JP4500956B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

【００１９】
ここで、「ノーマルリーチ」とは、通常のリーチ状態であって、大当りが発生する確率（大当り信頼性）は他のリーチに比べると低く設定されている。そして、「ノーマルリーチ」の発展型が「ロングリーチ」であり、この「ロングリーチ」は「ノーマルリーチ」に比べて大当りが発生する確率が高く設定されている。また、「スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃ」は、「ノーマルリーチ」、「ロングリーチ」に比べると大当り信頼性が高く、さらに「スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃ」のそれぞれが発展して形成される「プレミアムリーチＡ〜Ｃ」は大当り信頼性が最も高い。
なお、本実施の形態では、複数のリーチパターンについて記載しているが、これらのリーチパターンは、例えば特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示される内容（最後に停止する図柄の変動態様や、背景図柄の種類等）やその内容が表示されている時間等によって区別することができる。
【００２０】
また、表２に示すように、表１のリーチパターンα〜θと、このリーチパターンを決定する乱数（リーチパターン乱数ＲＣとして後述する）とによって、図柄表示列７０，７２，７４のうち最後に停止する図柄列の図柄の停止パターンが決まる。例えば、乱数値が「１」で、大当り（同一図柄）となる場合のリーチパターンはδ（プレミアムリーチＡ）である。なお、表２の「図柄の関係」とは、画面２０ａにおいて最後に停止する図柄の、既に停止している他の図柄に対する相対位置を示すものである。従って、例えば、画面２０ａの２つの図柄表示列に数字「７」が停止してリーチの場合には、最後に停止する図柄が「７」で停止するパターンが表２中の「同一図柄」であり、「５」で停止するパターンが表２中の「２図柄前」である。
表２に示すように、リーチパターンα（ノーマルリーチ）以外は、ほとんどが同一図柄若しくは１図柄前後、２図柄前後で停止するように構成されており、ノーマルリーチ以外のリーチパターンになると、遊技者にとって最後に停止する図柄が同一図柄で停止する期待感が高まる。
【００２１】
【表２】

【００２２】
図１に戻って遊技盤面１２には１個または複数個の装飾ゲートを有し、この例では左ゲート２３、右ゲート２４を有する。装飾ゲートは上記中ゲート３２と異なり、パチンコ球の通過を検出するゲートセンサを有しない。右ゲート２４は普通図柄表示器２６を有するが、左ゲート２３は普通図柄表示器を有しない。普通図柄表示器２６は１個または複数個の発光体（この例では２個のＬＥＤ）を有し、当該発光体の点灯・消灯が普通図柄となる。普通図柄は、例えば中ゲート３２にパチンコ球が通過したときに点滅が始まり、その後に各発光体についてそれぞれ点灯または消灯する。そして、各発光体の点灯または消灯の態様に応じて（例えば２個のＬＥＤのうち右側のＬＥＤが点灯すると）、下部始動口６２の蓋を一定期間（例えば４秒間）だけ開ける。
なお普通図柄表示器２６には、液晶表示器、ＣＲＴ、ＬＥＤ表示器、プラズマ表示器等のように普通図柄が表示可能な他の表示器を用いてもよい。この場合には、普通図柄として、例えば英数字や記号等を用いることができる。さらには、普通図柄と特別図柄とを同じ表示器（例えば特別図柄表示器２０）に表示するようにしてもよい。
また、遊技盤面１２の左側には遊技用のプリペイドカードを挿入出する挿入口４７、プリペイドカードの残高や挿入状況等を表示する表示器４９が設置されている。
【００２３】
遊技盤面１２以外では、賞球や貸球を含むパチンコ球を一時的に貯留する下皿４０、タバコの吸い殻を入れる灰皿４２、効果音や音楽等を出すスピーカ４４、遊技者の手がハンドル３６に触れているか否かを検出するタッチセンサ３８、ガラス枠１８の開放を検出する金枠センサ５８等が設けられている。スピーカ４４は賞球の受皿である上皿４６の内部に設けられ、タッチセンサ３８や金枠センサ５８はそれぞれ所要の位置に設ける。また、ランプ類１６は電球やＬＥＤ等の発光体を用いており、図示した位置には限らずパチンコ機１０の種類や遊技内容等に合わせて適切な位置に配置する。
【００２４】
次に、パチンコ機１０によるパチンコ遊技を実現するメイン制御基板１００及び表示制御基板２００の構成や作動等について、図３を参照しながら説明する。ここで、図３は制御基板１００，２００の構成を示すブロック図である。また、これらのメイン制御基板１００及び表示制御基板２００は、いずれもパチンコ機１０の背面側に設けられている。
なお、図１に示す本実施の形態のパチンコ機１０は、所定の条件が成立すると図柄等の映像を表示すべく表示指令を出力する遊技制御部と、当該表示指令を受けて画像編集を行なって画像信号を特別図柄表示器（表示器）２０に出力する表示制御部とを有する。所定の条件としては、特定位置に設けた検出器がパチンコ球を検出したときや、大当り遊技期間等がある。
【００２５】
図３に示すように、前記遊技制御部に相当するメイン制御基板１００は、ＣＰＵ（プロセッサ）１１０を中心に構成され、パチンコ機１０で行われるパチンコ遊技を制御する。当該メイン制御基板１００は、遊技制御プログラムや大当り値などのデータを格納するＲＯＭ１１２、はずれ図柄データ、表示決定テーブル、領域決定テーブル、各種乱数等のデータや検出信号などを一時的に格納するＲＡＭ１１４、ゲートセンサ５４や始動口センサ５６，６０やＶゾーンセンサ４８等の入賞センサから出力された検出信号を入力する入力処理回路１０２、ソレノイド５０等を駆動させる駆動信号を出力する出力処理回路１０４、インジケータ２４の表示制御を行う表示制御回路１０６、表示制御基板２００等との間で通信を行う通信制御回路１１６などを備える。これらのＣＰＵ１１０やＲＯＭ１１２、ＲＡＭ１１４、通信制御回路１１６、入力処理回路１０２、出力処理回路１０４、表示制御回路１０６はバス１１８により相互に接続される。なお、図示しないがフラッシュメモリやバッテリによって記憶されたデータ等がバックアップされるバックアップメモリを別個に備えてもよい。
【００２６】
ＣＰＵ２１０は、メイン制御基板１００から出力された表示指令を受けると、当該表示指令に対応する表示情報をＲＯＭ２０２から読み込み、バス２０８を介してＶＤＰ２１４に出力する。ＶＤＰ２１４はＶＲＡＭやパレットＲＡＭ等を備えており、ＣＰＵ２１０から送られた表示情報を受けて、当該表示情報に対応するデータをキャラクタジェネレータ２１２から読み込み、配色指定及びスプライト処理等の画像編集を行なってＶＲＡＭやパレットＲＡＭ上にデータ展開し、最終的には画像信号を図柄表示器２０に出力する。
その他、メイン制御基板１００や表示制御基板２００に備えるＲＯＭにはＥＰＲＯＭを用いるが、ＥＥＰＲＯＭやフラッシュメモリを用いてもよい。同様に、ＲＡＭにはＤＲＡＭを用いるが、ＳＲＡＭやフラッシュメモリ等を用いてもよい。
【００２７】
【表３】

【００２８】
次に、各リーチパターン毎に特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示される背景図柄としてのアニメーションシーンの構成について図４及び表３を参照しながら説明する。ここで、図４は各リーチパターンのアニメーションシーンの構成を示す構成図である。
図４に示すように、前記した背景図柄としてのアニメーションシーンは、各リーチパターン毎に予め設定されており、インジケータ２４のＬＥＤが時系列順に点灯する所定のタイミングに合わせて切替わるように構成されている。
本実施の形態のアニメーションシーンとしては、８つのリーチパターンα〜θ（ノーマルリーチ、ロングリーチ、スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃ、プレミアムリーチＡ〜Ｃ）に対応するシーンに加えて、２つの共通シーン（全リーチ共通シーン、スーパーリーチ共通シーン）が設定されている。なお、ノーマルリーチ及びロングリーチに対応するシーンはノーマルリーチ系に属し、スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃ、プレミアムリーチＡ〜Ｃに対応するシーンはスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃ系に属する。
【００２９】
また、各種のアニメーションシーンを図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示するタイミングは予め設定され、リーチパターンに関するタイムスケジュールとしてＲＯＭ１１２等に記憶されている。例えば、ノーマルリーチ系のノーマルリーチの場合は、図柄表示列７０，７２，７４の図柄が変動開始してから各図柄表示列が順次停止していき時間ｔ_N1が経過すると、最終停止列（例えば、中図柄表示列７２）の変動を停止し、同時にノーマルリーチシーンの表示を終了する。また、ノーマルリーチ系のロングリーチの場合は、時間ｔ_N1まではノーマルリーチと同一のシーンを表示するが、時間ｔ_N1になると画面２０ａがノーマルリーチのシーンからロングリーチのシーンに切り替る。また、スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃ系のスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃの場合は、時間ｔ_Sが経過すると画面２０ａがスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃのシーンのいずれかに切り替る。その後スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃのシーンのそれぞれは、時間ｔ_A1，ｔ_B1，ｔ_C1が経過すると、最終停止列（例えば、中図柄表示列７２）の変動を停止し、同時にスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃのシーンの表示を終了する。また、スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃ系のプレミアムリーチＡ〜Ｃの場合は、対応するスーパーリーチと同じシーンを表示した後、時間ｔ_A1，ｔ_B1，ｔ_C1が経過するとそれぞれのプレミアムリーチＡ〜Ｃのシーンに切り替る。そして、経過時間の最も長いプレミアムリーチＣのシーンは、図柄が変動を開始してから時間ｔ_C2（図柄が変動を開始してから６０秒後）で終了するように設定されている。
すなわち、図２に示すインジケータ２４のＬＥＤ（Ｌ１１〜Ｌ４８）は、表３に示すようなリーチパターン、経過時間において点灯するように構成されている。なお、例えば４個の保留球ランプのうちの３個または４個が点灯している場合には、経過時間ｔ₁はそれ以外（０〜２個が点灯している）の場合に比べて短く（例えば、４秒程度短縮されて）設定されている。
【００３０】
次に、上記構成をなすパチンコ機１０において本発明を実現するための処理手順について、図５〜図８にフローチャートでそれぞれ示す処理手順を参照しながら説明する。ここで、図５には第１種始動口処理の内容を、図６には図柄変動処理の内容を、図７には変動表示処理の内容を、図８にはリーチ処理の内容をそれぞれフローチャートで示す。
なお、第１種始動口処理、図柄変動処理、変動表示処理、リーチ処理は、いずれも図３に示すメイン制御基板１００においてＲＯＭ１１２に格納されている遊技制御プログラムをＣＰＵ１１０が適当なタイミングで実行することによって実現される。また、画像表示処理は表示制御基板２００においてＣＰＵ２１０とＶＤＰ２１４が適当なタイミングでプログラムを実行することによって実現される。これらの図に示す処理手順は、いずれも図３に示すメイン制御基板１００においてＲＯＭ１１２に格納されている遊技制御プログラムをＣＰＵ１１０が適当なタイミングで実行することによって実現される。
【００３１】
以下の説明では、特別図柄表示器２０に３つの図柄表示列（左図柄表示列７０、中図柄表示列７２、右図柄表示列７４）を設けて特別図柄を表示する態様について説明する。この場合、２つの図柄表示列が停止して大当り図柄配列を形成する可能性がある場合にリーチ状態になり、最後の図柄表示列が停止して３つの図柄表示列の図柄が大当り図柄配列を形成すると大当りになるパチンコ遊技を想定する。
また、「保留球数」という場合には、特別図柄表示器２０に特別図柄が変動して表示されている間に第１種始動口３０に入賞したパチンコ球の個数を意味する。「加算する」という場合には、通常は１だけ保留球数を増やすことを意味するが、遊技状態等に応じて適宜に２以上ずつ増やす場合を含む。これに対して「減算する」という場合には、保留球数を減らす点を除いては加算する場合と同様である。なお、第１種始動口３０の入賞と下部始動口６２の入賞とは同様に作動するので、説明を簡単にするために第１種始動口３０の入賞について説明する。
【００３２】
まず、図５に示す第１種始動口処理は、第１種始動口３０に対するパチンコ球の入賞判別を行う。ここでは、まず第１種始動口３０にパチンコ球が入賞したか否かを判別する〔ステップＳ１０〕。具体的には、図１，図３に示す始動口センサ５６から検出信号が出力された場合には入賞した（ＹＥＳ）と判別し、検出信号が出力されなければ入賞しない（ＮＯ）と判別する。
そして、第１種始動口３０にパチンコ球が入賞したときには、保留球数が上限値（例えば４）に達しているか否かを判別する〔ステップＳ１２〕。
保留球数が上限値に達していなければ（ＮＯ）、その保留球数を加算する〔ステップＳ１４〕。加算された保留球数に応じて保留球ランプ２８のＬＥＤを点灯する。
その後、各種乱数の読み込みと記憶を行い〔ステップＳ１６〕、第１種始動口処理を終了する。なお第１種始動口３０にパチンコ球が入賞していない場合（ステップＳ１０のＮＯ）や、保留球数が上限値に達している場合（ステップＳ１２のＹＥＳ）には、何もせずにそのまま第１種始動口処理を終了する。
【００３３】
ここで、ステップＳ１６に示す各種乱数には、大当り判定用乱数ＲＡ、大当り図柄用乱数ＲＢ、リーチパターン乱数ＲＣ、確率変動用乱数ＲＤ等がある。
大当り判定用乱数ＲＡは、大当りか否かを判別するための乱数である。大当り図柄用乱数ＲＢは、大当り判定用乱数ＲＡによって大当りと判別された場合において、特別図柄表示器２０に停止して表示する特別図柄を特定するための乱数である。リーチパターン乱数ＲＣは、特別図柄表示器２０に表示されている特別図柄によってリーチ状態になった後、残りの特別図柄が停止するまでの表示パターンを特定するための乱数である。確率変動用乱数ＲＤは、大当り遊技後に確率変動状態（当たり）になるか、確率変動状態にならず通常の遊技状態（はずれ）になるかを抽選するための乱数である。
【００３４】
次に、図６に示す図柄変動処理では、特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａの図柄表示列７０，７２，７４に図柄を変動して表示するための処理を行う。
まず、保留球数が正数（保留球数＞０）か否かを判別する〔ステップＳ２０〕。そして、保留球数が正数ならば（ＹＥＳ）、上記ステップＳ１６で記憶した大当り判定用乱数ＲＡを読み込むとともに〔ステップＳ２２〕、次回の処理に備えて保留球数を減算する〔ステップＳ２４〕。そして、変動表示処理を行う〔ステップＳ２６〕。この変動表示処理の具体的な処理内容について、図７を参照しながら説明する。
一方、ステップＳ２０で「はずれ」と判別されたならば（ＮＯ）、図柄変動処理を終了する。
なお、図柄表示列７０，７２，７４の図柄の変動に伴って、画面２０ａに背景図柄として全リーチパターンに共通のアニメーションシーンを表示する。
【００３５】
図７に示す変動表示処理では、まず「大当り」か否かを判別する〔ステップＳ４０〕。具体的には、上記ステップＳ２２で読み込んだ大当り判定用乱数ＲＡが大当り値と一致したか否かによって判別する。大当り値は通常は１個であるが、遊技状態（例えば信頼度変動時）等によっては複数個としてもよい。
もし、「大当り」ならば（ＹＥＳ）、図５のステップＳ１６で記憶した大当り図柄用乱数ＲＢを読み込み〔ステップＳ４１〕、特別図柄を変動し始めるべくステップＳ４２に進む。当該大当り図柄用乱数ＲＢによって、特別的に停止して確定する予定の図柄（以下、「停止予定図柄」と呼ぶ。）を決定する。
一方、ステップＳ４０で「はずれ」と判別されたならば（ＮＯ）、はずれ図柄を特別図柄表示器２０に表示するため、はずれ図柄データをＲＡＭ１１４から読み込む〔ステップＳ６０〕。
【００３６】
その後、当該はずれ図柄データにリーチ図柄を含むか否かを判別する〔ステップＳ６１〕。「リーチ図柄」とは、リーチ状態になったときに図柄表示列７０，７２，７４のうちのいずれか２つに停止して表示されている図柄である。ステップＳ６１を実行するのは、最終的には「はずれ」になるが、途中でリーチ状態になる態様である。もし、リーチ図柄を含むならば、（ＹＥＳ）ステップＳ４２に進み、一方、リーチ図柄を含まないならば（ＮＯ）、ステップＳ６２に進む。そして、ステップＳ４２あるいはステップＳ６２においてそれぞれ図柄表示列７０，７２，７４の図柄の変動を開始する。
【００３７】
そして、図柄表示列７０，７２，７４の図柄の変動開始〔ステップＳ４２〕に伴って、タイマーを始動させる〔ステップＳ４３〕。このタイマーは、画面２０ａの表示内容（本実施の形態では、リーチパターンのアニメーションシーン）に対応したＬＥＤの点灯時機を決定するのに用いられるものであって、例えば４ｍｓｅｃごとのリセット回数をカウントして、そのカウント値を基準にして時間計測するように構成してもよい。そして、図柄の変動開始を開始したことを表すためにインジケータ２４の所要のＬＥＤ（例えば、図２中のＬ１１→Ｌ１２→Ｌ１３）を順に点灯させる〔ステップＳ４４〕。その後、リーチ処理を行う〔ステップＳ４５〕。
【００３８】
リーチ処理では、リーチ状態になってから図柄を停止するまでの期間における図柄の変動処理を行い、具体的な処理内容について図８を用いて説明する。まず図５のステップＳ１６で記憶したリーチパターン乱数ＲＣを読み込み〔ステップＳ８０〕、リーチパターンを決定する〔ステップＳ８１〕。例えば、図７のステップＳ４１及びステップＳ６０で決定した停止予定図柄とリーチ図柄とに基づいて図柄の関係を求め、当該図柄の関係と上記リーチパターン乱数ＲＣとに基づいてリーチパターンを決定する（表１参照）。なお、各リーチパターンは、画面２０ａに表示される図柄の変動パターンやアニメーションシーンに限らず、これらに付随するランプ類の点滅パターン、スピーカ４４から出す音のパターン等の、パチンコ機１０で作動する全ての要素が含まれる。
【００３９】
こうして決定したリーチパターンに基づいて図柄表示列７０，７２，７４のうちのいずれか２つに図柄を停止させ、特別図柄表示器２０にリーチ状態になったことを表示する〔ステップＳ８２〕。そして、リーチ状態になったことを表すためにインジケータ２４の所要のＬＥＤ（例えば、図２中のＬ３３）を点灯させる〔ステップＳ８３〕。また、当該表示の際、遊技者にリーチ状態を認識させるための別の表示をあわせて行なってもよい。当該認識表示としては、例えば「リーチ」の文字を表示したり、キャラクターを表示したり、あるいは画面２０ａを数回フラッシュさせる等がある。
【００４０】
次に、ステップＳ８１で決定したリーチパターンに基づいて、そのリーチパターンを画面２０ａに表示するために必要となる所要時間（図柄変動開始からの経過時間）をＲＯＭ１１２等から読み出して記憶する〔ステップＳ８４〕。そして、特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに、背景図柄として決定したリーチパターンのアニメーションシーン（例えば、スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃに共通のアニメーションシーン）を表示する〔ステップＳ８５〕。そして、所要時間の経過を前記タイマーにより確認し〔ステップＳ８７〕、所要時間が経過すると（ステップＳ８７のＹＥＳ）同時に、リーチパターンのアニメーションシーンを切替える場合には、次のアニメーションシーン（例えば、スーパーリーチＡのアニメーションシーン）を画面２０ａに表示する〔ステップＳ８８〕。そして、リーチパターンのアニメーションシーンの切替えに伴って、インジケータ２４の所要のＬＥＤ（例えば、図２中のＬ２４→Ｌ２５→Ｌ２６）をさらに点灯させる〔ステップＳ８９〕。次に、ステップＳ９０で変動停止時間の経過を前記タイマーにより確認し、変動停止時間が経過すると（ステップＳ９０のＹＥＳ）、ステップＳ９１に進む。一方、所要時間が経過していない（ステップＳ８７のＮＯ）場合や、変動停止時間が経過していない（ステップＳ９０のＮＯ）場合には、ステップＳ８５に戻る。
【００４１】
ステップＳ９１で「大当り」か否かを判別して、大当りの場合（ＹＥＳ）には、インジケータ２４の所要のＬＥＤ（例えば、図２中のＬ２７→Ｌ２８）、さらには大当りランプ８０を点灯して〔ステップＳ９２，ステップＳ９３〕、その後リーチ処理を終了する。一方、大当りでない場合（ＮＯ）には、そのままリーチ処理を終了する。なお、大当りランプ８０の点灯が、本発明の「表示部は最後まで表示制御され」に対応している。
リーチ処理を終了すると図７のステップＳ４６に戻り、特別図柄の変動を停止する。
一方、図７のステップＳ６１でリーチ図柄でないときは（ＮＯ）、ステップＳ４２と同様に特別図柄を変動し始め〔ステップＳ６２〕、タイマーを始動させ〔ステップＳ６３〕、インジケータ２４の所要のＬＥＤ（図２ではＬ１１〜Ｌ１３）を点灯させた〔ステップＳ６４〕のち、はずれ図柄の変動パターンに基づいて変動表示する〔ステップＳ６５〕。そして、ステップＳ４６に進み特別図柄の変動を停止するとともにインジケータ２４のＬＥＤを全て消灯する。
【００４２】
次に、「確率変動」か否かを判別する〔ステップＳ４７〕。具体的には、図５のステップＳ１６で記憶した確率変動用乱数ＲＤを読み込み、大当り値と一致したか否かによって判別する。そして、確率変動ならば（ステップＳ４７のＹＥＳ）、確率変動遊技処理を行い〔ステップＳ４８〕、その後変動表示処理を終了する。確率変動遊技処理では、次回の大当りが発生するまでの確率が変更され（一般的には確率がアップする）、具体的には、例えば確率変動フラグを立てる、遊技盤上の装飾部材やパネル飾り等を点滅させて確率変動遊技に入ったことを表示する、次回の大当りまでの確率を変更する、次回の大当り乱数を再決定する、等の処理を行う。
一方、確率変動ではない場合（ステップＳ４７のＮＯ）には、そのまま変動表示処理を終了する。そして、図６のステップＳ２６に戻り、ステップＳ２８に進む。
【００４３】
ステップＳ２８では、特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに、最終的に確定して表示された図柄の配列が大当り図柄配列と一致するか否かを判別する。もし、表示された図柄の配列が大当り図柄配列と一致するならば（ＹＥＳ）、「大当り」として大当り処理を行い〔ステップＳ３０〕、図柄変動処理を終了する。大当り処理は、例えば大入賞口３４の蓋６６を一定期間（例えば３０秒間）だけ開放し、入賞したパチンコ球の数に応じて賞球を払い出す等の処理である。
一方、表示された図柄の配列が大当り図柄配列と一致しないならば（ＮＯ）、「はずれ」としてはずれ処理を行い〔ステップＳ３２〕、図柄変動処理を終了する。なお、はずれ処理の具体的な処理内容については、既に周知の処理と同様であるので説明を省略する。
【００４４】
次に、上記図５〜図８に示した処理手順を実行することによって、本実施の形態のチャート表示器２２の表示面２２ａに表示される態様について、図９〜図１４を参照しながら詳細に説明する。なお、図９〜図１４はチャート表示器２２の表示面２２ａに表示される表示内容の一例であって、プレミアムリーチＡを表示した後大当りが形成される場合について示している。
また、図９〜図１４に示す本発明の実施の形態においては、チャート表示器２２の表示面２２ａに表示される態様は以下の（１）〜（４）を前提とする。
（１）インジケータ２４は最初にＬ１１が点灯し、リーチの進行に伴って図９中の矢印３０方向に順に点灯する。
（２）インジケータ２４のＬＥＤは一度点灯すると「大当り」又は「はずれ」が確定するまで点灯を維持する。
（３）最後に、大当りのランプ８０が点灯した場合が「大当り」である。
（４）リーチの途中でＬＥＤが全て消灯した場合が「はずれ」である。
【００４５】
まず、第１種始動口３０にパチンコ球が入賞すると、図７のステップＳ４２又はステップＳ６２によって、特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示された３つの図柄表示列７０，７２，７４はほぼ一斉に変動を開始する。この図柄表示列７０，７２，７４の図柄の変動に合わせて、図７のステップＳ４４又はステップＳ６４によって、図９に示すようにインジケータ２４のＬ１１から時系列順に点灯を開始する（この時を経過時間ｔ＝０とする）。また、このとき、画面２０ａには、全リーチに共通のアニメーションシーンが表示される。
【００４６】
次に、図８のステップＳ８１によってリーチパターン（プレミアムリーチＡ）が決定されると、図１０に示すように、変動する図柄表示列７０，７２，７４のうちの例えば左図柄表示列７０が停止してＬ１２が点灯し（経過時間ｔ１）、続いて右図柄表示列７４が停止してＬ１３（ノーマルリーチとスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃとの分岐部）が点灯して（経過時間ｔ２）、リーチ状態になる。ここで、Ｌ１４とＬ３３のいずれが点灯するかによって、大当り確率の低いノーマルリーチになるか、あるいは大当り確率の高いスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃになるかが決定される。従って、分岐部としてのＬ１３において、遊技者の抱く期待感や緊迫感が高まる。
なお、右図柄表示列７４が停止してリーチ状態にならない場合（はずれの場合）には、その後、中図柄表示列７２が停止した際にＬ１１〜Ｌ１３が一斉に消灯される。
【００４７】
次に、図８のステップＳ８３によって、図１１に示すように、Ｌ３３（スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃの分岐部）が点灯する。また、画面２０ａには、スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃに共通のアニメーションシーンが表示される。
そして、図１２に示すようにＬ３３から分岐したＬ２４が点灯する。ここで、Ｌ２４，３４，４４のいずれが点灯するかによってどのスーパーリーチになるかが決定される。従って、分岐部としてのＬ３３において、遊技者の抱く期待感や緊迫感が高まる。
【００４８】
なお、リーチパターンがＬ１３からＬ１４又はＬ３３に分岐する（ノーマルリーチかスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃに分岐する）場合、あるいはＬ３３からＬ２４，Ｌ３４，Ｌ４４に分岐する（スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃのいずれかに分岐する）場合に、どのリーチパターンに分岐するかをＬＥＤを点灯及び消灯させる演出をしながら表示するように構成することもできる。例えば、図２において、ＬＥＤがＬ１３又はＬ３３から分岐する際に、Ｌ１４とＬ３３，又はＬ２４，Ｌ３４，Ｌ４４（いずれも、分岐したリーチパターンの先頭のＬＥＤ）が順に点灯、消灯を２〜３往復繰り返す。そして、点灯、消灯を繰り返したＬＥＤのうち決定したリーチパターンに対応するＬＥＤが最後に点灯する。このように構成することによって、遊技者はリーチパターンが分岐する際の期待感や緊迫感を味わうことができる。
【００４９】
次に、図８のステップＳ８９，９２によって、図１３に示すようにＬ２７，Ｌ２８が順に点灯する。そして、大当りの場合には、ステップＳ４６で特別図柄が変動を停止して大当り図柄配列を形成するとともに、図１４に示すように大当りを表示するランプ８０が点灯する〔ステップＳ９３〕。
なお、その後、図６のステップＳ３０によって「大当り処理」になるとすぐに、インジケータ２４のＬＥＤは全て消灯する（ステップＳ３２によって「はずれ処理」になる場合も同様とする）。
【００５０】
大当りになると、遊技盤面１２の下方位置に設けられた大入賞口３４が開放されると伴に、画面２０ａの表示は大当り遊技の画面に切り換わり、遊技者は大当り遊技を行う。そして、大当り遊技が終了した（例えばラウンド１６まで遊技を継続した）場合、または途中のラウンドでＶゾーン５２に規定数の入球が確認されなかったり規定時間内に入賞しなかった場合（いわゆるパンクした場合）には、図柄表示列７０，７２，７４の図柄が変動を開始する前の状態に戻る。そして、保留球ランプ２８が点灯している場合には図柄表示列７０，７２，７４の図柄は変動を再開する。
【００５１】
上記実施の形態によれば、遊技者は、チャート表示器２２のＬＥＤの点灯状況を視認することによって、特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示されているアニメーションシーンが、ノーマルリーチとスーパーリーチのいずれに対応しているか、また、リーチ状態のどの位置にあるのか（リーチの進行状況）等を容易に認識することができる。その結果、遊技初心者であっても、現在の特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示されているアニメーションシーンが大当りになる確率の高いものであるか否かを容易に理解することができ、リーチ表示に対する興味を喚起し、遊技者の大当りに対する期待感や緊迫感等を高めることができる。
【００５２】
また、リーチの進行に伴って複数のリーチパターンに分岐する場合には、ＬＥＤが各リーチパターン毎に時系列順に点灯するため、遊技者は現在どのリーチパターンになっているかを容易に認識することができる。
また、リーチパターンがＬ１３からＬ１４又はＬ３３に分岐する（ノーマルリーチかスーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃに分岐する）場合、あるいはＬ３３からＬ２４，Ｌ３４，Ｌ４４に分岐する（スーパーリーチＡ〜Ｃのいずれかに分岐する）場合に、どのリーチパターンに分岐するかをＬ１４とＬ３３，又はＬ２４，Ｌ３４，Ｌ４４を用いて表示する（点灯、消灯を２〜３往復繰り返す）ように構成すれば、遊技者はリーチ状態において抽選によってリーチパターンが分岐する期待感や緊迫感を味わうことができる。
【００５３】
〔他の実施の形態〕
上述したパチンコ機（遊技機）１０において、他の部分の構造、形状、材質、個数、配置及び動作条件等については、上記実施の形態に限定されるものでない。例えば、上記実施の形態を応用した次の各形態を実施することもできる。
（Ａ）上記実施の形態では、パチンコ機１０に本発明を適用した。この形態に代えて、第１種パチンコ機以外の遊技機（例えば第３種パチンコ機、スロットマシン、アレンジボール機、テレビゲーム機等）についても同様に本発明を適用することができる。
【００５４】
（Ｂ）上記実施の形態では、インジケータ２４の４つの時系列９０〜９６に計２３個のＬＥＤを配置したが、ＬＥＤや時系列の数、各時系列が分岐する形態等はリーチパターンの数等に応じて種々変更可能である。例えば、図１５（別の実施の形態のチャート表示器の正面図）に示すように、計２４個（第１時系列９０に８個、第２時系列９２に６個、第３時系列９４に６個、第４時系列９６に６個）のＬＥＤ（Ｌ１１〜Ｌ４６）を配置してもよい。
【００５５】
（Ｃ）上記実施の形態では、インジケータ２４に黄色あるいは赤色のＬＥＤ（Ｌ１１〜Ｌ４８）を用いたが、ＬＥＤの色や種類、数等は限定されず、必要に応じて種々変更可能である。例えば、大当りになる確率が異なるリーチパターン毎にＬＥＤの色を変えるように構成することもできる。
また、インジケータ２４としては、ＬＥＤに限定されず、ランプや液晶画面上に表示される画像等を用いることもできる。
【００５６】
（Ｄ）上記実施の形態では、チャート表示器２２を特別図柄表示器２０の上方位置に設けたが、チャート表示器２２の設置位置は限定されず必要に応じて種々変更可能である。
また、チャート表示器２２のインジケータ２４自体を特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示させることもできる。これについては、図１６（別の実施の形態の複合装置の正面図）を用いて説明する。なお、パチンコ機１０の構成や処理手順等は上記実施の形態と同様であるので、説明を簡単にするため上記実施の形態と異なる点について説明する。図１６に示すように、特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａには３つの図柄表示列７０，７２，７４が表示され、画面２０ａの右上位置にはインジケータ２４が液晶表示されている。従って、インジケータ２４のＬ１１〜Ｌ４８はランプとしての画像により表示される。また、画面２０ａのその他の位置にはインジケータ２４の表示に対応したアニメーションシーンが等が表示される。
このようにインジケータ２４を特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａ上に表示することによって、チャート表示器２２を新たに設ける必要がなく、複合装置１４の構成を簡単にすることができる。
【００５７】
（Ｅ）上記実施の形態では、リーチ状態になった場合にリーチの進行状況がチャート表示器２２のインジケータ２４に表示される態様について記載したが、インジケータ２４に表示する遊技の対象はリーチの場合に限定されない。例えば、大当り遊技時や確率変動抽選時等に行われる遊技に本発明を適用することができる。
【００５８】
（Ｆ）上記実施の形態では、インジケータ２４のＬＥＤがＬ１３又はＬ３３から分岐する際に、Ｌ１４とＬ３３，又はＬ２４，Ｌ３４，Ｌ４４（いずれも、分岐したリーチパターンの先頭のＬＥＤ）が順に点灯、消灯を２〜３往復繰り返すことによって、どのリーチパターンに進行するかの抽選を表示する構成について記載したが、抽選を表示する態様は必要に応じて種々変更可能である。例えば、抽選に関する情報を所定の図柄等によって表示する態様であってもよい。
【００５９】
（Ｇ）上記実施の形態では、画面２０ａに表示されるリーチパターンのアニメーションシーンに対応してＬＥＤが点灯するようにタイマーを設けたが、タイマー以外の方式を用いることもできる。例えば、メイン制御基板１００の表示制御回路１０６にインジケータ２４のＬＥＤを点灯させる信号を発信するプログラムを組み込むことによって、本実施の形態のタイマーを設置しなくてもアニメーションシーンに対応してＬＥＤが点灯するように制御することができる。
【００６０】
（Ｈ）上記実施の形態では、特別図柄表示器２０の画面２０ａに表示する図柄の表示態様を１行３列としたが、他の表示形態で行ってもよい。他の表示形態としては、１行２列、１行４列、２行１列、２行２列、３行１列、３行３列、４行４列等のような表示態様について本発明を適用することができる。
【００６１】
なお、本発明の遊技機は、「解決手段１〜４のいずれかに記載の遊技機であって、遊技球が特定の入賞口に入賞した場合に図柄を変動表示する図柄表示装置を備え、前記図柄が変動を開始してから停止するまでの変動時間は、遊技球の入賞毎に設定されることを特徴とする遊技機。」であってもよい。ここで一つの具体例としては、パチンコ機１０において、パチンコ球が第１種始動口３０に入賞する毎に、図柄（例えば、特別図柄）が変動開始してから停止するまでの変動時間を設定する乱数を読み込むように構成するのが好ましい。例えば、通常時と時短時の２種類の変動時間を設定し、乱数の集合体の中に通常時と時短時の乱数が８：２の比で存在するように構成することができる。このような遊技機によれば、遊技の興趣をさらに高めることができる。
【００６２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば特定の遊技の進行状況を容易に把握することができ、特定の遊技の進行に伴う遊技者の期待感や緊迫感等を高めることができる遊技機を実現することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１種パチンコ機の外観を示す正面図である。
【図２】拡大して表したチャート表示器の正面図である。
【図３】制御基板の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図４】各リーチパターンのアニメーションシーンの構成を示す構成図である。
【図５】第１種始動口処理の内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図６】図柄変動処理の内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図７】変動表示処理の内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図８】リーチ処理の内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図９】インジケータに表示された内容の一例を示す図である。
【図１０】インジケータに表示された内容の一例を示す図である。
【図１１】インジケータに表示された内容の一例を示す図である。
【図１２】インジケータに表示された内容の一例を示す図である。
【図１３】インジケータに表示された内容の一例を示す図である。
【図１４】インジケータに表示された内容の一例を示す図である。
【図１５】別の実施の形態のチャート表示器の正面図である。
【図１６】別の実施の形態の複合装置の正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１０…パチンコ機（遊技機）
１４…複合装置
２０…特別図柄表示器（図柄表示装置）
２０ａ…画面
２２…チャート表示器
２２ａ…表示面
２４…インジケータ
２６…普通図柄表示器
２８…保留球ランプ
３０…第１種始動口
３４…大入賞口
７０，７２，７４…図柄表示列
９０，９２，９４，９６…時系列[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine capable of displaying a progress status of a specific game.
[0002]
[Prior art]
On a game board surface of a pachinko machine that is one of the gaming machines, a symbol display device (for example, a special symbol display) is provided at a substantially central position. This symbol display device displays a special symbol that draws a lottery by variably displaying symbols, or a decorative symbol (animation scene) such as a background symbol or a character symbol that mainly produces a lottery aspect of the special symbol. .
In such a pachinko machine, when a special symbol becomes a “reach state” that may form a jackpot symbol arrangement, a reach action is displayed on the screen of the symbol display device according to the reach pattern determined by a random number. There are things that produce effectively. In addition, a plurality of reach patterns are usually stored, and each reach pattern has various reach actions (for example, changing the contents of the animation scene displayed on the screen and the reach state duration) There is). Then, after the reach occurs, various reach actions are displayed on the screen of the symbol / symbol display device so that the player does not get bored with the game.
Furthermore, for example, it has a plurality of reach patterns (generally called “super reach”) that have a higher probability of winning big hits than normal reach (in some cases, it will be a big hit with a probability of 100%), so that it changes to super reach in the middle of normal reach May be configured. With this configuration, when a super-reach animation scene is displayed on the screen, a player who has visually recognized the scene can strongly hold a big hit expectation.
[0003]
However, as the types of reach patterns, display contents, etc. are diversified, players (especially game beginners) cannot distinguish reach patterns simply by visually recognizing animation scenes, etc. Cannot determine whether to win), can not determine the possibility of a big hit. Further, a player who does not know the meaning of the reach pattern cannot grasp the progress of the game (reach) by the reach pattern. For example, in general, when the animation scene on the screen changes from normal reach to super reach, the probability of a big hit increases and approaches the big hit, but players who do not know the meaning of those will get from normal reach to super reach Even if it changes to the animation scene, it is not possible to recognize whether or not the big hit is approaching.
Therefore, the player has not been able to fully enjoy the fun of the game such as the original expectation and urgency obtained by diversifying the reach pattern.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to easily grasp the progress of a specific game, and to expect the player's expectation as the specific game progresses. It is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance a sense of urgency.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problem 1]
Means 1 for solving the problem is: A gaming machine characterized in that a plurality of display units are arranged in time series corresponding to the progress of a specific game, and the display state of each display unit is sequentially controlled as the specific game progresses It is. here, Solution 1 and other Solution And the terms used in the detailed description of the invention are interpreted as follows.
(1) The “symbol” includes not only special symbols but also all symbols (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, kana characters, symbols, symbols, patterns, etc. displayed on the symbol display device related to the game, such as ordinary symbols. Graphics, still images, moving images, etc.). The number of symbols includes not only one but also a plurality.
(2) The “symbol display device” includes not only one symbol display but also a plurality of symbol displays. In the case of displaying a plurality of symbols, there are a mode in which all symbols are displayed on one symbol display and a mode in which a plurality of symbols are sorted and displayed on the plurality of symbol displays.
(3) The “display unit” may be a light bulb, a light emitting diode (LED), or an image displayed on a liquid crystal screen, for example, an image of a lamp.
(4) The “reach state” is a state in which the symbols in the other symbol display columns other than the symbol that stops last (for example, the symbol in the middle symbol display column 72) are stopped, and the jackpot symbol array (for example, 3 This is the case where there is a possibility of forming the same pattern in the column). This corresponds to a state in which the image (symbol) is not changing or a state other than the reach state in which the image (symbol) is changing and there is a possibility of constituting a jackpot symbol arrangement.
(5) The “specific game” includes, in addition to the game in the reach state, a game played at the time of a big hit game, a probability variation lottery, or the like.
(6) “Displaying the lottery” includes not only the mode of displaying the information related to the lottery by causing the lamp to emit light (flashing or lighting), but also the mode of displaying the information related to the lottery with a predetermined symbol or the like.
[0005]
According to the means 1, the progress of a specific game can be clearly displayed by sequentially controlling a plurality of display units arranged in time series of the specific game as the specific game progresses. it can. Therefore, the player can easily recognize which position is currently in progress in the entire game (the progress of the game), and the player's expectation and sense of urgency as the game progresses. Can be increased.
For example, with respect to a pachinko machine as a gaming machine, in a reach state as a specific game, a player can make a plurality of lamps (display units) emit light in chronological order with the progress of the reach, so that the player It is possible to easily recognize whether or not a big hit is approaching. In addition, by arranging a plurality of lamps in chronological order, the overall configuration of the game is easy to understand.
[0006]
Also, as one specific example, an animation scene displayed on the special symbol display device in the reach state is displayed on the pachinko machine configured to change corresponding to normal reach or super reach. Part) is preferably installed.
With this configuration, the player visually recognizes the light emission status of a plurality of lamps arranged in chronological order, so that the animation scene displayed on the special symbol display corresponds to either normal reach or super reach. And how far the reach state is currently progressing can be easily recognized. As a result, even for beginners, it is easy to understand whether the display content (animation, etc.) displayed on the special symbol display device is likely to be a big hit, and reach display It is possible to arouse interest in the game and to increase the player's sense of expectation and urgency for the jackpot.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problem 2]
Means 2 for solving the problem is: A gaming machine according to Solution 1, wherein the plurality of display units are arranged in a time-series order having a branch pattern. It is. According to the means 2, when a specific game has a plurality of branch patterns, the display unit is arranged in time series for each branch pattern, so that even when the game is complicated, the configuration of the entire game is easily understood. The player can easily understand that the gaming state has branched.
[0008]
[Means 3 for Solving the Problems]
Means 3 for solving the problem is: The game machine according to Solution 2, wherein at the branch portion of the branch pattern, a lottery regarding the progress of the specific game is displayed by controlling display of at least the first display portion of each branch pattern. Game machine It is. According to the means 3, when a specific game having a plurality of branch patterns branches at a branch portion, the lottery is displayed by controlling the display of at least the first display portion of each branch pattern, so that it is visible. A branch pattern lottery can be produced in a manner, and the player can experience a sense of expectation and tension regarding the lottery. For example, regarding a pachinko machine as a gaming machine, in a reach state where there are a plurality of reach patterns (for example, a normal reach with a low jackpot probability and a super reach with a high jackpot probability), the reach pattern is determined by lottery. This is a concern for players. When the reach pattern branches, for example, the first lamp of each reach pattern emits light in sequence (for example, blinks), and the game is advanced with the reach pattern corresponding to the last stopped lamp, Information regarding the reach pattern lottery can be displayed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner, and the reach pattern lottery can be produced.
[0009]
[Means 4 for Solving the Problems]
Means 4 for solving the problem is: The gaming machine according to any one of solutions 1 to 3, wherein the specific game is a game having a plurality of reach patterns with respect to a reach that may give a big hit game to a player, and the result of the reach is In the case of a big hit that grants a big hit game to the player, the display unit is controlled to be displayed until the end, and in the case other than the big hit, the display is controlled to the middle of the display unit to end the specific game. A gaming machine featuring It is. According to the means 4, if the reach result that may give a jackpot game to the player is a jackpot that gives the player a jackpot game, the display is controlled to the end. By controlling the display to the middle of the display unit, the player can easily understand the progress of the reach game, and can increase the player's sense of expectation and urgency as the reach game progresses. it can.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment
First, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko machine, and the configuration thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
In the present embodiment, an example of a pachinko machine provided with a symbol / symbol display device (special symbol display) will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the first type pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the chart display.
[0011]
First, in FIG. 1, on the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10, the composite device 14, the first type starting port 30, the big winning port 34, the lower starting port 62, a general winning port, and the like are appropriately arranged.
The first type starting port 30 has a starting port sensor 56, and when a pachinko ball wins, a prize ball (prize ball) is paid out in the same manner as a normal winning port. The middle gate 32 has a gate sensor 54 and does not pay out a prize ball even if a pachinko ball passes.
The big prize opening 34 has a lid 66, and the lid 66 is opened and closed by a solenoid 50. The special winning opening 34 has a V zone 52, and the V zone 52 has a V zone sensor 48. If the pachinko ball wins the V zone 52 within the big winning opening period, the big hit game can be continued within the required number of times (for example, 16 times). As the above-mentioned large winning opening opening period, for example, 10 pachinko balls are won in the large winning opening 34 or 30 seconds have passed after opening, whichever comes first. Further, a lower start port 62 having a function equivalent to that of the first type start port 30 is disposed below the lid 66. The lower start port 62 has a start port sensor 60 having the same function as the start port sensor 56.
Here, the start port sensors 56 and 60 detect pachinko balls that have won the respective start ports. The V zone sensor 48 detects a pachinko ball winning in the V zone 52. The gate sensor 54 detects the pachinko sphere that has passed through the middle gate 32. For the gate sensor 54, the start port sensors 56 and 60, and the V zone sensor 48, for example, proximity sensors, microswitches, optical sensors (light emitters and light receivers), or the like are used.
[0012]
The composite apparatus 14 is provided with a special symbol display 20 having a screen 20a, a chart display 22 having a display surface 22a provided above the special symbol display 20, and the like.
As the special symbol display 20, for example, a liquid crystal display is used. On the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20, a special symbol, a background symbol, etc. are displayed. There are, for example, a left symbol display column 70, a middle symbol display column 72, and a right symbol display column 74 at positions to display special symbols, which are used to determine whether or not a big hit has occurred. In the following description, the “special symbol” simply means three symbols displayed in the left symbol display column 70, the middle symbol display column 72, and the right symbol display column 74.
Note that the symbols used as special symbols include characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, etc.), symbols, figures, patterns, and the like. In addition, examples of background patterns include moving images (video, animation, etc.) and still images. In addition to the liquid crystal display, the special symbol display 20 may be a display capable of displaying special symbols such as a CRT, LED display, plasma display or the like.
[0013]
The animation scene as the background symbol displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20 is configured to be switched each time the reach proceeds as the reach state and the reach pattern as the branch pattern changes. On the screen 20a, an animation scene that is common to all reach patterns is first displayed as the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, and 74 change, and then, for example, a change to super reach with a high probability of being a big hit is made (described later). Is), the common animation scene is switched to an animation scene (super-reach scene) indicating that it is a super-reach.
[0014]
In addition, a holding ball lamp 28 for special symbols is displayed at a lower position of the screen 20a of the symbol display 20. A plurality of (for example, four) holding ball lamps 28 are arranged in a substantially horizontal manner, and display the number of pachinko balls that have won the first type starting port 30 during the special symbol variation.
In addition, the composite device 14 includes a light emitting body such as a lamp, a decorative plate, and the like, and exhibits a decorative effect to entertain the eyes of the player.
[0015]
Next, the configuration of the chart display 22 will be described with reference to FIG.
The display surface 22a of the chart display 22 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with an indicator 24 that displays the progress of games (corresponding to a specific game of the present invention) from the start of special symbol variation to the big hit in chronological order. ing. The indicator 24 is composed of a plurality (23 in FIG. 2) of LEDs (light emitting diodes), and each LED can individually emit light (light on, blink, etc.). In the horizontal direction of the indicator 24, four rows of time series (first time series 90, second time series 92, third time series 94, and fourth time series 96) are formed, and a predetermined number of LEDs are arranged on each time series. Is arranged. The first time series 90 represents a process of progressing to normal reach and long reach. On the first time series 90, a total of eight LEDs L11 to L18 are arranged. The second time series 92 represents the process of proceeding to super reach A and premium reach A. On the second time series 92, a total of nine LEDs L11 to L13, L33, and L24 to L28 are arranged. Yes. The third time series 94 represents the process of proceeding to super reach B and premium reach B, and a total of nine LEDs L11 to L13 and L33 to L38 are arranged on the third time series 94. The fourth time series 96 represents the process of proceeding to the super reach C and the premium reach C, and a total of nine LEDs L11 to L13, L33, L44 to L48 are arranged on the fourth time series 96. Yes. In addition, a lamp 80 is installed at the right end (of the display surface 22a) of each time series 90 to 96 to display that “big hit” has been confirmed.
The LEDs 11 to 48 and the lamp 80 correspond to the “display unit” of the present invention.
[0016]
In the present embodiment, red LEDs are used for L16 to L18, L27, L28, L37, L38, L47, and L48 of the indicator 24, and yellow LEDs are used for the others. In this way, by making the LED close to the lamp 80 red so that it stands out, the player is strongly aware that when the red LED emits light, he has approached the big hit, and the player expects the big hit And can increase the sense of tension.
[0017]
Here, normal reach, super reach, etc., which are aspects of the reach pattern of the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, 74 of FIG. 1, will be described.
First, it is assumed that the “reach” state is formed after the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, and 74 start to change. The “reach” may have a plurality of reach patterns, and is generally distinguished by the probability that a big hit will occur. In addition, a total of eight reach patterns of “normal reach”, “long reach”, “super reach A to C”, and “premium reach A to C” are described as reach patterns of the present embodiment. These reach patterns (α, β, γ, δ, ε, ζ, η, θ) are shown in Table 1.
[0018]
[Table 1]

[0019]
Here, “normal reach” is a normal reach state, and the probability of occurrence of a big hit (hit reliability) is set lower than other reach. The development type of “normal reach” is “long reach”, and this “long reach” is set to have a higher probability of generating a big hit than “normal reach”. In addition, “Super Reach A to C” has a higher hit reliability than “Normal Reach” and “Long Reach”, and each “Super Reach A to C” is developed to form “Premium Reach A to C”. C "has the highest jackpot reliability.
In the present embodiment, a plurality of reach patterns are described, but these reach patterns are, for example, the contents displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20 (the variation mode of the symbol to be stopped last, It can be distinguished by the type of background symbol) and the time during which the content is displayed.
[0020]
Further, as shown in Table 2, the reach patterns α to θ shown in Table 1 and the random numbers (which will be described later as reach pattern random numbers RC) for determining the reach patterns are finally used in the symbol display columns 70, 72, and 74. The symbol stop pattern of the symbol sequence to be stopped is determined. For example, when the random value is “1” and the jackpot (the same symbol) is reached, the reach pattern is δ (premium reach A). The “design relationship” in Table 2 indicates the relative position of the symbol that stops last on the screen 20a with respect to another symbol that has already stopped. Therefore, for example, when the number “7” is stopped in the two symbol display columns on the screen 20a and the reach is reached, the pattern that stops at the last “7” is “same symbol” in Table 2. Yes, the pattern that stops at “5” is “2 symbols before” in Table 2.
As shown in Table 2, except for the reach pattern α (normal reach), most are configured to stop at the same symbol or around one symbol, around two symbols. The feeling of expectation that the symbols that stop at the same time stop at the same symbol increases.
[0021]
[Table 2]

[0022]
Returning to FIG. 1, the game board surface 12 has one or a plurality of decorative gates, and in this example, has a left gate 23 and a right gate 24. Unlike the middle gate 32, the decoration gate does not have a gate sensor that detects the passage of a pachinko ball. The right gate 24 has a normal symbol display 26, but the left gate 23 does not have a normal symbol display. The normal symbol display 26 has one or a plurality of light emitters (in this example, two LEDs), and the light emitter is turned on / off as a normal symbol. The normal symbol starts blinking, for example, when a pachinko ball passes through the middle gate 32, and then turns on or off for each light emitter. Then, the lid of the lower start port 62 is opened for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds) in accordance with the lighting or extinguishing mode of each light emitter (for example, when the right LED of the two LEDs is lit).
The normal symbol display 26 may be another display capable of displaying normal symbols such as a liquid crystal display, CRT, LED display, plasma display, or the like. In this case, for example, alphanumeric characters and symbols can be used as normal symbols. Furthermore, you may make it display a normal symbol and a special symbol on the same indicator (for example, special symbol indicator 20).
Further, on the left side of the game board surface 12, an insertion port 47 for inserting and ejecting a prepaid card for gaming and a display 49 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card and the insertion status are installed.
[0023]
Other than the game board surface 12, a lower tray 40 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including award balls and rental balls, an ashtray 42 for storing cigarette butts, a speaker 44 for producing sound effects and music, etc. A touch sensor 38 for detecting whether or not the glass frame 18 is touched, a metal frame sensor 58 for detecting the opening of the glass frame 18, and the like are provided. The speaker 44 is provided inside an upper plate 46 that is a tray for receiving a prize ball, and the touch sensor 38 and the metal frame sensor 58 are provided at required positions. The lamps 16 use light emitters such as light bulbs and LEDs, and are not limited to the illustrated positions, and are disposed at appropriate positions according to the type of pachinko machine 10, game content, and the like.
[0024]
Next, the configuration and operation of the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 that realize the pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control boards 100 and 200. The main control board 100 and the display control board 200 are both provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10.
The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 performs a game control unit that outputs a display command to display an image such as a symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and performs image editing in response to the display command. And a display control unit that outputs an image signal to a special symbol display (display) 20. Predetermined conditions include a case where a detector provided at a specific position detects a pachinko ball and a big hit game period.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 100 corresponding to the game control unit is configured around a CPU (processor) 110 and controls a pachinko game performed by the pachinko machine 10. The main control board 100 includes a ROM 112 that stores data such as game control programs and jackpot values, a RAM 114 that temporarily stores data such as loss symbol data, display determination table, area determination table, various random numbers, and detection signals, An input processing circuit 102 for inputting a detection signal output from a winning sensor such as the gate sensor 54, the start opening sensor 56, 60 or the V zone sensor 48, an output processing circuit 104 for outputting a driving signal for driving the solenoid 50, etc., an indicator 24, a display control circuit 106 that performs display control, a communication control circuit 116 that performs communication with the display control board 200, and the like. The CPU 110, ROM 112, RAM 114, communication control circuit 116, input processing circuit 102, output processing circuit 104, and display control circuit 106 are connected to each other via a bus 118. Although not shown, a backup memory for backing up data stored in a flash memory or a battery may be provided separately.
[0026]
When the CPU 210 receives a display command output from the main control board 100, the CPU 210 reads display information corresponding to the display command from the ROM 202 and outputs it to the VDP 214 via the bus 208. The VDP 214 includes a VRAM, a palette RAM, and the like, receives display information sent from the CPU 210, reads data corresponding to the display information from the character generator 212, performs image editing such as color arrangement designation and sprite processing, and the like. The data is developed on the palette RAM, and finally the image signal is output to the symbol display 20.
In addition, although EPROM is used for ROM provided in the main control board 100 and the display control board 200, EEPROM or flash memory may be used. Similarly, DRAM is used as the RAM, but SRAM, flash memory, or the like may be used.
[0027]
[Table 3]

[0028]
Next, the configuration of an animation scene as a background symbol displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20 for each reach pattern will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and Table 3. Here, FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the animation scene of each reach pattern.
As shown in FIG. 4, the animation scene as the background pattern described above is preset for each reach pattern, and is configured to switch in accordance with a predetermined timing when the LEDs of the indicator 24 are lit in time series. ing.
The animation scene of this embodiment includes two common scenes (all reach) in addition to scenes corresponding to eight reach patterns α to θ (normal reach, long reach, super reach A to C, premium reach A to C). Common scene and Super reach common scene) are set. Scenes corresponding to normal reach and long reach belong to the normal reach system, and scenes corresponding to super reach A to C and premium reach A to C belong to the super reach A to C system.
[0029]
The timing for displaying various animation scenes on the screen 20a of the symbol display 20 is preset and stored in the ROM 112 or the like as a time schedule related to the reach pattern. For example, in the case of normal reach-type normal reach, each symbol display row is stopped sequentially after the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, 74 start to fluctuate. _N1 When elapses, the change in the final stop column (for example, the middle symbol display column 72) is stopped, and the display of the normal reach scene is ended at the same time. In the case of normal reach type long reach, the time t _N1 Until, the same scene as normal reach is displayed, but time t _N1 Then, the screen 20a switches from the normal reach scene to the long reach scene. In the case of Super Reach A to C series Super Reach A to C, the time t _S When elapses, the screen 20a is switched to one of the super reach A to C scenes. After that, each of the scenes of Super Reach A to C is time t _A1 , T _B1 , T _C1 When elapses, the change of the final stop column (for example, the middle symbol display column 72) is stopped, and at the same time, the display of the scenes of the super reach A to C is ended. In the case of super reach A to C premium reach A to C, the same scene as the corresponding super reach is displayed, and then the time t _A1 , T _B1 , T _C1 When elapses, the scene changes to the respective premium reach A to C. And the premium reach C scene with the longest elapsed time is the time t after the symbol starts to change. _C2 It is set to end at (60 seconds after the symbol starts changing).
That is, the LEDs (L11 to L48) of the indicator 24 shown in FIG. 2 are configured to light up in the reach pattern and the elapsed time as shown in Table 3. For example, when three or four of the four holding ball lamps are lit, the elapsed time t ₁ Is set shorter (for example, shortened by about 4 seconds) than the other cases (0 to 2 are lit).
[0030]
Next, a processing procedure for realizing the present invention in the pachinko machine 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to processing procedures shown in flowcharts in FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the contents of the first type start port process, FIG. 6 is a contents of the symbol fluctuation process, FIG. 7 is a contents of the fluctuation display process, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the contents of the reach process. It shows with.
Note that the CPU 110 executes the game control program stored in the ROM 112 in the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 3 at an appropriate timing for the first type start port process, the symbol variation process, the variation display process, and the reach process. Is realized. The image display process is realized by the CPU 210 and the VDP 214 executing a program at an appropriate timing on the display control board 200. The processing procedures shown in these figures are realized by the CPU 110 executing the game control program stored in the ROM 112 in the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 3 at an appropriate timing.
[0031]
In the following description, a mode in which three symbol display columns (left symbol display column 70, middle symbol display column 72, and right symbol display column 74) are provided on the special symbol display 20 will be described. In this case, when there is a possibility that the two symbol display columns stop and the jackpot symbol arrangement is formed, the reach state is reached, and the last symbol display column stops and the symbols of the three symbol display columns change the jackpot symbol arrangement. Assume a pachinko game that will be a big hit when formed.
In addition, the term “the number of reserved balls” means the number of pachinko balls that won the first type starting port 30 while the special symbol is changed and displayed on the special symbol display 20. “Adding” usually means increasing the number of reserved balls by one, but includes a case where it is increased by two or more as appropriate according to the gaming state or the like. On the other hand, “subtract” is the same as the case of addition except that the number of reserved balls is reduced. Since the winning of the first type starting port 30 and the winning of the lower starting port 62 operate in the same manner, the winning of the first type starting port 30 will be described in order to simplify the description.
[0032]
First, in the first type start port process shown in FIG. 5, a pachinko ball winning determination with respect to the first type start port 30 is performed. Here, it is first determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won the first type starting port 30 [step S10]. Specifically, if a detection signal is output from the start port sensor 56 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES), and if no detection signal is output, it is determined that no prize has been won (NO). .
Then, when the pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls has reached an upper limit value (for example, 4) [step S12].
If the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit (NO), the number of reserved balls is added [step S14]. The LED of the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on according to the added number of holding balls.
Thereafter, various random numbers are read and stored [step S16], and the first type start port process is terminated. If no pachinko ball has been won at the first type starting port 30 (NO in step S10), or if the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit (YES in step S12), nothing is done as it is. The first type start port process is terminated.
[0033]
Here, the various random numbers shown in step S16 include jackpot determination random number RA, jackpot symbol random number RB, reach pattern random number RC, probability variation random number RD, and the like.
The big hit determination random number RA is a random number for determining whether or not the big hit. The jackpot symbol random number RB is a random number for specifying a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 20 when the jackpot determination random number RA is determined to be a jackpot. The reach pattern random number RC is a random number for specifying the display pattern until the remaining special symbols are stopped after reaching the reach state by the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display 20. The random number for probability variation RD is a random number for drawing whether the probability variation state (winning) is made after the big hit game or whether the normal gaming state (outside) is brought about without being in the probability variation state.
[0034]
Next, in the symbol variation process shown in FIG. 6, processing for varying and displaying symbols on the symbol display columns 70, 72, and 74 of the screen 20 a of the special symbol display device 20 is performed.
First, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is a positive number (number of held balls> 0) [step S20]. If the number of reserved balls is a positive number (YES), the jackpot determination random number RA stored in step S16 is read [step S22], and the number of reserved balls is subtracted in preparation for the next processing (step S24). Then, a variable display process is performed [step S26]. The specific processing content of this variation display processing will be described with reference to FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined as “displacement” in step S20 (NO), the symbol variation process is terminated.
As the symbols in the symbol display columns 70, 72, 74 change, an animation scene common to all reach patterns is displayed on the screen 20a as a background symbol.
[0035]
In the variable display process shown in FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not it is a “big hit” [step S40]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the jackpot determination random number RA read in step S22 matches the jackpot value. The jackpot value is usually one, but may be plural depending on the gaming state (for example, when the reliability changes).
If it is “big hit” (YES), the big hit symbol random number RB stored in step S16 of FIG. 5 is read [step S41], and the process proceeds to step S42 to start changing the special symbol. Based on the jackpot symbol random number RB, a symbol that is scheduled to be stopped and determined (hereinafter referred to as “scheduled symbol”) is determined.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that it is “missing” (NO), the symbol information is read from the RAM 114 in order to display the symbol symbol on the special symbol indicator 20 (step S60).
[0036]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the missed symbol data includes a reach symbol [step S61]. The “reach symbol” is a symbol that is stopped and displayed in any two of the symbol display columns 70, 72, and 74 when the reach state is reached. Step S61 is executed in such a manner that it finally becomes “disconnected” but reaches a reach state halfway. If the reach symbol is included (YES), the process proceeds to step S42. If the reach symbol is not included (NO), the process proceeds to step S62. Then, in step S42 or step S62, the change of the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, 74 is started.
[0037]
Then, the timer is started [Step S43] with the start of symbol variation [Step S42] in the symbol display rows 70, 72, and 74. This timer is used to determine the lighting timing of the LED corresponding to the display content of the screen 20a (in this embodiment, the reach pattern animation scene). For example, the timer counts the number of resets every 4 msec. The time may be measured based on the count value. Then, the required LEDs (for example, L11 → L12 → L13 in FIG. 2) of the indicator 24 are turned on in order to indicate that the start of symbol variation has started [step S44]. Thereafter, reach processing is performed [step S45].
[0038]
In the reach process, a symbol change process is performed in a period from when the reach state is reached until the symbol is stopped, and specific processing contents will be described with reference to FIG. First, the reach pattern random number RC stored in step S16 of FIG. 5 is read [step S80], and the reach pattern is determined [step S81]. For example, the relationship between symbols is determined based on the symbols to be stopped and the reach symbols determined in step S41 and step S60 in FIG. 7, and the reach pattern is determined based on the relationship between the symbols and the reach pattern random number RC (Table). 1). Note that each reach pattern is not limited to the pattern variation pattern or animation scene displayed on the screen 20a, but operates on the pachinko machine 10 such as a blinking pattern of lamps accompanying the pattern and a sound pattern emitted from the speaker 44. All elements are included.
[0039]
Based on the reach pattern thus determined, the symbol is stopped in any two of the symbol display columns 70, 72, 74, and the special symbol display 20 displays that the reach state has been reached (step S82). Then, a required LED (for example, L33 in FIG. 2) of the indicator 24 is turned on to indicate that the reach state has been reached [step S83]. Further, at the time of the display, another display for causing the player to recognize the reach state may be performed together. As the recognition display, for example, the character “reach” is displayed, the character is displayed, or the screen 20a is flashed several times.
[0040]
Next, based on the reach pattern determined in step S81, the time required for displaying the reach pattern on the screen 20a (the elapsed time from the start of symbol variation) is read from the ROM 112 and stored [step S84. ]. Then, the reach scene animation scene determined as the background symbol (for example, an animation scene common to the super reach A to C) is displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20 [step S85]. Then, the elapsed time is confirmed by the timer [step S87]. When the required time has elapsed (YES in step S87), at the same time, when the reach scene animation scene is switched, the next animation scene (for example, super reach) is selected. A animation scene A) is displayed on the screen 20a [step S88]. Then, in accordance with the change of the reach pattern animation scene, a required LED of the indicator 24 (for example, L24 → L25 → L26 in FIG. 2) is further lit (step S89). Next, in step S90, the elapse of the fluctuation stop time is confirmed by the timer, and when the fluctuation stop time elapses (YES in step S90), the process proceeds to step S91. On the other hand, if the required time has not elapsed (NO in step S87), or if the variable stop time has not elapsed (NO in step S90), the process returns to step S85.
[0041]
In step S91, it is determined whether or not it is a “hit”, and if it is a big hit (YES), the required LED of the indicator 24 (for example, L27 → L28 in FIG. 2) and further the big hit lamp 80 are turned on. [Step S92, Step S93], and then the reach process ends. On the other hand, if it is not a big hit (NO), the reach process is terminated. The lighting of the big hit lamp 80 corresponds to “the display unit is controlled to the end” of the present invention.
When the reach process ends, the process returns to step S46 in FIG. 7 to stop the special symbol fluctuation.
On the other hand, if the reach symbol is not reached in step S61 in FIG. 7 (NO), the special symbol starts to change in the same manner as in step S42 [step S62], the timer is started [step S63], and the required LED (see FIG. In step 2, L11 to L13) are turned on [step S64], and then the display is changed based on the fluctuation pattern of the off symbol [step S65]. Then, the process proceeds to step S46, and the change of the special symbol is stopped and all the LEDs of the indicator 24 are turned off.
[0042]
Next, it is determined whether or not it is “probability fluctuation” [step S47]. Specifically, the random number RD for probability variation stored in step S16 in FIG. 5 is read and determined based on whether or not it matches the jackpot value. If it is a probability variation (YES in step S47), a probability variation game process is performed [step S48], and then the variation display process is terminated. In the probability variation game processing, the probability until the next jackpot is changed (generally the probability is increased). Specifically, for example, a decorative member or panel decoration on the game board that sets a probability variation flag, for example. Etc. are blinked to display that the game has entered the probability variation game, the probability until the next jackpot is changed, the next jackpot random number is re-determined, and so on.
On the other hand, if it is not the probability variation (NO in step S47), the variation display process is terminated as it is. And it returns to step S26 of FIG. 6, and progresses to step S28.
[0043]
In step S28, it is determined whether or not the symbol arrangement finally confirmed and displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol indicator 20 matches the jackpot symbol arrangement. If the displayed symbol arrangement matches the jackpot symbol arrangement (YES), the jackpot processing is performed as “big hit” [step S30], and the symbol variation processing is terminated. The big hit process is, for example, a process of opening the lid 66 of the big winning opening 34 for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds) and paying out a winning ball according to the number of winning pachinko balls.
On the other hand, if the displayed symbol arrangement does not coincide with the jackpot symbol arrangement (NO), a detachment process is performed as “displacement” [step S32], and the symbol variation process is terminated. Note that the specific processing contents of the detachment processing are the same as those already known, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0044]
Next, the details displayed on the display surface 22a of the chart display 22 according to the present embodiment by executing the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Explained. 9 to 14 are examples of display contents displayed on the display surface 22a of the chart display 22, and show a case where a big hit is formed after the premium reach A is displayed.
Moreover, in embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 9-14, the aspect displayed on the display surface 22a of the chart indicator 22 presupposes the following (1)-(4).
(1) L11 is initially lit on the indicator 24, and is sequentially lit in the direction of the arrow 30 in FIG. 9 as the reach progresses.
(2) Once the LED of the indicator 24 is lit, it remains lit until “big hit” or “out of” is determined.
(3) Finally, the case where the jackpot lamp 80 is lit is a “big jackpot”.
(4) The case where all the LEDs are turned off during the reach is “out of”.
[0045]
First, when a pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30, the three symbol display rows 70, 72, and 74 displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20 are almost all at once in step S42 or step S62 in FIG. Start to fluctuate. In step S44 or step S64 in FIG. 7, in accordance with the change in the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, 74, lighting is started in chronological order from L11 of the indicator 24 as shown in FIG. Time t = 0). At this time, an animation scene common to all reach is displayed on the screen 20a.
[0046]
Next, when the reach pattern (premium reach A) is determined in step S81 of FIG. 8, for example, the left symbol display column 70 of the varying symbol display columns 70, 72, 74 is stopped as shown in FIG. Then, L12 is turned on (elapsed time t1), and then the right symbol display row 74 is stopped, L13 (a branch portion between normal reach and super reach A to C) is turned on (elapsed time t2), and the reach state is reached. Become. Here, depending on which of L14 and L33 is lit, it is determined whether the normal reach with a low jackpot probability or the super reach A to C with a high jackpot probability. Therefore, in L13 as a branching portion, the player's expectation and urgency are enhanced.
When the right symbol display row 74 stops and does not reach the reach state (in the case of a loss), the L11 to L13 are turned off all at once when the middle symbol display row 72 stops.
[0047]
Next, at step S83 in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 11, L33 (branch portion of super reach A to C) is turned on. In addition, an animation scene common to the super reach A to C is displayed on the screen 20a.
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, L24 branched from L33 lights up. Here, which super reach is determined by which of L24, 34, and 44 is lit. Therefore, in L33 as a branching portion, the player's sense of expectation and tightness are enhanced.
[0048]
When the reach pattern branches from L13 to L14 or L33 (normal reach or superreach A to C), or from L33 to L24, L34, or L44 (branch to any of superreach A to C). ), The reach pattern to be branched can be displayed while producing an effect of turning on and off the LED. For example, in FIG. 2, when the LED branches from L13 or L33, L14 and L33, or L24, L34, and L44 (both leading LEDs of the branched reach pattern) are turned on and off in turn two to three times. repeat. Then, the LED corresponding to the determined reach pattern among the LEDs repeatedly turned on and off is turned on last. By configuring in this way, the player can enjoy a sense of expectation and urgency when the reach pattern branches.
[0049]
Next, in steps S89 and S92 in FIG. 8, L27 and L28 are sequentially turned on as shown in FIG. In the case of a big hit, the special symbol stops changing in step S46 to form a big hit symbol arrangement, and the lamp 80 for displaying the big hit is turned on as shown in FIG. 14 [step S93].
After that, as soon as the “big hit process” is performed in step S30 of FIG. 6, all the LEDs of the indicator 24 are turned off (the same applies to the case of “disconnect process” in step S32).
[0050]
When the big hit is reached, the big winning opening 34 provided at the lower position of the game board surface 12 is opened, and the display on the screen 20a is switched to the big hit game screen, and the player plays the big hit game. Then, when the big hit game is finished (for example, the game is continued until round 16), or when the prescribed number of balls are not confirmed in the V zone 52 or won within the prescribed time in the middle round (so-called puncture) In this case, the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, and 74 return to the state before the change starts. When the holding ball lamp 28 is lit, the symbols in the symbol display rows 70, 72, and 74 resume changing.
[0051]
According to the above embodiment, the player visually recognizes the lighting state of the LED of the chart display 22 so that the animation scene displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20 is either normal reach or super reach. And the position in the reach state (reach progress) can be easily recognized. As a result, even a game beginner can easily understand whether or not the animation scene currently displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display device 20 has a high probability of being a big hit. It is possible to arouse interest in the display, and to increase the player's sense of expectation and urgency for the jackpot.
[0052]
Also, when branching into multiple reach patterns as the reach progresses, the LEDs are lit in chronological order for each reach pattern, so that the player can easily recognize which reach pattern is currently in use. Can do.
Further, when the reach pattern branches from L13 to L14 or L33 (normal reach or superreach A to C branches), or from L33 to L24, L34, L44 (branches to any of super reach A to C). ) In this case, if the player is configured to display which reach pattern is branched using L14 and L33, or L24, L34, and L44 (turns on and off two or three times repeatedly), You can enjoy the sense of expectation and urgency that the reach pattern diverges by lottery.
[0053]
[Other Embodiments]
In the pachinko machine (game machine) 10 described above, the structure, shape, material, number, arrangement, operation conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied can be implemented.
(A) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, the present invention can be similarly applied to gaming machines other than the first type pachinko machines (for example, third type pachinko machines, slot machines, arrange ball machines, video game machines, etc.).
[0054]
(B) In the above embodiment, a total of 23 LEDs are arranged in the four time series 90 to 96 of the indicator 24. However, the number of LEDs, time series, and the form in which each time series branches is the number of reach patterns. Various changes can be made according to the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (front view of a chart display according to another embodiment), a total of 24 (8 in the first time series 90, 6 in the second time series 92, and the third time series 94) 6 LEDs in the fourth time series 96) (L11 to L46) may be arranged.
[0055]
(C) In the above embodiment, yellow or red LEDs (L11 to L48) are used for the indicator 24, but the color, type, number, etc. of the LEDs are not limited, and various changes can be made as necessary. For example, the LED color can be changed for each reach pattern that has a different probability of being a big hit.
Further, the indicator 24 is not limited to the LED, and an image displayed on a lamp or a liquid crystal screen can also be used.
[0056]
(D) Although the chart display 22 is provided above the special symbol display 20 in the above embodiment, the installation position of the chart display 22 is not limited and can be variously changed as necessary.
In addition, the indicator 24 itself of the chart display 22 can be displayed on the screen 20 a of the special symbol display 20. This will be described with reference to FIG. 16 (a front view of a composite apparatus according to another embodiment). Note that the configuration, processing procedure, and the like of the pachinko machine 10 are the same as those in the above embodiment, and therefore, different points from the above embodiment will be described in order to simplify the description. As shown in FIG. 16, three symbol display rows 70, 72, and 74 are displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol indicator 20, and an indicator 24 is displayed on the liquid crystal display at the upper right position of the screen 20a. Therefore, L11 to L48 of the indicator 24 are displayed by an image as a lamp. In addition, an animation scene corresponding to the display of the indicator 24 is displayed at other positions on the screen 20a.
By displaying the indicator 24 on the screen 20a of the special symbol display 20 in this way, it is not necessary to newly provide the chart display 22, and the configuration of the composite device 14 can be simplified.
[0057]
(E) In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the progress of the reach is displayed on the indicator 24 of the chart display 22 when reaching the reach state has been described, but the game target displayed on the indicator 24 is the reach It is not limited to. For example, the present invention can be applied to a game played during a big hit game or a probability variation lottery.
[0058]
(F) In the above embodiment, when the LED of the indicator 24 is branched from L13 or L33, L14 and L33, or L24, L34, and L44 (all of the leading LEDs of the branched reach pattern) are sequentially lit. Although the structure which displays the lottery of which reach pattern it progresses by repeating light extinction 2-3 times was described, the aspect which displays a lottery can be variously changed as needed. For example, the aspect which displays the information regarding a lottery with a predetermined symbol etc. may be sufficient.
[0059]
(G) In the above-described embodiment, the timer is provided so that the LED is lit corresponding to the animation scene of the reach pattern displayed on the screen 20a. However, a method other than the timer can be used. For example, by incorporating a program for transmitting a signal for turning on the LED of the indicator 24 into the display control circuit 106 of the main control board 100, the LED is turned on corresponding to the animation scene without installing the timer of the present embodiment. Can be controlled.
[0060]
(H) In the above-described embodiment, the display mode of the symbols displayed on the screen 20a of the special symbol display device 20 is 1 row and 3 columns. However, other display modes may be used. As other display modes, the present invention relates to display modes such as 1 row, 2 columns, 1 row, 4 columns, 2 rows, 1 column, 2 rows, 2 columns, 3 rows, 1 column, 3 rows, 3 columns, 4 rows, 4 columns, and the like. Can be applied.
[0061]
The gaming machine of the present invention is “ Solution The gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 4, further comprising a symbol display device that displays a symbol in a variable manner when a game ball wins a specific winning opening, until the symbol starts to fluctuate until it stops The game machine is characterized in that the fluctuation time is set for each winning game ball. It may be. Here, as one specific example, every time a pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30 in the pachinko machine 10, a variation time from the start of variation of a symbol (for example, a special symbol) to the stop is set. It is preferable that the random number to be read is read. For example, it is possible to set two types of variation times, normal time and short time, so that random numbers in the normal time and short time exist in the random number aggregate in a ratio of 8: 2. According to such a gaming machine, the interest of the game can be further enhanced.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of easily grasping the progress of a specific game and enhancing the player's sense of expectation, tightness, etc. accompanying the progress of the specific game. Can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a first type pachinko machine.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the chart display.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control board.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an animation scene of each reach pattern.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the first type start port process.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of symbol variation processing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of variable display processing.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of reach processing.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of content displayed on an indicator.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of content displayed on an indicator.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of content displayed on an indicator.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of content displayed on an indicator.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of content displayed on an indicator.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of content displayed on an indicator.
FIG. 15 is a front view of a chart display according to another embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a front view of a composite apparatus according to another embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Pachinko machine (game machine)
14 ... Composite device
20 ... Special symbol display (symbol display device)
20a ... screen
22 ... Chart display
22a ... Display surface
24 ... Indicator
26 ... Normal symbol display
28 ... Reservation ball lamp
30 ... 1st class starting port
34 ... Grand prize opening
70, 72, 74 ... symbol display row
90, 92, 94, 96 ... time series

Claims (4)

The start opening sensor detects the pachinko ball that won the start opening, the symbol display starts the symbol fluctuation based on the detection signal from the start opening sensor, stops the symbol fluctuation after displaying the reach state, and the predetermined big hit In the game machine that is configured to be able to execute a jackpot game when the combination of symbols is a jackpot,
Comprising a chart display means having an indicator capable of informing the display progress of the reach state for the symbol variation from the symbol variation start to the jackpot occurrence state of the symbol display by sequentially lighting a plurality of display units;
A jackpot determining means for reading a random number based on a detection signal from the start port sensor and determining whether or not a jackpot,
A background pattern that changes in chronological order corresponding to each reach pattern set in the plurality of types and stored in a plurality of types by distinguishing the probability that a jackpot will occur in the pattern variation of the symbol display Reach pattern / background symbol storage means for setting and storing each,
A lighting condition storage means for setting and storing a lighting condition of an indicator of the chart display means corresponding to each of the reach patterns set in the reach pattern / background symbol storage means.
When displaying the reach state based on the determination result of the jackpot determination means, a random number is read and a predetermined reach pattern corresponding to the reach pattern is read from the reach pattern / background pattern storage means Reach pattern / background design determining means to be determined;
In response to the predetermined reach pattern determined by the reach pattern / background symbol determining means, a lighting condition determining means for determining a lighting condition of an indicator from the lighting condition storage means,
Based on a detection signal from the start port sensor, the symbol display of the symbol display is started and the head display portion of the indicator of the chart display means is started to be lit, and the reach pattern / background symbol determination means is displayed on the symbol display. A plurality of indicators based on lighting conditions corresponding to the predetermined reach pattern determined by the lighting condition determining means and displaying a reach state with the predetermined reach pattern determined by the predetermined background pattern and the predetermined background pattern Display control means for sequentially lighting and displaying the display section of
The indicator of the chart display means is
The display unit group in which the plurality of display units are arranged with a predetermined interval in the horizontal direction corresponds to the first time series and the second time series corresponding to the reach patterns set to a plurality of types by distinguishing the probability that the jackpot will occur. The time series, the third time series, and the fourth time series are set and formed from the top to the bottom, respectively, and a display section as a first branch section is set in the middle of the display section group of the first time series. In addition, a display unit as a second branch unit that is a head portion of the display unit group of the second time series, the third time series, and the fourth time series is set to display the first branch unit. And a display unit as the second branch unit are set to branch from the first time-series display unit group and communicate with the respective time-series display unit groups, the first time series, Display unit group of the second time series, the third time series, and the fourth time series At the end of the lighting direction, is arranged a jackpot display unit, the first time series, the second time series in each of the time series of the third time-series and the fourth time series, jackpot probability A plurality of different reach patterns are set so as to correspond to each other, and at least the plurality of types of reach patterns set in the first time series include a plurality of types of reach patterns set in each of the other three time series. A jackpot probability reach pattern lower than the reach pattern jackpot probability is set and configured to correspond,
The indicator is controlled by the display control means.
Based on the determined reach pattern and the lighting condition corresponding to the reach pattern, the display unit group of the first time series is lit and displayed on the first time series in chronological order as it is, or the first time series The display unit as the first branch unit in the time series is lit up and displayed, and the display unit as the second branch unit is lit up from the display unit, so that the second time series, the third time series, and The display unit group of any one of the fourth time series is changed to be lit and displayed in chronological order, and in each display unit as the first branch unit and the second branch unit, By displaying at least the first display section of each time-series display section group, the branch pattern lottery is produced, and the lighting display of the predetermined time-series display section group reaches the jackpot display section. do it Lit was being displayed controlled as to determine the jackpot occurs when,
A gaming machine characterized in that a display progress status of a reach state generated by starting symbol variation is notified in time series. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The display unit constituting each time-series display unit group of the indicator of the chart display unit is configured by a light emitting diode, and the chart display unit is disposed in the vicinity of the symbol display unit disposed on the game board surface. A gaming machine characterized by that. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The symbol display is composed of a liquid crystal display, and a display portion constituting each time-series display portion group of the indicator of the chart display means is formed by a lamp image, and the indicator is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display. A gaming machine characterized by being displayed on a predetermined part of the game machine. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A display machine that constitutes each time-series display unit group of the indicator has an arrangement configuration in which a lighting color changes in the process of approaching the jackpot display unit in each time series.

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