JP2001112955A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the burdens of control of pattern display on a game control means without increasing the number of commands sent to a display control means even when the kinds of pattern fluctuation are increased. SOLUTION: When the number of feed frames in a re-fluctuation period is 1-6, a short re-drawing period is set. That is, at the time of being informed of the short re-drawing period from the game control means, the display control means decides the number of the feed frames in the re-fluctuation period to be one of 1-6. Also, a temporary stop period is decided corresponding to the decided number of the feed frames. When the number of the feed frames in the re-fluctuation period is 7-12, a long re-drawing period is set. That is, at the time of being informed of the long re-drawing period from the game control means, the display control means decides the number of the feed frames in the re-fluctuation period to be one of 7-12. Also, the temporary stop period is decided corresponding to the decided number of the feed frames.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine or a coin game machine, and more particularly to a game machine including a variable display device whose display state can be changed, wherein a display result on the variable display device is predetermined. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a predetermined game value can be given when the display mode is changed to the display mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, a variable display device having a variable display portion whose display state can be changed is provided, and when a display result of the variable display portion becomes a predetermined specific display mode, the player is provided with a variable display device. There is one configured to shift to an advantageous jackpot game state (specific game state). The variable display device includes a plurality of variable display units, and is generally configured to display the display results of the plurality of variable display units at different times. On the variable display section, for example, a plurality of identification information such as symbols are variably displayed. The fact that the display result of the variable display unit is a combination of predetermined specific display modes is usually referred to as “big hit”. In addition, the game value is a right to make the state of the variable prize ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine advantageous for a player who is easy to win a hit ball, or a right for the player to be in an advantageous state. Or to generate.

[0003] When a big hit occurs, for example, a big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. Further, if a predetermined condition (for example, winning in a V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied at the time when the special winning opening is closed, the big hit game is performed even if the predetermined number of times is not reached. The state ends.

[0004] In addition, among the combinations of the display modes of "outside" other than the combination of "big hit", at the stage where a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display portions has not been derived and displayed yet, the display results are already displayed. The state in which the display mode of the variable display unit that is derived and displayed satisfies the display condition that is a combination of the specific display modes is referred to as “reach”. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

The progress of a game in a game machine is controlled by game control means such as a microcomputer. The identification information, the character image, and the background image displayed on the variable display device are controlled by display control means operating according to display control command data from the game control means.
The identification information, the character image, and the background image displayed on the variable display device generally include a display control microcomputer and a video display processor (FIG. 1) that generates image data in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer and transfers the image data to the variable display device side. VDP), and the display control microcomputer has a large program capacity.

Accordingly, the microcomputer of the game control means having a limited program capacity cannot control the identification information and the like displayed on the variable display device, and is different from the board on which the microcomputer of the game control means is mounted. A display control microcomputer (display control means) mounted on a substrate is used. The variable display device may be realized by an image display device, or may be realized by a mechanical component such as a drum. Even when such a variable display device such as a drum type is used, the variable display device is generally controlled by a display control unit mounted on a display control substrate different from a substrate on which the game control unit is mounted. . When a variable display device such as a drum type is used, the display control means performs drive control and speed control of a motor or the like for driving each reel on which a plurality of symbols are drawn.

[0007]

Therefore, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game needs to transmit a command for display control to the display control means. Then, when trying to enrich the game effects by the display, the load on the game control means becomes very large. For example, when the types of design fluctuations are increased in order to enrich the variation of game effects, the number of types of commands also increases in accordance with the increased types of fluctuations. Therefore, the game control means must handle many types of commands, and the load on the variable display control of the game control means increases.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of commands sent to the display control means does not increase even if the type of symbol variation is increased,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the burden of controlling the display of symbols by game control means.

[0009]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
Including a variable display unit having a plurality of display areas in which the display state can be changed, starting the change of the symbol displayed in the display area according to the satisfaction of the condition for starting the change, the display result of the symbol is a predetermined identification A gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when the display mode is achieved, comprising: a game control unit that controls a progress of a game; and a display control unit that performs display control of a variable display unit. The game control means includes a specific display mode determining means for determining whether or not to set a specific display mode, a display content determining section for determining display content of the variable display section, and at least a symbol based on the display content determining section. Command output means capable of outputting information that can specify the fluctuation period of the symbol and information that can specify the stop symbol, and the symbol variation mode is different from the final stop symbol when displaying the specific display mode. Stop A re-variation capable of displaying a pattern and thereafter displaying a final stop symbol is included, and the re-variation includes at least the first mode and the second mode, and the period of the second mode is the period And the display control means controls a plurality of re-variations in which the time from the start of the change of the symbol to the final determination of the symbol is the same and the period of the second mode is different. It is characterized by being possible.

[0010] The display control means may be configured to adjust the time required for the first mode according to the time required for the second mode so as to make the period of re-variation constant.

[0011] The first mode may be a mode including a display effect for changing a character or a background image.

The symbol variation mode may include a plurality of variation modes in which the re-variation period is different but the variation period from the start of the variation to the determination is the same.

Each of the symbol change modes may correspond to respective information from the game control means which can specify a symbol change period.

[0014] There are a plurality of symbol variation modes corresponding to one piece of information that can specify the symbol variation period from the game control means, and the display control means receives a plurality of pieces of information that can identify the symbol variation period and receives a plurality of symbols. It may be configured to select one variation mode from the variation modes.

[0015] In the first mode, the display control means may be configured to maintain the symbol temporary stop state.

In the first mode, the display control means may be configured to reduce the size of the symbol.

In the first aspect, the display control means may be configured to reduce the size of the symbol.

[0018]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back. Here, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises:
It has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a hitting ball are provided. Behind the glass door frame 2,
The game board 6 is detachably attached. A game area 7 is provided on the front of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display section 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a 7-segment L
A variable display device 8 including a variable display 10 using an ED is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. On the side of the variable display device 8, a passing gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball exit 13. In a passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball outlet 13, there is a gate switch 12 for detecting a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. In addition, the winning ball that entered the starting winning port 14 is
It is guided to the back of the game board 6 and is detected by the starting port switch 17. In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs opening and closing operations is provided below the starting winning port 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

Below the variable winning ball device 15, there is provided an opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). In this embodiment, the opening and closing plate 20 serves as a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that enters one (V zone) of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the V count switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. Variable display device 8
A start winning prize storage display 18 having four display sections for displaying the number of winning balls entering the starting winning prize port 14 is provided below. In this example, the start winning prize storage display 18 increases the number of lit display units by one each time there is a starting prize, with the upper limit being four. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the number of the lit display units is reduced by one.

The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 19 and 24. Decorative lamps 25 are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7 so as to blink during the game.
There is an out port 26 for absorbing a hit ball that does not win. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided at upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A game effect LED 28a and a game effect lamp 2
8b and 28c are provided. And in this example,
A prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when a premium ball is paid out is provided near one of the speakers 27, and a ball out lamp 52 that lights up when a supply ball runs out is provided near the other speaker 27. Further, FIG. 1 shows a pachinko gaming table 1
Also shown is a card unit 50, which is installed adjacent to and allows lending of balls by inserting a prepaid card.

The hit ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting rail, and thereafter, the game area 7
Come down. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is changed continuously. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating if the symbol can be changed. If it is not possible to start changing the symbol, the start winning memory is increased by one. The start winning memory will be described later in detail.

The rotation of the image in the variable display section 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of images at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols, the game shifts to a big hit game state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

If the combination of images in the variable display section 9 at the time of stoppage is a combination of big hit symbols with probability fluctuation, the probability of the next big hit increases. That is, a high probability state, which is more advantageous for the player, is obtained.

When the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened are increased.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate 36, and when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island, a prize ball is provided from above. Premium ball tank 3
8 is supplied. The prize ball in the prize ball tank 38 reaches the ball payout device through the guide gutter 39.

On the mechanism board 36, a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display section 9 via the relay board 30, and a game control board (main board) covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer and the like. ) 31, a relay board 33 for relaying a signal between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing payout control of a prize ball is mounted. is set up. Further, the mechanism plate 36 includes
A hitting ball launching device 34 for shooting a hitting ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor, and a lamp control board 35 for sending signals to the speaker 27 and the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c are provided.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the game board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. On the back of the game board 6, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the winning ball set cover 4 for guiding the winning ball winning each winning port and the winning ball device along a predetermined winning path.
0 is provided. Of the prize balls guided to the prize ball collection cover 40, those that have won through the opening and closing plate 20 are controlled so that the ball payout device 97 pays out a relatively large number of prize balls (for example, 15). The winnings through the starting winning opening 14 are controlled so that a ball payout device (not shown in FIG. 3) pays out a relatively small number of prize balls (for example, six). Then, the winnings through the other winning ports 24 and the winning ball device are controlled so that the ball payout device pays out a relatively medium number of prize balls (for example, 10). Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the relay board 33 as an example.

In order to perform the prize ball payout control, signals from the prize ball detection switch 99 for detecting all prize balls, the starting port switch 17 and the V count switch 22 are sent to the main board 31. Winning ball detection switch 9 on main board 31
9 is sent, the main board 31 sends the prize ball board 3
7 is sent a prize ball number signal. The winning is detected by the winning ball detecting switch 99. In this case, the main board 31 sends a winning ball number signal to the winning ball board 37. For example, when the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on in response to the turning on of the starting port switch 17, "6" is output as the winning ball number signal, and the winning ball detection is performed in response to the turning on of the count switch 23 or the V count switch 22. When the switch 99 is turned on, “15” is output as the prize ball number signal. When the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on when those switches are not turned on, the winning ball number signal becomes “1”.
"0" is output.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows the prize ball control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the emission control board 91, and the display control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 12,
A switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning ball detection switch 99 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball device 15, and the opening and closing plate 2.
A solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the 0 according to a command from the basic circuit 53;
It includes a lamp / LED circuit 60 for driving the variable display 10 by ED and the decorative lamp 25.

In addition, according to the data supplied from the basic circuit 53, jackpot information indicating occurrence of a jackpot, effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used to start image display of the variable display section 9, and probability fluctuation have occurred. And an information output circuit 64 that outputs probability change information or the like indicating the fact to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing a control operation according to the control program, and an I / O port unit 57. The ROM 54 and the RAM 55 may be built in the CPU 56 in some cases.

Further, the main board 31 has an initial reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on.
A periodic reset circuit 66 for periodically (eg, every 2 ms) giving a reset pulse to the basic circuit 53 to re-execute the game control program from the beginning, and decode an address signal given from the basic circuit 53. I
Address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting any I / O port in I / O port unit 57
Are provided. In addition, there is also switch information input to the main board 31 from the ball dispensing device 97, but these are omitted in FIG.

A hit ball launching device that hits and launches a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the driving motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

FIG. 5 shows the circuit configuration in the display control board 80 by using the CRT 82 as an example of the variable display section 9 and the output ports (ports A and B) 571 and 572 of the main board 31.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram shown together with an output buffer circuit 63. Output control command data is output from the output port 571, and a strobe signal (INT signal) is output from the output port 572.

The display control CPU 101 controls the control data R
It operates according to the program stored in the OM 102, and receives a display control command via the input buffer circuit 105 when a strobe signal is input from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105. As the input buffer circuit 105, for example, a general-purpose IC
74HC244 can be used. In addition,
When the display control CPU 101 does not include an I / O port, the input buffer circuit 105 and the display control CP
An I / O port is provided between U101.

The display control CPU 101 controls display of a screen displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP 103. VDP103
Reads necessary data from the character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates a CRT 8 according to the input data.
2 is generated, and the image data is stored in the VRAM 87. Then, the image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R, G, B signals, converted into analog signals by the DA converter 104, and output to the CRT 82.

FIG. 5 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, an animal, or an image composed of characters, graphics, or symbols displayed on the CRT 82.

The input buffer circuit 105 can pass a signal only in the direction from the main board 31 to the display control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the display control board 80 side to the main board 31 side. Display control board 80
Even if the internal circuits are modified illegally, the signal output by the illegal modification is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. The outputs of the output ports 571 and 572 may be output to the display control board 80 as they are. However, by providing the output buffer circuit 63 capable of transmitting a signal in only one direction, the output from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 is provided. One-way signal transmission can be further ensured. Further, for example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as the noise filter 107 that cuts off a high-frequency signal. However, even if noise is present between display control commands between substrates due to the presence of the noise filter 107, the effect is eliminated. Is done.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the basic circuit 53 on the main board 31. As described above, this process is started, for example, every 2 ms by the reset pulse generated by the periodic reset circuit 66. When the CPU 56 is started, the CPU 56 first sets a clock monitor register built in the CPU 56 to a clock monitor enable state in order to make the clock monitor control operable (step S1). Note that the clock monitor control is a control in which a reset is automatically generated inside the CPU 56 when a decrease or stop of an input clock signal is detected.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a stack setting process for setting the designated address of the stack pointer (step S2). In this example, 00FFH is set in the stack pointer. Then, a system check process is performed (step S3). In the system check process, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the RAM 55 contains an error.
Processing such as initializing 5 is performed.

Next, after processing for setting the command data sent to the display control board 80 to a predetermined area of the RAM 55 is performed (display control data setting processing: step S
4), a process of outputting command data as display control command data is performed (display control data output process: step S5).

Next, a process of outputting the contents of the storage area of various output data to each output port is performed (data output process: step S6). Further, the lamp timer is decremented by one, and when the lamp timer times out (when it becomes 0), the lamp data pointer is updated and a new value is set in the lamp timer (lamp timer processing: step S7).

Further, an output data setting process for setting output data such as data of the address indicated by the lamp data pointer, jackpot information, start information, and probability variation information output to the hall management computer in the storage area is performed (step S8). ). Further, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by a self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S9).

Next, a process of updating each counter indicating each random number for determination such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control is performed (step S10). FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determines whether to generate a big hit (for big hit determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle out-of-design symbol determination (3) Random 3: Symbol for big hit Determining the combination (for determining the big hit symbol) (4) Random 4: determining the type of reach (for determining the type of reach)

In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (4) are used. In step S10, the CPU 56 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the jackpot determination random number (1) and the jackpot symbol determination random number (3). That is, they are the random numbers for determination.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S11). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Further, a normal symbol process is performed (step S12). In normal symbol processing, 7 segments L
A corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 by the ED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

The CPU 56 further includes a switch circuit 58
, And performs necessary processing according to the switch state (switch processing: step S1).
3). In addition, a process of transmitting audio data in the process data described later to the audio control board 70 is performed (audio processing: step S14).

The basic circuit 53 further performs processing for updating the display random number (step S15). That is, the counter for generating random numbers 2 and 4 is counted up (addition of 1).

The basic circuit 53 includes a prize ball control board 37.
Is performed (step S16). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a winning ball control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the winning ball control board 37. Award ball control board 3
The CPU for controlling a prize ball mounted on 7 drives the ball payout device 97 according to the received number of prize balls. After that, the basic circuit 53 repeats the display random number updating process in step S17 until the next reset pulse is given from the periodic reset circuit 66.

Next, a method of determining a symbol variably displayed on the variable display section 9 based on a winning in the starting winning opening 14 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 8 shows a process for determining that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14, and FIG. 9 shows a process for determining the stop symbol of the variable display of the variable display unit 9. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether or not to make a big hit.

When the hit ball wins the starting winning port 14 provided in the game board 6, the starting port sensor 17 is turned on. In the switching process of step S13 of the main process, as shown in FIG. 8, when the CPU 56 determines that the starting port sensor 17 has been turned on via the switch circuit 58 (step S41), the starting winning storage number is the maximum value. It is checked whether the number has reached a certain value 4 (step S42). If the starting prize memory number has not reached 4, the starting prize memory number is set to 1
Increase (step S43), and the value of the random number for jackpot determination is extracted. Then, it is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of stored winning prizes (step S44). If the number of stored start winnings has reached 4, the process of increasing the number of stored start winnings is not performed. That is, in this embodiment, the number of hit balls that have won the maximum of four starting winning openings 17 can be stored. Furthermore, a big hit symbol determining random number is extracted, and the value is stored in a random number value storage area (step S45).

In the special symbol process process of step S11, when the CPU 56 is ready to start the variable display of a new special symbol on the variable display section 9, the CPU 56 changes the value of the start winning storage number as shown in FIG. Confirm (step S50). If the start winning prize memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the start prize storing number = 1 is read out (step S51), the value of the starting prize storing number is reduced by 1, and The value of the random number value storage area is shifted (step S52). That is, the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning memorandums = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is calculated as follows:
Is stored in the random value storage area corresponding to.

Then, the CPU 56 determines the hit / miss based on the value read in step S51, that is, the value of the extracted random number for determining a big hit (step S53). Here, the random number for jackpot determination is 0 to 299.
Values in the range. As shown in FIG. 10, when the probability is low, for example, if the value is “3”, “big hit” is determined, and if the value is any other value, “out”.
Is determined. When the probability is high, for example, the value is "3",
If it is one of "7", "79", "103", and "107", it is determined as "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined as "out".

When it is determined that a big hit has occurred, the CPU 56
Determines a jackpot symbol (fixed symbol) based on the value of the extracted jackpot symbol determination random number (step S5).
4). The reach type determining random number (random 4) is extracted, and the reach type is determined based on the value (step S55).

If it is determined that there is a loss, the CPU 56
Extracts the values of random 2-1 to 2-3 (step S56). If the value of the random 2-1 corresponding to the left symbol and the value of the random 2-3 corresponding to the right symbol match (step S57), it is determined to be reach (step S58). When determining to reach, the CPU 56 determines a reach symbol. That is, the symbol of the symbol number corresponding to the value indicated by the random 2-1 to 2-3 is set as the right and left middle symbol (step S59).

Here, if the middle symbol determined according to the value of the random 2-2 matches the left and right symbols, one is added to the value of the random number (the extracted random 2-2) corresponding to the middle symbol. The symbol corresponding to the value is set as the fixed symbol of the middle symbol so as not to match the big hit symbol (steps S60 and S6).
1). Then, the reach type determining random number (random 4) is extracted, and the reach type is determined based on the value (step S55).

In step S57, random 2-1
Is not equal to the value of random 2-3, it is determined not to reach. In that case, the left and right middle symbols are determined according to the values of the random 2-1 to 2-3 (step S62). As will be described later, in this embodiment, in the high probability state, a variation pattern in which the variation time is shortened is used as the variation pattern at the time of a loss. Therefore, in the high probability state, the CPU 56 determines whether to use the normal fluctuation pattern or the shortened fluctuation pattern using, for example, a predetermined random number.

As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the symbol variation based on the winning start is a big hit, a reach mode, or a loss, and the combination of the respective stopped symbols is determined.

In the high probability state, the probability of the next big hit increases, the time until the variable display of the variable display 10 is determined by the 7-segment LED is shortened, and the variable display of the variable display 10 is changed. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to increase the number of times and the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the result, or the probability of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 is high. It may be constituted so that it may become. Further, the present invention is also applicable to the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which only one or a plurality of these states occur.

For example, when the combination of symbols stopped on the variable display section 9 becomes a specific symbol, the probability of a big hit does not increase, but the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 does not increase. Even in a gaming machine in which the number of times of opening and the opening time are increased, if it is determined that the reach is to be made, it is determined whether or not the left and right stopped symbols match the display mode of the specific symbol, that is, which symbol is used to generate the reach state. The present invention is also applicable to gaming machines determined by means such as a predetermined random number. Further, the range of the random numbers and the random number values used in this embodiment is an example, and any random numbers may be used, and the range setting is arbitrary.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 11 is a specific process of step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 determines in step S3 shown in FIG.
One of the processes from 00 to S309 is performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Special symbol change waiting process (step S30)
0): Waiting for the variable display section 9 to be in a state where variable display of a new special symbol can be started.

Special symbol determination processing (step S301):
When the state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prize stored is confirmed. If the starting prize memory number is not 0,
It is determined whether to make a big hit or an out according to the value of the extracted big hit determining random number. That is, the first half of the processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

Stop symbol setting processing (step S302):
The stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols is determined. That is, the middle half of the processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

Reach operation setting processing (step S30)
3): Whether or not to perform the reach operation is determined, and the type of the reach mode is determined according to the value of the reach type determination random number. That is, the latter half of the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed. The reach mode determined here is the variable display variable time. That is, the game control means determines the variable display change time. Then, a specific variation pattern to be used is determined by the display control means.

All symbols change start processing (step S30)
4): In the variable display section 9, control is performed so that all symbols start to change. At this time, with respect to the display control board 80,
The left and right middle final stop symbols and information instructing the reach mode are transmitted. When a background or a character is also displayed on the variable display unit 9, control is performed so that display control command data corresponding to the background or character is transmitted to the display control board 80. The information for instructing the reach mode is information that allows the display control unit to specify the variable display change time.

All symbols stop wait processing (step S30)
5): Wait for the fluctuation period to end, and when the fluctuation period elapses, an all symbol stop command indicating that all symbols displayed on the variable display unit 9 should be stopped is displayed on the display control board 80.
Control to be sent to

Big hit display processing (step S306): If the stopped symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S307. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309. The combination of the big hit symbols is a combination in which the right and left middle symbols are aligned. Also, when the left and right symbols are aligned, it reaches reach.

Big winning opening opening start processing (step S30)
7): Control for opening the special winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30)
8): Control for transmitting display control command data of the special winning opening round display to the display control board 80, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307 unless the end condition of the big hit gaming state is satisfied. If the jackpot gaming state end condition is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309): A display for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. When the display is completed, the internal flags and the like are returned to the initial state, and the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

As described above, when a ball is hit in the starting winning opening 14, the CPU 56 determines whether to make a big hit or a miss, a stop symbol, and a reach mode in the special symbol process process. The display control command is given to the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80. The display control CPU 101 controls the display of the variable display unit 9 according to a display control command from the main board 31.

Next, the variation of the symbol will be described using a specific example. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a middle left and right symbol. In this example, the respective symbols displayed as the left and right middle symbols are the same 12 symbols in the left and right. When the symbol of symbol number 12 is displayed, next, the symbol of symbol number 1 is displayed. And the middle left and right symbols are, for example, "1", "3", "5",
A high-probability state is established when stopping at "7", "9" or "melon". That is, they become probable symbols.

FIGS. 13 to 16 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display control commands relating to symbol variations transmitted from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, one display control command is 2
It is composed of bytes (CMD1, CMD2).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command for instructing a variation mode and stopping of all symbols. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, in this example, as a display control command capable of specifying a variation mode, “outside (command A0)”,
"All symbols change at probable change (command A2)", "Reach 1
(Reach operation period short period: no re-drawing) "," reach 1
(Reach operation period short period: re-drawing short period) "," reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-drawing long period) "," reach 2 (reach operation period long period: no re-drawing) "," reach 2 (Reach operation period long period: re-lottery short period) "and" reach 2 (reach operation period long period: re-lottery long period) ".

In this embodiment, the re-lottery is a re-change including the first mode and the second mode. Hereinafter, such re-fluctuation is referred to as re-lottery, and the period of the second mode may be referred to as a re-fluctuation period.

Note that the reach 1 (reach operation period short period:
The pattern of the reach operation is the same in the variation patterns of reach 1 (reach operation period short period: short re-lottery period) and reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-lottery long period). In the variation modes of reach 2 (reach operation period long: no re-lottery), reach 2 (reach operation period long: re-lottery short), and reach 2 (reach operation period long: re-lottery long), The pattern of the reach operation is the same. The CPU 56 may, for example, reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-lottery short period), reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-lottery long period), reach 2
(Leach operation period long period: re-lottery short period) and reach 2 (reach operation period long period: re-lottery long period) are selected when it is determined to be a big hit.

The reach 1 (reach operation period short period:
Reaching short period), Reach 1 (Reaching operation period short period: Redrawing long period), Reach 2 (Reaching operation period long period: Redrawing short period) and Reach 2 (Reaching operation period long period: Redrawing long period) Has a plurality of fluctuation patterns having the same re-lottery period. As described later, in this embodiment, the re-lottery period includes a symbol temporary stop period (first mode) and a re-change period (second mode). Here, the plurality of variation patterns having the same re-lottery period are each variation pattern having a different re-variation period (second mode) in the re-lottery period that is a fixed period.

Display control CPU 101 of display control board 80
Are reach 1 (reach operation short period: short re-lottery), reach 1 (reach operation period short: re-lottery long), reach 2 (reach operation period long: short re-lottery) from the CPU 56 of the main board 31. Upon receiving a display control command indicating “interval” or reach 2 (reach operation period long term: re-lottery long term), one variation pattern is uniquely selected from a plurality of variation patterns. That is, the length of the re-change period, which is the second mode, is determined. Reach 1 (short-term reach operation period: short-term re-lottery), Reach 1 (short-term reach operation period: long-term re-lottery), Reach 2 (long-term reach operation period: short-term re-lottery), and Reach 2 (reach operation) Since the re-lottery period is determined in each fluctuation pattern of “long-term period: re-lottery long-term”, when the length of the re-change period is determined, the length of the temporary suspension period, which is the first mode, is automatically changed. Decided.

Note that the CPU 56 of the main board 31 determines the reach 1 based on the determination result of step S55 shown in FIG.
(Reach operation period short period: no re-drawing), reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-drawing short period), reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-drawing long period), reach 2 (reach operation period long period) : No display re-drawing), any one of reach 2 (reach operation period long term: re-lottery short period) and reach 2 (reach operation period long term: re-lottery long term) are selected.

FIG. 14 shows a display control command indicating a stop symbol of the left symbol. As shown in FIG.
A stop symbol is designated by a display control command composed of byte control data CMD1 and CMD2. In addition,
In those designations, the control data CMD of the first byte
The value of 1 is “8B (H)”.

FIG. 15 shows a display control command indicating the stop symbol of the middle symbol. As shown in FIG.
A stop symbol is designated by a display control command composed of byte control data CMD1 and CMD2. In addition,
In those designations, the control data CMD of the first byte
The value of 1 is “8C (H)”.

FIG. 16 shows a display control command indicating a stop symbol of the right symbol. As shown in FIG.
A stop symbol is designated by a display control command composed of byte control data CMD1 and CMD2. In addition,
In those designations, the control data CMD of the first byte
The value of 1 is “8D (H)”.

FIG. 17 shows a state in which the main board 31 is connected to the display control board 8.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command transmitted to 0.
As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, a display control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 through eight signal lines of display control signals CD0 to CD7. A signal line for a display control signal INT for transmitting a strobe signal and a signal line for supplying a ground level are also provided between the main board 31 and the display control board 80.

FIG. 18 shows the main board 31 to the game control board 8
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of a transmission timing of a display control command given to 0. In this example, the 2-byte display control data constituting the display control command data is transmitted every 2 ms as shown in FIG. Then, a strobe signal (display control signal INT) is output in synchronization with each display control data. Since the display control CPU 101 is interrupted at the rising edge of the strobe signal,
The display control CPU 101 can fetch each display control data by the interrupt processing program.

Hereinafter, an example of a symbol variation pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing an example of the change of the symbol at the time of the out of reach. FIGS. 20 to 22 are timing charts showing an example of symbol fluctuations at the time of reach (in the case of a big hit and in the case of no big hit).

In this embodiment, at the time of disconnection,
As shown in FIG. 9A, in the “left” symbol display area of the variable display section 9, first, the symbol is changed in accordance with the pattern a. Pattern a is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed increases little by little. After that, the pattern b is fluctuated at a constant high speed. For example, after the symbol replacement control is performed so that the symbol three symbols before the stopped symbol is displayed, the three symbols are fluctuated according to the pattern c. Pattern c is
This is a pattern that gradually slows down and stops.

The display control CP of the display control board 80
U101 repeatedly fluctuates the left and right symbols in the opposite direction of the change direction until the middle symbol is determined. That is,
The left and right symbols are displayed and controlled to be temporarily stopped by so-called swing fluctuation. The swing fluctuation means that the design is displayed while swinging up and down. The swing fluctuation is performed until the final stop symbol (fixed symbol) is displayed. Therefore, the player:
Until the left and right middle symbols finally stop, it can be expected that each symbol has not yet been determined until the left and right middle symbols have finally stopped, that is, there is a possibility that a big hit may occur depending on each symbol targeted for the big hit. . The swing fluctuation in the swing stop state may be controlled so that the symbol not only swings up and down, but also swings right and left or swings in other directions.

When a display control command for instructing to stop all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the swing fluctuation state of the left and right symbols is ended, and the left and right symbols are fixed so that the middle symbols do not move. In addition, the swinging operation may be performed for the medium symbol after the fluctuation by the pattern c, and then the medium symbol may be set to the final state.

The display control CPU 101 controls the display of, for example, the symbol three symbols before the stopped symbol at a predetermined timing so that the symbol change stops at the specified stopped symbol in the symbol display area in the left and right. At the start of the change, the left and right stop symbols are notified, and the change pattern at the time of disconnection is determined in advance.
1 can recognize the switching timing from the pattern a to the pattern b and the switching timing from the pattern b to the pattern c, and can also determine a symbol three symbols before to be replaced. The determined replacement symbol is VDP
103, the VDP 103 displays the notified symbol regardless of the symbol displayed at that time.

FIG. 19B shows an example of a variation pattern at the time of a loss in the probability variation state. In this variation pattern, as shown in the figure, the left and right middle symbols are simultaneously stopped after the left and right middle symbols are changed according to the pattern a, the pattern b, and the pattern c.

FIG. 20A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern of the reach 1. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 20A, the left and right symbols stop after the variation by the patterns a, b, and c is performed. At this time, the left and right symbols stop at the same symbol. Then, a reach operation in which the middle symbol fluctuates in a predetermined pattern is performed for 10 seconds. The predetermined pattern is, for example, a pattern in which the fluctuation speed gradually increases, then fluctuates at a constant high speed, and finally the speed gradually decreases.

When a display control command instructing stop of all symbols is received from the main board 31, the middle symbol stops,
The left and right middle symbols are fixed. Until the middle symbol stops, the left and right symbols may be made to swing and fluctuate.

FIG. 20B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern of the reach 2. Even in the variation pattern shown in FIG. 20B, the left and right symbols stop after the variation by the patterns a, b, and c is performed. At this time, the left and right symbols stop at the same symbol. Then, a reach operation in which the middle symbol fluctuates in a predetermined pattern is performed for 15 seconds. When a display control command instructing stop of all symbols is received from the main board 31, the middle symbol stops and the left and right middle symbols are fixed. Until the middle symbol stops, the left and right symbols may be made to swing and fluctuate.

It is assumed that the period from the start of the symbol change to the determination of the reach is the same for the reach 1 and the reach 2.

FIG. 21A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern of reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-change short period). In this example, when the reach operation by the reach 1 shown in FIG. 20A is completed and the right and left temporarily stopped symbols are determined, the left and right middle symbols are temporarily stopped. The symbols fluctuate frame-by-frame (pattern d). Then, when a display control command instructing to stop all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the left and right middle symbols are stopped and the left and right middle symbols are fixed. In the temporary stop state, the left and right middle symbols are in a swing fluctuation state.

Note that the temporary stop period and the second
The re-lottery operation period (period of the entire re-variation) including the re-variation period according to the embodiment is constant. In this example, it is 5 seconds. That is, as will be described later, the number of symbols to be sent in the re-variation period (the number of symbols to be sent = the number of symbols to be shifted) is variable. By being adjusted, the re-lottery operation period is always 5 seconds.

FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern of reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-change long period). In this example, when the reach operation by the reach 1 is completed and the left and right temporarily stopped symbols are determined, the left and right middle symbols are temporarily stopped, but after a predetermined period of time, the right and left middle symbols fluctuate frame-by-frame. Then, when a display control command instructing to stop all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the left and right middle symbols are stopped and the left and right middle symbols are fixed. In the temporary stop state, the left and right middle symbols are in a swing fluctuation state. The re-lottery period is 10 seconds in this example. Further, since the number of sending frames in the re-change period is variable, the re-change period is a period corresponding to the number of sending frames.

FIG. 22A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern of reach 2 (reach operation period long term: re-change short term). In this example, when the reach operation by the reach 2 shown in FIG. 20B is completed and the right and left temporarily stopped symbols are determined, the left and right middle symbols are temporarily stopped, but after a predetermined period of time, the left and right middle symbols are temporarily stopped. The symbols fluctuate frame-by-frame. Then, when a display control command instructing to stop all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the left and right middle symbols are stopped and the left and right middle symbols are fixed. In the temporary stop state, the left and right middle symbols are in a swing fluctuation state. The re-lottery period is 5 seconds in this example.

FIG. 22B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern of reach 2 (reach operation period long term: re-change long term). In this example, when the reach operation by the reach 2 is completed and the right and left temporarily stopped symbols are determined, the left and right middle symbols are temporarily stopped, but after a predetermined period of time, the right and left middle symbols fluctuate frame-by-frame. Then, when a display control command instructing to stop all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the left and right middle symbols are stopped and the left and right middle symbols are fixed. In the temporary stop state, the left and right middle symbols are in a swing fluctuation state. The re-lottery period is 10 seconds in this example.

In this embodiment, when the reach 1 or the reach 2 is instructed by the display control command from the game control means, the display control means changes the symbol in a predetermined variation mode as the reach 1 or the reach 2. Display. Furthermore, when a short-term re-lottery operation is instructed by the display control command, a 5-second re-lottery operation is realized, and when a long-term re-lottery operation is instructed, a 10-second re-lottery operation is performed. A lottery operation is realized. Although the re-fluctuation period in the re-lottery operation period is variable, the re-lottery operation period is always maintained at 5 seconds or 10 seconds. Therefore,
Even if the return period is variable, the overall change period is
It is constant for each of the 5-second re-lottery operation period and the 10-second re-lottery operation period. Therefore, the variable display including the re-lottery operation of various patterns is realized only by the game control means sending out the predetermined display control command.

As is clear from the above description,
In this embodiment, the game control means does not separately notify the display control means of reach 1 or reach 2, the presence or absence of the re-lottery operation, and the period of the re-lottery operation. Reach type, presence / absence of re-lottery operation, and re-lottery operation period,
The game control means notifies the display control means with one display control command.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for describing control for making the re-lottery operation period constant regardless of the length of the re-change period. Here, a case where the reach operation is performed for a long time (15 seconds in this example) will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 23A, if the number of frames to be sent in the re-change period is 1 to 6, a short-term (5 seconds in this example) re-lottery period is set. In other words, when the display control means is notified of the short-term re-lottery operation from the game control means, the display control means determines the number of feed frames in the re-change period to one of 1 to 6.
Further, the temporary stop period is determined according to the determined number of sending frames. FIG. 23A illustrates the case where the number of frames to be sent is 3 and the case where the number of frames to send is 6.

As shown in FIG. 23B, when the number of frames to be sent in the re-change period is 7 to 12, a long-term (10 seconds in this example) re-lottery period is set. In other words,
When the display control means is notified of the long-term re-lottery operation from the game control means, the display control means sets the number of sending frames in the re-change period to 7 to
12 is determined. Further, the temporary stop period is determined according to the determined number of sending frames. Note that FIG.
(B) illustrates a case where the number of frames to be sent is 7 and a case where the number of frames to be sent is 12.

FIG. 23 illustrates the case where the reach operation is performed for a long period of time. However, even when the reach operation is performed for a short period (10 seconds in this example), the re-lottery operation period is kept constant. Is performed in the same manner as when a long-term reach operation is performed.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a variable display example of a symbol accompanied by a re-lottery operation period. As shown in FIG. 24, after the reach operation is performed, the symbols in the left and right display a temporary stop symbol (in this example, “4”, “4”, “4”) and enter a temporary stop state. However, when the temporary stop period elapses, the middle left and right symbols change again by frame advance and stop at the fixed symbol.

In this embodiment, the re-variation is performed in such a manner that the middle left and right symbols are fed frame by frame, but it may be performed by high-speed constant-speed fluctuation or other modes.

Further, in this embodiment, the display control means sets the temporary stop symbol to, for example, a big hit symbol, but the left and right middle symbols which are predetermined in advance as a symbol unique to start the re-lottery operation. It may be a combination.

Furthermore, the display control means may display a character for notifying the re-lottery operation on the variable display unit 9 at the time of the re-lottery operation. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the re-lottery operation period and the character display period for notifying the re-lottery operation. In the example shown in FIG. 25A, the display period of the character for notifying the re-lottery operation is the same as the temporary stop period. In the example shown in FIG. 25B, the character display period for notifying the re-lottery operation is the same as the re-lottery operation period.

In any case, since the re-lottery operation is notified by the movement of the character peculiar to the re-lottery operation, the player can easily recognize that the re-lottery operation is being performed. Also, depending on the result of the re-lottery operation, for example, if a display mode is included such that the temporary stop symbol, which is a non-probable variable jackpot symbol, changes to a confirmed symbol, which is a probable symbol, the non-probable variable symbol is produced by the effect of the movement of the character. Can be made to feel as if the player has changed to a positively changing design.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an image display example in a fluctuation pattern including a re-lottery operation accompanied by an effect by a character. As shown in FIG. 26, after the middle left and right symbols fluctuate (see (a)), the left and right symbols stop at the same symbol and reach is established (see (b)). Thereafter, the reach operation of the reach 1 or the reach 2 is performed, the middle symbol is stopped, and the big hit is determined (see timing B: (c)).

The middle left and right symbols are temporarily stopped (temporary stop).
I do. Also, under the control of the display control means, the middle left and right symbols are displayed small at the edges of the screen in a swinging fluctuation state (see (d)). In addition, the display control means performs a game effect by displaying the character in motion using a large part of the screen. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the final stop symbol is a probable symbol (“7, 7, 7” in this example),
If the temporary stop symbol (temporary stop symbol) is a non-probable variable jackpot symbol ("4, 4, 4" in this example), whether the non-probable variable symbol has changed to a probable symbol by the effect of the movement of the character. Can be made to feel like a player.

When a character is displayed even during the re-fluctuation period (when the character movement period B is used), the middle left and right symbols re-flucterate while being displayed at the edge of the screen. Further, the display control means may perform a game effect in the re-lottery operation period by controlling the display of the background, or by controlling the background and the character.

Then, when a predetermined timing comes,
The middle left and right symbols are changed, for example, by frame feed (see (e)) and stopped at the fixed symbol (see (f)). The left and right fixed symbols are symbols notified from the CPU 56 of the main board 31. However, the temporary stop symbol illustrated in FIG. 26 (c) is determined by the display control means.

That is, the display control means determines a temporary stop symbol using a random number or the like. Further, the display control means determines the length of the re-change period and the temporary stop period. That is,
The re-fluctuation time is calculated from the number of feed frames and the feed speed during the re-fluctuation period, and the re-fluctuation period is subtracted from the re-lottery operation period to determine the temporary stop period. By such control, even if the length of the re-lottery operation period is one, if there are six types of the number of sending frames, substantially six types of re-lottery operation patterns are realized.

However, the display control command handled by the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is only one type. That is,
Even if the number of fluctuation patterns actually used is increased, the number of display control commands does not increase, and the load on the CPU 56 of the main board 31, that is, the game control means does not increase. If the game control means is configured to notify the display control means up to the length of the re-fluctuation period or the temporary stop period, six types of display control commands are required in this example, and the load on the game control means increases accordingly. Would.

Further, even if the length of the re-fluctuation period or the temporary suspension period is different, the fluctuation period does not change for each of reach 1 and 2. For each of reach 1 and 2,
Since the lengths of the fluctuation periods are the same, even when the game control means instructs the display control means to the reach mode with the re-change, it is possible to easily identify the timing of determining all symbols.

In this embodiment, different display control commands are used for the case where the re-lottery is performed and the case where the re-lottery is not performed. And a display control command of "re-lottery operation long period". That is, the game control means, when it is desired to realize a change including a re-lottery,
The display control commands for Reach 1 and Reach 2 and the display control command for the re-lottery operation are continuously transmitted. Even in such a case, if the display control means determines the temporary stop symbol and the re-change period, the number of commands can be reduced.

Hereinafter, the operation of the game control means and the display control means for realizing the symbol fluctuation with the above-mentioned re-lottery operation period kept constant will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the all symbol variation start process (step S304) in the special symbol process process shown in FIG. When the reach mode and the stop symbol are determined in the stop symbol setting process and the reach operation setting process in steps S302 and S303, transmission control of a display control command for designating the reach mode and the stop symbol is performed.
The PU 56 first waits for the completion of the transmission of the command (Step S304a). The command transmission completion is notified from the display control data output process (step S5) during the main process (see FIG. 6).

In this embodiment, when the CPU 56 starts changing the symbol, the commands [80 (H), 01 (H)] to [80 (H), 08] shown in FIG.
(H)] to the display control board 80. Subsequently, a display control command indicating the determined left and right middle stop symbols (fixed symbols) is sent to the display control board 80. Therefore, in the command transmission completion processing of step S304a, it is confirmed whether or not transmission of all these commands has been completed. Note that the CPU 56 sends a display control command indicating a left and right middle stop symbol, and then executes commands [80 (H), 01 (H)] to [80 (H), 08].
(H)].

When the transmission of the display control command is completed, C
The PU 56 starts a fluctuation time timer for measuring the fluctuation time notified to the display control board 80 (Step S304b). A time corresponding to the fluctuation period of the reach mode to be used is set in the fluctuation time timer. Then, the special symbol process flag is updated so as to proceed to step S305 (step S304c).

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the wait for all symbols stop process in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 11 (step S30).
It is a flowchart which shows 5). In step S305, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the variable time timer has expired (step S305a). When the time is up, a display control command instructing to stop all symbols is set (step S305b). Then, a display control command data transmission request is set (step S305c),
The special symbol process flag is updated so as to proceed to step S306 (step S305d). The display control command data transmission request is referred to in the display control data setting process (step S3) in the main process (see FIG. 6).

As described above, in the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 displays the information for specifying the variation mode at the start of the variation and the information for designating the stop symbol on the display control board 8.
Send to 0. Then, when the time of the fluctuation time timer expires, that is, when the time corresponding to the instructed fluctuation mode ends, the information for instructing the stop of the fluctuation of all the symbols (determination) is transmitted to the display control board 80. During that time, the CPU 56 does not send a display control command to the display control board 80. Therefore, the load required for the display control of the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is greatly reduced.

FIG. 29 shows a display control data setting process (FIG. 6).
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of step S4) in the main processing shown in FIG. In the display control data setting process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the data sending flag is set (step S41).
1). If not set, it is confirmed whether or not the transmission request flag of the display control command data is set (step S412). If the transmission request flag has been set, the transmission request flag is reset (step S4).
13). The display control command data to be transmitted is set in the output data storage area (step S41).
4), a port output request is set (step S41)
6). The transmission request flag of the display control command data is set in the special symbol process. The data sending flag is set in a display control data output process described later.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the display control data output process (step S5) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control data output process, the CPU 56 determines whether a port output request has been set (step S421). If the port output request has been set, the port output request is reset (step S422), and the contents of the port storage area (the first byte of the display control command) are output to the output port 571 (step S423). Then, the port output counter is incremented by one (step S424). In addition, INT
The signal is set to low level (ON state) (step S42).
5), turning on the data sending flag (step S42)
6).

If the port output request has not been set, it is determined whether the value of the port output counter is 0 (step S431). Port output counter value is 0
If not, it is checked whether the value of the port output counter is 1 (step S432). If the value of the port output counter is 1, the INT signal is turned off (= 1) because it is the INT signal off timing for the first byte of the display control command (step S43).
3). Further, the value of the port output counter is increased by 1 (step S434).

If the value of the port output counter is 2 (step S435), the output timing of the second byte of the display control command has come, so the contents of the port storage area (the second byte of the display control command) Is output to the output port 571 (step S436). Then, the port output counter is incremented by 1 (step S437). Further, the INT signal is set to low level (step S43).
8).

When the value of the port output counter is not 2, that is, when it is 3, the INT signal off timing for the second byte of the display control command is reached, and the value of the port output counter is cleared. At the same time (step S441), the INT signal is turned off (high level) (step S442). Further, the data sending flag is turned off (step S443).

In this embodiment, the display control data output process shown in FIG. 30 is executed once every 2 ms. Therefore, the data output process shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), one byte of data is output every 2 ms.

Next, the operation of the display control CPU 101 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the display control CPU 101. In the main processing, the display control CPU 101 first initializes the RAM, the I / O port, the VDP 103, and the like (step S70).
1). Then, display control is performed so that a demonstration screen appears on the variable display unit 9 (step S70).
2). Thereafter, the display random number updating process (the update process of the counter for generating the display random number) is repeatedly executed (step S703). As a display random number handled by the display control CPU 101, for example, there is a random number for determining the number of frames to be sent during the re-change period.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the random number value for determining the number of frames to be transmitted during the re-change period and the number of frames to be transmitted. In this example, the random number takes a value in the range of 0 to 38, and the number of frames to be sent is determined according to the random number as illustrated in FIG.

In this embodiment, actual fluctuation control and the like are performed by a timer interrupt process. Timer interrupt is
For example, it occurs every 2 ms. As shown in FIG. 33, in the timer interrupt process, the display control CPU 101 executes a display control process process (step S711). In the display control process, a display control process according to the value of the display control process flag is performed.

The display control command from the main board 31 is I
It is received by the display control CPU 101 by the RQ2 interrupt. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the IRQ2 interrupt processing of the display control CPU 101. In the IRQ2 interrupt processing, the display control CPU 101 first checks whether the data receiving flag is set (step S601). If not set, this interrupt is an interrupt caused by the transmission of the first byte of display control data in the display control command data. Therefore, the pointer is cleared (step S602), and the data receiving flag is set (step S603). Then, control goes to a step S604. The pointer is the display control CPU 1
01 indicates in which byte in the display control command data storage area of the built-in RAM the received data is to be stored.

If the data receiving flag is set, the strobe signal is turned off (step S60).
4), the display control CPU 101 inputs data from the input port, and stores the input data at the address indicated by the pointer in the display control command data storage area (step S605).

The display control CPU 101 increments the value of the pointer by one (step S606). When the value of the pointer becomes 2 (step S60)
7) Since the reception of the display control command data composed of 2 bytes has been completed, the data reception completion flag is set and the data reception flag is reset (steps S608 and S609). With the above processing, the display control data CMD1 and CMD2 are received by the display control board 80.

FIG. 35 shows the display control process in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 33 (step S711).
It is a flowchart which shows. In the display control process, step S7 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag.
Any one of the processes from 20 to S870 is performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Display control command reception wait processing (step S720): It is confirmed whether or not a display control command capable of specifying a variable period has been received by the IRQ2 interrupt processing.

Reach operation setting processing (step S75)
0): When performing the re-lottery operation, the length of the re-change period and the length of the temporary stop period are determined.

All symbol variation start processing (step S78)
0): Control is performed so that the change of the middle left and right symbols is started.

Symbol change processing (step S810): The switching timing of each change state (change speed, background, character) constituting the change pattern is controlled, and the end of the change time is monitored. In addition, stop control and re-lottery control of the left and right symbols are performed.

All symbols stop wait setting processing (step S84)
0): At the end of the fluctuation time, if a display control command instructing to stop all the symbols has been received, the control of stopping the fluctuation of the symbols and displaying the final stopped symbol (fixed symbol) is performed.

Big hit processing (step S870): After the end of the fluctuation time, a big hit is displayed. Also, during the big hit game, the number of rounds is displayed according to the display control command from the main board 31.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the display control command reception waiting process (step S720). In the display control command reception waiting process, the display control CP
U101 first confirms whether or not a display control command capable of specifying a fluctuation period has been received (step S721).
The display control commands capable of specifying the fluctuation period include the commands [80 (H), 01 (H)] to [80] shown in FIG.
(H), 08 (H)]. When a display control command capable of specifying the fluctuation period is received, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the reach operation setting process (step S750) (step S72).
2).

The display control command transmitted first from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 is a command for indicating a fluctuation period and a command for designating a stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols. It is stored in the storage area (see step S605 in FIG. 34).

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the reach operation setting process (step S750). In the reach operation setting process, first, the display control CPU 101 determines whether or not a display control command that can specify a fluctuation period does not reach reach (step S751).
Specifically, if command A0 or A2 has been received, it is incorrect.

If so, it is checked whether or not the left and right stop symbols notified from the main board 31 are different (step S752). If they match, the right stop symbol is assumed to be shifted by one symbol (step S753). Then, the left and right stopped symbols are stored in a predetermined storage area (step S754). The monitoring timer is set to 7.9 seconds (step S755). 7.9
The second is a value having a margin with respect to the variation time of 7.8 seconds at the time of loss, and a predetermined process is performed when a command designating stop of all symbols cannot be received before the monitoring timer times out. .

If it is determined in step S751 that there is no disconnection, that is, if the command [80 (H), 03
(H)] to [80 (H), 08 (H)], it is checked whether the left and right stop symbols are the same (step S756). If they are different, the right stop symbol is made the same as the left stop symbol (step S75).
7). Then, the left and right stopped symbols (fixed symbols) are stored in a predetermined storage area (step S754). Further, the display control CPU 101 sets the command [80 (H), 03
(H)] to a value obtained by adding 0.1 seconds to the fluctuation time according to [80 (H), 08 (H)] is set in the monitoring timer (step S759).

If the main board 31 has been notified of the change mode with the re-lottery, that is, the command [80]
(H), 04 (H)], [80 (H), 05 (H)]
[80 (H), 07 (H)] or [80 (H), 08
(H)] (step S760), the number of frames to be transmitted in the re-change period is determined based on, for example, the relationship shown in FIG. 32 (step S761). Further, the length of the re-change period is determined from the number of frames to be sent, and the length of the re-change period is subtracted from the re-lottery period notified by the display control command to determine the length of the temporary stop period (step S762). ). When the number of frames to be sent is determined, a temporary stop symbol is also determined according to the fixed symbol in the left and right and the number of frames to be sent.

Next, the display control CPU 101 determines to use a process table corresponding to the finally determined variation pattern (step S763). In each process table, each variation state (variation speed, variation period at that speed, and the like) in the variation pattern is set. Each process table is set in the ROM. Then, the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to the all symbol variation start process (step S78).
0) (step S764).

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the process table. In each process table corresponding to each variation pattern, design variation data such as a variation speed, a variation period at that speed, a background, and a character switching timing are set in a time series. Also, a process timer value for determining a fluctuation period at a certain speed is set. Each process table is composed of a plurality of process data in units of three bytes. Two bytes out of three bytes are used as a process timer value and one byte is used as symbol variation data. If all the symbol variation data cannot be represented by one byte, the size of the process table is set to, for example, 4 bytes.

The display control CPU 101 can know that some display state has to be changed by the expiration of the process timer. The display state to be changed can be known from the set value of the third byte of the next process data in the process table.

As an example, FIG. 39 shows an example of the configuration of a process table when the variation pattern shown in FIG. 21A is used. The display control CPU 101 controls the V103DP so that the left and right middle symbols are changed at a low speed at the start of the symbol change. Then, the timer is started with the process timer value set at the beginning ((1)) of the process table. When the timer expires, the control state of the VDP 103 is changed with the control content set in the symbol variation data of (1),
The timer is started with the process timer value of (2).
When the timer expires, the control state of the VDP 103 is changed according to the control contents set in the symbol variation data of (2), and the timer is started with the process timer value of (3).

When the timer times out,
With the control content set in the symbol variation data of (3), V
The control state of the DP 103 is changed, and the timer is started with the process timer value of (4). At this stage, the left and right middle symbols have the fluctuation speed increased one step in the fluctuation mode of the pattern a.

Thereafter, when the timer expires, the control state is changed based on the symbol variation data, and the timer is started using the next process timer value in the process table. Therefore, after all the symbols in the left and right have entered the high-speed fluctuation state by the pattern b ((9)
After 4.2 seconds have elapsed, the control state is changed so that the left symbol fluctuates at a medium speed in order to make the left symbol fluctuate according to pattern c (corresponding to (10)). ).

When the process timer of (11) to (13) times out, the reach is determined. Thereafter, the process timers corresponding to the respective fluctuation patterns during the reach operation are sequentially started (omitted in FIG. 39), and when the process timer of (14) times out, the big hit is determined and the temporary stop symbols in the left and right are stopped and displayed. You. In addition, the display of the character that moves in the variable display unit 9 during the re-lottery operation is started. Specifically, information indicating a display character is given to the VDP 103. After that, the VDP 103 displays the character in the variable display unit 9 based on a predetermined exercise pattern.

Further, a process timer for setting a temporary stop period of the middle left and right symbols is started (corresponding to (15)). When the process timer times out, a process timer for setting a re-change period is started. (Corresponding to (16)). When the process timer times out, the display control CPU 101 performs control to finally stop the left and right middle symbols. In the example shown in FIG. 39, the re-lottery operation period is 5 seconds, and the re-change period is 1
This is an example in the case of seconds.

The process table further includes a background and a character switching timing. However, in FIG. 39, data other than data relating to the character during the re-lottery operation period is omitted.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the whole symbol change start process (step S780). In the all symbol variation start processing, the display control CPU 101 starts the timer with the process timer value set first in the process table determined to be used (step S781). Further, based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte, the symbol variation control and the background and character display control are started (step S78).
2). Then, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the symbol change process (step S810) (step S783).

FIG. 41 shows a process during symbol change (step S8).
It is a flowchart which shows 10). In the symbol change processing, the display control CPU 101 checks whether the process timer has timed out (step S81).
1). If the process timer has timed out, the pointer indicating the data in the process table is incremented by +3 (step S812). Then, it is determined whether or not the data in the area pointed to by the pointer is an end code (step S).
813). If it is not the end code, the symbol variation control and the background and character display control are changed based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte of the process data indicated by the pointer (step S81).
4) Start the timer with the process timer value set in the first and second bytes (step S815).

If it is an end code in step S813, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process (step S840) (step S816).

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (step S840). In the all symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not a display control command instructing to stop all symbols has been received (step S841). If the display control command instructing the stop of all the symbols has been received, the control to stop the symbols with the stored stop symbols is performed (step S84).
2). Then, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the big hit processing (step S870) (step S843).

If the display control command for designating the stop of all symbols has not been received, it is checked whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S844). If a timeout has occurred, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display unit 9 (step S845).

As described above, in this embodiment, the information on the game control means, that is, the C of the main board 31 is displayed on the variable display section 9 in such a manner that the variation of the symbol variably displayed and the information for specifying the stop symbol can be specified.
It is sent from the PU 56 to the display control means, and the display control means
It controls the display and display switching of the background and the character irrespective of the pattern variation. Therefore, the number of display control commands sent from the game control means to the display control means for one symbol change is reduced.

Then, the game control means gives a display control command indicating stop of all symbols to the display control means at the end of the fluctuation period, and the display control means determines the symbol by the display control command indicating stop of all symbols. Therefore, the design is
It is definitely determined at the timing managed by the game control means.
As in this embodiment, the game control means transmits information that can specify the change time and information about the stop symbol at the time related to the start of the change of the symbol, and then the display control means determines the change pattern independently. In the case of performing symbol replacement control or the like, a substantial part of the display control is executed by the display control means.

In this case, since the game control means cannot recognize a specific change pattern, if no countermeasures are taken, there is a possibility that the change is performed with a shift time different from the change time determined by the game control means. However, if the game control means is configured to give a display control command indicating all symbols stop to the display control means at the end of the fluctuation period, the symbols are definitely determined at the end of the fluctuation time determined by the game control means. . If an error display is performed when a display control command instructing stop of all symbols cannot be received, it is immediately recognized that an abnormality has occurred.

Further, in this embodiment, two types of patterns (5 seconds and 10 seconds) are exemplified as the re-lottery operation.
Each of the re-lottery operations includes a temporary suspension period (a first mode that is not related to the change of the symbol) and a re-change period (a second mode that is related to the change of the symbol). In addition, an effect by a character or the like is executed during the temporary stop period or during the temporary stop period and the re-change period. When instructed to perform any of the re-lottery operations, the display controller independently determines the number of frames to be sent in the re-change period. That is, the length of the re-change period is determined. Then, the length of the temporary stop period is determined according to the length of the re-change period so as to keep the re-lottery operation period at 5 seconds or 10 seconds. In other words, no matter how many frames are sent, the length of the re-lottery operation period is 5 seconds or 1
It is kept at a fixed time of 0 seconds. Therefore, the fluctuation period from the start of the fluctuation of the symbol to the determination is constant irrespective of the number of sending frames in the re-variation period.

That is, the game control means only needs to handle the number of display control commands according to the type of the reach mode.
Even if there are many types of re-lottery operation patterns, the control load on the variable display of the game control means does not increase.

Also, in this embodiment, FIG.
22 shows the length from the start of the fluctuation of reach 1 (short period of the reach operation period: long period of the re-lottery operation) to the determination of reach 1 shown in FIG.
The length of the reach 2 (the long reach operation period: short re-lottery operation period) shown in FIG. The length of the former is [change start-reach reach] +
[Reach operation period 10 seconds] + [Re-lottery operation period 10 seconds]
And the length of the latter is [variation start to reach confirmation] +
[Reach operation period 15 seconds] + [re-lottery operation period 5 seconds]. In this embodiment, [start of fluctuation to reach determination]
Are the same in any of the variation patterns, the former length matches the latter length.

As described above, since a plurality of variation patterns having different lengths of the re-lottery operation period (entire re-variation period) but the same variation time from the start of the variation to the determination are prepared, the display control command Of display effects can be increased while reducing the number of types.

Further, as shown in FIG. 26, in the re-lottery operation period, there is provided a temporary stop period in which the fluctuation of symbols is temporarily stopped, and during that period, or during that period and during the re-change period, display control is performed. CPU 101 and VDP
The reference numeral 103 reduces the display area of the middle left and right symbols in the variable display section 9 and moves it to the end of the variable display section 9. Then, in such a manner that the character is displayed in motion or the background is changed in a wide area of the variable display unit 9. Therefore, even if the re-change during the re-lottery period is, for example, a simple high-speed constant speed, the player has a greater sense of expectation due to the change in the character and the background. At this time, the middle left and right symbols are displayed small, so that the effect by the character and the background is not hindered. In addition, since there are other types of the length of the effect period due to the character and the background, the player has a further sense of expectation due to the presence of various effect time lengths.

In this embodiment, the middle left and right symbols are temporarily stopped before the start of the re-change in the re-lottery operation period, but may be changed at a high speed, for example, during that period. Even if such control is performed, the design does not hinder the effect of the re-lottery operation due to the change of the character or the background.

In the case where the left and right symbols are rapidly changed during the re-change period, the symbols are finally stopped immediately after the period elapses, so that the symbol variable display control during the re-lottery period is easy.

In the above embodiment, the number of basic fluctuation patterns is equal to the number of display control commands. In other words, the order of appearance of the respective fluctuation states (variation speeds) constituting a certain fluctuation pattern is the same although the duration of the fluctuation state may be different. For example, in the reach 1 (reach operation period short period: re-change operation period short period), the temporary stop period and the re-change period are variable according to the number of sending frames.
The order of appearance of the respective fluctuation states constituting the fluctuation pattern does not change. Therefore, each display control command capable of specifying the fluctuation time has one-to-one correspondence with each basic fluctuation pattern.

However, the types of the basic variation patterns can be made larger than the types of the display control commands. In this case, a plurality of variation patterns are prepared for a display control command capable of specifying one variation time, and when the display control command receives the display control command capable of specifying the variation time, one of the variation patterns is determined. Is to be used. For example, a plurality of variations in the reach operation period are prepared, and the display control unit determines which variation is to be used in the reach operation period.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of random numbers used in the second embodiment in which the display control means determines the variation mode during the reach operation period. In this case, the display control means uses the reach random numbers 1 and 2, and
As shown in (A), the fluctuation mode of the reach operation period is determined using the reach random number 1. "Normal" means, for example,
FIG. 2 in the above embodiment (first embodiment)
This is a reach operation pattern as shown in FIG.
Note that the relationship between the reach random number 2 and the number of frames to be sent shown in FIG. 43B is the same as the relationship shown in FIG. 32 in the above embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the reach operation setting process (step S750) in this embodiment. In this case, when the display control command ([80H, 03H] to [80H, 08H]) indicating the reach is received, the reach random number 1 is extracted, and the fluctuation during the reach operation period is made according to the value of the reach random number 1. The mode is determined (step S770). The determined mode is “normal” or “frame advance”. Then, in step S761,
The number of frames to be sent during the re-change period is determined according to the value of the reach random number 2.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each variation pattern in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 45, in each of Reach 1 and Reach 2 where the fluctuation time is constant, two types of basic fluctuation patterns are realized. Also, when there is a re-drawing operation, 2
A basic variation pattern of the kind is realized. If there is a re-lottery operation, the re-variation period is a variable period, and if the re-variation periods are different, they are different fluctuation patterns. become.

As described above, in the second embodiment, 1
There are a plurality of (two in this example) basic variation patterns for one display control command, and the display control means determines which variation pattern to use. The number of fluctuation patterns can be increased without increasing the number of control commands.

In particular, the re-variation includes at least a first mode in which the symbol is not updated and a second mode relating to the symbol variation, and the period of the second mode is a transition symbol in the period. The display control means, which is determined according to the number, is capable of controlling a plurality of re-variations in which the time from the start of the change of the symbol to the final determination of the symbol is the same and the period of the second mode is different. Since the configuration is such that the number of commands sent to the display control means does not increase even if the pattern variation pattern including re-variation having a state where the symbol is not updated does not increase, the symbol display of the game control means This has the effect of reducing the control load on

In each of the above embodiments, the first aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect constituting the re-variation is in a state in which the symbol is not updated. The design may be changed in the mode. In such a configuration, a symbol displayed at the end of the first mode may not match a desired symbol (a symbol desired to be displayed at the start of the second mode) as it is. However, if the appropriate symbol replacement control of the symbols is performed before the end of the first mode, the symbols displayed at the end of the first mode can be matched with the desired symbols.

Furthermore, in the first mode, if the display control means is configured to independently select the temporary stop state or the symbol change state, the number of display control commands can be increased without increasing the number of display control commands. The number of fluctuation patterns can be further increased.

[0184]

According to the present invention, the gaming machine can be changed
At least the first mode and the second mode are included, and the period of the second mode is determined according to the number of transition symbols in the period, and the display control means finally determines the symbol from the start of the symbol change. The number of commands sent to the display control means even when the pattern of symbol fluctuation is increased is configured so that a plurality of re-fluctuations having the same time until the same and different periods in the second mode can be controlled. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the burden of control on symbol display of the game control means.

If the display control means is configured to adjust the time required for the first mode in accordance with the time required for the second mode and to keep the period of the re-variation constant, Even if the number of patterns increases, the number of commands sent to the display control means does not increase, and the burden of control on symbol display of the game control means can be reduced.

In the case where the first mode includes a display effect of changing a character or a background image, a change in the character or the background can give the player a great sense of expectation.

[0187] If the symbol variation mode includes a plurality of variation modes in which the re-variation period is different but the variation period from the start to the change is the same, the symbol variation period is the same. Even so, since a plurality of fluctuation modes having different re-change periods are presented to the player, a game effect by the re-change without causing the player to get bored can be performed.

When each variation of the symbol corresponds to each piece of information which can specify the variation period of the symbol from the game control means, the number of basic variations and the number of commands from the game control means are determined. And display control in the gaming machine can be simply configured.

When there are a plurality of symbol variation modes corresponding to one piece of information that can specify the symbol variation period from the game control unit, the number of commands from the game control unit can be increased even if the types of the variation modes are increased. Can be prevented from increasing.

In the first mode, when the display control means is configured to maintain the symbol temporary stop state, the display effect can be made easier for the player to see, and the effect by the character or the background can be performed. The effect is that they will not be disturbed when performed.

When the display control means is configured to reduce the size of the symbol in the first mode, the effect of the character or the background is hindered by the symbol even when the effect of the character or the background is performed. Never.

In the first mode, even when the display control means is configured to reduce the size of the symbol, when the effect is performed by the character or the background, the effect by the character or the background is obstructed by the design. Never.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on a main board.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a display control board.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing of the basic circuit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining that a hit ball has won a winning winning opening.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a stop symbol for variable display and a process of determining a reach type.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a left and right middle symbol displayed on the variable display section.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command capable of specifying a variable display mode of a symbol and a display control command instructing stop of all symbols.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command for a left symbol stop symbol.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command for a stop symbol of a middle symbol.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command of a right symbol stop symbol.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing display control command data transmitted from the main board to the display control board.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of transmission timing of display control command data.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing an example of a change of a symbol at the time of a non-reach out of position.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing an example of a symbol change at the time of reach 1 and reach 2 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing an example of symbol fluctuation when there is a re-lottery operation in Reach 1.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing an example of symbol fluctuation when there is a re-lottery operation in Reach 2.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for describing control for making the re-lottery operation period constant.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a re-lottery operation.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a re-lottery operation period and a character display period for notifying the re-lottery operation.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a re-lottery operation.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an all symbol change start process in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of display control data setting processing.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing display control data output processing.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing main processing of a display control CPU.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between the number of frames to be sent and a random number for determining the number of frames to be sent.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the display control CPU.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an IRQ2 interrupt process of the display control CPU.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a display control process.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a display control command reception waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a reach operation setting process of a display control process process.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control process table.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display control process table.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an entire symbol change start process of the display control process process.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a symbol change process of the display control process process.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a display control process process of all symbols stop waiting process.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between reach random numbers 1 and 2 and a variation mode and the number of frames to be sent;

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of symbol variation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a reach operation setting process of a display control process according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Variable display unit 31 Game control board (main board) 53 Basic circuit 56 CPU 80 Display control board 101 Display control CPU 103 VDP

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A variable display unit having a plurality of display areas whose display states are changeable, wherein a symbol displayed in the display area is started to change according to a condition for starting the change, and a display result of the symbol is displayed. Is a gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when a predetermined specific display mode is set, a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and a display control of the variable display section. Display control means, the game control means, a specific display mode determining means for determining whether or not a specific display mode, a display content determining means for determining the display content of the variable display section, display content determination A command output unit that can output at least information that can specify a fluctuation period of the symbol and information that can specify a stop symbol based on the determination of the means; and a specific display mode is displayed in the fluctuation mode of the symbol. If Includes a re-variation capable of displaying a temporary stop symbol different from the final stop symbol and thereafter displaying a final stop symbol, wherein the re-variation includes at least a first aspect and a second aspect, The period of the second aspect is determined in accordance with the number of transition symbols in the period, and the display control means determines that the time period from the start of the symbol change to the final determination of the symbol is the same. A gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to control a plurality of re-variations having different periods according to the aspect. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means adjusts the time required for the first mode in accordance with the time required for the second mode to keep the period of re-variation constant. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first mode includes a display effect for changing a character or a background image. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the symbol change mode includes a plurality of modes in which the re-change period is different but the change period from the start of the change to the determination is the same. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein each variation of the symbol corresponds to respective information from the game control means that can specify a symbol variation period. 6. There is a plurality of symbol fluctuation modes corresponding to one piece of information that can specify a symbol fluctuation period from the game control means, and the display control means receives information that can specify the symbol fluctuation period. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein one variation mode is selected from a plurality of variation modes. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means maintains the symbol in a temporary stop state in the first mode. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means reduces the size of the symbol in the first mode. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the display control means displays the symbol at an end of the variable display section in the first mode.