JPH1170232A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can sufficiently arouse the thrill and excitement of a player by changing the probability of the occurrence of a jackpot according to the way in which a next-to-winning condition appears, and thus making the contents of a game variable. SOLUTION: When a ball has entered a special winning hole 12, a symbol combination game execution means 50 starts a symbol combination game on a variable display means 20 and displays one or two or more next-to-winning conditions during the process of displaying the result of the game as determined. A probability setting part 60 changes setting of the probability that the next-to- winning condition eventually leads to a jackpot, according to the kinds (values of figures, etc.) of symbols forming the next-to-winning condition. If two or more next-to-winning conditions appear, the probability that a jackpot results is raised to a value equal to the sum of the probabilities that the different next-to-winning conditions lead to the jackpot. Further, when two or more next-to-winning conditions appear, the next-to-winning-condition line of the greater figure is determined as the line for increasing the probability of winning.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention executes a predetermined symbol matching game when a ball hit on a game board has won a specific winning opening, and when the result is a hit, a special value advantageous to the player. To a gaming machine for providing

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional gaming machine has a liquid crystal display as a variable display means for displaying various symbol matching games, and executes a symbol matching game on the liquid crystal display when a ball wins in a specific winning opening. There is a so-called fever machine that generates a special value advantageous to a player when a specific symbol is prepared as a result of the execution.

For example, in a game in which a display screen of a liquid crystal display is divided into a 3 × 3 matrix and numbers and the like are displayed in respective display areas to perform a game like a slot machine, a ball is won at a specific winning opening. Then, each number is scrolled in units of three display areas connected in the column direction of the matrix. Then, when a state where the same number is aligned on any one of the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines is determined, it is a hit and a special value is given to the player. Also, in the process of displaying the final execution result of the number matching game, when one more predetermined number is collected, the game goes through a reach state where a hit is made, so as to evoke a sense of expectation of the player's hit. Has become.

[0004] In such a gaming machine, the probability of occurrence of a hit is usually fixed at a predetermined value irrespective of the numbers or symbols appearing in the reach state. Furthermore, even in the case of a so-called double reach state in which two or more reach states are formed at the same time, the probability of a final hit appears only to increase in appearance, and in fact,
The probability is the same as when one reach state is formed.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional technique, the appearance of a hit is finally determined irrespective of the design of the reach state or the state of the double reach state. Since the probability of playing is a fixed value set in advance, there has been a problem that the change in the game content is poor and it is not possible to provide the player with sufficient thrill and excitement.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the content of the game is varied by changing the probability of hitting according to the way of the reach state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can further excite the thrill and excitement of a player.

[0007]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object lies in the following inventions. [1] A predetermined symbol matching game is executed when a ball hit on the game board surface (11) wins a specific winning opening (12), and when the result is a hit, a special value advantageous to the player is given. Display means (2) having a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying an arbitrary symbol in a gaming machine (10)
0), a symbol matching game executing means (50) for executing a symbol matching game which is achieved when predetermined symbols are aligned on the variable display means (20), and a probability of winning in the symbol matching game is set. Change probability setting means (6
0), and a special value generating means (30) for generating the special value when a hit occurs in the symbol matching game, and the symbol matching game executing means (50) is provided on the variable display means (20). When one more symbol is completed, the final execution result of the symbol matching game is confirmed and displayed via the hit reach state, and the probability setting means (60) executes the variable display means (20). A) a gaming machine (10) wherein the probability that the reach state will eventually hit is changed according to the type of the symbol forming the reach state displayed above.

[2] The variable display means (20) has a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying arbitrary numbers arranged in a matrix of vertical and horizontal directions, and the symbol matching game executing means (50) comprises: Vertical of the variable display means (20),
While running the number matching game that hits when the same number is aligned on either the horizontal or diagonal line,
When one more predetermined symbol is obtained, the execution result is confirmed and displayed via the hit reach state, and the probability setting means (60) displays the reach displayed on the variable display means (20). The gaming machine (10) according to [1], wherein the probability that the reach state finally hits is changed according to the value of a number forming the state.

[3] The probability setting means (60) sets the probability that the reach state will eventually reach a different value depending on whether the value forming the reach state is an even number or an odd number. [1] or [2]
A gaming machine (10) as described.

[4] The symbol matching game executing means (5)
0) forms a plurality of reach states on the variable display means (20) in the process of confirming and displaying the execution result, and the special value generating means (30) sets the reach state among the formed reach states. The gaming machine (10) according to [1], [2], or [3], wherein the magnitude of the special value given to the player is changed depending on which one is a hit.

[5] When a plurality of reach states are formed on the variable display means (20), the probability setting means (60) changes the probability of the final hit in the symbol matching game. The gaming machine according to [1], [2], [3] or [4], wherein the probability that each of the reach states displayed on the display means (20) is a hit is set to a total value. (10).

The present invention operates as follows. When the ball hit on the game board surface (11) wins the specific winning opening (12), the symbol matching game execution means (50)
The execution of the symbol matching game is started on the variable display means (20) having a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying an arbitrary symbol.

The symbol matching game execution means (50) displays a reach state in which a hit occurs when one more predetermined symbol is completed in the process of finalizing and displaying the execution result. The probability setting means (60) changes the setting of the probability that the reach state will eventually win according to the type of the symbol forming the displayed reach state. The special value generating means (30) generates a special value that is advantageous to the player when the symbol match game finally wins.

[0014] For example, as a symbol matching game, a number matching game for aligning the same numbers is executed, and the probability that the reach state will ultimately be reached when the numbers forming the reach state are even or odd is determined. To different values. As a result, the game content is full of changes,
The player's attention is focused on the number at which the player reaches the reach state, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be sufficiently aroused.

The variable display means (20) has a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying an arbitrary number arranged in a matrix of vertical and horizontal directions, and the same is displayed on any of vertical, horizontal, and oblique lines. Generates a hit when the numbers are aligned. At this time, the probability setting means (60) sets the probability that the reach state will eventually hit according to the value of the number that constitutes the reach state formed on any of the vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines. change.

Further, in the process of confirming and displaying the execution result of the symbol matching game, a plurality of reach states are formed on two or more lines such as a vertical line and an oblique line on the variable display means (20), The magnitude of the special value to be given to the player is changed depending on whether or not the game is finally won.
For example, when a reach state consisting of the largest number among the plurality of reach states displayed finally wins, the special value generating means (30) sets a value higher than the case where the reach states of other numbers win. As a special value, a benefit such as a shift to the probability variation mode is provided.

Thus, when a plurality of reach states are formed, the sense of expectation of hitting with a specific symbol in the state can be fueled, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be further evoked. .

Further, when a plurality of reach states are formed on the variable display means (20), the probability of a final hit in the symbol matching game is displayed on the variable display means (2).
0) Set the sum of the probabilities that the respective reach states displayed above will hit. For example, if the probability of appearance per hit to the first reach state is 1/200 and the probability of appearance per hit corresponding to the second reach state is 1/300, when these two reach states appear simultaneously, Finally, the probability of winning in the symbol matching game is set to 1/120 which is the sum of these individual probabilities.

As described above, when the double reach state or the like occurs, the probability of occurrence of a hit is actually increased according to the number of the reach states that have appeared, so that the player's expectation of the hit can be further evoked. .

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing shows one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 according to the present invention is a pachinko machine that launches a ball by rotating a handle 14 and competes for winning a ball into various winning ports. Note that the gaming machine 10 according to the present invention can be applied to various game machines that use a ball as a game medium, such as an arrangement ball machine.

The gaming machine 10 has a game board surface 11 as a place where the hit ball flows down. The game board surface 11 is provided with a winning opening, various kinds of accessories, obstacle nails, an out opening, and the like. At a substantially central portion of the game board surface 11, a variable display means 20 as a central accessory for displaying a symbol matching game is provided.

Here, a color liquid crystal display is used as the variable display means 20. Variable display means 20
Has a display area divided into a 3 × 3 vertical and horizontal matrix as shown in FIG.
A number matching game has been developed that resembles a slot machine that competes for aligning the same numbers and symbols on either horizontal or diagonal lines. In addition, a monochrome liquid crystal display or a CRT display can be used as the variable display means 20.

Below the variable display means 20, a special winning opening 12 generally called a start chucker is provided. With the ball winning the special winning opening 12,
On the variable display means 20, a symbol matching game as a slot machine is executed.

Further below the specific winning opening 12, there is provided a special value generating means 30 for generating a special value advantageous to the player when a hit occurs in the symbol matching game.
The special value generating means 30 is a variable winning opening that is normally closed, but opens and closes the winning opening a plurality of times when a winning occurs in the symbol matching game to increase the winning probability of the ball.

At the lower part of the game board surface 11, a front plate 15 for holding a ball to be used for the game is further provided.
A lower plate 16 is provided for receiving a ball overflowing from the bottom plate.
On the right side of the lower plate 16 is provided a handle 14 for operating the firing of a ball. A control circuit for controlling various operations of the gaming machine 10 is mounted on the inside of the machine such as on the back surface of the game board 11.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a circuit configuration of a gaming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The specific winning opening 12 includes a winning detection switch 13 for detecting a winning ball. The prize detecting switch 13 may be a mechanical switch, an optical sensor that detects a prize when light is blocked by a ball, or a magnetic sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field due to the passage of a ball. it can.

The winning signal 41 output from the winning detecting switch 13 when a ball winning is detected is transmitted to the variable display means 20.
Are input to the number matching game execution means 50 for controlling the scrolling operation of the numbers displayed in. The number matching game execution means 50 includes a lottery unit (not shown) for performing random lottery by a random number generator, and a display control unit (not shown) for controlling display of symbols.

The number matching game executing means 50 develops a number matching game that looks like a slot machine on the variable display means 20 from the time when the winning signal 41 is inputted. When a reach state in which the same numbers are aligned is displayed, a reach generation signal 42 indicating the occurrence of the reach state and the value of the number forming the reach state is output.

The probability setting section 60 is a circuit portion for setting a probability of making a hit appear based on the reach generation signal 42 received from the number matching game executing means 50. The probability setting unit 60 sets, for each reach state formed on one line, an appearance probability (line unit win probability) according to a value of a number forming the reach state, a line unit win probability setting unit. 61, and a probability adding unit 62 for obtaining a total winning probability by summing the line unit winning probabilities corresponding to the respective reach lines in the case of double reach or the like.

The probability setting unit 60 calculates the value of both the line unit winning probability, which is the appearance probability of each line determined by the line unit winning probability setting unit 61, and the total winning probability determined by the probability adding unit 62. The probability indicating signal 43 is output to the numeral matching game executing means 50. Further, the number matching game executing means 50 performs a lottery with a winning probability according to the probability instruction signal 43 received from the probability setting unit 60, determines a final execution result of the currently executing number matching game, and varies the result. The display is confirmed on the display means 20.

An execution result display signal 44 indicating whether or not the final execution result of the number matching game is a hit is output from the number matching game executing means 50 and the special value generating means 3
0 and are input to the probability change mode setting unit 70. The probability change mode setting unit 70 determines the probability of occurrence of a hit in a number matching game performed by the number matching game execution unit 50 when a reach state occurs on two or more lines and a hit appears on the line with the largest number. This is a circuit part for setting to shift to a so-called probability variation mode. During the transition to the probability variation mode, the probability change mode setting unit 70 sets the line unit winning probability determined for each reach line higher than the normal state.

The special value generating means 30 is closed in a normal state, but has an attacker 31 as a large winning opening which is opened when giving a special value advantageous to a player. The solenoid 32 is driven to open and close.

When a predetermined game state is reached, the attacker 31 opens and closes for a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds) and then closes for a short time (about 2 seconds). The initial value of the number of times of opening and closing (number of rounds) is set to 16 times.

The number matching game execution means 50, the probability setting section 60, the probability change mode setting section 70, etc. are provided with a CPU (central processing unit) which plays a central function of various controls in the gaming machine 10, and a ROM (read only memory). ) And RAM
(Random access memory).

The ROM stores various kinds of fixed data such as programs executed by the CPU and symbols of displayed numbers. The RAM is a work memory for storing data temporarily required for executing a program.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 3 shows the gaming machine 10
1 shows a flow of the operation performed by the user. Special winning opening 12
When the ball wins (step S101; Y), the winning signal 41 is input to the number matching game execution means 50, and in response thereto, the number matching game execution means 50 starts execution of the number matching game on the variable display means 20. (Step S102). That is, the number symbols displayed on the variable display means 20 are scrolled in the range of "0" to "9" to start the number matching game as if it were a slot machine. Is displayed.

Each time a number is determined, it is determined whether or not a reach state has appeared on any of the vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines on the variable display means 20 (step S103), and the reach state is formed. Then (step S103; Y), it is determined whether the value of the number constituting the reach state is odd or even (step S104). When the reach state is composed of odd numbers (step S104; Y), the line unit winning probability corresponding to this line is set to 1/300.
(Step S105). On the other hand, when the reach state is composed of even numbers (step S104;
N), the line unit winning probability corresponding to the line is 25
It is set to 1/0 (step S106).

Then, the line unit winning probability set for each of the reach lines is added to the total winning probability representing the probability of winning as the whole number matching game (step S107). When there are two or more areas where the value of the number is undetermined on the variable display means 20 (step S108;
N), the process returns to step S103, and it is determined whether or not a further reach state appears by determining the next number.

At the stage where the numbers of all the other display regions except for one region have been determined (step S108; Y), the probability setting unit 60 determines the winning probability (line unit) for each of the reach lines generated so far. The winning probability) and the total winning probability are sent back to the game matching means 50.

In FIG. 4, one reach line 81 is formed vertically in the center, and the reach line 8 is formed.
Since the value of the numeral constituting 1 is an odd number “3”, the line unit winning probability is set to 1/300. In the case of FIG. 4, since there is only one reach line, the total winning probability is also 30.
It becomes 1/0. The downward 3 shown in the center of the display area
The arrow of the book indicates that the number at that location is not yet determined during scrolling.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, an odd number "3"
And a reach line 82 formed of an odd number "1" inclined downward and to the left. In this case, each reach line 81, 82
Are all 1/300, and the probability of winning as a whole number matching game (total winning probability) is 1/150. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the reach line 83 composed of an odd number “5” inclined downward and to the right is also added, so that the total winning probability is 100
It's a fraction.

In the case of FIG. 7, in addition to the one shown in FIG. 6, a reach line 84 consisting of an even number "4" is formed in the lateral direction of the center of the display area. Since the reach line has an even number, the line unit win probability of the line is set to 1/250. And
The total winning probability in the case of FIG. 7 is (1/300) +
(1/300) + (1/300) + (1/250), that is, to 71.4.

The number matching game executing means 50 executes random lottery according to the total winning probability and the line unit winning probability obtained in this way, determines and displays the value of the number of the last area that has not been determined yet. (Step S109). At this time, if the same value is aligned on any of the reach lines, the winning is achieved (step S110; Y), and the special value generating means 30 is opened and closed to give the player a special value (step S111).

As described above, the probability of hitting the reach line is changed according to the value of the number constituting the reach line, so that the player is interested in what number the reach line appears. As a result, the curiosity of the player with respect to the game can be increased as compared with the case where the winning probability is the same regardless of which number appears.

Further, when two or more reach lines appear, the probability of a final hit as a whole in the number matching game is actually increased to a value obtained by summing the probability of hitting each reach line. As compared with the case where the double reach is displayed in the effect, it is possible to further excite the player's expectation of hitting.

Further, in this case, when two or more reach lines are formed, a case where a hit is made with the reach line having the larger number is set as a so-called probable transition to shift to the probability variation mode. For this reason, the probability change mode setting unit 70 determines that the reach line
A check is made to see if it corresponds to the certainty change (step S
112), when the hit reach line is the probability change point with the largest number among the plurality of reach lines displayed (step S112; Y), the next and subsequent times until the predetermined condition is satisfied. Number matching game execution means 5
0 is set to be executed in the probability variation mode in which the winning probability is increased (step S
113).

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, when the last digit is determined to be "5" and a hit appears on the reach line 83 consisting of the largest reach line in the generated reach lines, the probability becomes thereafter. Set to the fluctuation mode.

As described above, when two or more reach lines appear at the same time, if a hit is made with a reach line with a large number, a transition to the probability variation mode is given. The player can have a great sense of expectation for the change. In addition, the player expects to hit with the largest number among the plurality of reach lines that have appeared, and watches the progress of the game, so that the thrill and excitement of the player can be further aroused.

Furthermore, if the winning probability is made to be various by intermingling so-called super reach using special symbols or the like, a more elaborate effect can be performed.

Also, in the example shown in FIG.
And a reach line 92 consisting of the number “7” has appeared. In such a case, the player normally has a probability that “7” is aligned in the central area (93). Expect to move to the fluctuation mode. Here, when the upper left eye (94) stops at “4”, the appearance probability of “4” and “2” is 1/250, while the appearance probability of “7” is 1/300, The numbers “4” and “2” other than “7” tend to stop in the central area (93).

However, when three reach lines appear, the total winning probability increases by that amount, so that the overall winning probability becomes higher when "4" appears. Therefore, the player wonders whether “4” appears in the upper left eye (94) or which one does not appear, which provides more varied fun. be able to.

In the embodiment described above, the number matching game was performed on the variable display means 20 as if it were a slot machine. However, the game may be a game in which other symbols such as fish and fruits are arranged. In addition, although a 3 × 3 matrix display area is used, only upper and lower two rows or only one horizontal row are used.
Various display modes can be adopted. However, in the case where the line unit winning probability is added or a larger number is set to a certain change point, it is necessary that at least two or more reach lines can be formed.

[0053]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, since the setting of the probability that the reach state finally hits is changed according to the type of the symbol forming the reach state, the game contents can be varied. At the same time, the player's attention is paid to what symbol the reach state is formed in, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be sufficiently aroused.

In the process of confirming and displaying the execution result of the symbol matching game, a plurality of reach states are formed on the variable display means.
By changing the magnitude of the special value given to the player, when multiple reach states are formed, the player's expectation, thrill and excitement for the appearance of a hit with a specific symbol is further enhanced. Can be done.

Further, when a plurality of reach states are formed on the variable display means, the probability of a final hit in the symbol matching game is determined by the respective reach states displayed on the variable display means. If the probability is set to the sum of the probabilities, when the double reach state occurs, the probability of hitting will actually increase according to the number of reach states that have appeared, so the player's expectation of hitting Can be evoked even more.

The present invention is not limited to the variable display of the pachinko machine, but also sets the probability that the reach state will finally reach a hit according to the type of the symbol in an apparatus having a graphic display such as a CRT, LCD or plasma. Can be changed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation performed by the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display contents of variable display means of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display content of the variable display means of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of display contents of the variable display means included in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of display contents of the variable display means included in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display content of the variable display means included in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 10 gaming machine 12 specific winning opening 20 variable display means 30 special value generating means 50 numeric matching game executing means 60 probability setting section 61 line unit winning probability setting section 62 probability adding section 70: Probable change mode setting section

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A game machine which executes a predetermined symbol matching game when a ball hit on a game board surface wins a specific winning opening, and gives a special value advantageous to a player when the result is a hit. A variable display means having a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying an arbitrary symbol; a symbol matching game executing means for executing a symbol matching game that is displayed when a predetermined symbol is aligned on the variable display means; Probability setting means for changing the setting of the probability of winning in the symbol matching game, and special value generating means for generating the special value when a hit in the symbol matching game, the symbol matching game executing means, When another predetermined symbol is arranged on the variable display means, the final execution result of the symbol matching game is definitely displayed via the hitting reach state, Rate setting means, a game machine, characterized in that the reach state is set changes the probability of a hit finally, depending on the type of symbols forming the reach state displayed on the variable display means. 2. The variable display means comprises a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying an arbitrary number arranged in a matrix of vertical and horizontal directions, wherein the symbol matching game executing means comprises: When the same number is aligned on one of the horizontal and diagonal lines, a number matching game is executed, and when the result of the execution is one more predetermined symbol, the game goes through the hit reach state. And the probability setting means changes the setting of the probability that the reach state will finally hit according to the value of the number forming the reach state displayed on the variable display means. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 3. The probability setting means sets a probability that the reach state will eventually reach a different value depending on whether the value of the number forming the reach state is an even number or an odd number. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The symbol matching game executing means forms a plurality of reach states on the variable display means in a process of confirming and displaying the execution result, and the special value generating means includes a plurality of reach states formed. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the magnitude of the special value to be given to the player is changed according to which of the following is a hit. 5. When the plurality of reach states are formed on the variable display means, the probability setting means displays on the variable display means a probability of finally appearing a hit in the symbol matching game. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the probability that each of the reach states hits is set to a total value.