' changes.

Concerning the third embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. 34, the "bonus table" is "x" and the "number of rounds" is "o". In addition, "score increase" is marked "▲", and "number of balls held" is marked "〇". In other words, in the third embodiment 2, the "bonus table" does not change between the first bonus and the second bonus (added bonus), but the "number of rounds" and "number of balls held" change. It has become. Furthermore, "score increase" can be implemented either in a mode that changes the function or in a mode that does not change the function.

Next, regarding the third embodiment 3, as shown in FIG. 34, the "bonus table" is "○", the "number of rounds" and "score increase" are "▲", and ""Number of balls held" is "〇". In other words, in the third embodiment, the "bonus table" and "number of balls" change between the first bonus and the second bonus (added bonus), and the "number of rounds" and "score increase" change. , it is possible to adopt both a changing mode and a non-changing mode.
<Specific example according to third embodiment 1>
<<Third Embodiment 1-1>>

Next, the various third embodiments 1 to 3 described above will be described in more detail. First, in the third embodiment 1, as described above, the table is not changed (the "bonus table" is "x") and a common bonus table is used in the first bonus lottery and the later bonus lottery. . Furthermore, the number of rounds and the score increase device remain unchanged (the "number of rounds" and the "score increase" are "x"), and the number of balls held changes (the "number of balls held" is "○").

As a specific example of the third embodiment 1 (hereinafter referred to as "third embodiment 1-1"), those shown in FIGS. 35(a) and 35(b) can be illustrated. FIG. 35(a) illustrates a bonus table that can be used in this third embodiment 1-1. In the bonus table of FIG. 35(a), a plurality of types (four types in this case) of bonuses are defined. There are four types of bonuses: RB (Regular Bonus), BB (Lower Big Bonus), SBB (Medium Big Bonus), and HBB (Higher Big Bonus).

Among these, RB has a bonus with a round number of 4R, an acquisition number (number of medals acquired by the player) of 81, and an activation rate (activation rate) of 45%. In addition, BB has a bonus of 7R rounds, 162 coins, and a 40% activation rate. Furthermore, SBB has a bonus of 11 rounds, 270 coins acquired, and a 10% activation rate, while HBB has a bonus of 14 rounds, 351 coins acquired, and a 5% activation rate. It has become.

Here, the number of rounds for each bonus is expressed as the number including the games in which the bonus is won (bonus winning games). Therefore, when expressed excluding bonus winning games, the number of rounds for each bonus is 3R for RB, 6R for BB, 10R for SBB, and 13R for HBB.

Further, for example, in the previous bonus lottery (here, the first bonus lottery), there is a possibility that all four types of bonuses are selected. If RB is selected in the first bonus drawing, the same bonus table will be used in the next bonus drawing (here, the second bonus drawing), and there are 4 possibilities of being selected. Of all types of bonuses, the one that can be overwritten (rewritten) after being selected is a bonus that has a greater number of rounds than RB (here, any one of BB, SBB, and HBB).

Also, if BB is selected in the first bonus drawing, the same bonus table will be used in the second bonus drawing, but the one that may be overwritten after selection is the number of rounds larger than BB. A large bonus (in this case, either SBB or HBB).

Also, if SBB is selected in the first bonus drawing, the same bonus table will be used in the second bonus drawing, but it may be overwritten after selection because the number of rounds is smaller than SBB. This is a large bonus (here HBB).

Hereinafter, a bonus with a relatively small number of rounds will be referred to as a low-ranking bonus, and a bonus with a relatively large number of rounds will be referred to as a high-ranking bonus. For example, among the four types of bonuses described above, RB (4R) is the lowest bonus, and HBB is the highest bonus. BB is higher than RB and lower than SBB, and SBB is higher than BB and lower than HBB.

In any round of these various bonuses, a winning combination is determined and a bonus may be generated. For example, if a second bonus occurs in the 4th round, which is the final round, the first bonus must be completed to the maximum round (here 4R) and the second bonus (here BB, SBB, HBB).

However, a second bonus may occur in any of the 1st round (the game when the first bonus is won) to the 3rd round of RB, and the game may shift to a bonus game (special game). In any of these cases, it is possible to move on to the second bonus (here, either BB, SBB, or HBB) without completing (exploiting) the first bonus up to the maximum round (here, 4R). Become.

In the example shown in FIG. 35(b), the first bonus shown in the top row is RB, and each round of the bonus game is represented by a solid line or a rectangle (square) with a two-dot chain line. Then, in the 2nd round of this RB, an RB, which is the second bonus, occurs as shown in the next stage. Furthermore, regarding this first bonus (RB), the 3rd and 4th R bonus games will not be played, as shown by the two-dot chain line.

Furthermore, in the second bonus BB, the third bonus SBB occurs at the 4th R as shown in the next stage. Therefore, for the second bonus, the 5th to 7th R bonus games will not be played, as shown by the two-dot chain line.

Here, the transition from the currently executed bonus game to the next bonus occurs after the round (game) in which the bonus occurred has ended. Further, the second and subsequent bonuses are not limited to the timing described here, but can occur at any timing (round).

Furthermore, in the third embodiment 1-1, it is possible to vary the "number of balls held" for each type of bonus. For example, the number of balls held in each game in the highest ranking bonus (Here, HBB) may be 25 balls, and the number of balls held in each game in the next ranking bonus (Here, SBB) in descending order may be set to 15 balls. It is possible. Also, in descending order, the number of balls held in each game in the next ranking bonus (here BB) is set to 8 balls, and the number of balls held in each game in the next ranking bonus (here RB) is set to 4 balls, etc. Is possible.

Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a game feature in which, for example, as the number of balls held increases, the probability of winning a higher-ranking bonus increases. More specifically, although illustration is omitted, if you have 4 balls in each game during RB, you can transition to BB at a rate of 1/200, and if you have 8 balls in each game during BB, you can transition to BB at a rate of 1/20. It is conceivable to adopt a game feature in which the player can shift to SBB at a rate of 1/4.4, and furthermore, if he has 15 balls in each game during SBB, he can shift to HBB at a rate of 1/4.4.

Furthermore, as a way to vary the "number of balls held", for example, for RB, the number of balls fired increases (added) in the last round (here, the 4th round), and for BB, the number of balls held increases in the remaining 3Rs. (added).

Further, various types of processing can be adopted in order to prevent bonus games related to relatively lower bonuses from being executed. For example, it is conceivable that even if a player wins a relatively low-ranking bonus, the win will be invalidated and the process for transition to the bonus game will not be performed. Furthermore, if the player wins the highest bonus (HBB in this case) in the normal state, it is conceivable to skip the bonus lottery process during the bonus state and not execute the bonus lottery.

As explained above, in the third embodiment 1-1, the same (common) bonus table (FIG. 35(a)) is used in each bonus lottery. Furthermore, bonuses are added using only bonuses that are higher in number of rounds than the previous bonus. Therefore, the bonus can be added only once for each type of bonus. Furthermore, bonuses can be added up to the highest bonus while overwriting the information stored for the previous bonus (information related to the type of bonus and the content of the bonus game).

Therefore, it is possible to add bonuses while preventing bonuses from continuing indefinitely. Then, it becomes possible to appropriately add bonuses while suppressing the gambling nature to an appropriate level.

Here, the mahjong ball game machine of the type as in the third embodiment 1-1 can be considered as follows. for example,
A plurality of ball entry holes (such as symbol entry holes) arranged in the gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
A game ball firing means (such as a firing device) capable of firing game balls one by one toward the game area;
A game control means (control means including a main control device, etc.) for controlling the game,
When the game ball enters any of the ball entry ports, the symbol corresponding to the ball entry port becomes the symbol obtained by the player,
If the combination of symbols obtained by the player satisfies a predetermined condition, a bonus is awarded (in each of the third embodiment 1-1, third embodiment 1-1-1, and third embodiment 1-1-2 described later). (such as bonuses, etc.)
There are multiple types of bonuses with different degrees of advantage for the player,
The plurality of types of bonuses are predetermined in a bonus table referred to by the game control means,
The same bonus table is referenced in the bonus state and in the normal state where the game progresses without any bonus state,
If you win any of the above bonuses, you will be able to move to the bonus state corresponding to the bonus you won.
If you win another bonus while in the bonus state, you may move to the bonus state corresponding to that other bonus.
If the other bonus is a bonus that increases the player's advantage (number of rounds, etc.) than the bonus at the time of winning the other bonus (such as a relatively higher bonus), the other bonus Shift to a bonus state corresponding to
A mahjong ball characterized by not shifting to a bonus state corresponding to the other bonus if the other bonus does not improve the degree of advantage of the player than the bonus at the time of winning the other bonus. Such as gaming machines. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and various ways of understanding may be adopted without departing from the gist.
<<Measures for utilizing the basic concept of third embodiment 1-1>>

Next, a description will be given of the game nature and effects for making more effective use of the basic concept of the third embodiment 1-1 as described above. Various types of game play that can utilize the basic concept of the third embodiment 1-1 can be considered, but it is possible to exemplify two types of game play depending on the presence or absence of automatic tile dealing. . Below, regarding a plurality of embodiments of the mahjong ball game machine that utilizes the basic concept of the third embodiment 1-1, branch numbers of the third embodiment 1-1-1 and the third embodiment 1-1-2 will be explained. I will explain it by attaching it.
<<<Third Embodiment 1-1-1 (Non-automatic tile allocation type)>>>

First, as the third embodiment 1-1-1, there can be mentioned a type in which automatic tile allocation is not performed (non-automatic tile allocation type without automatic tile allocation). For example, the number of tiles dealt in each game in the normal state is set to a relatively small predetermined number (three in this case).

FIG. 36 is a flowchart representing the game performance of the mahjong ball gaming machine according to the third embodiment 1-1-1 (non-automatic tile dealing type). In this third embodiment 1-1-1, a plurality of bonuses (three types in this case) are defined in the bonus table, and there is no change in the bonus table between the earlier bonus lottery and the later bonus lottery, and the bonus table is common. A bonus table is used. Additionally, bonuses are added only to bonuses that are higher in rank than the previous bonus.

The bonus table (not shown) according to the third embodiment 1-1-1 defines three types of bonuses: BB (normal), Vip_BB, and Premium_BB. Among these bonuses, BB (normal) is a bonus in which the number of rounds is 3R and the number of acquired medals (number of medals acquired by the player = number of medals paid out - number of inserted medals) is 75 to 102, as shown in Figure 36. .

Here, the number of medals earned in BB (normal) can fluctuate (75 to 102 medals here), because BB (normal) does not necessarily have the maximum number of medals to be paid out (30 medals in this case) in every game. This is because it is assumed that it will not be a game-like game that pays out.

In order to realize this type of game, the number of balls held in one game (1R) during BB (normal) should be reduced to the number of balls held in the normal state, such as 4 balls or 8 balls. (For example, 2 pieces) may be several times (up to 4 times, etc.). On the other hand, in Vip_BB and Premium_BB, the number of balls held in one game (1R) is, for example, more than 4 times (more preferably about 10 to 15 times) the number of balls held in the normal state (for example, 2 balls). It is possible to do so.

Here, as mentioned above, in a game where the number of balls held is suppressed, unless the player carefully aims the ball at the entrance corresponding to an advantageous symbol (such as the entrance of the T symbol) and fires the game ball, It is difficult to establish a winning combination with a large number of paid out pieces. For this reason, it is conceivable that such a performance in BB (normal) may be called, for example, a "bitter hitting challenge."

Further, in Vip_BB, the number of rounds is 9R, and the number of acquired coins is 243 (if the game is completed to the end of the final round) as a bonus. Furthermore, Premium_BB is a bonus with the number of rounds being 13R and the number of acquired coins being 372, as shown in the left part of FIG.

That is, BB (normal) is the lowest bonus, and Premium_BB is the highest bonus. Then, BB (normal) may be overwritten by Vip_BB or Premium_BB. Further, Vip_BB may be overwritten by Premium_BB.

Here, the number of rounds for each bonus is expressed as a number that does not include games in which the bonus is won (bonus winning games). Therefore, including the bonus winning game, the number of rounds for each bonus is 4R for BB (normal), 10R for Vip_BB, and 14R for Premium_BB.

Then, when the BB is activated (the first bonus activation) shown at the left end of FIG. 36, either BB (normal) or Premium_BB is generated, as shown branched to the right. There is.

The branch from BB activation (first bonus activation) to BB (normal) or Premium_BB in FIG. 36 indicates that the first BB becomes either BB (normal) or Premium_BB. ing. For example, the probability of occurrence of BB (normal) during BB operation may be set to 95.3%, and the probability of occurrence of Premium_BB may be set to 4.7%.

Furthermore, when BB (normal) occurs in the first BB, as shown by branching to the right, there are cases in which Vip_BB is added and cases in which BB (normal) ends without addition. be. Then, it is conceivable to set the probability that Vip_BB is added to 50%, and set the percentage of BB (normal) ending without Vip_BB being added to 50%.

Furthermore, when Vip_BB is added, as shown by branching to the right, there are cases where Premium_BB is further added, and cases where Vip_BB ends without any addition. Then, it is conceivable that the rate at which Premium_BB is added is set to 35.4%, and the rate at which the bonus game ends is set to 64.6%.

Furthermore, when each bonus is won, a performance corresponding to each bonus is executed. As described above, since a common bonus table is used in each bonus lottery, there is a possibility of winning all three types of bonuses in the first bonus lottery. However, at the time of the first bonus, a BB (normal) or Premium_BB effect is executed.

In other words, in the first bonus lottery, if you win BB (normal), the BB (normal) performance will be executed, and if you win Premium_BB, the Premium_BB performance will be executed. "Premium_BB performance" is executed.

However, if you win Vip_BB, the above-mentioned BB (normal) performance will be executed first, and at a predetermined timing in the BB (normal) performance, a performance with a possibility of promotion to Vip_BB (VIP promotion) will be performed. (Vip_BB promotion chance performance) is executed. Then, the content of the performance is upgraded from the BB (normal) performance to the Vip_BB performance (Vip_BB performance), and bonus games for the remaining number of rounds (here, 6R=9R-3R) can be executed.

Here, the BB (normal) performance that is executed when the player wins Vip_BB can be distinguished from the actual BB (normal) performance by calling it, for example, a pseudo BB (normal) performance.

Moreover, the execution timing of the above-mentioned promotion effect (Vip_BB promotion chance effect) can be exemplified by the final round in the pseudo BB (normal) effect or before the 2nd round. Further, as the execution period of the promotion performance (Vip_BB promotion chance performance), a predetermined period within the final round of the pseudo BB (normal) performance, a period spanning multiple rounds, etc. can be exemplified.

As shown by branching from the center to the lower right in the figure, if Premium_BB is further added to Vip_BB (promoted to Premium_BB), the number of game medals obtained when all rounds (13R) are completed is It is conceivable to set the number to 351 sheets.

Here, the number of coins obtained when Premium_BB occurs during the first BB activation is 372 pieces, whereas the number of coins obtained when Premium_BB is added is 351 pieces, which is smaller. This is because the number of coins obtained is calculated by subtracting the number of coins (here, 21 coins) paid out in the game at the time of winning (the game in Vip_BB).

In such a game, when top-ups are made in the order of BB (normal), Vip_BB, and Premium_BB, the maximum number of medals a player can acquire through consecutive top-ups is 696. The breakdown is a total of 102 coins, which is the maximum number of coins that can be acquired in BB (normal), 243 coins, which is the maximum number of coins that can be acquired in Vip_BB, and 351 coins, which is the maximum number of coins that can be acquired in Premium_BB.

However, the actual number of coins acquired varies depending on the number of rounds in which additional bonuses occur in the previous game. In the example of FIG. 36, the actual number of acquired coins varies depending on which round of Vip_BB the player is promoted to Premium_BB. Then, it is conceivable that the average number of tickets when promotion from Vip_BB to Premium_BB occurs is set to about 570 tickets, for example.

The reason why the maximum number of medals acquired by the player is not necessarily 696 as described above is the fluctuation in the number of medals acquired in Vip_BB. That is, if BB is added to Vip_BB, Vip_BB ends. Therefore, depending on which round of Vip_BB the player is promoted to Premium_BB, the number of coins acquired in Vip_BB changes, and the number of coins acquired by the player in a series of BBs due to addition of BB changes.

To give a specific example, for example, if there are additions in the order of BB, Vip_BB, and Premium_BB, and the number of coins acquired in the 3R of BB is 75, and the player is promoted to Premium_BB in the 1st round of Vip_BB, the player will receive 75 coins. +27 coins +351 coins, for a total of 453 game medals. This 453 coins is the minimum number of coins that can be obtained when promotion to Premium_BB occurs. Here, the "obtained number of coins" is the value obtained by subtracting the number of inserted coins (here, 3 coins) from the number of coins put out (here, 30 coins).

Also, if the number of medals acquired in the 3R of BB (normal) is 102 and the player is promoted to Premium_BB in the 4th round of Vip_BB, the player will obtain a total of 561 game medals (102 + 108 + 351). I will do it. Furthermore, if the number of medals acquired in the 3R of BB (Normal) is 102 and the player is promoted to Premium_BB in the 9th round of Vip_BB, the player will obtain a total of 696 game medals (102 + 243 + 351). I will do it. These 453 coins are the maximum number of coins that can be obtained when promotion to Premium_BB occurs.

Here, the fluctuation in the number of winning coins in BB (normal) is based on the type of winning combination (the number of coins paid out is (varies depending on the type) and the success or failure of acquiring the symbol during the above-mentioned "Bitter Beating Challenge".

Further, it is conceivable that a predetermined promotion effect (Premium_BB promotion effect) may be executed during the Vip_BB in FIG. 36 as well. As for the flow of the game and performance here, for example, the BB is activated in the winning combination at the start of the game (BET), and as a promotion performance, the first performance display device 10 displays a fluctuating three-digit number symbol. An example is one in which the result of the variable display (a combination of temporary stop symbols or fixed stop symbols) can be displayed.

Then, after the BB in Vip_BB is activated, the number of balls held in one game increases from the previous number (eg, 8 balls) to a predetermined number (eg, 15 balls). During this 25-ball game, when the number of T symbols reaches a predetermined number (such as 5 or more), the symbols stop in a predetermined display mode (such as "777" in a row) on the first effect display device 10, Make it a Premium_BB bonus game.

Here, it is conceivable that the probability (proportion) of transitioning to Premium_BB promotion performance during Vip_BB is about 1/6, and the probability (proportion) of not shifting to Premium_BB promotion production is about 5/6.

If you do not want to move to the Premium_BB promotion production, play the game using a ball entrance such as special ball entrance 11 (attacker ball entrance that functions as a score increase device), and enter the ball into the attacker's ball entrance. This allows the player to relatively easily receive the maximum number of game medals (here, 30) per game.

On the other hand, when shifting to the Premium_BB promotion performance, the attacker does not use the ball entry port, but instead fires game balls aiming at the ball entry port so that a predetermined number or more of T symbols are aligned as described above. Then, when a predetermined number or more of T symbols are arranged, a symbol "777" is displayed on the first effect display device 10, and the transition is made to Premium_BB.

Here, when shifting to the Premium_BB promotion effect, it is conceivable that the probability that the combination "777" is displayed is 30%. In addition, during the Premium_BB promotion performance, you can use 25 balls in one game, and the ball entrance is arranged according to the T symbol so that the probability of getting more than a predetermined number of T symbols is about 30-37%. It may be possible to decide.

It can be said that the mahjong ball game machine configured in this manner is promoted from Vip_BB to Premium_BB with a probability of 1/20 (=1/6×0.3) per game. Furthermore, regarding the game between 9Rs in Vip_BB, it can be said that the probability that Premium_BB will be added through the Premium_BB promotion effect is 35.4%, as described above.

Further, the main specifications of such a mahjong ball gaming machine can be summarized as shown in FIG. 37(a), for example. As shown in FIG. 37(a), the probability that a single game ball will enter the ball entrance of the T symbol is approximately 8.42%. It is conceivable that the probability of BB operation (BB rate related to first hit) in the normal state is about 1/106.5.

Then, the distribution (occurrence ratio, probability of occurrence) of BB (normal) related to the first hit is set to 50.00%. This value corresponds to 50% of the rate at which BB (normal) ends without adding Vip_BB, as described above.

Furthermore, the distribution of Vip_BB related to the first hit is set to 45.30%. This value corresponds to the above-mentioned 95.3% probability of BB (normal) occurring when BB is activated, minus 50% of the probability of BB (normal) ending without Vip_BB being added. ing.

Further, the distribution of Premium_BB related to the first win is set to 4.70%. This value corresponds to the aforementioned 4.7% probability of Premium_BB occurring during BB operation. Then, the promotion rate of Vip_BB is set to 35.4%. This numerical value corresponds to the probability that Premium_BB will be added through the Premium_BB promotion performance described above.

Furthermore, the average number of coins acquired when promotion of Vip_BB (promotion from Vip_BB to Premium_BB) occurs can be set to 570 as described above. Furthermore, the maximum difference in balls due to a series of BB additions can be set to 696 medals as described above as the maximum number of medals obtained by consecutive additions. It is assumed that the maximum difference in balls (MY, which is one of the counting management indicators) in the case of one day of operation at the gaming parlor can be set to 1531 balls.
<<<Third Embodiment 1-1-2 (Automatic tile allocation type)>>>

Next, third embodiment 1-1-2 (automatic distribution) is developed as a mahjong ball game machine that adopts game features and effects to make more effective use of the basic concept of third embodiment 1-1. Tile type) will be explained.

As the third embodiment 1-1-2 (automatic tile dealing type), it is possible to consider one in which 14 tiles are automatically dealt at the start of the game, similar to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the normal state, after the tiles are automatically dealt, a predetermined number of balls (in this case, two per game) are used to aim at establishing a BB combination.

Further, as shown in FIG. 37(b), two types of bonuses, BB-A and BB-B, are provided in the bonus table. Among these, BB-A is activated when 5 to 7 T symbols are aligned, and BB-B is activated when 8 to 15 T symbols are aligned. Furthermore, the number of rounds for BB-A is 13R, and the number of rounds for BB-B is 14R.

As mentioned above, in the normal state, the number of balls held is 2, so in order to arrange (collect) 8 or more T symbols, it is necessary to have 6 or more T symbols at the time of automatic tile dealing. If the number of tiles dealt at the start of the game is 3, even if all the tiles dealt are T symbols, it is necessary to arrange 3 or more T symbols by firing 2 balls. Become. Therefore, in the normal state, it is difficult to align eight T symbols and hit BB-B.

However, regarding BB-A, BB will activate if a minimum of 5 T symbols are aligned, so for example, if there are 3 T symbols during automatic tile dealing, 2 balls will enter the entrance of each T symbol. By doing so, the conditions for BB operation are satisfied. Therefore, it can be said that it is easier to establish BB-A than BB-B described above. Here, it is conceivable to set the ratio of three or more T symbols aligned at the time of automatic tile dealing to about 1/230.

Furthermore, after BB-A is established, it is conceivable to increase the number of balls held in each game (round) during BB-A to 5 balls. This increase in the number of balls held makes it easier to increase the number of T symbols during BB-A. Then, it is possible to increase the possibility that BB-B will be established and BB will be added.

However, even if you increase the number of balls you have to 5, it may still be difficult to arrange 8 T symbols (for example, according to the inventors' calculations, the probability may be around 1/2000). there were). Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the number of balls held to 15 only in the final round (13th round) of BB-A. In this way, by increasing the number of balls held to 7.5 times the normal state and about 3 times the number of other rounds in BB-A (2 to 12R), the possibility of additional bonuses occurring can be increased. I can do it.

According to the inventors' calculations, it is possible to add BB-B with a probability of about 45.7%. If BB-B is added, the maximum number of rounds in total will be 26R (= 13R + 14R - 1R), and for example, 30 coins will be paid out per game. By setting the number of medals to 3 and excluding the number (3 medals) inserted in the first game (1Rth), it is possible to realize a game in which about 705 game medals can be obtained.

In addition, in this third embodiment 1-1-2, the number of balls held in the normal round (round before the final round) during BB-A is 5, but in each round, the number of balls held by the released special ball is 5. If a predetermined number (for example, 3 balls) or more of game balls are not inserted into a ball entrance such as the ball entrance 11 (attacker ball entrance that functions as a score increase device), the current round ends. It is conceivable to adopt a game feature such as (so-called puncture).

Furthermore, it is conceivable to place a ball entry hole (attacker ball entry hole) such as the special ball entry hole 11 on the right side of the gaming area 2a, so that the player is forced to hit to the right during the bonus game. . When hitting right-handed, it is conceivable that almost all of the game balls will enter the attacker's ball entrance. In addition, in a situation where the game ball is fired with the aim of entering the symbol entry ports (13a to 13y) corresponding to the T symbol in the multiple consecutive ball entry device 13, the ball will not enter the attacker ball entry port. It is also conceivable to determine the positional relationship between the T symbol of the symbol entry hole (13a to 13y) and the attacker.
<Specific example according to third embodiment 2>
<<Third Embodiment 2-1>>

Next, of the various third embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the third embodiment 2 will be described. In the third embodiment 2, as described above (middle row of FIG. 34), the table is not changed between the first bonus lottery and the later bonus lottery, as in the third embodiment 1 (the "bonus table" is x”), a common bonus table is used.

Furthermore, the number of rounds and the number of balls held change ("Number of rounds" and "Number of balls held" are "○"), and as for the score increase device, it is possible to adopt either a mode that changes or a mode that does not change. (“Score increase” is “▲”). Also, the point that the "number of balls held" is changed is the same as in the third embodiment 1.

As a specific example according to the third embodiment 2 (hereinafter referred to as "third embodiment 2-1"), a bonus is generated from the normal state, and the bonus is added repeatedly. An example is one in which the number is determined by lottery, in addition to determining the type of bonus.

In the mahjong ball gaming machine of the third embodiment 2-1, the same bonus table is used in the normal state and in the bonus state. Furthermore, the number of bonus rounds is drawn according to conditions such as the difference between the normal state and the bonus state and the number of rounds related to the bonus state.

If you win a bonus while in the bonus state (if the bonus is added), you will receive a prize in the number of rounds that is greater than the number of rounds drawn for the bonus in progress at that time (bonus in operation). From this, the number of rounds of bonus to be added is determined.

Further, the bonuses that can be won during the bonus state (bonuses to be selected) are all bonuses excluding the bonus in progress at that time (bonus in operation). For example, if a bonus is added two or more times (three or more consecutive bonuses), the bonus that was won the first time will not be included in the bonus drawing during the bonus state of the second bonus. , it is now possible to win again during a consecutive show.

In other words, the mahjong ball game machine of the third embodiment 2-1 is similar to the third embodiment 1 (third embodiment 1-1, third embodiment 1-1-1, third embodiment 1-1- 2), in which the types of bonuses that can be selected can be reduced step by step (step system), but bonuses other than the active bonus can be selected any number of times (non-step system). method).

FIG. 38(a) shows an example of the types of bonuses and the flow of adding bonuses in the third embodiment 2-1. Four types of BBs (BB-A to BB-D) are defined in the bonus table in the third embodiment 2-1. However, the number of rounds is not uniformly determined for BB-A to D, and the number of rounds from 2R to 14R is drawn depending on the situation.

As shown in the upper part of FIG. 38, in the normal state (normal time), all the bonuses of BB-A to BB-D are valid, and there is a possibility of winning any of the bonuses. For example, assume that the first bonus is a win on BB-A and 2R. In FIG. 38, this is indicated by the notation "2R BB-A hit" beside the downward arrow and the notation "BB-A_2R" at the left end of the next row in the chart.

This bonus lottery during the first bonus (here, 2R BB-A) round game (special game) becomes the second bonus lottery. Then, in this second bonus lottery, BB-A is invalidated and three types of BBs, BB-B to D, are selected. Furthermore, the round lottery is conducted with 3R to 14R (3R or more) as selection targets, excluding 2R, which was won first.

Here, as a process for invalidating BB-A, for example, even if you win BB-A, it is considered to invalidate this win and proceed with the control process in the game progress control means (see FIG. 7). It will be done. Similarly, when winning other types of bonuses, the winning may be invalidated.

Subsequently, in the example of FIG. 38, the player wins BB-C in the second bonus lottery, and wins 3R in the round number lottery. Furthermore, as shown in the next paragraph, in the third bonus lottery, the BB-C that was won immediately before is invalidated, but the BB-A that was invalidated in the second bonus lottery is not invalidated. In this third bonus lottery, three types of BBs, BB-A, BB-B, and BB-D, are selected. Furthermore, the round lottery is conducted with 4R to 14R (4R or more) as selection targets, excluding the 3R or less that was won earlier.

Subsequently, in the third bonus lottery, he did not win BB-A, and in the round number lottery, he did not win 4R. Furthermore, as shown in the next step, in the fourth bonus lottery, BB-A, which was won immediately before, is invalidated, but the other bonuses BB-BD to BB-D are selected. Furthermore, the round lottery is conducted with 5R to 14R (5R or more) as selection targets, excluding the 4R or less that was won earlier.

Subsequently, in the fourth bonus lottery, he did not win BB-D, and in the round number lottery, he did not win 5R. Furthermore, as shown in the next step, in the fifth bonus lottery, BB-D, which was won immediately before, is invalidated, but the other bonuses BB-A to BB-C are selected.

Furthermore, the round lottery is conducted with 6R to 14R (6R or more) as selection targets, excluding the 5R or less that was won earlier. If a bonus is added after this, the bonus continues until the result of the round number lottery becomes 14R. Furthermore, if the BB is not achieved during the game, the game is not continued and the bonus addition (consecutive games) ends.

Here, it is possible to set the selection ratios of BB-A to BB-D to be equal (25% each), for example. In this case, the BB that is invalidated is only the bonus that was won immediately before (recently), so unlike each example according to the third embodiment 1, the BB that is invalidated is the bonus lottery among the bonuses. Even so, it is possible to generate various bonuses at a relatively high rate. In addition, compared to each example of the third embodiment 1, it is easier to ensure consecutive winnings.

Further, for example, it is conceivable to perform processing such that the score increase device operates only on BBs of a predetermined number (such as 7R) or more. By doing this, for example, if you hit BB-A in the normal state, BB-A will be a no-ball bonus where you can hardly get game medals, and if you hit BB-A when you hit BB-A with 7R or more. In this case, it is possible to use BB-A as a bonus with a payout that makes it easier to obtain game medals. By doing so, it becomes possible to relatively easily realize a game in which it is easy to obtain a large number of game medals (it is easy to increase the number of balls played in a short period of time) by adding bonuses (successive winnings).

Further, regarding the number of balls held during the game, it is conceivable to perform processing such that the number of balls held increases only when the number of balls held is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (such as 7R). By doing this, in the same way as described above, for the same BB-A, a no-ball bonus that makes it difficult to get game medals in the normal state, and a bonus that makes it easy to get game medals when the BB is 7R or higher. It is possible to do this. Also, by doing this, it becomes possible to relatively easily realize a game in which it is easy to obtain a large number of game medals (it is easy to increase the number of balls played in a short time) by adding bonuses (successive winnings).

Further, during the gaming state of the bonus without balls, it is possible to perform a performance (promotion performance) that suggests promotion to the bonus with balls released.

Here, the mahjong ball game machine of the type as in the third embodiment 2-1 can be considered as follows. for example,
A plurality of ball entry holes (such as symbol entry holes) arranged in the gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
A game ball firing means (such as a firing device) capable of firing game balls one by one toward the game area;
A game control means (control means including a main control device, etc.) for controlling the game,
When the game ball enters any of the ball entry ports, the symbol corresponding to the ball entry port becomes the symbol obtained by the player,
If the combination of symbols obtained by the player satisfies a predetermined condition, the player will win a bonus (such as the bonus according to the third embodiment 2-1),
The bonuses include multiple types of bonuses with different numbers of rounds, which are the number of games related to the bonus state,
The plurality of types of bonuses are predetermined in a bonus table referred to by the game control means,
The same bonus table is referenced in the bonus state and in the normal state where the game progresses without any bonus state,
If you win any of the above bonuses, you will be able to move to the bonus state corresponding to the bonus you won.
If you win another bonus while in the bonus state, you may move to the bonus state corresponding to that other bonus.
The mahjong ball game machine is characterized in that the number of rounds can be made different even if the same bonus is won in the normal state and in the bonus state. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and various ways of understanding may be adopted without departing from the gist.
<Specific example according to third embodiment 3>

Next, of the various third embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment 2 differs from the third embodiment 1 and the third embodiment 2 in that, as described above (lower part of FIG. 34), different "bonus tables" are referenced in the earlier bonus lottery and the later bonus lottery. (“bonus table” is “○”), and a bonus table is used depending on the situation. Furthermore, regarding the number of rounds and score increase device, it is possible to adopt either a mode that changes or a mode that does not change (“Number of rounds” and “Score increase” are “▲”), and the number of balls held changes. (“Number of balls held” is “○”).
<<Third Embodiment 3-1 (Type that changes table reference destination for each state)>>

As a specific example of the third embodiment 3 (hereinafter referred to as "third embodiment 3-1"), as shown in FIG. However, in situations where bonus additions are repeated and the state changes, the reference destination of the bonus table is changed for each state (normal state, bonus time, and bonus type), and different bonus table drawings are performed. I can give examples of things that do this.

In this type, a bonus table to be used is randomly selected from among a plurality of bonus tables with different types (details) of bonuses determined for each gaming state. In this type, it is possible to perform different bonus table drawings for normal times and bonus times, and furthermore, to perform bonus table drawings for each type of bonus.

Here, FIG. 39(a) schematically shows the aspect of bonus addition in this third embodiment 3-1 using a game flowchart (game flow). First, as shown on the left end of FIG. 39(a), the normal state shifts to the 4R high accuracy stage as shown on the right, and then BB1, which is the BB (big bonus) of 8R, occurs. There is. After that, although not shown, higher-order BBs are added, and finally the highest-order BB (last BB, 14R) is generated.

Note that the above-mentioned high probability stage is in a state in which, during the bonus game, no performance indicating that a bonus has been generated is performed, but a performance indicating that the game has entered a high probability state is performed. In addition, what is shown in FIG. 39(a) is the case where some bonuses are added starting from the lowest bonus (high-precision stage), and the winning streak ends with the highest bonus. This is shown as an example.

Therefore, depending on the result of the bonus lottery, a bonus that is not at the bottom (non-bottom) may be the first bonus, a bonus at the top may be the first bonus, or a relatively There are cases where you win a higher-ranking bonus without going through (skipping) a lower-ranking bonus.

According to the third embodiment 3-1, it is possible to prevent the number of options from gradually decreasing as bonuses are added.

In other words, in the third embodiment 1 and the third embodiment 2, since a common bonus table is used in the normal state and the bonus state, the occurrence ratio of each bonus cannot be changed. Therefore, from the normal state to the period in which bonuses are added, the rate of occurrence of relatively high-ranking bonuses is constant.

From the design stage, the generation rate of relatively higher bonuses must be determined at a constant rate, and when the bonus is activated, the bonus state begins with the relatively lower bonuses, and the higher ranking bonuses are added on in sequence. It is not easy to determine such numbers (in this case, it means an agreement regarding the arrangement of random numbers). Furthermore, since non-high-ranking bonuses are not overwritten, the number of options gradually decreases as bonuses are added.

However, as in the third embodiment 3-1, by changing the table reference for each state and performing a different bonus table lottery for each state, it is possible to optimize the distribution of each bonus for each state. Become. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the number of options gradually decreases as bonuses are added, as in the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, it is possible to easily expand the range of options related to the bonus lottery, making it easier to increase the number of additions and to continue winning consecutive games for a long time.

Here, the mahjong ball game machine of the type according to the third embodiment 3-1 can be considered as follows. for example,
A plurality of ball entry holes (such as symbol entry holes) arranged in the gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
A game ball firing means (such as a firing device) capable of firing game balls one by one toward the game area;
A game control means (control means including a main control device, etc.) for controlling the game,
When the game ball enters any of the ball entry ports, the symbol corresponding to the ball entry port becomes the symbol obtained by the player,
If the combination of symbols obtained by the player satisfies a predetermined condition, the player will win a bonus (such as the bonus according to the third embodiment 3-1),
The bonuses include multiple types of bonuses with different numbers of rounds, which are the number of games related to the bonus state,
The plurality of types of bonuses are predetermined in a bonus table referred to by the game control means,
Different bonus tables are referenced in the bonus state and in the normal state where the game progresses without any bonus state,
If you win any of the above bonuses, you will be able to move to the bonus state corresponding to the bonus you won.
If you win another bonus while in the bonus state, you may move to the bonus state corresponding to that other bonus.
The bonus drawing during the normal state is carried out so that all types of bonuses in the bonus table are subject to the drawing, but the bonus drawing during the bonus state is conducted in such a way that the bonus in the bonus table and the number of rounds more than the bonus in question are drawn. This is a mahjong ball game machine characterized in that a bonus with a small value is not selected as a lottery target.
<<<Third Embodiment 3-1-1 (Narrowing down to higher ranking bonus tables)>>>

Next, third embodiment 3-1-1 will be described as another example related to third embodiment 3-1.
In the third embodiment 3-1-1, similarly to the third embodiment 3-1 (see FIG. 39(a)), a bonus without balls is generated from the normal state, and an additional bonus is added. As shown in FIG. 39(b), when the above is repeated, the types of bonus tables to be selected are narrowed down to higher-ranking ones (type of narrowing down to higher-ranking bonus tables).

Here, the referenced FIG. 39(a) is the same as that described in the third embodiment 3-1, but the topmost BB (final BB) is the FBB ( 14R).

Next, the diagram of FIG. 39(b) will be explained. In the third embodiment 3-1, a plurality of bonus tables (tables 1 to 9) are used. Furthermore, in FIG. 39(b), each of the above-mentioned tables (Tables 1 to 9) is associated with the type of bonus (``Type B'') and the number of acquired gaming medals (``Number of acquired tokens''). . Further, table distribution (selection ratio) in a plurality of situations is determined for each table.

Here, the "multiple situations" include normal state, high probability (no balls), regular bonus (RB), predetermined big bonus (BB1), and other predetermined big bonus (BB2). There is. In FIG. 39(b), the distribution (selection ratio) of each table in each situation is shown as "Normal table distribution", "High precision B table distribution", "RB medium table distribution", " BB1 medium table distribution'' and BB2 medium table distribution.''

In the example of FIG. 39(b), for table 1, the "B type" is 4R for high probability (high probability), and the "number of acquired coins" is 0. Regarding table 2, the "B type" is RB (5R), and the "number of acquired coins" is 120. Furthermore, for table 3, the "B type" is BB1 (8R) and the "obtained number" is 210, and for table 4, the "B type" is BB2 (9R) and the "obtained number" is 240. There are 1 pieces.

In addition, for table 5, the "B type" is BB3 (10R) and the "obtained number" is 270, and for table 6, the "B type" is SBB1 (11R) and the "obtained number" is 300. There are 1 pieces. Furthermore, for table 7, the "B type" is SBB2 (12R) and the "number of acquired coins" is 330, and for table 8, the "B type" is SBB3 (13R) and the "number of acquired coins" is 360. There are 1 pieces. Regarding table 9, the "B type" is FBB (14R) and the "number of acquired coins" is 390 coins.

Next, one of the tables to be selected is selected for each situation. For example, in normal state (normal), all tables (tables 1 to 9) are 50%, 25.00%, 12.50%, 6.25%, 3.13%, 1.56%, respectively. , 0.78%, 0.39%, and 0.20% (selection ratio). Here, even if you add up the distribution (selection rate) of all tables, it will be 99.82%, which is not 100%, but in order to simplify the explanation, we have calculated the numerical value of the distribution (selection rate) of each table. This is because it is rounded.

As mentioned above, in the normal state, all tables are subject to selection, but when the first bonus occurs, the bonus lottery during the bonus game will be based on the bonus that is higher than the bonus that has already occurred (first bonus). This will be carried out targeting the following people.

For example, when the bonus of table 1 (4R for high accuracy) is selected as the first bonus, the process shifts to the high accuracy stage as shown in FIG. 39(a). In this high probability stage, during the bonus game, an effect indicating that a bonus has been generated is not performed, but an effect indicating that a high probability state has entered is performed. The number of balls held in each game (each round) at this time increases from, for example, two balls to eight balls for a high accuracy stage.

In the bonus lottery during the bonus game, as shown in the column of "high probability B table distribution" in FIG. 39(b), the distribution of table 1, which is not a selection target, is set to 0%. However, the distribution of table 1, which was 50% in the normal state, is distributed (allocated) to the upper tables 2 to 9, and the distribution of tables 2 to 9 is 50.2%, 25.10%, and 12%, respectively. .55%, 6.27%, 3.14%, 1.57%, 0.78%, and 0.39%.

Here, although there is an error in the distribution numbers for each table 2 to 9 due to the effect of rounding, 50% of the unnecessary table 1 is used according to the distribution ratio for each table 2 to 9 in the normal state. It roughly matches the distributed value. The numerical value of the distribution of each table 2 to 9 is approximately twice the distribution of each table 2 to 9 in the normal state.

Next, assume that you hit RB (5R) in the high accuracy stage. In this RB bonus lottery, as shown in the column of "RB table distribution" in FIG. 39(b), the distribution of tables 1 and 2, which are not selected, is set to 0%. However, the distribution of table 2, which was 50.20% during the high accuracy bonus (high accuracy stage), is distributed (allocated) to the higher ranking tables 3 to 9, and the distribution of tables 3 to 9 is 50.20% each. They are 39%, 25.20%, 12.60%, 6.30%, 3.15%, 1.57%, and 0.79%.

Here, although there is an error in the distribution numbers for each table 3 to 9 due to the effect of rounding, 50.20% of the unnecessary table 2 is allocated to each table 3 during high-accuracy use B (high-accuracy stage). It roughly matches the value distributed according to the distribution ratio of 9 to 9. The numerical value of the distribution of each table 3 to 9 is approximately twice the distribution of each table 3 to 9 at the time of high accuracy use B (high accuracy stage).

Next, assume that you hit BB1 (8R) in RB. In this BB1 bonus lottery, as shown in the "BB1 table distribution" column in FIG. 39(b), the distribution of tables 1 to 3, which are not selected, is all set to 0%. However, the distribution of table 3, which was 50.39% at the time of RB, is distributed (allocated) to the upper tables 4 to 9, and the distribution of tables 4 to 9 is 50.79% and 25.40%, respectively. They are 12.70%, 6.35%, 3.17%, and 1.59%.

Here, the numerical value of the distribution of each table 4 to 9 has an error due to the effect of rounding, but 50.39% of the unnecessary table 3 is used according to the distribution ratio of each table 4 to 9 at the time of RB. The distribution is roughly in agreement with the value distributed by The numerical value of the distribution of each table 4 to 9 is approximately twice the distribution of each table 4 to 9 at the time of RB.

Next, assume that you hit BB2 (9R) at BB1. In this BB2 bonus lottery, as shown in the "BB2 table distribution" column of FIG. 39(b), the distribution of tables 1 to 4, which are not selected, is set to 0%. However, the distribution of table 4, which was 50.79% at BB1, was distributed (directed) to the higher ranking tables 5 to 9, and the distribution of tables 5 to 9 was 51.61% and 25.81%, respectively. They are 12.90%, 6.45%, and 3.23%.

Here, the numerical value of the distribution of each table 5 to 9 has an error due to the effect of rounding, but 50.79% of the unnecessary table 4 is divided according to the distribution ratio of each table 5 to 9 at BB1. The distribution is roughly in agreement with the value distributed by The numerical value of the distribution of each table 5 to 9 is approximately twice the distribution of each table 5 to 9 at BB1.

According to the third embodiment 3-1-1 (the type that narrows down to the upper bonus table) as described above, it is possible to optimize the allocation of each bonus, as in the third embodiment 3-1, It is possible to prevent relatively high ranking bonuses from occurring at a high rate from the beginning of BB operation. Furthermore, by implementing the third embodiment 3-1 (type of narrowing down to higher-ranking bonus tables), it is possible to gradually eliminate the occurrence ratio of relatively lower-ranking bonuses. Therefore, as relatively lower-rank bonuses are piled up, higher-rank bonuses can be issued more easily. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize a game in which the player can gradually accumulate profits (in this case, the number of medals).

Here, Tables 1 to 9 are normally nine bonus tables configured with the same selection ratio, but in this third embodiment 3-1-1 (type that narrows down to the top bonus table), Bonuses that are lower than the own bonus (each table) cannot be executed, and the table referenced by each bonus is a bonus table that distributes the selection ratio below the own bonus to the higher bonuses. It is configured.

In addition, in the third embodiment 3-1-1 (type that narrows down to higher-ranking bonus tables), the distribution of lower-ranked bonuses that have already been won is set to 0% in the next bonus lottery. There is no limitation, and for example, it is possible to leave a distribution of about 1 to 3%.

Here, the mahjong ball gaming machine of the type as in the third embodiment 3-1-1 can also be considered as the following. for example,
A plurality of ball entry holes (such as symbol entry holes) arranged in the gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
A game ball firing means (such as a firing device) capable of firing game balls one by one toward the game area;
A game control means (control means including a main control device, etc.) for controlling the game,
When the game ball enters any of the ball entry ports, the symbol corresponding to the ball entry port becomes the symbol obtained by the player,
If the combination of symbols obtained by the player satisfies a predetermined condition, the player will win a bonus (such as the bonus according to the third embodiment 3-1-1),
The bonuses include multiple types of bonuses with different numbers of rounds, which are the number of games related to the bonus state,
The plurality of types of bonuses are predetermined in a bonus table referred to by the game control means,
Different bonus tables are referenced in the bonus state and in the normal state where the game progresses without any bonus state,
If you win any of the above bonuses, you will be able to move to the bonus state corresponding to the bonus you won.
If you win another bonus while in the bonus state, you may move to the bonus state corresponding to that other bonus.
This is a mahjong ball game machine characterized in that a bonus lottery during a bonus state is performed by referring to a bonus table that is composed only of bonuses with a larger number of rounds than the bonus related to the bonus state. Note that the present invention is not limited to these, and various ways of understanding may be adopted without departing from the gist.

As a modification of the third embodiment 3-1-1 (type of narrowing down to higher-ranking bonus tables), for example, tables 1 to 9 are configured as one bonus table, and each bonus is An example of this is performing a process of distributing the selection ratio of bonuses to higher ranks.
<<Third Embodiment 3-1-2 (Type that allows bonus looping)>>

Next, another type will be explained as a specific example according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the embodiment related to this type of mahjong ball game machine will be referred to as "third embodiment 3-1-2." In this third embodiment 3-1-2, as shown in FIG. 40, from the normal state through the first high probability use B (bonus) and second high probability use B (bonus), It is possible to shift to the first loop state or the second loop state shown in the lower row.

Furthermore, in this third embodiment 3-1-2, the first loop state or the second loop state is directly entered without going through the first high probability use B (bonus) or the second high probability use B (bonus). It is now possible that there will be a transition to .

Here, the proportion of transition from the normal state to the first high probability B (bonus) or the second high probability B (bonus) and the proportion of direct transition to the first loop state or second loop state are as follows. It is possible to do something like this. For example, although not shown, the ratio of transition from the normal state to the first high probability use B (bonus) is about 55 to 65%, and the ratio of transition from the normal state to the second high probability use B (bonus) is about 25%. ~65%. Furthermore, it is conceivable to set the rate of direct transition from the normal state to the first loop state or the second loop state to 5 to 10%.

Next, the first high-accuracy use B, the second high-accuracy use B, the first loop state, and the second loop state will be explained. First of all, the first high probability B is a 3R bonus that can be won in the normal state. In the first high probability use B, the number of game medals acquired is 0. In addition, in the first high probability use B, if the winning combination of the bonus is not established, it becomes a so-called blowout, and the bonus is not added.

As the effect at this time, it is conceivable to adopt, for example, the content of failure in a predetermined mission or the content of defeat in a battle. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to execute these performances as a continuous performance that is performed continuously over multiple rounds (multiple games).

In the first high probability use B, it is possible to use a plurality of bonus tables for use in the bonus lottery. The bonus tables used in this first high probability B include, for example, as shown in FIG. 40, bonus table low (BT low), bonus table medium (BT medium), and bonus table high (BT high). can be mentioned.

Among these, BT low has one BB (big bonus) (one type) and two non-BB bonuses (transition bonus) that can be transferred to medium BT or high BT (transfer bonus). It is possible to do this. Furthermore, during BT, it is conceivable that there are two BBs (two types) and one non-BB bonus (transition bonus) that can be transferred to BT high (one type). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the BT height is determined by three BBs (three types) (relatively the highest expected value).

Furthermore, regarding the above-mentioned transition bonus (non-BB bonus) related to low BT or during BT, it is possible that the number of rounds associated with it depends on the round in which the transition bonus is won (win round). It will be done. More specifically, for example, if you hit a transition bonus in the 1st round (including during the normal state), that transition bonus is for the 2nd round, and if you hit a transition bonus in the 2nd round, that transition bonus is for the 2nd round. An example of such a correspondence is that the transfer bonus is for 1R.

It is also conceivable to adopt a game feature in which the BB expectation level increases as the transition bonus continues. Furthermore, as a performance in such a transition bonus, it is possible to perform, for example, a promotion performance (chance up performance), a continuous performance that is performed continuously over multiple rounds (multiple games), and the like.

On the other hand, the second high probability B is a bonus of 3R to 6R that can be won in the normal state. Also, in the second high probability use B, the number of game medals acquired is 0. In addition, the second high-accuracy use B is a game state similar to the first high-accuracy use B, but the player changes the firing direction of the game ball from the previous direction (for example, to the left) to another direction (for example, to the left). For example, by changing it to the right (for example, to the right), it is possible that the next bonus will be added almost 100% of the time.

Various bonuses can be considered as bonuses that can be added from the first high probability B and the second high probability B. Here, the bonuses that can be added are divided into a plurality of groups (in this case, two groups) and will be explained.

First, the first group is a game in which the player can easily obtain an advantageous result by changing the firing direction of the game ball during the bonus game (special game). This first group will be referred to as a "standard BB group." As described above, the bonus of this standard BB group can constitute the first loop state shown in the upper row of FIG. 40.

The second group is to change the firing direction at the start of the bonus game (changing from the left to the right), which is advantageous to the player without having to change the firing direction midway through. The content should be such that it is easy to obtain good results. This second group will be referred to as the "PBB group." As described above, the bonus of this PBB group can constitute the second loop state shown in the lower part of FIG. 40.

Among these, the standard BB group is composed of multiple types (here, three types) of BBs (here, BB-A, BB-B, and BB-C). Here, the names BB-A, BB-B, and BB-C in the standard BB group are used to distinguish between multiple types of BBs, and the names BB-A in the third embodiment 2-1 described above are used to distinguish between multiple types of BBs. ~C means a different BB.

Among these BBs (BB-A to BB-C), BB-A can play a bonus game of 10R (7R+3R). Of this 10R of BB-A, 7R is an increase round (increase) to increase the number of game medals acquired, and the remaining 3R is a continuation round (increase) to achieve an additional bonus. (for continuation).

Further, among each BB (BB-A, BB-B, BB-C), BB-B and BB-C can play a bonus game of 6 to 10R (3 to 7R + 3R). The bonus rounds (increase) of BB-B and BB-C are designed to allow a bonus game of 3 to 6R, and depending on the situation, the game may end in 3 to 6R. ing. Also, the continuation round (continuation) of BB-B and BB-C is a continuation round (continuation) of 3R to achieve bonus addition, similar to BB-A. .

In the increase round for each BB (BB-A, BB-B, BB-C), an increase bonus table is used. In this bonus table for increase, the player hits left-handed, and among the symbol entrance holes 13a to 13y of the multiple consecutive ball opening device 13 described above, the symbol entrance holes (for example, 13i to 13q, etc.), the relationship between the symbols and the number of medals to be acquired is determined so that a large number of game medals can be obtained by entering the ball. Therefore, in the increasing round, the player can increase the number of game medals he or she obtains by playing left-handed.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned continuation round, a continuation bonus table that is different from the above-mentioned increase bonus table is used. In this continuation bonus table, the player changes the firing mode to right-handed, and selects the right-hand symbol ball opening (for example, , 13r to 13y, etc.), the relationship between symbols and BBs is determined so that new BBs are likely to occur when the ball enters the ball. Therefore, this standard BB group allows the player to easily add on the BB by hitting right in the continuation round.

Here, as described in the first embodiment, when the three consecutive ball openings 14 are provided on the right side of the gaming area, any one of the three consecutive ball openings 14 It is possible to predetermine the relationship between the symbols on the bonus table and the BB so that the bonus can be added easily by hitting the ball.

These increase tables and continuation tables have properties common to BB-A to BB-C. These increase tables and continuation tables can also be made common (same) for BB-A to BB-C. Further, in BB-A to BB-C, the number of game medals acquired is approximately 200 for BB-A and approximately 80 to 200 for BB-B and BB-C.

Further, during each bonus state related to BB-A to BB-C, a bonus lottery is conducted so that bonuses other than the bonus itself are selected based on the bonus at that time. In other words, for example, during a bonus state related to BB-A, there is a possibility of hitting either BB-B or BB-C other than BB-A.

Also, during the bonus state related to BB-B, there is a possibility of hitting either BB-A or BB-C other than BB-B. Furthermore, during the bonus state related to BB-C, there is a possibility of hitting either BB-A or BB-B other than BB-C. Here, what is illustrated in FIG. 40 is a case where there are additions in the order of BB-A, BB-B, and BB-C, and you hit BB-A again during the bonus state related to BB-C. .

Next, the PBB group related to the second loop state described above will be explained. The PBB group shown in FIG. 40 is composed of a plurality of types (here, four types) of BBs (here, PBB-A, PBB-B, PBB-C, and PBB-D). Of these BBs (PBB-A to PBB-D), PBB-A can play a 12R (6R+6R) bonus game. Of this 12R of PBB-A, 6R is an increase round (increase) to increase the number of game medals acquired, and the remaining 6R is for the increase function and to achieve bonus addition. It is an increasing continuation round (for increasing continuation) that also has the continuation function of .

Furthermore, among the BBs (PBB-A to D), PBBB to D are only 6R round for continuous increase (for continuous increase). In the round for continuous increase in each PBB (PBB-A to PBB-D), a bonus table for continuous increase is used. In this bonus table for continuation of increase, when the player hits right-handed, one of the symbol entrance holes 13a to 13y of the multiple consecutive ball opening device 13 described above, the right symbol entrance hole (for example, 13r to 13y, etc.) ) The relationship between the symbols and the BB is determined so that a new BB is likely to occur when the ball enters the ball. For this reason, this PBB group allows the player to easily add to the BB by hitting right in the round for continuation of increase.

Here, in the same way as explained about the standard BB group, if the three consecutive ball openings 14 are provided on the right side of the gaming area, one of the three consecutive ball openings 14 will be It is possible to determine the relationship between the symbols on the bonus table and the BB so that bonuses can be added easily by entering the ball.

Further, during each bonus state related to PBB-A to D, a bonus lottery is conducted so that bonuses other than the bonus itself are selected based on the bonus at that time. That is, for example, during a bonus state related to PBB-A, there is a possibility of winning any of PBB-B to D other than PBB-A.

Also, during the bonus state related to PBB-B, there is a possibility of hitting any of PBB-A, PBB-C, and PBB-D other than PBB-B. Furthermore, during the bonus state related to PBB-C, there is a possibility of hitting any of PBB-A, PBB-B, and PBB-D other than PBB-C.

Also, during the bonus state related to PBB-D, there is a possibility of hitting any of PBB-A to C other than PBB-D. Here, what is illustrated in FIG. 40 is that there are additions in the order of PBB-A, PBB-B, PBB-C, and PBB-D, and during the bonus state related to PBB-D, as shown in the actual battle, This is the case when you hit PBB-A. Furthermore, the broken lines also indicate the case where the player hits PBB-A during the bonus state related to PBB-D or during the bonus state related to PBB-C.

Here, the mahjong ball game machine of the type as in the third embodiment 3-1-2 can be considered as follows. for example,
A plurality of ball entry holes (such as symbol entry holes) arranged in the gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
A game ball firing means (such as a firing device) capable of firing game balls one by one toward the game area;
A game control means (control means including a main control device, etc.) for controlling the game,
When the game ball enters any of the ball entry ports, the symbol corresponding to the ball entry port becomes the symbol obtained by the player,
If the combination of symbols obtained by the player satisfies a predetermined condition, the player will win a bonus (such as the bonus according to the third embodiment 3-1-2),
The bonuses include multiple types of bonuses with different numbers of rounds, which are the number of games related to the bonus state,
If you win any of the above bonuses, you will be able to move to the bonus state corresponding to the bonus you won.
If you win another bonus while in the bonus state, you may move to the bonus state corresponding to that other bonus.
The other bonus is a different type of bonus from the bonus when winning the other bonus,
A mahjong characterized in that, during the bonus state of the other bonus, the bonus state can be cycled by hitting a bonus other than the other bonus (such as being able to shift to the first loop state or the second loop state). It is something like a ball game machine. Note that the present invention is not limited to these, and various ways of understanding may be adopted without departing from the gist.

1 Sparrow ball game machine, 2a game area, 4 launch device, 10 first performance display device,
13a to 13y symbol ball entrance, 14a to 14c symbol ball entrance, 16 second effect display device,
18 Game start button, 19a-19c symbol selection (A-C) buttons,
36 main display device, 1000 main control device, 3000 sub control device.

Claims (1)

A plurality of ball entrances arranged in the gaming area and corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols;
a game ball firing means capable of firing game balls one by one toward the game area;
A game control means for controlling the game,
When the game ball enters any of the ball entry holes, the symbol corresponding to the ball entry hole becomes the symbol obtained by the player,
If the combination of symbols obtained by the player meets certain conditions, the player will win the bonus.
The bonuses include multiple types of bonuses with different numbers of rounds, which are the number of games related to the bonus state,
The plurality of types of bonuses are predetermined in a bonus table referred to by the game control means,
Different bonus tables are referenced in the bonus state and in the normal state where the game progresses without any bonus state,
If you win any of the above bonuses, you will be able to move to the bonus state corresponding to the bonus you won.
If you win another bonus while in the bonus state, you may move to the bonus state corresponding to that other bonus.
A bonus drawing during a bonus state is performed with reference to a bonus table consisting only of bonuses with a larger number of rounds than the bonus related to the bonus state,
The bonus state includes a first bonus state in which the number of game media acquired is greater than the number used, and a second bonus state in which the number of game media acquired is not greater than the number used,
A case of transitioning from the normal state to the first bonus state, and a case of transitioning from the normal state to the first bonus state via the second bonus state,
A mahjong ball game machine characterized by:

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