JP2002018011A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for enhancing interest in a game by changing a renewal mode of display patterns. SOLUTION: In a snow country tunnel reach pattern in a special pattern game performed by a variation in the left, middle and right three display patterns, a shutter 75 is displayed on a special pattern display device 6, and after shielding the whole display patterns 71 to 73 and a tunnel 74 by closing the shutter 75, the shutter 75 is partially opened, and the middle pattern 73 is renewed to and displayed as a pattern '4'. Next, the shutter 75 is wholly opened, and the left pattern 71 and the right pattern 72 are renewed to the pattern '4' in the same as the middle pattern 73. Thus, a game player can recognize to have obtained a big hit is made.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine,
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a variable display function of variably displaying predetermined identification information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines,
Liquid crystal display (hereinafter, LCD: LiquidCrystal Displa)
y), etc., so-called variable display, in which predetermined identification information (hereinafter referred to as a display symbol) is updated and displayed on a display device to perform a variable display, and whether or not a predetermined game value is provided is determined based on the display result. Many games are provided with enhanced entertainment interests.

In the variable display game, a game performed by using the above-described display device as a special symbol display device (hereinafter, a special symbol game), and a special symbol display device which is also used as a special symbol display device or another display device is used. There is a game to be performed by using the game (hereinafter, a general-purpose game). Both the special figure game and the ordinary figure game perform update display of the display symbol in accordance with the detection of the game ball passing through the predetermined area, and the stop symbol mode when the update display of the display symbol is completely stopped is the specific display mode. This is a game in which the case of "winning" is determined.

When a "win" (hereinafter, "big hit") occurs in a special figure game, a special winning combination or a special electric auditorium called an attacker is opened, and a state in which a game ball is extremely easy to win for a player is set. Provide continuously for a certain period of time. Here, a special gaming state is a state in which a special jackpot is opened in the special figure game and the special electric auditory product is opened, so that the player can easily win a game ball.

[0005] In order to enter the special game state, normally, the stop symbol mode of the display symbol displayed on the special symbol display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (generally, the display symbol is the same symbol). Alignment) is a condition. On the other hand, when a "win" (hereinafter, "small hit") occurs in the ordinary figure game, an electric tulip-type accessory or a normal electric accessory called a mini-attacker is opened, so that a player can easily win a game ball. For a certain period of time.

[0006]

As described above, in the special figure game and the ordinary figure game, the player is most interested in whether or not the stop symbol mode is a specific display mode and "hit". Will be. In particular, the number of acquired prize balls in the special figure game is so large as to be incomparable to the case of the ordinary figure game, so that until the stop symbol mode that can determine whether or not it is a "big hit" is determined. There are those that perform various effect controls to enhance the game entertainment.

[0007] In addition to the pachinko gaming machines, not only in pachinko gaming machines such as slot machines equipped with LCDs, but also in the process of establishing a flag that enables the acquisition of a "bonus game" equivalent to a "big hit" in pachinko gaming machines. ,
There is one that performs effect control similar to that of a pachinko game machine using an LCD. In a gaming machine that performs such an effect control, in the effect control, an effect with a higher visual effect is required in order to maintain as much as possible the expectation that the "big hit" or "bonus game" flag is established. ing.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that enhances amusement of a game by devising an updated display mode of a display symbol.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention provides an image display device (for example, a special symbol) when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied. A variable display control unit (for example, a game control unit) that performs variable display by updating the identification information displayed on the display device 6) and stops variable display by stopping update display after a predetermined time has elapsed. 200, a display control unit 400) and a lottery unit (for example, a game control unit 200) for performing a lottery for determining a process and a result of the variable display by the variable display control unit. And the variable display control means,
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, the other identification information is updated in response to the update of the identification information that is finally stopped on the image display device. That is, the other identification information is updated in response to the update of the identification information that is finally stopped on the image display device.

[0010] It is preferable that the variable display control means changes the number of updates of the other identification information in accordance with the number of updates of the identification information stopped last on the image display device. Furthermore, the variable display control means may temporarily block the identification information and update the identification information. Further, it is preferable that the variable display control means updates all other identification information in response to the update of the identification information stopped last on the image display device. Further, the variable display control means may simultaneously update all other identification information.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a computer readable recording medium according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
When the predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, the variable information is displayed by updating and displaying the identification information displayed on the image display device (for example, the special symbol display device 6), and is updated after a predetermined time has elapsed. An image display device based on a variable display process of stopping the variable display by stopping the display, a lottery process of performing a lottery for determining a process and a result of the variable display by the variable display process, and a lottery result of the lottery process. A program for causing a computer to execute update processing for updating all other identification information in response to update of identification information that is stopped last is recorded thereon.

That is, by causing a computer device (hereinafter, including a video game device) to read a program contained in a recording medium and executing a series of processes,
The gaming machine of the present invention can be easily realized. That is, by adopting a form of a recording medium on which a program is recorded, production, sale, distribution, and the like can be easily performed as a software product independent of the device.
Further, by incorporating this software into hardware such as a computer device, the effect control technique of the present invention can be easily implemented.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the effect control method according to the third aspect of the present invention provides an effect control method on an image display device (for example, a special symbol display device 6) when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied. A variable display procedure in which the variable information is displayed by updating the identification information displayed in the variable display, and the variable display is stopped by stopping the update display after a predetermined time has elapsed, and a process and a result of the variable display in the variable display procedure. A lottery procedure for performing a lottery for determining a game, and an update that updates all other identification information in response to the update of the last identification information stopped on the image display device based on the lottery result in the lottery procedure. Procedure and includes.

That is, by causing a computer device or the like to execute the procedure according to the above method, the same effect as that of the gaming machine of the present invention can be obtained. That is, by realizing the above-described processing procedure using hardware such as a computer device, the variable display technique of the present invention can be easily implemented on the hardware.

[0015] Also, a program or data for causing a computer device or the like to execute the procedure according to the above method is encoded and transmitted as a program code signal superimposed on a carrier, and a program code signal superimposed on the carrier is received. Then, the effect control technology of the present invention can be easily implemented by decoding the original program or data and causing the computer device or the like to execute the program.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the reach effect display refers to a display symbol other than the display symbol that is the final stop symbol, for example, stopped, rocked, enlarged or reduced or deformed in a state in which it matches the specific display mode that is a big hit. State, that is, a state in which the update display is continuously stopped within a predetermined area for a certain period of time (hereinafter, these states are temporarily stopped), or a state in which the display positions of the display symbols are switched, or This refers to an effect display in which the possibility that the display result becomes a specific display mode is apparently increased before the final result is displayed, such as a state in which a plurality of display symbols are updating and displaying in synchronization.

The gaming machine in this embodiment is an LCD
As an example of a gaming machine that performs a special figure game using a special symbol display device including a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type 1 pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card, The gaming machine is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine such as a slot machine equipped with an LCD.

In addition, even if it is a ball-and-ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, if it has an image display device, for example,
Pachinko gaming machines classified as Type 2 or Type 3,
A general electric machine or a ball game machine with a probability setting function called a pachicon may be used. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine (CR machine) that lends a ball with a prepaid card, but also to a pachinko gaming machine (cash machine) that lends a ball with cash. That is, any game machine having a special symbol display device such as an LCD and capable of performing an effect display corresponding to a special figure game may be used.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 10 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 30 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 10.
The game board 10 has a substantially circular game area 13 surrounded by a guide rail including an inner rail 11 and an outer rail 12.

At a substantially central position of the game area 13, a special symbol display device 6 as an image display device is arranged.
The special figure game played on the special symbol display device 6 enhances the gaming interest in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The special symbol display device 6 is configured by an active matrix type LCD using a TFT (Thin Film Transistor).
Along with the special figure game, a background image, a character image, a special design, and the like are displayed.

As the special symbols of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment, twelve display symbols of "0" to "9", "Pu" indicating an ordinary train, and "Toku" indicating an express train are prepared. Have been. In addition, in the display area of the special symbol display device 6, there are "special symbol left symbol", "special symbol middle symbol",
Three special symbol display areas 6a, 6b, and 6c for displaying a "special symbol right symbol" are provided. The special symbol display device 6 is not limited to the LCD in this embodiment, but may be a CRT display device, an FED (Field Emission Displa
y), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), EL (Electro
Luminescence), a fluorescent display tube, or a display device using an LED.

At the lower position of the special symbol display device 6, a special symbol starting port (start chucker) 5 also serving as an electric tulip type accessory (ordinary electric accessory) 4 and a solenoid or the like are driven when a big hit occurs. A large winning opening (a first-class special electric accessory) 7 that performs an opening operation is arranged vertically. The special winning opening 7 performs an opening operation when a special figure game is played based on the timing of winning the special symbol starting opening 5 and a jackpot is won. This opening operation is continuously performed up to 15 times on condition that the game ball passes through the specific area 9 in the special winning opening 7. In the lower part of the special symbol display device 6, special symbol holding storage display sections 5a to 5d for displaying a storage state of winning in the special symbol starting port 5 are arranged.

The game machine frame 30 is roughly divided into a plastic front plate 31 and a front frame 32, and a wooden outer frame 33. An upper saucer unit 41 is attached to a lower position of the front plate 31.
Below, a lower tray unit 51 is attached. On the right side of the lower tray unit 51, a handle 56 for driving the firing motor 55 is provided. Further, stereo speakers 61L and 61R for reproducing and outputting a sound effect are provided at upper left and right positions of the front plate 31, respectively.
On the left side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a prepaid card unit 900 is arranged.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration centering on a game control unit. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a power supply unit (power supply board) 100.
And a game control unit (game control board) 200 and an input / output unit 3
00, a display control section (display control board) 400, a sound control section (sound control board) 500, a lamp control section (lamp control board) 600, and a payout control section (payout control board) 700.
And an information output unit (information terminal board) 800.

The game control unit 200 and other functional blocks, that is, the input / output unit 300, the display control unit 400, the sound control unit 500, the lamp control unit 600, and the payout control unit 70
0, and the information output unit 800 are connected by signal lines, respectively, and are configured to be able to exchange control commands and data including a variable display pattern command with the game control unit 200. . In the present invention, the functions of the variable display control unit and the lottery unit are mainly realized by the game control unit 200 and the display control unit 400.

The power supply unit 100 includes a fuse circuit 101,
And a power supply circuit 102. Fuse circuit 1
Reference numeral 01 denotes a protection circuit for preventing a current exceeding the rated current from flowing to the power supply circuit 102. Power supply circuit 102
Converts the alternating current supplied from the alternating current source 99 into a direct current and then converts the rectified voltage into a predetermined voltage.
Are supplied to each of the circuits. The AC current source 9
Numeral 9 is for converting a high-voltage alternating current obtained from a general commercial power supply into an alternating current of 24 volts and supplying it.

The game control section 200 is composed of various circuits provided in a game control board, and includes an initial reset circuit 201, a periodic reset circuit 202, and a game control MCU (Micro Control) called a security one chip.
ller Unit) 203 and an address decode circuit 204
, I / O port 205, switch input circuit 206
, A solenoid drive circuit 207, a special symbol display device circuit 208, an LED drive circuit 209, and a sound signal circuit 21.
0, a ramp signal circuit 211, a winning data signal input circuit 212, a winning ball number signal output circuit 213, and an information output circuit 214.

The game control unit 200 has a function of generating uniform random numbers used in the special figure game and the general figure game, and a display control unit 4.
00, a function of outputting a fluctuation command, a function of displaying blinking of a lamp and an LED, a management device of a pachinko hall (amusement shop),
A function to output various information such as the number of effective start of special figure game, occurrence of big hit in special figure game, number of rounds at the time of big hit, probability fluctuation or time reduction operation, irregularity due to winning, irregularity due to disconnection of connector, etc. have.

The initial reset circuit 201 outputs an initial reset signal for resetting the game control MCU 203 via a signal line 251 when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on. The periodic reset circuit 202 generates a periodic reset signal about every 2 milliseconds by dividing the frequency of the reference clock signal output from the internal clock oscillator, and as a timer interrupt signal, the game control MCU 203 via the signal line 252. Is output to CPU 22
1 executes the game control program again from the beginning each time the periodic reset signal is input.

The game control MCU 203 has an 8-bit CP.
U (Central Processing Unit) 221 as the core
ROM (Read Only Memory) 222 and RAM (Random
This is a so-called single-chip microcomputer in which the Access Memory (223) is integrated into one chip, and forms a control center in the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The game control MCU 203 has a ROM 222
RAM 2 according to the program processing procedure read from
While writing or reading data from / to 23 as needed, various program processes are executed in units of one sequence.

The address decode circuit 204 receives and decodes an address signal output from the game control MCU 203 via a signal line 253. As a result of decoding,
The control target of the game control MCU 203 is the game control MC
ROM 222 and RAM 223 included in U203,
Alternatively, a signal for selecting one of the I / O ports 205 is transmitted to the game control M via the signal line 254.
This is output to the CU 203.

The I / O port 205 is a game control MCU.
It is an interface for various input / output signals handled by 203, and outputs a control signal input through a signal line 255 to the outside, and outputs various signals input from the outside
The signal is output to the game control MCU 203 via the signal line 255.

The switch input circuit 206 includes a signal line 256
After the input signal output from the input switch group via the input terminal is shaped as a pulse wave through a low-pass filter or the like, the signal is amplified by a buffer gate or the like, and the signal line 25
7 to the I / O port 205.
Solenoid drive circuit 207 provides I via signal line 258
Based on a control signal output from the / O port 205,
A drive control signal (excitation signal) is output to a group of output solenoids via a signal line 259.

The special symbol display device circuit 208 is connected to the signal line 2
Based on a control signal output from the I / O port 205 via the control line 60, the display control unit 400 via the signal line 261.
And outputs a command from the game control MCU 203 and a display timing signal. The LED drive circuit 209 is connected to the I / O port 20 via signal lines 262, 264, 266.
Based on an input signal input from the control unit 5, a control signal for controlling the blinking operation of the special figure reserved storage display units 5 a to 5 d is output via the signal line 263. Further, it outputs a control signal for driving the ordinary symbol display device 3 via the signal line 265. Furthermore, the general-purpose hold storage display unit 2a is connected via the signal line 267.
2d is outputted as a control signal for controlling the blinking operation.

The sound signal circuit 210 sends a sound signal from the game control MCU 203 to the sound control unit 500 via a signal line 269 based on a control signal output from the I / O port 205 via a signal line 268. Is output. The ramp signal circuit 211 is connected to the I / O port 20 via a signal line 270.
5 outputs a lamp control command or the like to the lamp control unit 600 via the signal line 271 based on the control signal output from the control signal 5.

The winning data signal input circuit 212 outputs a winning data signal output from the payout control unit 700 via the signal line 272 to the game control MCU 203 via the signal line 273 and the I / O port 205. The prize ball number signal output circuit 213 outputs the signal line 27 based on the control signal output from the I / O port 205 via the signal line 274.
5 to the payout control unit 700 to output a prize ball number signal. That is, in response to the winning data signal from the payout control unit 700, the payout control unit 700 is provided with a prize ball number signal.

The information output circuit 214 is based on a control signal output from the I / O port 205 via the signal line 276, and has jackpot information indicating that a jackpot is occurring, and probability variation information indicating that the jackpot is in a probability variation state. , Special symbol determination information indicating the determination of a special symbol in the special figure game, effective starting ball information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting the special figure game, normal symbol determination indicating the determination of a normal symbol in the general figure game Information and the like are transmitted to the information output unit 80 via the signal line 277.
Output to 0.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration in the display control unit. The display control unit 400 includes various circuits provided in a display control board, and performs display control for image processing in a special figure game independently of the game control unit 200. Display control unit 400
Displays on the special symbol display device 6 an image used for the special symbol game based on a display data signal output from the special symbol display device circuit 208 via the signal line 261. Therefore, the display control unit 400 includes an oscillation circuit 401, a reset circuit 402, a display control MCU 403, and a control R
The OM 404, the I / O port 405, and a video display processor (hereinafter, VDP: Video Display Processes)
ser) 406, character ROM 407, VRAM
(Video RAM) 408 and an LCD drive circuit 409.

The oscillation circuit 401 outputs a reference clock signal to the display control MCU 403 via the signal line 451, and the reset circuit 402 resets the display control MCU 403 via the signal line 452. It outputs a signal. Display control MCU40
3 is a display control MCU 403 is a 64-bit CPU 4
21 and a work RAM 422 as a core.

The CPU 421 is a special symbol display device circuit 2
When command data is input from the signal line 08 via the signal line 261, the control signal R is transmitted via the signal line 482 while using the work RAM 422 as a work area via the signal line 481.
The control data for display control is read from the OM 404. Further, the CPU 421 outputs a control signal to the VDP 406 via the signal line 454 based on the read control data.

The control ROM 404 includes a display control MCU 4
This is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs and the like used by the CPU 03. The I / O port 405 is an interface for transferring an input signal from the game control unit 200 to the display control MCU 403. VDP406
Has a function for displaying a screen and a high-speed drawing function, and operates in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 421. In addition, it has a two-dimensional address space independent of the CPU 421, and the VRAM 408 is mapped therein.

The VDP 406 transmits a character ROM 407 via a signal line 483 based on the input control signal.
From the character image data. Then, display image data is generated using the read character image data, and the image data is transmitted to the VRA via the signal line 484.
It is stored in M408. The image data stored in the VRAM 408 is finally read by the VDP 406.
The VDP 406 is connected to the VRA via the signal line 484.
The image data read from M408 is output to LCD drive circuit 409 via signal line 455.

The character ROM 407 stores character image data that is frequently used among images displayed on the special symbol display device 6, for example, persons, animals, characters, figures or symbols. VRAM
Reference numeral 408 denotes a frame buffer memory for storing image data generated by the VDP 406. LCD
The driving circuit 409 is connected to the VDP 406 via the signal line 455.
Is converted into a video signal composed of a color signal and a synchronization signal, and is output to the LCD constituting the special symbol display device 6 via the signal line 456.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration in the sound control unit. The sound control unit 500 includes various circuits provided in the sound control board, and mainly performs sound control for sound processing in the special figure game.

The sound control section 500 includes an oscillation circuit 501, a reset circuit 502, a sound control MCU 503, an I / O
Ports 504 and 505, a voice synthesis circuit 506, and a voice amplification circuit 507 are provided. The oscillation circuit 501
A reference clock signal is output to the MCU 503 for sound control via the signal line 551, and the reset circuit 502
Outputs a reset signal for resetting the sound control MCU 503 via the signal line 552.

The sound control MCU 503 has a CPU 521 as a core and a ROM 522 and a RAM 523. When command data is input from the sound signal circuit 210 via the signal line 269, the CPU 521 reads data for voice control from the ROM 522 via the signal line 581. Then, the RAM is connected via the signal line 582
While using 523 as a work area, a control signal corresponding to data read from the ROM 522 is transmitted to the signal line 554.
Through the I / O port 505.

The I / O port 504 is connected to the game control unit 200
Is an interface for passing an input signal from the MCU to the voice control MCU 503, and the I / O port 505 is
An interface for transferring an output signal from the voice control MCU 503 to the voice synthesis circuit 506. The voice synthesis circuit 506 controls the BGM (BackGr
The sound amplification circuit 507 amplifies the sound signal generated by the sound synthesis circuit 506, and outputs the stereo speakers 61L and 61R.
For output to

That is, the sound control unit 500 reproduces the sound used for the special figure game from the stereo speakers 61L and 61R based on the sound data signal output from the sound signal circuit 210 via the signal line 269.

Next, the operation (operation) of this embodiment will be described.

First, an outline of a game flow in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. Pachinko machine 1
By operating the handle 56 provided at the lower right position of the game ball, the game ball fired by the firing motor 55 is guided by the guide rail and fired into the game area 13 in the game board 10.

The game control section 200 monitors the presence or absence of an input of a normal symbol start switch, a special symbol start switch, a count switch, a specific area switch, etc. in the input / output section 300. When the game ball wins the special symbol starting port 5,
At the special symbol start switch, the winning of the game ball is detected, chattering of the detection signal is removed, the logic conversion is performed, and the input process is performed.

When a winning of a game ball is detected at the special symbol starting port 5, the number of the winning game balls for up to four is stored in the special symbol determination bank, and a random number at the time of winning is selected. The value is also temporarily stored in the special symbol determination bank. Then, the special symbol game is started in the special symbol display device 6 based on the prize memory of the game ball in the special symbol starting port 5, that is, the data stored in the special symbol determination bank.

Hereinafter, the processing contents in the game control section will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in the game control section. As described above, the game control MCU 203 according to the present embodiment normally uses the timer interrupt signal output from the
Fire every millisecond. That is, the game control unit 200
The following processing is performed for each timer interrupt using the timer interrupt method.

The game control unit 200 responds to a timer interrupt signal.
Is started, the game control unit 200 performs a so-called stack setting process of setting the stack pointer designated address in the stack pointer (step S101:
Simply referred to as S101). Next, the game control unit 200 checks flag information for system check. Here, as in the case of a program runaway or immediately after power-on, the RAM 22
If the content of No. 3 is indefinite and the flag information for system check is different from the normal operation determination value, RA
A system check process for clearing the work area in M223 is performed (S102).

Next, the game control section 200 performs information output processing for acquiring various flag information and the like in the special figure game and the general figure game, output of sound effects in the special figure game and the general figure game, and a ball rental CR unit. Time division processing is performed with sound output processing for outputting a buzzer sound when the connection is not made (S10).
3). Next, the state of the count switch is detected, and a count switch process corresponding to the detected state is performed (S10).
4).

Subsequently, the state of the specific area switch is detected, and a specific area switch process corresponding to the detected state is performed (S105). Next, the state of the special symbol start switch is detected, a special figure start switch process corresponding to the detected state is performed (S106), and a special symbol process process, which will be described in detail later, is executed (S107). Similarly, the state of the ordinary symbol start switch is detected, the ordinary symbol start switch process corresponding to the detected state is performed (S108), and the ordinary symbol process process, which will be described in detail later, is executed (S109).

Next, a random number R1 for special symbol determination, a random number R2 for ordinary symbol determination, a random number RT for jackpot symbol determination, and a random number RH for reach determination, which are random numbers for determination used in the special figure game and the ordinary figure game, are shown. A random number update process for updating random numbers is performed (S110). Subsequently, a display symbol random number update for updating each random number of the special symbol left random number RL, the special symbol middle random number RC, and the special symbol right random number RR, which are the display symbol random numbers used in the special symbol game and the ordinary symbol game. Processing is performed (S111).

Then, the game control unit 200 determines in the count switch that the game ball did not win during the opening time of the special winning opening 7 "unwinning error", or that the gaming ball is stuck in the special winning opening 7. It detects the presence or absence of an irregularity such as a "ball clogging error", determines whether or not an error has occurred, and performs error processing for generating a buzzer sound as necessary when an error occurs (S112).

The game control unit 200 inputs a detection signal from the input switch group via the switch input circuit 206, and determines whether or not each of the winning ports or the winning devices has won. Further, the game control unit 200 outputs audio data, a display control signal, a decorative lamp / LE for each output port.
D, an output process for transmitting commands such as an information signal, a solenoid drive signal, and a prize ball number signal is performed (S11).
3).

Thereafter, the game control unit 200 repeats the display symbol random number updating process for updating the display symbol determination random number and the judgment random number until a timer interrupt signal is given from the periodic reset circuit 202 (S114). It should be noted that what is updated here is a reach determination random number RH in addition to the display symbol determination random number, and these random numbers are not changed until a timer interrupt signal (for example, every 2 milliseconds) is input. Each one is added.

The random numbers used in this embodiment are a random number R1 for special symbol determination, a random number R2 for ordinary symbol determination, a random number RT for jackpot symbol determination, a random number RL for special symbol left, a random number RC for special symbol middle, and a random number for special symbol right. RR and reach number random number RH. By obtaining these random numbers, for example, at the timing of winning a game ball, the function as the lottery means in the present embodiment is realized. That is, the game control unit 200
, A variable display pattern command and a stop symbol command sent to the display control unit 500 are determined.

The special symbol determination random number R1 is a random variable for determining whether or not to make a big hit in the special figure game, and is in the range of “0” to “630” every reset interrupt (2 milliseconds). Is added one by one to "63
It is configured to return to “0” next to “0.” The random number RT for jackpot symbol determination is a random variable for determining the display symbol at the time of the jackpot, and is “0” to “1”.
Within the range of "1", the value is incremented by one for each timer interrupt (2 milliseconds), and returns to "0" after "11".

The special symbol left random number RL, the special symbol middle random number RC, and the special symbol right random number RR are used to determine a temporary stop symbol when a loss occurs in a special symbol game or when a re-variable display is performed. It is a random variable. The special symbol left random number RL, the special symbol middle random number RC, and the special symbol right random number RR are both added one by one within a range of “0” to “11”, and “0” is added after “11”. The configuration is as follows. However, the special symbol left random number RL is incremented by one every timer interrupt (2 milliseconds) and during the display symbol random number updating process shown in S114 of FIG. 5, and the special symbol random number RC is the special symbol left random number. Each time the RL increases from "11" to "0", and the special symbol right random number RR increases by one each time the special symbol in the random number RC increases from "11" to "0". I do.

The reach determination random number RH is an effect pattern at the time of the reach state (hereinafter, reach effect pattern).
Is a random variable for judging “0” to “29”.
9 ”range, every timer interrupt (2 milliseconds), and
During the display symbol random number update process shown in S114 of FIG. 5, one is added at a time, and the value returns to "0" after "299". The reach determination random number RH is extracted when the reach flag is set, and is used to select a reach pattern from “reach distribution table data” as shown in [Table 1].

[0067]

[Table 1]

As shown in Table 1, here, the pattern A
ＰP is set, and which reach pattern is selected by the value of the reach determination random number RH. For example, at the time of low probability, if the value of the reach determination random number RH is "38", the pattern A is selected if the special symbol determination random number R1 is lost, and the special symbol determination random number R1 is hit. In some cases, pattern C is selected. On the other hand, at high probability,
If the value of the reach determination random number RH is "168", the pattern A is used if the special symbol determination random number R1 is lost.
Is selected, but when the special symbol determination random number R1 is a hit, the pattern A, B, D, or F is not selected regardless of the value of the reach determination random number RH, and the jackpot is determined to be a premium. The reach pattern L is selected.

The special symbol has a plurality of variable display patterns. The game control unit 200 selects a variable display pattern to be used depending on the operation state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the display control unit 400 displays a predetermined variable display pattern. The designated fluctuation display pattern command is output. Accordingly, the display control unit 400 performs various effects control including the above-described reach effect patterns by performing display based on a preset variable display pattern.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the special symbol processing of FIG. In the special symbol process processing, the corresponding processing is selectively executed according to special figure flag information for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Then, the value of the special figure flag information is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. In the special symbol process process, the following processes are executed corresponding to the special figure flag information.

When the value of the special figure flag information is “0”, it is determined whether or not the random number value drawn in the special figure game matches the big hit value, or the special figure holding storage corresponding to the special symbol winning storage counter. A "special symbol normal process" in a normal game state such as a process of notifying the outside by lighting the display units 5a to 5d is executed (S201). When the value of the special figure flag information is "1", a "special symbol jackpot determination process" for determining whether or not the symbol stopped on the special symbol display device 6 has become a big hit mode (S202).

When the value of the special symbol flag information is "2", a "special symbol stop symbol setting process" for setting a stop symbol in the special symbol game performed on the special symbol display device 6 is executed (S203). When the value of the special figure flag information is “3”, “variable display pattern setting processing” for setting a variable display pattern of a symbol of a special figure game performed on the special symbol display device 6.
Is executed (S204).

When the value of the special figure flag information is "4", "special design change processing" for performing the change processing in the special figure game is executed on the special symbol display device 6 (S205). When the value of the special figure flag information is “5”, “special symbol stop processing” for executing a special symbol principle stop processing is executed (S20).
6).

When the value of the special figure flag information is "6", a "large winning opening pre-opening process" for performing an initialization process for the big hit operation is executed (S207). When the value of the special figure flag information is “7”, various processes relating to the jackpot operation and “the process of opening the special winning opening 7” for checking the opening time of the special winning opening 7 per time are executed (S208).

When the value of the special figure flag information is "8", the "specific area effective time process" for monitoring the passing of the game ball to the specific area switch and determining whether or not the special symbol process is completed is executed. (S209). When the value of the special figure flag information is “9”, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process has been completed. If the special symbol process has been completed, the demonstration display (big hit screen) flag is cleared, the big hit display pattern is cleared, and the big hit end display is performed. A "big hit end process" for clearing and clearing the big hit information is executed (S210).

The processes executed in the special symbol process are not limited to the above-described processes, but may be replaced with other processes or other processes may be added. Further, when the processing content of each processing branched depending on the value of the special figure flag information becomes complicated and the processing cannot be completed within the reset interruption time, a plurality of the same processings may be added.

In the special symbol game, when the game ball passes through the special symbol starting port 5, a special symbol jackpot or a loss is determined based on the value of the special symbol determination random number R1. As a result of the determination, when the jackpot is won, the special symbol display device 6 displays a combination of special symbols corresponding to the value of the random number RT for jackpot symbol determination on the special symbol display device 6. On the other hand, when a loss occurs, a special symbol corresponding to the value of the special symbol left random number RL, the special symbol middle random number RC, and the special symbol right random number RR is displayed.

Hereinafter, based on the variable display pattern command sent from the game control unit 200 as described above,
The processing in the case where the CPU 421 of the display control unit 400 executes the program and performs the reach effect with the symbols that fluctuate on the special symbol display device 6 will be described. Here, three patterns A to C will be described. The CPU 421 of the display control unit 400 does not necessarily need to execute the program according to the following flowchart as long as an apparently similar image is displayed on the special symbol display device 6. Each pattern will be described assuming that the processing shown in each flowchart is performed.

(1) Normal Variation Pattern FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example on the special symbol display device 6 in a normal variation pattern. In this example, the display styles of the special symbol display areas 6a, 6b, 6c at the start of the variable display (the end of the previous variable display) are “1,” “2,” and “3,” respectively. It is assumed that the final display mode is a loss mode of “3”, “6”, and “8”.

First, “1” as shown in FIG.
When changing the display symbol from the stopped state of the display mode of “2” or “3”, as shown in FIG. 7B, a special symbol left symbol (hereinafter, left symbol) and a special symbol middle symbol (hereinafter, symbol) , A middle symbol) and a special symbol right symbol (hereinafter, right symbol) are scrolled from top to bottom. After a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the scroll display of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol, the scroll display speed of the left symbol is reduced, and FIG.
As shown in (c), temporary stop at symbol "3".

Next, similarly, the scroll display speed of the right symbol is reduced, and as shown in FIG.
To temporarily stop. Then, the scroll display speed of the middle symbol is reduced, and as shown in FIG. 7E, the symbol is stopped at symbol "6", and the left symbol and the right symbol are completely stopped. As a result, the player is notified that the special map game has been lost.

(2) Pattern A (Normal Reach Pattern) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a display process of a normal reach pattern. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example on the special symbol display device 6 in a normal reach pattern. In this example, the display modes of the special symbol display areas 6a, 6b, 6c at the start of the variable display are "1", "2", "3", and the final display mode after the variable display is "3". It is assumed that loss modes of “9” and “3” are obtained. Also in this case, "1" as shown in FIG.
The variable display is started from the stopped state of the display modes of "2" and "3", and the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are sequentially scroll-displayed as shown in FIG. 9B.

After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the scroll display of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol, the scroll display speed of the left symbol is reduced by the same procedure as in the case of the normal losing variation pattern. As shown in c), temporary stop at symbol "3". Next, the scroll display speed of the right symbol is reduced, and as shown in FIG.
To temporarily stop. In this way, the left symbol and the right symbol are temporarily stopped at the same type of display symbol, and the state is reached.

Next, the scroll display speed of the middle symbol is reduced (S601), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined effect time has elapsed (S602). If the predetermined effect time has not elapsed (S602; No), the process returns to S602, and it is determined again whether the predetermined effect time has elapsed.

When the predetermined production time has elapsed (S60
2; Yes), the middle symbol is replaced with the display symbol three symbols before the finally stopped display symbol from the display symbol that is currently performing the variable display (S603). Subsequently, the scroll display speed of the middle symbol is reduced again (S604), and FIG.
As shown in (e), the pattern is temporarily stopped at symbol "9" (S6).
05). Then, after a lapse of a certain period, the display symbol is completely stopped as shown in FIG. 9F (S606).
As a result, although the game has reached the reach state, the player is notified that the special map game has been determined to be lost.

(3) Pattern B (Tunnel Reach Pattern) The tunnel reach pattern is switched to a tunnel screen viewed from a train (not shown) on the special symbol display device 6 after the reach state is reached. This is a reach pattern in which the middle symbol is updated by passing through. In this example, two tunnel reach patterns as described below will be described.

(3-) Normal Tunnel Reach Pattern FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a display process of a normal tunnel reach pattern. FIG. 11 shows a special symbol display device 6 in a normal tunnel reach pattern.
It is a figure showing the example of an above-mentioned display. In this example, the left symbol and the right symbol will be described in a state where the display state is “3” and the reach state is reached. The operation until reaching the reach state is the same as the pattern A.

As shown in FIG. 11 (a), when the display state of the left symbol 71 and the right symbol 73 is "3" to reach the reach state, the entire screen of the special symbol display device 6 is white-fade with white tint. As shown in FIG. 11 (b), a tunnel (tunnel viewed from the train) 74 provided in the mountain area is displayed on the special symbol display device 6 (S701). Further, a left symbol ("3") 71 is displayed in a reduced size on the upper left side of the display area, and a right symbol ("3") 72 is displayed in a reduced size on the upper right side of the display area.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, the train enters the tunnel (S702), and the special symbol display device 6
The upper part is switched to the screen in the tunnel 74. Tunnel 74
Inside, a medium symbol (“0”) 73 is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 11D, the middle symbol 73 is enlarged so as to correspond to the progress of the train (S703).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the middle symbol 73 is a stopped symbol (S704). When the middle symbol 73 is not the stop symbol (S704; No), the train escapes from the tunnel 74 as shown in FIG.
Return to 702. Then, the vehicle enters the tunnel 74 again (S702). Here, as shown in FIG. 11 (f), the updated middle symbol 73 ("1") is displayed in the tunnel 74, and the middle symbol 73 is enlarged so as to correspond to the progress of the train (S703). ). Thus, the next tunnel 74
, The middle symbol 73 is updated.

If the middle symbol 73 is a stopped symbol (S7
04; Yes), as shown in FIG.
After reducing 3, stop. Then, FIG.
As shown in (2), the displayed symbols are completely stopped. As a result, the player is notified that the special figure game has been determined to be lost.

As described above, according to the normal tunnel reach pattern, the middle symbol 7
Since 3 is updated slowly, the player pays attention to the special symbol display device 6 with a sense of expectation for a long time for a long time. Thereby, the interest of the game can be enhanced.

(3-) Snow Country Tunnel Reach Pattern FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a display process of the snow country tunnel reach pattern. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example on the special symbol display device 6 at the time of the snow country tunnel reach pattern. This snow country tunnel reach pattern is a reach pattern developed from the normal tunnel reach pattern, and is displayed in the same manner as the normal tunnel reach pattern until the train passes through the first tunnel (FIGS. 15A to 15D). Is performed.

Similarly to the normal tunnel reach pattern, when the display state of the left symbol and the right symbol is "3" and the reach state is reached, the entire screen of the special symbol display device 6 is white-fade by whitening (S801). The tunnel 74 is displayed on the special symbol display device 6. Next, the train rushes into the tunnel 74 (S802), and after the middle symbol 73 is displayed, the train escapes from the tunnel 74 (S80).
3).

When the train escapes from the tunnel 74, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the tunnel 74 (tunnel viewed from the train) provided in the mountainous part of the snowy country is displayed on the special symbol display device 6 (S804). Further, a left symbol ("3") 71 is displayed in a reduced size on the upper left side of the display area, and a right symbol ("3") 72 is displayed in a reduced size on the upper right side of the display area. And FIG.
As shown in (b), a symbol ("3") which is the same big hit as the left symbol 71 and the right symbol 72 is displayed on the middle symbol 73, and the middle symbol 73 is enlarged so as to correspond to the progress of the train. As described above, since the display symbol that becomes the big hit is displayed on the middle symbol 73, the player knows that the big hit has been determined.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13C, a shutter 75 is displayed on the display area, and the shutter 75 is closed to block all the symbols 71 to 73, the tunnel 74 and the like. ), The shutter 75 is partially opened, and the middle symbol 73 is updated to the symbol "4" and displayed (S).
805). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13E, the shutter 75 is fully opened, and the left symbol 71 and the right symbol 72 are updated to the same symbol "4" as the middle symbol 73 (S806).

Next, it is determined whether or not the middle symbol 73 is a stopped symbol (S807). If the middle symbol 73 is not a stop symbol (S807; No), the process returns to S805, and FIG.
As shown in (f), the shutter 75 is opened and closed,
After updating the middle symbol 73 (S805), the left symbol 71 and the right symbol 72 are updated as shown in FIG. 13 (g) (S806). When the middle symbol 73 is a stop symbol, (S
807; Yes), the middle symbol 73 is stopped (S80).
8) After a certain period of time, all symbols are determined as shown in FIG. 13 (h) (S809).

As described above, according to the snow country tunnel reach pattern, after the middle symbol 73 is updated by opening and closing the shutter 75, the left symbol 71 and the right symbol 72 are updated in correspondence with the middle symbol 73. Therefore, the variation pattern can be changed more than the so-called full-rotation reach, and the entertainment interest can be enhanced. Thereby, the interest of the game can be enhanced.

(4) Pattern C (Exhaust Gas Reach Pattern) In the exhaust gas reach pattern, after the vehicle has reached the reach state, the automobile is displayed on the special symbol display device 6 and is shielded by the exhaust gas discharged from the automobile. This is a reach pattern whose symbols are updated. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the display process of the exhaust gas reach pattern. 15 and 16 are diagrams showing display examples on the special symbol display device 6 in the case of the exhaust gas reach pattern. In this example, the display mode at the start of the variable display is “3”,
"2" and "8", and the final display mode after the variable display is the big hit mode of "7", "7" and "7".

First, “3” as shown in FIG.
From the stopped state of the display mode of “2” and “8”, FIG.
As shown in (b), scroll display (variable display) of all the left, middle, and right symbols is started (S90).
1). After a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of scroll display of all symbols, the scroll display speed of the left symbol is reduced,
As shown in FIG. 15C, the left symbol is temporarily stopped at symbol "2" (S902). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15D, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped at symbol "2" (S90).
3). Next, as shown in FIG. 15E, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped at the symbol “1” (S904), and temporarily stopped in the off state.

After a predetermined period has passed since the temporary stop in the off mode, as shown in FIG. 15 (f), the automobile 81 is made to appear from the right side of the special symbol display device 6 (S905).
Next, as shown in FIG.
When the rear part of the car 81 has passed the right symbol, exhaust gas 82 is ejected from the rear part of the car 81 to shield the right symbol, and then the middle symbol as shown in FIG. , And the right symbol 83 is further shielded as shown in FIG. 16A (S906).

Next, the exhaust gas 82 is moved to the left side of FIG. 16, and the right symbol 83 is updated to the symbol "3" and displayed (S906). Further, the exhaust gas 82 is moved to the left side of FIG. 16, and the left symbol and the middle symbol are updated to the symbol ("3") having the same big hit as the right symbol 83, and displayed (S90).
7).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not each symbol is a stopped symbol (S908). When each symbol is not a stop symbol (S908; No), the process returns to S905, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16G, the processing of S905 to S907 is repeated again. When each symbol is a stopped symbol (S9
08; Yes), each symbol is stopped, and after a certain period of time, all symbols are fixed as shown in FIG. 16 (h) (S909). As a result, the player is notified that the special map game has been confirmed at the jackpot.

As described above, according to the exhaust gas reach pattern, similar to the snow country tunnel reach pattern,
Since the variation pattern can be changed more than the so-called full-rotation reach, it is possible to excite the entertainment interest. Thereby, the interest of the game can be enhanced. [Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the above embodiment, the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol 7 in the snow country tunnel reach pattern) is used.
After updating 3), all other symbols (the right symbol 71 and the left symbol 72) are updated corresponding to the final stop symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the tunnel reach pattern, only the right symbol 71 may be updated corresponding to the middle symbol. Also, all other symbols (the right symbol 71 and the left symbol 72) need only be updated corresponding to the final stop symbol. For example, in the snow country tunnel reach pattern, the middle symbol 73 shown in FIG. May be updated to the symbol "4", the right symbol 71 and the left symbol 72 may be updated to the symbol "5" and displayed.
In these cases, the special figure game is lost, but the variation pattern can have variations.

In the above embodiment, after the last stop symbol is updated and displayed, all other symbols are updated and displayed simultaneously, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the snow country tunnel reach pattern, the symbols may be updated for each symbol in the order of the left symbol and the right symbol.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a game machine for simulating the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 The present invention may be applied to the above. In this case, the CPU of the game machine executes a predetermined program to simulate the movement of the above-mentioned game machine, and as a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the above-mentioned special symbol starting port 5, A similar lottery can be performed, and the symbols can be changed and displayed. The game machine program can be stored on a CD-ROM or the like and distributed separately from the game machine.

[0108]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the other identification information is updated in response to the update of the identification information that is finally stopped on the image display device, it is possible to have a change in the variable display pattern, thereby enhancing the interest of the game. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration centering on a game control unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration in a display control unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration in a sound control unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example in the game control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the special symbol process processing of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display device in a normal fluctuation pattern.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a display process of a normal reach pattern.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display device in a normal reach pattern.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of displaying a normal tunnel reach pattern.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display device in a normal tunnel reach pattern.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a display process of a snow country tunnel reach pattern.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display device in a snow country tunnel reach pattern.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a display process of an exhaust gas reach pattern.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example on the special symbol display device at the time of an exhaust gas reach pattern.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example on the special symbol display device at the time of an exhaust gas reach pattern.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko gaming machine 6 Special symbol display device 200 Game control unit 400 Display control unit 500 Sound control unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] When a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, the variable information is displayed by updating and displaying the identification information displayed on the image display device, and the update display is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. The variable display control means for stopping the variable display, and a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining a process and a result of the variable display by the variable display control means. A gaming machine characterized in that, based on a result of a lottery, other identification information is updated in response to an update of identification information that is finally stopped on the image display device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the variable display control means changes the number of updates of the other identification information in accordance with the number of updates of the identification information stopped last on the image display device. 2. The gaming machine according to 1. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the variable display control means temporarily blocks the identification information and updates the identification information. 4. The variable display control means, in response to an update of identification information that is finally stopped on the image display device,
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein all other identification information is updated. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the variable display control means updates all the other identification information at the same time.