JP2003010504A - GAME MACHINE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING GAME FORM OF GAME MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] The present invention provides a game result that gives a feeling that a player is playing the same game as another player as a game result, and also provides a great expectation and excitement. It is an object to provide a possible gaming machine and a method of providing a gaming mode of the gaming machine. SOLUTION: A special game can be given in response to identification information being stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination on a display unit, and a control unit for performing control for paying out a prize in the special game, and a special game. A transmission unit for transmitting stock data in which a part of the prize to be paid is stocked to the server machine, and storing stock data received and accumulated from a plurality of gaming machines in which the same game content is performed in the server machine from the server machine. The gaming machine further comprises a receiving unit for receiving, and the control unit performs control for paying out a prize according to the received accumulated stock data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine and a method for providing the game mode thereof, and more particularly, to a game machine for paying out a prize upon a special game and the game mode thereof. Regarding the provision method of.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a display unit in which a plurality of rotary drums having a plurality of pieces of identification information are arranged is used in a known game machine of this type, and the rotary drums are variably displayed by rotating them. When the player presses a push button provided corresponding to each rotary drum to stop the rotation, and when the identification information of each stopped rotary drum becomes a predetermined combination, a predetermined game such as a coin is given as a special game. There are slot machines configured to intermittently pay out a lot of valuable prizes. In such a gaming machine, as the identification information on the display unit becomes a predetermined combination, only many prizes corresponding to this are paid out,
It tends to be a game with little interest because it is difficult to change the game and it is difficult to give the player much excitement and satisfaction. On the other hand, there has been proposed a gaming machine that can provide a player with higher excitement as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-277332. That is, this gaming machine aims to provide a higher excitement to the player, which has a lot of interesting changes in the relationship between the satisfaction of the condition that the gaming value can be given and the value paid out accordingly. The value of the value storage means is increased and updated when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, and at least a part of the value stored in the value storage means is paid out based on the occurrence of the special game state. Specifically, in this gaming machine, in a plurality of slot machines installed on the island where the gaming machine is installed, n is added to the jackpot counter for each winning in the normal game, and the slot machine having the jackpot winning is awarded. A part of the value accumulated and stored in the jackpot counter is transmitted and coins are paid out as a prize.

[0003]

However, a wide variety of game machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines have been provided in recent years, and different models are provided in one game arcade or on one game machine installation island. The ones are mixed. In different types of gaming machines, the image contents displayed as the game progresses and the contents of special games during jackpots may differ, and the payout rate of prizes and the number of players depending on the gaming machine of each different model. Since the populations are different, it is necessary to manage the operating profit by adjusting the set value that changes the jackpot probability for each model at each amusement park. In such a situation, simply connecting a plurality of gaming machines, transmitting a part of the value accumulated and stored in the jackpot counter, and paying out coins as a prize, the management of the above-mentioned amusement hall will be performed. It gets harder. However, there is no description in the above publication regarding such a problem, and there is no awareness of the problem at all. Also,
In the conventional gaming machine, while there are many chances for the player to win many prizes, the provision of the prize suddenly comes, and it seems as if the player had won a lottery and made an effort for the game. It is easy to have a feeling that you have won an award separately. This point is beyond the scope of the above publication. Further, the conventional gaming machines including the above-mentioned gaming machines are not related to the gaming status of other players because there are a plurality of gaming machines in the gaming hall and there are many other players on both sides. Most of the games are played in an isolated state. Similar to the above problem, the above publication does not describe such a matter at all.

The present invention is based on the above situation.
A gaming machine and a gaming machine with a gaming form that may provide a feeling of playing the same game as another player as a gaming result, and may provide a gaming result that gives a great expectation and excitement. It is an object to provide a providing method.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.
The invention of (1) is a gaming machine that transmits and receives electronic data to and from a server machine that can communicate with a plurality of gaming machines in which different game contents are played, and a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed or stopped and displayed. And a control unit that allows a special game to be given in response to the identification information being stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination on the display unit, and that performs a payout control in the special game. , Received and accumulated from a transmission unit that transmits stock data in which a part of the prize paid out in the special game is stocked to the server machine, and from a plurality of game machines in which the same game content is performed in the server machine A receiving unit that receives the accumulated stock data from the server machine, and the control unit performs a payout control according to the received accumulated stock data. According to the invention of (1), it is possible to stock a part of the prizes paid out in the special game in the server machine, and to pay out the accumulated prizes from a plurality of other game machines that perform the same game content. Therefore, it is possible to obtain many prizes that cannot be obtained with one gaming machine, and it is possible to give a great expectation to the player playing the game, and the same game content is played. It becomes possible to play a game with an unprecedented sense of trying to obtain a prize stocked from another game machine by competing with another player who plays the same game. In addition, in the invention of (1), if it is assumed that the accumulated stock data accumulated from another gaming machine in which a game is played under the same condition is received in addition to the same game content, the payout rate of the prize in the game hall, etc. Is easy to manage, and under fair conditions with other players, it is possible to play a game with a higher sense of competition.
The invention of (2) is the gaming machine according to (1), wherein the control unit responds to the identification information being stopped and displayed in a special combination of predetermined combinations on the display unit. The control is performed such that request data for requesting transmission of the accumulated stock data is transmitted to the server machine via the transmission unit. According to the invention of (2), a part of the prizes paid out in the special game is stocked, and the prizes accumulated from the other plurality of gaming machines are displayed in a special combination of the identification information. Therefore, the player can play the game while paying attention to the variable display and the stop display of the identification information with a higher expectation. The invention of (3) is (1) or (2).
The gaming machine according to the above item 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to notify in advance that a prize corresponding to the accumulated stock data will be paid out. According to the invention of (3), even a player who is a beginner who does not recognize a special combination of identification information can be informed easily that many stocked awards are offered. In addition, it becomes possible to increase the joy of providing the many stocked prizes. (4)
The present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of (1) and (2), in which the control unit gives a warning sign that the identification information may be stopped and displayed in a special combination. It is characterized by performing control to perform. According to the invention of (4), by providing a warning that predicts that the identification information may be stopped and displayed in a special combination, it is greater than the provision of a normal special game to the player. It is possible to play a game while giving a sense of expectation. The invention of (5) is a method for providing a game form using a gaming machine that transmits and receives electronic data to and from a server machine that can communicate with a plurality of gaming machines in which different game contents are played. A step of performing variable display or a stop display on the display section, a step of giving a special game in response to the identification information being stop-displayed in a predetermined combination on the display section, and a predetermined step of the stop-displayed identification information. Determining whether the combination is a special combination or another combination, and when the predetermined combination of the identification information stopped and displayed is a combination other than the special combination, it is paid out in the special game. The stock data that stocks a part of the prizes to be displayed to the server machine, and the identification information that has been stopped and displayed. A step of transmitting to the server machine request data requesting transmission of accumulated stock data received and accumulated from a plurality of game machines in which the same game contents are played in the server machine when the predetermined combination is a special combination; , A step of receiving from the server machine accumulated stock data received and accumulated from a plurality of gaming machines in which the same game contents are played in the server machine, and a step of paying out an award according to the accumulated stock data. It is characterized by According to the invention of (5), a part of the prizes paid out in the special game is stocked, and the prizes accumulated from the plurality of other gaming machines are displayed in a special combination of the identification information. It is possible to provide the player with a number of prizes that cannot be obtained with one gaming machine, and to give a great expectation to the player who plays the game. In addition to being possible, it is possible to provide an unprecedented game form in which prizes stocked from other game machines in which the same game content is played are provided by competition with other players playing the same game. Become. The invention of (6) is
A method for providing a game form of a gaming machine according to (5),
It is characterized in that it comprises a step of giving a warning indicating that the identification information is likely to be stopped and displayed in a special combination. According to the invention of (6), by providing a warning that predicts that the identification information may be stopped and displayed in a special combination, it is greater than the usual special game provided to the player. It is possible to provide a game form that gives an expectation. The invention of (7) is a method for providing a game form of a gaming machine according to (5) or (6), and a step of causing the display unit to notify in advance that a prize corresponding to the accumulated stock data will be paid out. It is characterized by having. According to the invention of (7), even a player who is a beginner who does not recognize a special combination of identification information can easily understand that many stocked prizes will be offered, and the above stocked information will be provided. It is possible to provide a game form that enhances the joy of providing many prizes.

The "prize" in the present invention is a medal, a pachinko ball, or the like, and has some value provided to the player as a result of the game. Further, the “display unit” in the present invention is a rotary drum on which identification information is displayed, a liquid crystal or LED on which identification information such as a pattern is displayed as an image.
It is a concept including various things such as a display device. Further, the "server machine" used in the present invention does not necessarily have to exist in the same game hall as the game machine, and may exist in another place as long as it can communicate with a plurality of game machines.

Further, the server machine is capable of communicating with a plurality of game machines having different game contents, stock data is individually stocked for each game machine having the same game contents therein, The accumulated stock data corresponding to the requested game contents of the game machine is transmitted in accordance with the request data of the game machine of the present invention, and the game machine of the present invention uses the server machine to realize the above-mentioned game contents that characterize the present invention. It is something to do.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an embodiment of a game machine and a method for providing a game form of the game machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, a pachinko machine is used as a game machine for explanation, but it is also applicable to various game machines such as a slot machine and a card game machine such as poker.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The game machine according to the present embodiment sends and receives electronic data to and from a server machine that can communicate with a plurality of game machines in which different game contents are played. That is,
This gaming machine is provided with a display unit capable of displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information in a variable display or a stop display, and a special game is provided in response to the identification information being stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination on the display unit. It is provided with a control unit that is awardable and controls the payout of a prize in a special game. Further, a storage unit that receives stock from a plurality of gaming machines in which the same game contents are played in the server machine and a transmission section that transmits stock data that stocks some of the prizes paid out in the above special games to the server machine. And a receiving unit for receiving stock data from the server machine. Then, the control unit controls the payout of prizes according to the accumulated stock data received from the server unit via the receiving unit, thereby providing an opportunity to pay out more prizes than special prizes during the game. It was. The prize here means a game ball, a game medal, or the like.

The details of the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the gaming machine of the present invention. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine as a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

First, the structure of a pachinko gaming machine will be briefly described.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a body frame 12 and
A game board 14 incorporated in the main body frame 12, a window frame 16 of the main body frame 12 provided on the front surface of the game board 14, an upper plate 20 provided on the front surface of the main body frame 12 below the window frame 16, and Lower plate 22 and firing handle 26 provided on the right side of lower plate 22
And are arranged.

A plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are driven into the front surface of the game board 14. It should be noted that the game board 14 is formed of a resin material without using a structure in which nails are driven, and a metal rod-shaped body is added to the game board 14 of the resin material.
It may be configured to be planted so as to project in the front direction of
The present invention can be applied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 (pachinko machine) as described above. In this specification, the pachinko game machine 10 is a concept including a pachinko machine.

Further, the firing handle 26 is rotatably provided with respect to the main body frame 12, and the player can advance the pachinko game by operating the firing handle 26. A firing motor 28 is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26. When the firing handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player, electric power is supplied to the firing motor 28 and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired to the game board 14.

The launched game ball is guided by the guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper part of the game board 14, and then the traveling direction thereof is changed by the collision with the plurality of obstacle nails described above. While changing, it drops toward the bottom of the game board 14.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing the game board 14. The same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to those shown in FIG. Also, FIG.
Shows the omitted one of the above-mentioned obstacle nails.

A display device 32, which will be described later, is provided substantially at the center of the front surface of the game board 14. A display device 52 is provided at the center of the upper portion of the display device 32. The display device 52 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment display, and the normal symbol, which is the display information, is variably displayed so as to repeat fluctuation and stop. Ball passage detectors 55a and 55b are provided on the left and right sides of the display device 32.

When the ball passing detector 55a or 55b detects that the game ball has passed in the vicinity of the ball passing detector 55a or 55b, the variable display of the normal symbol is started on the display device 52 described above, and after a predetermined time has passed, Stop the variable display of the normal pattern. This ordinary pattern is information consisting of numbers and symbols, for example, numbers from "0" to "9" and "☆".
And the like. This normal design is a predetermined design, for example,
When "7" is displayed and stopped, the movable pieces 58a provided on both the left and right sides of the starting port 44, which will be described later, are displayed.
A current is supplied to a solenoid 57 (not shown) for driving the and 58b, and the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven so that the game ball easily enters the starting opening 44, and the starting opening 4
Make 4 open. After the start port 44 is opened, when a predetermined time elapses, the movable piece is driven to close the start port 44 to make it difficult for the game ball to enter.

4 are provided on both the left and right sides of the above-mentioned display device 52.
Two holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. Further, a general winning opening 50 is provided above the display device 52. In addition, at the bottom of the game board 14, a winning opening 38 for gaming balls is provided. A shutter 40 is provided near the winning opening 38 so as to be openable and closable. Shutter 40
Is a solenoid 48 (not shown) so that it is opened when the variable display game to be described later is in a big hit state.
Driven by.

General winning openings 54a and 54b are provided on both the left and right sides of the above-mentioned display device 32. further,
General winning openings 54c and 54d are provided on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the display device 32. Further, special winning openings 56a and 56b are provided at the left and right ends of the game board 14, and special winning openings 56c and 56 are provided on both left and right sides of the winning opening 38.
d is provided.

Further, a start port having a ball detection sensor 42 that triggers a transition to a variable display state of a plurality of, for example, three pieces of identification information displayed on the display device 32 when a variable display game described later is started. 44 are provided.
The above-mentioned winning opening 38, starting opening 44, general winning opening 54a-
When the game balls are won in 54d and the special winning openings 56a to 56d, the number of game balls preset as the prize in the present invention according to the type of the winning opening is paid out to the lower plate 22.

In addition, on both the left and right sides of the display device 32,
Rolling guide members 60a and 60b for guiding the path of the game ball in a predetermined direction are also provided. Also, game board 1
Decorative lamps 36a and 36b are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the outer side of 4. In addition, in the above-described display device 32, a portion for displaying a later-described effect image may be a liquid crystal display panel or a cathode ray tube. Also, in the example above,
The display device 32 is shown in the case of being provided in the approximate center of the front surface of the game board 14 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 which is a gaming machine, but if it is a position that can be seen by the player, The display device 32 may be provided at any position.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment has a transmitting unit A for transmitting to the server machine S stock data in which a part of game balls as prizes paid out in a special game such as a jackpot is stocked. , A receiving unit B that receives accumulated stock data received from a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10 in which the same game contents are played in the server machine S and received from the server machine S at an opportunity.
It has and. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a communication connection state between the pachinko gaming machine and the server machine of the present invention. Here, a state is shown in which a plurality of pachinko gaming apparatuses 10 installed in the same pachinko hall and a server machine S installed in a certain place outside the pachinko hall are provided so that communication connection can be established by a dedicated communication line. ing. Communication exchanges between the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the server machine S will be described later.

Next, the function of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment.

The firing handle 26 described above is provided with the control circuit 6
0 interface circuit group 62, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to the input / output bus 64. An angle signal indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle 26 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 62 and then supplied to the input / output bus 64. I / O bus 64
A data signal or an address signal is input to and output from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 66. Further, the ball detection sensor 42 is also connected to the interface circuit group 62 described above, and when the game ball passes through the starting opening 44, the ball detection sensor 42 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62. Further, the interface circuit group 62 includes a sphere passage detector 5
5 is also connected, and the ball passage detector 55 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62 when it detects that the game ball has passed the vicinity thereof.

The input / output bus 64 described above includes a ROM (read only memory) 68 and a RAM (random
An access memory) 70 is also connected. ROM68
Stores a control program for controlling the flow of the entire game of the pachinko gaming apparatus. Further, the ROM 68 is image data of a variable symbol that is displayed in a variable or stopped manner when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, character image data of a moving object displayed as an effect screen, and the display device 32. Background image data and moving image video image data constituting the background, and sound data used in the game,
Initial data for executing the control program, a program for controlling the blinking operation pattern of the decoration lamp 36, and the like are stored.

The symbol image data described above is displayed on the display device 32.
In the case where the symbols are variably displayed or when the symbols are stopped and displayed, the image data corresponding to various display modes such as an enlarged image, a reduced image, and a deformed image are included. Further, the character image data, the background image data, and the moving image video image data, which are the above-mentioned moving objects, display a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these images as a screen image on the display device 32 so as to produce a game. It is for. Further, the character image data composed of the above-described moving object includes image data corresponding to each motion so as to display the motion of the character.

Further, the sound data is also used to produce a game, and is used to emit a sound such as a sound effect from a speaker 46 described later.

The RAM 70 also functions as a work area for storing the values of the flags and variables used in the above-mentioned program and for executing the calculation by the CPU 66.

The CPU 66, which is a control unit, executes arithmetic processing by calling and executing a predetermined program,
Based on the result of this arithmetic processing, the character image data of the moving object, the background image data, the moving picture image data and the variable pattern image data, and the sound data are transmitted as electronic data and other controls are performed.

Further, the CPU 66 receives the game ball that has entered the starting opening 44 by the ball detection sensor 42, and then performs a calculation using a random number table or the like. As a result, the game result of that time is a big hit. Determine if there is a gap or not, and
The display device 32 is controlled to determine the effect pattern and the type of the variable symbol, which is each identification information to be stopped, and the display device 32 displays the command result according to the determined game result, effect pattern, and the type of the variable symbol to be stopped. To transmit. In the display device 32, the display control unit (not shown)
The image data of the variable symbol is read according to the command data transmitted from the PU 66, the symbol is controlled to be variably displayed on the display device 32, and the mutual combination state of the symbols as the plurality of identification information is displayed. Device 32
The control is performed so that the display is stopped at a predetermined timing.

An interface circuit group 72 is also connected to the input / output bus 64. The display device 32, the speaker 46, the firing motor 28, the solenoid 48, the holding lamp 34, and the decoration lamp 36 are connected to the interface circuit group 72.
Reference numeral 2 supplies a drive signal such as command data and drive power to control each of the above-mentioned devices according to the result of the arithmetic processing in the CPU 66.

The screen image of the display device 32, which is the display unit, is composed of an identification image on which the variable pattern is displayed and an effect image on which the effect screen is displayed, and these two images are superposed by the control of the CPU 66. By synthesizing
Display as one image.

As described above, by superimposing a plurality of images, for example, the design image and the effect image, and synthesizing them, it is possible to produce a scene in which the design changes with the effect image as the background, and various display modes are provided. Is possible.

The solenoid 48 is for opening and closing the shutter 40 as described above, and holds the hold lamp 34.
Indicates the number of times that the combination of symbols displayed on the display device 32 has been activated, and the decoration lamp 36 indicates to the player when the game is a big hit or reach. It blinks or lights up. The CPU 66 described above constitutes a control unit, the display device 32 constitutes a display unit, and the pachinko gaming device 10 constitutes a gaming machine.

Next, the function of the server machine S will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the server machine.

This server machine S is a pachinko game machine 10
When it is determined that a jackpot game as a special game is provided based on a calculation result using a random number or the like of the CPU 66, the stock data in which a part of the game balls as the prize to be paid out is stocked is the pachinko game machine. 1
A receiving unit 101 that receives from 0, and R that stores and sequentially stores the stock data received via this receiving unit 101
Temporary storage unit 102 such as AM, and pachinko gaming apparatus 10
From the transmission unit 1 for transmitting the accumulated stock data to the pachinko gaming apparatus in response to request data for requesting transmission of the accumulated stock data stored in the temporary storage unit 102 from the
03 and these pachinko game machines 10 to transmit and receive data, store stock data for each pachinko game machine in which the same game content is played, and store a program for storing as temporary stock data in the temporary storage unit 102. A storage unit 104 such as a ROM, and a control unit 105 that controls to execute the program.

Next, a method of providing a game form of the pachinko game machine in the present embodiment using the server machine S described above will be described using a flow in which a game is played. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a general game flow using the pachinko game machine of this embodiment.

First, it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S11). The winning openings are, for example, the general winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d and the special winning openings 56a to 56d in the example shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S11 that a game ball has entered the winning opening, a process of paying out a predetermined number of gaming balls according to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S11).
12). Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting opening (step S13). This starting is, for example, the starting opening 44 in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above. When it is determined in this step S13 that a game ball has entered the starting opening, a variable display game to be described later is executed (step S14).

Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S15). This sphere passage detector is, for example, the sphere passage detectors 55a and 55b in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above. This step S1
In 5, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, as described above, the process of displaying the normal symbol in a variable manner on the display device 52 is executed (step S1).
6). Note that, as described above, when the variable display of the normal symbol is stopped and the predetermined symbol is obtained, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to open the starting port 44, and the starting port 44 is opened. It is easy for game balls to enter.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a subroutine for executing the variable display game process called and executed in the above-mentioned step S14.

When this subroutine is called, the fixed screen displayed on the display device 32 is switched to the normal screen, and the variable display game is started. Here, the variable display game is a game imitating a game played in a slot machine, and a plurality of symbols, which are a plurality of identification information, are displayed on the display device 32, and after each of them is displayed so as to change, a predetermined pattern is displayed. These symbols are displayed so as to be stopped sequentially at the timing of, and when the combination of symbols when all the symbols are stopped becomes a predetermined combination, the pachinko game is shifted to a state advantageous to the player. This is a game in which the variable display and the stop display are executed as one stroke.

For example, as a set of symbols consisting of twelve numbers of "1", "2", ..., "12", these twelve symbols are set in a certain area (identification information image) of the display device 32. It is displayed sequentially in the area), and while the symbols are displayed to move, the symbols themselves are displayed to change. For example, in the display device 32, in the identification image area, the symbol "1" is displayed so as to be scrolled from the top to the bottom of the display device 32, and then the symbol "2" is displayed so as to be scrolled from the top to the bottom. Then, the symbol "3" is similarly displayed so as to scroll from the top to the bottom. After the symbols "1" to "12" are displayed in this manner, the symbols "1" are again displayed so as to be scrolled, and the same display is sequentially repeated.

By displaying the symbols on the display device 32 in this manner, the symbols are sequentially changed while scrolling from "1" to "2" and from "2" to "3". Up to 12 "will be displayed, and then" 1 "will be displayed again. In this way, the mode of displaying the symbols so that the symbols themselves are sequentially changed while moving the position of one symbol is called variable display. Further, a mode in which a certain symbol is stopped and displayed is referred to as a stop display.

The symbols belonging to one set are displayed on the display device 3
In the case of displaying in 2, the symbols to be displayed are not limited to only one symbol belonging to the set, and a plurality of symbols, for example, 2 to 3 symbols may be simultaneously displayed. For example, when the symbol “5” is variably displayed on the display device 32, a part or the whole of the symbol “4” is variably displayed below the symbol “5”, and the symbol “6” is above the symbol “5”. May be displayed in a variable manner. The above-mentioned symbol group is a concept corresponding to the symbol group displayed on one reel used in the slot machine.

Further, when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, symbols belonging to each of a plurality of sets as a plurality of identification information image groups are displayed. For example,
When each of the symbols belonging to the three groups is displayed in the horizontal direction, the symbols belonging to one group are displayed on the left side of the display device 32, and the symbols belonging to the other groups are displayed in the center of the display device 32. The symbols that are displayed and belong to the remaining groups are displayed on the display device 32.
Is displayed on the right side of.

By displaying the design which is the identification information in this way, a plurality of identification information is displayed on the display device 32 which is the display unit. For example, in the case of performing variable display so that only one of the symbols belonging to one set is always displayed, the display device 32
The three symbols are displayed, that is, one symbol is displayed on the left side, one symbol is displayed on the center, and one symbol is displayed on the right side. Further, the number of groups when the variable display game is executed is not limited to three, and symbols belonging to a plurality of groups other than three may be displayed on the display device 32.

As described above, by displaying the symbols in this way, a plurality of symbols, that is, a plurality of pieces of identification information, are displayed on the display device 32 which is the display unit.
Further, as described above, a plurality of symbols may be displayed for symbols belonging to one set, for example, 1
When two symbols belonging to one group are displayed so as to be variably displayed at the same time, and when three groups are to be displayed, a total of six symbols are variably displayed on the display device 32. It will be.

However, in the present invention, before a plurality of pieces of identification information images are displayed on the display unit before each piece of identification information starts variable display, the selected identification information image among the plurality of pieces of identification information is displayed. It is displayed as the first identification information image of the variable display in each identification information image group, and then the variable display is performed so that the variation starts. The selection of the variable symbol as the above-mentioned identification information image will be described in more detail later.

After the symbols belonging to a plurality of groups are variably displayed, when all the variably displayed symbols are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, the combination of these symbols matches the predetermined combination and is stopped and displayed. When the game is played, it is determined that the variable display game wins the jackpot, and the pachinko game is shifted to a state in which it is advantageous to the player.

For example, when the symbols belonging to three groups are displayed on the display device 32, the symbols belonging to one group are stopped and displayed at "7", and the symbols belonging to other groups are also stopped and displayed at "7". When the symbols belonging to the remaining groups are also stopped and displayed at "7", the symbol combination matches the predetermined combination "7"-"7"-"7", and the variable display game is won as a jackpot. As a result, the state where the pachinko game is advantageous to the player is shifted. When it shifts to a state where it becomes a big hit and is advantageous to the player,
The current is supplied to the solenoid 48 to open the shutter 40 of the winning opening 38 provided on the front surface of the game board 14 so that the game ball easily enters the winning opening 38.

When the variable display game is being executed, a display screen including a background image and a character image is also displayed on the display device 32. Note that the fixed screen described above is a screen displayed on the display device 32 when only the pachinko game is progressing on the pachinko game device 10 and the variable display game executed on the display device 32 is not being executed. Say.

The normal screen means that when the variable display game reaches the reach or a big hit after the variable display game is started on the display device 32 and the symbols displayed on the display device 32 are variably displayed. The production screen displayed on the display device 32 during the process.

When the variable display game described above is started,
First, the internal lottery process is executed by the calculation process of the CPU 66 (step S20). This internal lottery process is a process of presetting a symbol combination when all symbols belonging to a plurality of variably displayed groups are stopped and displayed and the symbol is fixed, and the CPU 66, as will be described later, internal lottery process. The variable display and the stop display of the symbols are processed so that the symbols are stopped and displayed by the combination of the symbols defined by.

Before the variable display of the variable pattern as the identification information image is started, after the plurality of identification information images are displayed on the display unit, the selected identification information image among the plurality of identification information is It is displayed as the first identification information image of the variable display in the information image group, and then the variable display is performed so as to start the fluctuation, but by this internal lottery process, for the plurality of sets of variable symbols, the fluctuation mode at the start of fluctuation May be determined. In this way, by setting the variation mode at the start of variation by the number assigned by the internal lottery process, various variations can be added to the variation mode of the variation symbol, so that the player can change the screen image. Can be seen with more interest, and the interest can be dramatically improved.

Next, the screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S21). That is,
After the internal lottery process is executed, the CPU 66 causes the control program to select a background image according to the result of the internal lottery process, the progress status of the variable display game, and the like.
It is called from the OM 68 and executed.

Next, based on the result obtained by the CPU 66, the screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 by the CPU 66 at any time. As the background image, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a background image in which one fighter who is an ally character and three fighter who are enemy characters face each other in the dojo can be cited.

The background image is not limited to the above-mentioned image. For example, two soccer players who are characters appear, one soccer player takes a penalty kick, and the other soccer player acts as a goalkeeper. It is a background image that blocks the goal, and the variation of the symbol may be stopped each time depending on the result of the penalty kick, or another image may be used. These images are appropriately selected by the CPU based on the progress status of the variable game and the result of the internal lottery process.

Next, the screen configuration information of the selected character image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S22).
That is, based on the execution result of the control program, the CP
The screen configuration information of the character image selected by U66 is generated in the RAM 70.

At this time, for example, 1/60 seconds or 1/3
By controlling the head position of the character image to shift by a predetermined movement amount at a constant interval (frame span) such as 0 seconds, it is possible to give a motion to the character image for display.

The character image does not always have to be displayed on the display device.

In the present invention, the character image is not particularly limited. For example, when an image showing a dojo is displayed as the background image as the background image, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a ally fighter, an enemy fighter, and the like can be cited.

Next, the screen configuration information of the variable symbol which is the identification information is generated in the RAM 70 by the CPU 66 based on the internal lottery processing result and the execution result of the control program (step S23).

The screen configuration information of the images which are the respective symbols constituting the variable symbol is, for example, 1/60 seconds or 1/60 by the CPU 66 based on the above-mentioned control program.
With a fixed interval cycle (frame span) such as 30 seconds, for images that are variable patterns having the same identification information, the start position of the screen configuration information is shifted by a predetermined movement amount, and each variable pattern is also changed. By controlling such images to be sequentially generated in a predetermined order, it is possible to perform variable display of variable symbols.

Further, since the changing speed of the changing pattern can be controlled by adjusting the frame span, the starting position of the reading of the screen configuration information, etc., it is possible to control the changing speed of the changing pattern according to the story developed in the background image. It is also possible to make the fluctuation of the fluctuation pattern smooth and to fuse the background image and the fluctuation pattern. It should be noted that the ROM 68 stores a plurality of image data having different shapes with respect to the same variable pattern, and reads out the data from the CPU 66 at any time to display the display device 3.
It is also possible to display such that the shape of the variable symbol changes with time when the variable symbol is being displayed or moved by transmitting the variable symbol to the variable symbol 2.

In the present invention, in this step, before starting the variable display of the variable symbol as the identification information image,
After displaying the plurality of identification information images on the display unit, the identification information image selected from the plurality of identification information is displayed as the first identification information image of the variable display in each identification information image group, and then the variable display is performed. As described above,
The screen configuration information of the variable symbol is generated.

Then, in steps 21 to 23, R
CPU based on the screen configuration information generated in AM70
The image data corresponding to the screen configuration information is read from the ROM 68 by the 66. After that, the image data is displayed on the display device 32 according to the information about the displayed priority order and the position in the screen configuration information, and then transmitted to the display device 32 and displayed (step S24).

The above-mentioned steps S21 to S24 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S27 which will be described later that all the symbols belonging to a plurality of groups are stopped and displayed. By repeatedly executing the process in this way, it is possible to variably display the symbols so as to scroll in a predetermined manner, and it is also possible to display the character image so as to perform a predetermined action. Before starting the variable display, after displaying a plurality of variable symbols on the display device 32, the variable symbol selected from the plurality of variable symbols is the first variable symbol of the variable display in each identification information image group. Is displayed as. The above-described variation symbol selection mode will be described in more detail later.

In step S25 described above, when it is determined that it is not time to stop and display the symbols, or when the process of step S26 is executed, it is determined whether or not all the symbols belonging to the plurality of groups have been stopped and displayed. (Step S27).

When it is determined that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of groups are not stopped and displayed, the process is step S21.
Return to. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the symbols are stopped and displayed, after all the variable symbols are stopped and displayed (step S28), this subroutine is immediately ended.

Next, an example of the effect image displayed in the effect image area and the story developed by the effect image by repeating steps S21 to S24 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. To do. It should be noted that the effect images shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 only show how the story is developed, and do not show how the variable symbols are enlarged or reduced.

First, when the variable display game processing routine described above is started, a state in which one fighter as a teammate character hits the gate of the dojo is displayed in the effect image area, and a variable symbol is displayed in the identification information image area. Is displayed in a stopped state (see FIG. 8A).

Next, the variable design is variably displayed, and the background image, the dojo, is displayed. Further, the ally fighter first plays against the first enemy fighter in the dojo (see FIG. 8B). .

Then, the ally fighter first combines with the first enemy fighter (see FIG. 8C), and then throws the first enemy fighter and wins (FIG. 8).
(See (d)).

Next, the ally fighter described above combines with the second enemy fighter (see FIG. 9 (a)), and then thrilledly throws the second enemy fighter, but the enemy fighter cannot be hit on the fold. Win and lose are drawn separately (see FIG. 9B). After that, the remaining one martial artist recognizes the strength of the ally fighter and shakes his hand (see FIG. 9C). After the fighting, both fighters hang on their shoulders, and then the variable symbol is stopped and displayed (see FIG. 9 (d)).

In the present invention, the effect image displayed in the effect image area is not limited to the example described above.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the story does not necessarily have to be developed by the effect image.

Next, regarding the example of the method for providing the game form of the game machine according to the present invention, the pachinko game machine 1 described above is used.
0 and the server machine S will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow in which gaming balls are paid out in accordance with accumulated stock data in the pachinko gaming apparatus.

First, the variable display game is started on the display device 32 by the above-described procedure, and the symbols as a plurality of identification information are changed and stopped (step S3).
0). Next, it is determined whether or not the plurality of symbols stopped on the display device 32 are a combination to which a jackpot as a special game is given (step S31). Here, the combination of big hits indicates a combination of symbols of the same type such as “444” and “222”.
Then, when the stopped combination of a plurality of symbols is a combination to which no jackpot is given, for example, a combination of “735” as shown in FIG. 9D, the next variable display game is started, while FIG. As shown in
When a plurality of symbols are stopped in the same kind of combination, a special game is given to the player (step S32). The special game is a big hit game in a general pachinko gaming device, and the special winning opening 40 is opened for a long time a plurality of times, for example, 16 times intermittently, and a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 40 during that time. Is to pay out game balls as winning balls. Next, it is determined whether or not the stopped symbols on the display device 32 are a special combination (step S33). Here, the special combination is, for example, "777" or "333" as shown in FIG.
Is a predetermined combination such as. When the stopped symbols are not a special combination, the server machine S
The stock data is transmitted to (step S34). As this stock data, originally, the number of game balls to be paid out when the jackpot is reached, that is, the number of game balls to be paid out when the player enters the 10-ball special winning opening 40 each time in opening the special winning opening 40 16 times. Number (eg 1600)
In order to stock 10% (160 pieces) of the above, the stock number data in which 160 game balls are stocked and the game content data regarding the game content are transmitted to the server machine S. In pachinko game machines, there are models of various different titles, and the effect images and pattern movements on the display device are completely different between different models,
Since the design of the game board is different, even if you play pachinko in the same pachinko hall, you feel as if they exist in different worlds. The above-mentioned game contents are necessary so that the model can be discriminated in this way. This stock data is sequentially received from each pachinko gaming device 10 in the server machine S communicatively connected to the plurality of pachinko gaming devices 10 installed in the pachinko hall, and is stored separately for each game content. Are temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 102. That is, stock data transmitted from pachinko gaming machines of the same model are individually stored and stored as stored stock data. Therefore,
In the server machine S, accumulated stock data is stored as if the game balls were stocked as 160 balls, 320 balls, 480 balls ...

Then, the above-mentioned normal special game (big hit game) is started (step S35), and the player throws a predetermined number of game balls into the special winning opening 40 to obtain a large number of game balls as winning balls. After the payout, the normal special game (big hit game) ends (step S36), and the variable display game is started again.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, when the stopped symbols are a special combination, the request data for requesting the server machine S to transmit the accumulated stock data stored in the temporary storage unit 102 until now. Is transmitted (step S37). In response to this, the server machine S transmits the above-mentioned accumulated stock data only to the pachinko gaming apparatus 10. Next, in the pachinko gaming apparatus 10, the stock data stored is received from the server machine S (step S3).
8), after temporarily storing in the RAM 70, the command data is transmitted from the CPU 66 to the display device 32,
A display for notifying the payout of game balls according to the accumulated stock data as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display device 32 (step S39). By displaying the notification in this way, even a beginner player who does not recognize a special combination of identification information can easily understand that many stocked prizes are offered. It becomes possible to increase the joy that the many stocked stocks mentioned above are offered. In addition, for such a notification display, the display device 3
It is stored together with other effect images in a storage unit or the like in a control circuit that controls 2. After that, game balls corresponding to the accumulated data are paid out (step S4).
0).

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 10 of the present embodiment, a part of the prizes paid out in the special game is stocked in the server machine, and a plurality of other pachinko game machines 10 performing the same game contents. Since it is possible to pay out the game balls as awards accumulated from, it is possible to obtain a lot of game balls that cannot be obtained with one pachinko gaming device, which is great for the player playing the game. It is possible to give a sense of expectation, and a feeling that has never existed before trying to get a game ball stocked from another pachinko game machine where the same game content is played in competition with another player who plays the same game. It becomes possible to play a game. Also, if the accumulated stock data accumulated from other pachinko gaming machines that are played under the same conditions in addition to the same game content is received, the payout rate of gaming balls, etc. at the pachinko hall as a game hall is managed. It is easy to play, and under fair conditions with other players, it is possible to play a game with a higher sense of competition. In addition, some of the prizes paid out in special games can be stocked, and game balls accumulated from other multiple pachinko gaming devices can be obtained in response to the special combination of symbols being stopped and displayed. Therefore, the player will play the game while paying attention to the variable display and the stop display of the symbols with a sense of expectation.

Next, a description will be given of a case where a warning is given to predict that the symbols are likely to be stopped and displayed in a special combination. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the warning notification. First, the variable display game is started, and the CPU 66 performs an internal lottery process (step S50). Then, as a result of the lottery, the display device 3
The plurality of symbols displayed in 2 determines whether or not to perform a sign of stopping with a special combination (step S51). If, as a result of the lottery, it is determined that no sign is to be made, the symbols on the display device 32 are started to change (step S55), and then a plurality of symbols are stopped changing in a predetermined combination (step S54). The process moves to step S31 shown. On the other hand, when it is determined that the sign is to be given as the lottery result, the variation of the symbol is started on the display device 32 (step S52), and then the
A plurality of symbols as shown in FIG. 4 are given a warning sign that the possibility of being stopped and displayed with a special combination (here, “777”) is high (step S53). In this way, by issuing a warning sign that predicts that multiple symbols may be stopped and displayed in a special combination,
It is possible to allow a player to play a game while giving the player a greater sense of expectation than the provision of a normal special game. Furthermore, after this warning is issued, a plurality of symbols stop changing and the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. When this warning is given, a plurality of symbols may be stopped and displayed in a special combination, but the symbols are not always stopped in a special combination. Further, the sign notification is not limited to being displayed as an image using the display device 32 described above, and various notifications such as sound notification using voice, music, sound effect, etc. using the speaker 46, optical notification using the decorative lamp 36, and the like. It is possible to use various notification modes. Further, the warning notification can be performed before the start of the fluctuation of the symbol.

In the present embodiment, the game balls corresponding to the accumulated data are only paid out, and the normal special game is not played. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the normal special game can be used in combination. Is also possible. In this case, the payout of the game balls according to the accumulated data is performed before and after the normal special game, during the normal special game is being performed, or in the normal special game. The game balls may be paid out according to the accumulated data by increasing the number of balls.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine is described as an example of the gaming machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to this and is applicable to a pachi-slot gaming machine, a slot machine in a casino, and the like. It is also applicable to a medal game device for paying out medals as

Further, in the present embodiment, the server machine is installed outside the pachinko hall, but it may be installed inside the same pachinko hall, or it may be connected to different amusement halls as different pachinko halls and communicate with each amusement hall. The connection may be possible.

Further, in the present embodiment, the game machine is a pachinko game machine installed in a pachinko hall, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be installed in another game hall, for example. The present invention is also applicable to a case where a terminal device such as a personal computer in each home is connected as a gaming machine so as to be communicable with a server machine. In this case, an internet line or a dedicated line can be used.

[0088]

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain many prizes that cannot be obtained with one gaming machine, and it is possible to give a great sense of expectation to a player who plays a game. , It is possible to play a game with an unprecedented sense of trying to obtain a prize stocked from another game machine in which the same game content is played in competition with another player who plays the same game.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a gaming machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing a game board 14.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a communication connection state between the pachinko gaming machine and the server machine of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the server machine in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a general game flow using the pachinko game device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a general game flow using the pachinko game device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining effect images and symbols displayed on the display device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining effect images and symbols displayed on the display device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow in which gaming balls are paid out in accordance with accumulated stock data in a pachinko gaming device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display device when a plurality of symbols are stopped by a special combination in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display device for displaying in advance the payout of game balls according to the accumulated stock data in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a flow of warning sign notification in the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display device that gives a warning sign that a plurality of symbols are likely to be stopped and displayed in a special combination in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

A transmitter B receiver S server machine 10 Pachinko gaming device 32 display 66 CPU (control unit)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine that transmits and receives electronic data to and from a server machine that can communicate with a plurality of gaming machines in which different game contents are played, and a plurality of pieces of identification information can be variably displayed or stopped. A display unit, a control unit that allows a special game to be given in response to the identification information being stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination on the display unit, and a control that pays out a prize in the special game, A storage unit that receives stock from a plurality of game machines in which the same game content is played in the server machine and a transmitter that transmits stock data that stocks some of the prizes paid out in a special game to the server machine. And a receiving unit for receiving data from the server machine, wherein the control unit controls payout of prizes according to the received stock data. Machine. 2. The control unit sends request data for requesting transmission of the accumulated stock data in response to the identification information being stopped and displayed on the display unit in a special combination of predetermined combinations. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is controlled to be transmitted to the server machine via a transmitter. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to notify in advance that a prize according to the accumulated stock data will be paid out. . 4. The control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit performs control so as to perform a warning sign for warning that the identification information may be stopped and displayed in a special combination. Gaming machine described in. 5. A method of providing a game form using a game machine, which transmits and receives electronic data to and from a server machine capable of communicating with a plurality of game machines in which different game contents are played, the display section displaying a plurality of identification information. In the step of displaying variable or stopped, a step of giving a special game in response to the identification information being stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination on the display unit, and a predetermined combination of the stopped and displayed identification information Is a special combination or another combination, and a prize paid out in the special game when the predetermined combination of the stop-displayed identification information is a combination other than the special combination A step of transmitting stock data in which a part of the stock information is stocked to the server machine, A step of transmitting to the server machine request data requesting transmission of accumulated stock data received from a plurality of game machines in which the same game content is played in the server machine when the predetermined combination is a special combination; , A step of receiving from the server machine accumulated stock data received and accumulated from a plurality of gaming machines in which the same game contents are played in the server machine, and a step of paying out an award according to the accumulated stock data. A method for providing a game form of a game machine, comprising: 6. The game mode of the gaming machine according to claim 5, further comprising a step of performing a warning sign for warning that the identification information is likely to be stopped and displayed in a special combination. How to provide. 7. The game mode of the gaming machine according to claim 5, further comprising a step of causing the display unit to notify in advance that a prize corresponding to the accumulated stock data will be paid out. How to provide.