JP4452074B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a variable display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed on a display device, and that can give a specific game value in relation to the result mode.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a display device capable of displaying a variable display game with a plurality of symbols on a gaming board and a start winning opening are provided, and the game ball is awarded to the starting winning opening based on the winning of a game ball. There is known a pachinko gaming machine in which a variable display game is played by variably displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device.

  The above-mentioned variable display game is performed by variably displaying a symbol sequence composed of a plurality of symbols in each of the left, middle, and right display areas formed on the display device, for example, from the start of the variable display game. When a predetermined time elapses, the display of variation in each display area is stopped in the order of, for example, left, middle, and right, and a predetermined pattern is stopped and displayed to derive a result mode. The variable display in each display area is performed by updating and displaying the symbols sequentially in the order in the symbol row. Note that this result mode has already been determined, for example, at the beginning of the start of the variable display game, and each symbol is controlled to stop so that the variable display of the plurality of display areas matches the already determined result mode. .

  Then, when the variable display game is over, each symbol that is stopped and displayed in each of the plurality of display areas has a predetermined special result mode (for example, “1, 1, 1”, “2, 2, 2”). 2 ”, etc.), a specific game value (a big hit game state) is generated as a game value, and a variable winning device provided on the game board is opened, for example. By converting to a state, the player can acquire a large amount of game balls. Also, in the process of the variable display game, for example, when the variable display of the left display area and the middle display area is stopped and only the variable display of the right display area is being performed, the symbols stopped and displayed on the left and the middle are displayed. When the reach display mode (for example, “2, 2, −”, “−” indicates an unstopped state) is formed and the reach (reach state) is reached, the speed of the variable display in the right display region is reduced. At the same time, the reach fluctuation display is performed so that the fluctuation display time is longer than usual, thereby increasing the player's expectation for establishment of a special result mode (generation of a specific game value).

In such a gaming machine, the portion serving as the start winning opening of the variable display game is constituted by a variable winning device different from the variable winning device described above, and is different from the display device that performs the variable display game described above. There is a configuration in which the second variable display game is executed on the variable display unit, and the variable winning device is operated in accordance with the result of the second variable display game. Then, the variation time of the second variation display game of the variable display unit is varied while referring to a predetermined counter value relating to the participation rate so that an appropriate appearance rate set in advance at the game shop side can be secured. By doing so, there is a device for adjusting the operation frequency of the variable winning device (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-201912

  However, in the above-described conventional example, if the variation time of the second variable display game of the variable display unit becomes too long, the time until the result of the second variable display game of the variable display unit is determined becomes long. The player may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when the variation time of the second variable display game of the variable display unit is prolonged, it can be said that it is preferable to adjust the variation time of the second variable display game of the variable display unit according to the player's intention.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a well-balanced gaming machine that enables adjustment of the ball payout rate, which is the original purpose, while adjusting the variation time of the variable display unit reflecting the player's intention. Objective.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device for performing a variable display game by displaying the identification information in a variable manner, display control means for controlling the display of the variable display game, and each time the variable display game has a special result. A game control means for performing control to generate a state in which a player can acquire a prize ball, and in a gaming machine that plays a game by launching a game ball in a game area, and accepts an operation input of the player An operation input means for generating a signal; a counter value acquisition means for acquiring a counter value capable of specifying a difference between the number of game balls used by the player for the game and the number of prize balls acquired by the player; Game timer value acquisition means for acquiring a game timer value capable of specifying a game time; and variable display game execution time setting means for setting the execution time of the variable display game based on the counter value and the game timer value. Preparation In addition, the variable display game execution time setting means shortens the execution time of the variable display game when there is an operation input from the operation input means and an operation signal is generated, compared to when there is no operation input. Execution time shortening means, input reaction time variable means for varying the time from receiving the operation signal from the operation input means until the result of the variable display game is determined, based on the counter value and the game timer value; The operation input means accepts an operation input within an operation effective time that is a time from when the variable display game is started until a predetermined time elapses, and the input reaction time variable means is the operation effective When the operation input means is operated within the time, the change display game execution time set by the change display game execution time setting means and the change table Based on the time from when the game is started to when the operation input means is operated, the result of the variable display game after the operation input means is operated than when the operation input means is not operated. The execution time of the variable display game is newly determined by shortening the time until it is determined, and a midway stop command corresponding to the newly determined execution time of the variable display game is transmitted to the display control means And the said display control means will perform the said variable display game based on the execution time of the said newly determined variable display game, if the said midway stop command is received .

The second invention is the first invention, in performing the variable display game, together with the variable display plural symbols in the apparatus is variably displayed, when the variable display game results determined Each of the identification information is stopped and displayed with a time difference, and the input reaction time variable means first receives any one of the plurality of identification information after receiving the operation signal from the operation input means. The time until the stop display is made substantially the same every time, and the display control means stops the identification information included in the plurality of identification information and stopped first after a predetermined time from receiving the operation signal. The remaining identification information other than the identification information that is first stopped and displayed is sequentially controlled to stop the variation so that the variation ends in accordance with the newly determined variation display game execution time .

According to the first aspect of the invention, the variable display device that performs the variable display game by displaying the identification information in a variable manner, the display control means for controlling the display of the variable display game, and the variable display game each time a special result is obtained. And a game control means for performing a control for generating a state in which the player can acquire a prize ball, and in a gaming machine that launches a game ball in the game area and performs a game, accepts an operation input of the player Operation input means for generating an operation signal, counter value acquisition means for acquiring a counter value capable of specifying a difference between the number of game balls used by the player in the game and the number of prize balls acquired by the player; A game timer value acquiring means for acquiring a game timer value capable of specifying a game time, and a variable display game execution time setting means for setting the execution time of the variable display game based on the counter value and the game timer value. The variable display game execution time setting means shortens the execution time of the variable display game when there is an operation input from the operation input means and an operation signal is generated, compared to when there is no operation input. Execution time shortening means, and input reaction time varying means for varying the time from receiving the operation signal from the operation input means until the result of the variable display game is determined based on the counter value and the game timer value; The operation input means accepts an operation input within an operation effective time that is a time until a predetermined time elapses after the start of the variable display game, and the input reaction time variable means When the operation input means is operated within the effective time, the execution time of the variable display game set by the variable display game execution time setting means, Based on the time from the start of the dynamic display game to the operation of the operation input means, the variable display game after the operation input means is operated than when the operation input means is not operated. The execution time of the variable display game is newly determined by shortening the time until the result of determination is confirmed, and an intermediate stop command corresponding to the newly determined execution time of the variable display game is sent to the display control means When the display control means receives the midway stop command, the display control means plays the variable display game based on the newly determined execution time of the variable display game, so that the player operates the operation input means. Even if the game execution time is changed (for example, shortened), the difference between the number of game balls used by the player and the number of prize balls acquired by the player (out Since the execution time of the variable display game is set in relation to the ball ratio, the player's intention can be reflected in the variable display game, and the game machine's output ratio can be adjusted at the game store.

According to the present invention, in performing the variable display game, together with the variable display device a plurality of identification information is variably displayed, when the variable display game results are finalized each identification information Displayed with a time difference, and the input reaction time variable means from when receiving the operation signal from the operation input means until any one of the plurality of identification information is first stopped and displayed. The display control means causes the display control means to stop and display the identification information included in the plurality of pieces of identification information and stopped first after a predetermined time after receiving the operation signal. to the rest of the identification information other than the stop display identification information, since the fluctuation in accordance with the execution time of the newly determined variable display game is sequentially stop control be terminated, the total execution time of the variable display games Even if it varies from game to game, the discriminating information that is changing starts to be stopped at any time after a certain period of time has elapsed since the player operated the operation input means. There is nothing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1.

  A game board 4 is attached in the frame to a front frame 3 that is assembled to the machine frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 so as to be opened and closed. The front surface of the game board 4 is covered with a cover glass 6 attached to the front frame 3 through the glass frame 5 so as to be opened and closed. Below the front frame 3, an upper plate 7 and a lower plate 8 for guiding a game ball (pachinko ball) to a ball hitting device (not shown) and an operation unit 10 of the ball hitting device are arranged. In the game board 4, a display device (display device) 13 is disposed almost at the center of the game area 12 surrounded by the guide rails 11, and a special variable prize device 14 as a big prize opening is disposed below the game area 12. .

  The display device (variable display device) 13 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device), a CRT (CRT), etc., and an image based on the progress of the game, such as a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information (identification symbols) in a variable manner. Is displayed.

  The special variable winning device 14 is energized to the special winning opening solenoid 15 (see FIG. 2), and is in an open state (a state advantageous to the player) from a closed state where the ball is not received (a state disadvantageous to the player). ). Immediately above the special variable winning device 14, a starting port (starting winning port) 17 having a normal variable winning device (ordinary electric accessory) 16 is arranged, and a normal symbol starting gate 18 is arranged at a predetermined position on the left and right sides thereof. Established.

  The normal variation winning device 16 is converted so as to widen the entrance to the start port 17 by energizing the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 20 (see FIG. 2).

  In each place of the game area 12, N (only four are shown in FIG. 1) general winning holes 21 are provided. An out port 22 is provided at the lowermost end of the game area 12.

  A game is played by launching a game ball from the hitting ball launcher toward the game area 12, and the shot game ball is rolled in a rolling direction by a rolling guide member such as a windmill arranged at various locations in the game area 12. The game area 12 flows down the surface of the game area 12 and wins the start port 17, the general winning port 21, the special variable winning device 14, or is discharged from the out port 22.

  The winning at the start port 17 is detected by a special symbol start sensor 23 (see FIG. 2). The winning to the special variation winning device 14 is detected by the count sensor 24 and the continuation sensor 25 (see FIG. 2). Winnings to the N general winning ports 21 are detected by N winning sensors 26A to 26N (see FIG. 2) provided for each of the general winning ports 21. The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 18 is detected by a normal symbol start sensor 27 (see FIG. 2).

  The winning of the game ball to the starting port 17 is stored as a special symbol start memory (a memorization of a winning game that has not yet played the variable display game), for example, up to four times, and the special symbol is stored at the upper part of the display device 13. A special symbol memory display 28 is provided for displaying the number of starting memories by the number of lighting of the starting memory LEDs.

  The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 18 is stored as a normal symbol start memory, for example, a maximum of four times.

  When a game ball wins the start opening 17, the general winning opening 21, and the special variable winning device 14, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning device won is discharged from a payout unit (discharge device) not shown, and the front frame 3 Are supplied to the upper plate 7 and the lower plate 8.

  On the left side of the front frame 3 of the gaming machine 1, an operation button (operation input means) 40 that receives an operation input from a player is provided.

  A decoration light-emitting device 36 such as a decoration lamp and a decoration LED is provided in the gaming area 12 and the key points of the gaming machine. The gaming machine is provided with a sound output device (speaker) 37.

  Note that reference numeral 35 denotes a card ball lending unit provided alongside the gaming machine.

  2 and 3 are block configuration diagrams showing a control system centered on the game control device 100. FIG.

  The game control device 100 (game control means, counter value acquisition means, game timer value acquisition means, variable display game execution time setting means) is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU that controls the game, a game It is composed of a ROM storing invariant information for control, a gaming microcomputer 101 incorporating a RAM used as a work area during game control, an input interface 102, an output interface 103, an oscillator 104, and the like.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 includes various detection devices (special symbol start sensor 23, general prize opening sensors 26A to 26N, count sensor 24, continuation sensor 25, normal symbol start sensor 27, operation button 40, and the like via the input interface 102. In response to the detection signal from the shot ball counting sensor 50) and the input signal of the payout rate setting SW 45 for setting the payout rate at the amusement store, various processes such as a big hit lottery are performed. Then, through the output interface 103, command signals are transmitted to the various control devices (the production control device 150, the discharge control device 200), the special winning opening solenoid 15, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 20, etc., and the game is integrated. Control.

  The game control device 100 is also provided with a board external output terminal board 105 for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine. Game information (winning information, number of variable display games, jackpot information, etc.) is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the game store management device via the board external output terminal board 105, and is managed in a centralized manner by the management device. Is done.

  The discharge control device 200 controls the operation of the payout unit based on a prize ball command signal from the game control device 100 or a ball rental request from the card ball rental unit 35, and causes the prize ball or the ball to be discharged.

  The effect control device 150 (display control means) displays the display device 13, and decorative light emitting devices such as a special symbol memory display 28, a normal symbol memory display 30, a game mode indicator 32, a decorative lamp, and a decorative LED. 36, controls the sound effect output from the speaker 37, CPU 151, ROM 152, RAM 153, interface 154, DMAC (direct memory access controller) 155 for display device, VDC (video display controller) 156, A font ROM 157 storing image data (symbol data, background image data, moving image character data, etc.), an oscillator 158, a γ correction circuit 159, various displays, decorations, an interface 160 for speakers, and the like.

  The CPU 151 creates screen information (symbol display information, background screen information, video character screen information, etc.) based on the display command signal from the game control device 100 and stores it in the RAM 153. This screen information is transferred to the VDC 156 by the DMAC 155 that has received the transfer command at the timing of the vertical synchronization interrupt of the VDC 156. Based on this image information, the VDC 156 takes in the corresponding image data in the font ROM 157, performs horizontal scanning and vertical scanning on the screen of the display device 13, and performs predetermined image display (drawing).

  The font ROM 157 stores data for each identification symbol used in the variable display game, and data for effect display such as backgrounds and characters.

  In front of the interface 154, a buffer circuit 161 serving as a signal transmission direction restricting means is provided, and only signal input from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 150 is allowed, and from the effect control device 150 to the game control device 100. Signal output is prohibited.

  The γ correction circuit 159 adjusts the display illuminance of the display device 13 by correcting the nonlinear characteristic of the illuminance with respect to the signal voltage of the display device 13.

  Further, the CPU 151 controls the display of the special symbol memory display 28 and the normal symbol memory display 30 on the basis of the command signal from the game control device 100, and also includes a game mode alarm 32, a decoration lamp, an LED, etc. The sound effect output from the decorative light emitting device 36 and the speaker 37 is controlled.

  Next, an outline of the game in the gaming machine of the present invention will be described.

  The gaming machine of the present invention includes a display device 13 and plays a variable display game by displaying predetermined symbols and the like on the display device.

  When the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 18 passes, the normal symbol variation game is started when the normal symbol start memory is stored. This normal symbol variation game is played with three symbols displayed in the lower right part of the display device 13.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the normal symbol variation display game on the display device 13.

  Special symbols “1”, “2”, “3” are displayed large in the center of the display device, and normal symbols “◯”, “×”, “◯” are displayed slightly smaller in the lower right part of the display device 13. . Note that the symbol on the left side of the normal symbol is called the left symbol, the symbol on the center is called the middle symbol, and the symbol on the right side is called the right symbol.

  When the normal symbol start memory is stored, that is, when the normal symbol storage number is 1 or more, the normal symbol variation game is started. In the normal symbol variation display game, a lottery is performed based on a random number generated by the game control device 100 at a predetermined timing, and “winning” or “losing” is determined based on the random number value selected. If the winning random number is determined to be “winning”, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a certain period of time, and then the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as “winning combination”. In addition, when it is determined that “lost” is determined as a result of the random numbers selected, the normal symbol is variably displayed for a certain period of time, and then the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with “lost combination”. The “winning combination” is a combination in which the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped and displayed as “○”, and the “losing combination” is the combination of the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol Indicates a combination other than “” (for example, “◯, x, ○”). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the “winning combination”, the normal variable winning device 16 is activated and the entrance of the start port 17 is expanded, so that the hit ball is awarded to the expanded start port 17. Thus, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 includes an operation button 40, and when the player presses the operation button 40, the variation time of the normal symbol variation display game can be changed. That is, if the player depresses the operation button 40 while the game ball is detected at the normal symbol winning gate 18 and the normal symbol variation display game is being displayed, the normal symbol variation display is performed. The time required from the start until the “win” or “losing” result is stopped and displayed is shorter than in the normal case where the operation button 40 is not pressed.

  In this case, by shortening the variation time by depressing the operation button 40 during the variation display of the normal symbol, the time when the normal variation winning device 16 is not operated is shortened, and the game machine payout rate is the intent of the game store. There is a risk of going against this. Therefore, the gaming machine of the present embodiment performs the following control so as to keep the payout rate within a certain range to some extent, and when the operation button 40 is pressed, the fluctuation time is controlled according to the gaming conditions. To do.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of the normal symbol variation game in the game control apparatus 100.

  First, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the current number of normal symbol starting memories is greater than 0 (whether or not there is a normal symbol starting memory) (step 1000). If it is determined that the starting memory number is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step 1010. If there is no start-up memory, the processing in step 1000 is repeated and waits.

  In step 1010, the winning symbol of the normal symbol variation display game is determined based on the random numbers selected, and the stop symbol is determined. That is, if the result of the random number selected is a win, the stop symbol is set to a win combination (a combination of “◯, ○, ○”). If the random number lottery result is a loss, the stop symbol is set to a combination of losses (for example, a combination of “x, x, x”).

  Next, variation definition information for the normal symbol variation display game is selected (step 1020). Here, a process of selecting a combination that matches a condition from a combination of predetermined variation times stored in advance in the RAM or the like of the game control apparatus 100 is performed. Specifically, one of “variation A”, “variation B”, and “variation C” defined in FIG. 6 is selected. The selection of the variation definition information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a symbol change timer for determining the time for changing the symbol is set to 0 seconds and initialized (step 1030).

  Next, a variation start command is transmitted to the effect control device 150, and the display device 13 starts the variation display of the normal symbol (step 1040).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the operation of the operation button 40 is a valid time (operation valid time) (step 1050). The operation of the operation button 40 by the player is valid until a predetermined time elapses after the normal symbol variation display is started in step 1040. Therefore, the symbol variation timer value is set to the predetermined time (4. It is determined by whether or not it has exceeded 0 seconds). If it is the operation valid time, the process proceeds to step 1060, and if the operation valid time is not valid, the process proceeds to step 1120.

  In step 1060, it is determined whether or not the operation button 40 has been operated by the player. Specifically, since an operation signal is generated when the operation button 40 is operated, it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed based on the presence or absence of the operation signal. If the operation button 40 has not been operated, the process returns to step 1050, and if it is determined that the operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 1070.

  In step 1070, the operation counter is incremented by "1". This operation counter is the total number of times that the operation button 40 is operated by the player.

  Next, in step 1080, based on the variation definition information (“variation A”, “variation B”, “variation C”) selected in step 1020 and the value of the symbol variation timer at the time when the operation button 40 is operated. Then, from the table in FIG. 7, the “variation time” and the information indicating the type of the midway stop command (any one of “a”, “b”, “c”, “d” in the table) are acquired and immediately acquired. A midway stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 150 (a midway stop command is transmitted when the operation button 40 is operated). At this time, the intermediate stop command includes types “a” to “d”. Then, after waiting for the fluctuation timer value to reach the acquired “fluctuation time”, the process proceeds to step 1090.

  As a specific example, when the “variation A” is selected and the value of the symbol variation timer at the time when the operation button 40 is operated is 1.5 seconds (that is, the operation button 40 has been changed from the start of variation). When the operation time is 1.5 seconds), 3.0 seconds is acquired as the “variation time”, and “b” is acquired as the type of the midway stop command. In addition, a midway stop command including the type “b” is transmitted. At this time, only the left symbol of the normal symbols fluctuating under the control of the effect control device 150 stops 0.5 seconds after the transmission of the midway stop command, and the remaining symbols are shorter than the specified time. Preparations are made so that the variation ends at (the same time as the selected “variation time”, 3.0 seconds). Thereafter, when the value of the symbol variation timer reaches “variation time” of 3.0 seconds, the process proceeds to step 1090 to determine whether or not it is a hit.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol determined in step 1010 is a win (step 1090). If it is determined that it is a win, the process proceeds to step 1110 to perform a win process, and the normally variable winning device 16 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 1.5 seconds) to widen the entrance of the start port 17, and thereafter After a predetermined wait time (pause time, for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, the process returns to step 1000. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a win, the process moves to step 1100, sets a wait time for loss, and returns to step 1000 after the wait time has elapsed. This wait time is, for example, 2.0 seconds.

  If it is determined in step 1050 that the operation is not valid, the process proceeds to step 1120. In Step 1120, based on the variation definition information (“Variation A”, “Variation B”, “Variation C”) selected in Step 1020 from the row of “No button operation” in the table of FIG. And the symbol variation timer initialized in step 1030 determines whether or not the acquired “variation time” has been reached. If it has reached, the process proceeds to step 1130, and if not, step 1050 is performed. Return to. For example, if “variation B” is selected, 9.0 seconds is acquired as the “variation time”, so whether or not the value of the symbol variation timer has reached 9.0 seconds, which is the “variation time”. Processing to be determined is performed. In step 1130, the non-operation counter is incremented by “1”, and the process proceeds to step 1090 without transmitting a midway stop command. This non-operation counter is the total number of times that the player has not operated the operation button 40 until a predetermined time has elapsed when the normal symbol variation display game is played.

  As described above, when the variable display game is started by the processing of FIG. 5, when the operation button 40 is operated by the player, the variable display time can be shortened compared to the case where the operation button 40 is not operated. .

  6 and 7 are examples of control information for adjusting the fluctuation time of the normal symbol so that the game store has the payout rate set by the operation of the payout rate setting SW 45. FIG. FIG. 7 is a table for determining the variation time (the variation display game execution time) based on the variation type. The setting of the payout rate by the payout rate setting SW 45 can be set in a plurality of steps (for example, 6 steps), and therefore the control information is determined by the number of the steps.

  Based on the table as shown in FIG. 6, the game control device 100 sets the types of variation to “variation A”, “variation B”, and “variation” based on the button operation rate and the number of difference balls per hour. C ”is selected.

  Note that the “button operation rate” indicates the rate at which the operation button 40 is pressed when the normal symbol variation display game is performed, and the operation counter value is expressed as an operation counter value and a non-operation counter value. It is a value calculated by dividing by the sum. Further, the “number of difference balls” indicates the difference between the number of game balls fired and the number of game balls won by the player and won by the player. This value is calculated by subtracting the firing counter value (see FIG. 8) from (see FIG. 8). And since the pachinko machine is prescribed to launch 100 shots per minute, it is possible to calculate the game time from the value of the launch counter, assuming that 6000 game balls are launched per hour, By dividing the “number of difference balls” by the “game time”, the “number of difference balls per hour” is calculated.

For example, if the current number of game balls to be launched is 12000 and the number of game balls to be acquired is 12200, “the number of difference balls” = 1200 to 12000 = 200. At this time, “game time” = 12000 ÷ 6000 = 2 hours,
“Number of difference balls per hour” = “Number of difference balls” ÷ “Game time” = 200 ÷ 2 = 100. If the button operation rate is 70%, “variation C” is selected from the table of FIG.

  Further, the game control device 100 determines, based on a table as shown in FIG. 7, how much time has passed since the start of the normal symbol variation when the operation button 40 is operated, Based on the elapsed time and the type of fluctuation, the execution time of the fluctuation display game is determined. For example, when “change A” is selected, if the button is pressed within 1 second from the start of change, 2.0 seconds is selected. In this case, “a” is selected as the midway stop command transmitted to the effect control device 150.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process when a timer interrupt (for example, occurs at an interval of 0.1 ms) at a predetermined timing occurs during the process in the game control apparatus 100.

  First, the number of fired balls fired is counted by the fired ball counting sensor, and the fired counter is updated with the number (step 2000). Next, the number of winning winning balls when there is a winning at the winning opening etc. is counted, and the winning counter is updated with the number (step 2010).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by the normal symbol start sensor 27, and a normal symbol start winning is monitored (step 2020).

  Next, a new random number is generated, and the current random number value is updated to the generated random number (step 2030).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is variably displayed (step 2040). If it is determined that the normal symbol is in a variable display, the process proceeds to step 2050 to add and update the symbol variation timer and then return to the main flow. If it is determined that the normal symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, the process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the main flow shown in FIG.

  As described above, the firing counter, the prize ball counter, the random number, and the symbol variation timer of the game control device are updated by the processing of FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol variation display process in the effect control device 150.

  First, it is determined whether or not the change start command (step 1040 in FIG. 5) transmitted from the game control device 100 has been received (step 3000). If a change start command has not been received, this process is repeated and waits. If it is determined that the change start command has been received, the symbol scroll monitoring timer for monitoring the time for changing the symbol is set to 0 seconds and initialized (step 3010). At this time, it is determined whether the variation definition information (included in the variation start command) selected in step 1020 of FIG. 5 is “variation A”, “variation B”, or “variation C”. Based on this variation definition information, the time value is obtained from the “no button operation” portion of the table of FIG. 7, and the time value obtained by subtracting 1.0 from this time value is used as the time-up value of the symbol scroll monitoring timer. Calculate it. For example, if the change start command is “change C”, 12.0 seconds corresponding to “no button operation” is acquired from the table of FIG. 7, and 11.0 seconds obtained by subtracting 1.0 from this value is obtained. Time-up value.

  Next, normal symbol variation display is started (step 3020). As shown in FIG. 4, the variable display is started for each of the three symbols of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol displayed at the lower right of the display device 13.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the midway stop command (step 1080 in FIG. 5) transmitted from the game control device 100 has been received (step 3030). If it is determined that a midway stop command has been received, the process proceeds to step 3040. If it is determined that a midway stop command has not been received, the process proceeds to step 3060.

  In step 3040, when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the midway stop command, only the left symbol is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined in step 1010 of FIG. In the embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined time is set to a constant time value of 0.5 seconds regardless of the contents of the variation definition information (“variation A” to “variation C”). Further, the time-up value set in step 3010 is discarded, the type data (data identifying “a”, “b”, “c”, “d”) included in the midway stop command, and fluctuation Using the contents of the definition information (“variation A” to “variation C”), a time value is acquired from the table of FIG. 7 and set as a time-up value. For example, if the type of the midway stop command is “b” and the variation definition information is “variation C”, 6.0 seconds are acquired from the table of FIG. 7 and set as the time-up value.

  Subsequently, in step 3050, the symbol scroll monitoring timer initialized in step 3010 stops the change display of the middle symbol and the right symbol in accordance with the timing when the newly set time-up value is reached, respectively. The stop symbol determined in step 1010 is displayed.

  On the other hand, in step 3060, it is determined whether or not the symbol scroll monitoring timer determined in step 3010 has reached the time-up value set in step 3010. If it is determined that the symbol scroll monitoring timer has not reached the time-up value, the process returns to step 3030. If it is determined that the symbol scroll monitoring timer has reached the time-up value, the process proceeds to step 3070 to stop the left symbol variation display and display the stop symbol determined in step 1010 of FIG. Next, when 0.5 seconds have passed since the stop of the left symbol, the process proceeds to step 3050 to stop and display the middle symbol, and after another 0.5 second has passed, the fluctuation display of the right symbol is stopped, The stop symbol determined in step 1010 of 5 is displayed.

  When the operation button 40 is operated at the time of normal symbol fluctuation by the processing of FIG. 9 as described above, the time from the button operation timing until the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is stopped is determined as the state of the gaming machine (output It can be set based on the ball ratio. At this time, the time from the button operation timing to the stop timing of the left symbol that stops first is set to a constant time of 0.5 seconds, regardless of the state of the gaming machine (such as the game play rate). Thus, it is possible to perform control such that the operation of the operation button 40 by the player acts on the normal symbol stop accurately.

  The gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is an operation button from a player in a normal symbol variation display game that is started when a game ball wins a normal symbol start gate 18. When the operation 40 is accepted and the operation button 40 is operated, the time until the normal symbol variation display is completed can be shortened. At that time, it is possible to control the time until the normal symbol variation display is ended according to the state of the game ball (for example, the play rate), the operation rate of the button 40, and the like. Therefore, the player's interest can be enhanced by the variable display game that is changed by the operation of the operation button 40, and the amusement store can adjust the play rate of the gaming machine within a predetermined range.

  In the present embodiment, control is performed to vary the variation time of the normal symbol in accordance with the state of the game ball (for example, the play rate), the operation rate of the button 40, etc., but the state of the game ball ( For example, even if control is performed to vary the wait time after the hitting operation in step 1110 in FIG. 5 or the wait time in case of loss in step 1100 in accordance with the payout rate), the normally variable winning device 16 operates. It is possible to adjust the play rate of the gaming machine by controlling no time. By varying the wait time in this way, it is possible to stop the fluctuation of the normal symbol by operating the button 40 without a sense of incongruity.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Compared with the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the present invention counts game balls (launched balls, winning balls, etc.) in the effect control device 150, and calculates the calculated result of the game balls. Is different in that the end time of the variable display game is set, and the effect control device 150 functions as a counter value acquisition means, a game timer value acquisition means, an elapsed time determination means, and a stop signal output means. Is different. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure which performs the same effect | action as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  10 and 11 are block configuration diagrams showing a control system centered on the game control device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation signal from the operation button 40 and the operation signal from the effect control device 150 are input to the game control device 100 as the same signal. In addition, the effect control device 150 receives a signal from the firing ball counting sensor 50 and a winning signal from the discharge control device 200 (a signal notifying how many prize balls have been paid out).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing in the game control device 100 according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the current number of normal symbol starting memories is greater than 0 (whether or not there is a normal symbol starting memory) (step 4000). If it is determined that the starting memory number is greater than 0, the routine proceeds to step 4010. If there is no start memory, the process of step 4000 is repeated and waits.

  In step 4010, the winning symbol of the normal symbol variation display game is determined based on the random number selected, and the stop symbol is determined.

  Next, the stop time of the normal symbol variation display game is selected (step 4020). In the second embodiment, the stop time is 15.0 seconds.

  Next, a symbol variation timer for determining the time for varying the symbol is initialized (step 4030), a variation start command is transmitted to the effect control device 150, and the variation display of the normal symbol is started on the display device 13 (step 40). 4040).

  Next, based on the value of the symbol variation timer, it is determined whether or not the operation of the operation button 40 is a valid time (operation valid time) (step 4050). The operation effective time is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the stop time determined in step 4020, that is, within 14.0 seconds from the start of the variable display. If it is the operation valid time, the process proceeds to step 4060, and if the operation valid time is exceeded, the process proceeds to step 4100.

  In step 4060, it is determined whether or not the operation button 40 has been operated by the player. If the operation button 40 has not been operated, the process returns to step 4050. If it is determined that the operation button 40 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 4070.

  In step 4070, a symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 150. When the production control device 150 receives this midway stop command during the normal symbol fluctuation display, it ends the fluctuation in a time shorter than the prescribed time.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol determined in step 4010 is a win (step 4080). When it is determined that it is a win, the process proceeds to step 4090 to perform a win process, and the normal variation winning device 16 is operated to widen the entrance of the start port 17. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a hit, the process returns to step 4000.

  If it is determined in step 4050 that the operation is not valid, the process proceeds to step 4100. In step 4100, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation timer initialized in step 4030 has elapsed after the predetermined time determined in step 4020 (ie, 15.0 seconds) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 4050. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 4070.

  As described above, when the variable display game is started by the processing of FIG. 12, when the operation button 40 is operated by the player, the variable display time can be shortened compared to the case where the operation button 40 is not operated. .

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol variation display process in the effect control device 150.

  First, it is determined whether or not the change start command (step 4040 in FIG. 12) transmitted from the game control device 100 has been received (step 5000). If a change start command has not been received, this process is repeated and waits. If it is determined that the change start command has been received, first, a stop request timer for setting the time for changing the symbol is initialized (step 5010). As will be described later with reference to FIG. 14, this stop request timer is the difference between the number of game balls that have been fired and the number of game balls that the game ball has won and the player has acquired. Determined based on the number of balls).

  Next, normal symbol variation display is started (step 5020). As shown in FIG. 4, three symbols of a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol are displayed on the lower right of the display device 13, and variable display is started for each of the symbols.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop command (step 4070 in FIG. 12) transmitted from the game control device 100 has been received (step 5030). If it is determined that a midway stop command has been received, the process proceeds to step 5040. If it is determined that a midway stop command has not been received, the process proceeds to step 5060.

  In step 5040, in response to the symbol stop command, the variable display is stopped at predetermined time intervals in the order of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol, and the stop symbol determined in step 4010 of FIG. 12 is displayed.

  On the other hand, in step 5060, it is determined whether or not the stop request timer determined in step 5010 has elapsed (time up). If it is determined that the stop request timer has not expired, the process returns to step 5030. If it is determined that the stop request timer has expired, the process proceeds to step 5060, and the same signal (operation button signal) as that when the operation button 40 is operated is transmitted to the game control device, and the process returns to step 5030.

  With the processing of FIG. 13 as described above, when the operation button 40 is operated during normal symbol fluctuation, the time until the fluctuation display is stopped is shortened from the normal time, and the state of the gaming machine (such as the play rate) It is also possible to adjust the time until the variable display is stopped in relation to the above.

  FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of a stop request timer value set based on the number of difference balls per hour of the gaming machine. This “number of difference balls per hour” is calculated in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  If the number of balls per hour is +1500, the stop request timer value is set to 9.0 seconds because the range is +1000 to +4000.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined timing during the process in the effect control device 150.

  First, the number of fired balls fired is counted by the fired ball counting sensor, and the fired counter is updated with that number (step 6000). Next, the number of winning winning balls when there is a winning at the winning opening or the like is counted, and the winning counter is updated with the number (step 6010).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is changing (normal symbol change display is in progress) (step 6020). If it is determined that the normal symbol is in a variable display, the stop request timer is incremented and updated. If it is determined that the normal symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, the process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

  As described above, the launch counter, the prize ball counter, and the stop request timer of the game control device are updated by the processing of FIG.

  The gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above enhances the player's interest by the variable display game that changes by the operation of the operation button 40, as in the first embodiment. In addition, the game store can adjust the payout rate of the gaming machine within a predetermined range. Furthermore, since the effect control device 150 counts the game balls, the processing load on the game control device 100 can be reduced.

  Although the present invention has been described by taking the normal symbol variation display game as an example, it can also be adopted as a special symbol variation display game, and in that case, the essence of the present invention does not change.

  In both the first and second embodiments, the number of game balls used by a player in a game based on the values of two counters, namely, a launch counter and a prize ball counter (see FIGS. 8 and 15). And the number of prize balls won by the player, but other data may be used as long as this difference (number of difference balls) can be specified (calculated). Is added.

  For example, one counter called “Difference Ball Number” is prepared. When a shot ball is detected, the “Difference Ball Number” counter is subtracted. When a prize ball is discharged, the “Difference Ball Number” counter is added. It is possible to use such a method.

  Further, as is well known, instead of counting the shot balls, the game balls that have flowed down the game board 4 may be counted. Instead of counting the number of prize balls, the gaming machine 1 is replenished from the outside. You may count the number of game balls.

  Furthermore, in both the first and second embodiments, the game time is calculated based on the value of the firing counter, but other data may be used as long as this time can be specified. Alternatively, a method may be used in which time is actually measured by a clock.

  Moreover, it should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

These are front views of the gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

These are block block diagrams which show the control system centering on the game control apparatus 100 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

These are the block diagrams which show the control system centering on the production | presentation control apparatus 150 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

These are explanatory drawings which show the mode of the normal symbol fluctuation | variation display game in the display apparatus 13 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

These are the flowcharts which show the process of a normal symbol variation game in the game control apparatus 100 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

These are tables for determining the type of variation in the first embodiment of the present invention.

These are the tables for determining stop time based on the kind of fluctuation | variation of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

These are the flowcharts which show a process when there exists a timer interruption in the game control apparatus 100 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

These are the flowcharts which show the process of a normal symbol fluctuation | variation display in the production | presentation control apparatus 150 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

These are block diagrams which show the control system centering on the game control apparatus 100 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

These are the block diagrams which show the control system centering on the production | presentation control apparatus 150 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

These are the flowcharts which show the process in the game control apparatus 100 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

These are the flowcharts which show the process of the normal symbol fluctuation | variation display in the production | presentation control apparatus 150 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

These are tables showing examples of stop request timer values set based on the number of difference balls per hour of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

These are the flowcharts which show a process when there exists a timer interruption in the production | presentation control apparatus 150 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 4 Game board 10 Operation part 14 Special variation prize-winning device 16 Normal variation prize-winning device 17 Starting port 18 Normal symbol start gate 20 Normal electric accessory solenoid 21 General winning port 22 Out port 23 Special symbol start sensor 24 Count sensor 26A- 26N winning sensor 27 normal symbol start sensor 28 special symbol memory display 40 operation button 45 payout rate adjustment SW
50 Firing Ball Counting Sensor 100 Game Control Device 150 Production Control Device 200 Discharge Control Device

Claims (2)

A variable display device for performing a variable display game by displaying the identification information in a variable manner;
Display control means for controlling display of the variable display game;
Game control means for performing control to generate a state in which a player can acquire a prize ball each time the variable display game has a special result;
In a gaming machine that plays a game by launching a game ball in the game area,
An operation input means for receiving an operation input of a player and generating an operation signal;
Counter value acquisition means for acquiring a counter value that can identify the difference between the number of game balls used by the player for the game and the number of prize balls acquired by the player;
A game timer value acquisition means for acquiring a game timer value capable of specifying a game time;
A variable display game execution time setting means for setting the execution time of the variable display game based on the counter value and the game timer value;
With
The variable display game execution time setting means includes
When there is an operation input from the operation input means and an operation signal is generated, execution time shortening means for shortening the execution time of the variable display game than when there is no operation input;
Input reaction time variable means for changing the time from receiving the operation signal from the operation input means until the result of the variable display game is determined, based on the counter value and the game timer value;
Equipped with a,
The operation input means accepts an operation input within an operation effective time which is a time until a predetermined time elapses from the start of the variable display game,
The input reaction time variable means is:
When the operation input means is operated within the operation valid time, the operation input of the variable display game set by the variable display game execution time setting means and the operation input after the variable display game is started Based on the time until the means is operated, the time from when the operation input means is operated until the result of the variable display game is determined is shorter than when the operation input means is not operated. Thus, the execution time of the variable display game is newly determined,
An intermediate stop command corresponding to the execution time of the newly determined variable display game is transmitted to the display control means,
When the display control means receives the midway stop command, the display control means plays the variable display game based on the newly determined execution time of the variable display game . When executing the variable display game, together with the variable display plural symbols in the apparatus is variably displayed, the identification information is stopped and displayed with a time lag when the variable display game results determined ,
The input reaction time varying means is configured so that the time from when the operation signal is received from the operation input means to when any one of the plurality of identification information is first stopped and displayed is substantially the same each time. And
The display control means includes
The identification information that is included in the plurality of identification information and is initially stopped and displayed is stopped and displayed after a predetermined time after receiving the operation signal,
The remaining identification information other than the identification information that is first stopped and displayed is controlled to be stopped with a time difference so that the variation ends in accordance with the newly determined execution time of the variation display game. Item 1. A gaming machine according to Item 1.

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