JPH11262566A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a player given expectations for an advantageous game condition not only before the variable display stops and a special pattern is displayed but also after that by relating the frequency of a time shortening mode to the special pattern displayed when the variable display stops. SOLUTION: When a pachinko ball enters or passes through a prescribed area, a first pattern 3a and a second symbol 3b are started to vary. Then, if the first pattern 3a displayed when the variation stops coincide with a specific pattern, a player is given a special privilege by a privilege granting means 2. Based on a combination of the first pattern 3a and the second pattern 3b, a selecting means 4 determines the period of variation of patterns and/or frequency of a time shortening mode, and sends the results to a pattern display means 1. A player can have expectations for the first pattern 3a till the variation of the first pattern 3a stops. After the variation stops and a pattern is displayed as the first pattern 3a, the player can still have expectations for the second pattern 3b to be a corresponding combination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine,
The present invention relates to a technique for giving a player a sense of expectation for an advantageous gaming state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In many ball game machines such as pachinko machines and arrangement ball machines, when a game ball enters or passes a predetermined area, a special symbol starts to change on a display device for displaying symbols. Such a fluctuation state of the symbol is called a symbol fluctuation. The predetermined area includes an area such as a gate and a specific winning opening. Then, after a while after starting to fluctuate, the special symbol is stopped and displayed. If the special symbol matches the jackpot symbol, the "big hit"
As a special benefit to the player. Here, the big hit symbol is often, for example, a zigzag symbol (“111” or “777”). In addition, a special advantage is such that a character or a special winning opening is opened for a certain period of time so that a game ball can easily enter the winning opening. The special benefits thus provided allow the player to obtain many prize balls (also referred to as "prize balls").

[0003] In many ball game machines, when a symbol such as a special symbol fluctuates after a big hit, the length of the symbol fluctuating period is shortened. The number of times of reducing the length of the symbol fluctuation period (hereinafter, referred to as “time savings number” in the present specification) is changed according to the content of the special symbol at the time of the big hit. For example, if the special symbol is "3" or "7" and the jackpot is "100", the number of time savings is 100, if the special symbol is "2""4" or "6", the number of time savings is 0. In this example, the number of times saved is set to 20 times. However, when changing the number of time savings according to the special symbol, it is possible to know how many times the number of time savings is based on the content of the special symbol stopped first. Therefore, the expectation of the player expecting that the length of the special symbol change period is shortened is limited from the start of the change of the symbol to the first stop of the special symbol.

[0004] Therefore, there has been provided a ball game machine capable of displaying a symbol other than a special symbol for determining the number of time savings (hereinafter referred to as a "time saving symbol") on a display. The time saving symbol is stopped and displayed after the special symbol stops.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned technique, the change of the time saving symbol becomes significant only when the special symbol matches the big hit symbol. For this reason, the expectation of expecting how many times the number of time savings will be made can be obtained only after the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the jackpot is won. In addition, the number of working hours is determined irrespective of the special symbol. For this reason, there is no idea how many times the number of time savings will be in the event of a jackpot. For this reason, the player loses the will to play, and the pachinko game is not interesting. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and has a relationship with the special symbol displayed by stopping the number of hours reduced, not only before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, but also after the stop. An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of giving a player a sense of expectation for an advantageous game state.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, when a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, a first symbol and a second symbol start to change, After that, when the first symbol displayed and stopped matches the specific symbol, a special benefit is provided to the player, and the combination of the first symbol and the second symbol causes the symbol to start changing and then stops. The symbol variation period until the symbol variation period is determined from the plurality of symbol variation periods, and / or the number of times of shortening the symbol variation period to be shortened is determined from the plurality of number of times reduction.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first symbol is associated with the second symbol. That is,
The combination of the first symbol and the second symbol determines the symbol variation period and / or the number of times reduced. In this case, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the first symbol will stop at which symbol from when the first symbol starts to change until it stops. Further, it is possible to give the player an expectation of expecting the second symbol combined with the first symbol. Therefore, even after the first symbol is stopped and displayed, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the game state will be advantageous.

[0008]

A second aspect of the present invention is a ball game machine according to the first aspect, wherein:
The appearance probability of the second symbol is changed according to the first symbol.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the appearance probability of the second symbol changes depending on the first symbol. Therefore, depending on the first symbol stopped and displayed after the fluctuation, the probability that the first symbol and the second symbol are in a predetermined combination increases. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the sense of expectation of the player expecting the second symbol to be a predetermined combination.

[0010]

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when a game ball wins or passes a predetermined area, the first symbol starts to fluctuate, and then stops and is displayed. When the given first symbol matches the specific symbol, a special benefit is provided to the player, the appearance probability of the second symbol is changed by the first symbol, and the symbol is changed by the second symbol. The symbol variation period from the start to the stop is determined from a plurality of symbol variation periods, and / or the number of times for shortening the symbol variation period is determined from the plurality of times.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first symbol is associated with the second symbol, and the appearance probability of the second symbol changes depending on the first symbol. Further, the symbol variation period and / or the number of times of reduction in working hours are determined by the second symbol. In this case, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the first symbol will stop at which symbol from when the first symbol starts to change until it stops. Also, the first
For some symbols, the probability that the first symbol and the second symbol are in a predetermined combination increases. Therefore, it is possible to give the player an expectation of expecting the second symbol that matches the predetermined symbol. Therefore, not only before the first symbol is stopped and displayed but also after the first symbol is stopped, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that an advantageous gaming state will be achieved.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a schematic configuration of the present invention is shown in a block diagram in FIG. The ball game machine shown in FIG.
It has a symbol display unit 1, a profit providing unit 2, a symbol display unit 3, a determination unit 4, and the like. The symbol display unit 3 displays symbols. The symbol display means 1 starts to fluctuate the first symbol 3a and the second symbol 3b on the symbol display section 3 when the game ball wins or passes through the predetermined area, and thereafter stops and displays the symbols. The profit providing means 2 provides a special profit to the player when the first symbol 3a stopped and displayed by the symbol display unit 1 matches the specific symbol. The deciding means 4 is the first symbol 3
The combination of a and the second symbol 3b determines a symbol variation period from the start of the variation of the first symbol 3a and / or the second symbol 3b to the stop of the symbol from a plurality of symbol variation periods, and And / or determine the number of time savings for shortening the symbol variation period from a plurality of time savings numbers and send it to the symbol display means 1.

In this configuration, the operation is as follows. That is, when the game ball wins or passes through the predetermined area, the symbol display means 1 starts changing symbols on the symbol display section 3. That is, the first symbol 3a and the second symbol 3b start to fluctuate synchronously or asynchronously. Thereafter, when the first symbol 3a stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 3 matches the specific symbol, the profit providing unit 2 provides the player with a special profit.
Then, based on the combination of the first symbol 3a and the second symbol 3b, which are stopped and displayed, the determining means 4 determines the symbol changing period and / or the number of working hours, and sends it to the symbol displaying means 1. In this case, the player can be provided with an expectation of expecting at which symbol the first symbol 3a will stop after the first symbol 3a starts to fluctuate and stops. Also, a second symbol 3b combined with the first symbol 3a
Can be given to the player. Therefore, not only before the first symbol 3a is stopped and displayed, but also after the first symbol 3a is stopped, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation to be in an advantageous gaming state.

Incidentally, the probability changing means 5 indicated by a two-dot chain line may be appropriately added depending on the game mode or the like. This probability changing means 5
Changes the appearance probability of the second symbol 3b with the first symbol 3a and sends it to the symbol display means 1. In this case, the appearance probability of the second symbol 3b changes according to the first symbol 3a. Therefore, depending on the first symbol 3a, the probability that the first symbol 3a and the second symbol 3b are in a predetermined combination increases. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the expectation of the player who expects the second symbol 3b to be a predetermined combination. Further, in the above configuration, the determination means 4 determines the combination of the first symbol 3a and the second symbol 3b.
The symbol fluctuation period and / or the number of working hours were determined. Instead of this mode, the symbol variation period and / or the number of times of shortening of the symbol may be determined only by the second symbol 3b (or only the first symbol 3a). Even in this case, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that an advantageous gaming state will be achieved not only before the first symbol 3a is stopped and displayed, but also after the first symbol 3a is stopped.

Next, a specific embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine which is one of the ball game machines will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the first symbol 3
A special symbol is applied to a, and a time reduction symbol is applied to the second symbol 3b. A jackpot symbol is applied to the specific symbol. Further, a special symbol change period is applied to the symbol change period. Here, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the multifunction device in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit provided in the pachinko machine. FIG. 5 shows the first-type start-up process, FIG. 6 shows the special symbol variation process, FIG. 8 shows the time-saving symbol variation process, FIG. 9 shows the special winning opening process, and FIG. Shown in a flowchart. FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen displayed on the special symbol display 60. FIG. 7 (A) shows a symbol change state, and FIG. 7 (B) shows a big hit state. In these figures, FIGS. 6, 8
8 corresponds to the symbol display means 1, step S62 in FIG. 8 corresponds to the determination means 4, and step S42 in FIG.

First, in FIG. 2, on the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10, a multifunction device 14, a first-type starting port 18, a large winning port 20 and the like are appropriately arranged and provided. As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the composite device 14 includes an ordinary symbol display 56, a special symbol memory lamp 58, a special symbol display 60, gates 54 and 62, and gate sensors 52 and 64.
Etc. are provided. The first type starting port 18 shown in FIG.
The prize ball is paid out by acting in the same manner as a normal winning opening. on the other hand,
The gates 54 and 62 shown in FIG. 3 only detect the passage of a pachinko ball by the gate sensors 52 and 64, and do not pay out award balls.

In FIG. 3, an ordinary symbol display 56 displays ordinary symbols (for example, alphanumeric characters and symbols). This normal symbol starts to change when the pachinko ball passes through the gates 54 and 62, and stops after a normal symbol change period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. The pachinko balls that have passed through the gates 54 and 62 in this way are guided to the center of the game board surface 12 by the guide paths 50 and 66 provided below the multifunction device 14. Therefore, the possibility that the pachinko ball guided to the center of the game board surface 12 will win the first-type starting port 18 as is clear from FIG. The special symbol display 60 corresponds to the symbol display unit 3 and displays a special symbol (for example, a pattern, alphanumeric characters, symbols, and the like). The special symbol starts to fluctuate when a pachinko ball wins in the first-type starting port 18 shown in FIG. 2, and stops after a special symbol fluctuation period (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed. If a pachinko ball wins the first-type starting port 18 during the special symbol fluctuation period, the special symbol memory lamp 58 is turned on within a range not exceeding the upper limit value (for example, 4) corresponding to the number. A light bulb, an LED, or the like is used as the special symbol memory lamp 58. Thereafter, the special symbol fluctuates and stops, and the lamp is turned off one by one each time the next fluctuation starts.

Returning to FIG. 2, the first type starting port 18 is provided with a starting port sensor 34. This starting port sensor 3
Reference numeral 4 denotes a pachinko ball that has won the first-type starting port 18. The special winning opening 20 corresponds to the profit providing means 2, and the lid 20a
Is provided. The lid 20a is opened and closed by a solenoid 32. In the lid 20a, a V zone 20c is provided as a special area together with a normal winning opening. If a pachinko ball wins in this V zone 20c at a certain time, the jackpot game state is limited to a certain amount (for example, 16
Times). At the bottom of the lid 20a,
An attacker lower winning opening 20b is provided. The lower attacker winning port 20b is provided for a predetermined period (for example, 5) when the normal symbol stopped and displayed after the change is a predetermined symbol (for example, “7”) on the above-mentioned normal symbol display 56.
Seconds). Except for the game board surface 12, a lower plate 26 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, a speaker 28 for emitting sound effects, music, and the like, and whether or not the player's hand is touching the handle 22 is detected. Touch sensor 24
And a metal frame sensor 36 for detecting the opening of the glass frame 17. The speaker 28 is provided inside an upper plate 30 that is a receiving tray for award balls, and the touch sensor 24 and the metal frame sensor 36 are provided at predetermined positions. Further, a light bulb, an LED, or the like is used for the lamps 16, and the lamps 16 are not limited to the positions shown in the figure, but are arranged at appropriate positions according to the game contents of the pachinko machine 10.

Next, the configuration of the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, a main control unit 100 includes a CPU (processor) 110, a ROM
102, a RAM 104, a timer 106, an input processing circuit 108, an output processing circuit 112, a display control circuit 114, and a communication control circuit 116. CPU11
0 performs control for realizing a pachinko game in the pachinko machine 10 according to a game control program stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 stores a determination table, a probability variation table, and the like, in addition to the game control program. The decision table stores a plurality of special symbol fluctuation periods and / or a plurality of time saving times. The probability variation table includes a plurality of tables that can be a probability variation and a table that has no possibility of a probability variation. Although an EPROM is generally used for the ROM 102, the present invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used. Generally, a DRAM is used as the RAM 104, but a nonvolatile memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory may be used. The RAM 104 stores various types of data such as a first type counter, a variation flag, a special winning opening flag, period data (specifically, special symbol variation period data and time-saving symbol variation period data), determination data, and input / output signals. Is done.

The timer 106 receives a command from the CPU 110, executes a time counting function, outputs a count signal for counting up / down of a random value, and manages a period such as a normal symbol fluctuation period or a special symbol fluctuation period. I do. The input processing circuit 108 receives the respective detection signals sent from the starting port sensor 34 and the gate sensors 52 and 64, converts the signals into data formats that can be processed in the main control unit 100, RAM1
Send to 04. On the other hand, the output processing circuit 112
Receiving the operation data sent from the
Various operating devices provided in the pachinko machine 10, such as the solenoid 32, are operated.

The display control circuit 114 receives display data sent from the CPU 110 via the bus 118, controls the normal symbol display 56 and the special symbol display 60 to display characters, symbols, images, and the like. Control is performed to turn on / off the lamps (the lamps 16, the special symbol memory lamp 58, and the like). The communication control circuit 116 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the frame control unit 200. Frame control unit 2
Like the main control unit 100, the CPU 00 is configured around a CPU, and the specific contents thereof are publicly known, so that detailed description is omitted. Note that the frame control unit 200 controls firing of a pachinko ball, payout of a prize ball, and the like necessary for performing a pachinko game, outputting sound effects, music, and the like from the speaker 28, or opening the door by a metal frame sensor 36. Is performed at a predetermined timing. Each of the above components is connected to the bus 118.

Next, a processing procedure for realizing the present invention in the pachinko machine 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the processing procedures shown in these figures, the game control program stored in the ROM 102 in the main control unit 100 shown in FIG.
This is realized by the PU 110 executing at a predetermined timing. In this specification, “counting up” generally means increasing the count value by 1, but includes a case where the count value is increased by 2 or more as appropriate according to a game state or the like. In addition, "counting down" is the same as counting up except that the count value is reduced.

First, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5, a winning process of a pachinko ball to the first type starting port 18 is performed. In the state where the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 60, when a pachinko ball is won in the first type starting port 18, the following processing is performed. That is, step S1
If it is 0, it is determined that a winning has been achieved (YES) upon receiving the detection signal output from the starting port sensor 34, and the type 1 counter is counted up [Step S12]. The first type counter is a counter that counts the number of pachinko balls that have won the first type opening 18 while the special symbol is fluctuatingly displayed on the special symbol display 60. Thereafter, it is determined whether the variation flag is on or off [step S16]. This fluctuation flag is turned on during a period in which the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device 60 while being changed, and is off during a period in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed. Here, if the variation flag is off (NO in step S16), the variation flag is turned on in preparation for the next symbol variation and [step S1
8] The random number is read and the variation pattern is determined [Step S20]. Then, after decrementing the type 1 counter [step S22], the type 1 start-up opening process is terminated.

Next, the specific processing content of step S20 will be described below. First, the counter provided in the RAM 104 counts up while circulating within a predetermined range according to the count signal output from the timer 106. For example, when the predetermined range is 0 to 299, the count is incremented by 1 when the count value is 0 to 298, and is initialized to 0 when the count value is 299. Note that there is at least one big hit value within the predetermined range. A fluctuation pattern or a big hit symbol is determined based on the count value. In addition, based on the number of times the probability change is continued during the jackpot period, one table is determined from a plurality of tables that are likely to change in probability and a table that is not likely to change in probability. At this time, the probability fluctuation is a predetermined number of continuations (for example, 10
Times), a table is determined in which there is no possibility of forcible probability fluctuation at the next jackpot. In the table thus determined, the symbol for displaying the big hit is determined based on the random number value. The change pattern is a pattern of a special symbol that is changed and displayed on the special symbol display 60. In this variation pattern, one variation pattern is determined from the plurality of variation patterns based on the count value.

On the other hand, in a state where the special symbol is fluctuated and displayed on the special symbol display 60, the first kind starting port 18 is provided.
When a pachinko ball is won, the following processing is performed. That is, similarly to the normal state, steps S10,
The processes in S12 and S16 are performed, and the variation flag is determined to be ON (YES) in step S16. Thereafter, the first-class start-up process is terminated without doing anything. Furthermore, the first
If the pachinko ball has not won the seed starting port 18,
Processing is performed as follows regardless of the display state of the special symbol display 60. That is, since no detection signal is output from the start-up opening sensor 34, it is determined in step S10 that no winning has been made (NO). Therefore, it is determined whether or not the symbol change is performed on the special symbol display 60 based on the value of the first type counter [Step S14]. At this time the first
If the value of the seed counter is greater than 0 (YES), the process proceeds to step S16 to perform the same processing as described above. In this way, even if no prize is won, the special symbol display 60
It is realized that the symbol fluctuation state is checked and the fluctuation is started in the case of the stop state. On the other hand, if the type 1 counter is 0, the type 1 start-up process is terminated without doing anything.

Next, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6, a special symbol changing process is performed. First, it is determined whether the variation flag is on or off [step S30]. If the variation flag is off (NO), the special symbol variation process is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if the fluctuation flag is on (YES), the following processing is performed.

That is, the special symbol starts to be changed on the special symbol display 60 [step S32], and the special symbol change period data is sent from the CPU 110 to the timer 106 in FIG. The timer 106 that has received the special symbol variation period data sends a first variation stop signal to the CPU 110 when the special symbol variation period has elapsed. Then, whether or not the special symbol fluctuation period has elapsed, that is, the timer 106
It is determined whether or not the first fluctuation stop signal output from is received (step S34). When the special symbol change period has elapsed after receiving the first change stop signal (YES), the special symbol which has been changed and displayed on the special symbol display 60 is stopped [step S36].

Here, steps S32 to S3
FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the special symbol display 60 up to 6. In the symbol change state shown in FIG. 7A, the display screen 60a includes an upper decorative symbol region 60d,
It is divided into a lower symbol variation area 60e. First, in the decorative design area 60d, an interesting display is provided by animation using a decorative design or a video (including an image). Decorative patterns and images include portraits of people (for example, celebrities) and cartoon characters. Thus, the player can be given an opportunity to enjoy watching the decorative design area 60d. On the other hand, a special symbol and a time-saving symbol are displayed in the symbol variation area 60e. Special design is special design area 60
c, the time saving symbols are displayed in the time saving symbol area 60b, respectively. In the special symbol area 60c, a special symbol is displayed in each of three areas divided into left, middle, and right. Hereinafter, the special symbol displayed on the left side is called "left symbol", the special symbol displayed on the middle side is called "middle symbol", and the special symbol displayed on the right side is called "right symbol". . The time-saving symbol area 60b is provided on both the left and right sides of the special symbol area 60c. As the time saving symbol, for example, a symbol imitating a spotlight is displayed. In the symbol fluctuation state, the color of the specific portion 60f of the time-saving symbol is, for example, blue, red, yellow,
It changes repeatedly in the order of green. The processing for changing the time saving symbol and the processing for the number of time savings will be described later (FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG.
(FIG. 10).

Returning to FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 60 matches the big hit symbol (step S38). For example, when the big hit symbol is a symbol such as "777", it is determined whether or not the symbol is displayed. If the special symbol stopped and displayed matches the big hit symbol (YES), the big hit is displayed (step S40), the special winning opening flag is turned on (step S44), and the special symbol changing process is ended. I do. Here, the special winning opening flag is a flag that is turned on when the special winning opening 20 is opened and turned off when the special winning opening 20 is closed. On the other hand, when the special symbol stopped and displayed does not match the big hit symbol (NO in step S38),
The special symbol change processing is terminated without doing anything.

In the big hit display in step S40, a display as shown in FIG. 7B is performed. For example,
First, the display screen 60a is divided into a decorative design area 60j on the left and an information display area 60k on the right. Decorative design area 60
For j, an interesting display is performed by another animation using a decorative symbol or a video (including an image), similarly to the decorative symbol region 60d. The information display area 60k includes a symbol display section 60g for displaying a left symbol when a big hit has occurred, and a round display section 60h for displaying the number of continuations of the cover 20a of the special winning opening 20. Round display section 60
In h, a pattern imitating a hanging curtain is displayed together with the characters "Land", and as the number of times of the lid 20a of the special winning opening 20 increases, a new number of continuations is displayed by an animation display (see the example shown in the drawing). In this case, the number “16” is displayed. The portion of the symbol display portion 60g other than the left symbol (the number "8" in the illustrated example) is colored with the color of the specific portion 60f of the time saving symbol at the time of stoppage of fluctuation. When the special symbol variation period and / or the number of times saved are determined by executing step S62 (see FIG. 8) described later, the edges 60i of the symbol display unit 60g and the round display unit 60h have a specific color (for example, (Gold).

If necessary, if the special symbol stopped and displayed after the change matches the big hit symbol, the appearance probability of the time saving symbol may be changed according to the special symbol. In the example of FIG. 6, step S4
After displaying the big hit of 0, the appearance probability of the time saving symbol is changed [Step S42]. Specifically, according to the contents of the special symbol, the combination of the number of times of reduction of time corresponding to the symbol of the time reduction is determined according to Table 1. Table 1 corresponds to the decision table,
Contents of special symbols in the row direction ("000", "111", etc.)
Is defined in the column direction (eg, “black”, “red”).

[0032]

[Table 1]

In Table 1 above, for example, “A” indicates a time reduction of 0
The times, “B” means 50 times, and “C” means 100 times. For example, if the special symbol is "222" and the jackpot is hit, the row (one horizontal row, that is, A, A, A, A, A,
A, A, B, B, C) are determined. In this example, there is a 70% probability that time savings will be 0 times and a 20% probability that time savings will be 50 times.
%, The probability of becoming 100 times reduced becomes 10%. Similarly,
If the special symbol is "777", the probability of 0 time savings is 10%, the probability of 50 time savings is 20%, and the time saving is 100%.
70% of times. As described above, the number of times of saving depends on the special symbol and the jackpot. In this way, depending on the special symbol stopped and displayed after the change, the special symbol and the time saving symbol are in a predetermined combination, and the probability of a more advantageous game state is increased. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the sense of expectation of the player who expects to stop and be displayed in a time saving symbol that becomes a predetermined combination.

Next, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8, a time-saving symbol variation processing is performed. First, ON / OFF of the variation flag is determined [Step S50]. If the fluctuation flag is off (NO), the time saving symbol fluctuation processing ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if the fluctuation flag is on (YES), the following processing is performed.

That is, while changing the time-saving symbol on the special symbol display 60 (step S52), the CPU 110 sends the time-saving symbol changing period data to the timer 106 in FIG. In this case, from the relationship with step S32, the special symbol and the time saving symbol start to change almost simultaneously. The timing at which these special symbols and the time-saving symbols start to change may be made different.
Then, the timer 10 which receives the time saving symbol fluctuation period data
6 is the CPU 1 when the time saving symbol fluctuation period has elapsed.
A second fluctuation stop signal is sent to 10. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the time-saving symbol fluctuation period has elapsed, that is, whether or not the second fluctuation stop signal output from the timer 106 has been received (step S54). When the time-saving symbol variation period has elapsed in response to the second variation stop signal (YES), the special symbol indicator 6
At the same time, the time-saving symbols displayed to fluctuate to 0 are stopped [Step S56], and the fluctuation flag is turned off [Step S58]. In this case, the stop timing of the special symbol and the time saving symbol is different from the relationship with step S36.
In addition, the stop timing of these special symbols and the time saving symbols may be matched. After that, it is determined whether or not the time saving symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicator 60 matches the designated symbol (step S60). If the time reduction symbol displayed after stopping matches the designated symbol (YES), the special symbol variation period and / or the number of times reduced are determined [Step S62], and the above-described special symbol variation period is shortened (changed). [Step S64],
The time saving symbol change processing is ended. On the other hand, when the stopped time display symbol does not match the designated symbol (NO in step S60), the special symbol variation process is terminated without doing anything.

Here, the determination (selection, change) of the special symbol fluctuation period and / or the number of working hours will be described. The special symbol fluctuation period and the number of reductions in time may be determined in the same manner as in Table 1 above. For example, for the special symbol fluctuation period, “A” is 15 seconds, “B” is 10 seconds, and “C” is 5 seconds.
Seconds. Similarly, for the number of time savings, “A” is set to 0
Times, “B” is 50 times, and “C” is 100 times. Thus, it is possible to determine the length of the special symbol fluctuation period and the number of times of shortening according to the special symbol.

In Table 1, the ratios of A, B, and C are varied according to the content of the special symbol. Instead of or in addition to this embodiment, the following embodiment can be implemented. In these modes, the width and the probability (ratio) of the decision are diversified, and the setting (decision) according to the needs of the player and the pachinko game hall can be performed. (A) Not limited to three types of A, B, and C, but two types of A and B, or an arbitrary number of four or more types of A, B, C, D,. Further, the number of types is different between the pachinko machines 10. (B) Regardless of the content of the special symbol displayed after being stopped after the change, the ratio between the types is made the same. In addition, the ratio is different between the pachinko machines 10. (C) For a single decision table, the types such as A, B, C, etc. are increased or decreased in a timely manner according to the contents of the special symbol, the type of the pachinko machine 10, the game state, the date and time, or the ratio is varied. (D) A determination table as shown in Table 1 is determined before determining the special symbol fluctuation period and / or the number of time savings according to the combination of the special symbol and the time saving symbol. That is,
First, a plurality of determination tables, such as Table 1, which define the special symbol fluctuation period and the number of reductions in time, are prepared. Then, one set of determination tables is determined from a plurality of determination tables according to the contents of the special symbol, the type of the pachinko machine 10, the game state, the date and time, and the like.

Next, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, opening / closing processing of a special winning opening is performed. First, it is determined whether the special winning opening flag is on or off (step S70). If the special winning opening flag is on (YES), the cover 20a of the special winning opening 20 is opened [step S72]. Then, until the special winning opening period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses (NO in step S74), and until a predetermined number of pachinko balls win in the special winning opening 20 (NO in step S80), step S74 is performed. To S80 are repeatedly executed. If a pachinko ball wins in the special winning opening 20 during this repetition process (YES in step S76), a prize ball corresponding to the winning is paid out (step S78). In order to inform the player how many pachinko balls have won in the special winning opening 20 during the opening of the special winning opening, the number of winnings is indicated by a special symbol display 6.
It may be displayed in a screen such as 0. In this case, since the player knows how many prizes can be won in the round, it becomes easier to set a game strategy thereafter.

Thereafter, when the above-mentioned special winning opening opening period has elapsed, or when a predetermined number of pachinko balls have been won in the special winning opening 20, the lid 20a of the special winning opening 20 is closed [Step S82]. It is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won a special area (for example, V zone 20c) of the special winning opening 20 during the winning opening period (step S84). If the pachinko ball has won the special area of the special winning opening 20 (YES), steps S72 to S84 are repeatedly executed again. By repeating this process, the lid 20 of the special winning opening 20
Since a is released intermittently, the player can obtain more prize balls. In addition, such a special winning opening 20
Is limited to a certain number of times (for example, 16 times). On the other hand, if the pachinko ball does not win in the special area of the special winning opening 20 (NO), the time saving process is performed [step S86], and then the special winning opening process ends. The specific processing content of this time saving processing will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a procedure for processing the time reduction of the special symbol fluctuation period. First, the number of times the special symbol has been changed since the time saving state is counted up (step S).
90], and it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached the set number of time savings (step S62 in FIG. 8) [step S90].
92]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the number of changes exceeds the number of times saved (number of times of change> number of times saved). If the number of times of variation has reached the number of time savings (YES), the shortened special symbol variation period is changed [Step S9
4], the number of times of change is initialized in preparation for the next time saving [Step S96], and the time saving process ends. Specifically, the special symbol change period is returned to the original, and the number of changes is set to a predetermined value (for example, 0).
Initialize with On the other hand, if the number of changes has not reached the number of time savings (NO in step S92), the time savings processing ends without doing anything to continue the time savings state.

According to the above embodiment, when the pachinko ball wins or passes through the predetermined area, the special symbol (first symbol) and the time reduction symbol (second symbol) start to change. After that, when the special symbol stopped and displayed matches the big hit symbol (specific symbol), the lid 20a of the special winning opening 20 is opened to provide a special benefit to the player (FIG. 9). The special symbol fluctuation period (symbol fluctuation period) is determined from a plurality of symbol fluctuation periods according to the combination of the special symbol and the time reduction symbol, and / or the number of time reductions for shortening the special symbol fluctuation period is a plurality of time reduction times. (Step S62 in FIG. 8). At this time, from the time when the special symbol starts to fluctuate to the time when the special symbol stops, it is possible to give the player a feeling of expectation that the special symbol will stop at the big hit symbol. In addition, it is possible to give the player an expectation that the special symbol and the time reduction symbol are expected to be in a predetermined combination. Therefore, before and after the special symbol stops,
It is possible to give the player a sense of expectation to be in an advantageous gaming state.

Further, the appearance probability of the time saving symbol is changed according to the special symbol (step S62 in FIG. 8). Therefore, depending on the special symbol stopped and displayed after the change, the probability that the special symbol and the time saving symbol are in a predetermined combination increases. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the sense of expectation of the player who expects the time saving symbol to be a predetermined combination.

Further, the special symbol fluctuation period and / or the number of times of the reduction of the number of hours may be determined based on the symbol of the time reduction (step S62 in FIG. 8). At this time, from the time when the special symbol starts to fluctuate to the time when the special symbol stops, it is possible to give the player a feeling of expectation that the special symbol will stop at the big hit symbol. Further, depending on the special symbol, the probability that the special symbol and the time saving symbol are in a predetermined combination increases. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a feeling of expectation that the time saving symbol corresponds to the designated symbol. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the game will be in an advantageous gaming state not only before the special symbol is stopped but also after the special symbol is stopped.

[Other Embodiments] The above-described pachinko machine 1
At 0, the structure, shape, size, material, number, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of the other parts are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied may be implemented. Even in these cases, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained in addition to the effects described in particular.

(1) The condition for starting to fluctuate the special symbol and the time saving symbol on the special symbol indicator 60 (symbol display section 3) is not limited to the case where the game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area. It may be the time when it is established.
As the special condition, there is a case where a symbol other than the special symbol or the time saving symbol matches the predetermined symbol. (2) In the above embodiment, the big hit symbol is applied as the specific symbol, but another symbol may be applied. As such other symbols, there are, for example, winning symbols which are fluctuated and displayed on the ordinary symbol display 56. Even in this case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

(3) Although the special symbol and the time reduction symbol are displayed on the same special symbol display 60 (symbol display section 3), they may be displayed on separate displays. For example, the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol indicator 60, and the time saving symbol is displayed on another symbol indicator such as the ordinary symbol indicator 56 or the like. Further, the reverse mode may be adopted. In addition, the time saving symbol may be a symbol in which the symbol is not changed but the symbol is changed in the same manner as the special symbol, or an alternate display such as "O" or "X" is performed. This makes it easy to see at a glance which symbol is displayed on which display. In addition, the special symbol and the time saving symbol are displayed in separate areas on the special symbol display 60, but the special symbol and the time saving symbol may be alternately displayed on the entire display screen 60a of the special symbol indicator 60. . Since one symbol is hidden behind the other symbol and cannot be seen, it is possible to give an expectation of expecting which symbol will appear next for the hidden symbol.

(4) The number of time savings for shortening the symbol variation period of both the special symbol and the ordinary symbol may be determined based on the combination of the special symbol and the time symbol. In this way, when the normal pattern hits, the attacker bottom winning opening 20b
Opens. When the symbol fluctuation period of the ordinary symbol is shortened,
The number of lotteries per unit time increases, and the chances of winning are increased accordingly. As a result, the number of times the lower attacker winning port 20b is opened increases, and the chance of winning the lower attacker winning port 20b also increases. Therefore, the player is given an opportunity to obtain more prize balls, while the symbol change period of the special symbol is also shortened, so that the number of lotteries per unit time is increased, and the opportunity to win the jackpot is increased accordingly. .

(5) In the above embodiment, the symbol variation period is the special symbol variation period, but may be a normal symbol variation period. In this case, the ordinary symbol display 56 shown in FIG.
Corresponds to the symbol display section. Then, when the process of step S64 shown in FIG. 8 is executed, the normal symbol fluctuation period is shortened. So you have more opportunities to win,
There are even more opportunities for jackpots. Similarly, the symbol fluctuation period may be a special symbol fluctuation period and a normal symbol fluctuation period. In this case, the special symbol display 60 shown in FIG.
The normal symbol display 56 corresponds to a symbol display unit. Then, when the process of step S64 shown in FIG. 8 is performed,
Both the special symbol fluctuation period and the ordinary symbol fluctuation period are shortened. Therefore, the chances of winning and jackpot are further increased. On the other hand, in these cases, the chance to win and the chance to obtain more prize balls increase. Therefore, the expectation of obtaining many prize balls is further increased, so that the operating rate after winning can be further improved as compared with the related art.

(6) In the above embodiment, the decision table, the probability variation table and the like are stored in the RAM 104. Instead of this mode, at least one item is stored in the ROM 10
2. It may be stored in a computer (including a hall computer) connected to the ROM or RAM in the frame control unit 200 or the communication control circuit 116 via a communication line. Further, the information may be recorded on a part (or all) of a recording medium accessible from the input processing circuit 108, the output processing circuit 112, the communication control circuit 116, and the like. As this recording medium,
There are optical (magneto-magnetic) disks, flexible disks, cards such as paper cards and magnetic cards, and printed materials on which characters, codes, symbols (including bar codes) are printed, and the like. In step S62 shown in FIG. 8, in response to the special symbol fluctuation period and the number of working hours determined and transmitted by the frame control unit 200 and the hall computer, etc., FIG.
The processing of FIG. 10 and the like may be performed.

(7) In the above embodiment, the present invention is realized by software, but may be realized by hardware.
For example, hardware logic circuits, gate arrays, E
There are a CL circuit, a TTL circuit, and the like. Furthermore, it can also be realized by a microprogram in firmware. (8) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. The present invention is not limited to this, and if the symbol displayed after being stopped after changing the symbol matches the predetermined symbol, the present invention can be similarly applied to other ball game machines that provide the player with a special benefit as a hit. . Examples of other ball-and-ball game machines include an arrangement ball machine and the like.

[0051]

Other Embodiments The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. This embodiment has some aspects of the invention except for the aspects of the invention described in the claims. Embodiments of the invention are shown below.

[Aspect 1] When a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, the first symbol and the second symbol start to fluctuate, and after that, the first symbol displayed and matched with the specific symbol. Then, a special benefit is provided to the player, and the combination of the first symbol and the second symbol is used to change the length of the symbol variation period from when the symbol starts to change until the symbol stops,
And / or a ball and ball game machine that changes the number of time savings to shorten the length of the symbol fluctuation period.

[Embodiment 2] A ball game machine according to embodiment 1, wherein the appearance probability of the second symbol is changed by the first symbol.

[Embodiment 3] When a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, the first symbol and the second symbol start to fluctuate, and thereafter, the first symbol displayed and matched with the specific symbol. Then, a special profit is provided to the player, the appearance probability of the second symbol is changed by the first symbol, and the symbol change period from the start of the symbol change to the stop is changed by the second symbol. And / or a ball game machine that changes the number of hours saved to shorten the symbol fluctuation period.

[Embodiment 4] When a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, the first symbol and the second symbol start to fluctuate, and thereafter, the first symbol displayed and matched with the specific symbol. Then, a special benefit is provided to the player, and when the first symbol and the second symbol are in a predetermined combination, the number of expansions / contractions which expands / contracts the symbol fluctuation period from when the symbol starts to change until when the symbol stops is changed. Ball game machine.

[Related Explanations of Aspects 1 to 4] According to these aspects, it is possible to give the player a combination of the first symbol and the second symbol, or an expectation of expecting the second symbol. it can. Therefore, even after the first symbol is stopped and displayed, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the game state will be advantageous.

[0057]

According to the present invention, even after the first symbol is stopped and displayed, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that an advantageous gaming state will be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a multifunction device in a pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit provided in the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first starting port process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a special symbol changing process.

7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen, wherein FIG. 7A shows a symbol change state, and FIG. 7B shows a big hit state.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a time saving symbol change process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a special winning opening opening and closing process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating time saving processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Symbol display means 2 Profit providing means 3 Symbol display part 3a First symbol (special symbol) 3b Second symbol (time saving symbol) 4 Decision means 5 Probability changing means 10 Pachinko machine (ball game machine) 18 First type Starting port 20 Large winning opening (profit providing means) 20a Lid 20b Lower attacker winning opening 20c V zone 56 Normal symbol display 60 Special symbol display 60b Time saving symbol area 60c Special symbol area 100 Main control section 102 ROM (storage medium) 104 RAM (storage medium) 110 CPU 200 Frame control unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. When a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, the first symbol and the second symbol start to fluctuate, and when the first symbol displayed after stopping matches the specific symbol, Providing a special benefit to the player, determining a symbol variation period from a time when the symbol starts to change until the symbol is stopped from a plurality of symbol variation periods by a combination of the first symbol and the second symbol, and And / or a ball and ball game machine that determines the number of time savings for shortening the symbol variation period from among a plurality of time savings. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the appearance probability of the second symbol is changed by the first symbol. 3. When a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, the first symbol starts to fluctuate, and when the first symbol displayed and stopped coincides with the specific symbol, a special profit is given to the player. The first symbol is used to change the appearance probability of the second symbol, and the second symbol is used to determine a symbol variation period from when the symbol starts to change until the symbol stops, from a plurality of symbol variation periods. And / or a ball game machine that determines the number of time savings for shortening the symbol fluctuation period from among a plurality of time saving times.