WO2007113943A1

WO2007113943A1 - Game machine

Info

Publication number: WO2007113943A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/052695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masato Okuaki; Hiroto Nakamoto; Toru Omoto; Junichi Yamaguchi
Original assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-04-03
Filing date: 2007-02-15
Publication date: 2007-10-11
Also published as: CN101484218B; JP2007275140A; CN101484218A; TWI326611B; KR20080104075A; GB2450273A; TW200806375A; GB0818078D0; US20090318207A1

Abstract

A game machine where first and second game media are supplied to a play field section and a motive for sustaining a game can be imparted to a player even if the number of second game media decreases. In the game machine where a medal (M) as a first game medium and a ball (B) as a second game medium are supplied to a play field section (12) based on the operation of a player, a basic game is executed in association with the operation of the medal (M), dividend dependent on the results of that basic game is given to the player, and a chance for acquiring is imparted to the player when the ball (B) is removed from the play field section (12) due to operation of the ball (B) linked with the operation of the medal (M), the number of the balls (B) as game media existing in the play field section (12) is detected and a benefit to be tied to payment of dividend to the player is imparted in association with a decrease in the number of the balls (B).

Description

Specification

game machine

Technical field

The present invention relates to a game machine that supplies a first game medium and a second game medium to a play field unit.

Background art

[0002] As a kind of game machine using a game medium, a medal inserted by a player is dropped into a play field section in which a large number of medals are stored, and the dropped medals are pushed out on a pusher table to form a medal group. A so-called medal pusher game machine is known in which the arrangement is changed and a medal that falls from a predetermined range of the play field portion according to the change is paid to the player. In addition, as a pusher game machine of this type, a second game medium (for example, a ball), which is different from the medal as the first game medium, is supplied to the play field unit together with the second game medium. There is also a game machine that moves a player with a medal, executes a lottery process on condition that the second game medium has fallen from the play field portion, and gives a player a payout according to the lottery result. According to such a game machine, the second game medium is supplied to the play field unit in addition to the first game medium, and the second game medium is pushed out in association with the first game medium. By being excluded from the play field, the player is given an opportunity to win dividends. Since the movement of medals and other gaming media is governed by the laws of physics, if the opportunity to win dividends is given according to the movement of those gaming media, it eliminates the impression that the game machine's artificial operation intervenes. Compared to a game machine using a single type of game medium, the player can be expected to earn further dividends.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] In the above-described game machine, the greater the number of second game media present in the play field portion, the higher the player's expectation for winning a dividend. Therefore, if the number of second game media existing in the play field portion decreases, the player can obtain a dividend. It is recognized that this is a disadvantageous situation, and there is a risk of losing the willingness to continue the game. In particular, if the second game medium does not exist in the play field part, the tendency will increase. If such a situation occurs in a game machine for commercial use, there will be a disadvantage such as a decrease in operating rate or profit of the game machine.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention reduces the number of second game media existing in the play field unit in a game machine that supplies not only the first game media but also the second game media to the play field unit. Even so, an object is to provide a game machine that can give players a motivation to continue the game.

Means for solving the problem

[0005] The present invention provides a first game medium supply means for supplying a first game medium to a play field unit based on a player's operation, and the first game medium inserted in the play field unit. A basic game executing means for executing a basic game in association with an action and giving a player a payout according to the game result of the basic game; and when the predetermined state occurs in the basic game, the first game The second game medium supply means for supplying a second game medium of a different type from the game medium to the play field unit, and the operation of the second game medium linked to the operation of the first game medium. A game machine comprising: a payout opportunity granting means for granting a player an opportunity to win a payout when the second game medium is excluded from the play field part. The number-of-medium detecting means for detecting the number of the second gaming media, and the number of the second gaming media detected by the number-of-medium detecting means decreases below a predetermined number, By providing a privilege granting means for granting a privilege linked to the payout of the dividend, the above-mentioned problems are solved.

[0006] According to the game machine of the present invention, when the number of second game media existing in the play field portion is reduced below a predetermined number, there is a privilege associated with paying out a dividend to the player accordingly. Granted by privilege granting means. Therefore, even if the number of second game media decreases, the player can expect to receive a payout through a newly granted privilege. This gives players the motivation for game continuation and improves the operating rate and profitability of game machines. [0007] In the game machine of the present invention, the basic game is not limited as long as the game opportunity is guaranteed to the player based on the insertion of the first game medium. Is possible. In the basic game, a dividend may be paid out to the player for the first game medium itself, or a game value that is interchangeable with the first game medium is given to the player. Also good. In the case of paying out the first game medium, the mode may be to pay out the first game medium directly to the player, or to pay out the first game medium to the play field part. Alternatively, the first game medium may be paid out indirectly. The second game medium may be used as a medium for performing lottery and other various processes executed to pay out a dividend to the player, and the second game medium itself is a dividend. You may be paid out to the player. As long as the privilege granted by the privilege granting means is related to the payment of dividends. In addition to the decrease in the second game medium, for example, by giving the player a lottery opportunity to determine the dividend, there is an opportunity to pay out the dividend when some additional condition is met. You may give to a player as a privilege. Alternatively, the payout of the dividend itself may be given as a privilege. Furthermore, the game machine of the present invention can include the following modes.

[0008] In one embodiment of the game machine of the present invention, the privilege granting unit may grant the privilege by executing a process for increasing the probability that the predetermined state is established in the basic game. ,. According to this aspect, the probability that a predetermined state is established in the basic game and the second game medium is supplied to the play field portion increases. For this reason, when the number of second game media decreases, it is possible to shorten the time required until the next second game media is supplied. This gives the player the power to motivate players to continue the game.

[0009] In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the basic game executing means is configured to execute a game included in the basic game when the first game medium passes a predetermined position of the play field unit. A lottery game in which a lottery process for generating a winning combination is performed while controlling the probability of winning according to a predetermined control rule, and a payout is paid directly or indirectly to a player when the winning combination is established. And the privilege granting means The privilege is granted by executing at least one of a process for increasing the probability that the winning combination is established in the lottery game and a process for increasing the payout amount when the winning combination is established. Also good. According to this aspect, if the number of second game media decreases, the probability that a winning combination will be established in a lottery game executed as a kind of basic game increases, or a dividend when the winning combination is established. The amount increases. Therefore, even when the number of second game media is reduced, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that a larger amount of payout than usual will be obtained through the lottery game. This gives players a motivation to continue the game.

[0010] In one form of the game machine of the present invention, the first game medium power is dull, and the basic game execution means uses a group of medals stored in the play field portion in the play field portion. A pusher game in which a medal discharged from a predetermined range of the play field portion is paid out to a player as a payout while being pushed out by a pusher table that reciprocates at a place where the medal passes a predetermined position of the play field portion. If the winning combination is established, a lottery process for generating a winning combination is performed according to a predetermined control rule, and when the winning combination is established, the medal is paid directly or indirectly as a dividend. A lottery game to be executed as a game included in the basic game, and the second game medium supply means When the game media player payout combination is established, it is assumed that the predetermined state has occurred in the basic game, and the second game media is supplied. A process for increasing the probability that the game medium payout combination will be established, a process for increasing the probability that the winning combination will be established in the lottery game, and a process for increasing the payout number of the medal when the winning combination is established Of these, the privilege may be granted by executing at least one of the processes.

[0011] According to this embodiment, a lottery game is executed when a medal is discharged from a predetermined range of the play field portion in the pusher game, and when a winning combination is established in the lottery game, a medal is distributed as a dividend. To be paid out. In addition, when the game medium payout role is established in the lottery game, the second game medium is supplied to the play field part, and the second game medium is excluded from the play field part, so that the player has an opportunity to win a dividend. Is granted The When the number of second game media existing in the play field portion decreases, as a bonus, the probability that a game medium payout combination will be established increases, the probability that the winning combination will be established, or the winning combination The number of medals to be paid out for establishment increases. Therefore, even if the number of second game media in the play field portion decreases, the player can have a sense of expectation for obtaining further dividends. This gives players the motivation to continue the game.

[0012] In one form of the gaming machine of the present invention, the privilege granting unit may grant the privilege when a state where the second game medium does not exist in the play field portion is detected. ,. According to this form, even if the second game medium does not exist in the play field part, by giving a privilege, the player can have a sense of expectation of a new dividend and motivate the game to continue. Can be given.

In one form of the game machine of the present invention, the payout opportunity giving means takes in the second game medium excluded from the play field portion, and gives a physical operation to the second game medium. A plurality of options, a physical lottery mechanism for drawing at least one option, and controlling the payout of a dividend to the player in association with the lottery result of the physical lottery mechanism. In the game machine of this form, the second game medium is positioned as a lottery medium by the physical lottery mechanism, and payout of a dividend to the player is controlled in association with the result of the physical lottery. The physical lottery mechanism has the advantage that it is easy to increase the player's expectation for winning a dividend because the lottery result depends on the physical operation of the medium and the game machine's maneuverability is difficult to intervene in relation to the lottery result. On the other hand, if the number of second game media in the play field section decreases, the chances of lottery by the physical lottery mechanism also decrease, and the advantage of the physical lottery mechanism cannot be fully demonstrated. There is a risk that willingness will be lost. On the other hand, if a privilege is given to the decrease in the number of second game media, the player is motivated to continue the game until the number of second game media increases. Can give

The invention's effect

[0014] As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the number of second game media is predetermined. If the number is less than the number, the player is given the benefit of paying a dividend by giving the player a privilege that will lead to the payment of the dividend, thereby giving the player a motivation for the continuation of the game. It is possible to improve profitability. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

2] A perspective view showing a satellite unit and one station unit combined therewith.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of medals in the station unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of balls in the station unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the center unit.

6] A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system of the game machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the host control unit and the station control unit for payout rate management.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing basic game control notification executed by the station control unit in response to insertion of medals.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a game screen displayed on the monitor of the station unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of a bingo game portion provided in the game screen of FIG.

11] A flow chart showing the satellite lottery routine executed by the satellite control unit.

12] A flowchart showing a winning probability determination routine executed by the host control unit. [13] A diagram showing the number-of-wins data held by the host control unit.

14] A flowchart showing the bingo game norechin executed by the station control unit in response to the notification of the result of the satellite lottery.

15] A diagram for explaining how to sort the numbers on the winning line in a bingo game.

16] Flow chart showing the center lottery routine executed by the center control unit. Sono 17] Flow chart showing the ground slot lottery routine executed by the host control unit. To.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a premium mode routine executed by the station control unit in place of the game basic control routine.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an outline of the game screen displayed on the monitor of the station in the premium mode.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a premium mode end control routine executed by the station control unit to determine whether to end the premium mode.

[Fig.21] Flow showing the ball count processing routine executed by the station control unit ^ — ^ 5

[Fig.22] A flow chart showing the empty mode routine executed by the station control unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] The outline of the configuration of the game machine G of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an overhead view of a game machine G according to one embodiment of the present invention. The game machine G has a center unit CN, four satellite units SA, and 16 station units ST. Each satellite unit SA is arranged to surround the center unit CN below the center unit CN, and four station units ST are arranged around each satellite unit SA. That is, the game machine G has a configuration in which four satellite units SA are arranged around the center unit CN, and four station units ST are arranged around each satellite unit SA. In the station unit ST, a so-called pusher game using medals as a game medium and a digital lottery game associated with the pusher game are executed as basic games. In satellite unit SA, satellite lottery is executed in association with the game result of the digital lottery game in station unit ST. In the center unit CN, a center lottery or a grand slot lottery is performed as a center game in association with the game result of the digital lottery game in the station unit ST or the lottery result of the satellite lottery in the satellite unit SA.

[0017] Fig. 2 shows one satellite unit SA and one station unit combined therewith. Knit ST is shown. The station unit ST plays a pair of left and right operation units 10 for players to perform operations related to the game, a play field unit 12 in which a medal pusher game is executed, and a medal M as a first game medium. To supply the medal supply unit 13 for supplying to the field unit 12, the ball insertion unit 14 for inputting the ball B as the second game medium to the play field unit 12, and to send the ball B to the satellite unit SA. And a station monitor 16 for displaying a game screen and the like. The play field unit 12 includes a main table 20 and a sub-table 21 that store medals M, and further includes pusher tables 22 and 23 that slide back and forth on the tables 20 and 21. In the main table 20 and the subtable 21, medals M are stored so as to be spread. The play field portion 1 2 is shielded against the outside by being surrounded by a partition such as a transparent plate.

With reference to FIG. 3, an outline of the flow of medals M in the station unit ST will be described. When the player inserts a medal M from a medal insertion slot (not shown) provided in the operation unit 10, the medal M falls to one of the medal hoppers 13 a of the medal supply unit 13 via the medal chute 17. . From the medal hopper 13a, in advance of the player's medal insertion, the medals M are paid out to the respective medal discharge units 18 arranged on the left and right of the station unit ST. Each is held in the medal discharge unit 18 in preparation for insertion. The medal M held in the medal discharge unit 18 is sent to the medal chute 19 at a timing synchronized with the insertion of the medal M by the player, and the medal M is inserted on the sub-table 21 from the chute 19. The direction of the shuttle 19 can be changed to the left and right by operating the levers 10a provided on the left and right of the operation unit 10.

The medal M inserted into the play field section 12 falls on the sub-table 21 and is stored there, or rolls down from the sub-table 21 to the main table 20. When the group of medals M stored on the sub-table 21 is pushed forward by the reciprocating motion of the pusher table 23 (the side where the player is located, the same applies hereinafter), the front end force medal M of the sub-table 21 is pushed out. The pushed medal M slides down the inclined portion 24 and moves to the main table 20, where it is stored. Stored on main table 20 When the group of medals M is pushed forward by the reciprocating motion of the pusher table 22, the medals M fall around the main table 20. The dropped medal M is collected in the lift-up hopper 25 shown in FIG. Then, the same number of medals M as the medanol M dropped from the front end of the main table 20 are paid out from the lift-up hopper 25 to the medal paying part 11 between the operation parts 10 as medals acquired by the player. The medal payout section 11 is located outside the partition covering the play field section 12, and the player can receive the medal M paid out there.

Returning to FIG. 2, the inclined portion 24 is provided with a plurality of openings 24a, 24b, and 24c as checkers for allowing the medal M to pass (drop). When the medal M that is sliding down the inclined part 24 falls into any of the openings 24a, 24b, 24c, the passage of the medal M is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the detection signal is used as a trigger to digitally display on the station monitor 16. The lottery game is started. The digital lottery game is a type of slot game in which a combination of three symbols (patterns, symbols, numbers, etc.) displayed side by side on the station monitor 16 matches a predetermined winning combination. “Ball” is prepared as one of the winning features of the digital lottery game. For example, if you have three balls, you win the “ball” role. When winning this role, it is thrown into the ball B force S main table 20 from the ball throwing portion 14. The supply of the ball B to the ball insertion unit 14 will be described later. In this embodiment, the normal ball B1 of different types and the special pole B2 are provided as the ball B. When there is no need to distinguish between these, the ball B is described as the ball B.

The ball B thrown onto the main table 20 is gradually pushed forward together with the medal M toward the front of the main table 20 by the reciprocating motion of the pusher table 22. Ball B force S When dropped from the front end of the main table 20, the dropped ball B is transported to the satellite unit SA by the ball transport unit 15. Fig. 4 shows the transportation route of the ball B by the ball transportation unit 15. The ball B dropped from the main table 20 is taken into the ball lifter 27 via the ball duct 26. The bow lifter 27 conveys the taken ball B along the slope 28 to the end (upper end) of the slope 28. Satellite unit SA uses ball B that has been transported to the end of slope 28. Satellite lottery is executed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the satellite unit SA includes a bingo stage 30, a ball carrier 40 provided on the outer periphery of the bingo stage 30, and a pair of ball supply mechanisms disposed around the bingo stage 30. 50A, 50B, and a pair of ball throwing mechanisms 60A, 60B arranged on the opposite side of the ball supply mechanisms 50A, 50B with the bingo stage 30 in between. The bingo stage 30 is rotationally driven in one direction about a vertical axis by a drive mechanism (not shown). The upper surface of the bingo stage 30 is divided into an outer peripheral portion 32A and an inner peripheral portion 32B by a ring-shaped fence 31. In each of the portions 32A and 32B, circular winning pockets 32a and 33a having a diameter that allows the ball B to pass therethrough are provided so as to penetrate the bingo stage 30. The outer peripheral portion 32A is provided with ten winning pockets 32a, and the inner peripheral portion 32B is provided with five winning pockets 33a. Each of the winning pockets 32a and 33a is assigned a number or symbol that is an option in the satellite lottery. The winning pocket 32a of the outer peripheral portion 32A is alternatively assigned a numerical value of:! To 9 and a letter “JP chance”. In this specification, “JP” is used as an abbreviation meaning jackpot, that is, a big hit. On the other hand, three winning pockets 33a in the inner peripheral portion 32B are assigned three numbers 1 to 9 in an appropriate combination, and the remaining two winning pockets 33a are assigned the letters “JP chance”.

The Bonore carrier 40 is movable along the outer periphery of the bingo stage 30. Ball carrier 40 has a ball supply mechanism 50A, 50B force. Ball B is transported to the ball throwing section 14 of each station unit ST, and ball B is transported from the ball transport section 15 of each station unit ST to the ball throwing mechanism 60A, 60B. Are executed respectively. Under the ball supply mechanisms 50A and 50B, the ball B that has passed through the winning pockets 32a and 33a of the bingo stage 30 is selectively guided according to the type. As an example, a normal ball B1 is guided to the ball supply mechanism 50A, and a special ball B2 is guided to the ball supply mechanism 50B. The ball supply mechanisms 50A and 50B take the guided balls B into the screw feeder 51 and transfer them upward, respectively, and discharge the balls B reaching the upper end of the screw feeder 51 one by one from the discharge portion 52. . The ball carrier 40 is discharged from the ball discharge unit 52 by moving directly under the discharge unit 52 in conjunction with the discharge of the ball B from the discharge unit 52. Ball B is delivered to the fork 41 of the ball carrier 40. Ball supply mechanism 50 A, 50B force When the ball carrier 40 receives the ball B, it moves along the outer periphery of the bingo stage 30 to the ball insertion part 14 of the station unit ST to which the ball B is to be transported. The ball B is paid out to the upper end of the slope 14a of the ball insertion portion 14 by tilting the ball outward. The dispensed ball B slides down the slope 14a and is thrown into an arbitrary position on the main table 20 via the throwing position selection mechanism 14b.

[0024] On the other hand, when the ball B is unloaded to the ball transport section 15 of the station unit ST, the ball carrier 40 moves to the inside of the slope 28 of the ball transport section 15 from which the ball B is unloaded, and the ball 28 moves from the slope 28. After receiving B, the ball B is transported to the position of the ball throwing mechanism 60A or 60B. Whether the ball carrier 40 transports the ball B to the ball throwing mechanism 60A or 60B is related to the type of the ball B. For example, in the case of the normal ball B1, the ball carrier 40 carries the ball B1 to the ball throwing mechanism 60A, while in the case of the special ball B2, the ball carrier 40 carries the ball B2 to the ball throwing mechanism 60B.

The ball throwing mechanisms 60A and 60B are each provided with a ball lifter 61 and a ball guide 62. The ball lifter 61 can reciprocate in the vertical direction. Bonole carrier 40 force When the normal ball B1 is transported to the ball throwing mechanism 60A, the ball lifter 61 of the ball throwing mechanism 60A is lowered, and then the fork 41 of the ball carrier 40 is tilted toward the ball lifter 61 side. 40 Force Ball B1 is delivered to the ball lifter 61. The ball lifter 61 that has received the ball B1 rises to the upper end of the ball guide 62, and then tilts toward the ball guide 62 so as to form a downward slope. As a result, the normal ball B1 is delivered to the ball guide 62. The normal ball B1 passed to the ball guide 62 is thrown into the outer peripheral portion 32 of the bingo stage 30 from the tip of the ball guide 62. When the special ball B2 is transported from the ball carrier 40 to the ball throwing mechanism 60B, the ball lifter 61 of the ball throwing mechanism 60B is lowered and the ball carrier 40 force is passed to the ball lifter 61. The ball lifter 61 operates in the same manner as the ball throwing mechanism 60A, and the special ball B2 is passed to the ball guide 62 of the ball throwing mechanism 60B. The special ball B2 passed to the ball guide 62 is a ball guy It is thrown into the inner periphery 33 of the bingo stage 30 from the tip of the door 62.

As shown in FIG. 5, the center unit CN has a center monitor 70, a large roulette 71, and a large ball throwing mechanism 72. The large roulette 71 is rotationally driven in one direction at a predetermined speed by a drive mechanism (not shown). Around the large roulette 71, a plurality of winning pockets 71a are provided. Each winning pocket 71a is assigned a medal M number (or multiple) or various game modes as winning combinations. When the center game is started, the large ball 73 for the large roulette is thrown into the outer circumference of the large roulette 71 from the ball throwing mechanism 72. The large ball 73 swings around the large roulette 71 as the large roulette 71 rotates, and enters one of the winning pockets 71a. The player is given a privilege according to the winning pocket 71a containing the large ball 73.

[0027] It should be noted that each of the station unit ST, the satellite unit SA, and the center unit CN is provided with an illumination device and a sound device as an effect device for enhancing the atmosphere of the game. As an illumination device, for example, a station is provided with a plurality of LEDs along a movement path from when a medal M is inserted to when it is discharged to the play field unit 12. The satellite unit SA is provided with a lamp so that a ring-shaped illumination centering on the rotation axis of the bingo stage 30 can be obtained from below the bingo stage 30. Center unit CN's large roulette 71 winning pocket 71a is framed by multiple LEDs. Speakers are provided as sound devices, and sound effects and BGM are output as appropriate from the speakers. As shown in FIG. 1, a spacer SP is provided between the satellite units SA of the game machine G. Below each spacer SP is a moving light L and a showtime speaker.

Next, the configuration of the control system of game machine G will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the game machine G includes a host control unit 100, a host PC (PC is an abbreviation of a personal computer, the same applies hereinafter) 110 as a computer unit for controlling the operation of the game machine G, the center. A PC 120, a center control unit 130, a satellite control unit 140, and a station control unit 150 are provided. One satellite control unit 140 is provided for each satellite unit SA as a component of the satellite unit SA, and a station control unit 150 is provided for each station unit ST as a component of the station unit ST. One for each. That is, in the entire game machine G, four satellite control units 140 and 16 station control units 150 are provided. These units 110 to 150 are connected to each other via a LAN line 160, so that information necessary for various games or lottery control can be exchanged. The LAN line 160 may be a so-called star connection in which a hub is interposed at an appropriate position.

The host control unit 100 is responsible for overall management, integrated control, and the like of the game machine G, and the host PC 110 controls the operation of the main body rendering unit 111 of the game machine G. The main body directing unit 111 includes, for example, the above-mentioned moving light L or the speaker on the spacer SP, the main unit CN, satellite unit SA, and station unit ST belonging to any of the central unit CN, satellite unit SA, and station unit ST. Included in the director 111. The center PC 120 is in charge of display control of the center monitor 70.

[0030] The center control unit 130 operates the center drive unit 132 and the center effect unit 133 based on the state of the center unit CN detected by the sensor group 131, thereby executing a center game and using the center unit CN. Control each of the above performances. The sensor group 131 includes a winning sensor that detects whether or not the large ball 73 has won a prize in each winning pocket 71a of the large roulette 71. For example, a proximity switch, a reflection type or a transmission type optical sensor can be used as the winning sensor. The center drive unit 132 includes a drive device such as a motor for rotationally driving the large roulette 71, an actuator for driving the large ball throwing mechanism 72, and the like. The center production unit 133 includes production devices such as lamps and speakers unique to the center unit CN.

[0031] The satellite control unit 140 operates the satellite drive unit 142 and the satellite effect unit 143 based on the state of the satellite unit SA detected by the sensor group 141, thereby executing the satellite lottery, transporting the ball B, And on-game effects using satellite unit SA. The sensor group 141 includes a winning sensor that detects whether or not the ball B has passed in each of the winning pockets 32a and 33a of the bingo stage 30, and a carrier position sensor that detects the circumferential position of the ball carrier 40. As the winning sensor, for example, a proximity switch or a transmissive or reflective optical sensor can be used. The satellite drive unit 142 includes a motor that rotates the bingo stage 30 and the like. Drive unit, actuator that drives the ball carrier 40 along the outer periphery of the bingo stage 30, actuator that operates the fork 41 of the ball carrier 40, and the screw feeder 51 and ball discharge unit 52 of the ball supply mechanisms 50A and 50B, respectively. This includes the actuator, the actuator that drives the ball lifter 61 of the ball throwing mechanism 60A, 60B up and down. The satellite production unit 143 includes production devices such as lamps and speakers unique to the satellite unit SA.

[0032] The station control unit 150 operates the station drive unit 152 and the station rendering unit 153 based on the state of the station unit ST detected by the sensor group 151, thereby executing a pusher to be executed in the station unit ST. Controls the effects on the game, the digital lottery game, and the game using the station unit ST. The station control unit 150 is also responsible for display control of the station monitor 16. Sensor group 151 includes a medal sensor group related to detection of medal M, a ball sensor group related to detection of ball B, a lever 10a, pusher tables 22 and 23, and a position sensor group that detects the position of the movable part. It is.

[0033] The medal sensor group includes a medal insertion sensor that detects the insertion of the medal M from the medal insertion slot, a medal discharge sensor that detects the discharge of the medal M from the medal discharge unit 18, and an opening 24a as a checker. Checker sensor that detects fall of medal M to ~ 24c, drop medal sensor that detects Medanore M that falls from the front end of the main table 20, medal payout that detects medal M to be paid out to the medal dispensing unit 11 from the lift-up hopper 25 Includes a labeling sensor. As these sensors, a proximity switch, an optical sensor, a micro switch, or the like may be used in the same manner as a medal sensor of a known medal game machine. In addition, the ball sensor group includes a ball insertion sensor that detects the insertion of the ball B from the ball insertion unit 14, a ball drop sensor that detects the ball B that has dropped from the main table 20 and passed to the ball transport unit 15, and the like. included. The ball drop sensor also functions as a sensor that determines the type of ball B, that is, whether the dropped ball B falls under normal ball B1 or special ball B2. The discrimination of the type of ball B can be realized by using a sensor that outputs different signals depending on the difference between the balls Bl and B2 as the ball drop sensor. For example, one of balls Bl and B2 is made of resin and the other is made of metal In this case, the type of the balls Bl and B2 can be determined using a metal sensor. When the reflectances of the Bonole Bl and B2 are different, the reflection type optical sensor can be used as a ball drop sensor, and the type of the ball B can be determined according to the intensity of the output signal of the center. By discriminating the type of the ball B with the ball drop sensor, the force S can be specified by the ball carrier 40 to identify the ball insertion mechanisms 60A and 60B to which the ball B should be transported.

[0034] The station drive unit 152 includes a drive device for each of the Medano Rehono 13a and the lift-up hopper 25, an actuator for realizing the medal discharge operation of the medal discharge unit 18, and a motor for reciprocating the pusher tables 22 and 23. The device includes an actuator for operating the insertion position selection mechanism 14b of the ball insertion unit 14, a drive unit for driving the ball lifter 27 of the ball transport unit 15, and the like. Station effect section 153 includes effect devices such as lamps and speakers unique to station unit ST.

Next, various processes executed on the game machine G will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the management of the payout rate in the game machine G will be described. In the game machine G of this embodiment, each station control unit 150 counts the number of inserted and paid out medals M of each station unit ST, and calculates the payout rate for each station unit ST at an appropriate cycle. When the number of inserted medals M detected by the medal insertion sensor within the predetermined calculation period is NSTin, and the number of medals M detected by the medal payout sensor during the same period is NSTout, the value obtained by dividing the latter by the former NSTout / By calculating the percentage of NSTin, the current payout rate P0 _st of the station unit ST within the calculation period can be specified. However, the number of medals M deposited from the player is retained as the number of credits, and in exchange for deduction from the number of credits, the medal discharge unit 18 power, the medal M is inserted into the play field unit 12, and the medals M payout If the game machine G has a function to process the payout by adding to the number of credits, the amount subtracted from the number of credits is added to the input number NSTin and the amount added to the credit number is paid out NSTout It is necessary to calculate the payout rate P0st for each.

In the game machine G of this embodiment, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is performed in each of the host control unit 100 and each station control unit 150 so that the payout rate P 0 st in each station unit ST is appropriately equalized. Performed in conjunction. That is, the host control menu The knit 100 executes the overall payout rate management notification at an appropriate cycle, and in synchronization with this, each station control unit 150 executes the individual payout rate management notification. When these routines are started, the station control unit 150 first notifies the host control unit 100 of the payout rate POst calculated by itself in step S11. In response to this, the host control unit 100 obtains the payout rate P0st of each station unit ST in step S21, calculates the total payout rate POall in the subsequent step S22, and calculates the calculation result for each station control unit 150. Notify The overall payout rate POall is a simple average of the payout rates POst of each station unit ST as an example.

[0037] In step S12, the station control unit 150 obtains the payout rate POall from the host control unit 100, and in the subsequent step S13, based on the difference between its own payout rate P0st and the overall payout rate POall. Determine the target payout rate POsttgt for your station unit ST. Each station control unit 150 is preset with a standard target payout rate POsttgt as an initial value. Each station control unit 150 determines the winning probability (probability of winning a winning combination) of the digital lottery game so that the payout rate POst calculated by itself is controlled toward the initial target payout rate POstt gt. Adjust as appropriate. Furthermore, if the difference between the payout rate POst and the overall payout rate POall exceeds the allowable range in step S13, the station control unit 150 increases the target payout rate POsttgt so that the difference decreases. To correct. For example, when the own payout rate POst is higher than the overall payout rate POall, the target payout rate POsttgt is set lower than the initial value. By varying the target payout rate POsttgt in this way, it is possible to obtain a variation in the payout rate POst between the station units ST.

Next, game control in the station unit ST will be described with reference to FIG. In each station unit ST, the pusher tables 22 and 23 repeat the back and forth movement at a predetermined cycle, and the medal 投入 is inserted into the play field section 12 in response to the insertion force of the medals and the insertion of these medals Μ. The medal pusher game is executed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a basic game control routine executed by the station control unit 150 in response to detection of insertion of a medal の of the medal insertion loca. Figure 8 Basic game system In the control routine, the station control unit 150 first executes processing necessary for inserting the medal M into the play field unit 12 in step S101. The flow of Med M at this time is as described with reference to FIG.

[0039] In the next step S102, the station control unit 150 determines whether or not the medal M has entered one of the openings 24a to 24c as a checker. If it is in the checker, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S103 and starts slot lottery in the digital lottery game. That is, the station control unit 150 should display the game screen 200 shown in FIG. 9 on the station monitor 16 and display it on each of the variable display portions 201a, 201b, and 201c arranged in a horizontal row on the game screen 200. A lottery is used to draw pictures. The procedure for determining the pattern may be based on the same control rule as that for a normal slot machine. Then, the lottery pictures are displayed on the variable display sections 201a, 201b, and 201c each time a predetermined effect (such as animation) is given. Note that the game screen 200 is also provided with a bingo game unit 210, which will be described later.

[0040] After the slot lottery is completed, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S104, determines whether or not the combination of the three pictures determined in the slot lottery is a missed combination. Exit. On the other hand, if the winning combination is not determined in step S104, that is, if a winning combination is established in the slot lottery, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S105 and the subsequent steps and executes processing corresponding to the type of winning combination. That is, the station control unit 150 first determines in step S105 whether or not a “ball” winning combination has been established. If the “ball” combination is established, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S106, and executes the paying and dispensing (injecting) of the normal ball B1 to the play field section 12. That is, the satellite control unit 140 is requested to pay out the normal ball B1. In response to the request, the satellite control unit 140 discharges the normal ball B1 from the ball supply mechanism 50A and pays it out to the slope 14a of the ball insertion portion 14 of the station unit ST by the ball carrier 40. In synchronization with the payout of the normal ball B1, the station control unit 150 operates the throwing position selection mechanism 14b of the ball throwing portion 14 to throw the normal ball B1 into an appropriate position in the play field portion 12. The When the insertion of the normal ball Bl is completed, the station control unit 150 ends this routine.

[0041] In the case where a "ball" winning combination is established in step S105, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S107 and determines whether or not a "normal pattern" winning combination is established in the slot lottery. Determine. In the case of a “normal pattern” winning combination, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S108 and supplies the number of medals M corresponding to the “normal pattern” winning combination from the medal supply unit 13 to the play field unit 12. Execute the process. In the following, payout of medal M means payout of medal M from lift-up hopper 25 to medal payout section 11, and supply of medal M means medal M from medal supply section 13 to playfield section 12. Means supply. The medal supply from the medal supply unit 13 may be supplied only by the route via the medal discharge unit 18 and the medal chute 19, but when supplying a large number of medals M to the play field unit 12 at other times, The medal M may be supplied via the route.

In the following step S109, the station control unit 150 sets the slot lottery mode to the normal mode, and then ends the current routine. The slot lottery mode will be described later. If the “normal pattern” winning combination is not established in step S107, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S110 and determines whether or not the “probability varying pattern” winning combination is established. When the winning combination of the “probability variation pattern” is established, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step SI11 and supplies the play field unit 12 with the number of medals M associated with the “probability variation pattern”. In the following step S112, the station control unit 150 sets the slot lottery mode to the probability variation mode, and then ends the current routine. The probability variation mode is a mode in which the probability of winning a winning combination in the slot lottery is increased compared to the normal mode. That is, if the winning combination of the “probability variation pattern” is established, the probability variation mode is started in step S112, or the same mode is continued. If the “normal pattern” winning combination is established during the probability variation mode, the probability variation mode is terminated by the processing of step S109.

[0043] If the winning combination of "stochastic variation pattern" is not established in step S110, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S113, and the winning combination of "bingo feature" is established. It is determined whether or not. If the winning combination of “bingo feature” is established, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S114, and executes bingo card feature setting processing. The bingo card feature setting process changes the player benefits in the bingo game executed by combining the satellite lottery executed in the satellite unit SA and the bingo card 211 displayed in the bingo game section 210 of FIG. This is a process for changing the expected value of the player regarding the number of medals M to be paid out. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

FIG. 10 shows the bingo game section 210 in an enlarged manner. The bingo game unit 210 displays a bingo card 211 power. The bingo card 211 has a configuration in which nine squares are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns, and numerical values 1 to 9 are appropriately arranged in each square. These numbers correspond to the numbers attached to the winning pockets 32a and 33a of the bingo stage 30 of the satellite unit SA. If the ball B falls into either the winning pocket 32a or 33a in the satellite lottery, the numbers assigned to the winning pockets 32a and 33a become valid. By arranging three valid numerical values in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or the diagonal direction of the bingo card 211, bingo is established, and the number of medals displayed in the odds display area 212 is supplied to the play field section 12. A bingo feature display area 213 is provided on the left and lower sides of the bingo card 211. In the bingo feature display area 213, feature display portions 214a to 214h are provided in association with the horizontal lines, vertical lines, and diagonal lines of the bingo card 211, respectively. In these feature display sections 214a to 214h, when bingo is established on the corresponding line, that is, when three valid numerical values are arranged, it is added to the supply of the number of medals M displayed in the odds display area 212. The pattern corresponding to the privilege to be given to the player is displayed. All of these benefits are directly or indirectly linked to the payout of medals to the player, and the impact of these privileges on the payout rate is different from each other. In this form, bonuses include the addition of the bonus number to the number of medals displayed in the odds display area 212, the insertion of the normal ball B1 or the special ball B2 into the play field section 12, and the provision of "JP chance". It is prepared. In the example of FIG. 10, a pattern indicating that the special ball B 2 has been inserted is displayed on the feature display sections 214a and 214e, and the normal display is displayed on the feature display sections 214b, 214d, 214f and 214h. Pattern power indicating the insertion of the ball Bl Feature display area 214d: A pattern indicating the grant of “JP Chance” appears. Therefore, for example, when three valid numerical values are arranged in the horizontal direction in the top row of the bingo card 211, the special ball B2 is thrown into the play field unit 12 as bingo is established.

[0045] In the bingo card feature setting process in step S114 of FIG. 8, a player is added when bingo is established by newly adding or modifying a pattern (privilege) that should appear in one of the feature display sections 214a to 214h. Change the benefits earned. Thereby, the payout rate of medals can be controlled. For example, when the actual payout rate P0st is low, the target payout rate POsttg is low. By preferentially selecting benefits associated with paying out many medals over other benefits, the payout rate P0st can be converged faster than the target payout rate POsttgt. On the other hand, when the actual payout rate POst is high, the target payout rate POsttg is also high, and the impact on the direction of increasing the payout rate is smaller among the multiple benefits prepared in advance. By selecting a privilege with a relatively small amount in preference to other benefits, the payout rate POst can be converged more quickly to the target payout rate POsttgt. These benefits are selected by, for example, quantifying the impact of each benefit on the payout rate in advance, and basically setting the probability that each benefit will be selected according to the quantified value to increase the payout rate. If you want to control in the direction, payout ratio (however, the effect on the direction to increase) is higher than the basic setting, and conversely, if you want to control the payout ratio lower, payout The benefit selection probability that has a smaller impact on the rate should be made higher than the basic setting. Step

When the feature setting process is completed in S114, the station control unit 150 ends the current routine.

[0046] If the “bingo feature” winning combination is not established in step S113 of FIG. 8, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S115, and whether or not the “direct satellite” winning combination is established. To determine. If the winning of “direct satellite” is established, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S123. On the other hand, "Direct Satellite" If the winning combination is established, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S116 and identifies that the winning combination of “direct center” is established. In subsequent step S123, the station control unit 150 requests the center control unit 130 to execute center lottery, and thereafter ends the current routine. In this case, since the ball B is not carried out to the ball transport unit 15, the ball supply mechanism 50A pays out the Bonole B 1 to the ball carrier 40, transports the ball B 1 to the ball insertion mechanism 60A, and performs satellite lottery. Execute.

If the medal M is not in the checker in step S102 of FIG. 8, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S120 and determines whether or not the ball B force main table 20 has dropped. If Ball B is not falling, the current routine is terminated. On the other hand, if the ball B has dropped, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S121, and determines whether or not the dropped ball B is the special ball B2. The discrimination of the type of ball B is as described for sensor group 151 in FIG. If the dropped ball B is the special ball B2, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S122, and determines that the satellite lottery should be executed at the inner periphery 33 of the bingo stage 30. On the other hand, if the dropped ball B is not the special ball B2, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S123 and determines that the satellite lottery should be executed on the outer peripheral portion 32 of the bingo stage 30. After determining the area where the satellite lottery is to be executed, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S124 and requests the satellite control unit 140 to perform the satellite lottery. In this case, the station control unit 150 also provides the satellite control unit 140 with information that specifies whether the satellite lottery should be executed in the outer peripheral portion 32 or the inner peripheral portion 33. After requesting the satellite lottery, the station control unit 150 ends this routine. In conjunction with the satellite lottery request, the station control unit 150 controls the operation of the ball transport unit 15 so that the dropped ball B is transported to the end of the slope 28.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a satellite lottery routine executed by the satellite control unit 140 in response to a satellite lottery request from the station control unit 150. In the satellite lottery routine, the satellite control unit 140 first performs step S201. Thus, whether the satellite lottery should be executed at the outer peripheral portion 32 or the inner peripheral portion 33 is determined based on the information provided from the station control unit 150. If it is to be executed on the outer peripheral portion 32, the satellite control unit 140 proceeds to step S202, and the ball B (in this case, the normal ball B 1) transported by the ball transport portion 15 of the station unit ST is the ball. The operations of the ball carrier 40 and the ball throwing mechanism 60A are controlled so as to be thrown into the outer peripheral portion 32 from the throwing mechanism 60A. On the other hand, if the satellite lottery is to be executed at the inner periphery 33, the satellite control unit 140 proceeds to step S203, and the ball B transported by the ball transport unit 15 of the station unit ST (in this case, the special ball B2 Is controlled so that the ball carrier 40 and the ball throwing mechanism 60B are put into the inner peripheral portion 33 from the ball throwing mechanism 60B.

[0049] After the insertion of the ball B, the satellite control unit 140 proceeds to step S204, and the force that the inserted ball B falls into any of the winning pockets 32a (or 33a) is determined by the winning sensor included in the sensor group 141. Read based on the detection signal. In the following step S205, the satellite control unit 140 determines whether or not the winning pocket 32a (or 33a) force SJP chance pocket where the ball B has fallen, that is, the winning pocket with the letters “JP chance” attached thereto. If it is the JP chance pocket, the satellite control unit 140 proceeds to step S2 06 and requests the center control unit 130 to perform the center lottery. If it is not a winning pocket ¾P chance pocket, step S206 is skipped.

[0050] In the next step S207, the satellite control unit 140 receives the winning pocket in which the ball B has dropped against the host control unit 100 and the station control unit 150 (however, the station control unit 150 that requested the satellite lottery). Notify 32a (or 33a) number or letter. After the notification, the satellite control unit 140 ends the satellite lottery routine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a winning probability determination routine executed by the host control unit 100 in response to a notification of a winning pocket number or character (hereinafter, represented by a number) from the satellite control unit 140. It is. In this routine, the probability of the fall of the ball B in each winning pocket 32a, 33a of the bingo stage 30 (ease of entering the ball B) is not uniform due to the effects of mechanical errors. Game control To be reflected in In this routine, the host control unit 100 first updates the winning frequency data in response to the winning pocket number notification from the satellite control unit 140 in step S301. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the number-of-wins data is the numbers of the winning pockets (numbers 1-9 and "JP") attached to the winning pockets 32a, 33a, and the number of winnings N1 to N9, Njp Is stored in association with each other. The number of winnings is within an appropriate sampling period (for example, the past 1000 lotteries). For example, when a notification that the ball B1 has won a prize is received in the winning pocket 32a numbered 1 in the satellite lottery, 1 is added to the winning number N1 of pocket number 1, and the oldest lottery in the sampling period. 1 is subtracted from the winning number Nx of the pocket number x (x is any force from 1 to 9, and f is P) corresponding to the opportunity.

[0052] Next, the host control unit 100 calculates the winning probability for each pocket number in step S302. The calculation is a value obtained by dividing the number of winnings N1 to N9 and Njp for each pocket number by the number of lotteries during the sampling period. The calculation of the winning probability of the pocket number JP corresponding to “JP Chance” may be omitted. In subsequent step S302, the host control unit 100 notifies the station control unit 150 of the winning probability for each calculated pocket number, and thereafter ends the current routine. Note that the station control unit 150 that is the notification destination in step S303 is the control unit 150 of the four station units ST combined with the satellite unit SA including the satellite control unit 140 that has notified the result of the satellite lottery. In other words, the winning probability determination routine is executed separately for each unit with the satellite unit SA and the four station units ST combined therewith as one unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a bingo game routine that is executed when the station control unit 150 is notified of the number of the winning rocket from the satellite control unit 140. In the bingo game routine, the station control unit 150 first activates on the bingo card 211 in step S131, the same value as the number of the winning pocket 32a or 33a notified by the satellite control unit 140. However, if the winning pocket is “JP Chance”, it will not be activated.

[0054] In the following step S132, the station control unit 150 uses the bingo card 211 to Ngo is established, that is, whether or not three valid values are aligned. If bingo is established, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S133, and supplies the play field unit 12 with a total number of medals M of the bingo WIN number and the repeat WIN number as a reward for the bingo establishment. Here, the number of bingo WIN is the number displayed in the odds display area 212 in FIG. The number of repeat WINs is the number displayed in repeat number display section 215 in FIG. The number of repeat WINs will be described later. Further, in step S133, the station control unit 150 sets the row or column in which the bingo is established among the feature display units 214a to 214h of the bingo game unit 210 in FIG. 10 (hereinafter referred to as a winning line). A privilege corresponding to the pattern appearing on the display unit is given to the player. In this embodiment, for example, benefits such as addition of the number of medals to be paid out, insertion of the ball B, and “JP chance” are granted. The granting of “JP chance” is a request for the center lottery as in the case where the process proceeds to step S205 force S206 in FIG.

In the next step S135, the station control unit 150 resets the feature on the winning line, that is, eliminates the privilege associated with the winning line. Thereafter, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S136, and acquires the winning probability of each pocket number notified to the host control unit 100. Scan Teshiyon control unit 150 in the subsequent step S137 executes the sorting numerical value of the winning line with reference to the difference between winning probability and the payout rate POst and goals payout rate P_〇 _stt gt pocket number. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the center line of the bingo card is the winning line, the numbers on the winning line are 7, 6, and 4, and the winning probability P7 of the winning pocket number corresponding to those numbers is Consider the case where there is a magnitude relationship of P7>P6> P4 between P6 and P4. In the sorting process in step S137, the order of the three numbers arranged on the winning line is reset. The central square of the bingo card is a square that can be included in any of the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. If a numerical value with a high winning probability is placed here, a numerical value with a low winning probability is set. Compared to the case where is placed, the probability that Bingo will be established is relatively high. Therefore, in the sorting in step S137, if the target payout rate POsttgt is sufficiently higher than the actual payout rate P0st, 7 is placed in the central square, which is the highest winning probability, and the other Assign numbers to the left and right squares. This As a result, the probability of establishment of bingo is increased. On the other hand, if the target payout rate POsttgt is sufficiently lower than the actual payout rate POst, the number 4 with the lowest winning probability is placed in the central square, and other numbers are assigned to the left and right squares. This reduces the probability of bingo being established. In this way, by changing the probability of bingo establishment by rearranging the numerical values according to the winning probability, it becomes possible to change the payout rate P 0 st more quickly toward the target payout rate POsttgt.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 14, the description will be continued. After rearranging the numbers on the winning line, the station control unit 150 ends the current routine. In addition, each numerical value of the winning line after the rearrangement is in an initial state that is invalidated. On the other hand, if bingo is not established in step S132, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S140, and determines whether or not the winning pocket number is repeat. If the value notified in the satellite lottery has already been validated on the bingo card 211, it is determined to be repeat. If it is determined to be repeat, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S141 and increases the repeat step by one step. That is, the repeat WIN number displayed in the repeat number display section 215 in FIG. 10 is changed to a value larger by one step. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the repeat WIN number power is gradually increased to 10 sheets when the number of repeats is 1, 20 sheets when the number of repeats is 40, and 40 sheets when the number of repeats is 3. When the bingo is established, a repeat WIN number of medals corresponding to the number of repeats is supplied to the play field unit 12 (see step S133).

In subsequent step S142, the station control unit 150 executes payout of the normal ball B1 to the play field unit 12. This process may be the same as step S106 in FIG. After paying out the normal ball B1, the station control unit 150 ends this routine. If it is not a repeat in step S140, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S143 to supply a predetermined number of medals M, and then ends the current routine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a center lottery routine executed by the center control unit 130 in response to a center lottery request. The center lottery is required in step S117 in FIG. 8 or step S206 in FIG. 11, and is also required when the bingo feature given in step S133 in FIG. 14 is “j _P chance”. In the center lottery routine The center control unit 130 first executes center lottery in step S401. That is, the large ball 73 is thrown from the large ball throwing mechanism 72 while rotating the large roulette 71. In subsequent step S402, the center control unit 130 determines whether or not the large ball 73 has entered the winning pocket 71a defined as the JP acquisition pocket. If a considerable amount of time is required from the introduction of the large ball 73 to the entry of the large ball 73, the processing is interrupted by the insertion of the large ball 73, and the large ball in any winning pocket 71a of the large roulette 71 is interrupted. The process of FIG. 16 may be restarted with the detection of 73 captures as a trigger.

[0059] If it is determined in step S402 that the large ball 73 has been taken into the JP acquisition pocket, the center control unit 130 proceeds to step S403 and responds to the JP win for the station control unit 150 that requested the center lottery. Instruct the supply of the number of medals to the play field section 12. After the medal supply instruction, the current routine is terminated. When the center lottery is requested from the satellite control unit 140, the station control unit 150 that has requested the satellite lottery for the satellite control unit 140 becomes the notification destination of the medal supply instruction. On the other hand, if the big ball 73 has not been taken into the JP acquisition pocket in step S402, the center control unit 130 proceeds to step S404, and whether or not the big ball 73 has been taken into the winning pocket 71a defined as the grand slot pocket. Determine if. When the large ball 73 is taken into the ground slot pocket, the center control unit 130 proceeds to step S405, requests the host control unit 100 to execute the grand slot lottery, and then ends the current routine.

[0060] If the large ball 73 is not taken into the grand slot pocket in step S404, the center control unit 130 proceeds to step S406 and supplies the play field unit 12 with the number of medals M corresponding to the center lottery. Instruct the station control unit 150. In this case, the number of sheets to be supplied is sufficiently smaller than the number instructed in step S403. Depending on the type of winning pocket 71a in which the big ball 73 is taken in, different numbers may be indicated. The notification destination of the medal supply instruction is the same as in step S403. After the medal supply instruction, the center control unit 130 ends the current routine.

FIG. 17 shows a grand slot lottery routine executed by the host control unit 100 in response to a ground slot lottery request from the center control unit 130 (step S405 in FIG. 16). It is a flowchart which shows. In the grand slot lottery routine, the host control unit 100 first executes a grand slot lottery in step S501. The grand slot lottery is a slot lottery that competes for the success or failure of a winning combination by combining three pictures in the same way as the digital lottery game executed on the station monitor 16 of the station unit ST. Displayed on the center monitor 70. In determining the pattern combination in the grand slot lottery, in other words, determining the winning probability in the grand slot lottery, the overall payout rate POall calculated in the process of FIG.

[0062] After the grand slot lottery is executed, the host control unit 100 proceeds to step S502, and determines whether or not the winning combination of "premium mode" is established in the grand slot lottery. If the winning combination of “premium mode” is established, the host control unit 100 proceeds to step S503 and requests the station control unit 150 to shift to the premium mode. The request destination in this case is the station control unit 150 that requested the center control unit 130 for the center lottery that triggered the request for the grand slot lottery in step S405 of FIG. After requesting the transition to the premium mode, the host control unit 100 ends this routine.

If the winning combination of “Premium mode” is not established in step S502, the host control unit 100 proceeds to step S504, and determines whether or not the winning combination of “satellite game” is established. When the winning combination of the “satellite game” is established, the host control unit 100 proceeds to step S505, and requests the satellite control unit 140 that has requested the center lottery to execute a predetermined center game. After that request, the host control unit 100 ends the current routine. The satellite control unit 140 requested to execute the satellite game executes the satellite game according to a predetermined procedure, and supplies the medal M according to the game result to the station control unit 150 (same as the request destination of step S503). Instruct.

If the winning combination of “satellite game” is not established in step S504, the host control unit 100 proceeds to step S506, and determines whether or not the winning combination of “medal WIN” is established. If the winning combination of “Medal WIN” is established, the host control unit 100 will step Proceeding to S507, supplying the number of medals by adding the number of JPs to the station control unit 150 (the number supplied in step S403 in FIG. 16) plus the number associated with the winning combination of “medal WIN”. To the station control unit 150. The instruction destination in this case is the same as in step S503. After requesting medal supply, the host control unit 100 ends this routine.

[0065] If the winning combination of "medal WIN" is not established in step S506, the host control unit 100 proceeds to step S508 and requests the center control unit 130 to re-execute the center lottery. . In response to this, the center control unit 130 executes the center lottery of FIG. 16 again. After requesting the center lottery to be re-executed, the host control unit 100 ends the current routine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a premium mode routine executed by the station control unit 150 when a transition to the host control unit 100 power premium mode is requested (step S503 in FIG. 17). This routine is executed instead of the game basic control routine of FIG. 8 when the insertion of the medal M into the play field section 12 is detected. That is, the game control based on the game basic control routine is not executed when the premium mode is executed. When the premium mode is executed, a game screen 220 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the station monitor 16 instead of the game screen 200 shown in FIG. The game screen 220 is the same as the game screen 200 in FIG. 9 in that three variable display portions 201a, 201b, and 201c are provided in the horizontal direction, but the continuation condition display portion is replaced with the bingo game portion 210 at the top of the screen. The difference is that 221 is provided. On the continuation condition display unit 221, numerical values of:! To 9 are displayed side by side, and these numerical values are displayed in different manners depending on whether the numerical values for continuing the premium mode are valid or invalid. In Figure 19, valid numbers are marked with a circle and invalid numbers are marked with an X.

[0067] In the premium mode routine, the station control unit 150 first executes a medal insertion process in step S151, and then determines whether or not the medal M has been won to the checker in step S152. If a medal M is entered in the checker, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S153, and executes a slot lottery as a digital lottery game executed on the station monitor 16. The winning combination at this time is when three identical numbers are collected Limited to only. In addition, the winning probability is set higher than that in step S103 in FIG. In subsequent step S154, the station control unit 150 determines whether or not the combination of the patterns obtained by the slot lottery is an outlier, and if it is an outlier, ends the current routine.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is not an outlier in step S154, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S155 and supplies the playing field unit 12 with the number of medals M corresponding to the winning combination established in the slot lottery. Execute. In the following step S156, the station control unit 150 switches between valid / invalid with respect to the winning number, that is, three numbers. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when three winning numbers 3 are set and a winning combination is established, the enabling / disabling of the numerical value 3 is switched. For example, in Fig. 19, the numerical value 3 is valid by adding a circle to the numerical value 3 in the continuation condition display area 221. Therefore, the numerical value 3 is valid when three numerical values 3 are collected. As a result, the numerical value 3 displayed on the continuation condition display unit 221 is switched from the mode indicated by the circle to the mode indicated by the X. After completing the switching between enabled and disabled, the station control unit 150 ends the current routine.

[0069] On the other hand, if the medal M has not entered the checker in step S152, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S160 and determines whether or not the ball B coin table 20 has dropped. If Ball B is not falling, the current routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the ball B has dropped, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S161, and determines whether or not the dropped ball B is the special ball B2. The discrimination of the type of ball B is as described for sensor group 151 in FIG. If the dropped ball B is the special ball B2, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S162, and determines that the satellite lottery should be executed at the inner periphery 33 of the bingo stage 30. On the other hand, if the dropped ball B is not the special ball B2, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S163 and determines that the satellite lottery should be executed on the outer periphery 32 of the bingo stage 30. After determining the region where the satellite lottery is to be executed, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S164 and requests the satellite lottery from the satellite control unit 140. In this case, the station control unit 150 performs the satellite lottery on the outer periphery 3. The satellite control unit 140 is also provided with information specifying whether to execute at 2 or the inner periphery 33. After requesting the satellite lottery, the station control unit 150 ends this routine. In conjunction with the satellite lottery request, the station control unit 150 controls the operation of the ball transport unit 15 so that the dropped ball B is transported to the end of the slope 28.

The satellite control unit 140 for which the satellite lottery has been requested by the processing of step S 164 in FIG. 18 executes the satellite lottery according to the procedure in FIG. The station control unit 150 receives the result of the satellite lottery and executes a premium mode end control routine shown in FIG. This routine is for controlling the continuation or termination of the premium mode. In the first step S171, the station control unit 150 obtains the winning pocket number notified from the satellite control unit 140. In the next step S172, the station control unit 150 determines whether or not the winning pocket number acquired in step S171 is “JP”, that is, whether or not the ball B has entered the JP chance pocket. To do. If the winning pocket number is “JP”, the process proceeds to step SI 73 to end the premium mode, and the process returns to the basic game control shown in FIG. Thereafter, the station control unit 150 ends the current routine. In this case, only the premium mode is terminated. If a “JP chance” occurs in the satellite lottery, the processing proceeds to the center lottery or lower in FIG.

If the winning pocket number is not “JP” in step S172 of FIG. 20, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S174, and determines whether or not the winning pocket number is an invalid value. The invalid numerical value here is a numerical value marked with an X in the continuation condition display section 221 of the game screen 220 in FIG. If the winning pocket number matches the invalid value, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S173. If the winning pocket number is not an invalid value, the station control unit 150 skips step S173 and ends the current process. According to the above routine, when the ball B falls into a winning pocket with a number that matches the invalid value in the satellite lottery, or when a chance occurs in the satellite lottery and the processing advances to the center lottery, The mode ends. Therefore, the winning pocket number where the ball B dropped in the satellite lottery matches the valid number. If you do, premium mode will continue.

[0072] The station control unit 150 further has a function of changing the game content of the station unit ST based on the number of balls B existing in the play field section 12. Specifically, when the number of balls B existing in the play field portion 12 is 0, that is, when the ball B does not exist in the play field portion 12, the station control unit 150 increases the expected value for the player's medal acquisition. Execute the process. The contents of the processing will be described below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a ball count processing routine executed by the station control unit 150 in order to detect the number of balls B existing in the play field unit 12. The station control unit 150 repeatedly executes the routine of FIG. 21 at a predetermined cycle while the medal game is being executed in the station unit ST. In the ball count processing routine, the station control unit 150 first determines whether or not the ball B is thrown into the play field unit 12 in step S181. The determination can be made using a ball throwing sensor of the ball sensor group included in the sensor group 151. However, whether or not the ball B has been instructed without using the sensor, that is, between the time when the routine shown in FIG. 21 is executed and the time when the current routine is executed, step S106 in FIG. Whether or not the ball B is thrown in may be determined based on whether or not step S142 of 14 is executed.

[0074] When it is determined in step S181 that the ball B has been inserted, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S182 and adds 1 to the count value of the ball counter for storing the number of balls B. Thereafter, the station control unit 150 ends the current routine. The ball counter is a virtual counter reserved in the RAM of the station control unit 150. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S181 that the ball B is not inserted, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S183, and determines whether or not the fall of the ball B from the play field unit 12 is detected. The determination can be made using a ball drop sensor of the ball sensor group included in the sensor group 151. If it is determined that the ball B has not dropped, the station control unit 150 ends the current routine. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball B has dropped, the station control Unit 150 proceeds to step S184 and subtracts 1 from the count value of the ball counter. In the next step S185, the station control unit 150 determines whether or not the number of balls B stored in the ball counter is zero. If the number of balls B is 0, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S186 to instruct the start of the empty mode, and then ends the current routine. When the empty mode is started, a special screen may be displayed on the station monitor 16 to inform the player of the start of the empty mode. On the other hand, if the number of balls B is not 0, the station control unit 150 skips step S186 and ends the current routine.

If the start of the empty mode is instructed in step S186 of FIG. 21, the station control unit 150 executes the empty mode routine of FIG. 22 instead of the game basic control routine of FIG. That is, when the insertion of the medal M into the play field unit 12 is detected, the station control unit 150 executes the routine of FIG. 22 instead of the game basic control routine of FIG.

In the empty mode routine of FIG. 22, the station control unit 150 first executes a medal insertion process in step S 191, and then determines whether or not the medal M has won the checker in step S 192. When the medal M enters the checker, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S193, and executes a slot lottery as a digital lottery game executed on the station monitor 16. However, in the slot lottery, two types of winning combinations are set, one per “ball” meaning that the ball B is inserted or one “medal” meaning the supply of the medal M to the play field section 12. Further, the probability of winning the “ball” winning combination is set higher than the winning probability of the “ball” winning combination when the slot lottery is executed according to the game basic control routine of FIG. Further, the probability of winning the “medal” win is set higher than the probability of winning the “normal pattern” in the slot lottery executed according to the game basic control routine of FIG. In short, the winning probability is controlled so that the expected value for the player's medal acquisition is higher than the throttle lottery performed under the game basic control routine.

In the subsequent step S194, the station control unit 150 determines whether or not the “ball” winning combination has been won in the slot lottery. If you win the ball, stay The shadow control unit 150 proceeds to step S195 and requests the satellite control unit 140 to pay out the normal ball B1. In response to the request, the satellite control unit 140 discharges the normal ball B1 from the ball supply mechanism 50A and pays it out to the slope 14a of the ball insertion portion 14 of the station unit ST by the ball carrier 40. In synchronization with the payout of the normal ball B1, the station control unit 150 operates the throwing position selection mechanism 14b of the ball throwing part 14 to throw the normal ball B1 into an appropriate position in the play field part 12. When the insertion of the normal ball B1 is completed, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S196 and ends the empty mode. In other words, the empty mode is ended by paying out the normal ball B1. As a result, the station control unit 150 returns to the game basic control routine of FIG. After executing step S196, the station control unit 150 ends the current routine.

If the “ball” winning combination is not won in step S194 of FIG. 22, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S197, and determines whether or not the “medal” winning combination is won in the slot lottery. If the “medal” is won, the station control unit 150 proceeds to step S198, and executes a process of supplying a predetermined number of medals M from the medal supply unit 13 to the play field unit 12. In this case, the number of medals M supplied may be the same as that of step S108 in FIG. 8, but a larger number of medals M may be supplied to the play field section 12. When the supply of the medal M is completed, the station control unit 150 returns to step S191. If a negative determination is made in step S192 or a negative determination is made in step S197, the station control unit 150 returns to step S191.

[0079] According to the above empty mode, when the ball B does not exist in the play field section 12, the "ball" winning combination is established with a higher probability than the normal ball B1 is thrown in the game basic control routine. Then normal ball B1 is thrown into play field section 12. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the duration of the state where the ball B does not exist in the play field portion 12 as compared to when the game basic control routine is executed. In addition, the probability of winning a “medanore” win is also increased, and the expected value for medal acquisition itself is higher than the control state of the game basic control routine. This gives the player the motivation to continue the game even if the ball B no longer exists in the play field section 12. The operating rate and profitability of game machine G can be improved.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the structure for executing the pusher game and the digital lottery game of the station unit ST as the first game medium supply means by the medal supply unit 13 of the station unit ST is the basic game execution means. In addition, the ball supply mechanism 50A, 50B and the carrier 40 of the satellite unit SA and the ball insertion unit 14 of the station unit ST for inserting the ball B into the play field unit 12 are used as the second game medium supply means. Satellite B using Satellite B, and the ball transport unit 15, satellite unit SA, and station control unit 150 of the station unit ST for executing a bingo game corresponding to the lottery result respectively correspond to the awarding opportunity grant means To do. Further, the station control unit 150 functions as medium number detection means by executing the routine of FIG. 21, and also functions as privilege provision means by executing the routine of FIG. Further, the satellite unit SA corresponds to a physical lottery mechanism.

[0081] The present invention can be implemented in various forms without being limited to the above-described forms. The privilege given by the privilege granting means can be changed or added as appropriate as illustrated below. When the ball B does not exist, a privilege may be given by executing a slot lottery in the probability variation mode. A privilege may be given by changing the medal movement route of the play field unit 12 so that the medal M can easily enter the openings 24a, 24b, and 24c as checkers. You can generate some special benefits for bingo features. When a “ball” winning combination is established in the slot lottery, a special ball B2 may be paid out to the play field unit 12 in place of the normal ball B1 to give a privilege.

[0082] The basic game is not limited to a combination of a pusher game and a slot lottery.

As long as the game is executed in association with the operation of one game medium, various changes can be made. For example, pinball or the like may be executed as a basic game. The payout opportunity given when the second game medium is removed from the play field portion can be variously changed. For example, in response to the removal of the second game medium from the play field part, a payout may be paid out without further lottery processing such as satellite lottery. A prize may be built into the second game medium and paid to the player as a dividend. In the above form, the power that gives a privilege when it is detected that the ball B does not exist in the play field portion 12 is not limited to such form. For example, when the number of the balls B decreases beyond a predetermined number of 2 or more, some privilege may be given even if the balls B remain in the play field section 12. By setting a plurality of values as a predetermined number that serves as a reference for granting a privilege, the privilege may be granted in stages according to a decrease in the number of balls B. In this case, you can change the benefits to be more advantageous as the number decreases. Furthermore, the predetermined number serving as a reference for providing a privilege may be variable, such as changing the predetermined number according to the game situation, for example, the payout rate.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a first game medium supply means for supplying a first game medium to the play field unit based on a player's operation;

Basic game execution means for executing a basic game in association with the operation of the first game medium input to the play field section and giving a player a payout according to the game result of the basic game;

A second game medium supply means for supplying a second game medium of a different type from the first game medium to the play field unit when a predetermined state occurs in the basic game;

A payout opportunity granting means for giving a player an opportunity to win a payout when the second game medium is excluded from the playfield force by the operation of the second game medium linked to the operation of the first game medium; ,

In game machines equipped with

Medium number detecting means for detecting the number of the second game media existing in the game field portion;

A privilege granting unit for granting a privilege associated with paying out the dividend to the player when the number of the second game media detected by the media number detection unit is less than a predetermined number;

A game machine equipped with.

[2] The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the privilege granting unit grants the privilege by executing a process of increasing a probability that the predetermined state is established in the basic game.

[3] The basic game executing means controls the winning probability according to a predetermined control rule when the first game medium passes through a predetermined position of the play field portion as a game included in the basic game. In addition, a lottery process for generating a winning combination is performed, and when the winning combination is established, a lottery game for paying or paying a dividend directly or indirectly to a player is executed,

The privilege grant means increases the probability that the winning combination in the lottery game is established. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the bonus is granted by executing at least one of a process for increasing a payout amount when the winning combination is established and a process for increasing the payout amount when the winning combination is established. .

[4] The first game medium is a medal, and the basic game executing means pushes the group of medals stored in the play field portion while pushing it out by a pusher table that reciprocates in the play field portion. A pusher game in which the medals discharged from a predetermined range in the play field portion are paid out to the player as a dividend, and when the medal passes a predetermined position in the play field portion, the winning probability is controlled according to a predetermined control rule. The basic game includes a lottery game for performing a lottery process for generating a winning combination while paying and paying the medal directly or indirectly as a dividend to the player when the winning combination is established. Run as a game

The second game medium supply means considers that the predetermined state has occurred in the basic game when a predetermined game medium payout combination is established in the lottery game. Run the supply,

The privilege granting means is a process for increasing the probability that the game medium payout combination is established in the lottery game, a process for increasing the probability that the winning combination is established in the lottery game, and the winning combination when the winning combination is established. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the privilege is given by executing at least one of the processes for increasing the number of medals.

[5] The claims 1 to 4, wherein the privilege granting unit grants the privilege when it is detected that the second game medium does not exist in the play field portion. Any one of the game machines described in 1.

[6] The payout opportunity grant means takes in the second game medium excluded from the play field portion, and gives a physical action to the second game medium to provide a plurality of option powers at least one option. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a physical lottery mechanism for lottery, and controlling a payout of a dividend to a player in association with a lottery result by the physical lottery mechanism.

[7] The payout opportunity giving means is the second game medium excluded from the play field portion. A physical lottery mechanism that draws a body and gives a physical action to the second game medium to draw at least one option, and associates with a lottery result by the physical lottery mechanism The game machine according to claim 2, wherein payout of a dividend to the player is controlled.

[8] The payout opportunity grant means takes in the second game medium excluded from the play field portion, and gives a physical action to the second game medium to provide a plurality of option powers at least one option. 4. The game machine according to claim 3, further comprising a physical lottery mechanism for lottery, and paying out a dividend to a player in association with a lottery result by the physical lottery mechanism.

[9] The payout opportunity grant means takes in the second game medium excluded from the play field portion, and gives a physical action to the second game medium to provide a plurality of option powers at least one option. 5. The game machine according to claim 4, further comprising a physical lottery mechanism for lottery, and controlling payout of a dividend to a player in association with a lottery result by the physical lottery mechanism.

[10] The payout opportunity grant means takes in the second game medium excluded from the play field portion, and gives a physical action to the second game medium to provide at least one option. 6. The game machine according to claim 5, further comprising a physical lottery mechanism for lottery, and controlling payout of a dividend to a player in association with a lottery result by the physical lottery mechanism.