JP7477157B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) in which a game is played by shooting a game ball into a game area formed on a game board.

In gaming machines where a game is played by firing a game ball toward a game area formed on a game board, a firing handle is mounted which the player rotates to fire the game ball. When the player rotates the firing handle in a predetermined firing direction (for example, clockwise), the game ball is fired with a strength according to the rotation angle. The game area is generally provided with a prize hole, and when a game ball enters the prize hole, a prize ball is awarded to the player. In addition, gaming machines that execute a specific game (jackpot game) advantageous to the player are in widespread use, in which identification information (special pattern) is displayed variably based on the entry of a game ball into a specific prize hole (start hole), and when the identification information is displayed stationary in a specific manner, a variable specific prize hole (big prize hole) goes from a ball-entry impossible state to a ball-entry possible state (for example, Patent Document 1). In such gaming machines, the player plays the game while eagerly hoping that the result of the variable display of the identification information will be displayed stationary in a specific manner.

JP 2015-83217 A

However, for inexperienced beginners, the progression of the game as described above can seem complicated, and since the location of the starting hole may differ depending on the machine, it can be difficult to know what to do first when starting to play, which can be a problem.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that even beginners can easily enjoy without feeling confused when starting to play.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following configuration.
In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball into a game area formed on a game board,
A launch handle that is rotated by a player to launch the game ball;
A contact detection means for detecting a contact of a player with the launch handle;
A ball detection means for detecting the game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position;
an identification information display means for displaying identification information in a variable manner and then in a static manner based on the detection of the gaming ball by the ball detection means;
a special state generating means for generating a special state advantageous to a player when the indicator is stopped and displayed in a special manner;
and a game instruction execution means for executing game instruction on how to proceed with the game when the touch detection means detects a touch by a player in a state in which the variable display of the identification information has not been performed for a predetermined time or more ,
The game instruction execution means at least guides the player to the predetermined position where the game ball is to reach as the game instruction, and ends the game instruction when the game ball is detected by the ball detection means.
It is characterized by:

According to the present invention, even beginners can easily enjoy playing the game without feeling confused when starting to play.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the surface configuration of the game board 20 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of a segment display unit 50. FIG. An explanatory diagram illustrating one form of display in the performance display device 41. 11 is a flowchart showing the general flow of game control processing performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control related to the progress of the game. 13 is a flowchart showing the game instruction execution process of this embodiment performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a game explanation provided by the performance display device 41. An explanatory diagram illustrating a language selection display performed by the performance display device 41.

In order to clarify the above-mentioned contents of the present invention, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine (gaming machine) called a "Seven Machine" or "Digipachi" will be described. In the embodiment, "front" and "front" refer to "forward from the gaming machine's point of view," that is, "the direction approaching the player (the front side as seen by the player)," and "back" and "back" refer to "backward from the gaming machine's point of view," that is, "the direction away from the player (the back side as seen by the player)." Additionally, "up" refers to "up" from the player's point of view, "down" refers to "down" from the player's point of view, "left" refers to "left" from the player's point of view, and "right" refers to "right" from the player's point of view.

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front part of the pachinko machine 1. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported by the middle frame 3. A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is pivoted (opened) toward the front side of the pachinko machine 1 relative to the middle frame 3, the game board 20 is exposed. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported by the main frame 2. The main frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame body formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms the outer frame of the pachinko machine 1.

A window 4a is formed in the approximate center of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted into this window 4a. Through the window 4a (transparent plate 4b), the player can see the game area (described below) of the game board 20 located at the back. In addition, a small window 4c is formed at the lower right of the window 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted into this small window 4c. Through the small window 4c (transparent plate 4d), the player can see the segment display section (described below) of the game board 20 located at the back.

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right edge of the window 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left edge of the window 4a. In addition, a pair of upper speakers 6a are provided on the left and right above the window 4a, and a lower speaker 6b is provided on the front side of the lower part of the main body frame 2. The upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, left side lamp 5c, upper speaker 6a, and lower speaker 6b are driven to enhance the presentation effects during the game.

An upper tray section 7 is provided below the window section 4a in the front frame 4. The upper tray section 7 stores game balls that are loaned out via the card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls that are paid out from the pachinko machine 1. In addition, a lower tray section 8 is provided below the upper tray section 7, and stores game balls that are loaned out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray section 7 and game balls that are paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray section 7.

A launch handle 9 that can be rotated by the player is provided to the right of the lower tray 8 on the front frame 4. The rotation axis of the launch handle 9 is connected to a launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the rear side of the launch handle 9. Game balls stored in the upper tray 7 are supplied to this launcher unit 261. When the player rotates the launch handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launcher unit 261, which activates a launch motor built into the launcher unit 261 and launches game balls with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9.

In addition, a performance button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided on the edge of the front side of the upper tray 7, and a jog shuttle 10b that can be pushed or rotated by the player is provided to the left of the lower tray 8. Furthermore, a direction button 10c that can be pressed by the player is provided to the left of the performance button 10a, and the direction button 10c has four buttons (up button, down button, left button, right button) that correspond to the four directions of up, down, left and right. These performance button 10a, jog shuttle 10b, and direction button 10c are all performance operation parts operated by the player, and the player can participate in the game performance by operating the performance operation part when a certain condition is met.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the board surface configuration of the game board 20 of this embodiment. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed in the center of the game board 20. The game balls launched from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) are released into the game area 21 through the gap between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, and flow down from the top to the bottom of the game area 21. The game area 21 is visible to the player through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b) of the front frame 4, so the game balls flowing down the game area 21 can be seen by the player through the window portion 4a.

A central device 40 is provided in approximately the center of the play area 21, and the central device 40 is equipped with a performance display device 41. The performance display device 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and it is possible to display various images for performances and various information related to the game on its display screen. The display contents of the performance display device 41 will be described later using a separate diagram.

A normal symbol activation gate 27 is provided to the right of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) in the game area 21. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 27, it is detected by the built-in gate sensor 27s (see Figure 3) and flows downward.

A first starting hole 24 is provided below the central device 40 (performance display device 41) in the game area 21. The first starting hole 24 opens upward, and the possibility of a game ball entering the hole is constant, so that game balls can enter at any time. A game ball that enters the first starting hole 24 is guided through a passage to the back side of the game board 20 and detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s (see FIG. 3). The position of the first starting hole 24 in this embodiment corresponds to the "predetermined position" of the present invention, and the first starting hole sensor 24s in this embodiment corresponds to the "ball detection means" of the present invention.

Below the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21, a second starting hole 25 is provided, in which the possibility of a game ball entering can be changed. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 25 is open toward the front and has an opening/closing door 26 that can rotate with its upper end tilted forward around its lower end as an axis, and can be changed between a closed state in which the opening/closing door 26 is approximately upright and the game ball cannot enter (or is difficult to enter), and an open state in which the opening/closing door 26 rotates forward and the game ball can enter (or is easy to enter). Figure 2 shows the second starting hole 25 in an open state. The game ball that enters the second starting hole 25 is guided through a passage to the back side of the game board 20 and detected by the second starting hole sensor 25s (see Figure 3).

To the right of the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21, there is a large, approximately rectangular opening 28 that opens forward. The large winning hole 28 has an opening door 29 that can rotate with its upper end tilted forward around its lower end as an axis, and can be changed between a closed state in which the opening door 29 stands approximately upright and game balls cannot enter, and an open state in which the opening door 29 rotates forward and game balls can enter. Figure 2 shows the large winning hole 28 in an open state. Game balls that enter the large winning hole 28 are guided through a passage to the back side of the game board 20 and detected by the large winning hole sensor 28s (see Figure 3).

Two other winning holes 30 are provided to the left of the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21. The other winning holes 30 open upward, and there is no change in the possibility of game balls entering, so game balls can enter at any time. Game balls that enter the other winning holes 30 are guided through a passage to the back side of the game board 20 and are detected by the other winning hole sensor 30s (see Figure 3).

In addition, around each of the above-mentioned gaming devices, there are provided a windmill-shaped wheel 31 that affects the path that the gaming balls flow down, and numerous gaming nails (not shown in FIG. 2). Furthermore, at the bottom of the gaming area 21, there is an outlet 33, and gaming balls that do not enter any of the above-mentioned first start opening 24, second start opening 25, big prize opening 28, or other prize openings 30 are discharged from the outlet 33 to the back side of the gaming board 20.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, due to the arrangement of multiple game nails, game balls flowing down the area to the left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) can enter the first start port 24 and other winning ports 30. In contrast, game balls flowing down the area to the right of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) can pass through or enter the normal symbol activation gate 27, second start port 25, and large winning port 28. Hereinafter, firing a game ball so that it flows down the area to the left of the central device 40 is also referred to as "left hit," and firing a game ball so that it flows down the area to the right of the central device 40 is also referred to as "right hit." In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start hole 24, the second start hole 25, or any of the other winning holes 30, three game balls are paid out as prize balls, and when a game ball enters the big winning hole 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

Furthermore, a segment display unit 50 is provided at the lower right of the play area 21 on the game board 20, which displays information related to the game using a combination of multiple LEDs. The segment display unit 50 can be seen by the player through a small window 4c (see Figure 1) provided in the front frame 4. The display content of the segment display unit 50 will be described later using a separate drawing.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards and various boards. Broadly classified based on function, it is composed of a main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, a sub-control board 220 that controls the performance of the game, an image and sound control board 230 that controls the display of images and the output of sounds under the control of the sub-control board 220, a lamp control board 226 that controls the emission of lamps under the control of the sub-control board 220, a payout control board 240 that controls the lending and payout of game balls, and a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls. These control boards are configured by connecting various peripheral LSIs together via a bus, such as a CPU (CPUs 201, 221, 231, etc. in FIG. 3) that performs various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM (ROMs 202, 222, 232, etc. in FIG. 3) that stores various programs and data to be executed by the CPU, a RAM (RAMs 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, and input/output circuits.

The main control board 200 is connected to a first start gate sensor 24s that detects game balls that have entered the first start gate 24, a second start gate sensor 25s that detects game balls that have entered the second start gate 25, a gate sensor 27s that detects game balls that pass through the normal symbol activation gate 27, a large prize gate sensor 28s that detects game balls that have entered the large prize gate 28, and other prize gate sensors 30s that detect game balls that have entered the other prize gates 30. When a game ball detection signal is input from the first start gate sensor 24s, the second start gate sensor 25s, the gate sensor 27s, the large prize gate sensor 28s, the other prize gate sensor 30s, or the like, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a command corresponding to the sensor that has received the detection signal to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, or the like.

The main control board 200 is also connected to a start port solenoid 26m that drives the opening and closing door 26 that can switch the second start port 25 between an open state and a closed state, a large prize port solenoid 29m that drives the opening and closing door 29 that can switch the large prize port 28 between an open state and a closed state, a segment display unit 50, and the like. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls the operation of these by sending drive signals to the start port solenoid 26m, the large prize port solenoid 29m, and the segment display unit 50.

The sub-control board 220 is connected to the image/sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, the performance operation board 228, etc. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the commands and performs game performance according to the contents. That is, it performs game performance by sending commands to the image/sound control board 230 to specify the display image and output sound, and sending commands to the lamp control board 226 to specify the light emission pattern of the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter also referred to as "various lamps 5a to 5c"). In addition, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects the player's operation of the performance button 10a, the jog shuttle 10b, and the direction button 10c (hereinafter also referred to as "performance operation unit 10a, 10b, 10c") via the performance operation board 228, it performs game performance reflecting the operation.

The image and sound control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to a CPU 231, a ROM 232, and a RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image and sound control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (e.g., sprite data or video data) used to display the instructed image from the image ROM 235, generates an image, and outputs it to the display screen of the performance display device 41. When the CPU 231 of the image and sound control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it reads audio data corresponding to the command from the audio ROM 236 and transmits a signal of the audio data to the amplifier board 224, thereby outputting audio from the upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter also referred to as "various speakers 6a, 6b").

The payout control board 240 is connected to a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper tray 7, a card unit 242 provided in parallel with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, the detection signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to lend game balls while communicating data with the payout control board 240. In addition, when the payout control board 240 receives a payout command from the main control board 200 instructing the payout of game balls, it drives the payout motor 243 to pay out the game balls.

The payout control board 240 is connected to a launch control board 260, which is connected to a launch device unit 261. The launch device unit 261 has a launch motor 262 for launching game balls, a touch switch 263 for detecting that a player is touching the launch handle 9, and the like. When the touch switch 263 detects that a player is touching the launch handle 9, the launch motor 262 becomes operable, and the game ball is launched with a strength according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. The touch switch 263 in this embodiment corresponds to the "contact detection means" of the present invention.

B. Overview of the Game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the player rotates the launch handle 9 while game balls are stored in the upper tray 7, the game balls stored in the upper tray 7 are supplied one by one to the launch unit 261 and launched toward the game area 21 described above with reference to FIG. 2. The strength with which the game balls are launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, so the player can make the game balls flow down to the desired area by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. For example, the game balls can be launched so that they flow down to the area to the left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) (left shot) or the game balls can be launched so that they flow down to the area to the right of the central device 40 (right shot).

As mentioned above, the first starting hole 24 can receive a game ball hit from the left. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 24 and is detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a jackpot judgment random number) is obtained, and a jackpot judgment is made to determine whether the game is a jackpot or a miss based on the value of the judgment random number. After that, the segment display unit 50 displays the first special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the "first special pattern"). In addition, the second starting hole 25 can receive a game ball hit from the right. When a game ball enters the second starting hole 25 and is detected by the second starting hole sensor 25s, a judgment random number is obtained and a jackpot judgment is made, and the segment display unit 50 displays the second special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the "second special pattern"). In the following, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the first special pattern and the second special pattern, they may simply be referred to as "special patterns". Additionally, the first special diagram in this embodiment corresponds to the "identification information" of the present invention, and the segment display unit 50 in this embodiment corresponds to the "identification information display means" of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the segment display unit 50. As described above, the segment display unit 50 can be viewed by the player through the small window 4c (see Figure 1) provided in the front frame 4. As shown in the figure, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special symbol display unit 51 that displays the first special symbol, and a second special symbol display unit 52 that displays the second special symbol, each of which is composed of nine LEDs. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed in a variable manner by flashing the nine LEDs (switching the LEDs to be lit) in the corresponding display units 51, 52, and are displayed stationary with a predetermined combination of LEDs lit. At this time, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the LEDs of the combination corresponding to the jackpot symbol are lit, and if it is a miss, the LEDs of the combination corresponding to the miss symbol are lit.

In addition, even if a game ball enters the first start hole 24 or the second start hole 25, if the start conditions for a new variable display are not met, such as during the variable display of the first or second special symbol, the value of the judgment random number obtained when the ball enters the first start hole 24 is stored as the first special symbol reserve, and the value of the judgment random number obtained when the ball enters the second start hole 25 is stored as the second special symbol reserve. After that, when the start conditions for a new variable display of the special symbol (first or second special symbol) are met, a jackpot determination is made based on the first or second special symbol reserve, and the variable display of the corresponding special symbol is performed. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, up to four such first special symbol reserves and second special symbol reserves can be stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special chart reserved display unit 53 that displays the number of reserved first special charts (first special chart reserved number), and a second special chart reserved display unit 54 that displays the number of reserved second special charts (second special chart reserved number), each of which is composed of two LEDs. In these reserved display units 53 and 54, if the number of reserved charts is 0, both LEDs are off, if the number of reserved charts is 1, one LED is lit, if the number of reserved charts is 2, two LEDs are lit, if the number of reserved charts is 3, one LED flashes, and if the number of reserved charts is 4, two LEDs flash.

When the first or second special pattern is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern, a jackpot game is executed in which the jackpot opening 28 is opened. In the jackpot game, the open jackpot opening 28 is closed when a specified number of game balls (e.g., nine balls) enter the opening or when a specified opening time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed, and a round game is repeated multiple times. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, multiple jackpot patterns are provided, and the number of round games played in the jackpot game varies depending on the type of jackpot pattern stopped and displayed (e.g., four, six, or ten times). As described above, when a game ball enters the jackpot opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls, so the more round games (number of rounds) in the jackpot game, the more prize balls the player can win.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-hit display unit 55 consisting of three LEDs. As described above, game balls hit from the right can enter the big prize opening 28, and since hitting from the right is advantageous for the player during big win play, the LEDs of the right-hit display unit 55 are lit up.

As mentioned above, a normal symbol activation gate 27 is provided to the right of the central device 40 (performance display device 41), and a gaming ball hit to the right can pass through the normal symbol activation gate 27. When a gaming ball passing through the normal symbol activation gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a normal symbol hit judgment random number) is obtained, and a normal symbol hit judgment is made to determine whether the normal symbol is a hit or a miss based on the value of the judgment random number, and then the segment display unit 50 displays the changing normal symbol.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 56 that displays normal symbols, and is composed of two LEDs, one on the left and one on the right. The normal symbols are displayed variably by flashing the two LEDs on the normal symbol display unit 56 (switching the LED to be lit), and are displayed stationary with one LED lit. At this time, if the result of the normal symbol hit judgment is a normal symbol hit, the left LED corresponding to the normal symbol hit is lit, and if it is a miss, the right LED corresponding to the miss symbol is lit. Then, when the normal symbol is displayed stationary as a normal symbol hit, a normal symbol hit game is performed in which the second start hole 25 is opened for a predetermined time and then returns to a closed state.

In addition, even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 27, if the start conditions for a new variable display are not met, such as during the normal symbol variable display, it is possible to store up to four of the acquired judgment random number values as normal symbol reserves. After that, when the start conditions for a new variable display of the normal symbol are met, a normal symbol hit judgment and normal symbol variable display are performed based on the normal symbol reserve. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal symbol reserve display unit 57 consisting of two LEDs, and the number of stored normal symbol reserves (number of normal symbol reserves) is displayed on the normal symbol reserve display unit 57.

The opening time of the second start hole 25 during normal winning play differs depending on whether the player is in the "electric support state" or the "non-electric support state". In the electric support state, the opening time of the second start hole 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. Also, in the electric support state, the probability that the result of the normal winning judgment will be a normal winning (normal winning probability) is higher than in the non-electric support state, and the normal pattern change time is set shorter. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that the game ball will enter the second start hole 25 (i.e., the possibility that the second special pattern will change) is higher than in the non-electric support state, and during the electric support state, right hitting is advantageous for the player, so the LED of the right hit display unit 55 is lit up, just like during a big win play.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the multiple jackpot patterns are roughly divided into "normal jackpot patterns" and "probable jackpot patterns", and when any of the special patterns is stopped and displayed, the electric support state is set after the jackpot game ends. When the normal jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, the probability that the result of the jackpot judgment will be a jackpot (jackpot probability) is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability) after the jackpot game ends, and when the number of times the special pattern changes reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), the non-electric support state is set. On the other hand, when the probable jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, the jackpot probability is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability after the jackpot game ends, and the electric support state is continued until the next jackpot game. Hereinafter, the state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability may be referred to as the "probable jackpot state". Also, in the electric support state, the time that the special symbols change is likely to be set shorter than in the non-electric support state, so the state in which the electric support state and the jackpot probability are set to the normal probability are sometimes called the "time-saving state."

In addition, in conjunction with the variable display of the special symbols (first and second special symbols) described above, the performance display device 41 displays various images for performance. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one mode of display in the performance display device 41. On the display screen of the performance display device 41, three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c and a background image 41d that serves as the background for the decorative symbols can be displayed as symbols for performance. When the variable display of the special symbols is started on the first special symbol display section 51 or the second special symbol display section 52 of the segment display section 50, the performance display device 41 also performs a performance in which the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c change and display multiple numbers (for example, nine numbers from "1" to "9") one after another (hereinafter also referred to as "symbol variable performance"). Note that the decorative symbols may be symbols that are designed to be letters, figures, symbols, etc., other than numbers, as long as the type can be identified by the player.

Figure 5 (a) conceptually shows three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c moving simultaneously. After the moving display starts, when a predetermined time has elapsed, first the left decorative symbol 41a is displayed as one of "1" to "9", then the right decorative symbol 41c is displayed as a missing symbol, and finally the center decorative symbol 41b is displayed as a stopped symbol. At this time, the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed as a combination of the same numbers (variable numbers) when the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is displayed as a losing symbol, whereas when the special symbol is displayed as a jackpot symbol, they are displayed as a combination of the same numbers (double numbers). In particular, when the special symbol is displayed as a winning symbol, which is more advantageous to the player than a normal winning symbol, the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed as the same odd numbers.

In this way, by making the display contents of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c on the effect display device 41 correspond to the display contents of the special symbols, if two of the three decorative symbols are the same number when they are stopped as shown in FIG. 5(b), the player will pay close attention to the variable display of the decorative symbols (symbol variable effect), expecting that the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed last will also have the same number. This effect in which the last decorative symbol is displayed while two decorative symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol is called a "reach effect", and it is possible to increase the interest in the game by generating a reach effect. In addition, such reach effects include a normal reach effect (normal reach effect) and a reach effect (super reach effect) that lasts longer than the normal reach effect, and by developing into a super reach effect, the possibility that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c will be stopped and displayed with the same number (the reliability of a big win) increases.

In addition, the lower part of the display screen of the performance display device 41 is provided with a reserved display area 42 (part surrounded by a dashed line in the figure) for displaying reserved symbols corresponding to reserved special patterns (first reserved special pattern and second reserved special pattern). In the reserved display area 42 of this embodiment, as reserved symbols (small circles in the figure), an unexecuted symbol 43 corresponding to reserved special patterns for which the variable display of the special pattern has not yet been executed, and an executing symbol 44 corresponding to reserved special patterns that have already started to be displayed as a trigger for execution are displayed. In the non-electric support state (when hitting left), a reserved symbol corresponding to the first reserved special pattern is displayed, and in the electric support state (when hitting right), a reserved symbol corresponding to the second reserved special pattern is displayed. As described above, in correspondence with the fact that a maximum of four first reserved special patterns and four second reserved special patterns can be stored, a maximum of four unexecuted symbols 43 can be displayed in the reserved display area 42 as in the example of FIG. 5.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control process:
Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the general flow of the game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control related to the progress of the game. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process of Fig. 6 based on a timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 msec). In the following explanation, well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt permission process will not be explained.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs the output process (S10). In this embodiment, the main control board 200 temporarily stores the various commands to be sent to the various control boards, including the sub-control board 220, in each process described below in an output buffer secured in the RAM 203, and in the output process (S10), the various commands stored in the output buffer are sent to the various control boards. By doing this, for example, the sub-control board 220 controls the presentation in accordance with the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out game balls.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the input process (S20) following the output process (S10). As described above, when a game ball enters the first start port 24, the second start port 25, the large prize port 28, or the other prize port 30, the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. Therefore, in the input process (S20), it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by various sensors (such as the first start port sensor 24s, the second start port sensor 25s, the large prize port sensor 28s, and the other prize port sensor 30s) that detect balls that are accompanied by the payment of prize balls. If a game ball is detected, a payout command that instructs the payment of the game ball is stored in the output buffer described above. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S10). The payout control board 240 that receives the command pays out three game balls if the game ball enters the first start hole 24, the second start hole 25, or the other prize hole 30, as described above, and pays out 13 game balls if the game ball enters the big prize hole 28.

After the input process (S20) is completed, the random number update process (S30) is performed. As mentioned above, the determination of a normal winning symbol or a jackpot for a special symbol is made based on the value of a predetermined judgment random number. In addition to this, various other decisions, which will be described later, are made based on the value of a dedicated random number. In the random number update process (S30), these random numbers are updated. Note that the random numbers may be updated not only in the random number update process (S30) within the game control process, but also between the end of the game control process and the start of the next game control process (when a timer interrupt occurs). Also, a dedicated circuit for updating random numbers may be provided, and the random numbers may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

After the random number update process (S30) is completed, the gate sensor detection process (S40) is performed. In the gate sensor detection process (S40), when the gate sensor 27s detects a game ball passing through the normal symbol activation gate 27, it determines whether the number of reserved normal symbols has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment), and if not, obtains a random number for determining whether a normal symbol has been hit, and stores the obtained random number value in the RAM 203 as a reserved normal symbol.

Following the gate sensor detection process (S40), the start gate sensor detection process (S50) is performed. In the start gate sensor detection process (S50), when the first start gate sensor 24s detects a game ball that has entered the first start gate 24, it determines whether the number of first special patterns has reached the upper limit (in this embodiment, "4"), and if not, it acquires a predetermined judgment random number and stores the acquired random number value in RAM 203 as the first special pattern reservation. Also, when the second start gate sensor 25s detects a game ball that has entered the second start gate 25, it determines whether the number of second special patterns has reached the upper limit (in this embodiment, "4"), and if not, it acquires a predetermined judgment random number and stores the acquired random number value in RAM 203 as the second special pattern reservation. Here, the determination random numbers obtained include a jackpot determination random number for determining whether a jackpot has occurred, a pattern determination random number for determining the type of jackpot pattern for the special pattern that will stop and be displayed in the event of a jackpot, and a fluctuation pattern determination random number for determining the fluctuation pattern from the start of the special pattern's variable display to its stop display.

In addition, in conjunction with the storage of the first special chart reservation or the second special chart reservation, a reservation addition command indicating the addition of a special chart reservation (first special chart reservation or second special chart reservation) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This reservation addition command is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10), and upon receiving the command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 adds an unexecuted symbol 43 to the reservation display area 42 of the performance display device 41.

After the start port sensor detection process (S50) is completed, the normal operation process (S60) is performed. In the normal operation process (S60), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether the normal pattern is being displayed or whether the normal pattern hit game is being played. If the normal pattern is not being displayed or the normal pattern hit game is not being played, it is determined whether the number of reserved normal patterns is "0" or not after confirming that a predetermined fixed time has passed since the normal pattern was stopped (if a normal pattern is stored). If the number of reserved normal patterns is not "0" (if a normal pattern is stored), the first stored reserved normal pattern is read, and a normal pattern hit determination is performed based on the read normal pattern (the value of the normal pattern hit determination random number). In this normal pattern hit determination, if the value of the normal pattern hit determination random number read as the normal pattern hit is a predetermined hit value, it is determined to be a normal pattern hit, and if it is an outlier other than the hit value, it is determined to be a miss. As mentioned above, in the electric support state, the probability of a normal hit is set higher (the hit value is higher) than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the probability of a normal hit is set to 1 in 100, while in the electric support state, the probability of a normal hit is set to 99 in 100.

Then, based on the result of the normal winning judgment, it is decided whether the normal symbol will be displayed as a winning symbol or a losing symbol. Furthermore, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set, the normal symbol fluctuation display starts, and "1" is subtracted from the number of reserved normal symbols. As mentioned above, in the electric support state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set shorter than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, while in the electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

When the normal pattern is being displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether the variable time has elapsed, and when the variable time has elapsed, the normal pattern is displayed frozen at the determined normal winning pattern or losing pattern. Then, after waiting for the determined time to elapse, if the normal pattern displayed frozen is a losing pattern, processing is performed to start the variable display of the normal pattern again. On the other hand, if the normal pattern displayed frozen is a normal winning pattern, the normal winning game begins.

During normal play, the start port solenoid 26m is driven to open the second start port 25, and then the process of returning it to a closed state is performed after the opening time has elapsed. As described above, in the electric support state, the opening time of the second start port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the opening time is set to 0.3 seconds (0.1 seconds x 3 openings), whereas in the electric support state, the opening time is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 openings).

After the normal operation process (S60) is completed, the special operation process (S70) is performed. In the special operation process (S70), the following process is mainly performed. First, it is determined whether the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern) is being displayed in a variable manner, whether the special pattern is being displayed in a fixed manner, or whether a jackpot game is being played. If none of these conditions are met, it is determined whether the first special pattern reserved number and the second special pattern reserved number are "0", and if the first special pattern reserved number or the second special pattern reserved number is not "0", the values of the various judgment random numbers (jackpot judgment random number, pattern determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number) stored as the special pattern reserved are read out. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if the second special pattern reserved is stored, the first special pattern reserved is read out, and if the second special pattern reserved is not stored, the first special pattern reserved is read out (the second special pattern reserved is consumed preferentially).

In this way, a jackpot determination is made based on the value of the jackpot determination random number read out as the second special chart reserved or the first special chart reserved. In the jackpot determination, if the value of the jackpot determination random number read out is a value (jackpot value) that corresponds to a "jackpot", it is determined to be a jackpot, and if it is a value (outlier value) that corresponds to a "miss", it is determined to be a miss. As mentioned above, in a special state, the jackpot probability is set higher (higher jackpot value) than in a non-special state; for example, in a non-special state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1 in 300, whereas in a special state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1 in 100.

If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol to be displayed is determined. As mentioned above, there are multiple jackpot symbols, which are broadly divided into normal jackpot symbols and special jackpot symbols, and one of the jackpot symbols is determined based on the value of the symbol determination random number read as the first special symbol reservation or the second special symbol reservation. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a miss symbol is determined as the symbol to be displayed (stop symbol).

Once the special symbol's stopping pattern has been determined in this way, the special symbol's fluctuation pattern is determined. The fluctuation pattern is used to identify the time (fluctuation time) from when the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts to fluctuate and when it stops, and the multiple fluctuation patterns prepared in advance each have a different set fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number read as the first special symbol reserved or the second special symbol reserved, and in the electric support state, it is easier to determine a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time than in the non-electric support state.

When the variation pattern is determined, the display of the variation of the special symbol begins, and if it is the second special symbol, "1" is subtracted from the reserved number of the second special symbol, and if it is the first special symbol, "1" is subtracted from the reserved number of the first special symbol. In addition, a variation pattern designation command that designates the variation pattern of the special symbol and a stop symbol designation command that designates the stop symbol are stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. These commands are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). By receiving these commands, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes a pattern variation performance in the performance display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol, and moves one of the unexecuted symbols 43 (the left end in the example of FIG. 5) in the reserved display area 42 of the performance display device 41 to the position of the active symbol 44.

If the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether the variable time has elapsed. As described above, the variable time of the special symbol is set in the variable pattern, and when the variable time has elapsed, the special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop symbol (a winning symbol or a losing symbol) that has been determined. In addition, the time (fixed time) for which the fixed special symbol is to be displayed is set. Furthermore, a variable stop command indicating the fixed display of the special symbol is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variable stop command, it ends the symbol variable performance on the performance display device 41, and deletes the active symbol 44 in the pending display area 42.

While the special symbol is being displayed, it is determined whether the fixed time has elapsed, and once the fixed time has elapsed, it is determined whether the fixed special symbol is a winning symbol or a losing symbol. If it is a losing symbol, it is determined whether the time-saving state is in effect, and if so, the number of times the special symbol has changed during the time-saving state is counted. When the counted number of changes reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 100 times), the electric support state is ended and the normal state, which is a non-electric support state, is set. In addition, when the game state is changed, a game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203, and is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

On the other hand, if the confirmed special pattern is a jackpot pattern, the opening pattern (number of rounds, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the jackpot opening 28 in the jackpot game is set, and the jackpot game begins. As described above, the number of rounds varies depending on the type of jackpot pattern that is stopped (confirmed). In addition, a jackpot game start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203, and is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). The jackpot game in this embodiment corresponds to the "specific state" of the present invention, and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in this embodiment corresponds to the "specific state generating means" of the present invention.

During a jackpot game, the large prize opening solenoid 29m is driven to open the large prize opening 28, thereby starting a round of play. After that, when a specified number of game balls enter the large prize opening 28 or the opening time has elapsed, the large prize opening 28 is closed and the round of play ends, and the next round of play begins after the closing time has elapsed. Then, when the set number of rounds has been played, the jackpot game ends. In addition, a jackpot game end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

Furthermore, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is set according to the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped (determined). That is, if the jackpot symbol is a sure-win symbol, it is set to a sure-win state (electric support state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability), and if the jackpot symbol is a normal win symbol, it is set to a time-saving state (electric support state in which the jackpot probability is set to a normal probability). In addition, a game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203, and is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the special action process (S70) is thus completed, the game control process of FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt occurs every 4 msec, the game control process of FIG. 6 is executed again. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 progresses the game on the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly executing the game control process as described above. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 also transmits various commands to the sub-control board 220 while executing the game control process. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 then determines the specific content of the presentation based on the received commands, and executes various game presentations using the presentation display device 41, the various speakers 6a, 6b, and the various lamps 5a-5c.

As described above, when a game ball is shot into the game area 21 and enters the first starting hole 24, the first special symbol (and decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) starts to change, and if the big win symbol (double number) is displayed, the big win game starts. This progression of play in the pachinko machine 1 is common for experienced players, but can seem complicated to inexperienced beginners. In particular, since the position of the first starting hole 24 may differ depending on the model, beginners may find it difficult to understand what to do first when starting to play, and may be confused. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs the following game explanation execution process so that even beginners can easily enjoy playing.

C-2. Game instruction execution process:
7 is a flow chart showing the game instruction execution process of this embodiment performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. This game instruction execution process is started based on a timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined interval. In the following explanation, well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 221, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt permission process will not be described.

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the game instruction execution process, it first judges whether or not the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) have remained stationary for a predetermined time or more (S100). If the special symbols are being displayed in a variable manner, or if the predetermined time has not yet passed since the special symbols were displayed stationary (S100: no), it ends the game instruction execution process of FIG. 7 as is, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, it executes the game instruction execution process of FIG. 7 again.

On the other hand, if the special symbol remains stationary for a predetermined time or more (S100: yes), it is then determined whether the touch switch 263 has changed from OFF to ON (S101). As described above, the touch switch 263 is a sensor that detects the player touching the launch handle 9, and if the touch switch 263 changes from OFF to ON (S101: yes) when the special symbol has not been displayed for a predetermined time or more, it is highly likely that a new player will start playing. Therefore, an explanation of how to proceed with the game (hereinafter also referred to as "game explanation") is started (S102). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game explanation is given by image display on the performance display device 41 and audio output from the various speakers 6a, 6b. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the "game explanation execution means" of the present invention.

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game instruction given by the performance display device 41. In the illustrated game instruction, first, an illustration of the launch handle 9 is displayed, along with a message requesting the player to rotate the launch handle 9 clockwise ("Turn the handle to the right" in the figure). In addition, a message is displayed guiding the player to launch the game ball so that it flows down the area to the left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) ("Hit left" in the figure). In addition, an arrow pointing to the first starting hole 24 is displayed, along with a message guiding the player to the position of the first starting hole 24 where the game ball will enter ("Aim here" in the figure). The performance display device 41 in this embodiment corresponds to the "image display means" of the present invention.

In accordance with the image display of the game instructions on the performance display device 41, game instructions are given by audio output from the various speakers 6a, 6b. For example, audio such as "Turn the handle to the right," "Hit the ball to the left so that it flows to the left of the screen," and "Aim at the position of the arrow below" are repeatedly output. The upper speaker 6a and lower speaker 6b in this embodiment correspond to the "audio output means" of the present invention.

On the other hand, if the touch switch 263 remains OFF or ON in the judgment of S101 in FIG. 7 (S101: no), it is next judged whether or not game instruction is being executed (S103). Then, if game instruction is not being executed (S103: no), the game instruction execution process in FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated.

In contrast, if the game instruction has been started in the above-mentioned processing of S102, or if the game instruction is already being executed (S103: yes), it is then determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first starting hole 24 (S104). As described above, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 24, a reserve addition command for the first special symbol is transmitted from the main control board 200. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can grasp the entry of the game ball into the first starting hole 24 based on the received reserve addition command for the first special symbol.

If no game ball has entered the first starting hole 24 (S104: no), the game explanation continues and it is determined whether or not operation of the directional button 10c has been detected (S105). If operation of the directional button 10c is detected (S105: yes), the language of the game explanation is changed (S106). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the performance display device 41 displays a language selection as the game explanation is executed.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the language selection display performed by the performance display device 41. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a language selection display area 46 (not shown in Figure 8) is secured using part of the display screen of the performance display device 41. Then, when the language selection display starts, a number of selectable languages are listed in the language selection display area 46, along with an illustration imitating the directional button 10c.

In the illustrated example, in addition to the default setting of Japanese, four selectable languages are available: English, Chinese, and Korean. The selected language can be changed by operating the up or down button of the directional button 10c. In FIG. 9, the selected language remains Japanese, and for example, when the down button of the directional button 10c is operated, the language switches from Japanese to English, Chinese, and Korean, in that order, and then back from Korean to Japanese. On the other hand, when the up button of the directional button 10c is operated, the language switches in the reverse order.

In the process of S106 in FIG. 7, the language of the image displayed on the effect display device 41 and the game explanation given by the audio output from the various speakers 6a, 6b is changed according to the selection made in the language selection display area 46. On the other hand, if the operation of the directional button 10c is not detected (S105: no), the process of S106 is omitted and the game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, the game explanation execution process of FIG. 7 is executed again.

After that, if it is determined in S104 that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 24 (S104: yes), the player has understood the game instruction (how to play), rotated the launch handle 9, and launched the game ball toward the first starting hole 24. Then, the game instruction is terminated by displaying images on the performance display device 41 and outputting audio from the various speakers 6a, 6b (S107), and the game instruction execution process in FIG. 7 is terminated.

As explained above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if the touch switch 263 changes from OFF to ON while the special symbol remains stationary for a predetermined time or more, game instructions on how to proceed with the game are given. When the touch switch 263 detects the player's contact with the launch handle 9, if the variable display of the special symbol has not been performed for a predetermined time or more, it is highly likely that a new player will start playing. In this case, game instructions are given, so even inexperienced beginners can easily enjoy playing the game without getting confused by following the game instructions.

In particular, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game instructions ask the player to rotate the launch handle 9 in a specified launch direction (clockwise), and guide the player to the first starting hole 24 where the game ball will enter. At the start of a game, by first explaining at least how to operate the launch handle 9 and the target the game ball will reach (first starting hole 24), even a beginner can follow the instructions and start the changing display of the first special chart.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game explanation is terminated when the game ball enters the first starting hole 24. In this way, after the content of the game explanation has actually been achieved, the game explanation is no longer given as it is assumed that the player has understood it, thereby making it possible to avoid causing excessive inconvenience to players who do not need game explanations.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, game instructions are given by image display on the performance display device 41 and audio output from the various speakers 6a, 6b. By providing game instructions in this way through a combination of image display and audio output, it is possible to make it easier for players to understand the instructions, and even beginners can easily enjoy playing the game without confusion.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, game instructions are prepared in advance in multiple languages, and the player can change the language of the game instructions by operating the directional button 10c. Therefore, even foreign tourists who do not understand Japanese can enjoy playing the game by receiving game instructions in a language they can understand.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope of the claims, and includes a range that can be easily substituted by a person skilled in the art, and improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art would normally possess can be added as appropriate.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the game instructions ask the player to rotate the launch handle 9 clockwise and guide the player to the first starting hole 24 where the game ball is inserted. However, the content of the game instructions is not limited to this, and the game instructions may begin with an explanation of how to borrow game balls via the card unit 242, for example.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the game instruction is terminated when the game ball enters the first starting hole 24. However, if the game instruction includes multiple contents, the game instruction may be terminated in stages when each content is achieved. For example, a launched ball detection sensor may be installed at a position opposite the end of the inner rail 23 on the outer rail 22 of the game board 20, and when the launched ball detection sensor detects a game ball launched from the launching device unit 261, it means that the player has rotated the launch handle clockwise, so the game instruction to "turn the handle to the right" may be terminated before the game ball enters the first starting hole 24.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine 1 that pays out game balls supplied from an island facility in a game hall, thereby giving the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game. The present invention can also be applied to a type of game machine that gives a game profit in a form other than "paying out game balls". For example, the present invention can be applied to a type of pachinko machine that gives a game profit (game value) to a player by storing data indicating the amount of profit (magnitude of game value) corresponding to the entrance of game balls into various ball entrances, and in this case, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. Note that, as an example of a type of pachinko machine that converts game profit (game value) into data and gives it to a player, there can be mentioned a game machine that uses multiple game balls built into the pachinko machine by circulating them, specifically, a pachinko machine (so-called sealed game machine) that is configured to return game balls discharged to the back of the game board through various ball entrances or exits to the launch position and launch them again.

<Gaming machines A1 to A4 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiments>
The pachinko machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A4.

<Gaming machine A1>
In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball into a game area formed on a game board,
A launch handle that is rotated by a player to launch the game ball;
A contact detection means for detecting a contact of a player with the launch handle;
A ball detection means for detecting the game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position;
an identification information display means for displaying identification information in a variable manner and then in a static manner based on the detection of the gaming ball by the ball detection means;
a special state generating means for generating a special state advantageous to a player when the indicator is stopped and displayed in a special manner;
and a game instruction execution means for executing game instructions on how to proceed with the game when the contact detection means detects contact by a player in a state in which the variable display of the identification information has not been performed for a predetermined period of time or more.

In this type of gaming machine A1, if the player's contact with the launch handle is detected and the display of the varying identification information has not been changed for a predetermined period of time or more, it is highly likely that a new player will start playing, in which case game instructions are given, so that even an inexperienced beginner can follow the game instructions and easily enjoy playing without getting confused.

<Gaming Machine A2>
In the gaming machine A1,
The game instruction execution means at least requests the player to rotate the launch handle in a predetermined launch direction as the game instruction, and guides the player to the predetermined position to which the game ball should reach.

When starting a game with this type of gaming machine A2, at least the method of operating the launch handle and the destination of the gaming ball are explained, so that even a beginner can follow the game instructions and start the changing display of the identification information.

<Gaming machine A3>
In the gaming machine A1 or A2,
The game instruction executing means terminates the game instruction when the content of the game instruction is achieved.

In this type of gaming machine A3, once the content of the game instructions has actually been achieved, the game instructions are no longer given to the player as it is assumed that the player has understood them, thereby avoiding excessive inconvenience to players who do not need game instructions.

<Gaming machine A4>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A3,
An image display means capable of displaying an image;
and a sound output means capable of outputting sound,
The game instruction executing means performs the game instruction by displaying an image on the image display means and outputting a sound from the sound output means.

In this type of gaming machine A4, game instructions are given through a combination of image display and audio output, making it easier for players to understand the instructions, and allowing even beginners to easily enjoy playing the game without getting confused.

This invention can be used in gaming machines used in gaming halls.

1... Pachinko machine (game machine), 6a... Upper speaker (audio output means),
6b...lower speaker (audio output means); 9...launch handle;
20... game board, 21... game area, 24... first starting hole,
24s...first starting hole sensor (ball detection means), 25...second starting hole,
27...Normal pattern operation gate, 28...Big prize entrance,
40: central device; 41: performance display device (image display means);
50...segment display unit (identification information display means),
200... Main control board, 201... CPU (specific state generating means),
220...Sub-control board, 221...CPU (game explanation execution means),
263...Touch switch (contact detection means).

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball into a game area formed on a game board,
A launch handle that is rotated by a player to launch the game ball;
A contact detection means for detecting a contact of a player with the launch handle;
A ball detection means for detecting the game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position;
an identification information display means for displaying identification information in a variable manner and then in a static manner based on the detection of the gaming ball by the ball detection means;
a special state generating means for generating a special state advantageous to a player when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a special manner;
and a game instruction execution means for executing game instruction on how to proceed with the game when the touch detection means detects a touch by a player in a state in which the variable display of the identification information has not been performed for a predetermined time or more ,
The game instruction execution means at least guides the player to the predetermined position where the game ball is to reach as the game instruction, and ends the game instruction when the game ball is detected by the ball detection means.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images