JP2002292021A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance acknowledgement for the value of varying patterns and heighten the fun of play. SOLUTION: A varying pattern display device displays, by setting a probability changing mode, a probability changing pattern among the varying patterns having equal value of prize benefit to a higher value of prize benefit for a player by changing over from the probability changing pattern 51 in the normal play mode into a specific pattern 55. The specific pattern 55 contains common discrimination information 55a consisting of a symbol of coin which provokes an association of ideas about a monetary value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, such as a pachinko game machine or a pachislot game machine, provided with a variable display device capable of displaying a plurality of variable symbols in a variable manner, and capable of executing a variable display game with the variable display device. About the machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and pachislot gaming machines play a variable display game using a variable display device. In this variable display game, for example, a variable symbol composed of a number, a character, or the like is displayed in a variable manner, and when the combination mode of each variable symbol at the end of the variable display (that is, the stop time) becomes a predetermined jackpot mode. It will be a big hit. Then, by the jackpot, a special game as a prize privilege is performed, and the player can obtain many profits.

[0003] Further, in order to improve the playability, this type of gaming machine is advantageous to the player (ie, the value of the prize privilege for the player is high when the stop display is performed in a predetermined variable pattern). Some) generate a specific game state.
For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, when a big hit is made with a probability variation symbol (hereinafter, referred to as a probability variation symbol), after a special game with the probability variation big hit is completed, the probability of the jackpot is higher than usual in a probability variation mode (hereinafter, referred to as a probability variation mode). .)
Is set.

[0004] In such a gaming machine, the positive variation symbol is:
They are distinguished from other designs by changing the color or using characters. During the setting period of the probable change mode, the player is notified that the probable change mode is set by changing the background image of the symbol display area or changing the light emission mode of the decorative lamp.

[0005]

By the way, it is difficult for a player or a game novice who plays a game for the first time with the model to know which symbol is an advantageous symbol, for example, which symbol is to be shifted to the probable change mode. This is remarkable when all the fluctuating symbols are composed of characters corresponding to the theme of the gaming machine. In this case, the player plays the game without knowing which variation symbol is advantageous, and there is a problem that the interest of the game cannot be sufficiently enjoyed.

[0006] In addition, the structure in which a probable variable pattern is distinguished from other patterns by separating colors is now completely established.
There was a problem that the player was tired of the freshness and was easily bored.

[0007] Further, since it takes a certain amount of time for the player to grasp all the advantageous symbols, there is also a problem that it is difficult to enjoy the interest of the game immediately after starting the game. That is, the player can recognize the individual variable symbols mainly during the symbol stop display period, but only a part of the symbols is displayed during this period. Therefore, in order to grasp all the symbols, it is necessary to repeatedly execute the variable display game.

Further, in a configuration in which the game mode is notified by changing the background picture, the background picture may not match the theme of the gaming machine. For example, in a gaming machine on the theme of the universe, a background image mainly composed of red may have to be used, and in this case, there is a problem that the interest of the game is impaired.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the recognizability of the value of a variable symbol and enhancing the interest in a game. is there.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, and a game control means for controlling the progress of a game and a plurality of variable symbols are provided. Display means capable of displaying a display means, and when the combination mode of each symbol at the time when the variable display by the variable symbol is stopped becomes a jackpot mode, a gaming machine capable of providing a prize privilege to a player, Is a gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to display a variable symbol having the same value of an award privilege as a special symbol including common identification information common to each variable symbol.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the game control means can selectively set a plurality of game modes according to a combination of stopped variable symbols.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the gaming mode is changed, a variable symbol having the same value of the prize is switched to a special symbol and displayed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the game control means can selectively set a normal game mode and a specific game mode advantageous for obtaining a prize, and the display means includes a specific game mode. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when is set, a variable symbol having the same value of the prize is switched to a special symbol and displayed. The “specific game mode” corresponds to, for example, a probability variation mode (so-called probable mode) and a time reduction mode (so-called time-saving mode).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the display means switches a symbol having a high value of the prize privilege to the player to a special symbol from among the variable symbols having the same value of the prize privilege. A gaming machine according to item 3.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the common identification information is constituted by a symbol which can be associated with a prize of high value. Is a gaming machine. The "symbol"
Is a symbol having an arbitrary meaning and is used as a superordinate concept of a picture or a character.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the special symbol includes individual identification information for identifying the symbols, the main part of the symbol is constituted by the common identification information, and the individual identification information is replaced by the common identification information. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is smaller than the common identification information and is added to the common identification information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the display means has a first display area capable of displaying a variable symbol before switching and a second display area capable of displaying a variable symbol after switching. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the variable display of the variable symbol is simultaneously performed in the first display area and the second display area.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below by taking a pachinko gaming machine as a typical gaming machine as an example. First, the configuration of the game board 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The illustrated game board 1 is a plate-like member having a game area 3 defined by a partition member 2 such as a guide rail. A variable display device 4 which also functions as a special symbol display is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 3, and a start winning port 5 is disposed immediately below the variable display device 4. Below the starting winning opening 5, a large winning opening 6, also called an attacker, is provided, and on the left and right sides of the starting winning opening 5, a general-purpose gate 7 is provided. In addition, in the game area 3, a plurality of general winning openings 8,..., Out openings 9, windmills 10,..., Obstacle nails 11,.

Among these, the starting winning opening 5, the large winning opening 6, and the general winning opening 8 are set such that the winning of the game ball is a prize ball acquiring condition. A plurality of winning sensors capable of detecting a winning ball are provided in correspondence with each winning opening.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a special figure starting sensor 13 corresponding to the starting winning opening 5, a count sensor 14 and a continuation sensor 15 corresponding to the special winning opening 6, and a winning opening sensor 16 corresponding to the general winning opening 8. ... and are arranged.

The start winning port 5 functions as a start winning section, and a winning of a game ball is set as an execution condition of the variable display game on the variable display device 4. Therefore, when a game ball wins in the start winning opening 5, a variable display game is performed. The starting winning port 5 in the present embodiment is:
It is a so-called tulip type having a pair of blade members, and can be converted into a normal state in which the blade members are directed upward, and an open state in which the game balls can be more easily won than in the normal state by opening the blade members outward. The opening and closing of the blade member is performed by the operation of the Toden solenoid 17 (see FIG. 2), and is determined based on a random number acquired when the game ball passes through the Tozu gate 7.

The variable display device 4 constitutes a part of the display means of the present invention and functions as an image display unit. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device is capable of displaying an arbitrary image.

The variable display device 4 performs a variable display game and various effect displays. In the fluctuation display game, the fluctuation display device 4 displays the fluctuation symbol for a while (see FIGS. 5 and 8). Then, when the combinations of the fluctuating symbols at the time of stopping are aligned in a predetermined jackpot mode (FIG. 6,
(See FIG. 9), a big hit and a transition to a special game. In this special game, the large winning opening 6 is appropriately opened as a prize, and a state in which a game ball can be easily won, that is, a large number of prize balls can be easily obtained. The display by the variable display device 4 will be described later in detail.

The above-mentioned special winning opening 6 is provided with a horizontally long rectangular door member 18 whose lower end is rotatably mounted on a shaft, and the door member 18 is rotated in the front-rear direction to play a game ball. Is configured to be switchable between a closed state in which no winning can be achieved and an open state in which winning can be easily performed. The door member 18 is normally in a closed state, and is appropriately opened in a special game.

Next, based on FIG. 2, a game control device 21 for performing game control (gear control) of the pachinko game machine,
Display control device 2 for performing display control on variable display device 4
2 will be described.

The game control device 21 functions as the game control means of the present invention, and controls the progress of the game. The game control device 21 includes a game microcomputer 23 composed of a one-chip microcomputer formed as a semiconductor integrated circuit, and a clock generation circuit 24 (oscillator) that divides an oscillation signal of a crystal oscillator to obtain a clock signal of a predetermined frequency. ), An input interface 25 for receiving various signals, and an output interface 2 for outputting drive signals, control signals, and the like.
6 is included.

The gaming microcomputer 23 comprises:
CPU as arithmetic control means and RO as storage means
M and RAM, an interrupt control circuit (not shown) and the like are built in, and are configured as a so-called amuse chip IC. Information necessary for game control, such as a program and prize ball number data, is stored in the ROM.

The game control device 21 receives detection signals from various sensors via an input interface 25. For example, the detection signal from the special figure starting sensor 13 provided in the special figure starting winning opening 5, the detection signal from the general figure starting sensor 27 provided in the general figure gate 7, and the detection signal from the special winning opening 6. The detection signals from the continuation sensor 15 provided corresponding to the continuous winning area and the count sensor 14 provided corresponding to the general winning area, and the game balls winning the general winning opening 8 are individually detected. The detection signals from the winning opening sensors 16 are input.

On the other hand, a drive signal, a control command, and the like for a control target are output from the game control device 21 via an output interface 26. For example, starting winning opening 5
Drive signal to the general-purpose solenoid 17 that drives the blade member to open and close, and display control information for the display control device 22 (display fluctuation time data, stop symbol data, stop command, etc.)
A special winning opening solenoid 28 for driving the special winning opening 6 to open and close
A drive signal to the (attacker solenoid), control commands to the emission control device 29, the decoration control device 30, and the sound control device 31, and board external information to the management device (not shown) of the game store are output. You.

The display control unit 22 functions as a display control unit, and constitutes display means of the present invention together with the variable display unit 4 described above. The illustrated display control device 22 includes a control microcomputer 35 (CPU), an interface 36 for receiving display control information from the game control device 21, a ROM 37 for storing a control program and fixed data,
A RAM 38 that is used as a work area of the control microcomputer 35 or stores data and display data sent from the game control device 21, an image display controller 39 (VDC) that performs display control of the variable display device 4,
A font ROM 40 in which image data of an image displayed on the variable display device 4 is stored, a γ correction circuit 41 for performing display correction for the variable display device 4, and a DMA transfer of data from the RAM 38 to the image display controller 39 (direct memory) DMA controller 42 for access transfer
(DMAC) and a clock generation circuit 43 for dividing the oscillation signal of the crystal oscillator to obtain a clock signal of a predetermined frequency.
(Oscillator) and controls the display of the variable display device 4 based on the display control information.

Display control information from the game control device 21 is input to the control microcomputer 35 via the interface 36. When the display control information is input, a reception interrupt is applied from the interface 36 to the control microcomputer 35, and the control microcomputer 35 stores the received display control information in the RAM.
38 buffer areas. Then, the control microcomputer 35 analyzes the stored display control information to determine an effect pattern (for example, a collection of continuous display data of the variable symbols) to be variable-displayed, and the variable display device 4
For example, a code indicating a variable symbol to be displayed, a display position, a command for scrolling, etc. are generated and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 38. In addition,
This effect pattern is stored in the ROM 37 in advance in the form of a table corresponding to the fluctuation time data.

The various data stored in the RAM 38 are transferred to the image display controller 39 by the DMA controller 42. Then, the image display controller 39 reads and transfers the transferred various data to an internal RAM (not shown). For example, character font data stored in the font ROM 40 is read in accordance with a code indicating a variable symbol to generate a variable symbol. Then, based on the display position data and the command, the generated variable symbol is made to correspond to the display screen in the internal RAM.
In the display image storage area.

At this time, the image display controller 39
A variable symbol is generated using identification information for identifying symbols such as numbers and symbols, and common identification information commonly used for variable symbols having the same award privilege value. At the same time, the image display controller 39 also generates a background symbol for enhancing the effect of the effect, in addition to the variable symbol. Then, the generated variable symbols and background symbols are stored in the display image storage area. Note that these fluctuation symbols and background symbols may be stored after being synthesized,
The signals may be combined when sent to the correction circuit 41.

When the variable symbols and the background symbols are stored in the display image storage area, the image display controller 39
The display image data is read from the display image storage area of the AM and sequentially sent to the γ correction circuit 41. Further, the image display controller 39 sends the vertical synchronizing signal V-
SYNC and a horizontal synchronization signal H-SYNC are sent. The γ correction circuit 41 generates a display drive signal to the variable display device 4 based on the received display image data. That is, the non-linear characteristic of the illuminance with respect to the signal voltage of the variable display device 4 is corrected, and the display drive signal with the adjusted display illuminance is generated. The generated display drive signal is output to the variable display device 4, and as a result, a predetermined display is performed on the screen of the variable display device 4.

Next, the display contents of the variable display device 4 will be described in detail.

The variable display device 4 can display a variable symbol having the same value of the prize as a special symbol including common identification information. The illustrated pachinko gaming machine can operate in two types of game modes including a normal game mode and a probable change mode (a type of specific game mode) that is advantageous for obtaining a prize privilege. That is, since a plurality of game modes can be selectively set depending on the combination of the stopped variable symbols, the variable symbols displayed on the variable display device 4 include a plurality of types of normal symbols that can generate a normal jackpot, and a certain variable jackpot. And a plurality of types of positively-variable symbols that can generate

When the game mode changes, for example, the variable display device 4 switches the probable variable symbol to the special symbol and displays it during the set period of the probable variable mode. That is,
Floating symbols with high prize benefits are special symbols, and floating symbols with low prizes are kept as they were from the beginning. This is to increase the degree of expectation for the changed symbol and to further enhance the interest of the game by making the player clearly understand the symbol that changes and the symbol that does not change.

First, the variable symbol 5 in the normal game mode
0 will be described. In the normal game mode, each of the variable symbols 50 is composed of individual identification information for identifying individual symbols. The individual identification information is in a form unique to the variable symbol.
As shown in (a), each of them is numerical information from [0] to [9] having the same size. Therefore, the variable symbol in the normal game mode is constituted by these ten types of numerical information. In such a variation symbol, odd variation symbols, that is, [1], [3], [5],
The five types of variable symbols [7] and [9] are the positive variable symbols 51..., And even-numbered variable symbols, ie, [0], [2],
Five kinds of variable symbols 52 of [4], [6], and [8] are normal symbols.

Here, the probable symbol 51 is a kind of specific symbol having a high value of the prize privilege for the player, and is a variable symbol set as a condition for shifting to the probable variable mode. That is, when the jackpot is hit with the probability change symbol 51, the game control device 21 (game control means) sets the probability change mode after the end of the special game accompanying the probability change jackpot, and displays the fluctuation over the period until the next hit. Set the jackpot probability in the game to a higher probability than in the normal game mode. For example, the jackpot probability of 1/330 in the normal game mode is set to 1/70 in the probability change mode. Therefore, when this probability change mode is set, the jackpot in the variable display game can be obtained with a high probability. The value of the award privilege is equivalent and does not differ between these probable symbols 51. That is, no matter which of the five types of the probable symbols 51... Wins, the player is given the same prize privilege.

On the other hand, the normal symbol 52 is a variable symbol in which only the condition for shifting to the special game is set, in other words,
It is a variable design in which the value of the prize privilege is lower than the positive change design. That is, in the case of a big hit in the normal symbol, the big hit probability does not change even after the end of the special game, and is set to, for example, 1/330. Also, the value of the prize privilege is equivalent and does not differ between these normal symbols 52. That is, no matter which of the five types of the normal symbols 52 wins, the player is given the same prize privilege.

Next, the variation symbol 54 in the probability variation mode will be described. In this probability change mode, the normal symbol 5
2 ... ([0], [2], [4], [6], [8])
It has the same design as the normal game mode, and is constituted by individual identification information. On the other hand, the probable pattern 55 ... ([1],
[3], [5], [7], [9]) are composed of special patterns including common identification information 55a as main information and individual identification information 55b as auxiliary information.
In the following description, the probability variation pattern 5 in the probability variation mode will be described.
5 is called a special pattern 55.

The above-mentioned common identification information 55a is information commonly used in each of the special patterns 55 and constitutes a main part of the special pattern 55. As the common identification information 55a, for example, a symbol that can be associated with a high-value prize privilege is used. In the present embodiment, a coin symbol is used to give a player an image in which many game balls (that is, valuable values) can be obtained. The size of this symbol is set to be substantially the same as the size of the normal symbol 52.

The symbols are not limited to coins as long as they can be used in common in each special pattern 55..., And are appropriately set by using the theme of the pachinko gaming machine as a motif or the like. Then, the common identification information 55a
When using symbols related to valuables such as coins, coins, game balls, etc., "many valuables are obtained"
Can be intuitively impressed by the player. For this reason, even a player who plays a game for the first time with a pachinko gaming machine or a beginner of a pachinko game can know at a glance which variation symbol is advantageous, and can enhance the interest of the game.

Individual identification information 55b in special pattern 55
Is composed of, for example, numerical information, but is sufficiently smaller than the common identification information 55a, and the corresponding common identification information 55
a is added to a as a subscript. In the present embodiment, the individual identification information 55b is described in a circle, and is arranged at the lower right of the common identification information 55a.

Then, in the variable display device 4, FIG.
As shown in these figures, these variable symbols 50 and 54 are arranged in the vertical direction (up and down direction), and three symbols are arranged side by side to form a left symbol group 60, a middle symbol group 61, and a right symbol group 62.
Is composed.

Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine having such a configuration will be described.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, the game control device 21 (game control means) sets the normal game mode as the game mode. In the normal game mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the display control device 22 controls the variable display device 4 based on the display control information from the game control device 21, and displays the variable symbols 51 and 52 in the normal game mode. Display.

When the player fires a game ball and this game ball (hit ball) wins the starting winning opening 5, the game control device 21
Controls the variable display game accompanying the winning. In this variable display game, as shown in FIG.
2 controls the variable display device 4, and each symbol group 60, 61,
62 is scroll-displayed in the vertical direction. This scroll display is a kind of variable display in the present invention.

In the variable display game, the player is notified of the game result, that is, the result of whether or not to give the prize, by the combination of the various symbols at the time of the final stop. In this variation display game, a big hit is generated by appearance of the symbols, but a random number is actually acquired at the time of winning in the starting winning opening 5, and is determined at the time of determination, for example, at the start of the symbol variation. As a result of the determination, if it is a jackpot, a jackpot (a prize privilege such as a special game) is generated after a display for aligning the jackpot symbols, and if a loss, the display for aligning the loss symbols is displayed, and then the next time. Prepare for variable display.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, if the symbols stopped in each symbol group are in a lost mode (the symbols stopped on the line A are not aligned), no prize is given. . In this case, the game control device 21 controls the variable display game by the next winning in the starting winning opening 5, and the display control device 22 controls the display in the variable display game.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When the stopped symbols 61 and 62 are in the jackpot mode (when the symbols stopped on the line A are aligned with the same symbol), the game control device 21 controls the special game.
In this special game, the door member 18 of the special winning opening 6 is appropriately opened to form a state where the game ball can easily win. The special game is, for example, a round game, and until a predetermined time corresponding to one round elapses, or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is won during one round, the door member 18 is provided. To release. Then, if at least one of the game balls that have won the special winning opening 6 during this round is detected by the continuation sensor 15, it is possible to shift to the next round. The special game ends when the game is completed up to the final round, or when the transition condition to the next round cannot be satisfied in the middle round.

During the execution of the special game, the display control device 22 controls the variable display device 4 to display the effect screen for enhancing the interest of the special game, the number of rounds, and the passing state of the continuous winning area. Display. That is, the display control device 22 and the variable display device 4 (that is, the display means) also function as effect display means in a special game.

When the special game is over, the game control device 21
Sets the game mode. Here, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the previous big hit is a big hit by the normal symbol 52, the normal game mode is set. In this case, the variable symbols are the variable symbols 50 in the normal game mode, that is, the variable symbols 51 and 52 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), when the big hit is a big hit with the stochastic pattern 51, the stochastic mode is set. In this case, the display control device 22
The variable display device 4 is controlled to display a variable symbol having the same value of the prize as a special symbol including common identification information common to each variable symbol. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the probable symbols 51... Having a higher value of the prize are switched to a special symbol 55 having a coin symbol as a main part and displayed. This is to improve the visibility of the special pattern 55 as the certainty-changing pattern and draw the player's attention.

Thus, the special pattern 55 and the normal pattern 52
The value of the special design 55 based on the common identification information 55a, that is, these special designs 55 Can be intuitively understood that an advantageous prize privilege can be given to the user. Thereby, the interest of the game can be enhanced.

Further, a coin symbol (common identification information 55a) newly appears by setting the probability change mode.
A fresh impression can be given to the player, and it can be strongly appealed to the player that the game mode has been changed. In particular, since the variable display device 4 is closely watched by the player in this type of gaming machine, a high notification effect can be obtained, and the switching of the game mode can be reliably notified. Since the switching of the game mode is notified by the fluctuating symbols 51 and 55, an arbitrary image can be used as the background image. For this reason, a background image that matches the theme of the gaming machine can be used, and this also contributes to increasing the interest of the game.

Further, the switching target to the special design 55 is the probable change design 51 in which the value of the prize for the player is high, and the jackpot in the special design 55 leads to a great profit for the player. For this reason, the player plays the game while expecting a big hit by the special symbol 55 in which the symbol has changed. As a result, the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

Then, even in the certainty changing mode, the variable display game is performed on condition that a game ball is won in the starting winning port 5. As shown in FIG. 8, also in this probability change mode, the left symbol group 60, the middle symbol group 61, and the right symbol group 62 are scroll-displayed in the vertical direction. In this mode, since the main parts of the special symbols 55 are symbols that are shared, if the scroll speed is reduced to some extent, the special symbols 55 are reduced.
. Can be visually distinguished from the normal symbols 52. As described above, since the special pattern 55 has high visibility, the player
Even during the scrolling of the symbols, it is possible to have a sense of expectation for the jackpot, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

When the scroll speed gradually decreases, first, the symbol portion (common identification information 55a) in the special design 55 becomes visible, and thereafter, the portion of the individual identification information 55b becomes visible. Become. For this reason, the player first expects whether or not to stop at the special pattern 55 that is easy to see, and then expects whether or not a big hit will occur with the special pattern 55. As described above, the player is given a sense of expectation in stages, so that the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

Further, based on the special pattern 55, the loss of the variable display game can be quickly recognized. Therefore, the player can quickly switch feelings, does not easily feel fatigue even if the variable display game is continuously performed, and is suitable for a long-time game.

In the probability change mode, the display area of the variable display device 4 is divided into a first display area 65 capable of displaying a variable symbol before switching, and a second display area 66 capable of displaying a variable symbol after switching. In both display areas 65 and 66, the same content is displayed in a variable manner. In the present embodiment, the first display area 65 is set smaller than the size of the second display area 66, and is arranged at the upper left of the display area of the variable display device 4. In this configuration, the scroll display before switching and the scroll display after switching are performed simultaneously, and the display contents of both display areas 65 and 66 have the same meaning. For this reason, the player may play the game while watching the scroll display of any area. Therefore, it is only necessary to look at the regions 65 and 66 on the side that is easier for the player to see, and the width of the game can be expanded.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by setting the probability change mode, a plurality of probability change patterns 51 having a high value of the prize privilege are provided.
Is switched to a special symbol 55 having a coin symbol as a main part, so that even an unfamiliar player can immediately recognize the certainty-variable symbol (special symbol 55). Further, by switching to the special pattern 55, the player can intuitively recognize that the game mode has been switched. Further, since the symbol of the special pattern 55 is a coin reminiscent of a valuable value, even a game beginner can easily grasp the meaning of the game and enjoy the interest of the game.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the probable design 51 having a high prize privilege value is switched to the special design 55. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may switch. For example,
Since the normal symbols 52 have the same value in the game, the normal symbols 52 are displayed by the first special symbol, and the positively changing symbols 51 are displayed.
.. May be displayed in the second special design. Further, only the normal symbols 52... May be switched to the special symbols without switching the probable symbols 51.

When the common identification information 55a is complete,
Even if the individual identification information 55b is different, a big hit may be made. That is, the game control device 21 (game control means) treats the state where the common identification information 55a is aligned as the big hit mode when the fluctuation display by the fluctuation symbol is stopped, and executes a special game as a prize privilege. With such a configuration, for example, when the jackpot probability increases in the specific game mode, the player can understand that the jackpot probability has increased by appearance and can play the game with a sense of expectation.

In the above embodiment, the main part is constituted by the common identification information 55a, and the individual identification information 55b is used as auxiliary information in the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main part may be constituted by the individual identification information 55b, and the common identification information 55a may be used as auxiliary information, or the special design 5
5 may be configured.

The common identification information 55a may be color-coded according to the rank of the award privilege. That is, the common identification information that is color-coded according to the rank of the award privilege to be given may be displayed by the display unit. For example, in a pachinko game machine that can shift to a time saving mode (a kind of specific game state) after the end of the special game, a plurality of types of the time saving mode can be set according to the number of times of the variable display game. For example, two types of time savings jackpot (50 times) and time savings jackpot (200 times) can be set. In this case, the rank of the prize privilege is two ranks including the first time-saving jackpot of 50 times and the second time-saving jackpot of 200 times. Therefore, the variable symbol corresponding to the first time-saving jackpot is represented by blue common identification information (symbol). , And the variable symbol corresponding to the second time-saving jackpot is constituted by a special symbol including red common identification information. When the common identification information is color-coded in this way, a large classification based on the presence / absence of a special pattern and a small classification based on the color classification of the common identification information can be performed, and detailed notification can be performed.

Further, the special symbol may be constituted by common identification information including a number of symbols corresponding to the rank of the award privilege.
That is, the common identification information including the number of symbols according to the rank of the award privilege to be provided may be displayed by the display means. For example, if the rank of the prize privilege is the above-mentioned two ranks and the symbol is a coin, the fluctuating symbol of the first time-college jackpot is composed of a special pattern including one coin, and the varying symbol of the second time-college bonus is It is composed of a special design containing three coins. Also, with this configuration, the large classification and the small classification can be performed, so that detailed notification can be performed.

Also, in the case where the special gaming mode is set, when a winning combination is continuously performed with a combination of variable symbols having a high prize value, a gaming machine capable of updating the specific gaming mode, in other words, the value of the prize privilege A control to set a specific game mode by a jackpot in a combination mode of a high variation symbol, and to update the specific game mode in a case where a large hit is achieved in a variation pattern having a high value of a prize during the setting period of the specific game mode. Is performed by the game control device 21 as the game control means, the special symbol is represented by common identification information including a symbol representing a number corresponding to the number of updates (the number of consecutive big hits) of the specific game mode. You may comprise. That is, common identification information including a symbol indicating a number corresponding to the number of updates may be displayed by the display unit.

For example, a case where the specific game mode is the probable change mode will be described. In this case, if the probability change jackpot is set in the normal game mode, the probability change mode is set after the end of the special game accompanying the probability change jackpot. Since this probability change mode is the first time, for example, a special symbol is constituted by using one coin (that is, one symbol). Further, if a probability change jackpot is performed under the first probability change mode, a second probability change mode is set after the end of the special game accompanying the jackpot. For this reason, under the second probability change mode, the special symbol is configured with two coins (that is, two symbols). Similarly, under the third probability change mode, three coins are used, and under the fourth probability change mode, four coins are used. It should be noted that since the number of updates may be represented for this symbol, it is not limited to the number of symbols, and may be displayed using a dedicated symbol.

By performing such control, the number of updates can be determined based on the fluctuating symbol that the player is most closely watching and expecting, and a higher level of interest can be obtained. Furthermore, since a special pattern that cannot be seen unless the specific game mode is updated several times is set, it is possible to work on the player's desire to see this special pattern, and to further enhance the interest of the game. it can.

The variable display game is not limited to the one in which the variable symbols are scrolled in the vertical direction, and may be any game in which the symbols are displayed in a variable manner. For example, the variable symbol may be scrolled in the left-right direction, or the display content of the symbol may be switched without moving the symbol.

The condition for switching the variable symbol to the special symbol is not limited to the setting of the probable variable mode. For example, the symbols may be switched on the condition that a specific game mode (for example, a probability change mode or a time saving mode) that is advantageous for obtaining a prize is set. In addition, the specific game mode is not limited to the above-described probability change mode and the time saving mode,
A re-lottery mode for performing a re-lottery of a variable symbol may be included.

When the time-saving mode or the re-lottery mode is set as the specific game mode, the changing symbol which is a condition for shifting to each of these modes is also a “symbol having a high value of the award privilege” in the present invention. .

The variable display device 4 may be a variable display device other than the liquid crystal display device. For example, LE
A dot matrix type in which D elements are arranged in a matrix may be used.

The present invention is also applicable to a gaming machine having a variable display device of a type that does not switch a variable symbol, for example, a drum-type variable display device having a drum on which a pattern is drawn on a peripheral surface. In this case, the special symbol and the normal symbol may be displayed separately according to the value of the prize privilege, or all the variable symbols may be displayed by a plurality of types of special symbols prepared according to the value of the prize privilege. Is also good.

Further, the gaming machine to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, but may be any gaming machine capable of executing a variable display game. For example, the invention can be applied to a pachislot machine.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display means can display a variable symbol having the same value of the prize as a special symbol including common identification information common to each variable symbol. Based on the common identification information, the value of the award privilege for the changing symbol can be grasped. As a result, even a player or a game novice who plays a game for the first time with the gaming machine can easily recognize the value of the variable symbol,
Enhance the interest of the game.

Further, since the special design has the common identification information, the special design can be recognized even at the speed of recognizing the common identification information even during the variable display. In this way, by improving the discriminability of the fluctuating symbols,
Since the player can play the game with a sense of expectation even while the symbol is being displayed in a fluctuating manner, the interest of the game can be enhanced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the game mode is changed, the display means switches and displays a variable symbol having the same value of the prize as a special symbol.
The change of the game mode can be notified by switching the display to the special symbol. In addition, since the display means is closely watched by the player in the game, a high notification effect can be obtained. Thereby, it is possible to reliably notify the player that the game mode has been switched. Furthermore, since an arbitrary background image can be used, effects according to the theme of the gaming machine can be performed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the game control means can selectively set a normal game mode and a specific game mode advantageous for obtaining a prize, and the display means comprises: When the specific game mode is set, the changing symbols having the same value of the prize are switched to the special symbols and displayed, so that the player can surely know that the advantageous game mode has been set, and furthermore, It can enhance interest.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a symbol having a high value of a prize for a player is switched to a special symbol, so that a jackpot in the special symbol leads to a profit for the player. For this reason, the player expects a big hit by the special symbol, and plays the game with a sense of expectation. As a result, the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the common identification information is constituted by a symbol that can be associated with a prize of a high value, the player can use the symbol to mean a special design, that is, a symbol. , It can be understood that a prize privilege of high value is obtained. Therefore, even a player who is unfamiliar with the game on the gaming machine or a beginner of the game can fully enjoy the fun of the variable display game.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, the special identification pattern is constituted by setting the common identification information as a main part of the symbol, making the individual identification information smaller than the common identification information and adding the individual identification information to the common identification information. Therefore, in the variable display game, the player first expects whether or not to stop at a special pattern that is easy to see, and then expects whether or not a special pattern will be a big hit. As described above, since a plurality of levels of expectation can be given to the player, the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the display means includes a first display area capable of displaying a variable symbol before switching and a second display area capable of displaying a variable symbol after switching. Since the variable display is performed in the first display area and the second display area at the same time, the player can enjoy the variable display game in the desired display area and can widen the range of the game. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a game control device and a display control device.

FIG. 3 (a) shows a changing symbol in a normal game mode,
(B) shows the fluctuation symbol in the probability change mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a stop display state in the normal game mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a variable display state in a normal game mode.

6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a jackpot state in a normal game mode, wherein FIG.
Indicates a jackpot in a normal pattern.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a stop display state in the probability change mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a variable display state in the probability change mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a big hit state in the probability change mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 2 Partition member 3 Game area 4 Fluctuation display device 5 Starting winning opening 6 Big winning opening 7 General drawing gate 8 General winning opening 9 Outing opening 10 Windmill 11 Obstacle nail 12 Side lamp 13 Special figure starting sensor 14 Count sensor 15 Continuation Sensor 16 Winning-hole sensor 17 General-purpose solenoid 18 Door member 21 Game control device 22 Display control device 23 Game microcomputer 24 Clock generation circuit 25 Input interface 26 Output interface 27 General-purpose starting sensor 28 Large winning opening solenoid 29 Emission control device 30 Decoration control device 31 Sound control device 35 Control microcomputer 36 Interface 37 ROM 38 RAM 39 VDC 40 Font ROM 41 γ correction circuit 42 DMA controller 43 Clock generation circuit 50 Normal game mode Fluctuating symbols in the normal game mode 52 probable symbols in the normal game mode 52 fluctuating symbols in the probable mode 55 probable symbols in the probable mode (special symbols) 55a common identification information (symbol) 55b individual identification information 60 left symbol group 61 middle symbol group 62 right Symbol group 65 First display area 66 Second display area

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A game control means for controlling the progress of a game, and a display means capable of displaying a plurality of variable symbols, wherein a combination mode of the symbols at the time when the variable display by the variable symbols is stopped is a big hit mode. In a gaming machine capable of providing a prize privilege to a player in the event that the prize privilege is equal to the value of the prize privilege, the display means can display as a special symbol including common identification information common to each variable symbol. A gaming machine characterized by: 2. The game control means can selectively set a plurality of game modes depending on a combination of stopped variable symbols, and the display means has the same prize value when the game mode is changed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the changing symbol is switched to a special symbol and displayed. 3. The game control means can selectively set a normal game mode and a specific game mode advantageous for obtaining a prize. The display means, when the specific game mode is set, 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the changing symbols having the same value of the award privilege are switched to the special symbols and displayed. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display unit switches a symbol having a high value of the prize privilege to the player to a special symbol among the variable symbols having the same value of the prize privilege. . 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the common identification information is constituted by a symbol that can be associated with a high-value prize privilege. 6. The special symbol includes individual identification information for identifying the symbols, and forms a main part of the symbol with the common identification information, and sets the individual identification information to be smaller than the common identification information to perform the common identification. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is added to information. 7. The display means has a first display area capable of displaying a variable symbol before switching, and a second display area capable of displaying a variable symbol after switching, and includes a first display area and a second display area.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the variable symbols are simultaneously displayed in the display area.