JP2000334106A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the expectation of a player expecting a privilege by improving the possibility of reach (li-zhi) or great success. SOLUTION: A game machine such as Pachinko machine has a game control part 2 for outputting a display command so as to establish a video such as a picture pattern when a prescribed condition is established and a display control part 4 for receiving the display command, editing an image and outputting an image signal to a display part 8. When the first required condition is established, plural picture patterns are stopped and displayed in any one variation area 6c among plural variation areas 6a, 6b and 6c on one specified line. Then, any one picture pattern is selected out of plural picture patterns stopped and displayed in one variation area 6c so that the combination with picture patterns stopped and displayed in the other variation area 6a excepting one variation area 6c can become a reach (li-zhi) picture pattern (combination of prescribed picture patterns). Thus, since the opportunity of the reach, or the like, is increased, the expectation of the player expecting the privilege based on the reach, or the like, can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a display section having a plurality of variable areas for displaying a group of symbols fluctuating or stopping.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many game machines such as pachinko machines and arrangement ball machines, when a game ball wins or passes a predetermined area, a symbol group is displayed in a plurality of variable areas on a symbol display corresponding to a display section. Start to fluctuate. In the example of the three variable regions, the symbol groups are changed as special symbols (hereinafter simply referred to as “left symbol”, “medium special symbol”, and “right symbol”) in each of the left, middle, and right variable regions. Start to let. The fluctuation state of the symbol group is called “symbol fluctuation”. The predetermined area corresponds to, for example, a gate or a starting port.

For a while after the symbol change starts, for example, the middle symbol continues to change, and the left symbol and the right symbol stop changing. If the left symbol and the right symbol stop at the same symbol, for example, an animation is displayed as "reach", and a display such as changing the fluctuation speed of the middle symbol is performed. The combination of the left symbol and the right symbol when the reach is reached in this way is called "reach symbol" (that is, a combination of predetermined symbols)
And a display pattern such as a symbol change performed on the symbol display after reaching the reach is referred to as a “reach pattern”. A single gaming machine prepares a plurality of reach patterns, and when the reach is reached, display is performed in one of the reach patterns. The reach pattern excludes a reach pattern performed after the jackpot is determined.

[0004] In a conventional gaming machine that gives a bonus to a player when stopping at a big hit symbol (ie, a combination of specific symbols) consisting of a single line, when the symbol is stopped and displayed after the fluctuation, the symbol is almost aligned. That is, they are arranged in one line. Thereafter, when the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed matches the big hit symbol, a bonus is given to the player as "big hit". For example, "55
In many cases, a combination of double eyes such as "5" or "777" is set.

[0005]

However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, in order for a player to receive a bonus due to a jackpot, only one symbol is stopped last because of a combination with a symbol already stopped. Can be Therefore, although the player can have a certain degree of expectation for expecting the privilege, the expectation has not increased so much. This is the same as in a gaming machine that gives a bonus to a player when the player stops at a jackpot symbol on any of a plurality of lines, paying attention to a specific one line. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to increase the possibility of reaching or hitting a jackpot, and to increase the expectation of a player expecting a privilege.

[0006]

Means 1 for Solving the Problems Means 1 for solving the problems are as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) The “display section” includes not only one symbol display but also a plurality of symbol displays. Therefore, in the case of “having a plurality of variable regions”, there are a mode in which a single symbol display has a plurality of variable regions and a mode in which a plurality of variable regions are arbitrarily assigned to a plurality of symbol displays. (2) "Specific one line" means not only a single line in a gaming machine that gives a player a privilege when stopping at a combination of specific symbols on a single line, but also a specific symbol on any of a plurality of lines. Also included is one line that specifies any of the plurality of lines in a gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when stopped in combination. (3) The “first requirement” includes a term condition and / or a condition relating to a game. The period condition includes, for example, the elapse of a preset period. The conditions relating to the game include, for example, reaching a reach and passing or winning a game ball in a predetermined area. (4) “Stop” includes not only a complete stop but also a move in an arbitrary direction and an arbitrary distance range around the reference position. (5) The “a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed” may be the same number of symbols or a different number of symbols for at least one variation region, and the number is arbitrary.
Further, the number of symbols may be changed according to a game state or the like.

According to the means 1, when the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in at least one of the plurality of variable regions on a specific line. A combination of any one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in at least one variable region and the symbol stopped and displayed in another variable region excluding the at least one variable region is a specific symbol. When a combination of the above is given, a bonus is given to the player. By stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in at least one of the variable regions in this manner, it is possible to increase the chance of a big hit by a combination with the symbols stopped and displayed in another variable region. Therefore, the expectation of the player who expects the bonus by the jackpot can be increased.

[0008]

Means for solving the problem 2 Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 2. Means 2
According to this, when the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in at least one of the plurality of variable regions on a specific one line. Then, the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in the at least one variable region so that a combination with a symbol stopped and displayed in another variable region excluding at least one variable region becomes a combination of a predetermined symbol. Select one of the symbols. By stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in at least one variable region in this way, it is possible to increase the chances of reaching by combining with symbols stopped and displayed in other variable regions. Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation of the player who expects the privilege that can be obtained by the jackpot after the reach.

[0009]

Means for solving the problem 3 Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 3. Here, the term "second requirement" described in claim 3 includes a term condition and / or a condition relating to a game, similarly to the first requirement. The relationship with the first required condition may be the same condition or a different condition, and the number of symbols may be changed according to the type of game machine, date and time, game state, and the like. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 3, when the second required condition is satisfied, the plurality of symbols are stopped and the displayed variable region is switched from at least one variable region to another variable region on a specific line. Since the number of possible symbol combinations is changed by this switching, the player can have a feeling of expecting a combination of predetermined symbols or a combination of specific symbols different from that before the switching.

[0011]

Means 4 for solving the problem Means 4 for solving the problem are as described in claim 4. Here, the term “notification” described in claim 4 includes a mode of visually notifying by a display such as changing the size of a symbol on a display (a display unit, another display, an indicator lamp, or the like). The present invention is not limited to this, and includes an aspect in which a sound (music, sound effect, voice, or the like) is output or changed, and the like, and an aspect in which the notification is tactilely provided through a member attached to the gaming machine such as a steering wheel or a chair. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the means 4, the player or the like is notified that a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in at least one of the variable areas. Since the player who has received the notification has a higher possibility of reaching or hitting the jackpot thereafter, the expectation of expecting a privilege increases. In addition, the person related to the game hall that has received the notification can perform predetermined preparations for the jackpot whose possibility has increased.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an embodiment applied to a gaming machine provided with a display unit having three changing regions for changing and displaying symbols, and will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 1 showing an outline of the present invention. The gaming machine of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 has a game control unit 2 that outputs a display command to display an image such as a symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and performs an image editing in response to the display command to generate an image signal. And a display control unit 4 for outputting to the display unit 8. The predetermined condition includes when a detector provided at a specific position detects a game ball, a jackpot game period, and the like. The display unit 8 includes a plurality of variable regions 6a, 6b, 6c for displaying a symbol group in a variable manner.

The image displayed on the display unit 8 by the image editing performed by the display control unit 4 is, for example, as follows. That is, when the first required condition is satisfied after the symbol group starts changing in the plurality of variable regions 6a, 6b, 6c, any one of the plurality of variable regions 6a, 6b, 6c on one specific line is established. A plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the variable area 6c. Then, other variable regions 6 except one variable region 6c
Any one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in the one variable area 6c is selected so that the combination with the symbol stopped and displayed in a becomes a reach symbol (combination of predetermined symbols). . In the example of FIG. 1, one variation region 6c
Symbols "5", "6", "7" stopped and displayed
Among them, the symbol "7" which can be the reach symbol is selected.

Further, even after reaching, the display control unit 4
The image displayed on the display unit 8 by the image editing performed by
For example, the following can be performed. That is, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in any one of the plurality of variable regions 6a, 6b, and 6c on one specific line. Then, any one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in the one variable region 6b and the symbol stopped and displayed in the other variable regions 6a and 6c excluding the one variable region 6b are displayed. When the combination becomes a jackpot symbol (a combination of specific symbols), a bonus is given to the player. FIG.
In the example, the symbol “7” is selected from the symbols “7”, “8”, and “9”. Generally, one fluctuation region 6c
Stop and display multiple symbols at the same time to reach,
If a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in one variable area 6b, a large hit rarely occurs. Rather, it often does not reach or loses.

According to the gaming machine constructed as described above, when a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in one variable area 6c of the display section 8, the combination with the symbols stopped and displayed in another variable area is provided. It is possible to increase the opportunity to reach. Further, when a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in one variable region 6b, it is possible to increase the chance of a big hit by a combination with the symbols stopped and displayed in another variable region. Therefore, the expectation of the player expecting the privilege can be increased.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of variable regions 6a,
Although a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in any one of the variable regions of 6b and 6c, a plurality of symbols may be stopped and displayed in each of the plurality of variable regions. For example, when three symbols are stopped and displayed in the variable regions 6b and 6c, the number of possible symbol combinations is nine.
Since the number of possible symbol combinations can be greatly increased in this way, the possibility of reach or jackpot is also greatly increased. Therefore, the expectation of the player expecting the privilege can be further increased. Further, although the display section 8 includes three variable areas 6a, 6b, and 6c, the same applies to a case where two variable areas or four or more variable areas are provided. That is, by stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in at least one of the plurality of variable regions, the above-described effect can be obtained.

Next, an example in which the present invention is applied to a first-class pachinko machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described. First, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the multifunction peripheral. In FIG. 2, on the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10, a first-type starting port 30, a large winning port 34, a multifunction device 14, a general winning port, and the like are appropriately arranged.

The first-type starting port 30 has a starting port sensor 56, and pays out a prize ball (also referred to as a "prize ball") when a pachinko ball wins, like a normal winning port. The middle gate 32 is provided with a gate sensor 54, which does not pay out prize balls even when a pachinko ball passes. The special winning opening 34 is provided with a lid 66, which is opened and closed by the solenoid 50. The special winning opening 34 has a V zone 52,
Zone 52 has a V-zone sensor 48. When the pachinko ball wins in the V zone 52 during the opening period of the special winning opening, the jackpot game state can be continued within a required number of times (for example, 16 times). The period of opening the special winning opening corresponds to, for example, the earlier of 10 wins of pachinko balls in the special winning opening 34 or 30 seconds after opening. Further, at the lower portion of the lid 66, the first type starting port 30 is provided.
It has a lower starting port 62 having a function equivalent to that of. The lower starting port 62 has a starting port sensor 60 similar to the starting port sensor 56. Here, the starting port sensors 56 and 60
Detects the pachinko ball that has won each starting port. The V zone sensor 48 detects a pachinko ball that has won the V zone 52. The gate sensor 54 detects a pachinko ball that has passed through the middle gate 32. For the gate sensor 54, the starting port sensors 56 and 60, and the V zone sensor 48, for example, a proximity sensor, a microswitch, an optical sensor, or the like is appropriately used.

The multifunction device 14 shown in FIG.
4a, a holding ball lamp 20 for a normal symbol, a special symbol display 22, a holding ball lamp 28 for a special symbol, and the like are provided. The prize hole 14a is one of the general prize holes. The holding ball lamp 20 is a plurality (for example, four) of LEDs arranged substantially horizontally above the special symbol display 22.
The number of pachinko balls that have passed through the middle gate 32 during the symbol change of the normal symbol is displayed. The holding ball lamp 28 is a plurality (for example, four) of LEDs arranged substantially horizontally below the special symbol display 22, and the pachinko ball which has won the first kind starting port 30 during the symbol change of the special symbol. Display the number of In addition, the composite device 14 has 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.

The special symbol display 22 corresponds to a display unit, for example, a liquid crystal display. The special symbol display 22 displays an image such as a special symbol, a chance symbol, and a background symbol shown in FIG. For special design, for example, left design 7
2, a middle symbol 74 and a right symbol 76 are used to notify whether or not a big hit has occurred. These left pattern 72, middle pattern 7
4, the right symbol 76 is the variable area 80, 82, 8 respectively.
4 is displayed. Here, in the case of simply “special symbol”, in the example of FIG. 3, the left symbol 72, the middle symbol 74, and the right symbol 76
Means three symbols. Images used as special designs include not only characters (alphanumeric characters, kana, kanji, etc.) but also symbols, figures, pictures, and the like. Further, the chance symbol (fourth symbol) includes, for example, a left chance symbol 70 and a right chance symbol 78.
Call. ) Is used to indicate whether or not there is. The chance symbol changes a predetermined image with a plurality of colors. The predetermined image is, for example, a figure in which two "*" are surrounded by lines, and the plurality of colors include, for example, four colors of red, blue, yellow, and green. Here, the term “chance symbol” simply means two symbols of a left chance symbol 70 and a right chance symbol 78 in the example of FIG. The chance symbol starts to fluctuate at an appropriate time after the jackpot, for example, and then stops. Additional benefits include, for example, “probability variation” that changes the probability of a big hit by a special symbol or a hit by a normal symbol, “time reduction” to shorten the fluctuation period of a special symbol or a normal symbol, and “the number of times that the time reduction is performed. "
Etc. The background design is an image displayed as a background of a special design or a chance design, and includes, for example, a moving image (video, animation, etc.) and a still image. In addition, as the special symbol display 22, other than a liquid crystal display, a display capable of displaying a special symbol such as a CRT, an LED display, a plasma display, or the like may be used.

Returning to FIG. 2, the game board surface 12 has one or a plurality of decorative gates, and in this example, a left gate 57 and a right gate 24. The decorative gate is the above middle gate 32
Unlike the above, it does not have a gate sensor for detecting the passage of a pachinko ball. The right gate 24 has a normal symbol display 26, while the left gate 57 does not have a normal symbol display 26. Normally, the symbol display 26 has one or more light emitters,
Lighting / extinguishing of the luminous body is usually a symbol. In the example of FIG. 2, two LEDs are usually used as the symbol display 26. The normal symbol starts blinking when the pachinko ball passes through the middle gate 32, and then turns on / off each LED. Then, the lid of the lower starting port 62 is opened for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds) according to the mode of turning on / off the LED (for example, when the right LED of the two LEDs is turned on). The normal symbol display 26 may be another display capable of displaying normal symbols, such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT, an LED display, and a plasma display. In this case, for example, images such as alphanumeric characters and symbols can be used as the normal symbols. Further, a mode in which the normal symbol and the special symbol are displayed on the same display (for example, the special symbol display 22) may be adopted.

Other than the game board surface 12, a lower plate 40 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, an ashtray 42 for holding cigarette butts, a speaker 44 for producing sound effects and music, and a handle 36 for a player's hand. A touch sensor 38 for detecting whether or not the user touches the glass frame, a metal frame sensor 58 for detecting opening of the glass frame 18, and the like are provided. The speaker 44 is provided inside an upper plate 46 which is a receiving bowl of a prize ball.
8 and the metal frame sensor 58 are provided at required positions. In addition, an indicator light (display body) such as a light bulb or an LED is used for the lamps 16, and is disposed at an appropriate position according to the game content of the pachinko machine 10, not limited to the illustrated position.

Next, a specific configuration example of the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main control board 100 and the display control board 200. Both the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 are provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 4, a main control board 100 corresponding to the game control unit 2 is a CPU.
(Processor) 110 and the pachinko machine 10
To control the pachinko game performed in the game. The main control board 100 includes a ROM 112 for storing a game control program and data such as a jackpot value, a RAM 114 for temporarily storing data such as missing symbol data, a display determination table, an 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 or the V zone sensor 48, an output processing circuit 104 for outputting a drive signal for driving the solenoid 50 or the like, the lamps 16 and a normal symbol display. 26, a display control circuit 106 for performing display control, a display control board 20
It has a communication control circuit 116 for performing communication with 0 or the like. These CPU 110, ROM 112, RAM 11
4, the input processing circuit 102 and the communication control circuit 116 are connected to the bus 1
They are interconnected by 18. Although not shown, a backup memory for backing up data and the like stored by a flash memory or a battery may be separately provided.

A display control board 200 corresponding to the display control section 4 is constituted mainly by a CPU 210, receives a display command sent from the main control board 100, and appropriately processes characters and designs to be displayed. Processing for displaying on the special symbol display 22 is performed. The display control board 200 has a ROM 2 for storing data such as a display control program and display information.
02, RAM for temporarily storing data such as command signals
204, a communication control circuit 206 for performing communication with the main control board 100, a character generator 212 for generating data such as characters, designs, and backgrounds, and performing image editing such as color designation and sprite processing to finally obtain an image. VDP (Video Displa) that outputs signals (video signals, synchronization signals, etc.)
y Prosessor) 214 and the like. These CPU2
10, ROM 202, RAM 204, communication control circuit 20
6, the VDP 214 is mutually connected by the bus 208. Although not shown, a flash memory and a backup memory may be separately provided as in the case of the main control board 100. When receiving 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
To the VDP 214 via the. VDP214 is VR
It has an AM, a pallet RAM, etc., receives display information sent from the CPU 210, reads data corresponding to the display information from the character generator 212,
Perform image editing such as color specification and sprite processing, and
The data is developed on a RAM or a palette RAM, and finally an image signal is output to the special symbol display 22. In addition, RO provided on the main control board 100 and the display control board 200
Although an EPROM is used for M, an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used. Similarly, a DRAM is used as the RAM, but an SRAM, a flash memory, or the like may be used.

In the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, in order to realize the present invention, the main control board 100
And the processing procedure performed by the display control board 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG.
FIG. 6 shows the details of the symbol variation process, FIG. 7 shows the content of the variation display process, FIG. 8 shows the content of the variation start process, and FIG. 9 shows the content of the reach process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the symbol selection processing, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the image display processing. Of these processing procedures, the first-type start-up processing, the design change processing, the change display processing, the change start processing, the reach processing, and the design selection processing are all performed on the ROM 1 in the main control board 100 shown in FIG.
Game control program stored in the CPU 11
0 is executed at an appropriate timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds). The image display processing is performed by the CPU 210 and the VDP2 on the display control board 200.
14 is realized by executing a program at an appropriate timing.

In the following description, three variable regions are provided on the special symbol display 22 so that special symbols (left symbol 72, middle symbol 7
4, right symbol 76) will be described. In this case, it is assumed that a pachinko game is reached when two symbols having the same content are stopped and displayed, and when all the symbols having the same content are stopped and displayed, a jackpot game is achieved. In addition, the “number of reserved balls” means the number of pachinko balls that have won the first-type start-up opening 30 while the special symbol is being fluctuated and displayed on the special symbol display 22. The term “add” usually means to increase the number of reserved balls by one, but also includes a case where the number is increased by two or more as appropriate according to a game state or the like. On the other hand, "subtract"
This 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 for the sake of simplicity.

First, in the first type starting port processing shown in FIG.
The winning determination of the pachinko ball with respect to the first type starting port 30 is performed. Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won the first-type starting port 30 (step S10). Specifically, when a detection signal is output from the starting port sensor 56 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, it is determined that a winning has been achieved (YES), and
If no detection signal is output, it is determined that no prize is won (NO). Then, when the pachinko ball has won 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 68 is turned on according to the added number of holding balls. After that, various random numbers are read and stored (step S16), and the first type start-up process is terminated. In the case where the pachinko ball has not been won in the first-type starting port 30 (NO in step S10).
Or when the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit (step S1
In (NO of 2), the first-type start-up process is terminated without any operation.

Here, the random numbers shown in step S16 include a jackpot determination random number RA and a jackpot symbol random number R
B, reach pattern random number RC, probability variation random number RD, window frame display random number RE, window frame position random number RF, and the like. The jackpot determination random number RA is a random number for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred. The jackpot symbol random number RB is a random number for specifying a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicator 22 when it is determined to be a jackpot by the jackpot determination random number RA. Reach pattern random number RC
Is a random number for specifying a display pattern after reaching the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 22 until the remaining special symbols stop. The “reach state” means a state in which other special symbols match the big hit symbols, except for the remaining special symbols that are still fluctuating. The probability variation random number RD is a random number for determining whether to change the probability of a jackpot after a jackpot. The window frame display random number RE is a random number for determining whether or not to notify, by a window frame or the like, that a plurality of symbols should be stopped and displayed in any one of the plurality of variable regions. The window frame position random number RF is a random number for specifying the one variable region in which a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed. In this specification, “window frame” is a special symbol display 2
2 means a frame to be simulated.

Next, in the symbol changing process shown in FIG. 6, a process of changing and displaying the special symbol on the special symbol display 22 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls is a positive number (that is, the number of reserved balls> 0) (step S20). If the number of retained balls is a positive number (YES), the random number RA for jackpot determination stored in step S16 is read [step S22], and the number of retained balls is subtracted in preparation for the next process [step S24]. After that, a variable display process for changing and displaying the symbol group is performed [Step S26]. The specific contents of the variable display processing will be described with reference to FIG.

In the variable display processing shown in FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not a "big hit" is made (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 number of jackpots is usually one, but may be plural depending on the game state (for example, when the probability changes). If it is a "big hit" (YES), step S in FIG.
The random number RB for the jackpot symbol stored in step 16 is read [step S42], and the process proceeds to step S44 to start changing the special symbol. A symbol that will eventually be stopped and determined (hereinafter referred to as a “scheduled symbol to be stopped”) is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number RB. On the other hand, step S4
If it is determined to be "losing" at 0 (NO), the missing symbol data is read from the RAM 114 in order to display the missing symbol on the special symbol display 22 (step S60).
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the outlying symbol data includes a reach symbol [step S62]. If the reach symbol data includes the reach symbol (YES), the data eventually becomes “losing”, but reaches the reach midway, and proceeds to step S44 described later. On the other hand, if the reach symbol data does not include the reach symbol (NO), the process proceeds to step S64 described later.

Subsequently, a display command is sent to the display control board 200 to perform a change start process to start changing the special symbol (step S44). The specific processing content of the change start processing will be described with reference to FIG. In the fluctuation start process shown in FIG. 8, first, the window frame display random number RE and the window frame position random number RF stored in step S16 of FIG. 5 are read [step S70], and the window frame display based on the window frame display random number RE. It is determined whether or not display is performed [Step S7
2]. For example, the random number RA for jackpot determination read in step S22, the loss symbol data read in step S60, and the random number R for window frame display read in step S70.
Based on E, it is determined whether or not to perform window frame display according to the display determination table shown in Table 1 below.

[0034]

[Table 1]

In the above display determination table, a window frame is displayed when the mark is ○, and no window frame is displayed when the mark is X. For example, in the case of a jackpot, the window frame display random number R
If E = 3, window frame display is performed. In the example of Table 1 described above, the probability of displaying the window frame in the order of a case where the vehicle goes out of reach, a case where the vehicle goes out of reach, and a case where the jackpot is hit is increased. Therefore, when the window frame display is performed, the probability of a big hit increases, and the player's expectation of expecting a privilege also increases. If the window frame is to be displayed in step S72 (YES), the random number RA for jackpot determination read in step S22, the loss symbol data read in step S60, and the random number RF for window frame position read in step S70 are used. , Fluctuating regions x, y, and z for displaying a window frame according to the region determination table shown in Table 2 below.
Is determined [step S74].

[0036]

[Table 2]

The variable areas x,
y and z correspond to any of the fluctuation regions 80, 82, and 84 in the example of FIG. The correspondence can be set arbitrarily according to the pachinko machine 10 or the type of the pachinko machine, and may be one-to-one, one-to-many, or by changing the correspondence according to a game state or the like. Is also good. In the example of Table 2 above, in the case of a jackpot, the fluctuation region z
Is high, and in the case of a loss after reach, the probability of determination in the variable region y is high, and in the case of a loss without reach, the probability of determination in the variable regions x and y is high. For example, for simplicity, the variable region x is the variable region 80
The variable region y is set to correspond to the variable region 82, and the variable region z is set to correspond to the variable region 84. At this time,
In the case of a jackpot, the window frame position random number RF = 5
Then, since the variable region z is determined, the variable region 84
Will be displayed on the window frame. Similarly, in the case of the deviation after the reach and the window frame position random number RF = 6, the variable region y is determined, and the window frame is displayed in the variable region 82.

After executing the step S74 to determine the variable region for displaying the window frame, a window frame is displayed on the determined variable region [step S76], and the symbol group is started to be varied in all the variable regions [ Step S80], the change start process ends. On the other hand, if the window frame display is not performed in step S72 (NO), the symbol group starts to be changed in all the variable regions without displaying the window frame [step S72].
78], and the change start process ends. Here, step S
The player or the like is notified that a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the variable area by the window frame display of 76. The player who has received the notification has a higher possibility of reaching a jackpot or a jackpot thereafter, so that the expectation of expecting a privilege increases. Also,
The person related to the game hall that has received the notification can make a predetermined preparation for the jackpot whose possibility has been increased. Furthermore, if steps S70, S74, and S76 are performed a plurality of times, the variable region where the window frame is displayed may be different from the previously displayed variable region due to the current determination. In this case, since the variable region in which the window frame is displayed switches from the viewpoint of the player, the number of possible symbol combinations changes by the switching. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a feeling of expecting a reach symbol or a big hit different from that before the switching. Note that, if necessary, step S
The size of the symbol or the symbol group displayed in the variable region determined in 74 may be changed small (or large) (step S78). This modification is performed after the window frame is displayed in step S76 or in place of the window frame display. In this way, it is possible to notify a player or the like that a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the variable region due to the deformation of the symbols or the symbol groups.

After the variable display processing is completed, the process returns to FIG. 7, and the reach processing for performing the reach display and the like is performed [Step S].
46]. FIG. 9 shows the specific contents of the reach processing.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the reach processing shown in FIG.
First, the reach pattern random number RC stored in step S16 of FIG. 5 is read [step S90], and the reach pattern is determined [step S92]. That is, the reach pattern is determined according to Table 3 below based on the symbol to be stopped determined in step S42 or step S60 of FIG. 7 and the reach pattern random number RC read in step S90. The special symbol displayed as the reach symbol is, for example, a left symbol 72 and a right symbol 76, and is a normal pachinko machine 1
At 0, there are many same symbols. Then, due to the shift of the symbol for the middle symbol 74 (hereinafter referred to as "symbol relationship") from the view of the reach symbol, two symbols before, one symbol before, the same symbol, one symbol after, two symbols after, and other symbols. (For example, three symbols before,
After 3 symbols). For example, if the reach symbol is symbol "7"
If the middle symbol 74 is the symbol "6" at the time of, the middle symbol 74 is "one symbol before" when viewed from the reach symbol. Table 3 shows an example of a relationship between symbols and a reach pattern random number RC that can take any numerical value from 0 to 10.

[0040]

[Table 3]

In the example of Table 3, six reach patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, ζ, and the number of chances corresponding to the number of fluctuations are set. For example, a reach pattern performed together with the display of the window frame is referred to as a reach pattern β.
The reach pattern β has a high appearance probability in the case of the same symbol, that is, “big hit”, and has a low occurrence probability in the case of “miss” such as two symbols before. In addition, since the number of chances is large in the case of the same symbol, the player who has seen the image display according to the window frame display and the reach pattern β can play a game with an expectation of expecting a “big hit”. Here, the reach pattern α,
Table 4 shows an outline of each display content for β, γ, δ, ε, and ζ. The “action” shown in Table 4 is to perform an animation or the like. The "forward / backward fluctuation" means that a special symbol (left symbol 72, middle symbol 74, right symbol 76) is centered on a predetermined position (for example, a horizontal line passing through the center of the screen) of the special symbol indicator 22 in a predetermined direction (for example, This is a variation in a mode of swinging by a vertical pattern (for a half symbol). "Move position"
Is a position on the screen different from the predetermined position.

[0042]

[Table 4]

When a specific condition is satisfied, the above Table 3
May be changed (changed) by changing the position or the number of the reach patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, に お け る. As the specific condition, for example, a special symbol is a specific symbol (for example, “3
33 "). In this way, the player can maintain the expectation of the jackpot until all the special symbols stop. Similarly, when a specific condition is satisfied, the period of the repetitive fluctuation (start time and end time), the direction of the repetitive fluctuation, the symbol for performing the repetitive fluctuation, and the like may be changed (changed). In this way, since the mode of the repetitive change changes, the player does not know whether or not the repetition of the change will cause a big hit.
Therefore, the player can enjoy the change of the display mode due to the repetition change, and can play the game with a sense of expectation to be a big hit.

Next, depending on whether or not the window frame is displayed, that is, whether or not the reach pattern β (specific reach pattern) (step S94), the mode of the variable display is divided. If the reach pattern is a reach pattern other than the reach pattern β (NO), a display command is sent to the display control board 200 to change the design with the corresponding reach pattern [Step S1]
08]. On the other hand, if reach pattern β (YES), the following processing is performed. That is, first, the first symbol (for example, the left symbol 72 displayed in the variable region 80) is stopped [Step S96], and then a symbol selection process for selecting one symbol from a plurality of symbols for the variable region in which the window frame is displayed. Is performed [step S98]. The specific contents of the symbol selection processing will be described with reference to FIG.

In the symbol selection process shown in FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether or not a window frame is displayed in the variable area where the symbol whose variation has been stopped is located (step S110). Specifically, step S76 in the change start process shown in FIG.
It is determined based on whether or not it is the fluctuation region determined in.
If the window frame is displayed (YES), one of the plurality of symbols displayed on the window frame can be a reach symbol (combination of predetermined symbols) or a jackpot symbol (combination of specific symbols). Select a pattern [Step S1
12]. Then, the window frame that has been displayed so far is deleted, and only the symbol selected in step S112 is displayed in the variable area [step S114], and the symbol selection process ends. If the window frame is not displayed in step S110 (NO), the symbol selection process ends without doing anything.

When the above symbol selection processing is completed, the process returns to FIG.
Second symbol (for example, right symbol 76 displayed in the variable area 84)
Is stopped [Step S100], and the above-described Step S100 is performed.
A symbol selection process is performed in the same manner as in step S98.
2]. Further, after stopping the third symbol (for example, the middle symbol 74 displayed in the variable area 82) (Step S104),
A symbol selection process is performed in the same manner as in step S98 (step S106). Thus, the fluctuation of the symbol group in all the fluctuation areas is stopped, and the reach processing is ended. FIG.
Regardless of the fluctuation area determined in step S76 of the fluctuation start process shown in FIG. 7, a window frame is displayed in a fluctuation area that is still fluctuating before stopping the third symbol (for example, the fluctuation area 82 displaying the middle symbol 74). (Step S103).
In this way, the possibility of a jackpot is increased, and the expectation of the player expecting the privilege can be further increased.

When the reach processing is completed in this manner, the process returns to FIG. 7 again, and it is determined whether or not there is a probability variation [Step S48].
0], the variable display process ends. It is determined whether or not the probability variation is the probability variation random number RD stored in step S16 of FIG.
The determination is made based on whether or not the special symbol and the chance symbol actually stopped and displayed in Step 2 are displayed in a predetermined combination. As the predetermined combination, for example, the special symbol “7
77 "and the chance symbol is blue.
The specific processing content of the probability variation processing is the same as the already known processing, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the probability variation process is executed, the probability of a special symbol and / or a normal symbol hit increases after the current big hit game ends and until the next hit, and the special symbol and / or the normal symbol The fluctuation period is shortened. On the other hand, if it is not a probability variation (step S4
(NO at 8), the change display process is terminated without doing anything. If it is determined that "reach" has occurred without reaching the reach, that is, if it is not a reach symbol in step S62 (NO), a fluctuation start process is performed in the same manner as in step S44 [step S64], and based on the display pattern of the off symbol. And stops after displaying the change [Step S6
6]. In steps S64 and S66, corresponding display commands are sent to the display control board 200 to be realized. Therefore, the player can recognize at this point whether the "big hit" or "losing".

When the above-described variable display processing is completed, the process returns to FIG.
It is finally determined whether or not the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22 matches the big hit symbol (step S28). In step S40 shown in FIG. 7, it is also determined whether or not a big hit has occurred, but this determination is made based on the random number RA for big hit determination read in step S22. However, when the variable display process of step S26 is being executed, the influence of the external noise or the like may cause the expected jackpot display to become a missed display. Therefore, to prevent confusion in pachinko games,
The special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22 is given priority to determine whether or not a big hit has occurred. Here, if the special symbol matches the winning symbol (YES), a jackpot process is performed as "big hit" (step S3).
0], the symbol variation process ends. In the jackpot process, for example, the cover 66 of the special winning opening 34 is held for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds).
This is a process of releasing the prize balls and paying out prize balls according to the number of winning pachinko balls. On the other hand, if the special symbol does not match the winning symbol (NO), the CPU 11 performs a loss process as "losing" (step S32), and ends the symbol variation process. Note that the specific processing contents of the outlier processing are the same as those of the well-known processing, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Here, a process in which the display control board 200, which has received the display command output from the main control board 100, edits the corresponding image and displays it on the special symbol display 22 will be described with reference to FIG. . It is assumed that the display command output from the main control board 100 is stored in a reception buffer in the RAM 204 shown in FIG. 4 by a separate processing program executed by a reception interrupt. In the image display processing shown in FIG.
210 reads the display command stored in the reception buffer [Step S120], acquires display data based on the read display command, and stores it in the RAM 204 [Step S122]. More specifically, the display data is acquired by defining the relationship between the display command and the display data and referring to a table stored in the ROM 202 or the like. This display data is a data element (parameter) for performing image editing, for example, status number, left symbol number, left position coordinate, middle symbol number, middle position coordinate, right symbol number, right position coordinate, animation number, status It has a flag, an animation timer, and the like. The display data thus obtained is obtained 21
0 transmits the display data to the VDP 214.

VD receiving display data from CPU 210
P214 extracts data such as characters, designs, and backgrounds from the character generator 212 based on the display data (step S124), and performs image editing such as color designation and sprite processing (step S126).
M or expand the data on the palette RAM [Step S
128]. Then, the developed data is converted into an image signal and output to the special symbol display 22 [Step S13
0]. In this manner, the symbols and the like edited based on the display data can be displayed on the special symbol display 22. Also,
Since image editing is performed by the VDP 214 as hardware, images can be displayed at high speed.

Next, the manner in which the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 are executed and an image is displayed on the special symbol display 22 will be described with reference to FIGS.
12 to 19 show examples of images displayed on the special symbol display 22. In the actual pachinko machine 10, the symbols are displayed using symbols other than the numbers, but the images displayed on the special symbol display 22 are limited to the numbers for the sake of simplicity. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, a case where a reach or a big hit is described will be described, and a description of a case where a hit or miss will be omitted. In order to make it even easier to see, illustration of the actually displayed chance symbol (see FIG. 3) is omitted.

[First display mode] First, the first display mode is one of the three variable areas 80, 82, and 84.
This is an example of a mode in which a window frame is displayed only on the window frame No. 4. Here, FIG. 12A shows an example in which the special symbols (left symbol 72, middle symbol 74, right symbol 76) are stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 22 at the present time. At this time, when the display of the window frame is performed in the change start process (step S76 in FIG. 8), the window frame 86 is set in the change region 84 as shown in FIG.
Appears. The window frame 86 is composed of, for example, three frames continuous in the vertical direction of the drawing, and a symbol can be displayed in each frame. Window frame 8 in the example shown in FIG.
6 displays symbols “3” and “1” in addition to the symbol “2” as the right symbol 76. When the symbol group starts to fluctuate in the entire fluctuation area after the window frame 86 appears (step S80 in FIG. 8), an image in which the symbol group fluctuates except for the window frame 86 as shown in FIG. become. In addition, if the window frame 86 is displayed, it is possible to more reliably notify a player or the like that the possibility of reaching or a jackpot has increased. However, even if the window frame 86 is not displayed, a plurality of right symbols Simply displaying the symbols "2", "3", and "1" can also inform a player or the like that the possibility has increased. Also, instead of (or in addition to) displaying the window frame 86 in the variable region 84, the size of the symbol group or the variable region itself that is changed or stopped and displayed in the variable region is changed, Visually notify the user by changing the color of the variable area, displaying an image serving as a mark such as a character or an arrow, or changing the lighting or blinking pattern of a display such as the lamps 16 or the like. May be. Further, a sound (music, sound effect, sound, or the like) may be output or changed so as to be notified audibly, or a member attached to the pachinko machine 10 such as the steering wheel 36 or a chair may be tactilely notified. May be notified. In addition, you may implement combining the above-mentioned aspect arbitrarily. By notifying in such various modes, it is possible to surely inform the player that the opportunity to reach or win a jackpot has increased. These application examples are the same for other modes such as a second display mode and a third display mode described later.

When the left symbol 72 is first stopped in the variable area 80 in the reach processing (step S in FIG. 7).
90), an image as shown in FIG. Since the window frame 86 is displayed in the variable region 84 that stops second, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the window frame 86 (step S94 in FIG. 7), and FIG. ). At this time, in the symbol selection process, a symbol “6” that can be a reach symbol is selected from a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed from the relationship with the left symbol 72 (FIG. 1).
0 of step S112). Further, when the window frame 86 is deleted from the variable region 84 and the selected symbol "6" is displayed as the right symbol 76, an image as shown in FIG.
Step S114). Therefore, in the first display mode, it is possible to increase a chance of reaching by selecting one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed on the window frame 86 of the variable region 84 appropriately. Thereafter, when the fluctuation of the symbol group in the fluctuation area 82 is stopped (Step S100 in FIG. 9), an image as shown in FIG. 14C is obtained, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 14C, the special symbol is “6”.
66 ", which gives the player a big hit and a bonus. Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation of the player who expects the privilege that can be obtained by the jackpot after the reach.

Here, when the step S98 shown in FIG. 9 is executed in the reach state shown in FIG.
An image as shown in FIG. That is, a window frame 88 newly appears in the fluctuation area 82 in which the symbol group is still changing. Since a window frame 88 is displayed in the variable region 82 that stops last, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the window frame 88 (step S100 in FIG. 7), and FIG.
An image as shown in FIG. At this time, in the symbol selection process, a symbol "6" that can be a big hit symbol is selected from the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in relation to the left symbol 72 and the right symbol 76 (step S112 in FIG. 10). Further, when the window frame 88 is deleted from the variable area 82 and the selected symbol "6" is displayed as the middle symbol 74, an image as shown in FIG. 14C is obtained (step S114 in FIG. 10). Therefore, by displaying the window frame 88 in the variable region 82, the possibility of a big hit is increased, and the expectation of the player who expects the privilege can be further increased.

[Second display mode] Next, the second display mode is an example of a mode in which window frames are displayed in a plurality of variable areas 82, 84 among the three variable areas 80, 82, 84, respectively.
Here, when the special symbol shown in FIG. 12A is displayed, the window frame is displayed in the change start process (step S76 in FIG. 8).
As shown in (A), a window frame 88 appears in the variable region 82 and a window frame 86 appears in the variable region 84. This window frame 8
6 and the window frame 88 are similar to those in the first display mode. The window frame 88 in the example shown in FIG.
The symbols "4" and "2" are displayed in addition to the symbol "3". When the symbol groups start to fluctuate in all the fluctuation regions after the window frames 86 and 88 appear (step S in FIG. 8).
80), as shown in FIG. 15 (B), an image in which the symbol group fluctuates except for the window frames 86 and 88 is obtained.

When the left symbol 72 is first stopped in the variable area 80 in the reach processing (step S in FIG. 7).
90), an image as shown in FIG. 15 (C) is obtained. Since the window frame 86 is displayed in the variable region 84 that stops second, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the window frame 86 (step S94 in FIG. 7), and FIG. ). At this time, in the symbol selection process, a symbol “6” that can be a reach symbol is selected from a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed from the relationship with the left symbol 72 (FIG. 1).
0 of step S112). Further, when the window frame 86 is deleted from the variable region 84 and the selected symbol "6" is displayed as the right symbol 76, an image as shown in FIG. 16B is obtained (FIG. 10).
Step S114). Thereafter, since the window frame 88 is displayed in the fluctuation region 82 where the window frame 8 stops last, the window frame 8 is stopped.
In FIG. 6, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed (FIG. 7).
Step S100), an image as shown in FIG. 16C is obtained. At this time, in the symbol selection process, a symbol “6” that can be a big hit symbol is selected from a plurality of symbols in the window frame 88 based on the relationship with the left symbol 72 and the right symbol 76 (step S112 in FIG. 10). Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (C), the window frame 88 is deleted from the variable area 82, and the selected symbol “6” is displayed as the right symbol 76 (step S114 in FIG. 10). In the example shown in FIG. 14 (C), the special symbol is “666” and has a zigzag pattern.
Become a jackpot and give the player special benefits. Therefore, the second
In the display mode, an opportunity to reach by selecting an appropriate one of a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed on the window frames 88 and 86 of the variable regions 82 and 84, respectively,
Furthermore, it becomes possible to increase the chances of winning. Therefore, the number of opportunities to reach and / or win is increased, and the expectation of a player expecting a privilege can be increased. The same applies to a mode in which a window frame is displayed in the variable region 80 and a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed.

[Third Display Mode] Next, a third display mode is an example of a mode in which three symbols are finally stopped and displayed for each of the three variable regions 80, 82, and 84, ie, three rows and three columns. This is an example of a mode in which a player or the like is notified of whether or not a big hit has been made by the symbol displayed by. Here, FIG. 17 (A) shows an example in which the special symbols are stopped and displayed in three rows and three columns on the special symbol display 22 at the present time. At this time, if the display of the window frame is performed in the change start process (step S76 in FIG. 8), for example, as shown in FIG.
A window frame 90 appears at a portion corresponding to one symbol in the window 4. The window frame 90 has a mode similar to that of the first display mode. In the window frame 90 in the example shown in FIG. 17B, symbols “4” and “5” are displayed in addition to the symbol “3” as the right symbol 76. When the symbol group starts to be changed in the entire change area after the window frame 90 appears (step S8 in FIG. 8).
0), as shown in FIG. 17 (C), an image in which the symbol group fluctuates except for the window frame 90 is obtained.

When three symbols are first stopped in the variable area 80 in the reach processing (step S in FIG. 7).
90), an image as shown in FIG. Since the window frame 90 is displayed in the variable area 84 that stops second, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in the window frame 90 (step S94 in FIG. 7), and FIG. ). At this time, in the symbol selection process, a symbol “5” that can be a reach symbol is selected from a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in the window frame 90 based on the relationship with the symbol stopped in the variable region 80 (FIG. 10). Step S11
2). Further, when the window frame 90 is erased from the variable region 84 and three symbols are displayed together with the selected symbol “5”, FIG.
An image as shown in FIG. 10C is obtained (step S1 in FIG. 10).
14). Therefore, in the third display mode, it is possible to increase the chances of reaching by selecting one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed on the window frame 90 of the variable region 84 appropriately. Thereafter, when the fluctuation of the symbol group in the fluctuation area 82 is stopped (step S10 in FIG. 9).
0), for example, an image as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 19 (A), the special symbol is “555” and is a diagonal line as indicated by a broken line, so that a big hit is given to the player. Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation of the player who expects the privilege that can be obtained by the jackpot after the reach.

As shown in the example of FIG. 18B, when the symbol group in the variable area 84 is stopped changing, the symbols displayed in the window frame 90 become "7", "6", and "6". 5 ". In this case, in the top line, the pattern is "77",
In the diagonal line, the pattern reaches “55” at the same time (so-called double reach). Therefore, when a plurality of symbols “7” and “5” are made effective as the window frame 90, the possibility of a big hit due to the symbol stopped in the variable region 82 is further increased. When the step S98 shown in FIG. 9 is executed in the reach state shown in FIG.
The image is as shown in FIG. 9 (B). That is, the window frame 92 newly appears in the fluctuation area 82 in which the symbol group is still changing. A plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed on the window frame 92 (step S100 in FIG. 7), and FIG. 19 (C).
The image is as shown in Fig. At this time, in the symbol selection process,
The symbol "5" which can be a big hit symbol among a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed from the relationship with the left symbol 72 and the right symbol 76.
Is selected (step S112 in FIG. 10). Further, when the window frame 92 is deleted from the variable area 82 and the selected symbol “5” is displayed, an image as shown in FIG.
Step S114). Therefore, by displaying the window frame 92 in the variable area 82, the possibility of a big hit increases, and the expectation of the player who expects the privilege can be further increased. Further, similar to the second display mode,
A form in which one window frame is displayed in each of the plurality of variable regions or a plurality of window frames is displayed in one variable region is also possible. In this way, as the number of window frames increases, the chances of reaching or hitting the jackpot further increase, so that the expectation of the player expecting the privilege can be further increased.

According to the above embodiment, when it is determined that the window frame display is to be performed based on the window frame display random number RE, etc. {the first necessary condition is satisfied; 8, step S72}, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in at least one of the plurality of variable regions on one specific line {steps S90, S9 in FIG.
4, S100, FIG. 13 (B), FIG. 16 (A), FIG.
See (C). The combination of any one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in at least one variable region and the symbol stopped and displayed in another variable region excluding the at least one variable region is a reach symbol. When a (predetermined symbol combination) or a big hit symbol (specific symbol combination) is reached, the one symbol is selected (Step S112 in FIG. 10), and a privilege is given to the player (Step S30 in FIG. 6). By stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in at least one variable region in this way, it is possible to increase the chances of reaching or hitting a jackpot by combining with the symbols stopped and displayed in another variable region. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the sense of expectation of a player who expects a privilege due to a reach or a jackpot.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the case where the variation start process is executed a plurality of times, when the variation region in which the window frame display is performed is determined based on the window frame position random number RF or the like. Then, step S74 in FIG. 8 switches from the previously displayed variable region to the determined variable region {step S76 in FIG. 8}. In other words, the window frame in which a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed is switched from at least one variable region to another variable region on a specific one line. Since the number of possible symbol combinations is changed by the switching, the player can have a feeling of expecting a different reach symbol or a big hit than before the switching. Note that the switching of the variable region for displaying the window frame may be appropriately performed according to the date and time, the game state, and the like. Further, in response to claim 4, a window frame display or the like is performed to stop and display a plurality of symbols in at least one of the variable regions, and {step S76 in FIG. 8} is notified to a player or the like. Since the player who has received the notification has a higher possibility of reaching or hitting the jackpot thereafter, the expectation of expecting a privilege increases. In addition, the person related to the game hall that has received the notification can perform predetermined preparations for the jackpot whose possibility has increased.

Here, in the conventional pachinko machine, the symbol group usually fluctuates in one row and three columns as shown in FIG. 12 (A), and when the reach is reached, the three as shown in FIG. 17 (A) is reached. There is a mode in which the symbol group is changed by shifting to the third row and row. However, there is only one case in which the left symbol 72 and the right symbol 76 have the same symbol when one row and three columns are a specific line. In addition, there are only five lines (five ways) of three horizontal rows and two diagonal lines when three rows and three columns are used to make a big hit in a zoro eye. On the other hand, in the present invention, the case where the reach is achieved by the double eyes is based on the left pattern 72.
As shown in FIG. 13 (B), it is only necessary that the pattern serving as the slotted eye is stopped in any of the window frames 86, and the number of patterns increases in three ways. FIG.
As shown in (C), it is only necessary that the symbols serving as the zigzag lines stop on any of the window frames 92, and the number of the specific one line (diagonal line) increases in three ways, for a total of seven ways. In addition, as the number of window frames to be displayed is increased, the number of lines that can reach or hit the jackpot is dramatically increased. Therefore, according to the present invention, the chances of reaching or jackpot are increased as compared with the conventional pachinko machine, so that the expectation of the player who expects the privilege by the reach or jackpot can be increased.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described pachinko machine 10 (game machine) as a first-class pachinko machine, the structure, shape, size, material, number, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied may be implemented. (1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, a game group other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine, a pachislot machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.) and a symbol group including a plurality of symbols is changed or changed. The present invention can be similarly applied to a device provided with a display unit having a plurality of variable regions that stop and display. Even with these other gaming machines, it is possible to increase the chances of reaching or hitting the jackpot, so that the expectation of the player who expects the privilege can be increased.

(2) In the above embodiment, the number of frames constituting the window frame (hereinafter, simply referred to as “number of frames”), that is, the number of displayable symbols is set to three (FIG. 13B). , FIG.
(A) and FIG. 16 (C)). Instead of this form, the number of frames may be two, or may be an arbitrary number of four or more. Further, the number of frames may be different for each variable region.
Further, the number of frames may be changed during the game, or the number of frames may be determined by lottery, according to the type, date and time, state of the game, etc. of the gaming machine. The greater the number of frames, the greater the possibility of reach or jackpot, so that the player's sense of expectation can be further increased. The arrangement of the window frames may be not only in the vertical direction (vertical direction) but also in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction), may be oblique, or may be discrete. That is, the arrangement of the symbols is arbitrary.

(3) In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the first required condition is to be displayed on the basis of the window frame display random number RE or the like (step S72 in FIG. 8), the second required condition is set to the window. This is applied when the variable region in which the window frame display is performed is determined based on the frame position random number RF or the like (step S74 in FIG. 8). Instead of (or in addition to) this form, other conditions may be applied to the first and / or second requirements. As the other conditions, for example, the pachinko ball is in a predetermined area (specifically, the first type starting port 30 and the middle gate 32, etc.).
When a predetermined number of prizes are passed or passed, when a predetermined image is displayed or lit on a display such as the special symbol display 22, or the type and date of a gaming machine. Further, the conditions described in the embodiment and the above-mentioned other conditions may be arbitrarily combined, or may be changed according to a game state or the like. When the first required condition to which the above other conditions are applied is satisfied, the player can increase the expectation of expecting a bonus due to a jackpot. In addition, the second to which the above other conditions are applied
When the required condition is satisfied, the player can have a feeling of expecting a combination of a predetermined symbol or a combination of specific symbols different from the one before switching.

[0066]

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. This embodiment has not only the aspects of the invention described in the claims but also other aspects of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be enumerated below, and related explanations will be provided as necessary.

[Embodiment 1] A display unit having a plurality of variable regions for displaying a group of symbols consisting of a plurality of symbols in a varied or stopped state is provided. When the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in any one of the plurality of variable regions on the specific one line, and A game in which a combination of any one of a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in the variable region and a symbol stopped and displayed in another variable region excluding the one variable region is a combination of the specific symbol Gaming machine that gives the above benefits to a player. According to this aspect, when the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in any one of a plurality of variable regions on a specific one line. . Then, a combination of any one of a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in one variable region and a symbol stopped and displayed in another variable region excluding the one variable region is a combination of specific symbols. When this happens, give the player a privilege. By stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in one variable region in this manner, it is possible to increase the chance of winning a big hit. Therefore, the expectation of the player who expects the bonus by the jackpot can be increased.

[Embodiment 2] A display unit having a plurality of variable areas for displaying a symbol group consisting of a plurality of symbols in a varied or stopped state is provided. When the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in any one of the plurality of variable regions on the specific one line, and The combination of any one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in the variable region and the symbol stopped and displayed in another variable region excluding the one variable region is a combination of the predetermined symbol. Game machine to select the pattern of. According to this aspect, when the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in any one of a plurality of variable regions on a specific one line. . Then, any one of a plurality of symbols stopped and displayed in one variable region is selected so that a combination with a symbol stopped and displayed in another variable region except one variable region becomes a combination of a predetermined symbol. Select the symbol of. By stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in one variable region in this way, it is possible to increase the chances of reaching.
Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation of the player who expects the privilege that can be obtained by the jackpot after the reach.

[0069]

According to the present invention, by stopping and displaying a plurality of symbols in at least one variation region, it is possible to increase the chances of reaching or hitting the jackpot. Therefore, the expectation of the player expecting the privilege can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an appearance of the multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main control board and a display control board.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first-type start-up process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a symbol changing process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a variable display process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a change start process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reach process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a symbol selection process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an image display process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 game control unit 4 display control unit 6a, 6b, 6c variable area 8 display unit 10 pachinko machine (game machine) 22 special symbol display (display unit) 26 ordinary symbol display 72 left symbol 74 middle symbol 76 right symbol 80, 82, 84 Variable area 86, 88, 90, 92 Window frame 100 Main control board (game control unit) 200 Display control board (display control unit)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A display unit having a plurality of variable regions for displaying a group of symbols consisting of a plurality of symbols in a varied or stopped manner, and when a combination of a particular symbol is stopped on a particular line after the variation, a privilege is given to the player. When the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in at least one of the plurality of variable regions on the specific one line, and the at least one variable region is displayed. When the combination of any one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed and the symbol stopped and displayed in the other variable area excluding the at least one variable area becomes the combination of the specific symbol, the player A gaming machine that provides the above-mentioned benefits. 2. A display unit having a plurality of variable areas for displaying a group of symbols consisting of a plurality of symbols in a varied or stopped manner. When the first required condition is satisfied, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in at least one of the plurality of variable regions on the specific one line, and the at least one variable region is displayed. The combination of any one of the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed and the symbol stopped and displayed in the other variable region excluding the at least one variable region is a combination of the predetermined symbol. A gaming machine for selecting a design. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the second required condition is satisfied, at least one variable region in which a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed is another variable region on a specific line. A gaming machine that switches to. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed in at least one of the plurality of fluctuating areas on one specific line. A gaming machine that informs you.