JP2000070468A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively inform a player that a ready-to-win condition will be generated in a game using a variable display device of a game machine. SOLUTION: The special symbol display device as a variable display device of this game machine has a first, second and third variable display parts 15a-15c. When a ready-to-win condition is generated, a player is informed in advance that the ready-to-win condition, in which the variations of the first and third variable display parts 15a and 15c stop to display the same symbols, will be generated by the upward scroll display in the first and third variable display parts 15a and 15c and by the downward scroll display in the second variable display part 15b. By the upward scroll display, it looks as if the symbols in the first and the third variable display parts 15a and 15c were moving upward, and by the downward scroll display, it looks as if the symbol in the second variable display part 15b were moving downward.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a variable display device having a variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and identification information of the variable display device based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition. Variable display control means for performing stop control after variably starting the game, wherein a predetermined game is performed when a display result of the variable display device when the variable display device is variably stopped is in a predetermined specific mode. The present invention relates to a gaming machine to which a value can be given.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a gaming machine having a variable display device having a variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information (alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc.), a pachinko gaming machine, an arrangement ball gaming machine, Ball game machines and slot-type game machines are widely known. Then, in these gaming machines, a game is played on the variable display device, and when a display result (combination of stopped symbols, etc.) becomes a predetermined specific mode, in order to give a predetermined game value to the player. A special game in which a game can be played in a state advantageous to the player is executed, or a large number of medals are given to the player as a direct benefit.

As a variable display device provided in a game machine, a dot display device in which light-emitting elements such as LEDs are arranged in a matrix, a 7-segment display device, a liquid crystal display device and a CRT
A display device or the like is used so that a variable display area in which identification information can be variably displayed can be formed.

Among the above-mentioned gaming machines, in a pachinko gaming machine that plays a game by bouncing a game ball, a variable display in which, for example, three variable display areas are juxtaposed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. The identification information such as numbers and symbols is variably displayed on a device (variable display device having a three-digit display unit)
If the display result at the time of the variable stop in which the variable display is stopped is in a predetermined specific mode (for example, so-called "slices" such as "7", "7", "7"), a relatively short hit is achieved as a big hit. There is a game in which a player is likely to obtain many game balls at a time.

[0005] As a starting condition, for example, it may be set that a game ball wins at a predetermined starting opening, and the symbol change of the variable display device is started based on the winning at the starting opening. If there is a further prize in the starting opening during the change of the symbol of the variable display device, the prize is not invalidated, for example, a maximum of four prizes are stored, and after the variable display device is stopped, the prize storage is performed. , The symbol change of the variable display device is started again.

[0006] Further, the three-digit display unit of the variable display device is not stopped at once, but is stopped sequentially with a time lag. When the two display units stop, a reach occurs (for example, , "7,-, 7"("-" is still fluctuating), etc., the possibility of stopping the double-eye occurs), a final stop display section (middle display section) as a reach scroll
Or scrolling for a long time (for example, by slowing down the variable speed of the symbol so that the symbol "7" rotates about two or three times) to increase the sense of expectation of the occurrence of a big hit. Control is being performed.

[0007] Further, there is also a gaming machine in which a game value is given to a player by changing a game progress condition of a game to be performed thereafter depending on a type of a hit symbol which has caused a special game to occur. For example, among a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, 16 symbols) displayed on the display unit of the variable display device, an arbitrary number of symbols (for example, 8 symbols) are set as specific symbols (for example, specified so as to be distinguishable from general symbols). When the specific symbol is stopped at the zigzag, a probability variation state is generated, and after the special game based on the jackpot, the jackpot occurrence rate until the next jackpot occurs ( Gaming machines with game contents that enable games in a high-probability state with an increased probability of symbols stopping at the double-eye, and auxiliary games (for example, smaller than variable display devices) There are known gaming machines capable of increasing the number of hits of the variable display game performed by the symbol display device and increasing the winning time at the starting port, which is a starting condition of the variable display device, to generate a general time reduction state. I have.

In such a gaming machine, it is a matter of great concern whether or not a jackpot (a specific mode) in which a gaming value can be provided is a matter of great concern. Because of that, in conventional gaming machines,
In some cases, when the variable display of the variable display device is started or during the variable display operation, the notification is made by a side lamp or the like provided on the game board of the gaming machine.

[0009]

However, in a conventional gaming machine capable of informing of the occurrence of the reach, it is necessary to notify in a light emission control state different from the normal light emission control state of the side lamp. It is necessary to flash faster than usual or to increase the lighting time of the lamp so that it can be identified, the notification by the side lamp will be exaggerated, and it will affect the surrounding players (for example, Because it shines, the adjacent players etc. can be distracted by other than their own gaming machine and can not concentrate on the game), and also consume extra power consumption of the gaming machine,
It was not always said that efficient and effective notification was provided.

[0010] In addition, the symbol slip (frame advance) which is to be stopped at the time of fluctuation when reaching the variable display game is reached.
There was also a notification that put an accent that makes it different from the normal state, but the notification due to the difference in the pattern slip is a subtle thing that you will not notice unless you look carefully at the changing display part, Unskilled beginners may not be able to easily identify, or even a skilled player may miss it, and it cannot be said that a sufficient notification function can be exhibited.

It is also conceivable to notify value information such as the occurrence of reach by making the color of the pattern and the color of the background different. However, when a simple display using dot display is used, The number of colors that can be displayed on the display is limited, and if the normal design and the specific design differ in color, other colors cannot be used, or if other colors are used, it will be confusing and the player There is also a possibility that a problem such as difficulty in identifying the symbol may occur.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of informing a player of predetermined value information in a game such as occurrence of a reach easily and effectively.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a gaming machine (1) according to the present invention has a variable display area (for example, first to third) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information.
A variable display device (for example, a special symbol display device 15) having variable display units 15a to 15c) and a stop control after variably starting the identification information of the variable display device based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition. (For example, the game control device 25 and the display control device 38), and the display result when the variable display device is variably stopped by the variable display control device has a predetermined specific mode. In a gaming machine in which a predetermined game value can be given in the case, the variable display control means is configured to change the variable display mode of the identification information variably displayed in the variable display area of the variable display device. It has a display mode change control unit, and by changing the variable display mode by the variable display mode change control unit of the variable display control unit, predetermined value information in the game can be obtained. It is characterized in that it has to be informed by the difference in varying display aspects.

A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect.
In the above, the variable display control means, based on a predetermined display order of the identification information, to display the identification information cyclically in the variable display area, the variable display mode change control means, as the variable display mode in the normal state The variable display mode can be changed to a predetermined cyclic display order of the identification information and a reverse cyclic display order that is a display order opposite to the circular display order, and the variable display mode change control means changes the variable display mode. By changing the reverse circulation display order, predetermined value information in the game is notified.

[0015] Further, a gaming machine according to claim 3 is provided in claim 1.
Alternatively, in claim 2, the variable display control means can perform scroll display control in which the identification information appears to move in a fixed direction in the variable display area, and can be displayed in two or more directions as different variable display modes. The variable display mode change control means enables the variable display mode to be changed by changing the direction of the scroll display, and the variable display mode change control means changes the direction of the scroll display. The present invention is characterized in that predetermined value information in a game is notified.

A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect.
4. The variable display device according to claim 3, wherein the variable display device has a plurality of variable display areas, and the variable display control means enables the variable display mode of each variable display area to be independently controlled. The mode change control means enables the variable display mode of each variable display area to be independently changed and controlled, and by changing the combination of the variable display modes of each variable display area,
The present invention is characterized in that predetermined value information in a game is notified.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 capable of playing a pachinko game by hitting a pachinko ball as a game medium comprises a gaming unit 2 and a card unit 3,
The gaming unit 2 is provided with various functions relating to the game (to be described in detail later), and the card unit 3 is provided with a prepaid card (a pachinko gaming card which is sold in advance at a predetermined amount and has a value equivalent to currency). A card control function, a ball lending control function, and the like that make it possible to use the data storage function) are added.

The gaming unit 2 has a frame-shaped front frame 5 rotatably provided on the front side of a hollow box frame-shaped machine frame 4. A glass frame 6 and a front panel 7 are rotatably provided in the window 5a opened in the front frame 5, and behind the glass frame 6 on which the transparent glass is provided,
A game board 10 having a game section 9 surrounded by a guide rail 8
Is arranged. The game board 10 is a main component of the pachinko game, and when a game ball hit by an electric drive source such as a rotary solenoid reaches the game section 9 along the guide rail 8, it hits a game nail. When the player descends in a downward direction by a windmill and flows into any of various winning regions (described in detail later) provided in the game section 9, a prize ball as a game value with respect to the winning ball becomes a player. , And the ball that does not win any of the winning areas is recovered from the out port 11 as a lost ball.

On the other hand, a front panel 7 located below the glass frame 6 includes a prize ball (a ball obtained by a player based on a prize in any one of the prize areas in the game section 9) and a lending ball. A ball supply tray 12 for storing (balls lent to the player from the game store) is provided, and a ball is supplied from the ball supply tray 12 to a launching ball standby unit, and waits for the launching ball standby unit. The game ball that is present is bounced by the bounce mechanism of the bounce unit. An operation handle 13 for operating the resilient unit and a ball supply tray 12 are provided at appropriate places below the front frame 5.
A ball tray 16 or the like for receiving a ball that cannot be stored is provided as appropriate.

In the above-mentioned gaming unit 2,
The main frame composed of the machine frame 4, the front frame 5, the glass frame 6, the front panel 7 and the like has a common function for performing a pachinko game in the gaming machine 1.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a detachable structure. In other words, the game board 10 can be replaced with a game board 10 having a different board configuration so that pachinko games having different game contents can be performed.

The card unit 3 has various functions related to ball lending control. The card unit 3 reads valuable data of a prepaid card inserted from the card insertion / ejection slot 14 and, for example, reads the valuable data of the ball supply tray 12. A predetermined number of game balls are lent out in response to the operation of the ball rental button provided in the appropriate place by the player, the valuable data of the prepaid card is rewritten to a value obtained by subtracting the currency corresponding to the lent game ball, and the return button is played. When the customer operates or when the remaining number of valuable data of the prepaid card becomes “0”, the prepaid card taken in is discharged from the card insertion / ejection opening 14.

In the gaming machine 1 described above, a specific configuration of a gaming board 10 provided with a gaming section 9 in which a flung game ball flows down will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, a variable display device having a plurality of variable display areas capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification symbols is provided substantially at the center of the game section 9 surrounded by the guide rails 8 of the game board 10. A special symbol display device 15 is provided, and below the special symbol display device 15 is provided a variable winning device 16 that can be converted into a first state disadvantageous to the player and a second state advantageous to the player, as appropriate. It is.

The variable winning device 16 has a structure in which a horizontally long winning opening can be opened and closed by a ball receiving door 17. That is, when the special winning opening is closed by the ball receiving door 17, the first state is disadvantageous for the player because the game ball is difficult to win the special winning opening, and when the special winning opening is opened. Is in a second state, which is advantageous for a player who is likely to enter the special winning opening because the game ball flowing down the board is received by the ball receiving door 16, and the game ball accepted to the special winning opening is The player wins either the general winning area or the special winning area formed in the mouth. Also,
The variable winning device 16 is provided with an ordinary symbol display 18 as a variable display device having one variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification symbols.

Further, in the game section 9, in addition to the relatively large game devices such as the special symbol display device 15 and the variable prize device 16, a plurality of general prize ports 19, and a normal symbol display 18 are started. A prize area such as the general-purpose starting gates 20, 20 for starting (variable display start) or a second state which is advantageous to the player who has widened the prize area by expanding the pair of left and right ball receiving pieces 21a, 21a. There are provided an ordinary electric accessory 21 as a relatively small variable prize winning device, and decorative lamps 22 and 22 as a decorative display device which also has a function of notifying a player of a change in the game state as the game progresses.

The flow of a pachinko game performed by the game board 10 having the above-described configuration will be described below.

If a game ball hit into the game section 9 flows down without being accepted in any of the prize areas, the game ball is only collected from the out port 11 to the back side of the game board 10, Although no profit is given to the player, for example, if any of the general winning ports 19 is won, these winning balls are detected by the safe sensor, and a predetermined number of prizes for the winning (for example, , 7 or 13) prize balls will be given to the player.

Here, the game balls are moved to the general-purpose starting gates 20 and 2.
When a prize is won, a normal symbol game for detecting the ordinary symbol starting gate sensor and awarding a prize ball for the prize is performed, and the ordinary symbol display 11 is started. The normal symbol game is a high-speed conversion and display of symbols such as alphanumeric characters displayed in the variable display area of the normal symbol display 11 and stops the variable display after a predetermined time, and the stopped symbol is a predetermined specific symbol. This is to determine whether or not it is a (winning symbol). If the game is stopped at a non-designating symbol that does not correspond to a specific symbol, the game state is not changed and the game is continued as it is. On the other hand, if the stop symbol in the normal symbol game is a hit symbol,
One ball receiving piece 21a, 21a is expanded for a predetermined time,
It becomes easy to win the winning prize port of the ordinary electric accessory 21. It should be noted that, when a game ball wins at the general figure starting gates 20, 20 during the normal symbol game, up to four of them are stored, and the number of these stored is given to the player by the general figure starting memory display 23. After the normal symbol game is displayed and the predetermined symbol start condition is satisfied, the ordinary symbol game is executed again based on the normal symbol start memory.

When a game ball wins the ordinary electric accessory 21, the ball is detected by a special figure start sensor, and not only a prize ball for the winning is given but also a special symbol for starting the special symbol display device 15. The game is played. The special symbol game is a symbol such as an alphanumeric character displayed on the first variable display section 15a, the second variable display section 15b, and the third variable display section 15c, which are three variable display areas provided on the special symbol display device 15. Are converted and displayed at high speed, and the first to third variable display units 15a to 15c are displayed at appropriate timing (detailed later).
Is stopped, and the first to third variable display units 15a to 15a are stopped.
It is determined whether or not the symbol stopped at 15c is in a specific mode which is a predetermined combination. The first to third variable display units 15 of the special symbol display device 15
a to 15c are composed of a liquid crystal display or the like,
The display control of each display area is provided with a high degree of freedom, and a series of symbols are connected in the upper, lower, left, right,
It is possible to perform a scroll display that appears to move in a fixed direction such as an oblique direction.

In the special symbol game described above,
If the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the third variable display sections 15a to 15c does not correspond to the specific mode,
There is no change in the game state, and the game is continued as it is. On the other hand, when the stop result of the special symbol game is a specific mode, a special game state is generated in which a game can be advanced under conditions that are extremely advantageous to the player. Note that when a game ball wins in the ordinary electric accessory 21 during the special symbol game, up to four of them are stored, and the stored number is visually displayed to the player by the special figure start storage display unit 24. After the special symbol game is completed, if the predetermined special figure startable condition is satisfied, the special symbol game is executed again based on the special figure start memory.

In the above-described special game state, for example, the game progress in the special winning state is such that the ball receiving door 17 of the variable winning device 16 repeats the opening / closing operation a predetermined number of times at a predetermined timing.
When the game ball accepted to the special winning opening of the game wins in the special winning area in the special winning opening, the cycle game is started again after the end of the cycle game, and the cycle game is updated to the maximum possible number of times. As a result, the number of prize balls given to the prize balls to the variable prize device 16 during that time increases remarkably, and the player can acquire many game profits in a relatively short time.

Next, a game control device 25 that enables a pachinko game by integrally controlling various game devices provided on the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

The game control device 25 includes a CPU, ROM, R
A game microcomputer 25a having a built-in AM or the like is provided, and upon receiving a basic clock supplied from a transmitter 25b, the game microcomputer 25a executes a game program stored in a ROM, It receives an input signal via an input interface such as a buffer and outputs a signal to the outside of the game control device 25 via an output interface such as a latch.

The game control device 25 receives a safe ball detection signal from a safe sensor 26 that detects a ball that has won a prize in various winning ports, and a special figure start sensor 27 that detects a prize ball to the ordinary electric accessory 21. The figure starting ball detection signal detects the passing prize ball of the figure starting gate 20. The figure starting ball detection signal from the figure starting ball sensor 28 detects the ball which has won the special winning area in the big winning opening of the variable winning device 16. , And a count ball detection signal from the count sensor 30 that detects a ball that has won a general winning area in the special winning opening of the variable winning device 16 is input.

The safe ball detection signal from the safe sensor 26 is supplied to a game circuit control unit 25 through a distribution circuit 25c to control the discharge of the game balls (e.g., the operation of discharging a game ball for lending based on the use of a prepaid card and various other operations). It is also supplied to the discharge control device 31 that performs the prize ball discharging operation based on the winning in the winning opening).

On the other hand, from the game control device 25, a general-purpose start storage display signal is transmitted to the general-purpose start storage display 23, and a normal design display signal is transmitted to the normal design display 18, and the ball receiving piece 21a of the normal electric accessory 21 is transmitted. A normal electric accessory solenoid drive signal is supplied to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 32 as a drive source for opening and closing the .21a, a special figure start storage display signal to the special figure start storage display 24, and a special symbol display device 15 is displayed. The information signal is transmitted to the special winning opening solenoid 33 which is a driving source for opening and closing the ball receiving door 17 of the variable winning device 16 The special winning opening solenoid driving signal generates various sound effects and synthetic sounds during the game from the speaker. The sound control information signal is output to the sound control device 34 to be output, and the decorative display control information signal is transmitted to the decorative display control device 35 which performs display control of various display lamps and decorative display devices.
The information related to the game control is sent to the external information terminal plate 36 which can be connected to the outside (for example, the management device of the game shop where the gaming machine 1 is installed), and the discharge control device 31 controls the number of award balls. Information (prize ball number data, etc.) is output.

Next, the special symbol display device 15 to which the display control information is supplied from the game control device 25 will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described based on.

The special symbol display device 15 includes a display device 37 for realizing the first to third variable display portions 15a to 15c as three variable display areas, and a display control device for performing display control on the display device 37. 38.

The CPU in the display control device 38
39, ROM 40, RAM 41, DMAC 42, interface 43, VDC 44, font ROM 45, γ
The correction circuit 46, the clock 47, and the like are connected via an internal bus. When the display control information is received from the game control device 25, the CPU 39 receives a communication interrupt from the interface circuit 43, and transmits the display control information transmitted. CPU
39 reads it, creates screen information based on the display control information, and stores the created screen information in the RAM 41. Based on this screen information, the VDC 44
The image information of the font is taken in from the OM 45, the vertical synchronization and the horizontal synchronization control for the display device 37 are performed, and a predetermined image is displayed.

Next, an outline of the flow of game control in the gaming machine 1 will be described based on the main flow of FIG.

When the game program is started, first, it is determined whether or not this execution is based on turning on the power (step S1). If the power is turned on, initialization such as initialization of a RAM is performed. Subsequently, input processing for removing chattering and logical conversion of the input signal is performed (step S2), and output processing for transmitting output data waiting for transmission to the outside is performed (step S3). Thereafter, steps S4 to S11 are performed.
Are processed in a time-division manner. In addition, reset interrupt is 2msec.
Then, the processing of steps S4 to S11 is 16
This is performed every msec (2 msec × 8).

In the time-sharing process, when there is a winning ball, an emission control information editing process for generating prize ball number control information for transmitting the number of prize balls to the emission control device 31 is performed (step S4). An emission control device communication process of transmitting the prize ball number control information generated in the emission control information editing process to the emission control device 31 is performed (step S5), and a voice control device communication of transmitting a sound control information signal to the sound control device 34. The processing is performed (step S6), the decoration control apparatus communication processing for transmitting the decoration display control information signal to the decoration display control apparatus 35 is performed (step S7), and the display control information signal is transmitted to the display control apparatus 37 of the special symbol display apparatus 15. A display control device communication process to be transmitted is performed (step S8), and then three through processes are repeated (steps S9 to S11).

In the through processing, the processing is performed without performing any processing. This is because the refresh rate (image update cycle) of the special symbol display device 15 in this embodiment is 1/60 msec (about 16 msec). ), The transmission period of the display control information signal from the game control device 25 to the display control device 37 is set to the special symbol display device 1
The through processing is performed so as to synchronize with the image update cycle of No. 5.

After performing the above-described time-sharing process, the special symbol game performed by the special symbol display device 15 is a random number for a big hit, and the reach generated in the special symbol game (2 in the special symbol game).
Reach mode determination for determining the mode (operating state, decorative display pattern, etc.) of one variable display area stopped at a symbol with a possibility of a big hit and the last variable display area being in a state of variable display A random number generation process is performed to generate a random number for use, a random number for selecting a big hit stop symbol for selecting a big hit stop symbol, a random number for hitting a normal symbol game performed by the normal symbol display 18, and the like (step S12).

Next, a sensor input process (step S1)
In 3), as shown in FIG. 6, a detection signal from the special figure start sensor 27 for detecting a prize ball to the ordinary electric accessory 21 is monitored (step S131), and a prize ball passing to the general figure start gate 20 is monitored. (Step S132), and monitors the detection signal from the safe sensor 26 that collectively detects the winning balls to the various winning openings (Step S133), and receives the variable winning. A detection signal from the continuation sensor 29 for detecting a ball winning the special winning area of the special winning opening in the device 16 is monitored (step S1).
34), a detection signal from the count sensor 30 that detects a ball that has won the general winning area of the special winning opening in the variable winning device 16 is monitored (step S135).

The details of the special figure start sensor monitoring processing in the above-described sensor input processing are as shown in FIG. First, the presence / absence of a ball detection signal from the special figure start sensor 27 is determined (step S1311). If not detected, the special figure start sensor monitoring process is terminated without any change. When the winning prize ball is detected, the special figure start memory is acquired from the count value of the special figure start counter (step S1312), and the count value of the special figure start storage counter is smaller than “4”. It is determined whether or not the start storage counter value is already larger than “4” (step S1313). If the value of the start storage counter is already larger than “4”, the special figure start sensor monitoring process is terminated. If it is, the start memory is updated by adding "1" to the special figure start memory counter (step S13).
14) A random number value for a hit determination in the special symbol game is obtained from the special figure random number storage area, stored in the special figure determination storage area (step S1315), and a random number value is obtained from the reach action random number storage area to obtain the reach action. It is stored in the random number determination area (step S1316), a random number value is obtained from the big hit stop symbol random number storage area, and stored in the big hit stop symbol storage area (step S1317).

After the sensor input process is completed, a special symbol game process (step S14), a normal symbol game process (step S15), and a symbol change process (step S1)
6), decoration control information editing processing (step S17), solenoid editing processing (step S18), fraud monitoring processing (step S19), display control device transmission information editing processing (step S20), external terminal information editing processing (step S2)
1) is performed in a time sharing manner.

In the special symbol game process, first, the set process number is determined, and the process branches to the process corresponding to the process number (step S141), and the process number "0" when the special symbol game is not started. In the case of (1), a start memory monitoring process (step S142) is performed.

In the start memory monitoring process, it is first determined whether there is a start memory (step S 14201). If there is no start memory, the start memory monitoring process is temporarily terminated. “1” is subtracted from the count value of the storage counter (step S1420)
2) In the special figure sensor monitoring process, a random number value is obtained from the special figure determination storage area to determine whether it is "big hit" or "losing" (step S14203), and a special prize determination flag (for example, , "1" for a big hit and "0" for a loss) (step S14204), and in the special figure sensor monitoring process, a corresponding random value is obtained from the reach action determination storage area to determine a reach action number (step S14205). ).

A branching process is performed based on the determination result of the reach action number (step S14206), and reach action information corresponding to the reach action number is set (step S14207). In addition, as a variation of the reach action, the display operation of the special symbol display device 15 is changed (for example, the time from when the reach occurs to the time when the final symbol is stopped, or the conversion speed of the final symbol is changed). Not only) but also by changing the display mode of the decorative lamp or the decorative display device, various changes can be given.

Next, it is determined whether or not the determination flag stored in step S14204 is "1", which corresponds to a big hit, and whether the determination flag is "0", which is a loss (step S1).
4208) If the determination result is a big hit, the random number value stored in the big hit stop symbol storage area in the special figure start sensor monitoring processing is extracted, and a big hit stop symbol is determined based on the random number value (step S14209). ).

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag determination result is a loss, the random number value stored in the reach action random number determination area in the special figure start sensor monitoring processing is extracted, and a reach action is performed based on the random number value. It is determined whether or not the reach action is not performed (step S14210), and the corresponding lost symbol is obtained from the lost stopped symbol storage area (step S14210).
14211) If it is determined that the reach action is to be performed, a reach symbol is obtained from the big hit stop symbol storage area based on the random number value of the big hit stop symbol random number, and the reach reach stop symbol that matches the reach action set in the above step S14207. (Step S1421)
2).

Thus, the game result of the special symbol game is determined to be "big hit", "reach" or "losing",
When a stop symbol corresponding to each game result is determined, the determined stop symbol is stored in the stop symbol storage area (step S1).
4213), the process number in the special symbol game process is set to “1” (step S14214), and the start storage monitoring process is temporarily ended.

After the process number is set to "1" as described above, the symbol stop monitoring process (step S143) is performed in the branch process of step S141, and the symbol stop monitoring process is determined in the start storage monitoring process. The result of monitoring the variable display of the special symbol display device 15 performed based on the information is monitored. If the combination of the stopped symbols does not correspond to the specific mode, the process number is returned to “0” and the process returns to the start storage monitoring process. If the combination of stop symbols corresponds to the specific mode, the processing number is set to “2”.

In this way, the jackpot process (step S144) is performed in which the variable winning device 16 is repeatedly converted to the second state based on a predetermined rule to perform a special game in which the player can obtain many profits. become. When the special game is completed by satisfying the predetermined ending condition, the process number is returned to “0”, so that the start storage monitoring process is performed again.

In the ordinary symbol game process of step S15, which is another time-division process, it is determined whether or not a detection signal has been received from the general-purpose starting sensor 28 based on a game ball passing through the general-purpose starting gate 20. And normal figure start sensor 2
If there is a detection signal from 8, the variable display of the normal symbol display 18 is performed, and the variable display of the normal symbol display 18 is stopped at a suitable timing based on the random number for the general symbol acquired in advance. If the stop symbol is a hit,
A process for expanding the ball receiving pieces 21a, 21a of the ordinary electric accessory 21 is performed.

In the symbol changing process of step S16, the first to third variable display areas 15a to 15 based on various information set in the special symbol game process of step S14.
The display control information such as the symbol information 5c and the display position information of the symbol is set. In addition, in a case where predetermined value information in a game is notified to the player by the variable display mode of the variable display device 15, display control information for setting the variable display mode according to the value information to be notified is set.

In the decoration control information editing process in step S17, control data for various lamps, display devices, and the like are set.

In the solenoid editing process of step S18, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 32 and the special winning opening solenoid 33 are controlled based on the data set in the special symbol game process of step S14 and the ordinary symbol game process of step S15. Set the drive data.

In the fraud monitoring process in step S19, monitoring is performed for no-count fraud or the like, which can be determined based on the input of the count sensor 30 while the big winning opening of the variable winning device 15 is open.

In the display control device transmission information editing process of step S20, a display for transmitting to the special symbol display device 15 based on the data set in the special symbol game process of step S14 and the symbol variation process of step S16. Edit control information. FIG. 10 shows an example of this display control information.
Is shown in the command table. As described above, by controlling the display of the first to third variable display portions 15a to 15c of the variable display device 15, various states during the game can be notified to the player by the variable display mode.

In the external terminal information editing process of step S21, information such as the occurrence of a big hit, a probable change state, and a stop result (combination of stop symbols) in the special symbol game is sent to the outside of the gaming machine (such as a gaming machine management device). Set the data to be sent.

In the remaining process (step S22) performed after the above-described series of processes is completed, the counter of a predetermined period is turned to create a loss stop symbol of the special symbol game until the next reset interrupt is applied. The created losing stop symbol is stored in the losing stop symbol storage area, and is used as the losing stop symbol in step S14211 of the above-described start storage monitoring process.

As described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 9, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, appropriate display control is performed so that various displays related to the game are performed by the special symbol display device. A game control device 25 including a variable display operation information determination function for setting information and transmitting the information, and a display device 3 receiving display control information from the game control device 25
And a display control device 38 including a display operation control function for performing a display control on the display device 7. The display control device 38 functions as a variable display control means for performing variable display start and stop control of the special symbol display device 15 as a variable display device. You do it.

In addition, the variable display control means including the game control device 25 and the display control device 38 can change the identification information variably displayed on the first to third variable display portions 15a to 15c of the special symbol display device 15. It has variable display mode change control means that can be changed so as to change the display mode. By changing the variable display mode on the special symbol display device 15, the predetermined value information in the game can be changed in the variable display mode. To inform.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, by changing the direction of scrolling the symbols in the first to third variable display sections 15a to 15c (changing the variable display mode), a reach occurs in the special symbol game. This is an example of a case in which the user is notified of what to do (predetermined value information in a game). That is, when the player loses the game without performing the reach action, all three variable display areas of the first to third variable display sections 15a to 15c perform scroll display from the top to the bottom and stop the symbols (a1, a2). On the other hand, when the first variable display unit 15a and the third variable display unit 15c stop at the same symbol to notify that the reach is reached, the first variable display unit 1
5a and the third variable display section 15c are scroll-displayed from bottom to top, and the second variable display section 15b is scroll-displayed from top to bottom (b1), and the first and third variable display sections 15a and 15c are formed at appropriate timing. Only the same symbols are stopped (b2).

FIG. 12 shows another example of the reach notification. In this example, the first to third variable display units 1
In all the variable display areas 5a to 15c, the order in which the identification information is cyclically displayed is assumed to be predetermined. For example, [0
The order of the circulation display is based on the circulation of the numbers 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 0], and vice versa [0 → 9 → 8 → 7 → 6 → 5] → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1 → 0] (Change the variable display mode)
This informs the occurrence of the reach. That is, when a loss is performed without performing the reach action, all the variable display areas of the first to third variable display units 15a to 15c are scroll-displayed in the normal cyclic display order (a1, a2). When the first variable display unit 15a and the third variable display unit 15c stop at the same symbol to notify that the reach is reached, the first variable display unit 15a to the third variable display unit 15c are displayed in the reverse circulation display order. (B1), and only the first and third variable display sections 15a and 15c are stopped at the appropriate timing in the same pattern (b2).

When the reach notification is performed by the variable display operation in the reverse circulating display order, the first to third variable display units 15a to 15a
Control may be performed such that not all of 15c are in reverse circulation display order, but only some of them are in reverse circulation display order. For example, the first variable display section 15a and the third variable display section 15c are variably displayed in a normal circular display order, and the second variable display section 15b is displayed.
Can be variably displayed in the reverse circulation display order, and control can be performed such that only the first and third variable display portions 15a and 15c are stopped at the appropriate timing in the same symbol, and the notification of reach can be performed.

If the control is such that the variable display mode is changed by changing the cyclic display order to the reverse cyclic display order, a large variable display such as the special symbol display device 15 having a liquid crystal display is used. Ordinary symbol display 1 consisting of a 7-segment display, etc. without using any device
Although it can be performed even on an inexpensive and small variable display device such as 8 or the like, the variable display device is variably displayed at a conversion speed at which the player can distinguish between the normal circular display order and the reverse circular display order. Careful consideration is also necessary.

Further, the difference is notified by the difference in the variable display mode of the special symbol display device 15 as the variable display device.
It is not limited to reach announcements only. For example, by referring to a random number stored in the special symbol determination storage area as information on a special symbol game to be started from now on, if a big hit occurs in the special symbol game, this notice is given, Refer to all the special symbol game information (maximum four) stored as the information based on the diagram start memory before the start of the change of the special symbol display device 15 and determine whether there is a reach or a jackpot in the memory. It may be determined whether or not to make a continuous announcement including a special symbol game that has not been started yet. Alternatively, the content of the stop symbol of the reach that occurs in the special symbol game (for example,
Information such as whether or not to become a probability variation symbol and information such as whether it is an odd number or an even number) may be announced in advance.

Similarly, the information that can be reported to the player by the variable display mode of the special symbol device 15 is not limited to the notice information, but may be the current game state in which the game is being played. For example,
As shown in FIG. 13, the first to third variable display units 15a to 15a
When all of the variable display areas 5c are scroll-displayed from top to bottom or variably displayed in a cyclic display order (a)
Is notified that the gaming machine is in the normal probability state (low probability state), and the first to third variable display units 15
When all of the variable display areas a to 15c are scrolled upward from the bottom or variably displayed in the reverse circulation display order (b), the gaming machine is in a probable change state (high probability state). It is good also as what notifies that. Similarly, the normal symbol display 18 is informed of the normal rotation time state in which the conversion time is normal, or the conversion time of the normal symbol display 18 is shortened so that the progress of the normal symbol game is shortened. May be. Further, in the time reduction game, when the number of times of time reduction is determined to be, for example, up to 150 rotations, a game progress state that the time point of the 150 rotations is almost finished may be notified, The fact that the game state has changed with the progress of the game may be notified.

In addition, the information which can be notified to the player by the variable display mode of the special symbol device 15 may be a notification indicating the possibility of a game to be performed later. For example, at the time of the reach, the last stop symbol becomes reverse scroll (or reverse circulation display), indicating that there is a high possibility that a big hit will occur from this reach, or by referring to the random number stored before the symbol change starts. Alternatively, the reliability of the jackpot or the reach may be reported to the player by changing the variable display mode. For example, various game values (reach occurrence probability and jackpot occurrence probability) are reported according to the type of variable display area (fluctuating digits) for performing variable display different from the normal variable display mode.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when all of the first to third variable display sections 15a to 15c are scrolled display from top to bottom (lower fluctuation display), the reach occurrence rate is 5%. %, The jackpot probability is 0.1%, and the reach occurrence rate is 100% when all of the first to third variable display sections 15a to 15c are scroll display from bottom to top (upward change display).
And the probability of a big hit is 100%, and the first and third variable display portions 15
In the case where a and 15c are the upper fluctuation display and the second variable display section 15b is the lower fluctuation display, the reach occurrence rate is 100% and the big hit probability is 30%, and the second and third variable display sections 15b and 15c are the upper fluctuation display. In the case where the first variable display section 15a is the lower fluctuation display, the reach occurrence rate is 50% and the jackpot probability is 20%, and the first and second variable display sections 15a and 15b are the upper fluctuation display and the third variable display section 15c. Is in the downward fluctuation display, the reach occurrence rate is 50
%, The jackpot probability is 20%, the first and third variable display units 15
When a and 15c are lower fluctuation displays and the second variable display unit 15b is upper fluctuation display, it may be set so that the reach occurrence rate is 25% and the big hit probability is 10%.

The timing of changing the variable display mode as described above is not particularly limited, and the variable display mode may be adapted to the content of the notification from the time when the variable display is started, or the variable display may be started. By changing the variable display mode after a certain period of time has elapsed, control may be performed so as to make it easier for the player to impress, or a variable display mode that can notify the probability of a subsequent big hit occurrence and the like at the time when reach has occurred It may be changed, or the notification may be made by the symbol stop control when the symbol is about to stop.

[0076]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the variable display mode change control means of the variable display control means can change the identification information variably displayed in the variable display area of the variable display device. By changing the display mode, predetermined value information in the game can be notified by the difference in the variable display mode, and the variable display device, which is of great interest to the player, is always watched by the player. Effective notification with little possibility of being overlooked.

Further, the presence or absence of the notification is determined by the change of the variable display mode of the identification information. Since the display control for is not complicated and unnecessary power is not consumed, it is possible to contribute to energy saving, and it is not necessary to give a large-scale notification that hinders the concentration of other players.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the variable display mode change control means changes the variable display mode from the cyclic display order in the normal state to the reverse cyclic display order, so that the predetermined value information in the game can be obtained. Since the notification is performed, when notifying the value information such as the occurrence of the reach, the display order of the identification information can be reversed to perform an effect different from that in the normal state, and the gaming game can be given a range. At the same time, the player can be strongly impressed that the game is different from usual.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the variable display mode change control means changes the scroll display direction in the variable display mode to notify predetermined value information in a game. , The player can relatively easily identify the variable display area scrolled in a direction different from the normal direction, and the player feels tired eyes due to playing the game for a long time, resulting in reduced attention. Even if it does, it can exhibit an effective notification function that is not overlooked. Moreover, since the scroll display direction in the variable display area can be set arbitrarily, a variety of variable display modes that do not make the player tired can be created. If various variable display modes are determined and value information is notified, The expectation of the player can be effectively increased.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the variable display mode change control means enables the variable display modes of the plurality of variable display areas to be independently changed and controlled, and a combination of the variable display modes of each variable display area. Is set to be different, thereby notifying predetermined value information in the game, so that it is possible to notify a large amount of value information in an easy-to-understand manner by a combination of variable display modes of a plurality of variable display areas. It is possible to easily identify and know various value information without having to pay attention to the variable display device with the above-described identification ability. Thereby, the player does not overlook the predetermined value information while concentrating on the game, and the interest in the game is further increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram related to input and output of the game control device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram related to input and output of a display control device in a special symbol display device as a variable display device.

FIG. 5 is a main flowchart of the game control.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sensor input process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a special figure start sensor monitoring process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special symbol game process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a start memory monitoring process.

FIG. 10 is a command list diagram showing an example of a display control command sent from the game control device to the display control device.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first notification example using a variable display device.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a second notification example using a variable display device.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a third notification example using a variable display device.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notification information in a variable display mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 15 Special symbol display device 15a First variable display portion 15b Second variable display portion 15c Third variable display portion 25 Game control device 38 Display control device

Claims (4)

[Claims] A variable display device having a variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information; and after variably starting the identification information of the variable display device based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition. Variable display control means for performing stop control, and a predetermined game value can be given when a display result of the variable display device by the variable display control means at the time of variable stop becomes a predetermined specific mode. In the gaming machine, the variable display control means has variable display mode change control means that can change the variable display mode of the identification information variably displayed in the variable display area of the variable display device, By changing the variable display mode by the variable display mode change control unit of the display control unit, predetermined value information in the game is notified by the difference in the variable display mode. Game machine and wherein the door. 2. The variable display control means controls the variable display area to change and display the identification information in a variable display area based on a predetermined display order of the identification information. The variable display mode can be changed to a predetermined display mode of a circular display order of the identification information and a reverse circular display order that is a display order opposite to the circular display order, and the variable display mode change control unit changes the variable display mode. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display mode is changed to a reverse circulation display order to notify predetermined value information in the game. 3. The variable display control means is capable of performing scroll display control in which identification information appears to move in a fixed direction in a variable display area, and scroll display in two or more directions as different variable display modes. The variable display mode change control means makes it possible to change the variable display mode by changing the direction of the scroll display, and the variable display mode change control means changes the direction of the scroll display to change the scroll display direction. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein predetermined value information is notified. 4. The variable display device has a plurality of variable display areas, the variable display control means can independently control the variable display mode of each variable display area, and the variable display mode change control means. Is characterized in that the variable display mode of each variable display area can be independently changed and controlled, and by changing the combination of the variable display modes of each variable display area, predetermined value information in a game is notified. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.