JP2001096004A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which is easy to manufacture and which has plural pattern-variable display means enabling a player to concentrate on the game. SOLUTION: The display area of a liquid-crystal display 23 is partitioned into a special pattern-variable display area 24 and ordinary pattern-variable display areas 25a and 25b, and special pattern-variable display functions and ordinary pattern-variable display functions are given to the partitioned display areas respectively. Accordingly, a player can confirm simultaneously two variable display motions by gazing steadily at one liquid-crystal display 23 and can concentrate on the game. Moreover, the manufacture of the game board 1 becomes easier, since the provision of the board with one liquid-crystal display 23 suffices and the wiring extending from the liquid-crystal display 23 is only necessary to be processed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of controlling the driving of a first variable winning device in a predetermined manner on the basis of a result of a variable display of a first symbol variable displaying means, and a variation of a second symbol variable displaying means. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that drives and controls a second variable winning device in a predetermined manner based on a display result.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine, two symbol change display devices and two corresponding change winning devices are arranged on a game board, and one of the symbol change display devices (this is (Ordinarily, it may be called a symbol display device.)
When the display result of the above is a predetermined hit symbol, one of the variable prize winning devices (sometimes referred to as an electric accessory) is kept until a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 4). ) Until the winning prize ball occurs,
The other symbol variation display device (this may be referred to as a special symbol display device) is changed by the winning ball received during the opening, and when the display result becomes a predetermined big hit symbol, the big hit game state As a result, the other variable winning device (sometimes referred to as a special winning opening) is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is generated, It has been proposed to repeat such opening a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). In this type of pachinko machine, a normal symbol display device and a special symbol display device are independently provided on a game board, and are independently driven for variable display.

[0003]

Therefore, during a game, a state in which the normal symbol display device and the special symbol display device are simultaneously displayed in a fluctuating manner appears cumbersomely.
Since the normal symbol display device and the special symbol display device are arranged at distant positions on the game board, they must be seen alternately, and there is a drawback that they cannot concentrate on the game. Two variable display devices must be provided, and there is a drawback in that the game board manufacturing process including wiring processing and the like is troublesome. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a plurality of symbol variation display means that can not only be easily manufactured but also concentrate on a game. Is to do.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a first variable winning device is driven in a predetermined manner on the basis of a variable display result of a first symbol variable display means. A gaming machine which controls and drives and controls a second variable winning device in a predetermined manner based on a variable display result of a second symbol variable display means, wherein the first symbol variable display means and the second symbol The variation display means is constituted by one electrical symbol variation display device, and the display area of the electrical symbol variation display device is divided into a plurality of sections, and the first symbol variation display function and the second 2 is provided with a symbol variation display function.

[0005]

The first symbol variation display means and the second symbol variation display means are constituted by one electrical symbol variation display device, and the display area of the electrical symbol variation display device is divided into a plurality of sections. Since the first symbol variation display function and the second symbol variation display function are added to the section display area, the player can simultaneously watch two electrical symbol variation display devices by watching one electrical symbol variation display device.
It is possible to confirm two variable display operations and concentrate on the game. In addition, it is only necessary to attach one electric design variation display device to the game board, and it is only necessary to process wiring extending from the electrical design variation display device, so that the production of the game board becomes simpler.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration of a gaming board 1 of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine to which the symbol variation display device 20 according to the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 1. In the figure, a game area 3 partitioned by a guide rail 2 provided in a substantially circular shape is formed on the front surface of the game board 1. At approximately the center of the game area 3, a symbol change display device 20 is arranged.

The symbol variation display device 20 includes a special symbol variation display area 24 and ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a and 25.
b, and a plurality (four) of pass storage LEDs 26 for notifying that the number of passing balls that have passed through the passage openings 13a and 13b, which will be described later, is stored.
And a plurality (four) of start storage LEDs 27 for notifying that the number of winning balls which have been won in the electric tulip-type start winning opening 4 described later are stored, respectively, facing the front. Note that the passage memory LED 26 is used when the hit ball passes through the passage holes 13a, 13b during the fluctuation display of the ordinary symbol fluctuation display areas 25a, 25b of the liquid crystal display 23 or during the opening of the electric tulip type start winning opening 4. The storage storage LED 26 is lit, and the number of stored storage LEDs 26 is turned on, and the ordinary symbol variation display areas 25 a, 2 of the liquid crystal display 23 are stored.
The lights are turned off one by one at the start of the fluctuation of 5b. However, the number of storages is limited to a maximum of four, and the passing storage more than that is invalidated. Similarly, the starting memory L
The ED 27 is a special symbol change display area 2 of the liquid crystal display 23.
When the ball is hit in the electric tulip-type start winning opening 4 during the fluctuation display of 4 or the big hit state, the storage is held and the start storage LED 27 is turned on for the held number, and the special symbol of the liquid crystal display 23 is displayed. Each time the change of the change display area 24 starts, the light is turned off one by one. However,
The storage number is up to four, and starting winning prizes beyond that are invalidated. The symbol variation display device 20 will be described later in detail.

[0008] The variable winning device 7 is disposed below the symbol variable display device 20 described above. The variable winning device 7 has an opening and closing plate 8 (also referred to as an attacker) that opens and closes back and forth, and the opening and closing plate 8 is driven to be opened and closed by an attacker solenoid 9. In addition, the variable winning device 7 wins a winning ball number detection switch 11 for counting which detects a winning ball received with the opening / closing plate 8 opened and a V winning opening formed in the center of the opening / closing plate 8. A V winning ball detection switch 10 for detecting a winning ball is provided. The variable prize device 7 configured as described above has a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prizes until the opening / closing plate 8 elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) when a jackpot game state described later is entered. The ball is released until a ball is generated, and such an open state (this is referred to as a release cycle) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times; this is referred to as a continuation number) on condition that a winning ball wins in the V winning opening. It has become. Thus, the winning ball detection switch 11 is
The V winning ball detection switch 10 is used to count the number of winning balls accepted during one opening of the opening / closing plate 8.
This is used to detect a condition under which the opening / closing plate 8 is repeatedly opened.

In the game area 3, an electric tulip-type starting winning opening 4 (hereinafter referred to as an electric starting winning opening 4) is provided between the symbol changing display device 20 and the changing winning device 7. The electric start winning port 4 is a symbol variation display device 2
The variation display of the special symbol variation display area 24 of 0 is permitted, and therefore, the electric start winning opening 4 has a built-in start winning ball detection switch 6 for detecting a winning of a hit ball.
The electric start winning port 4 is provided with a tulip solenoid 5
The tulip solenoid 5 is controlled for a predetermined time (when the normal symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b of the symbol variation display device 20 display a predetermined hit symbol). For example,
3 seconds) or until a predetermined number (for example, 4) of winning balls is generated. Further, a pass opening 15 is provided above the electric start winning opening 4, and a hit ball passing through the pass opening 15 wins the electric start winning opening 4 to perform a starting function. The starting winning opening 4 is not opened.

Further, in the game area 3, on the left and right sides of the symbol change display device 20, there are disposed passing ports 13a, 13b having built-in passing ball detection switches 14a, 14b. The passage openings 13a and 13b allow the variable display of the normal symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b of the symbol variation display device 20. Winning openings 16a and 16b are provided on both upper sides of the variable winning device 7. Winners 16a, 16
b is provided with lamps 17a and 17b, respectively, and these lamps 17a and 17b constitute operation lamps that are turned on or flashed according to various game states. On the left and right sides of the game area 3, there are large operation lamps 18 a and 18 b which are a kind of operation lamp and which blink when a large hitting game state is entered to notify the player of the fact.
Are also located. Further, at the lowermost part of the game area 3, there is provided an out opening 19 for collecting hit balls which do not win the above-mentioned winning opening or the like. Further, the game area 3 is provided with a large number of obstacle nails and a plurality of windmills (both have no sign) for changing the direction and speed of the falling ball.

By the way, the above-mentioned symbol variation display device 20
In FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the game board 1 has a mounting board 21 mounted on the surface thereof.
A substantially rectangular display window 22 is opened, and a liquid crystal display 23 faces the display window 22. The liquid crystal display 23 is divided into a special symbol variation display area 24 whose display area occupies an upper wide area and ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b occupying a lower narrow area.
In the special symbol variation display area 24, three variation display columns are displayed, and three symbols are variably displayed in each variation display column. And, when the three symbols stopped on the three horizontal and two diagonal hit lines are a combination of a predetermined big hit symbol, a big hit game state is established and the opening and closing plate of the variable winning device 7 is set. 8 is drive-controlled in the manner described above. Also, the normal symbol variation display area 25
a and 25b are provided on the left and right, and the normal symbol variation display area 25a on the left side corresponds to the passage 13a, and the normal symbol variation display area 25b on the right corresponds to the passage 13b. The symbols are configured to be able to be displayed in a fluctuating manner in the horizontal direction, and when the three symbols are a combination of predetermined winning symbols, the electric start winning port 4 is drive-controlled in the above-described manner. . In the present embodiment, the normal symbol variation display area 25a on the left side and the normal symbol variation display area 25b on the right side are not simultaneously varied and displayed. It has become. Of course, these may be simultaneously and independently and variably displayed.

When a predetermined big hit symbol (for example, 7 or 3 as shown in FIG. 1) is aligned with any of the five hit lines in the special symbol change display area 24, the big hit In order to cause a game state, the order of stopping the variable display columns is such that the left variable display column stops first, then the right variable display column stops, and finally the central variable display column stops. Also, when the big hit symbols are aligned on any one of the hit lines at the time when the left and right fluctuating display columns are stopped, a reach state is established, and the fluctuation time of the central fluctuating display column that stops last becomes longer and the fluctuating speed also increases. It fluctuates slowly. The symbol change display device 20
The mounting storage board 21 is provided with a pass storage LED 26 having the above-described function above it and a start storage LED 27 having the above-mentioned function below it. The passage storage LED 26 and the start storage LED 27 may also be displayed on the liquid crystal display 23.

The configuration of a game control circuit for controlling the operation of the symbol change display device 20 and the opening and closing plate 8 of the change winning device 7 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game control circuit. A microcomputer 30 is used in the game control circuit. The microcomputer 30
Are connected to an external ROM 31 and an external RAM 32. The symbol data is set in the external ROM 31.

The external RAM 32 has a normal symbol hit / miss counter 33, a hit pattern counter 34, a hit pattern counter 35, a special symbol big hit / miss counter 36, a big hit pattern counter 37, and a reach pattern counter 38. And a departure pattern counter 39;
Each of the determination memories 40 for storing a value extracted from each of the counters 33 to 39 is formed. Each of the determination memories 40 corresponding to the hit / miss counter 33 and the big hit / miss counter 36 has a memory corresponding to the number of retained balls of the passage ports 13a, 13b or the electric start winning port 4, plus one for each retained ball. The numerical value for determination is determined at the time of passing or at the time of starting winning, and the numerical value is stored in the corresponding determination memory 40 respectively. The hit pattern counter 34 and the big hit pattern counter 37 are counters provided corresponding to all the hit patterns or the big hit patterns of which hit symbols or which hit symbols are arranged on which hit lines, Similarly, the reach pattern counter 38 is a counter corresponding to all types of reach patterns.
Numeral 39 is a counter corresponding to all types of miss patterns. Then, each of the pattern counters 34 to 35, 37
The numerical values of to 39 are determined at the start of the change corresponding to each pass or the start winning.

On the other hand, passing ball detecting switches 14a and 14b for detecting passing balls in the passing ports 13a and 13b, a starting winning ball detecting switch 6 for detecting a winning ball in the electric starting winning port 4, a winning ball passing through the V winning port. A winning ball detecting switch 10 for detecting a winning pattern and a winning ball number detecting switch 11 for detecting a winning ball on the opening / closing plate 8 include a waveform shaping circuit 4.
1 is connected to the microcomputer 30. Further, the clock generation circuit 43 outputs an external interrupt signal via the frequency divider 42 to the INT
Output to terminal. Then, the microcomputer 30 executes a main program (not shown) in synchronization with the external interrupt signal. The microcomputer 3
A timing signal output from the timing signal generation circuit 44 is input to the RST1 terminal of 0, and a numerical value generation program (not shown) is started in synchronization with the timing signal. A reset signal output from the reset signal generation circuit 45 by the ON operation of the power supply circuit 46 is input to the RST2 terminal of the microcomputer 30, and an initial program (not shown) is started by the reset signal.

An LED drive circuit 47, an LCD drive circuit 48, and a driver 49 are connected to each output port of the microcomputer 30. The LED drive circuit 44 includes:
The passage memory LED 26 and the start memory LED 27 are connected, and the LCD drive circuit 48 has a liquid crystal display 23 (LCD
Is displayed) is connected. The driver 49 drives and controls the tulip solenoid 5, the attacker solenoid 9, and the operation lamps 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b in accordance with a signal from the microcomputer 30.
The microcomputer 30 and the LCD drive circuit 48
A microcomputer dedicated to the LCD may be provided between the microcomputer and the microcomputer, and the LCD 23 may be controlled by the microcomputer.

Next, among the operations controlled by the above-mentioned game control circuit, the operations at the time of passing and starting winning will be described with reference to FIG. Is passed, the passing ball detection switches 14a and 14b are turned on to determine whether or not there is a gate passing signal. If there is no passing signal, the process jumps to step 50 described later. It is determined whether or not the value of the gate passage counter D is smaller than 4. If the value of the gate passage counter D is larger than 4, four gate passages have already been stored, so that the processing jumps to step 50 without performing the following processing.
If the value of the gate passage counter D is smaller than 4, the value of the gate passage counter D is updated in step 30 and then the current value of the hit / miss counter is stored in the corresponding decision memory M (d) in step 40. I do. The hit / miss counter is, for example, a value from 0 to 9 changing every moment. When the value extracted at the time of passing through the gate is, for example, “0 to 2”, it is determined that the hit has occurred. If it is a value, it is determined to be out. Also, the fixed memory M
(D) shows two ordinary symbol change display areas 25a, 2
Data indicating which of the normal symbol variable display areas 25a or 25b is variably displayed in correspondence with the passage openings 13a and 13b among 5b is also stored.

Subsequently, at step 50, the hit ball wins the electric start winning port 4 and the start winning ball detection switch 6 is turned on to determine whether there is a start winning signal or not. The subroutine is terminated, and if there is a start winning signal, it is determined in step 60 whether or not the value of the start winning counter C is smaller than four. When the value of the start winning counter C is greater than 4, the subroutine is terminated without performing the following processing since the four start winnings are already stored, and the value of the starting winning counter C is smaller than 4. In step 70, the value of the starting winning counter C is updated in step 70, and then the current value of the big hit loss counter is stored in the corresponding decision memory N (c) in step 80. The big hit loss counter is, for example, a value from 0 to 234 changing every moment, and when the value extracted at the time of the start winning is, for example, “0”, it is determined as a hit, and “1 to 234” is determined.
20 "and reach is determined (however,
Finally, it is determined to be out of range if the value is any other value. In addition, predetermined conditions in the game (for example,
When the odd-numbered jackpot game state is completed), the appearance of the jackpot (or the hit) in the special symbol (or the ordinary symbol) is set to be a high probability. What is necessary is just to change so that the upper limit value of the deviation counter 36 (or the collision deviation counter 33) becomes small.

Next, the variable display operation of the liquid crystal display 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of the variation display operation of the ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b.
The states of a and 25b are determined in steps 100 to 120. Specifically, at step 100, it is determined whether or not one of the ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a, 25b is in a varying state (state flag G = 1). At step 110, only the left symbol is varied. It is determined whether the state is a stopped state (state flag G = 2), and step 120 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the right symbol is in a state in which the right symbol has stopped changing (state flag G = 3).

When none of the above-mentioned states is satisfied (when the state is not fluctuating), the state flag G = 0, and at this time, the gate passage counter which stores the passage of the hit ball to the passage openings 13a and 13b at step 130. It is determined whether or not the value of D is 1 or more. When there is no stored value in the gate passage counter D, a step 290 shown in FIG.
Fly to.

When the value of the gate passage counter D is 1 or more, the timers t1, t2, and t3 are set in step 140, and the change of all symbols is started in step 150, and the value of the state flag G is set to "1". It is set, and the value of the gate passage counter D is decremented by one. Next, at step 160, the value of the hit / miss determination memory M (D) is updated to a lower memory, and it is determined at step 170 whether or not the value of M (0) of the updated determination memory is a hit. You. When it is determined that the value of M (0) is a hit, at step 180, one value is extracted from the hit pattern counter 34 at that time and stored in the corresponding decision memory, while it is determined that it is not a hit. When
At step 190, one value is extracted from the off pattern counter 35 and stored in the corresponding decision memory.

Incidentally, the timers t1, t2, t
Numeral 3 regulates the fluctuating time of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, and t1 <t2 <t3; t2-t1ｔt3-t2.
In a relationship. Then, it is determined in step 200 that the timer t1 has expired. If the timer has not expired, step 200 → step 290-step 550 → end of the variable display subroutine → start of the variable display subroutine—step 100 → step Repeat 200 →.

When it is determined that the time of the timer t1 has expired, the variable display of the left symbol is stopped in step 210 along the selected pattern, and the value of the state flag G is set to "2". You. Similarly, in step 220, it is determined whether or not the timer t2 has timed out. Step 220 → step 290 to step 550 → end of the variable display subroutine → start of the variable display subroutine to step 110 → step 220 until the timer t2 has expired. If it is determined that the time is up, the change of the right symbol is stopped in step 230 along the selected pattern, and the value of the state flag G is set to “3”. You. Further, in step 240, it is determined whether or not the timer t3 has timed out. Until the timer t3 has timed out, step 240 → step 290-step 550 → variation display subroutine end → variation display subroutine start-step 120 → step 240 → .. Are repeated, and when the time is up, the process proceeds to step 250.

When the timer t3 expires,
In step 250, the variable display of the middle symbol is stopped along the selected pattern. Thereafter, in step 260, it is determined whether or not the combination is a winning symbol combination. When it is determined that it is not a winning symbol, the state flag is determined in step 280. Is reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hit has occurred, the status flag is reset and the hit flag is set in step 270, and thereafter, the process proceeds to the processing shown in FIG. In step 270, when the hit flag is set, the electric drive start winning opening 4 is controlled to be opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of winning balls are generated. When the opening drive control of the electric start winning port 4 is completed, the hit flag is reset.

Next, the change display operation of the special symbol change display area 24 will be described with reference to FIG. First, at the time of the big hit gaming state, the special symbol change display area 24 is kept in a state in which the symbol that has become the normal big hit is displayed, so if it is determined in step 290 that the big hit flag is set, , The following processing is not executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit flag is not set, the state of the special symbol change display area 24 is determined in steps 300 to 330. Specifically, in step 300, all the symbol columns in the special symbol change display area 24 are changing (state flag F =
1) is determined, and in step 310, it is determined whether or not only the left symbol row is in a stopped state (state flag F = 2), and in step 320, the right symbol row is in a stopped state. (State flag F = 3) is determined, and in step 330, it is determined whether the combination of symbols displayed on any one of the hit lines is the reach state (state flag F = 4). You.

When none of the above-mentioned states are present (when the state is not fluctuating), the state flag F = 0, and at this time, a start winning counter for storing the winning of the hit ball into the electric start winning opening 4 in step 340. It is determined whether or not the value of C is 1 or more. If there is no stored value in the start winning counter C, the process ends without executing the following processing of the variable display subroutine.

When the value of the start winning counter C is 1 or more, the timers t4, t5 and t6 are set in step 350, and the change of all the symbol columns is started in step 360, and the value of the state flag F is set to "1". Is set, and the value of the start winning counter C is decremented by one. Next, at step 370, the value of the big hit loss determination memory N (c) is updated to a lower memory, and it is determined at step 380 whether or not the value of N (0) in the updated fixed memory is a big hit. You. When it is determined that the value of N (0) is a big hit, in step 390, one value is extracted from the current big hit pattern counter 37 and stored in the corresponding decision memory, while it is determined that it is not a big hit. In step 400, it is determined in step 400 whether the value of N (0) is reach.
At 10, one value is extracted from the reach pattern counter 38 and stored in the corresponding defined memory. When the reach is not reached, one value is extracted from the off pattern counter 39 at step 420 and stored in the corresponding defined memory.

Incidentally, the timers t4, t5, t
Numeral 6 regulates the fluctuation time of the left symbol row, the right symbol row, and the middle symbol row, and t4 <t5 <t6; t5-t4 ≒ t6.
-T5. Then, it is determined in step 430 that the timer t4 has expired. If the timer has not expired, step 430 is executed until the timer expires.
Variation display subroutine end → variation display subroutine start-step 300 → step 430 → ... is repeated.

When it is determined that the time of the timer t4 has expired, the variable display of the left symbol row is stopped along the selected pattern in step 440, and the value of the state flag F is set to "2". Is done. Similarly, in step 450, it is determined whether the timer t5 has expired. If it is determined that the timer has expired,
In step 460, the variable display of the right symbol row is stopped along the selected pattern, and the value of the state flag F is set to "3". Then, when the variable display of the symbol row excluding the center is stopped, N (0) is determined in step 470.
Is determined to be a jackpot or a reach, that is, whether or not a reach display is made.

If it is not reach display, step 48
It is determined whether or not the timer t6 has timed out at 0,
Until the timer t6 times out, step 480 → end of the variable display subroutine → start of the variable display subroutine
Step 320 → Step 470 → Step 480 → ・
.. Are repeated, and when the time is up, go to step 520.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the display is reach display, it is determined in step 490 whether or not the value of the status flag F is "4".
To set a new timer t7 and set the value of the status flag F to "4". Here, the timer t7 is used to extend the fluctuation time of the central symbol row that stops changing at the end in the reach state, and is selected as a value satisfying a relationship of t7> (t6-t5). Then, it is determined in step 510 whether or not the timer t7 has timed out, and steps 510 → the end of the variable display subroutine → the start of the variable display subroutine to step 330 → step 510 →... Are repeated until the timer t7 expires. When the time is up, the process proceeds to step 520.

When the timer t6 in the non-reach display is timed out, the timer t7 in the reach display is displayed.
When the time is up, in step 520, the variable display of the central symbol row is stopped along the selected pattern, and thereafter, in step 530, it is determined whether or not a combination of big hit symbols, and it is determined that the combination is not a big hit. The status flag is reset at step 550,
If it is determined that there is a big hit, the status flag is reset and the big hit flag is set in step 540, and then the variable display subroutine is ended. Also,
When the big hit flag is set in step 540, the opening mode of the open / close plate 8 of the variable winning device 7 is executed a predetermined number of times until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number of winning balls are generated. When the opening mode of the opening / closing plate 8 has been completed a predetermined number of times, the big hit flag is reset.

As described above, the symbol variation display device 20 according to the embodiment is described.
Although the configuration and operation of the pachinko machine provided with are described, according to the present embodiment, the display area of the liquid crystal display 23 is changed to the special symbol variation display area 24 and the normal symbol variation display area 25.
a, 25b, and a special symbol variation display function and a normal symbol variation display function are given to each section display area. 24 and normal symbol variation display area 25
a and 25b can be simultaneously checked, and the player can concentrate on the game. Further, since it is only necessary to attach one liquid crystal display 23 to the game board 1 and only to process wiring extending from the liquid crystal display 23, manufacturing of the game board 1 becomes simpler.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the electric fluctuation display device is constituted by the liquid crystal display 23. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the liquid crystal display 23. An electric fluctuation display device including an LED or the like may be used. The display area may be arbitrarily partitioned, for example,
The special symbol display area and the normal symbol display area may be one each, or all may be only the normal symbol display area. In addition, the display of the symbols displayed in the divided display area is exchanged in the middle (for example, the symbol displayed in the illustrated ordinary symbol variation display area 25a and the symbol displayed in the special symbol variation display area 24 are exchanged). (The image may be exchanged to achieve a zoom-up effect.) Also,
The game content of the pachinko machine may be not only a digital game but also a Hikoki game. Further, the gaming machine may be applied to slot machines, TV games, and the like, in addition to the pachinko machines, including the above-described modifications.

[0036]

As is apparent from the above description, in the present invention, the first symbol variation display means and the second symbol variation display means are provided.
The symbol variation display means is composed of one electrical symbol variation display device, and the display area of the electrical symbol variation display device is divided into a plurality of sections, and the first symbol variation display function and the Since the symbol variation display function of 2 is provided, the player can simultaneously check two variation display operations by gazing at one electric symbol variation display device, and can concentrate on the game. In addition, it is only necessary to attach one electric design variation display device to the game board, and it is only necessary to process wiring extending from the electrical design variation display device, so that the production of the game board becomes simpler.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a symbol display device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine to which the symbol display device is applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 3 of a game control circuit for controlling a game operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operations at the time of passing and at the time of starting winning.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a variable display operation in a normal symbol.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a variable display operation in a special symbol.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Game board, 4 ... Electric tulp-type starting winning opening, 7 ...
Variable winning devices, 13a, 13b: Passage opening, 20: Symbol display device, 22: Display window, 23: Liquid crystal display, 24: Special symbol variable display area, 25a, 25b: Normal symbol variable display area, 30: Microcomputer .

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 13, 2000 (200.11.
13)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Document Name] Statement

[Title of the Invention] Gaming machine

[Claims]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of controlling the driving of a first variable winning device in a predetermined manner on the basis of a result of a variable display of a first symbol variable displaying means, and a variation of a second symbol variable displaying means. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that drives and controls a second variable winning device in a predetermined manner based on a display result.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine, two symbol change display devices and two corresponding change winning devices are arranged on a game board, and one of the symbol change display devices (this is (Ordinarily, it may be called a symbol display device.)
When the display result of the above is a predetermined hit symbol, one of the variable prize winning devices (sometimes referred to as an electric accessory) is kept until a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 4). ) Until the winning prize ball occurs,
The other symbol variation display device (this may be referred to as a special symbol display device) is changed by the winning ball received during the opening, and when the display result becomes a predetermined big hit symbol, the big hit game state As a result, the other variable winning device (sometimes referred to as a special winning opening) is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is generated, It has been proposed to repeat such opening a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). In this type of pachinko machine, a normal symbol display device and a special symbol display device are independently provided on a game board, and are independently driven for variable display.

[0003]

Therefore, during a game, a state in which the normal symbol display device and the special symbol display device are simultaneously displayed in a fluctuating manner appears cumbersomely.
Since the normal symbol display device and the special symbol display device are arranged at distant positions on the game board, they must be seen alternately, and there is a drawback that they cannot concentrate on the game. Two variable display devices must be provided, and there is a drawback in that the game board manufacturing process including wiring processing and the like is troublesome. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a plurality of symbol variation display means that can not only be easily manufactured but also concentrate on a game. Is to do.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a special symbol display device and a special winning opening which is driven and controlled in a predetermined manner based on the display result. The gaming machine has an ordinary electric accessory that is driven and controlled in a predetermined manner based on the display result of the ordinary symbol, and the ordinary symbol is displayed in a state incorporated in a display screen of the special symbol display device. It is characterized by being performed. In this case, it is preferable that the screen is set so that the display of the ordinary symbol is performed at a corner of the display screen. It is preferable that the display of the ordinary symbol is set to have a smaller area than the display of the special symbol.
Further, it is preferable that the display of the ordinary symbol is performed in a rectangular area and the screen is set so as to include a corner of the display screen.

[0005]

As described above, according to the present invention, the special symbol display device also has the function of displaying the ordinary symbol for the ordinary electric accessory, so that the player can watch the special symbol only by watching the one display device. And the ordinary symbol can be simultaneously grasped, and the situation of the symbol, which changes every moment, and the situation of the game can be easily recognized. Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated display device for ordinary symbols, it is advantageous in terms of cost, and a limited game area can be effectively used. Also, if the normal symbols are displayed at the corners of the display screen, the visibility of the special symbols that is most impressive to the player is not hindered. In addition, the display of the normal symbol is displayed in a small area, so that the obstruction of the visibility of the special symbol can be further reduced. Further, by setting the display of the ordinary symbols to be rectangular and at the corners of the screen, the presence of the ordinary symbols can be emphasized while avoiding the confusion of the player due to the mixture of the ordinary symbols and the special symbols as much as possible.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration of a gaming board 1 of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine to which the symbol variation display device 20 according to the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 1. In the figure, a game area 3 partitioned by a guide rail 2 provided in a substantially circular shape is formed on the front surface of the game board 1. At approximately the center of the game area 3, a symbol change display device 20 is arranged.

The symbol variation display device 20 includes a special symbol variation display area 24 and ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a and 25.
b, and a plurality (four) of pass storage LEDs 26 for notifying that the number of passing balls that have passed through the passage openings 13a and 13b, which will be described later, is stored.
And a plurality (four) of start storage LEDs 27 for notifying that the number of winning balls which have been won in the electric tulip-type start winning opening 4 described later are stored, respectively, facing the front. Note that the passage memory LED 26 is used when the hit ball passes through the passage holes 13a, 13b during the fluctuation display of the ordinary symbol fluctuation display areas 25a, 25b of the liquid crystal display 23 or during the opening of the electric tulip type start winning opening 4. The storage storage LED 26 is lit, and the number of stored storage LEDs 26 is turned on, and the ordinary symbol variation display areas 25 a, 2 of the liquid crystal display 23 are stored.
The lights are turned off one by one at the start of the fluctuation of 5b. However, the number of storages is limited to a maximum of four, and the passing storage more than that is invalidated. Similarly, the starting memory L
The ED 27 is a special symbol change display area 2 of the liquid crystal display 23.
When the ball is hit in the electric tulip-type start winning opening 4 during the fluctuation display of 4 or the big hit state, the storage is held and the start storage LED 27 is turned on for the held number, and the special symbol of the liquid crystal display 23 is displayed. Each time the change of the change display area 24 starts, the light is turned off one by one. However,
The storage number is up to four, and starting winning prizes beyond that are invalidated. The symbol variation display device 20 will be described later in detail.

[0008] The variable winning device 7 is disposed below the symbol variable display device 20 described above. The variable winning device 7 has an opening and closing plate 8 (also referred to as an attacker) that opens and closes back and forth, and the opening and closing plate 8 is driven to be opened and closed by an attacker solenoid 9. In addition, the variable winning device 7 wins a winning ball number detection switch 11 for counting which detects a winning ball received with the opening / closing plate 8 opened and a V winning opening formed in the center of the opening / closing plate 8. A V winning ball detection switch 10 for detecting a winning ball is provided. The variable prize device 7 configured as described above has a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prizes until the opening / closing plate 8 elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) when a jackpot game state described later is entered. The ball is released until a ball is generated, and such an open state (this is referred to as a release cycle) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times; this is referred to as a continuation number) on condition that a winning ball wins in the V winning opening. It has become. Thus, the winning ball detection switch 11 is
The V winning ball detection switch 10 is used to count the number of winning balls accepted during one opening of the opening / closing plate 8.
This is used to detect a condition under which the opening / closing plate 8 is repeatedly opened.

In the game area 3, an electric tulip-type starting winning opening 4 (hereinafter referred to as an electric starting winning opening 4) is provided between the symbol changing display device 20 and the changing winning device 7. The electric start winning port 4 is a symbol variation display device 2
The variation display of the special symbol variation display area 24 of 0 is permitted, and therefore, the electric start winning opening 4 has a built-in start winning ball detection switch 6 for detecting a winning of a hit ball.
The electric start winning port 4 is provided with a tulip solenoid 5
The tulip solenoid 5 is controlled for a predetermined time (when the normal symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b of the symbol variation display device 20 display a predetermined hit symbol). For example,
3 seconds) or until a predetermined number (for example, 4) of winning balls is generated. Further, a pass opening 15 is provided above the electric start winning opening 4, and a hit ball passing through the pass opening 15 wins the electric start winning opening 4 to perform a starting function. The starting winning opening 4 is not opened.

Further, in the game area 3, on the left and right sides of the symbol change display device 20, there are disposed passing ports 13a, 13b having built-in passing ball detection switches 14a, 14b. The passage openings 13a and 13b allow the variable display of the normal symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b of the symbol variation display device 20. Winning openings 16a and 16b are provided on both upper sides of the variable winning device 7. Winners 16a, 16
b is provided with lamps 17a and 17b, respectively, and these lamps 17a and 17b constitute operation lamps that are turned on or flashed according to various game states. On the left and right sides of the game area 3, there are large operation lamps 18 a and 18 b which are a kind of operation lamp and which blink when a large hitting game state is entered to notify the player of the fact.
Are also located. Further, at the lowermost part of the game area 3, there is provided an out opening 19 for collecting hit balls which do not win the above-mentioned winning opening or the like. Further, the game area 3 is provided with a large number of obstacle nails and a plurality of windmills (both have no sign) for changing the direction and speed of the falling ball.

By the way, the above-mentioned symbol variation display device 20
In FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the game board 1 has a mounting board 21 mounted on the surface thereof.
A substantially rectangular display window 22 is opened, and a liquid crystal display 23 faces the display window 22. The liquid crystal display 23 is divided into a special symbol variation display area 24 whose display area occupies an upper wide area and ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b occupying a lower narrow area.
In the special symbol variation display area 24, three variation display columns are displayed, and three symbols are variably displayed in each variation display column. And, when the three symbols stopped on the three horizontal and two diagonal hit lines are a combination of a predetermined big hit symbol, a big hit game state is established and the opening and closing plate of the variable winning device 7 is set. 8 is drive-controlled in the manner described above. Also, the normal symbol variation display area 25
a and 25b are provided on the left and right, and the normal symbol variation display area 25a on the left side corresponds to the passage 13a, and the normal symbol variation display area 25b on the right corresponds to the passage 13b. The symbols are configured to be able to be displayed in a fluctuating manner in the horizontal direction, and when the three symbols are a combination of predetermined winning symbols, the electric start winning port 4 is drive-controlled in the above-described manner. . In the present embodiment, the normal symbol variation display area 25a on the left side and the normal symbol variation display area 25b on the right side are not simultaneously varied and displayed. It has become. Of course, these may be simultaneously and independently and variably displayed.

When a predetermined big hit symbol (for example, 7 or 3 as shown in FIG. 1) is aligned with any of the five hit lines in the special symbol change display area 24, the big hit In order to cause a game state, the order of stopping the variable display columns is such that the left variable display column stops first, then the right variable display column stops, and finally the central variable display column stops. Also, when the big hit symbols are aligned on any one of the hit lines at the time when the left and right fluctuating display columns are stopped, a reach state is established, and the fluctuation time of the central fluctuating display column that stops last becomes longer and the fluctuating speed also increases. It fluctuates slowly. The symbol change display device 20
The mounting storage board 21 is provided with a pass storage LED 26 having the above-described function above it and a start storage LED 27 having the above-mentioned function below it. The passage storage LED 26 and the start storage LED 27 may also be displayed on the liquid crystal display 23.

The configuration of a game control circuit for controlling the operation of the symbol change display device 20 and the opening and closing plate 8 of the change winning device 7 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game control circuit. A microcomputer 30 is used in the game control circuit. The microcomputer 30
Are connected to an external ROM 31 and an external RAM 32. The symbol data is set in the external ROM 31.

The external RAM 32 has a normal symbol hit / miss counter 33, a hit pattern counter 34, a hit pattern counter 35, a special symbol big hit / miss counter 36, a big hit pattern counter 37, and a reach pattern counter 38. And a departure pattern counter 39;
Each of the determination memories 40 for storing a value extracted from each of the counters 33 to 39 is formed. Each of the determination memories 40 corresponding to the hit / miss counter 33 and the big hit / miss counter 36 has a memory corresponding to the number of retained balls of the passage ports 13a, 13b or the electric start winning port 4, plus one for each retained ball. The numerical value for determination is determined at the time of passing or at the time of starting winning, and the numerical value is stored in the corresponding determination memory 40 respectively. The hit pattern counter 34 and the big hit pattern counter 37 are counters provided corresponding to all the hit patterns or the big hit patterns of which hit symbols or which hit symbols are arranged on which hit lines, Similarly, the reach pattern counter 38 is a counter corresponding to all types of reach patterns.
Numeral 39 is a counter corresponding to all types of miss patterns. Then, each of the pattern counters 34 to 35, 37
The numerical values of to 39 are determined at the start of the change corresponding to each pass or the start winning.

On the other hand, passing ball detecting switches 14a and 14b for detecting passing balls in the passing ports 13a and 13b, a starting winning ball detecting switch 6 for detecting a winning ball in the electric starting winning port 4, a winning ball passing through the V winning port. A winning ball detecting switch 10 for detecting a winning pattern and a winning ball number detecting switch 11 for detecting a winning ball on the opening / closing plate 8 include a waveform shaping circuit 4.
1 is connected to the microcomputer 30. Further, the clock generation circuit 43 outputs an external interrupt signal via the frequency divider 42 to the INT
Output to terminal. Then, the microcomputer 30 executes a main program (not shown) in synchronization with the external interrupt signal. The microcomputer 3
A timing signal output from the timing signal generation circuit 44 is input to the RST1 terminal of 0, and a numerical value generation program (not shown) is started in synchronization with the timing signal. A reset signal output from the reset signal generation circuit 45 by the ON operation of the power supply circuit 46 is input to the RST2 terminal of the microcomputer 30, and an initial program (not shown) is started by the reset signal.

An LED drive circuit 47, an LCD drive circuit 48, and a driver 49 are connected to each output port of the microcomputer 30. The LED drive circuit 44 includes:
The passage memory LED 26 and the start memory LED 27 are connected, and the LCD drive circuit 48 has a liquid crystal display 23 (LCD
Is displayed) is connected. The driver 49 drives and controls the tulip solenoid 5, the attacker solenoid 9, and the operation lamps 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b in accordance with a signal from the microcomputer 30.
The microcomputer 30 and the LCD drive circuit 48
A microcomputer dedicated to the LCD may be provided between the microcomputer and the microcomputer, and the LCD 23 may be controlled by the microcomputer.

Next, among the operations controlled by the above-mentioned game control circuit, the operations at the time of passing and starting winning will be described with reference to FIG. Is passed, the passing ball detection switches 14a and 14b are turned on to determine whether or not there is a gate passing signal. If there is no passing signal, the process jumps to step 50 described later. It is determined whether or not the value of the gate passage counter D is smaller than 4. If the value of the gate passage counter D is larger than 4, four gate passages have already been stored, so that the processing jumps to step 50 without performing the following processing.
If the value of the gate passage counter D is smaller than 4, the value of the gate passage counter D is updated in step 30 and then the current value of the hit / miss counter is stored in the corresponding decision memory M (d) in step 40. I do. The hit / miss counter is, for example, a value from 0 to 9 changing every moment. When the value extracted at the time of passing through the gate is, for example, “0 to 2”, it is determined that the hit has occurred. If it is a value, it is determined to be out. Also, the fixed memory M
(D) shows two ordinary symbol change display areas 25a, 2
Data indicating which of the normal symbol variable display areas 25a or 25b is variably displayed in correspondence with the passage openings 13a and 13b among 5b is also stored.

Subsequently, at step 50, the hit ball wins the electric start winning port 4 and the start winning ball detection switch 6 is turned on to determine whether there is a start winning signal or not. The subroutine is terminated, and if there is a start winning signal, it is determined in step 60 whether or not the value of the start winning counter C is smaller than four. When the value of the start winning counter C is greater than 4, the subroutine is terminated without performing the following processing since the four start winnings are already stored, and the value of the starting winning counter C is smaller than 4. In step 70, the value of the starting winning counter C is updated in step 70, and then the current value of the big hit loss counter is stored in the corresponding decision memory N (c) in step 80. The big hit loss counter is, for example, a value from 0 to 234 changing every moment, and when the value extracted at the time of the start winning is, for example, “0”, it is determined as a hit, and “1 to 234” is determined.
20 "and reach is determined (however,
Finally, it is determined to be out of range if the value is any other value. In addition, predetermined conditions in the game (for example,
When the odd-numbered jackpot game state is completed), the appearance of the jackpot (or the hit) in the special symbol (or the ordinary symbol) is set to be a high probability. What is necessary is just to change so that the upper limit value of the deviation counter 36 (or the collision deviation counter 33) becomes small.

Next, the variable display operation of the liquid crystal display 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of the variation display operation of the ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a and 25b.
The states of a and 25b are determined in steps 100 to 120. Specifically, at step 100, it is determined whether or not one of the ordinary symbol variation display areas 25a, 25b is in a varying state (state flag G = 1). At step 110, only the left symbol is varied. It is determined whether the state is a stopped state (state flag G = 2), and step 120 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the right symbol is in a state in which the right symbol has stopped changing (state flag G = 3).

When none of the above-mentioned states is satisfied (when the state is not fluctuating), the state flag G = 0, and at this time, the gate passage counter which stores the passage of the hit ball to the passage openings 13a and 13b at step 130. It is determined whether or not the value of D is 1 or more. When there is no stored value in the gate passage counter D, a step 290 shown in FIG.
Fly to.

When the value of the gate passage counter D is 1 or more, the timers t1, t2, and t3 are set in step 140, and the change of all symbols is started in step 150, and the value of the state flag G is set to "1". It is set, and the value of the gate passage counter D is decremented by one. Next, at step 160, the value of the hit / miss determination memory M (D) is updated to a lower memory, and it is determined at step 170 whether or not the value of M (0) of the updated determination memory is a hit. You. When it is determined that the value of M (0) is a hit, at step 180, one value is extracted from the hit pattern counter 34 at that time and stored in the corresponding decision memory, while it is determined that it is not a hit. When
At step 190, one value is extracted from the off pattern counter 35 and stored in the corresponding decision memory.

Incidentally, the timers t1, t2, t
Numeral 3 regulates the fluctuating time of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, and t1 <t2 <t3; t2-t1ｔt3-t2.
In a relationship. Then, it is determined in step 200 that the timer t1 has expired. If the timer has not expired, step 200 → step 290-step 550 → end of the variable display subroutine → start of the variable display subroutine—step 100 → step Repeat 200 →.

When it is determined that the time of the timer t1 has expired, the variable display of the left symbol is stopped in step 210 along the selected pattern, and the value of the state flag G is set to "2". You. Similarly, in step 220, it is determined whether or not the timer t2 has timed out. Step 220 → step 290 to step 550 → end of the variable display subroutine → start of the variable display subroutine to step 110 → step 220 until the timer t2 has expired. If it is determined that the time is up, the change of the right symbol is stopped in step 230 along the selected pattern, and the value of the state flag G is set to “3”. You. Further, in step 240, it is determined whether or not the timer t3 has timed out. Until the timer t3 has timed out, step 240 → step 290-step 550 → variation display subroutine end → variation display subroutine start-step 120 → step 240 → .. Are repeated, and when the time is up, the process proceeds to step 250.

When the timer t3 expires,
In step 250, the variable display of the middle symbol is stopped along the selected pattern. Thereafter, in step 260, it is determined whether or not the combination is a winning symbol combination. When it is determined that it is not a winning symbol, the state flag is determined in step 280. Is reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hit has occurred, the status flag is reset and the hit flag is set in step 270, and thereafter, the process proceeds to the processing shown in FIG. In step 270, when the hit flag is set, the electric drive start winning opening 4 is controlled to be opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of winning balls are generated. When the opening drive control of the electric start winning port 4 is completed, the hit flag is reset.

Next, the change display operation of the special symbol change display area 24 will be described with reference to FIG. First, at the time of the big hit gaming state, the special symbol change display area 24 is kept in a state in which the symbol that has become the normal big hit is displayed, so if it is determined in step 290 that the big hit flag is set, , The following processing is not executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit flag is not set, the state of the special symbol change display area 24 is determined in steps 300 to 330. Specifically, in step 300, all the symbol columns in the special symbol change display area 24 are changing (state flag F =
1) is determined, and in step 310, it is determined whether or not only the left symbol row is in a stopped state (state flag F = 2), and in step 320, the right symbol row is in a stopped state. (State flag F = 3) is determined, and in step 330, it is determined whether the combination of symbols displayed on any one of the hit lines is the reach state (state flag F = 4). You.

When none of the above-mentioned states are present (when the state is not fluctuating), the state flag F = 0, and at this time, a start winning counter for storing the winning of the hit ball into the electric start winning opening 4 in step 340. It is determined whether or not the value of C is 1 or more. If there is no stored value in the start winning counter C, the process ends without executing the following processing of the variable display subroutine.

When the value of the start winning counter C is 1 or more, the timers t4, t5 and t6 are set in step 350, and the change of all the symbol columns is started in step 360, and the value of the state flag F is set to "1". Is set, and the value of the start winning counter C is decremented by one. Next, at step 370, the value of the big hit loss determination memory N (c) is updated to a lower memory, and it is determined at step 380 whether or not the value of N (0) in the updated fixed memory is a big hit. You. When it is determined that the value of N (0) is a big hit, in step 390, one value is extracted from the current big hit pattern counter 37 and stored in the corresponding decision memory, while it is determined that it is not a big hit. In step 400, it is determined in step 400 whether the value of N (0) is reach.
At 10, one value is extracted from the reach pattern counter 38 and stored in the corresponding defined memory. When the reach is not reached, one value is extracted from the off pattern counter 39 at step 420 and stored in the corresponding defined memory.

Incidentally, the timers t4, t5, t
Numeral 6 regulates the fluctuation time of the left symbol row, the right symbol row, and the middle symbol row, and t4 <t5 <t6; t5-t4 ≒ t6.
-T5. Then, it is determined in step 430 that the timer t4 has expired. If the timer has not expired, step 430 is executed until the timer expires.
Variation display subroutine end → variation display subroutine start-step 300 → step 430 → ... is repeated.

When it is determined that the time of the timer t4 has expired, the variable display of the left symbol row is stopped along the selected pattern in step 440, and the value of the state flag F is set to "2". Is done. Similarly, in step 450, it is determined whether the timer t5 has expired. If it is determined that the timer has expired,
In step 460, the variable display of the right symbol row is stopped along the selected pattern, and the value of the state flag F is set to "3". Then, when the variable display of the symbol row excluding the center is stopped, N (0) is determined in step 470.
Is determined to be a jackpot or a reach, that is, whether or not a reach display is made.

If it is not reach display, step 48
It is determined whether or not the timer t6 has timed out at 0,
Until the timer t6 times out, step 480 → end of the variable display subroutine → start of the variable display subroutine
Step 320 → Step 470 → Step 480 → ・
.. Are repeated, and when the time is up, go to step 520.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the display is reach display, it is determined in step 490 whether or not the value of the status flag F is "4".
To set a new timer t7 and set the value of the status flag F to "4". Here, the timer t7 is used to extend the fluctuation time of the central symbol row that stops changing at the end in the reach state, and is selected as a value satisfying a relationship of t7> (t6-t5). Then, it is determined in step 510 whether or not the timer t7 has timed out, and steps 510 → the end of the variable display subroutine → the start of the variable display subroutine to step 330 → step 510 →... Are repeated until the timer t7 expires. When the time is up, the process proceeds to step 520.

When the timer t6 in the non-reach display is timed out, the timer t7 in the reach display is displayed.
When the time is up, in step 520, the variable display of the central symbol row is stopped along the selected pattern, and thereafter, in step 530, it is determined whether or not a combination of big hit symbols, and it is determined that the combination is not a big hit. The status flag is reset at step 550,
If it is determined that there is a big hit, the status flag is reset and the big hit flag is set in step 540, and then the variable display subroutine is ended. Also,
When the big hit flag is set in step 540, the opening mode of the open / close plate 8 of the variable winning device 7 is executed a predetermined number of times until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number of winning balls are generated. When the opening mode of the opening / closing plate 8 has been completed a predetermined number of times, the big hit flag is reset.

As described above, the symbol variation display device 20 according to the embodiment is described.
Although the configuration and operation of the pachinko machine provided with are described, according to the present embodiment, the display area of the liquid crystal display 23 is changed to the special symbol variation display area 24 and the normal symbol variation display area 25.
a, 25b, and a special symbol variation display function and a normal symbol variation display function are given to each section display area. 24 and normal symbol variation display area 25
a and 25b can be simultaneously checked, and the player can concentrate on the game. Further, since it is only necessary to attach one liquid crystal display 23 to the game board 1 and only to process wiring extending from the liquid crystal display 23, manufacturing of the game board 1 becomes simpler.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the electric fluctuation display device is constituted by the liquid crystal display 23. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the liquid crystal display 23. An electric fluctuation display device including an LED or the like may be used. The display area may be arbitrarily partitioned, for example,
The special symbol display area and the normal symbol display area may be one each, or all may be only the normal symbol display area. In addition, the display of the symbols displayed in the divided display area is exchanged in the middle (for example, the symbol displayed in the illustrated ordinary symbol variation display area 25a and the symbol displayed in the special symbol variation display area 24 are exchanged). (The image may be exchanged to achieve a zoom-up effect.) Also,
The game content of the pachinko machine may be not only a digital game but also a Hikoki game. Further, the gaming machine may be applied to slot machines, TV games, and the like, in addition to the pachinko machines, including the above-described modifications.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, the special symbol display device also has the function of displaying the ordinary symbol for the ordinary electric accessory, so that the player only needs to watch the one display device. The special symbol and the ordinary symbol can be grasped at the same time, and the situation of the symbol, which changes every moment, and the situation of the game can be easily recognized. Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated display device for ordinary symbols, it is advantageous in terms of cost, and a limited game area can be effectively used. Also, if the normal symbols are displayed at the corners of the display screen, the visibility of the special symbols that is most impressive to the player is not hindered. In addition, the display of the normal symbol is displayed in a small area, so that the obstruction of the visibility of the special symbol can be further reduced. Further, by setting the display of the ordinary symbols to be rectangular and at the corners of the screen, the presence of the ordinary symbols can be emphasized while avoiding the confusion of the player due to the mixture of the ordinary symbols and the special symbols as much as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a symbol display device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine to which the symbol display device is applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 3 of a game control circuit for controlling a game operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operations at the time of passing and at the time of starting winning.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a variable display operation in a normal symbol.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a variable display operation in a special symbol.

[Explanation of symbols] 1 ... Game board, 4 ... Electric tulp-type starting winning opening, 7 ...
Variable winning devices, 13a, 13b: Passage opening, 20: Symbol display device, 22: Display window, 23: Liquid crystal display, 24: Special symbol variable display area, 25a, 25b: Normal symbol variable display area, 30: Microcomputer .

Claims (1)

[Claims] The first symbol change display device is driven and controlled in a predetermined manner based on the change display result of the first symbol change display device, and the first symbol change winning device is driven based on the change display result of the second symbol change display device. In a gaming machine which drives and controls the variable winning device in a predetermined manner, the first symbol variation display means and the second symbol variation display means are configured by one electric symbol variation display device, A gaming machine, wherein a display area of the electric symbol variation display device is divided into a plurality of areas, and the first symbol variation display function and the second symbol variation display function are provided in each of the divided display areas.