Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine in which variable means are suitably configured for the purpose of preventing troubles between players. [Solution] A gaming machine that can be controlled to be in an advantageous state for the player, comprising: a variable means that can change between a first state in which the game medium can easily enter and a second state in which the game medium is more difficult to enter than in the first state; a control means that can be controlled to a specific state when specific conditions are met; and an operating means that can be operated by the player, wherein in the specific state, a corresponding display corresponding to the specific state can be displayed, the launching means can not launch the game medium, the variable means can change from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state, and the control means can terminate the specific state based on the operation of the operating means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine in which variable means is preferably configured.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there have been gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines that include variable winning means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a conventional gaming machine such as the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, when a player interrupts the game and temporarily leaves the seat, the gaming machine often does not stop the game (control that prohibits firing). In such a case, the game arcade tries to cope by installing a leaving ticket or the like on the corresponding gaming machine so that other players can understand. However, there have also been cases where another player removes the leaving ticket and starts playing on the gaming machine while the player is away, resulting in trouble between players.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above actual situation, and provides a gaming machine in which variable means is preferably configured for the purpose of preventing trouble between players.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big win, etc.) advantageous to the player, display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 5, etc.), A launching means (e.g., a launching device, etc.) capable of launching a game medium, A variable means (for example, the special feature 2 starting prize entry opening 7, the large prize entry opening 8, etc.) that can change between a first state in which the game medium can easily enter (for example, the open state, etc.) and a second state in which the game medium is less likely to enter than in the first state, A control means that can control the system to a specific state (e.g., temporarily away from the seat) upon the fulfillment of specific conditions (e.g., password setting by the player), Miscellaneous It includes a means of operation (for example, a directional button 10, etc.), In the aforementioned specific state, The display means is capable of displaying a corresponding display (for example, a display indicating temporary absence) that corresponds to the specific state. The launching means becomes unable to launch the game medium (for example, it becomes impossible to launch when the player is temporarily away from their seat), The variable means is capable of changing from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state (for example, repeatedly opening and closing the large prize opening 8 when the player is temporarily away from their seat), When a game medium enters the variable means, control is performed to prevent the assignment of game value. The control means can terminate the specific state based on the operation of the operating means (for example, the control of the temporarily away state is terminated by entering a set password, etc.) It is characterized by the following:

[0007] In conventional pachinko machines, when a player temporarily leaves their seat, the game often does not stop (prevents ball release). In such cases, the arcade (hall) provides a "seat away" sign or similar item and places it on the machine. For example, if the player places the sign on the machine, it informs other players that the player is away, thus preventing problems. However, other players can remove the sign and start playing on the machine while the original player is away. To prevent this, for example, players can set a password to temporarily put the machine into a "seat away" state.

[0008] In addition to displaying a message indicating that the player is temporarily away from their seat on the gaming machine's LCD display, restricting the launch of game balls would make it difficult for other players with malicious intent to start playing without permission, thus effectively preventing disputes between players.

[0009] (2) The specific condition may be established on the basis that a second operation different from the first operation (for example, an operation to enter a password using the directional buttons 10) is performed while the first operation is being continued (for example, an operation to press and hold the push button 9).

[0010] (3) Under the specified conditions, if a game medium enters the variable means, control may be performed so as not to grant game value (for example, control that does not grant prize balls even if a win occurs).

[0011] (4) The control means can terminate control to the specific state after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the control to the specific state if no operation is performed on the operating means.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention may have only the inventive features described in the claims of the present invention, or it may have the inventive features described in the claims of the present invention along with other features not described therein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a pachinko game machine. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the operation for setting up temporary absence from a pachinko game machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The features of the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be further described below. The gaming machine according to this embodiment is configured as, for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game can be played in which a game ball is launched, and when it enters the starting prize entry point, the symbols change, and when the jackpot symbols stop, a jackpot is won, the big prize entry point opens and the player receives a payout.

[0015] Pachinko gaming machines (gaming machines) are broadly composed of a game board (gauge board) that forms the game surface and a gaming machine frame (frame) that supports and fixes the game board. A game area is formed on the game board, and game balls, which serve as the game medium, are launched from a launching device and fired into this game area. The gaming machine frame is equipped with an opening and closing door frame with a glass window that can be rotated around the left side, and the game area can be opened and closed by the opening and closing door frame, and the game area can be viewed through the glass window when the opening and closing door frame is closed.

[0016] "Variable display" of special symbols refers to the display of multiple types of special symbols in a variable manner. Variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging / shrinking one or more symbols. In variations of special symbols or regular symbols, multiple types of special symbols or regular symbols are displayed in an updated manner. In variations of decorative symbols, multiple types of decorative symbols are displayed in a scrolling or updated manner, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged / shrinked. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is displayed as the display result (also called derivation or derivation display, etc.) (the same applies to variable displays of other symbols described later). Variable display is sometimes referred to as variation.

[0017] The special symbol that is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device is also referred to as the "First Special Figure", and the special symbol that is variably displayed on the second special symbol display device is also referred to as the "Second Special Figure". Also, the special figure game using the First Special Figure is referred to as the "First Special Figure Game", and the special figure game using the Second Special Figure is also referred to as the "Second Special Figure Game". There may be one type of special symbol display device that performs variable display of special symbols. The special symbols on the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device are composed of a plurality of lamps (LEDs). When the variable display stops, these plurality of lamps can be lit in a combination corresponding to the variable display result.

[0018] An image display device (liquid crystal display device) is provided near the center of the game area on the game board, and various effect images are displayed. For example, in synchronization with the First Special Figure Game or the Second Special Figure Game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative identification information different from the special symbols, such as decorative symbols (symbols indicating numbers, etc.), is displayed.

[0019] When the game ball launched into the game area passes through the passing gate, the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display device starts. In this normal symbol game, if a specific normal symbol (normal symbol winning symbol) stops and is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "Normal Symbol Win". On the other hand, as the determined normal symbol, if a normal symbol other than the normal symbol winning symbol (normal symbol losing symbol) stops and is displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "Normal Symbol Lose". When it becomes "Normal Symbol Win", the Special Figure 2 start winning opening becomes an open state.

[0020] When a game ball enters the Special Figure 1 start winning opening, the First Special Figure Game by the first special symbol display device starts. When a game ball enters the Special Figure 2 start winning opening, the Second Special Figure Game by the second special symbol display device starts.

[0021] In the special feature game, if a specific special symbol (a winning symbol, such as "7") stops and is displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it is considered a "jackpot." If a special symbol other than the winning symbol (a losing symbol, such as "-") stops and is displayed, it is considered a "miss." After the display result in the special feature game is a "jackpot," the game is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is an advantageous state for the player.

[0022] In a jackpot state, the large prize slot opens in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize slot reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9 balls), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the maximum period for which the large prize slot can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the maximum opening period. One cycle in which the large prize slot is open in this manner is called a round (round game). In a jackpot state, the round can be repeated until it reaches a predetermined maximum number of times (10 times, 3 times, etc.).

[0023] In a jackpot state, players can win prize balls by getting them into the jackpot slot. Therefore, a jackpot state is advantageous for the player. The more rounds there are in a jackpot state, and the longer the maximum opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

[0024] After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to either a time-saving state or a probability-increasing state, depending on the type of jackpot.

[0025] In pachinko games, various effects (such as those that inform the player of the game's progress or enhance the gameplay) are executed according to the progress of the game.

[0026] The configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be explained using Figure 1. The pachinko game machine 1 includes a game board 2, a game machine frame 3, a launch handle 4, etc. The game board 2 is detachably and replaceably mounted on the game machine frame 3, and multiple game pins are embedded on its surface. The game pins are embedded in a predetermined arrangement pattern in the path of the game ball launched by the player, that is, the area where the game ball rolls or falls on the board surface due to gravity (hereinafter referred to as the "game area"). During gameplay, the behavior of the game ball changes due to these game pins.

[0027] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device 5 is positioned approximately in the center of the game area. Furthermore, a special prize entry opening 6 is provided in the lower center of the game area. When a player shoots to the left, the game ball can enter the special prize entry opening 6. In addition, a large prize entry opening 8 is positioned upstream in the right side of the game area, and a special prize entry opening 7 is provided downstream of it. When a player shoots to the right, the game ball can enter both the large prize entry opening 8 and the special prize entry opening 7.

[0028] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start prize entry 6 or the special symbol 2 start prize entry 7, it is considered a "start prize". When a start prize is won, a random number lottery is performed by the CPU. Based on the lottery result, multiple symbols (for example, decorative symbols) are displayed variably on the liquid crystal display device 5. If the symbols stop on a predetermined combination (for example, three identical symbols), it is a jackpot. When a jackpot is won, the game transitions to a special game state, such as when the large prize entry 8 is opened.

[0029] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the game machine frame 3 holds the game board 2 and is fixedly attached to the island equipment installed in the game hall via the outer frame. The game machine frame 3 also has an openable and closable door on its front side, which includes a transparent plate. Players can see the game area through the transparent plate.

[0030] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the launch handle 4 has a launching device inside and is provided at the bottom of the game machine frame 3. By operating the launch handle 4, the player can launch game balls into the game area via the launching device. The player can also adjust the launching strength when launching game balls into the game area according to the amount the launch handle 4 is operated.

[0031] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 5 is positioned approximately in the center of the game area and is a device capable of displaying images. For example, the lottery results of special figure 1 or special figure 2 can be displayed by a variable display of decorative symbols. In addition to displaying as a variable display of decorative symbols, the liquid crystal display device 5 can also display various effects, and can display various menu screens and screens for temporary absence settings.

[0032] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the special feature 1 start prize entry point 6 is located at the lower center of the game area. When the player shoots to the left, it is possible to enter the special feature 1 start prize entry point 6. However, when the player shoots to the right, it is preferable that it is impossible or difficult to enter the special feature 1 start prize entry point 6. The special feature 1 start prize entry point 6 is the entry point that triggers the lottery for special feature 1. The special feature 1 start prize entry point 6 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the entrance for the game balls is always open. Also, the number of prize balls awarded (data) when a prize is won is not particularly limited, but it may be 1.

[0033] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the special symbol 2 start prize entry point 7 is located downstream of the right area of ​​the game area and downstream of the large prize entry point 8. When the player shoots to the right, it is possible to enter the special symbol 2 start prize entry point 7. However, it is preferable that when the player shoots to the left, it is impossible or difficult to enter the special symbol 2 start prize entry point 7. The special symbol 2 start prize entry point 7 is a prize entry point that triggers the lottery for special symbol 2. The entrance to the special symbol 2 start prize entry point 7 can change between a closed state (difficult to enter or impossible to enter) and an open state (easy to enter or possible to enter). The opening is determined by the result of the normal symbol lottery, and its opening and closing may be driven by a solenoid. Furthermore, the number of prize balls awarded (data) when a prize is won is not particularly limited, but it may be 1.

[0034] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the large prize slot 8 is located on the upstream side of the right side of the game area. It is possible to win a prize when the player shoots to the right. It is preferable that it is not possible to win a prize when the player shoots to the left. The large prize slot 8 is a prize slot that is opened when a big win game state or a small win game state occurs. It is preferable that the switching between the closed state and the open state of the large prize slot 8 is performed by a solenoid. Furthermore, the number of prize balls awarded (data) when a prize is won is not particularly limited, but it may be 10 balls.

[0035] In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the push button 9 is positioned in a location where it can be operated by the player. The push button 9 is operated by the player, for example, when an operation effect occurs during variable display (for example, when an effect prompting the player to take action, such as "Press the button," is displayed on the display means), when the menu screen is displayed, when customizing the effect settings, when temporarily leaving the seat setting, etc.

[0036] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the directional buttons 10 are positioned in a location accessible to the player. The directional buttons 10 are operated by the player, for example, when customizing the game's effects, displaying the menu screen, or setting a temporary leave of absence. The directional buttons 10 allow for input in four directions and are suitable for selection operations and password entry.

[0037] Next, using Figure 2, the temporary absence setting in the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. Temporary absence is a setting that players can arbitrarily configure, and is intended for short periods of absence, such as cigarette breaks or toilet breaks, rather than long periods of 30 minutes or more, such as meal breaks.

[0038] The specific operation flow for setting the temporary absence setting in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but for example, it is as follows. When the player presses the push button 9 while the special symbol is not being displayed (when neither a big win nor a small win has occurred), a menu screen is displayed. Next, the player selects the temporary absence setting from the items displayed on the menu screen by operating the directional buttons 10 and the push button 9, and the temporary absence setting screen shown in Figure 2 is displayed. In this state, the player can set the pachinko game machine 1 to the temporary absence state by operating the directional buttons 10 to enter one or more characters of a password (the maximum number of characters is not particularly limited, but for example, four characters), and then confirming the password with the push button 9.

[0039] The player can enter a password using, for example, the directional buttons 10. When the player presses the up key on the directional buttons 10, various characters are displayed. For example, the display switches between the alphabet A-Z, followed by the numbers 0-9, and pressing the down key switches in the reverse order. When the desired character is displayed, the player presses the right key, and the cursor (flashing display) moves to the next digit (right). This confirms the desired character in the current digit, and the player moves on to inputting the next digit. By repeating the same operation, the desired password can be created. Pressing the left key returns the cursor to the previous digit (left), allowing the player to re-enter a character that was previously confirmed. Once all inputs are complete, the player presses the push button 9 to confirm the password, and the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is set to a temporarily away state. The entered password is then cleared. At this point, the player leaves their seat.

[0040] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the operation for setting the temporarily away state is not limited to selecting a menu and entering a password as described above. For example, the temporarily away state may be set by pressing and holding the push button 9 (long press) while entering a password with the directional buttons 10, and finally releasing the push button 9. This simplifies multiple steps such as selecting a menu screen and entering a password, and also helps prevent erroneous operations caused by operating two control units (push button and directional buttons) simultaneously.

[0041] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the player is set to a state of temporary absence, the launch of balls stops. Furthermore, the large prize slot 8 and the special feature 2 start prize slot 7 may be configured to open and close simultaneously and repeatedly. Such opening and closing operations are not limited to a configuration in which the large prize slot 8 and the special feature 2 start prize slot 7 are opened and closed simultaneously; the opening and closing timings of the two may be staggered. Furthermore, a configuration in which only one of them is opened and closed, rather than both, may be used. In addition to the purpose of checking the operation of the component parts, the opening and closing operations of the large prize slot 8 and the special feature 2 start prize slot 7 also serve to clearly inform third parties, such as store staff or other customers who are about to sit down, that the player is temporarily absent. If a game ball remaining on the game board enters one of these prize slots during the opening and closing operation, the system is controlled so that no prize balls (data) are awarded.

[0042] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the player is set to the "temporarily away from seat" state, the liquid crystal display device 5 may display an indication that the player is temporarily away from seat (for example, "Temporarily away from seat"). Alternatively, a time display (for example, a count-up display of the elapsed time since the setting) may also be displayed. The time display is not limited to a count-up method, but may also be a count-down method. If a count-down method is used, it is also possible to display the maximum time the player can be away from seat. A maximum time of about 10 minutes is desirable for the player to be away from seat.

[0043] In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when a player returns to their seat and wishes to resume playing, they can resume playing in the following manner. First, the player enters the password they set. For example, pressing push button 9 displays a password input screen, allowing the player to enter the password they set before leaving their seat. Once the player enters the correct password, the temporary absence state is canceled. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, once the temporary absence state is canceled, the display indicating that the player is temporarily away from their seat (for example, "Temporarily absent") and the password input screen are no longer displayed, and the machine becomes playable. The game balls can then be launched, and the opening and closing operations of the large prize slot 8 and the special feature 2 start prize slot 7 are also completed.

[0044] Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, if the player does not return and does not enter a password, the temporary absence state may be automatically canceled after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). It is also conceivable that the player may forget their password and be unable to cancel the temporary absence state. In such cases, the game hall may set a management password in advance, and the state may be canceled by entering the management password. Note that if a management password is set in advance, the temporary absence state can be canceled regardless of the elapsed time, and the game can be resumed.

[0045] In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the operation to set the temporarily away state is not limited to a stepwise operation using both the push button 9 and the directional buttons 10 (for example, calling up a menu with the push button 9 and entering a password with the directional buttons 10). Alternatively, the configuration may allow the temporarily away state to be set by operating only one of them. Similarly, the release operation is not limited to a stepwise operation using both the push button 9 and the directional buttons 10, but may also be configured to allow the release by operating only one of them.

[0046] In the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, control is performed by the CPU (control means). For example, the CPU also performs launch control (driving and stopping the launch solenoid), detection of each prize entry such as the start prize entry, lottery processing for each symbol, drive control of variable prize entry means such as the large prize entry 8, control of the liquid crystal display device 5, sound effect device, light-emitting device, input of push buttons 9 and cross buttons 10, and control related to temporary absence from the seat.

[0047] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, "granting gaming value" means, for example, granting a jackpot, or granting a state (value) that is advantageous to the player, such as granting a high probability state, granting a high base state that increases the frequency of winning into the starting prize slot, or granting prize balls (payouts). "Gaming value" can also be rephrased as "advantageous value." "Expected value" refers to the proportion (probability) that the relevant item (granting gaming value, etc.) will be executed after the event (performance) in question is executed. "Expected value" can also be rephrased as "reliability."

[0048] While the present invention has been illustrated with an example of application to pachinko machines, it is not limited to this and can also be applied to slot machines.

[0049] Furthermore, this invention is applicable not only to conventional pachinko machines that use game balls for gameplay, but also to smart pachinko machines that enclose game balls internally and manage the number of balls (game value) using data. In addition, it is applicable not only to conventional slot machines that use game tokens for gameplay, but also to smart pachislo machines that do not use game tokens and manage the number of tokens (game value) using data. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1 Pachinko game machine 2 Game boards 3. Frame for gaming machines 4. Launch handle 5 LCD display device 6 Special Feature 1 Starting Prize Entry Point 7 Special Feature 2 Starting Prize Entry Point 8 Major Prize Winning Entries 9 Push buttons 10. D-pad

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine that can be controlled to create a favorable state for the player, Display means and A launching means capable of launching a game medium, A variable means capable of changing between a first state in which the game medium can easily enter and a second state in which the game medium is more difficult to enter than in the first state, A control means capable of controlling to a specific state when specific conditions are met, Equipped with an operating means, In the aforementioned specific state, The display means is capable of displaying a corresponding display corresponding to the specific state, The launching means becomes unable to launch the game medium, The variable means is capable of changing from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state. When a game medium enters the variable means, control is performed to prevent the assignment of game value. The control means is capable of terminating the specific state based on the operation of the operating means. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images