JP4004243B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a variable display device in a game area, such as a pachinko machine, an arrange ball game machine, or a sparrow ball game machine, so that a variable display game that displays the identification information in a variable manner is played by the variable display device. It relates to what was made.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The conventional technology will be described by taking a pachinko machine as a typical game machine as an example. Some pachinko machines include a variable display device that can display a plurality of pieces of identification information in a variable manner, and a variable display game can be played by the variable display device. This variation display game is played on condition that a game ball is won at the start winning opening, and after a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed in a variable manner, the variation is stopped, and the combination of identification information at the time of stoppage becomes a big hit mode. It will be a big hit. The jackpot makes it possible to shift to a special game and acquire a large amount of game balls in a short time. Therefore, the player can obtain a large profit (that is, a large privilege) by the jackpot of the variable display game.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-mentioned variable display game, so-called reach effects are performed in order to give the player a big hit expectation. In recent pachinko machines, the fun of the variable display game, especially the fun of the reach production, influences the popularity of the model, so each manufacturer has devised a reach production.
For example, a character appears on the display screen and an action is displayed by this character, or the variation speed of the identification information is made extremely low or high immediately before the jackpot combination is formed. Furthermore, so-called full-rotation reach that displays fluctuations in a state where the jackpot combination mode is held, and so-called re-lottery in which the symbol is re-variable after temporarily stopping in the jackpot combination mode and confirmed with the jackpot symbol .
[0004]
As a result of performing various reach productions, the reach production time tends to be longer, and during this time, the player tends to watch the reach production. For this reason, there are not a few players who stop firing the game ball during the reach production period. If the period during which the game ball is interrupted increases as described above, the sales of the hall may be reduced.
Assuming that the reach performance is performed for a long time of about 1 minute and the player interrupts the launch for this period, the sales of less than 100 game balls as a hall has decreased. Become. And if this decrease in sales occurs frequently in each pachinko machine, it will have a significant impact on the sales of the hall.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can promote the launch of a game ball even during reach production.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object, and the present invention according to claim 1A variation display device capable of executing a variation display game for variably displaying identification information in a game area formed on the game board, and a right arranged to be placed below the variation display device to play the variation display game by winning a game ball And a start winning opening that generates
The variable display device includes an image display unit capable of displaying a variable display game, and a case that extends backward from a frame-shaped opening edge to form a concave chamber, and an image is formed on a rear portion of the case. Attach the display,
In the gaming machine capable of generating a special game advantageous to the player when the stop mode of the identification information in the variable display game is a predetermined jackpot mode,
A winning assistance section provided directly above the starting winning opening on the floor surface of the concave chamber and capable of assisting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening; and a winning assist control means for controlling the winning assist section. Prepared,
The winning assistance section
A storage opening provided through the floor surface of the concave chamber, a movable member whose upper surface is inclined downward toward the front, can be moved in and out of the storage opening, and the movable member is moved in the vertical direction. An induction drive for restricting the flow direction of the game ball in the direction toward the start winning opening in the left and right center of the upper surface of the movable member,
When the movable member is lowered by the electric drive source, the upper surface of the movable member is positioned below the floor surface of the concave chamber and is converted into a storable state in which the game ball can be stored in the storage opening,
When the movable member is raised by the electrical drive source, the upper surface of the movable member is positioned above the floor surface of the concave chamber and is converted into a non-reserved state in which the game ball cannot be stored in the storage opening,
When a reach effect is executed, which indicates that the expectation of winning a big hit is higher than the normal variation in the variation display game, the winning assist control means can operate the electric drive source to store the winning assist portion from the non-reserving state. Switch to state,
After the standby time has elapsed from the end of the reach effect, the winning assist control means operates the electric drive source to switch the winning assisting portion from the storable state to the non-reserving state, and the game ball stored in the storing opening portion A game machine characterized in that it is configured to roll along the guide groove toward the start winning openingIt is.
[0007]
Here, the “reach effect” means an effect display indicating that the degree of expectation to be a big hit is higher than that at the time of normal fluctuation. For example, an action display that causes a character to appear and various actions to be performed by this character, a variable speed display that changes the speed of fluctuation of the identification information that is finally stopped, and a display that changes the identification information while maintaining the jackpot combination. Includes full rotation display. Furthermore, a re-variable display in which the identification information is changed again after temporarily stopping in the combination mode of loss, and a re-lottery display in which the identification information is changed again after temporarily stopping in the jackpot combination mode are also included.
[0008]
  What is claimed in claim 2Reservation detecting means capable of detecting that the game ball has been stored in the winning assistance section, and special information notification capable of notifying special information relating to the game based on the fact that the storage detecting means has detected storage of the game ball. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: means.
Here, the “special information” is information that is not notified in a normal game, and is premier information useful to the player. For example, the content advance notice and the expectation level (reliability) of reach production are applicable.
[0009]
  What is claimed in claim 3A ball storage groove is formed by the upper surface of the movable member and the storage opening in the storable state, and the game sphere can be stored in the sphere storage groove with the upper portion protruding from the floor surface of the concave chamber. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatIt is.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by taking a pachinko machine as a typical gaming machine as an example. First, the configuration of the game board 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0018]
The illustrated game board 1 is a plate-like member having a game area 3 defined by a partition member 2 such as a guide rail. A variation display device 4 that also functions as a special symbol display device is disposed almost at the center of the game area 3, and a start winning opening 5 is disposed immediately below the variation display device 4. Below the start winning opening 5, a large winning opening 6 called an attacker is arranged. In addition, the game area 3 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 8..., Out ports 9, wind turbines 10, obstacle nails 11, side lamps 12, and the like.
[0019]
Among these, the start winning opening 5, the big winning opening 6, and the general winning opening 8 are winning openings in which the winning of the game ball is set as the acquisition condition of the winning ball. That is, each of these winning openings functions as a winning area in which a winning of a game ball is set as a condition for granting a privilege to a player. A plurality of winning sensors capable of detecting winning balls are arranged corresponding to each winning opening. For example, a special chart start sensor 13 corresponding to the start winning opening 5, a count sensor 14 and a continuation sensor 15 corresponding to the big winning opening 6, and a winning opening sensor 16 corresponding to the general winning opening 8 are arranged. ing.
[0020]
In addition, among the above-described winning awards, the starting winning award 5 functions as a specific winning area (starting winning area) of the present invention. The start winning opening 5 is a winning area where the winning of a game ball is set as an execution condition of the variable display game. That is, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 5, the right to play the variable display game on the variable display device 4 is generated. Therefore, in a normal state in which no special game is performed, the player launches a game ball aiming at the start winning opening 5.
[0021]
The variable display device 4 includes a case 20 and a liquid crystal display device 21 attached to the case 20. The liquid crystal display device 21 functions as an image display unit that can display an arbitrary image.
[0022]
The case 20 includes a frame-shaped mounting base 22 fixed to the surface of the game board, a case main body 23 extending rearward from the opening edge of the mounting base 22, and an upper portion of the mounting base 22 forward. And a protruding flange 24.
The case main body 23 is a member to which the liquid crystal display device 21 is attached, and forms a concave chamber 25 together with the liquid crystal display device 21 as shown in FIG. That is, the liquid crystal display device 21 is attached to the rear portion of the case main body 23, and the surface of the liquid crystal display device 21 is positioned at the back by a distance corresponding to 3 to 4 game balls from the surface of the game board 1. A concave chamber 25 is defined by the front surface of the device 21 and the case body 23.
[0023]
The floor surface 26 of the concave chamber 25 is slightly inclined downward toward the front, and a winning assisting portion 27 is provided at the center of the left and right sides. The winning assistance section 27 is a kind of winning assistance means of the present invention, and assists the winning in the start winning opening 5. The winning assistance unit 27 will be described later. In addition, decorative boards 28 and 28 are provided upright on both the left and right sides of the floor 26 except for the central portion, and the game balls introduced into the concave chamber 25 are gathered in the central left and right sides. In this configuration, the liquid is discharged out of the concave chamber 25.
[0024]
The case body 23 is provided with a pair of left and right ball introduction paths 29 and 29 (so-called warp zones) through which the game balls can be introduced into the concave chamber 25. The inlet 29a of the sphere introduction path 29 opens upward on the upper surface of the flange 24, and the outlet 29b of the sphere introduction path 29 opens on the left and right side surfaces of the concave chamber 25 and at the lower end near the floor surface 26. is doing.
[0025]
In the variable display device 4 having such a configuration, a variable display game and various effects are displayed. In the variable display game, the variable display device 4 displays the identification information in a variable manner for a while. Then, a reach effect is appropriately performed in association with the change display.
[0026]
Here, “reach effect” in this specification means an effect display indicating that the degree of expectation to be a big hit is higher than that at the time of normal fluctuation, and is performed in the middle of the fluctuation display or immediately after the start of the fluctuation display. Or And in this reach production, for example, a character appears on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 21, an action display for causing the character to perform various operations, a variable speed display for varying the speed of change of identification information to be finally stopped, Or full rotation display etc. which carry out variable display of identification information, etc. are performed, maintaining a jackpot combination. In addition, a re-variable display in which the identification information is changed again after temporarily stopping in the combination mode of loss, a re-lottery display in which the identification information is changed again after temporarily stopping in the jackpot combination mode, and the like are also performed.
[0027]
And if the combination mode at the time of the stop decision in the variable display game is aligned in a predetermined jackpot mode, for example, if it is aligned in “7”, “7”, “7”, it becomes a jackpot and shifts to a special game. In this special game, as a big privilege, the above-mentioned big winning opening 6 is appropriately opened, and a state where a game ball can be easily won, that is, a lot of prize balls can be easily obtained.
[0028]
The large winning opening 6 includes a horizontally long rectangular door member 30 pivotally attached to the lower end portion thereof, and a game ball cannot win by rotating the door member 30 in the front-rear direction. It is configured to be switchable between a closed state and an open state where winning is easy. The door member 30 is normally closed and is appropriately opened in a special game.
[0029]
  Next, the winning assistance part 27 provided on the floor 26 of the concave chamber 25 will be described. This winning assistance part 27 is a kind of the ball storage means of the present invention, and is immediately upstream of the starting winning opening 5.(In other words, just above the starting winning opening 5)Is provided. The winning assisting unit 27 can be switched between an effective state and an ineffective state. In the effective state, the winning assist unit 27 is in a storageable state in which the game ball can be stored, and in the inactive state, the game ball is stored. When the game ball is in a non-reserved state and is converted to a non-reserved state in a state where the game ball is stored, the storage of the game ball is canceled and the start winning port 5 is easily won.
[0030]
That is, the winning assisting portion 27 includes a storage opening 34 provided so as to penetrate the floor surface 26 in the thickness direction, a movable member 35 that can protrude and retract with respect to the storage opening 34, and the movable member 35. And an electric drive source 36 (see FIG. 4) such as a motor or a solenoid that generates power for moving the motor vertically.
The storage opening 34 is a substantially rectangular opening whose width is narrower than the diameter of the game ball and whose length is set to about two game balls, and is located at a position just upstream of the start winning opening 5. It extends in the direction. The movable member 35 has a block shape that just fits in the storage opening 34, and its upper surface is slightly inclined downward toward the front. In addition, guide grooves 35a are formed in the longitudinal direction of the block (that is, the front-rear direction) at the center of the upper and left sides. The guide groove 35a is a relatively shallow groove for restricting the flow direction of the game ball.
[0031]
The movable member 35 is moved up and down by an electric drive source 36. That is, in the ineffective state, it moves to the raised position as shown in FIG. In this raised position, the upper surface of the movable member 35 is located above the floor surface 26 of the concave chamber 25. In this state, the game ball rolling on the floor surface 26 is not stored in the storage opening 34, but collides with the movable member 35 to change the flow direction or get over the movable member 35. In addition, when the game ball is luckily placed on the guide groove 35 a, the game ball rolls forward (player side) along the guide groove 35 a and flows down toward the start winning opening 5.
[0032]
On the other hand, in the effective state, the movable member 35 moves to the lowered position as shown in FIG. In this lowered position, the upper surface of the movable member 35 is positioned below the floor surface 26, and the storage opening 34 and the upper surface of the movable member 35 form a ball storage groove. And if the game ball which rolled on the floor surface 26 of the concave chamber 25 at a comparatively low speed comes on this groove part, the game ball will be stored in a groove part. In addition, the groove part of this embodiment is a magnitude | size which can be stored in the state which arranged two game balls in the front-back direction.
[0033]
The winning assisting unit 27 is set to an ineffective state in the normal gaming state, and switches to an effective state in connection with the reach effect of the variable display game. This valid state is maintained over the reach production period. When the game ball introduced into the concave chamber 25 during this valid state reaches the winning assisting portion 27, the gaming ball is stored in the winning assisting portion 27. And since the stored game ball wins the start winning opening 5 with a high probability as will be described later, the player sees the state in which the game ball is stored in the ball storing section, so that the player enters the start winning opening 5. You can play games with the expectation of winning.
[0034]
Then, the game balls stored in the winning assist unit 27 during the reach effect period are discharged from the winning assist unit 27 after the reach effect. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), when the game ball is stored in the winning assisting portion 27, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the game ball is moved up by the movable member 35 after the reach effect is completed. It is lifted above the floor 26 and the storage state is released. As a result, the game ball flows forward along the downward slope of the upper surface of the movable member 35. At this time, the game ball is flowed straight toward the start winning opening 5 because the flow direction is regulated by the guide groove 35a. Thereby, as shown in FIG.3 (c), the game ball by which storage cancellation | release was carried out wins the start winning opening 5 with high probability.
[0035]
Next, based on FIG. 4, a game control device 40 that performs game control (accessory control) of this pachinko gaming machine and a display control device 41 that performs display control on the variable display device 4 will be described.
[0036]
The game control device 40 functions as the game control means of the present invention and controls the progress of the game. This game control device 40 includes a game microcomputer 42 formed of a one-chip microcomputer integrated into a semiconductor integrated circuit, and a clock generation circuit 43 (oscillator) that divides an oscillation signal of a crystal oscillator to obtain a clock signal of a predetermined frequency. ), An input interface 44 for receiving various signals, and an output interface 45 for outputting drive signals, control signals, and the like.
[0037]
The gaming microcomputer 42 includes a CPU, ROM and RAM, an interrupt control circuit (not shown), and the like, and is configured as a so-called amuse chip IC. Information necessary for game control such as a program and prize ball number data is stored in the ROM.
[0038]
Detection signals from various sensors are input to the game control device 40 via the input interface 44. For example, it corresponds to the detection signal from the special figure start sensor 13 disposed in the start winning opening 5, the continuous sensor 15 disposed corresponding to the continuous winning area in the large winning opening 6, and the general winning area. The detection signal from the count sensor 14 arranged in this manner and the detection signal from the winning hole sensor 16 that individually detects the game balls won in the general winning hole 8 are input.
[0039]
On the other hand, the game control device 40 outputs a drive signal, a control command, and the like for the controlled object via the output interface 45. For example, display control information for the display control device 41, a drive signal to an electrical drive source 36 that moves the movable member 35, a big prize opening solenoid 46 (attacker solenoid) that opens and closes the big prize opening 6, and a discharge control apparatus 47, the control command for the decoration control device 48 and the sound control device 49, and the board external information 50 for the game store management device (not shown) are output. Thus, the game control device 40 controls the operation of the electrical drive source 36, and thus functions as a winning assist control means in the present invention.
[0040]
The display control information includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern of identification information, a symbol designation command for designating a final stop symbol in a variation display game, and a variation display of identification information. Is constituted by a symbol stop command for stopping (determining).
[0041]
Since the variable display device 4 of the present embodiment is configured to display the three-digit identification information arranged side by side in a variable manner, the symbol designating command is the left identification information (hereinafter referred to as the left symbol). The left symbol designation command for designating the final stop symbol, the middle symbol designation command for designating the final symbol of the middle identification information (hereinafter referred to as “middle symbol”), and the final stop of the right identification information (hereinafter referred to as “right symbol”). It consists of a right stop designation command that designates a symbol. Each of these commands is composed of a combination of a mode command and an action command.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 5A, the variation pattern designation command is a command that defines a variation pattern of identification information and a variation time. There are a plurality of types of variation patterns, and corresponding designation commands are set for each type of presence / absence of reach, type of reach, and type of variation time. Accordingly, the display control device 41 and the game control device 40 can recognize the start timing and the end timing of the reach effect in response to the change pattern designation command. And when outputting the fluctuation pattern designation | designated command accompanying a reach | attainment effect, the game control apparatus 40 functions as a reach control command means of this invention.
[0043]
The variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are output at the start of the variation game, and the symbol stop command is output at the end of the variation game. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the variation pattern designation command is a trigger for starting the variation of the identification information in the variation display game. The left symbol designation command is issued 4 ms after the command is sent, and the middle symbol designation command is issued 4 ms later. Then, after 4 ms, the right symbol stop command is output. The symbol stop command is output after the time T specified by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed since the output of the variation pattern designation command.
[0044]
The display control device 41 functions as display control means of the present invention, and performs display control of the variable display device 4 based on display control information (command, corresponding to the display command of the present invention) from the game control device 40. The illustrated display control device 41 includes a control microcomputer 51 (CPU), an interface 52 that receives display control information from the game control device 40, a ROM 53 that stores a control program and fixed data, and a control microcomputer. The RAM 54 that stores data and display data used as the work area 51 or sent from the game control device 40, the image display controller 55 (VDC) that controls the display of the variable display device 4, and the variable display device 4 DMA transfer (direct memory access transfer) from the RAM 54 to the image display controller 55, the font ROM 56 storing the image data of the image to be displayed on the display, the γ correction circuit 57 for performing display correction on the variable display device 4. DMA controller 58 (DMAC) and crystal oscillator The oscillation signal by dividing constituted by a clock generation circuit 59 to obtain a clock signal having a predetermined frequency (oscillator), controls the display of the variable display device 4 based on the display control information.
[0045]
Display control information from the game control device 40 is input to the control microcomputer 51 via the interface 52. When this display control information is input, a reception interrupt is generated from the interface 52 to the control microcomputer 51, and the control microcomputer 51 stores the received display control information in the buffer area of the RAM 54. Then, the control microcomputer 51 analyzes the stored display control information to determine an effect pattern to be variably displayed (for example, a collection of continuous display data of the variegated symbol), and sends the various patterns to the variability display device 4. Data, for example, a code indicating a change pattern (identification information, character, etc.) to be displayed, a display position, a command such as scrolling, etc. are generated and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 54. This effect pattern is stored in advance in the ROM 53 in the form of a table corresponding to the variation time data.
[0046]
The various data stored in the RAM 54 are transferred to the image display controller 55 by the DMA controller 58. Then, the image display controller 55 reads and transfers the transferred various data to the internal RAM 54 (not shown). For example, character font data stored in the font ROM 56 is read in accordance with a code indicating the variation symbol, and the variation symbol is generated. Then, based on the display position data and commands, the generated variation symbols are stored in the display image storage area of the internal RAM 54 in a state corresponding to the display screen.
At this time, the image display controller 55 also generates a background symbol for enhancing the effect, in addition to the variation symbol. The generated variation symbol and background symbol are stored in the display image storage area. Note that these fluctuation symbols and background symbols may be combined and then stored, but may be combined and stored separately and sent to the γ correction circuit 57.
[0047]
If the variable symbol or the background symbol is stored in the display image storage area, the image display controller 55 reads the display image data from the display image storage area of the built-in RAM 54 and sequentially sends it to the γ correction circuit 57. Further, the image display controller 55 sends a vertical synchronizing signal V-SYNC and a horizontal synchronizing signal H-SYNC to the variable display device 4.
The γ correction circuit 57 generates a display drive signal for the variable display device 4 based on the received display image data. That is, the non-linear characteristic of the illuminance with respect to the signal voltage of the variable display device 4 is corrected to generate a display drive signal in which the display illuminance is adjusted. The generated display drive signal is output to the variable display device 4, and as a result, a predetermined display is performed on the screen of the variable display device 4.
[0048]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine having the above configuration will be described.
[0049]
In this pachinko machine, a player launches a game ball by operating a launch operation handle (not shown). The launched game balls flow down in the game area 3 and, if fortunately wins a prize opening, a predetermined number of prize balls are discharged as prize benefits. In a normal state, that is, in a normal state in which no variable display game is played, the game control device 40 monitors the sensor output from each sensor every time a certain monitoring interval (for example, 4 ms) arrives.
[0050]
Here, when the game ball wins the start winning opening 5, the game control device 40 (game control means) changes the variation pattern designation command according to the winning timing, that is, the timing at which the detection signal from the special figure starting sensor 13 is acquired. And the final stop symbol is selected. Specifically, a random number is acquired at a winning timing, and one variation pattern designation command and a final stop symbol are selected based on the acquired random number. In the following example, a case will be described in which a variation pattern that is finally stopped with a lost symbol is selected through a reach effect.
[0051]
If the change pattern designation command and the final stop symbol are selected, as shown in FIG. 7, the game control device 40 functions as the reach control command means of the present invention, and controls the display control device 41 (display control means). Then, a variation pattern designation command with reach variation, a left stop symbol command, a middle symbol stop command, and a right stop symbol command are transmitted in order (t1). Furthermore, the game control device 40 functions as a time measuring means, and starts time counting from the output timing of the variation pattern designation command.
[0052]
When receiving the variation pattern designation command, the display control device 41 starts variation display of the identification information of each digit. Further, the display control device 41 sets the temporary stop timing for the left symbol and the temporary stop timing for the middle symbol based on the received variation pattern designation command. In this example, since the reach effect is performed, the temporary stop timing of the middle symbol is the switching timing from the change state of the identification information (usually the change effect state) to the effect state at the time of reach (reach effect state).
[0053]
Then, when the temporary stop timing t2 for the left symbol arrives, the display control device 41 stops the fluctuation of the left symbol and temporarily stops (for example, stays at the stop position in a fluffy state). When the temporary stop timing t3 arrives, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped. Furthermore, the display control device 41 performs a reach effect after temporarily stopping the middle symbol. In this reach production, for example, a character is introduced and action display by this character is performed, or the fluctuation speed of the identification information is made extremely low immediately before the jackpot combination is formed.
[0054]
On the other hand, the game control device 40 recognizes that the start timing t3 of the reach effect has arrived when a predetermined time has elapsed from the output timing of the variation pattern designation command. By this recognition, the game control device 40 functions as a winning assist control means, and operates the electric drive source 36 to switch the winning assisting portion 27 to an effective state, that is, a storable state capable of storing game balls. Since the game balls stored in the winning assist portion 27 win the start winning opening 5 with high probability, the player is motivated to “store the winning balls in the winning assist portion 27”.
For this reason, the player can start playing the game ball even during the reach production period, and can prevent the game ball launch interruption action (so-called stop) during the reach production period. As a result, the sales of the hall can be improved.
[0055]
When the right symbol temporary stop timing t4 arrives, the display control device 41 temporarily stops the right symbol. Immediately after this temporary stop, the end timing t5 of the variable display game arrives, and the game control device 40 outputs a symbol stop command. When receiving the symbol stop command, the display control device 41 completely stops the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol, and ends the current variable display game. Further, the game control device 40 (winning auxiliary control means) operates the electric drive source 36 after the elapse of a predetermined waiting time ΔT from the output of the symbol stop command, so that the winning auxiliary portion 27 is in an invalid state, that is, a game. Switch to the non-reserved state of the sphere. By this switching, the movable member 35 rises, and if there is a game ball stored during the reach performance period, this game ball rolls forward along the guide groove 35a and wins the start winning opening 5 with a high probability. .
[0056]
Here, since the winning assisting unit 27 is converted into an ineffective state after the lapse of the waiting time ΔT from the end of the reach effect, the game balls that have been stored even if the player was watching the reach effect. The moment of storage release can be visually confirmed. Since the movement of the game ball can be visually recognized, the player can play the game with interest.
[0057]
In the first embodiment, the operation pattern of the winning assisting unit 27 during the reach effect may be changed. For example, the valid state of the winning assistance unit 27 may be set a plurality of times during the reach production period. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first valid state may be set in the first half T1 of the reach production period, and the second valid state may be set in the second half T2. As a result, the chance to store the game balls in the prize winning assisting portion 27 increases, and it becomes possible to win many game balls in the start winning opening 5.
[0058]
Further, in this modification, the end timing of the second effective state is aligned with the end timing of the reach effect period. Thus, the end of the variable display game can be notified also by a change in the state of the winning assistance unit 27, and the player can be clearly notified of the end of the variable display game.
[0059]
Furthermore, in another modification shown in FIG. 9, the operation of the winning assist unit 27 is started at the timing t11 immediately after the start of the variable display game, and the valid state is set a plurality of times. In other words, in this modified example, the winning assisting unit 27 is operated immediately after the start of the variation game on the condition that the variation display game is accompanied by a reach effect.
In this modified example, the winning assist unit 27 operates before the start timing t12 of the reach effect, so that the movement of the winning assist unit 27 exhibits the reach notice function. Therefore, the player can increase the expectation for the jackpot based on the movement of the winning assistance unit 27.
Also in this modified example, by repeatedly setting the winning assisting unit 27 to the valid state, more game balls can be won at the start winning opening 5 than usual. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the act of interrupting the launch of the game ball during the reach performance period.
[0060]
And in these 1st Embodiment and its modification, since the winning assistance part 27 is switched to an effective state within the period of the variable display game including a reach production period at least, the player is in an effective state of the winning auxiliary part 27 It is possible to clearly grasp the period to become. Accordingly, the player can face the game with a sense of expectation, and can promote the launch of the game ball during the reach production period.
[0061]
Note that a plurality of types of conversion control patterns for the winning assistance unit 27 may be prepared, and the game control device 40 (winning auxiliary control means) may be selected and executed according to the type of reach effect.
For example, in a pachinko machine capable of executing a reach effect with different jackpot expectations (reliability), the game control device 40 selects a conversion control pattern according to the jackpot expectation level in the reach effect. In this case, the player can also enjoy the game depending on how the winning assist unit 27 moves. In addition, it is possible to grasp the degree of expectation of jackpots, so that interest can be enhanced.
In addition, the higher the degree of expectation of the jackpot, the easier it will be to win the starting prize slot 5. This will not only increase the expectation for the jackpot, but also expect benefits from winning the starting prize slot 5. Can do.
[0062]
Further, special information related to the game in relation to the storage of the game ball in the winning assisting unit 27 may be notified by a special information notification unit (corresponding to the special information notification means of the present invention). For example, the winning assistance unit 27 is provided with a storage detection sensor as a storage detection means, and based on the detection of the stored ball by this sensor, special information that cannot be normally viewed, for example, a content advance notice or an expectation notice The player is notified of the advance notice of the variable display game. If comprised in this way, since the profit by storing the game ball | bowl in the winning assistance part 27 will increase more, the prevention effect of a stop hit can be improved further.
As the special information notification unit, any configuration such as visual and voice can be adopted as long as special information can be notified. And considering that this special information is related to the variable display game, the special information notification unit is preferably a liquid crystal display device 21 or a sound output device (not shown).
[0063]
Further, in the winning assistance unit 27 that can store a plurality of game balls, the control may be varied according to the number of stored game balls. For example, the special information may be notified on condition that the maximum storable number of game balls have been stored, or the rank of the special information to be notified may be increased as the stored number increases. With this configuration, the player wants to store a large number of game balls in the winning assisting unit 27 in order to obtain useful special information. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the effect of preventing stoppage.
[0064]
Further, the ball storage means is not limited to a mechanical type having a movable member, but may be any as long as it can store a game ball. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the winning assistance unit is configured by an adsorption holding means capable of adsorbing and holding an iron game ball by exciting an electromagnet.
[0065]
By the way, 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.
[0066]
For example, in the first embodiment, the winning assistance unit 27 capable of storing game balls is provided as the winning assistance means, and the winning assistance unit 27 is switched to the valid state in relation to the reach effect. However, the winning assistance means is not limited to this.
[0067]
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a pair of left and right guide members 63, 63 that change the width of the outlet opening 25 a of the recessed chamber 25 provided above the start winning opening 5, and these guide members 63, 63 are arranged on the left and right sides. An electric drive source (motor, solenoid, etc., not shown) that can be moved in the direction is provided as a winning assisting means of the present invention.
Then, in association with the reach effect in the variable display game, for example, the pair of guide members 63 and 63 are moved to the left and right center sides over the period of the reach effect and the variable display game. That is, the winning assistance means is switched to the valid state. Thereby, the width of the outlet opening 25a of the concave chamber 25 is narrowed, and the game ball introduced into the concave chamber 25 is discharged from the vicinity of the start winning opening 5.
Accordingly, since the winning probability to the start winning opening 5 also increases in the present embodiment, the player can positively launch the game ball even during the reach production period, and can prevent the stop.
[0068]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an introduction assisting member (not shown) for assisting the introduction of the game ball into the ball introduction path 29 is provided at the entrance of the ball introduction path 29 so that it is a variable display game. The introduction auxiliary member may be converted into an effective state in relation to the reach effect.
For example, this introduction assisting member is constituted by a movable piece, and the leading end of this movable piece is opened to the left and right outside in relation to the reach effect, thereby forming a state where it is more easily introduced into the ball introduction path 29 than in the normal state. As a result, the game ball is easily introduced into the concave chamber 25 during the reach production or the variable display game, and the game ball is more likely to win the start winning opening 5.
As a result, so-called stop-off is prevented, and the player actively launches the game ball even during the reach performance period.
[0069]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the start winning opening 5 is configured as a so-called tulip type having a pair of movable blade members 65 and 65, and the variable display game is associated with a reach effect. The opening probability of the movable blade members 65, 65 is set higher than the normal state, and the winning probability of the game ball is increased.
[0070]
The movable blade members 65, 65 are a kind of winning aid means of the present invention, and are in a normal state with the tip directed upward and a normal state with the tip opened to the left and right outside by an electric drive source (solenoid, motor, etc.). The game ball can be converted into an open state in which the game ball is more likely to win. The opening and closing of the movable blade members 65 and 65 is controlled according to the game result of the auxiliary variation display game.
This auxiliary variation display game is performed on the basis of the right generated when the game ball passes through the ordinary figure gate 66 (corresponding to the auxiliary winning area of the present invention), and the identification information (so-called normal symbol) is displayed on the ordinary figure display 67. ) Is changed for a predetermined time. When the normal symbol at the time of the stop display is a winning symbol, for example, when it is the numeral “7”, the movable blade members 65 and 65 are opened for a predetermined time (for example, one second).
In addition, the hit / hit in the auxiliary game is determined by a random number acquired when passing through the usual gate 66.
[0071]
In the present embodiment, in association with the fact that the variable display game is accompanied by a reach effect, for example, during the period of the reach effect or the variable display game, the game control device 40 (game control means) includes the movable blade member 65, The 65 open probability is set to a higher probability than normal. For example, the probability of winning the auxiliary variation display game is set higher than normal, or the execution interval of the auxiliary variation display game is made shorter than normal (increase the number of executions per unit time). Moreover, you may set the open time of the movable blade members 65 and 65 longer than normal time.
“Normal time” means a state in which the opening probability of the movable blade members 65 is set to an initial value. For example, the period in which the variable display game is not performed, or the period in which the identification information is simply changed even during the period in which the variable display game is being performed corresponds to the so-called probability change period, short time period, and special period. The game execution period does not apply.
Also in this embodiment, when the variable display game is accompanied by a reach effect, the movable blade members 65 and 65 are frequently opened (effective state), and the winning probability to the start winning opening 5 is increased. As a result, the player continues to launch the game ball even during the reach production period.
[0072]
Regarding the third embodiment, the opening of the movable blade members 65 and 65 is directly controlled by the game control device 40 in relation to the reach effect, and continuously during the reach effect and the variable display game period. You may make it an open state intermittently, and you may open | release intermittently.
[0073]
In addition, the winning assistance means of the first to third embodiments described above assists the winning with respect to the starting winning opening 5, but is not limited thereto, and assists with winning in another winning opening (that is, winning probability). May be increased).
And, as shown in the above embodiments, when the winning at the start winning opening 5 is assisted, the winning at the winning opening that is most desired to be won in the normal state is assisted, so that it is easy to gain the interest of the game. Further, since the start winning opening 5 is generally arranged in the vicinity of the variable display device 4, it is easy to enter the player's field of view even when viewing the reach effect.
[0074]
In each of the above embodiments, the game control device 40 directly controls the electrical drive source that operates the winning assist means. However, the electrical drive source is controlled by a control device other than the game control device 40. May be.
[0075]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the game control device 40 recognizes and controls the operation start timing of the winning assist means based on the variation pattern designation command, but is not limited to this configuration.
For example, a timing signal for notifying the operation start timing of the winning assistance means may be output from the display control device 41, and the winning assistance means may be operated based on this timing signal.
[0076]
The variable display device 4 may have a configuration other than the liquid crystal display device 21. For example, a dot matrix type in which LED elements are arranged in a matrix may be used.
[0077]
The present invention can also be applied to a variation display device of a type that does not switch the variation symbol, for example, a gaming machine having a drum type variation display device having a drum having a symbol (identification information) drawn on the peripheral surface.
[0078]
Note that the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine and can be applied to any game machine that can execute a variable display game and uses a game ball.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the present invention has the following effects.
  That is,Provided immediately above the start winning opening on the floor surface of the concave chamber, and includes a winning assist section capable of assisting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening, and a winning assist control means for controlling the winning assist section, The winning assistance part includes a storage opening provided through the floor of the concave chamber, a movable member whose upper surface is inclined downward toward the front, and can be projected and retracted with respect to the storage opening, and the movable member is moved up and down. An electric drive source for moving in the direction, and at the center of the left and right of the upper surface of the movable member is formed a guide groove for restricting the flow direction of the game ball to the direction toward the start winning opening, by the electric drive source When the movable member is lowered, the upper surface of the movable member is positioned below the floor surface of the concave chamber and converted into a storable state in which the game ball can be stored in the storage opening, and the movable member is raised by the electric drive source. The upper surface of the movable member is located above the floor surface of the concave chamber and the storage opening When the game ball is converted to a non-reserved state in which the game ball cannot be stored and a reach effect is executed indicating that the expectation of winning a big hit is higher than that in the normal variation in the variation display game, the winning assist control means activates the electric drive source. The winning assistance unit is switched from the non-reserved state to the storable state, and after the standby time has elapsed from the end of the reach production, the winning assistance control means operates the electric drive source to remove the winning auxiliary unit from the reservable state. Switching to the storage state, the game ball stored in the storage opening is configured to roll along the guide groove toward the start winning opening.So at least during the reach production periodStart prize openingThe winning of the game ball to the is assisted, and the probability that the award privilege is obtained is improved. Therefore, in order to obtain this award privilege, the player continuously shoots the game ball. As a result, it is possible to prevent stopping during the reach production and to promote the launch of the game ball, and consequently, it is possible to improve the sales of the hall.
In addition, when the winning assisting portion is in a non-reserved state, the game ball that rolls on the floor surface of the concave chamber is not stored in the storage opening, but collides with the movable member to change the flow direction, or the movable member You can get over. When the game ball is luckily placed on the guide groove, the game ball can flow down toward the start winning opening along the guide groove.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are partially enlarged views for explaining a winning assistance unit. FIG.
FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining the operation of a winning assistance unit. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a game control device and a display control device.
FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating various commands output from the game control device to the display control device.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating command transmission timing.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of another modification of the first embodiment.
FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a front view of a game board according to a third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Game board
2 division members
3 game areas
4 Fluctuation display device
5 start prize opening
6 Grand Prize Winners
7 Thru role
8 General winning entrance
9 Out mouth
10 Windmill
11 Obstacles
12 Side lamp
13 Special start sensor
14 Count sensor
15 Continuation sensor
16 winning mouth sensor
20 cases
21 Liquid crystal display
22 Mounting base
23 Case body
24 Buttocks
25 concave chamber
26 Floor
27 Prize winning assistance
28 Decorative plate
29 ball introduction path
30 Door member
34 Storage opening
35 Movable members
36 Electric drive source
40 Game control device
41 Display control device
42 Microcomputer for game
43 Clock generation circuit
44 Input interface
45 Output interface
46 Grand Prize Solenoid
47 Emission control device
48 Decoration Control Device
49 Sound control device
External information for 50 panels
51 Microcomputer for control
52 interface
53 ROM
54 RAM
55 Image display controller
56 Font ROM
57 γ correction circuit
58 DMA controller
59 Clock generation circuit
63 Guide member
65 Movable blade member
66 Universal Map Gate

Claims (3)

A variation display device capable of executing a variation display game for variably displaying identification information in a game area formed on the game board, and a right arranged to be placed below the variation display device to play the variation display game by winning a game ball And a start winning opening that generates
  The variable display device includes an image display unit capable of displaying a variable display game, and a case that extends backward from a frame-shaped opening edge to form a concave chamber, and an image is formed on a rear portion of the case. Attach the display,
  In the gaming machine capable of generating a special game advantageous to the player when the stop mode of the identification information in the variable display game is a predetermined jackpot mode,
  A winning assistance section provided directly above the starting winning opening on the floor surface of the concave chamber and capable of assisting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening; and a winning assist control means for controlling the winning assist section. Prepared,
  The winning assistance section
  A storage opening provided through the floor surface of the concave chamber, a movable member whose upper surface is inclined downward toward the front, can be moved in and out of the storage opening, and the movable member is moved in the vertical direction. An induction drive for restricting the flow direction of the game ball in the direction toward the start winning opening in the left and right center of the upper surface of the movable member,
  When the movable member is lowered by the electric drive source, the upper surface of the movable member is positioned below the floor surface of the concave chamber and is converted into a storable state in which the game ball can be stored in the storage opening,
  When the movable member is raised by the electrical drive source, the upper surface of the movable member is positioned above the floor surface of the concave chamber and is converted into a non-reserved state in which the game ball cannot be stored in the storage opening,
  When a reach effect is executed, which indicates that the expectation of winning a big hit is higher than the normal variation in the variation display game, the winning assist control means can operate the electric drive source to store the winning assist portion from the non-reserving state. Switch to state,
  After the standby time has elapsed from the end of the reach effect, the winning assist control means operates the electric drive source to switch the winning assisting portion from the storable state to the non-reserving state, and the game ball stored in the storing opening portion A game machine that is configured to roll along the guide groove toward the start winning opening. Reservation detection means capable of detecting that the game ball has been stored in the winning assistance section, and special information notification capable of notifying special information relating to the game based on the storage detection means detecting the storage of the game ball The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: means. A ball storage groove is formed by the upper surface of the movable member and the storage opening in the storable state, and the game sphere can be stored in the sphere storage groove with the upper portion protruding from the floor surface of the concave chamber. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by the following.

Images