JP6022643B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine in which a game is advanced by inserting medals.

  Some relatively large game machines installed in amusement halls and the like have a game progressed by inserting medals. Many game machines of this type are provided with a so-called jackpot function that pays a lot of medals to a player when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  For example, Patent Document 1 adjusts the easiness of winning a jackpot (winning rate) to eliminate the distinction between popular and unpopular models in a linked jackpot game system. Then, it is described that the bonus medal is paid out.

  The system of Patent Literature 1 obtains the jackpot winning ease (winning rate) for the terminal based on the number of medals consumed at each terminal and the winning rate correction value determined for each game device. The winning rate correction value is set by the system administrator through the setting screen.

JP 2011-45650 A

  The system of Patent Document 1 adjusts the easiness of winning a jackpot (winning rate) and pays out bonus medals, but the jackpot winning is biased toward a specific game device with respect to a plurality of game devices. It was only to prevent it from occurring. That is, since the jackpot winning adjustment is adjusted for each game device regardless of the player who is actually playing the game on the game device, for example, even though the player has been playing for a long time, the jack When playing with a game device in which the occurrence of pots is suppressed, it becomes difficult to receive the benefits of jackpots.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, since the payout at the time of jackpot winning that is executed unexpectedly regardless of the game result is adjusted, the payout cannot be adjusted for each user during the normal game execution.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of adjusting payout for each player during a normal game.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention covers the first field in which the first item and the second item having a smaller size than the first item are mixed and covered with the second field. A display for displaying an image representing a game space, a plurality of input means for designating positions in the image displayed on the display according to a player's operation, and medals respectively corresponding to the plurality of input means In the image corresponding to the positions specified by the plurality of input means, and a plurality of medal payout openings for paying out medals respectively corresponding to the plurality of input means. The first field in the predetermined range is displayed by a display means instead of the second field, and is specified by the plurality of input means. When the first item is displayed by the display means, medals are paid out from the plurality of previous medal payout openings, and when the second item is displayed by the display means, the plurality of medal payout openings are displayed. A payout means for paying out medals from one is provided.

  According to the present invention, the payout can be adjusted for each player during a normal game.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the game system in this embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the game machine in this embodiment. The top view which shows the external appearance of the game machine shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the game machine in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the function relevant to the payout management of the game machine in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the item field by which the item is arrange | positioned. The figure which shows the example of a display of the image expressing the game space covered with the clear field. The figure which shows notionally the relationship between a clear field and an item field. The figure which shows an example of the division meter displayed during a game process. The figure which shows an example of the division meter added to the mole character. The figure which shows the example of a display in the game screen of the mole character to which the division meter was added. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the whole game process performed with a game machine. The flowchart which shows the flow of the game process performed for every terminal. The figure which shows an example of IN number contribution degree data. The figure which shows an example of excavation contribution data.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system in the present embodiment. In the game system according to the present embodiment, for example, a store server 1 is provided in one store (amusement facility or the like). The store server 1 is connected to a plurality of game machines 10 (10-1, 10-2,..., 10-n) installed in the store via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The store server 1 executes a program recorded in the memory by the processor and manages a player (customer) who uses the game machine 10. The store server 1 is provided with a customer database 1a. The customer database 1a is recorded in a recording device such as a hard disk device.

  The store server 1 manages the payout rate by the entire store (a plurality of game machines 10) and manages the payout rates of the game machines 10 respectively. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payout rate is managed for each player using the game machine 10. The customer database 1a is used for recording customer information for managing the payout rate for each player. For example, the customer database 1a is associated with data (player identification data) for identifying a player (customer). Record data related to usage history. The usage history includes the number of medals (IN number) inserted by the player in order to use the game in the past, the number of medals paid out to the player, the payout rate, and the like. In the customer database 1a, other data may be recorded for each player.

  The store server 1 receives the data (customer information) acquired in each game machine 10 and records it in the customer database 1a, and the data (customer information) recorded in the customer database 1a as needed. Send to.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the appearance of the game machine 10 shown in FIG.
The game machine 10 has a table shape, and includes an upper housing 12 that forms a table surface, and a lower housing 14 that supports the upper housing 12 from below.

  A display 16 is disposed in the center of the upper surface of the upper housing 12 and occupies most of the table surface. A plurality of control panels 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are provided around the display 16 on the upper surface of the upper housing 12. In the game machine 10 of the present embodiment, for example, control panels (terminals 1 to 6) 20 to 25 are provided at six locations so that six players can participate in the game at the same time.

  The control panel 20 is provided with a trackball 20a, a button 20b, a medal slot 20c, and an identification unit 20d. The trackball 20a can instruct directions such as front, back, left, and right as the player rotates the ball. Furthermore, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided inside the ball. For example, the LED is normally lit in a color corresponding to the character operated by the player (a mole character described below), and is internally used during an event such as when an item is found or a medal is paid out. It is possible to produce effects such as lighting / flashing in various colors by the control. When the player presses the button 20b, for example, execution / determination can be instructed in the game process. The medal insertion slot 20c is an insertion slot for inserting a medal for progressing the game. In the medal insertion slot 20c, a medal receptacle is formed so that a plurality of medals can be easily inserted. The identification unit 20d is a unit for acquiring data for identifying a player participating in the game using the control panel 20. In the present embodiment, the identification unit 20d has, for example, data for identifying individual players, data for identifying the presence of a player operating the control panel 20, or both. A function capable of acquiring data shall be provided.

  When identifying individual players, the identification unit 20d, for example, is a unit that reads data from a recording medium that records player identification data (player ID) issued for each player, and player biometric information (biometric information). A reading unit or a camera unit that captures an image of a player's face or printed matter can be used. As a recording medium for recording the player ID, for example, an IC card, a magnetic card, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, a mobile phone, or the like can be used. Biometric information includes fingerprints, hand and arm vein patterns, and eye iris patterns. For an image taken by the camera unit, for example, an individual can be identified by the arrangement pattern of the eyes, nose, and mouth of the player's face. In the printed image, code data such as a bar code and a two-dimensional code, or a special It can be identified by graphics or character patterns.

  Further, when identifying that there is a player operating the control panel 20, the identification unit 20d irradiates the player sitting for operating the control panel 20 with infrared rays or sound waves. Thus, a unit (personal sensor) that detects the presence or absence of a player based on the reflection, or a unit that captures an image can be used. When this type of identification unit 20d is used, it is preferably provided on the side surface facing the player, not on the upper surface of the upper housing 12.

  In order to identify a player who is continuously using the control panel 20, it may be determined that medals are continuously inserted from the medal insertion slot 20c. That is, when the interval at which medals are inserted is within a predetermined time, it is determined that the same player is operating the control panel 20. Furthermore, the presence of the player may be detected by providing a pressure sensor or the like on a chair (not shown) on which the player sits.

  Similarly to the control panel 20, the control panels 21 to 25 are also provided with trackballs 21a to 25a, buttons 21b to 25b, medal slot 21c to 25c, and identification units 21d to 25d, respectively.

  The game machine 10 in the present embodiment provides a game for acquiring various items buried in the ground by digging up the ground. When the game machine 10 displays a game screen representing a game space in which various items are buried on the ground on the display 16, a position to dig up is designated by the operation of the trackball 20 a, and the digging up execution is instructed by the button 20 b. Then, the screen is changed to dig up a predetermined range of ground at the specified position. An item can be acquired when the item is arranged within a predetermined range at a specified position.

  Various items such as fossils, ores, gems, treasure chests, and robots are prepared for each stage, and there are different sizes of large, medium, and small, for example. For example, in the case of an item of small size, the entire item can be dug up by one digging up, but in the case of large and medium size, it is necessary to dig up a plurality of places until the whole item is exposed.

  The execution of digging by the operation of the button 20b is effective when a medal is inserted. That is, in the game machine 10 in the present embodiment, the game can be advanced by inserting medals and operating the button 20b. The game machine 10 can instruct continuous digging by operating the button 20b by inserting and crediting a plurality of medals in advance from the medal insertion slot 20c.

  By digging up the item, the number of medals corresponding to the type of item is paid out to the player. Basically, the larger the item, the more medals are paid out. In the game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, for a large-sized item (large item) that needs to be dug up at a plurality of locations, when a plurality of players collaborate and dug up, each player's excavation contribution (used for dug up) According to the number of medals, medals to be paid out for large items can be distributed. In addition, during the game process, it is possible to display the digging contribution level for each player participating in the digging of large items (for example, a payout distribution rate).

  The game machine 10 is provided with a plurality of stages (for example, 20 to 30 patterns), and displays game images to which different effects are added depending on the stage. For example, game screens representing subtropical jungles, limestone caves, ancient strata filled with dinosaur fossils, and underground future cities are provided for each stage. For example, the game machine 10 sets a predetermined time as a play time for one stage, updates the stage every predetermined time, and starts a new game. Therefore, the player can sit in front of any of the six control panels 20 to 25 and participate in the game at an arbitrary timing.

  Note that the game machine 10 can change the game screen displayed on the display 16, for example, for each stage, in addition to fixing the display position, such as vertical and horizontal scrolling, and front scrolling. Furthermore, in order to adjust the payout rate for each player, the game machine 10 according to the present embodiment places an item at a position where the digging is designated when the digging is instructed by the operation of the button 20b. It can also be displayed on the game screen. When the payout rate for the player is increased, items are arranged so that medals are paid out, and when the payout rate is decreased, items are not arranged. Further, when placing an item, the number of medals to be paid out can be adjusted according to the item by selecting the item type.

  The lower housing 14 is provided with a medal payout port through which medals are paid out for each of the six control panels 20 to 25 (terminals). In FIG. 2, medal payout ports 30 and 31 corresponding to the control panels 20 and 21 are shown. For example, a player using the control panel 20 can take out medals paid out to the medal payout slot 30.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game machine 10 in the present embodiment. In the game machine 10, a control unit 36 and medal payout units 30 a, 31 a,. The control unit 36 includes, for example, a CPU 40, a recording unit 41 (game program 41a, digging contribution data 41b, IN number contribution data 41c), a display control unit 42, an audio control unit 45, and an input / output control unit 48. Yes.

  The CPU 40 controls the entire game machine 10 and controls each unit by executing a basic program and various application programs (including the game program 41a) recorded in the recording unit 41. The CPU 40 executes game processing based on the game program 41 a recorded in the recording unit 41, displays a game screen on the display 16 through the display control unit 42, and plays music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 46 through the audio control unit 45. Output the sound. Further, the CPU 40 controls the medal payout by the medal payout units 30 a to 35 a through the input / output control unit 48.

  The recording unit 41 stores various application programs including a basic program and a game program 41a, and various data. The data processed by the game program 41a includes an image representing a game space for each stage displayed on the game screen, data output during the game, sound effect sound effects, and other large items. In this case, digging contribution data 41b for managing the payout number of medals, IN number contribution data 41c for managing the payout rate for each player, and the like are included.

The display control unit 42 controls display on the display 16 under the control of the CPU 40.
The sound control unit 45 controls sound output from the speaker 46 under the control of the CPU 40.
The communication control unit 47 controls communication with the store server 1 under the control of the CPU 40.

  The input / output control unit 48 controls data input from the control panels 20 to 25 and medal payout by the medal payout units 30 a to 35 a under the control of the CPU 40. For example, the input / output control unit 48 notifies the CPU 40 of the control panel 20 in response to signals from the trackball 20a, the button 20b, the identification unit 20d, and the medal sensor 20e. The medal sensor 20e is a sensor for detecting a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 20c.

  In response to a control signal input from the input / output control unit 48, the medal payout units 30a, 31a,..., 35a pay out a predetermined number of medals to their corresponding medal payout ports.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions related to payout management of the game machine 10 in the present embodiment.
The game processing unit 40a shown in FIG. 5 is a function realized by the CPU 40 executing the game program 41a. The game processing unit 40a includes a game control unit 40b and a payout control unit 40c.

  The game control unit 40b controls the game in accordance with player input operations from the control panels 20-25. Further, the game control unit 40b changes the game content so as to adjust the payout rate for each player based on the payout rate for each player managed by the payout control unit 40c.

  The payout control unit 40c manages the payout rate of the entire game machine 10 and the payout rate for each player for paying out the game result controlled by the game control unit 40b. The payout control unit 40c causes the game control unit 40b to change the game content in order to adjust the payout rate. The payout control unit 40c includes an overall management unit 40d, a terminal-specific payout management unit 40e, and an identification determination unit 40f.

  The overall management unit 40d manages the overall payout rate (payout rate of the entire game machine 10) for a game executed by operating the plurality of control panels 20 to 25 (terminals 1 to 6). In the overall management unit 40d, the ratio of the number of medals to be paid out with respect to the number of medals (IN number) input from each of the terminals 1 to 6 is set in advance for the game machine 10 by an operation of an administrator or the like The number of medals to be paid out as a result of the game executed at each terminal 1 to 6 is adjusted so that the payout rate is obtained.

  The terminal payout management unit 40e manages the payout rate for each of the plurality of control panels 20 to 25 (terminals 1 to 6). The terminal-by-terminal payout management unit 40e in this embodiment uses an IN number integration count unit 40e1 for each player participating in the game at each terminal 1 to 6 identified by the identification determination unit 40f (the number of inserted medals). ) And the payout rate is adjusted by the IN number contribution degree payout control unit 40e2 based on the IN number counted by the IN number integration counting unit 40e1. The IN number contribution degree payout control unit 40e2 instructs, for example, the game control unit 40b to change the content of the game executed at the terminal used by the player whose payout rate is to be adjusted. When increasing the payout rate (increasing medal payout), for example, an item is displayed according to an input operation at the corresponding terminal so that a medal is paid out.

  The identification determination unit 40f identifies a player who is using the control panels 20 to 25 (terminals 1 to 6). For example, for the control panel 20, for example, determination processing for identifying an individual player or determination for identifying the presence of a player operating the control panel 20 based on the data acquired by the identification unit 20d. Execute the process. It is assumed that which determination process is executed is determined according to the operation method of the game machine 10.

Next, the details of the game executed by the game machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described.
First, a game screen representing the game space displayed on the display 16 of the game machine 10 will be described. In the game machine 10 in the present embodiment, a first field (hereinafter referred to as an item field 71) in which items as shown in FIG. 6 are arranged is a second field (hereinafter referred to as a clear) as shown in FIG. An image representing the game space covered by the field 70 is displayed. FIG. 8 conceptually shows the relationship between the clear field 70 and the item field 71.

  In the item field 71, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of items (large item 50, medium item 51, small item 52) including different types are arranged. The large item 50 represents a dinosaur fossil, for example, and has a larger size than other items, and therefore requires a wide range of digging. In other words, the player must perform an operation for inserting a large number of medals and digging up the large item 50. With regard to the large item 50, when a plurality of players collaborate and dig up, medals to be paid out for the large item can be distributed according to the digging contribution (the number of medals used for digging) of each player. When the large item 50 is dug out, a larger number of medals are paid out than the medium item 51 and the small item 52 (the payout rate for the number of medals required for digging is larger than that of the medium item 51 and the small item 52). ). In FIG. 6, only one large item 50 is shown, but a plurality of large items 50 may be arranged depending on the stage.

  The middle item 51 represents, for example, fossils and minerals of ancient creatures, and the size is smaller than that of the large item 50. The middle item 51 can be dug out using a smaller number of medals than the large item 50. The small item 52 represents a jewel (spherical shape), for example, and is smaller in size than the medium item 51. The small item 52 can be dug out by a single operation by the player, for example.

  In the game process, when an item is dug out by an operation of the player (that is, when the entire item is displayed), the number of medals corresponding to the item type is paid out to the player. Since the large item 50, the medium item 51, and the small item 52 have different sizes as shown in FIG. 6, the number of medals inserted for digging is different for each item. Therefore, medals are paid out according to the number of medals inserted to dig up the item.

  Note that the types and number of items shown in FIG. 6 are examples, and are different for each stage. Moreover, even if it is an item of the same kind, size and shape may differ. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, items of different sizes and shapes are included in the middle item 51.

  In the clear field 70, a predetermined pattern is set as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, a pattern in which regular hexagons are arranged without gaps (hereinafter referred to as a honeycomb grid) is set. One area of the honeycomb grid indicates a predetermined range in which the display is changed by one operation of the player. That is, when any position (area) is designated by the operation of the trackball by the player and execution is instructed by the operation of the button, the display of the clear field 70 of one area corresponding to the designated position is displayed in the item field. Displayed instead of 71. That is, for example, it is displayed as if the ground is dug up.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which a part of the clear field 70 is dug up by the player's operation, and a part of the items arranged in the item field 71 is displayed (the item is dug up and exposed).

  The mole character 60 (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) in FIG. 7 is displayed at a position designated by the operation of the trackball by the player, and corresponds to a so-called cursor. FIG. 7 shows an example in which four mole characters 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d corresponding to each player are displayed because four players are simultaneously participating in the game.

  When nothing is operated by the player, the mole character 60 is displayed at a neutral position in the game screen determined in advance for each of the control panels (terminals) 20 to 25, for example, in the vicinity of the control panel. To do. The mole character 60 is assumed to change its display form in accordance with the player's operation. For example, the mole character 60 appears when a medal is inserted, indicates that the player is moving by operating the trackball, and is operated by a button. It is assumed that an animation production representing a state of digging a hole is performed.

  It is assumed that no line indicating a grid is displayed on the game screen as shown in FIG. When any direction is instructed by the player by the operation of the trackball, the mole character 60 is moved in the instructed direction in accordance with the arrangement of the honeycomb grid. Further, when digging is instructed by operating a button, the display of the area where the mole character 60 is located at that time is changed from the clear field 70 to the item field 71 (an image representing that the ground has been dug up). . However, for the effect on the game screen, it is assumed that a modification that expresses that a hole is dug in the vicinity of the area boundary is not performed, but only the corresponding area is strictly changed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the divide meter 80 displayed during the game process. The metering meter 80 indicates the ratio of medals to be paid out for each player (terminal) when the entire large item 50 is dug out. The divide meter 80 shown in FIG. 9 imitates a meter in which the needle indicated by the arrow swings in the range of “slowly”, “fair”, and “full”. For example, when the large item 50 is dug out by the operation of one player, the divide meter 80 is displayed to indicate 100% on the “tank” side so as to indicate that all of the large items 50 are paid out to one player. Is done. Also, when one large item 50 is dug by two players, it is input for an operation for changing the display of the area where each player dug the large item 50, that is, the area corresponding to the big item 50. Two division meters 80 corresponding to the respective players are displayed so as to indicate the ratio of the number of medals received. The display of the divide meter 80 changes according to the number of medals inserted by each player to dig up the large item 50 during the game process.

  The divide meter 80 is displayed in association with a control panel (terminal) operated by the player when the area (at least one area) where the large item 50 is arranged is operated by the player during game processing, for example. Is done. For example, the divide meter 80 may be displayed at the neutral position for each control panel (terminal), or the divide meter 80 corresponding to each control panel (terminal) may be displayed side by side at a predetermined position in the game screen. May be. Further, the mountain meter 80 may be displayed in addition to the mole character 60 operated by each player.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mountain meter 81 added to the mole character 60. As shown in FIG. 10, by adding the divide meter 81 to the mole character 60, the state of the divide meter 81 can be easily confirmed even while the mole character 60 is moved in the game screen during the game process. be able to. That is, normally, when the player moves the mole character 60, the player operates while gazing at the mole character 60, so that the mountain meter 81 can be viewed with the mole character 60.

FIG. 11 shows a display example in the game screen of the mole character 60c to which the mountain meter 81c is added.
As shown in FIG. 11, in order to dig up a large item (for example, a dinosaur fossil), the mole character 60c is moved in accordance with the shape of the large item. Normally, when one large item is dug out by a plurality of players, the display content of the divide meter 81c changes every time the large item is dug out (change of display in area unit according to the honeycomb grid). However, since the divide meter 81c is added to the mole character 60c, a change in display content can be easily confirmed.

  In the example of the game screen shown in FIG. 11, since the player is operating only on the control panel 22, only the mole character 60c (mounting meter 81c) corresponding to the control panel 22 is moving within the game screen. Mole characters 60a, 60b, 60d, 60e, and 60f corresponding to the other control panels 20, 21, 23 to 25 are displayed at the neutral positions.

  In addition, character strings 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, and 90f of “SPECIAL” are displayed at the neutral positions corresponding to the control panels 20 to 25. Each character of “SPECIAL” corresponds to each of a plurality of event determination items, and the display form is changed (for example, the color and brightness are changed) by digging out the event determination items. When the display form of all the characters of “SPECIAL” is changed, that is, when all the event determination items are dug out, an event flag is set and an event different from the normal game is executed. In the game machine 10 of the present embodiment, a mini game having a content different from that of a normal game is executed as an event, and medals are paid out according to the game result. It is assumed that only the player (terminal) in the game can participate in the mini game when the event flag is set.

  Note that one mountain meter 80 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed corresponding to one large item 50. Therefore, when a plurality of large items 50 are arranged in a game space of one stage, for example, when two large items 50 are arranged, one player participates in digging out two large items 50. In this case, it is assumed that two divide meters 80 are displayed for one player (terminal). As shown in FIG. 10, when the mountain meter 81 is displayed in addition to the mole character 60, two mountain meters 81 respectively corresponding to the two large items 50 are also displayed.

  Further, the payout ratio for each of the plurality of large items 50 may be displayed by one divide meter 80. Thereby, the area required for the display of the division meter 80 can be reduced.

  Further, in FIGS. 9 to 11, the payout ratio is shown by the divide meters 80 and 81 displayed so as to swing the hands, but the payout ratio may be notified to the player by other display forms. . For example, the ratio may be indicated by changing the color, brightness, or figure in addition to the ratio indicated by various graphs (pie graph, bar graph, etc.) and numbers.

  Next, game processing executed by the game machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the entire game process executed by the game machine 10, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game process executed for each terminal.

First, the flow of the entire game process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the power of the game machine 10 is turned on, the CPU 40 starts executing the game program 41a. The CPU 40 causes the display 16 to display a new stage screen to be executed first among a plurality of stages prepared in advance (Step A1), and starts the game (Step A2). That is, the time for each stage is determined in advance, and timer measurement for determining this time is started.

  The CPU 40 executes a game process in accordance with the player's operation on the control panels 21 to 25 (step A3). Details of the game process executed for each terminal will be described later.

  The CPU 40 determines whether the timer has reached 0, that is, whether one stage has elapsed. Here, when the timer becomes 0 (step A4, Yes), the CPU 40 displays the screen of the next new stage on the display 16 and performs the game process for the next stage in the same manner as described above. Execute (Steps A1 to A4).

  If, for example, 90% of the area of the stage is dug up by the operation of the player participating in the game before the timer reaches 0 (step A5, Yes), the CPU 40 similarly changes the current stage. The game process is terminated, and the game proceeds to the next new stage game (steps A1 to A5). That is, when most of the stage is dug up, there are few parts to be dug up by the player's operation and it cannot be enjoyed as a game, so the game is forced to move to the next stage even if the game time remains.

  If the event flag is set during the game process, the CPU 40 executes a mini game as an event (step A7). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that an event flag is set when all of the plurality of event determination items arranged in the item field 71 are dug up. For example, it is assumed that seven items corresponding to each character of “SPECIAL” are arranged. The seven items may be dug up by any player. When the event determination item is dug up, the display form of the corresponding character in the character strings 90a to 90f of “SPECIAL” displayed at each neutral position is changed, and the current state is notified to the player. The mini game is different from the normal game and may be any kind of game.

  As described above, the game machine 10 according to the present embodiment repeatedly executes a plurality of stages. Therefore, the player can participate in the game at an arbitrary timing. For this reason, the number of players participating in one stage game is indefinite.

  Next, the flow of game processing executed for each terminal will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case where the player is operating on the control panel 20 (terminal 1) will be described as an example.

  In the game machine 10 in this embodiment, for example, before the player participates in the game, an identification determination process for identifying the player is executed (step B1).

  For example, the player attaches a recording medium (for example, an IC card) that records player identification data (player ID) issued in advance to the player to the identification unit 20d. The identification unit 20d reads the player ID from the recording medium loaded by the player and outputs it to the CPU 40. The player ID may be issued by the game machine 10 or a device different from the game machine 10, or may be distributed through the Internet. The player can use the game machine 10 by recording the player identification data on a predetermined recording medium.

  The CPU 40 (identification determination unit 40f) records the player ID acquired from the identification unit 20d as IN number contribution degree data 41c and transmits it to the store server 1. The store server 1 determines whether the player ID received from the game machine 10 is recorded in the customer database 1a, and transmits the data recorded in association with the corresponding player ID to the game machine 10. That is, the number of medals that the player has inserted in the past in order to use the game (IN number), the number of medals paid out to the player, the payout rate, etc. are transmitted.

  The CPU 40 (game processing unit 40a) records data received from the store server 1 as IN number contribution degree data 41c. FIG. 14 shows an example of the IN number contribution degree data 41c. As shown in FIG. 14, in association with player identification data (player ID) for each terminal, IN number data indicating the IN number, payout adjustment data indicating that the payout rate is adjusted for each terminal (player) , Data received from the store server 1 (not shown) is included. The payout adjustment data is, for example, when the IN number is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value (the contribution degree of the IN number is high) and the payout rate for the player is lower than a preset value (the state where payout is low). Set. When the payout adjustment data is set, the terminal payout management unit 40e adjusts the payout rate for each player by changing the game content by the game control unit 40b as described later.

  When the identification determination unit 40f identifies an individual player, it is determined that the player continues to participate in the game at the same terminal in the subsequent identification determination process of the game process. For example, when the recording medium is still mounted on the identification unit 20d, it can be determined that the game is continued if the player ID is the same as read from the recording medium. Further, as described above, the identification can also be made based on the detection result of the interpersonal sensor or the medal insertion interval detected by the medal sensor 20e.

  In the above description, the player is identified by reading the player ID recorded on the IC card. However, the individual player may be identified and determined by other methods (using biological information, images, etc.). good. In this case, it is assumed that data for specifying a player corresponding to the identification method is registered in the customer database 1a of the store server 1 in advance.

  Further, when it is determined by the identification determination process that the player who has used the control panel 20 has finished the game (when it is detected that the player has left the control panel 20, or the insertion of medals is determined in advance). If not done in time), the CPU 40 transmits the IN number contribution degree data 41c of the player who has finished the game to the store server 1. The store server 1 records the IN number contribution degree data 41c received from the game machine 10 in the customer database 1a.

  After the individual player is identified, when the operation of the trackball 20a is performed during the game process (Yes in Step B2), the CPU 40 determines the mole character on the game screen according to the operation direction and the operation amount of the trackball 20a. The display position of 60a (cursor) is moved (step B3). By operating the trackball 20a, the player can arbitrarily move the mole character 60a to a position where an item is likely to be placed.

  When the CPU 40 detects that the button 20b has been pressed (step B4, Yes), it determines whether or not a medal has already been inserted. For example, when the player has inserted medals from the medal insertion slot 20c in advance, the CPU 40 records the number of medals (credits) detected by the medal sensor 20e in the recording unit 41.

  If the medal has not been inserted (step B5, No), the CPU 40 invalidates the input from the button 20b and does not change the display of the clear field 70 (does not perform digging). In order to allow the player to recognize that no medal has been inserted, the mole character 60a may be displayed before the medal is inserted to produce an animation effect representing a predetermined action.

  On the other hand, when the medal has been inserted (step B5, Yes), the CPU 40 (IN number integration counting unit 40e1) counts up the IN number of medals, and the IN number data of the IN number contribution degree data 41c. Is updated (step B6). Since the credited medal may be returned to the player by cancellation, the IN number is counted when the insertion is confirmed by pressing the button 20b.

  The CPU 40 (game control unit 40b) decrements the credit by one time and changes the display of the area in the honeycomb grid corresponding to the current position of the mole character 60a (cursor) (step B7). That is, instead of displaying the clear field 70 (for example, representing the ground), the display is changed to the display of the item field 71 (for example, representing the ground in which an item or the like is buried). At this time, the CPU 40 performs an animation effect that shows the mole character 60a digging up the ground.

When no item exists in the dug up area and the payout rate does not need to be adjusted, the CPU 40 does not pay out medals.
When the large item 50 exists in the dug up area (step B8, Yes), the CPU 40 counts up the dug up contribution for the control panel 20 (here, terminal 1) in the dug up contribution data 41b. (Step B9). That is, the number of medals required to dig up the large item 50 is counted.

  Further, the CPU 40 adds and displays, for example, a mountain meter 81 to the mole character 60a as the large item 50 is dug up (step B10). That is, when the control panel 20 (terminal 1) does not participate in digging up the large item 50, only the mole character 60a is displayed alone, but the area corresponding to the position where the large item 50 is arranged. When dug up for the first time, a mountain meter 81 is added to the mole character 60a. Thus, the player can easily confirm with the divide meter 81 that he / she has participated in digging up the large item 50.

  Since the divide meter 81 is added to the mole character 60a because it has already participated in the digging of the large item 50, the display of the divide meter 81 is updated according to the current excavation contribution. For example, the number of medals inserted to dig up the large item 50 from all the control panels 20 to 26 of the current number of medals inserted for the operation of changing the display of the area corresponding to the large item 50 from the control panel 20 The display (needle position) of the divide meter 81 is changed so as to indicate the ratio occupied by.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of the digging contribution data 41b. In the example shown in FIG. 15, there are two large items 50 (large items 1 and 2) on one stage, and data indicating the number of medals inserted for digging out from each of the terminals 1 to 6 is included. It is. In FIG. 15, for example, five medals were inserted from terminal 1, ten from terminal 3, two from terminal 4, and four from terminal 6 for digging out large item 1. Show. Therefore, the divide meter 81 corresponding to the terminal 1 is displayed to indicate 5/21 (note that the divide meter 81 corresponding to the other terminal 3 is displayed to indicate 10/21).

  When all of the large items 50 have not been dug up (Step B11, No), the CPU 40 does not pay out medals according to the large items 50. However, medals may be paid out when a part of the large item 50 is dug up.

  When all the large items 50 have been dug up (step B11, Yes), the CPU 40 converts the number of medals to be paid out according to the big item 50 into the dug up contribution recorded in the dug up contribution data 41b. Divide each terminal accordingly. Then, the CPU 40 instructs the medal payout unit of the terminal to be paid out of medals through the input / output control unit 48 to pay out medals for the number of pieces divided for each terminal (step B12).

  For example, when medals are inserted from each terminal for digging out the large item 2 as in the digging contribution data 41b shown in FIG. 15, the number of medals to be paid out in accordance with the large item 2 for the terminal 1 Of 12/30 minutes will be paid out. For example, when 100 medals are paid out according to the excavation of the large item 2, 100 × 12/30 = 40 medals are paid out. For example, for the terminal 6, 100 × 3/30 = 10 medals are paid out in the same manner.

  In this way, for the large item 50, players at a plurality of terminals can dig together to obtain a payout of medals according to the contribution level (the number of medals inserted). Therefore, for example, when trying to acquire many medals by digging up the large item 50, it is difficult to dig up the large item 50 and dig up all of the large items 50 within one stage time. The game can be enjoyed by changing the game strategy, such as encouraging other players to participate in digging.

  If the payout adjustment data corresponding to terminal 1 is set to indicate that payout adjustment is to be performed, the CPU 40 (IN number contribution degree payout control unit 40e2) The number of medals to be paid out may be changed (adjusted) according to the IN number data. For example, the digging contribution is multiplied by a coefficient value corresponding to the IN number, and the number of medals corresponding to the obtained value is paid out.

  When the payout adjustment data corresponding to the terminal 1 is set to indicate that payout adjustment is to be made, the IN number contribution degree payout control unit 40e2 sends a payout rate to the player to the game control unit 40b. Instructed to change the game content to adjust the game. Here, the middle item 51 or the small item 52 is arranged at the position where the digging is instructed by the game control unit 40b. That is, a small hit is intentionally generated so that medals are paid out.

  When the middle item 51 or the small item 52 is arranged at the digged position (step B13, Yes), the CPU 40 is not the event determination item (step B14, No). The number of medals corresponding to the type of item is paid out by the medal payout unit 30a (step B16). Thus, by paying out medals to the player, the payout rate can be adjusted so as to return the profit to the player having a large number of IN.

  When the payout adjustment data is not set, medals are paid out according to the presence / absence of the medium item 51 or the small item 52 previously arranged in the item field 71 (steps B13 to B16). .

  If the item placed at the digged-up position is an event determination item (step B14, Yes), the CPU 40 records the digged-up event determination item and also stores the character string 90a of “SPECIAL”. The display form of the character corresponding to the event determination item in 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f is changed (step B15). It should be noted that the character display form may be changed only at terminals participating in the game. When all (seven) event determination items corresponding to each character of “SPECIAL” are dug up, as described above, an event flag is set and a mini game is executed.

  In the game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, not only the large item 50 is digged, but also the mini-game can be digged out and executed by a plurality of players in cooperation with a plurality of players.

  The terminal payout management unit 40e calculates the current payout rate of the player according to the IN number of medals counted by the IN number integration counting unit 40e1 and the number of medals paid out to the player. Recorded as the number contribution data 41c. When sufficient medals have been paid out to the player by adjusting the payout rate, the IN number contribution degree payout control unit 40e2 finishes adjusting the payout rate for the terminal (player) to be adjusted (set of payout adjustment data). And clear the IN number data. Thereafter, similarly, counting of the number of IN sheets is started. When the number of IN sheets is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value and the payout rate for the player is lower than a preset value, the same process as described above is performed for each player. Adjust the payout rate.

  In the above description, when adjusting the payout rate, the game content is changed so that the middle item 51 or the small item 52 is arranged at the position where the digging is specified, and the medal is paid out. The number of medals to be paid out may be adjusted by other methods. For example, in addition to changing the number of medals to be paid out for the large item 50 as described above, the medal to be paid out when the middle item 51 or the small item 52 is dug instead of intentionally generating a small hit. The number of sheets may be increased or decreased in consideration of not only the item type but also the IN number contribution.

  Moreover, you may make it adjust a payout rate by changing arrangement | positioning of an item. For example, for a player who increases the payout of medals (increases the payout rate), the game control unit 40b places an item (for example, a large item 50) with a high payout near the terminal used by the player. To do. Since the item is arranged at a position close to the terminal, the operation of digging out the item can be made easier than the player using another terminal, and as a result, the payout of medals can be increased.

  In the above description, the payout adjustment for each terminal (player) is made including the IN number contribution degree data 41c of the player in the past (when using another game machine 10 or the like). You may make it adjust a payout rate for every participation of this game. In this case, since the past IN number contribution degree data 41c and the like are not required, it is not necessary to identify the individual player in the identification determination process, and the player exists (the game is played continuously). Can be identified. The terminal payout management unit 40e counts the IN number of players who are continuously participating in the game, and adjusts the payout rate according to the IN number. Thus, for example, for a player who has played for a long time and contributed to the IN number (those who inserted many medals), a payout corresponding to a predetermined payout rate is intentionally performed to return the profit. be able to. Accordingly, even if the number of INs in the entire game machine 10 is small because there are no players at other terminals, a certain amount of payout is made in units of players, so it is possible to encourage a longer time of play.

  Further, when the number of players participating in the game at the same time is small, for example, when one person is participating in the game, it may be difficult to dig up the large item 50 within one stage time. When the player is an object for adjusting the payout rate, the game control unit 40b displays a large item 50 smaller in size than usual, which can be dug in time by even one player. As a result, it becomes easy for the medal to be paid out by digging up the large item 50.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the clear field 70 has a honeycomb grid that is divided into areas of the same area and the same shape, but the clear field 70 is divided into a plurality of areas of different shapes. Also good. Thus, the area and shape of the digging can be changed according to the position of the character 60 in response to the player's one digging operation.

  In addition, although one clear field 70 is set, a plurality of clear fields may be set. That is, an item is dug by digging a plurality of clear fields. Further, when a plurality of clear fields are provided, the shape and size of the grid may be different for each clear field.

  It is also possible to display items arranged in the item field 71 not as a two-dimensional shape but as a three-dimensional shape so that they gradually appear as a multi-layer clear field is peeled (digged). It is.

  In the above description, the position of the item arranged in the item field 71 is fixed, but it may be scrolled during the game. That is, by changing the position for digging an item during the game, the difficulty level for digging the item can be changed.

  In the above description, the proportion of medals to be paid out for each player is determined according to the number of medals inserted to dig out the large item 50 (digging up contribution level). Depending on whether the (area) has been dug up, the contribution to the dug up may be weighted. For example, when an area where it is difficult to dig out the large item 50 (such as a thin place) is dug up, the dug-up contribution is doubled and recorded as contribution data 41b than other areas.

  Further, the contribution may be changed by digging up according to the order in which the large items 50 are dug out. For example, it is possible to increase the contribution of the player who first dug the large item 50 (for example, by converting the first dug several times or weighting all of the dug for the same large item 50) Is also good).

  Further, the contribution weight may be increased as the number of medals required for digging out the large item 50 increases. As a result, the larger the area that the large item 50 digs up, the greater the number of medals to be paid out.

  Further, although the ratio of medals to be paid out for each player is determined according to the number of medals inserted to dig out the large item 50 (digging up contribution), the IN number contribution data 41c for each player is also taken into consideration. Thus, the number of medals to be paid out to each player may be determined. For example, even if two players dig up the large item 50 using the same number of medals, the medals to be paid out to the player who has a large number (IN number) including the medals inserted to dig up other items To increase.

  In the above description, an event (mini game) is executed when all of the predetermined event determination items are dug out (the event flag is set). However, based on other conditions An event may be executed. For example, an event may be executed randomly during game processing for a plurality of stages, or the frequency of event occurrence may be adjusted according to the number of players participating in the game. Also, when paying out medals for the result of an event (mini game), the number of medals to be paid out may be determined so as to adjust the payout rate for each player based on the IN number contribution degree data 41c.

  In the system shown in FIG. 1, the store server 1 manages data in a plurality of game machines 10 installed in the store, so that the player can use the past IN regardless of which game machine 10 is used. The payout rate can be adjusted based on the number data (IN number contribution degree). Further, a server is provided for managing the data of a plurality of store servers 1 installed in a plurality of stores. By allowing data to be shared by the store servers 1 of a plurality of stores, even when the player uses the game machine 10 of another store, the payout rate is similarly adjusted according to the contribution amount of the IN number Can be made possible.

  In the above description, the plurality of game machines 10-1, 10-2,..., 10-n provide the same type of game, but there are mixed medal game machines that provide different types of games. You may do it. That is, regardless of the type of game machine used by the player, the IN number of medals is counted, and the IN number contribution degree data for each player is shared with other game machines. As a result, even in other types of game machines, it is possible to realize payout rate adjustment for each player in accordance with the IN number contribution degree.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Store server, 1a ... Customer database, 10 (10-2, 10-2, ..., 10-n) ... Game machine, 16 ... Display, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 ... Control panel, 20a , 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a ... trackball, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b, 24b, 25b ... button, 20c, 21c, 22c, 23c, 24c, 25c ... medal slot, 20d, 21d, 22d, 23d, 24d, 25d ... identification unit, 20e ... medal sensor, 40 ... CPU, 40a ... game processing unit, 40b ... game control unit, 40c ... payout control unit, 40d ... overall management unit, 40e ... payout management unit by terminal , 40f ... identification determination unit, 41 ... recording unit, 41a ... game program, 41b ... digging contribution degree data , 41c ... IN number contribution degree data, 42 ... display control unit, 45 ... audio control unit, 46 ... speaker, 47 ... communication control unit, 48 ... input control unit, 50, 51, 52 ... item, 60 (60a, 60b) 60c) ... mole character, 70 ... clear field, 71 ... item field, 80, 81 ... mountain meter.

Claims (2)

A display for displaying an image representing a game space covering a first field in which a first item and a second item having a size smaller than the first item are mixed and covered by the second field;
A plurality of input means for designating the position in the image displayed on the display according to the operation of the player;
A plurality of medal slots for inputting medals respectively corresponding to the plurality of input means;
A plurality of medal payout ports for paying out medals respectively corresponding to the plurality of input means;
Display means for displaying the first field in a predetermined range in the image corresponding to the position designated by the plurality of input means instead of the second field;
When the first item is displayed by the display means by the designation by the plurality of input means, medals are paid out from a plurality of previous medal payout openings, and the second item is displayed by the display means. And a payout means for paying out medals from one of the plurality of medal payout openings. For each of the plurality of input means, there is further provided a payout management means for managing a payout rate based on the number of medals input from the plurality of medal insertion slots and the number of medals paid out from the plurality of medal payout slots. ,
2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout means adjusts the number of medals to be paid out to at least one of the medals from the plurality of medal payout slots based on the payout rate. .