JP2000354666A - Game machine and display control method for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rapidly recognize whether or not an advantageous game state for a player is generated and improve an expectation for a game. SOLUTION: When the CPU of a special pattern display device decides a reach state, a hit pattern '2' is included in a longitudinal arrangement at a display position corresponding to the display position of a pattern at the right side and all kinds patterns to be selected smaller than six kinds of patterns are displayed and a pointer as a rightward arrow serving as an instructing pattern for displaying and instructing display patterns is displayed. The pointer is moved and displayed by reciprocating vertically to instruct a determined pattern and finish a movement. Respective selected patterns are sequentially instructed and displayed by the pointer to be emphatically displayed. Thus, a state until the determination of the right pattern can be easily grasped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is designed to provide a game state which is advantageous to a player when identification information displayed at a plurality of display positions in a display area of a display means has a predetermined combination. The present invention relates to a game machine and a display control method thereof, and more particularly to an improvement of a game machine display control technique suitable for being applied to a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional pachinko gaming machine, various techniques have been proposed for exhibiting the effect of symbol selection until a final symbol is determined when a so-called reach state is reached. According to the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 8-117407, when a reach state is reached, a special screen appears instead of the normal screen up to that time. Is displayed, and which of the symbols is selected is dynamically displayed.

In the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-19299, a display frame is displayed instead of a scroll display of a symbol display window when a reach state is reached, and all types of images that can be selected in the display frame are displayed. Is performed while sequentially moving the display frame for each symbol.

[0004]

However, according to the above-mentioned prior art, although the effect in the reach state can be enhanced to some extent, all types of symbols that can be selected when the final symbol is selected are displayed. Since this is sequentially highlighted, it has not been possible to quickly determine whether or not a hit has occurred, and no measures have been taken to increase the expectation for the game.

Further, in the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-19299, there is a case where some players say that the display frame moves in an S-shape to enhance the effect, and that the symbol selection process is rather difficult to grasp. There were also players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and displays a type of identification information that is less than all types of selectable identification information, and sequentially highlights the identification information, thereby enabling the player It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine and a display control method for the gaming machine, which can quickly determine whether or not a gaming state advantageous to the game is generated, and can also improve the expectation for the game.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device, comprising: a display unit having a plurality of display positions in a display area in a predetermined combination; In a gaming machine configured to be in an advantageous gaming state for a player, a combination of identification information displayed in the remaining display positions other than a certain display position may cause the advantageous gaming state. In the case of, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information including at least one piece of identification information that causes the advantageous gaming state, and the types of identification information less than all selectable types of identification information are arranged in a predetermined array pattern. A gaming machine characterized by comprising display control means for displaying and outputting the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern so as to be sequentially highlighted.

According to the present invention, when the combination of the identification information displayed at the remaining display positions other than the certain display position becomes a combination that produces an advantageous game state, the advantageous game state is changed to the combination. A predetermined number of pieces of identification information including at least one piece of identification information to be generated, and identification information of a type less than all selectable types of identification information are displayed and output in a predetermined array pattern and displayed in the predetermined array pattern. The output identification information is sequentially displayed so as to stand out.

[0009] Therefore, instead of displaying and outputting all kinds of selectable identification information, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information including at least one piece of identification information that causes an advantageous game state, Since only the types of identification information that are less than the identification information are displayed and displayed so as to sequentially highlight them, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not an advantageous gaming state is generated, and to display the information. Expectation for the game is improved because the output identification information is smaller than before.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the display control means sequentially displays the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern in an instruction image. It is characterized in that it is a means to make it stand out.

According to the present invention, since the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern is sequentially displayed in the instruction image, it is easy to grasp the state until the identification information is determined.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the display control means sequentially displays the identification information in the instruction image while changing the identification information displayed in the instruction image to another one. This means is a means for color-highlighting the image so as to be distinguishable from the identification information.

According to the present invention, while the instruction information is sequentially displayed on the instruction image, the identification information indicated by the instruction is color-highlighted so as to be distinguishable from the other identification information. In addition to being easy to grasp, the effect of playing the game is enhanced by the color highlighting.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the display control means generates an advantageous gaming state among the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern. This is characterized in that the display area of the identification information to be displayed is made larger than the display area of each of the other identification information.

According to the present invention, of the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern, the display area of the identification information that causes an advantageous game state is displayed larger than the display area of each of the other identification information. Accordingly, the display area where the instruction display image hits and indicates the identification information increases, and the sense of expectation that an advantageous game state is generated increases.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the display control means generates an advantageous gaming state among the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern. This is characterized in that the number of displayed pieces of identification information to be displayed is made larger than the number of displayed pieces of other identification information and displayed.

According to the present invention, of the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern, the number of displayed identification information for generating an advantageous gaming state is displayed larger than the number of displayed other identification information. As a result, eventually, the display area in which the instruction display image hits and instructs the identification information increases, and the sense of expectation that an advantageous gaming state is generated increases.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the display control means takes into account the probability of selecting identification information that causes the advantageous gaming state. It is a means for displaying and outputting identification information in an array pattern.

According to the present invention, the identification information is displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern in consideration of the probability of selecting the identification information that causes an advantageous game state, so that the game can be performed while grasping the occurrence probability of the advantageous state. It can be performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect, the display control means generates an advantageous gaming state among the identification information to be displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern. In order that the ratio between the display area of the identification information and the total display area of the identification information output and displayed corresponds to the probability of selecting the identification information that causes the advantageous game state, the identification information is set in the predetermined arrangement pattern. It is a means for displaying.

According to the present invention, of the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern, the ratio of the display area of the identification information causing an advantageous game state to the total display area of the identification information displayed and output is: Since the identification information is displayed in a predetermined arrangement pattern so as to correspond to the probability of selecting the identification information that causes the advantageous game state, the occurrence probability of the advantageous state can be more easily grasped.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect, when the selection probability of the identification information that causes the advantageous game state is improved, the display control means may control the predetermined arrangement pattern. Means for highlighting all of the identification information displayed and output in a manner different from the normal probability. As an aspect of the highlighting, a color highlighting or the like is given.

According to the present invention, when the selection probability of the identification information causing an advantageous game state is improved, all the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern is emphasized so as to be different from the normal probability. Since the display is performed, it is possible to easily grasp that the probability has been improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, a plurality of the predetermined combinations are present, and the display control means is configured to control a remaining portion other than a certain display position. When the combination of the identification information displayed at the display position is a combination that causes the plurality of advantageous game states, the predetermined information includes a plurality of identification information that causes the plurality of advantageous game states. A plurality of types of identification information, the types of identification information of which are less than all types of selectable identification information, are displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern is sequentially highlighted. It is a means for displaying.

According to the present invention, there are a plurality of combinations for generating an advantageous game state, and a predetermined number of pieces of identification information including the hit identification information corresponding to these combinations are included in all kinds of selectable identification information. Since less than one kind of identification information is displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern and sequentially displayed so as to be prominent, a game can be played while expecting a hit in a plurality of kinds of combinations.

[0026] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the identification information displayed at a plurality of display positions in the display area of the display means has a predetermined combination, a game state advantageous to the player is obtained. In the configured display control method for a gaming machine, when the combination of identification information displayed at the remaining display positions other than a certain display position is a combination that causes the advantageous gaming state, Displaying at least a predetermined number of pieces of identification information including at least one piece of identification information that causes a game state and less than all kinds of selectable identification information in a predetermined array pattern; Displaying the identification information displayed and output in an array pattern so as to sequentially stand out, in a display control method for a gaming machine.

According to the present invention, when the combination of the identification information displayed at the remaining display positions other than the certain display position becomes a combination that produces an advantageous game state, the advantageous game state is changed to the combination. A predetermined number of pieces of identification information including at least one piece of identification information to be generated, and identification information of a type less than all selectable types of identification information are displayed and output in a predetermined array pattern and displayed in the predetermined array pattern. The output identification information is sequentially displayed so as to stand out.

Therefore, instead of displaying and outputting all types of identification information that can be selected, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information including at least one piece of identification information that causes an advantageous game state, Since only the types of identification information that are less than the identification information are displayed and displayed so as to sequentially highlight them, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not an advantageous gaming state is generated, and to display the information. Expectation for the game is improved because the output identification information is smaller than before.

Note that such display control can be realized by recording a display control procedure on a computer-readable recording medium and reading and executing the display control procedure recorded on the recording medium by a computer. Examples of such a recording medium include a semiconductor recording medium such as a ROM and a semiconductor IC, an optical recording medium such as a DVDROM and a CDROM, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, and a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. At a substantially central portion of the game board 10, there is a display area capable of displaying three symbols (left, middle, right).
In the display area, there is provided a special symbol display device 100 capable of variably displaying identification information independently composed of symbols and symbols, and a special symbol starting port 104 is provided immediately below. The normal symbol actuation gates 102, 102 are provided on both sides of the special symbol starting port 104.
Are arranged. Also, a pair of opening / closing members 120, 12
0 is provided so as to be openable and closable so as to form a special symbol starting port 104.

Below the special symbol opening 104, a special winning opening 106, an ordinary symbol display device 108, and an out opening 114 are arranged in this order.
Lamp display devices 110, 110 are disposed diagonally above both sides of 4, and near the both side ends of the game board 10, the lamp display devices (more specifically, LED devices) 112, 1
12 are provided.

Then, a game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 104, and a random number lottery is performed. When the random number selected is a big hit value, a variable display of the symbol is started at a predetermined display position in the display area. The display of the predetermined pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is performed by the special symbol display device 100.
And the opening and closing of the special winning opening 106 is controlled in a predetermined pattern, so that a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player is achieved. In addition, when a specific hit among the big hits is obtained, the jackpot has a probability changing function in which the jackpot probability becomes small to large, and the symbol changing time is shortened while the number of times of variable display is a predetermined number of times, for example, 50 times. It has a time reduction function that is advantageous for the player. As shown in FIG. 15, conventionally, for example, when the time reduction function is exhibited for up to 50 times of the variable display, the time reduction screen (the time reduction function is displayed for the first time) is displayed by the 51st variable display. (Displayed) changed to the normal screen (FIG. 15).
(A), (b)), this gaming machine is configured to change from the time saving screen to the normal screen, triggered by the end point of the 50th variation display (FIGS. 15 (a), (c)). .

When the ordinary symbol operating gate 102 detects the passing of the game ball, a random number lottery is performed. When the random number selected is a small hit value, the normal symbol display device 108
Is displayed in a predetermined pattern (for example, “7” or “3”), and thereafter, when the opening / closing member 120 is opened and the game ball wins the special symbol starting port 104, the random number is similarly displayed. When a lottery is performed and the random number selected at the lottery is a big hit value, symbol variation display in the display area is started, and then a predetermined display pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed by the special symbol display device 100. The large winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined pattern, so that a big hit state advantageous to the player is achieved. On the other hand, hit balls that are not won are discharged through the out port 114.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing only a main part of the gaming machine in which such gaming machine control is performed according to the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 is equipped with a microprocessor having a built-in CPU. The command data table stores various control commands including at least various commands for controlling the special symbol display device 100, which will be described later. An area 202, a ROM 201 for storing a control program or control data describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, and a RAM 203 for forming a work area are provided, forming an integrated one-chip microcomputer.

The main control unit 200 includes a special symbol start switch 304 provided inside the special symbol start port 104 through the input port 210 for detecting a winning of a game ball into the special symbol start port 104, a normal symbol operation gate. A normal symbol operation switch 306 provided inside the 102 and detecting a game ball passing through a gate, and a large winning opening switch 308 provided inside the large winning opening 106 and detecting a winning of the gaming ball in the large winning opening 106. The main control unit 200 is connected and can receive each detection signal.

The main control unit 200 includes an output port 2
15, a special symbol display device 100 having a display area for displaying a special symbol or a character at a predetermined display position, and capable of independently and variably displaying left, middle, and right symbols and realized by an LCD or the like. , Lamp display devices 110 and 112 for controlling lighting of lamps, and a sound effect generator 11 for generating sound effects
6, for example, a normal symbol display device 108 realized by a 7-segment display device, a start-up opening operating solenoid 300 for controlling opening and closing of the start-up opening and closing member 120, and opening and closing control of a wide opening and closing member of the special winning opening 106. Winning opening actuation solenoid 302 is connected to the main control unit 20
0 indicates that a control signal for controlling each device can be transmitted. The main control unit 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing, and the special symbol display device 100 Therefore, the CPU in itself performs detailed display control without relying on the main control unit 200. Furthermore, a communication mode by one-way communication in which only a command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100 is adopted.

A power supply circuit 212 for supplying power and a reset circuit 213 for outputting a reset signal at predetermined time intervals are connected to the main control unit 200. A pulse signal generated by the periodic timer counter is input from the control unit 200, and a monitor signal for monitoring the current supply state from the power supply circuit 212 is input.

Now, as shown in FIG.
A command for display control sent from 0 to the special symbol display device 100 is an identifier for identifying the classification of the command and is 1-byte long digital information (MODE).
6 to 9 show an event (EVENT) which is one-byte digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed. FIGS. 6 to 9 show the command data table area 202 stored in the ROM 201. It shows a part of command data for display control.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the display control command includes “changing the special symbol and how long after the start of the change, how long the special symbol (identification information) is stopped. Command for instructing, "Command for specifying the stop symbol on the special symbol left", "Command for specifying the stop symbol in the special symbol", "Command for specifying the stop symbol for the special symbol right", "Special symbol There is a command to stop. These commands are always required no matter how the variation mode of the variable display changes in accordance with the game situation, and the main control unit 200 determines when the game situation is such that the symbol variation display is started. These five commands are transmitted to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing in one variable display control. Therefore, since the special symbol display device 100 is responsible for fine display control such as a change in the symbol display speed, the program for the main control unit 200 is simplified, and the program is not changed even if the display content is changed. And a general-purpose program can be constructed. In addition, the main control unit 200 includes a command defining a time period from the start of the variable display of the symbol to the stop thereof,
Since only a command for designating a symbol is transmitted, the program is further simplified.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the special symbol display device 100. The special symbol display device 100 supplies power to a data receiving circuit 1140 (including a voltage converting circuit for converting a data level) for receiving a strobe signal and a command from the main control unit 200, and to the voltage converting circuit and the like. A power supply circuit 1160 and a CPU 1 that generates control data necessary for performing display control based on a received command and outputs the control data to an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060
020 (display control means) and a program ROM 10 containing a program in which an operation procedure of the CPU 1020 is described.
40, a RAM 1090 functioning as a work area and a buffer memory, and an image processing LS for performing image development processing.
I (VDP) 1060 and image processing LSI (VDP)
A video RAM 1080 for temporarily storing the image data developed by the image processing unit 1060, and an image processing LSI (VDP) 10
A character ROM 1180 storing data necessary for image development by 60 and an LCD for receiving and transmitting image data temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080
Panel interface circuit 1100 and this LCD
LCD panel 1 that outputs a display image using image data sent from panel interface circuit 1100
120.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the character RO
M1180 is a ROM title area, a ROM management information area, a character image data area storing actual character data, a pallet data area storing character color data, and a scenario data area storing information defining character movement. The character data is stored in the character image data area in a state where it is compressed by a specific compression method. Further, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of pairs of color numbers and color codes are stored.

The CPU of the special symbol display device 100
1020, the control data generated in response to the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 is transferred to the image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060, the image processing LSI (VD
P) 1060 decompresses the character data obtained from the character image data area, colors it with the color data obtained from the palette data area, and specifies the video RAM 108 specified by the information obtained from the scenario data area.
The temporarily stored data is temporarily stored at a position on the LCD panel 0, and the temporarily stored data is sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100.
By means of 20, various image displays including a change in the variable display speed are performed in detail.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the command transmission / reception timing. As previously mentioned,
The command consists of a 1-byte mode (MODE) and a 1-byte event (EVENT).
In this example, the main control unit 200 transmits mode (MODE) information at the first rising edge of the strobe signal (DUSTB) generated by itself at the time of a command change, and then transmits the two strobe signals (DUSTB). Event (EVENT) information is transmitted with the rise of the eyes. Then, in response to this, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device generates an interrupt when the strobe signal (DUSTB) is transmitted, receives a command by this interrupt processing, and stores the command in the RAM 1090.

Next, first, a normal control operation performed by the main control unit 200 and the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (a general flowchart of game control) and FIG.
Then, the characteristic display control of the present invention will be described in an effort to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the main control unit 200, but the predetermined time (for example, 4 ms)
ec) The process is executed from the first step by using a reset signal supplied every time as a trigger.

First, when the power supply circuit 212 is activated by a power switch (not shown), the main control unit 200 is activated. It is determined whether or not the first processing has been performed since the power-on. Step S11
0). In the case of the first processing after turning on the power (Yes)
The process proceeds to step S200, but otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S200, a clearing process of the storage area is executed as the initialization process of the RAM 203. Then, in step S210, data for performing the initial control process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. On the other hand, in step S120, the count values of various random number generation loop counters (not shown) for large hit determination, small hit determination, and the like formed in the RAM 203 are incremented. Update the timer value of the timer.

Next, in step S140, a special symbol start switch 304, a normal symbol operation switch 306,
An input port process of reading and storing the detection signal output from the special winning opening switch 308 into a register (not shown) via the input port 203 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S150 to read and store the data read by the port input process. Switch check processing for grasping the condition.

Next, at step S160, each switch 3
A check is made to see if there is a disconnection or short circuit such as 04, 306, 308, etc., and if these failures have occurred (Ye
s) The process proceeds to step S220, but otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S180 (step S180).
170).

At step S180, data necessary for display control of the ordinary symbol display device 107 is stored in the RAM.
203 and a command necessary for display control of the special symbol display device 100 (see FIGS. 6 to 9).
(Including the commands described in the above) are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the timer values of the various timers are reduced (step S190). In step S180, the main control unit 200 determines a command of a necessary mode and event according to the game control with reference to the command data table area 202, and stores digital information indicating the determined mode and event in the RAM 203 in a predetermined manner. Store in area.

Next, in step S195, the start opening operation solenoid 300 and the special winning opening operation solenoid 302 are driven to open and close the special winning opening 106 and the opening / closing member 120 of the special symbol starting opening 104 in a predetermined pattern. Then, in step S220, a prize ball setting process for outputting control information for causing a prize ball payout device (not shown) to perform a payout operation is executed. Further, in steps S230, 240, and 250, a game (not shown) External information processing for outputting various game data to the machine management device, a display lamp control process for storing a command for lighting control of the lamp display devices 110 and 112 in accordance with a game state in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, sound effect generation Device 11
6 executes a sound effect process for storing a command for controlling the sound effect generation in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 in correspondence with the game state.

Next, in step S260, R
The data stored in the AM 203 is output to the corresponding device via the output port 215 (port output process), and the device that receives the data performs a control operation based on the data. Then, a strobe signal is first output to the special symbol display device 100, and the mode and event data stored in the RAM 203 in step S180 are transmitted as shown in FIG. Thus, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100 and received.

In step S270, the reset circuit 21
The reset standby process is executed until the reset signal is input from Step 3, and when the reset signal is input, the process shifts to Step S110 to continue the gaming machine control. Note that the reset standby process includes updating of the various random number generation counters described above.

Next, the operation of the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 receiving the command will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer,
Initialization of the RAM 1090, initialization of the RAM 1090 itself, and the like are performed, and in step S1102, it is determined whether a new command has been input. When it is determined that a new command for display control has been input, (Y
es) The process proceeds to step S1104, while otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S1110.

In step S1104, in the interrupt processing described with reference to FIG.
Copies the received command to the RAM 1090, and checks whether the command is normal or not. Next, CPU1
020 determines the start address of a processing table (not shown) in order to obtain a necessary command for performing fine display control independently of the main control unit 200. Then, in step S1108, the image processing LSI 1060 The data in the necessary area of the RAM 1090 is updated in order to output the data to the RAM 1090.

Next, in step S1110, RA
Based on the symbol control data set in the M1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090, and the symbol and the display position of the pointer (instruction image) described later are set. Then, in step S1112, data necessary for symbol speed control is obtained from a speed table (not shown) incorporated in the program ROM 1040, and RA is acquired.
M1090, and then in step S1114, the symbol offset value is updated based on the speed data,
Preparations are made to perform symbol change and pointer movement display at the set speed.

Next, in step S1116, RA
Animation data is acquired from an animation processing table (not shown) storing the animation processing data set in M1090, and preparation for displaying a background image is performed.
Set in P output buffer, output enable flag is "1"
It is determined whether or not (step S1118).

If the output permission flag is not "1" (No), the process returns to step S1102 to repeat a series of processes, while the output permission flag is "1" (Ye).
In step S1120, the data set in the VDP output buffer is transferred to the image processing LSI 106 in step S1120.
Output to 0. The image processing LSI 1060 acquires the data in the character ROM 1180 and develops the image in response to the data. The developed image data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080 and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100 to be sent to the LCD panel 1120. Is displayed. In this way, at the set display position on the special symbol display device 100, symbol variation display at a set speed, pointer display (including color display), and the like are performed.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are explanatory diagrams of an example of the transmission timing of a command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100, that is, the transmission command. When a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol starting port 104 is satisfied, the unit 200 first transmits a command for designating a symbol change and specifying a time from the start of the symbol change to the stop of the symbol change. (), A command for designating a left stop symbol is transmitted after a lapse of T1 time (), and a command for designating a middle stop symbol is transmitted after a lapse of T2 time (), and right after a lapse of T3 time A command for designating a stop symbol is transmitted (), and a command () for stopping all symbols is transmitted after a lapse of T time from the start of fluctuation, and further, these Before receiving the command, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 performs a series of variable display control by performing fine display control such as a change in the change speed before the time specified by elapses. After the elapse, the variable display control ends.

Next, display control, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to a flowchart for explaining display control according to an embodiment of the present invention and an explanatory diagram showing a state of display change. These processes are performed in step S1 of FIG.
This can be realized by appropriately setting and changing the data in 110 to 1116.

(First Embodiment) A description will be given with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 16 and an explanatory diagram of a display change of FIG. The CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 first determines in step S1600 whether or not the vehicle is in the reach state. If the CPU 1020 determines that the vehicle is in the reach state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1610.
In o), the process moves to the connector B.

Next, in step S1610, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the display position corresponding to the display position of the right symbol includes a hit symbol "2", and six types of symbols (0, 1, 2,
3, 4, 5) are displayed and output in a vertical arrangement.
A pointer 1 which is a rightward arrow as an instruction symbol for instructing to display a symbol is displayed.

Next, in step S1620, the pointer 1 is moved and displayed so as to reciprocate up and down (FIG. 17 (b): the moving direction of the pointer is hereinafter indicated by a vertical arrow), and a fixed symbol is designated. (Step S1630: FIG. 17C). After this, 1
The two right symbols are displayed at the right symbol display position together with the left symbol and the middle symbol.

According to this embodiment, six symbols are displayed in the vertical direction, and each selected symbol is sequentially highlighted by the pointer 1 so as to be highlighted. It becomes easy to grasp. The symbols need not be arranged in numerical order and may be arranged randomly, the pointer 1 may be moved cyclically, and the pointer pattern may be of any type.

(Second Embodiment) This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that
It is characterized in that the display color of the designated selected symbol is made different from that of the other selected symbols and the color is emphasized together with the instruction display by the pointer 1. The CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100
First, in step S1600, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the reach state. If it is determined that the vehicle is in the reach state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1610.
In o), the process moves to the connector B.

Next, in step S1610, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the display position corresponding to the display position of the right symbol includes a hit symbol “2”, and six types of symbols (0, 0) that are less than all selectable types (10 types) 1, 2,
3, 4, 5) are displayed and output in a vertical arrangement.
A pointer 1 which is a rightward arrow as a design symbol for designating a design display is displayed. At this time, the display color of the symbol “0” indicated by the pointer 1 is changed to other symbols “1” to
The color is different from “5”.

Next, in step S1620, the pointer 1 is moved and displayed so as to reciprocate up and down (FIG. 18B). At this time, the display color of the symbol indicated by the pointer 1 is made different from the display colors of the other symbols. Then, in step S1630, a fixed symbol is instructed to end the movement (FIG. 18C). Thereafter, the determined one right symbol is displayed at the right symbol display position together with the left symbol and the middle symbol.

According to this embodiment, while the symbols are sequentially indicated by the pointer 1, the indicated symbols are color-highlighted so that they can be distinguished from other selectable symbols. Is more easily grasped, and the effect of the game is enhanced by the color highlighting.

(Third Embodiment) In this embodiment,
The feature is that the display area of the hit symbol is made larger than the display area of each other selectable symbol. The CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 firstly executes step S160
At 0, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the reach state. If the vehicle is in the reach state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1610. Otherwise (No), the process proceeds to the connector B.

Next, in step S1610, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9A, the display position corresponding to the display position of the right symbol includes a hit symbol “3”, and six types of symbols (0, 1, 2,
3, 4, 5) are displayed and output in a vertical arrangement.
The display area of the hit symbol "3" is displayed so as to be larger than the display areas of the other selected symbols.

Next, in step S1620, the pointer 1 is moved and displayed so as to reciprocate up and down (FIG. 19 (b)), a fixed symbol is designated, and the movement is terminated (step S1630: FIG. 19 (c)). )). Thereafter, the determined one right symbol is displayed at the right symbol display position together with the left symbol and the middle symbol.

According to this embodiment, the display area of the hit symbol "3" of the six symbols is larger than the display area of each of the other selectable symbols (0, 1, 2, 4, 5). Since the pointer 1 is displayed, the display area in which the pointer 1 indicates a hit pattern increases, and the sense of expectation that a hit occurs is increased.

(Fourth Embodiment) In this embodiment,
The feature is that the number of displayed hit symbols is made larger than the number of displayed other selectable symbols. C of special symbol display device 100
The PU 1020 first determines in step S1600
It is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the reach state. If the vehicle is in the reach state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1610. On the other hand, otherwise (No), the process proceeds to the connector B.

Next, in step S1610, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0 (a), the display position corresponding to the display position of the right symbol includes a hit symbol “3”, and five types of symbols (0, 0) that are less than all selectable types (10 types). 1, 2,
3 and 4) are displayed and output in the vertical direction, and the display number of the hit symbol "3" is set to two so as to be displayed so as to be larger than one display symbol of each of the other selected symbols.

Next, in step S1620, the pointer 1 is moved and displayed so as to reciprocate up and down (FIG. 20 (b)), a fixed symbol is designated, and the movement is terminated (step S1630: FIG. 20 (c)). )). Thereafter, the determined one right symbol is displayed at the right symbol display position together with the left symbol and the middle symbol.

According to this embodiment, the hit symbol "3"
Is displayed more than one display symbol of each of the other selectable symbols, so that the display area in which the pointer 1 hits and points to the symbol "3" increases, and it is expected that a hit is generated. Feeling increases.

(Fifth Embodiment) This embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment.
It is characterized in that selectable symbols are displayed such that the ratio of the display area of the winning symbol to the total display area of each selectable symbol is in accordance with the hit occurrence probability.

CPU 1020 of special symbol display device 100
First, in step S1600, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the reach state. If it is determined that the vehicle is in the reach state, (Ye
s) The process moves to step S1610, while in other cases (No), the process moves to the connector B.

Next, in step S1610, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the display position corresponding to the display position of the right symbol includes a hit symbol "3", and three types of symbols (2, 3, 4)
Are displayed and output in the vertical direction, and are displayed so that the ratio of the display area of the hit symbol "3" to the total display area of each selected symbol becomes one third of the hit probability.

Next, in step S1620, the pointer 1 is moved and displayed so as to reciprocate up and down (FIG. 21 (b)), a fixed symbol is designated, and the movement is completed (step S1630: FIG. 21 (c)). )). Thereafter, the determined one right symbol is displayed at the right symbol display position together with the left symbol and the middle symbol.

According to this embodiment, the selectable symbols are displayed such that the ratio of the display area of the hit symbol to the total display area of the three symbols corresponds to the hit occurrence probability of 1/3. The probability of occurrence can be easily grasped.

(Sixth Embodiment) This embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that
When the hit probability is improved, it is characterized in that all the selected symbols are displayed in different color emphasis from the normal probability. First, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 first proceeds to step S1.
At 600, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the reach state, and if it is determined that the vehicle is in the reach state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1610.
Transition to

Next, in step S1610, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the display position corresponding to the display position of the right symbol includes a hit symbol "2", and six types of symbols (0, 1, 2,
3, 4, 5) are displayed and output in a vertical arrangement.
At a step not shown, it is detected that the hit probability of the gaming machine has been improved than usual, and the display color of each selected symbol is displayed differently from the display color at the time of normal probability.

Next, in step S1620, the pointer 1 is moved and displayed so as to reciprocate up and down (FIG. 22 (b)), a fixed symbol is designated, and the movement is terminated (step S1630: FIG. 22 (c) )). Thereafter, the determined one right symbol is displayed at the right symbol display position together with the left symbol and the middle symbol.

According to this embodiment, when the selection probability of a hit symbol that causes a hit state is improved, all selectable symbols are displayed in a display color different from that in the normal probability. Therefore, it is possible to easily understand that the probability improvement state has been reached.

(Seventh Embodiment) This embodiment is characterized in that it corresponds to a plurality of reach such as double reach. First, in step S2300, CPU 1020 of special symbol display device 100 determines whether or not the vehicle is in the double-reach state. If the CPU 1020 determines that the vehicle is in the double-reach state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2310. No), the process proceeds to the connector D.

Next, in step S2310, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the left symbol and the middle symbols “3, 3” and “2, 2” of the first reach and the second reach, respectively,
Six types of symbols, which are displayed in columns and include hit symbols "2" and "3" at the display positions corresponding to the display position of the right symbol, and are less than all selectable types (10 types) (0,
1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) are displayed and output in a vertical arrangement.

Next, in step S1620, the pointer 1 is moved and displayed so as to reciprocate up and down (FIG. 24 (b)), a fixed symbol is designated, and the movement is completed (step S1630: FIG. 24 (c)). )). Thereafter, the determined one right symbol is displayed at the display position of the right symbol.

According to this embodiment, there are two combinations for generating a hit state, and six kinds of symbols including the hit symbols "2" and "3" are displayed and sequentially highlighted. The game can be played while expecting a hit in two kinds of combinations. In the above combination, the expected value is further improved as the number of high expected symbols (high probability symbols) increases.

Although the embodiments have been described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, instead of displaying and outputting all kinds of symbols that can be selected in the reach state, the hit symbols are used instead of the conventional display. And a predetermined number of symbols including at least one, and only the types of identification information that are less than all types of selectable identification information are displayed and output so as to be sequentially displayed so as to stand out. It is possible to quickly determine whether or not is generated, and the sense of expectation for the game is improved because the displayed identification information is smaller than before. In each of the embodiments, the highlighting using the pointer 1 has been described. However, the display color of the selected symbol is sequentially changed without using the pointer 1 in the first place without departing from the gist of the present invention. Are variously conceivable. For example, it is conceivable that the display of the symbols is arranged in a horizontal direction or in an oblique direction, and furthermore, arranged in a circular shape or an S shape.

In the above description, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine. However, not only a pachislot machine and a video game machine, but also other gaming machines having a display unit capable of variably displaying identification information. Needless to say, the present invention is also applicable.

[0091]

As described above, according to the first and tenth aspects of the present invention, at least identification information for generating an advantageous game state is provided instead of displaying all types of selectable identification information. Only a predetermined number of pieces of identification information, including one piece of identification information, which are less than all kinds of selectable identification information, are displayed and output, and sequentially displayed so as to stand out. It is possible to more quickly determine whether or not a state has occurred, and it is possible to obtain an effect that the sense of expectation for a game is improved because the number of identification information to be displayed and output is smaller than before.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern is sequentially displayed in the instruction image, so that it is easy to grasp the state until the identification information is determined. The effect is obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, while the indication information is sequentially displayed on the indication image, the identification information indicated by the indication is color-highlighted so as to be distinguishable from other identification information. It is easier to grasp the state up to the determination, and the effect of increasing the effect of the game by the color highlighting is obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, among the pieces of identification information displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern, the display area of the identification information for generating an advantageous game state is displayed for each of the other pieces of identification information. Since the display is made larger than the area, the number of display areas in which the instruction display image hits and instructs the identification information increases, and an effect of increasing an expectation that an advantageous game state is generated is obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, among the pieces of identification information displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern, the number of pieces of identification information that causes an advantageous game state is displayed. Since the display is made larger than the number, the display area in which the instruction display image hits and the identification information is indicated is increased, and the effect of expecting that an advantageous game state is generated is increased.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the identification information is displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern in consideration of the probability of selecting the identification information that causes an advantageous game state. The effect that a game can be performed while grasping the probability is obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, of the identification information to be displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern, the display area of the identification information for generating an advantageous game state and the entire display of the identification information to be displayed are displayed. Since the identification information is displayed in a predetermined arrangement pattern so that the ratio with the area corresponds to the probability of selecting the identification information that causes the advantageous game state, the occurrence probability of the advantageous state can be more easily grasped. The effect is obtained.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the selection probability of the identification information that causes an advantageous game state is improved, all of the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern is set to the normal probability. Since the highlighting is performed differently from the above, the effect that the probability improvement state can be easily grasped can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there are a plurality of combinations for generating an advantageous gaming state, and a predetermined number of pieces of identification information including hit identification information corresponding to these combinations are selectable. Since the types of identification information less than all types of identification information are displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern and sequentially displayed so as to stand out, it is possible to play a game while expecting a hit in a plurality of combinations. The effect is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a game board 10;

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the gaming machine.

3 is a block diagram of the special symbol display device 100. FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a character ROM memory map and pallet data.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of command transmission and reception.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a command stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 10 is a general flowchart for explaining a game control operation of the gaming machine.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of CPU 1020 of special symbol display device 100. FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of a command.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a command transmission timing for symbol display.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining command transmission.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a switching timing from a time saving screen to a normal screen.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 pointer 10 game board 100 special symbol display device 102 ordinary symbol operation gate 104 special symbol start-up port 106 large winning opening 108 ordinary symbol display device 110 lamp display device 112 lamp display device 114 out port 116 sound effect generating device 120 opening / closing member 200 main Control unit 201 ROM 202 Command data table area 203 RAM 210 Input port 213 Reset circuit 212 Power supply circuit 215 Output port 300 Starting port operating solenoid 302 Large winning opening operating solenoid 304 Special symbol start switch 306 Normal symbol operating switch 308 Large winning port switch 1020 CPU 1040 Program ROM 1060 Image processing LSI 1080 Video RAM 1090 RAM 1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD Channel 1140 data receiving circuit 1160 supply circuit 1180 character ROM

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hajime Toshishima 2-3014-8 Hirosawa-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma Heiwanai Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeaki Sueoka 8-3014 Hirosawa-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma 8 shares Heiwanai Company (72) Inventor Naoki Hirukawa 8-3014-8 Hirosawacho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma Heiwanai Co., Ltd. (72) Michiharu Akasaka 2-3014 Hirosawacho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma 8 Heiwanai Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C088 AA35 AA36 AA37 AA39 AA42 EB55

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine configured to be in a gaming state advantageous to a player when identification information displayed at a plurality of display positions in a display area of a display means has a predetermined combination. When the combination of the identification information displayed at the remaining display positions other than the display position is a combination that causes the advantageous gaming state, the combination includes at least one identification information that causes the advantageous gaming state. A predetermined number of pieces of identification information that are less than all types of selectable identification information are displayed and output in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern is sequentially highlighted. A game machine comprising a display control means for displaying on a game machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means is a means for highlighting the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern in order by sequentially displaying the instruction information in an instruction image. A gaming machine characterized by the following. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the display control means sequentially emphasizes and displays the identification information with the instruction image, and color-emphasizes the identification information displayed so as to be distinguishable from other identification information. A gaming machine characterized by means for displaying. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means sets a display area of the identification information for generating an advantageous gaming state among the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern. A gaming machine characterized in that it is means for displaying a display area larger than the display area of each piece of identification information other than the above. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means determines, among the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern, the number of pieces of identification information that causes an advantageous gaming state. A gaming machine characterized in that it is means for displaying a larger number of pieces of identification information than the other. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays and outputs the identification information in the predetermined arrangement pattern in consideration of a probability of selecting identification information that causes the advantageous gaming state. A gaming machine, characterized in that it is means for causing a game to be performed. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the display control means includes, among identification information to be displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern, a display area of identification information that causes an advantageous game state and the display. A means for displaying the identification information in the predetermined arrangement pattern such that the ratio of the output identification information to the total display area corresponds to the probability of selecting the identification information that causes the advantageous game state. A gaming machine. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the display control means displays the identification information displayed in the predetermined arrangement pattern when the selection probability of the identification information causing the advantageous gaming state is improved. Characterized in that it is means for highlighting all of them in a manner different from the normal probability. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said predetermined combinations are present, and said display control means is an identification displayed at a remaining display position other than a certain display position. When the combination of information is a combination that causes the plurality of advantageous game states, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information including a plurality of pieces of identification information that cause the plurality of advantageous game states, Means for displaying and outputting identification information of a type less than all types of identification information that can be selected in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and displaying the identification information displayed and output in the predetermined arrangement pattern so as to sequentially stand out. A gaming machine. 10. A display control of a gaming machine configured to be in a gaming state advantageous to a player when identification information displayed at a plurality of display positions in a display area of a display means has a predetermined combination. In the method, when the combination of identification information displayed at the remaining display positions other than a certain display position becomes a combination that causes the advantageous gaming state, the identification information that causes the advantageous gaming state is generated. A step of displaying and outputting a predetermined number of pieces of identification information including at least one piece of identification information that is less than all kinds of selectable identification information in a predetermined array pattern; and displaying and outputting the identification information in the predetermined array pattern. Displaying the information so as to sequentially stand out. A display control method for a gaming machine, comprising: