JP2001204920A - Game machine and display control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To naturally perform fade-in and fade-out of patterns or the like without any need for a large-scale hardware. SOLUTION: In step S1510, a CPU, not shown in the figure, makes the color of displayed patterns or characters gradually similar to the color of a background to cause the color of patterns or characters to fade out from a display area. Further, in step 1520, the displayed color of patterns or characters, not shown in a display area, is made gradually different from that of the background to the patterns of characters fade in the display area. Thus, patterns can fade in or fade out without using a complicated hardware.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display control technique for a game machine, and more particularly to an improvement in a display control technique when identification information or the like disappears or appears.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional display control technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-51980, a symbol displayed on a display device such as an LCD is used in order to make a symbol appear or disappear. By gradually increasing the luminance or gradually decreasing the luminance, a symbol not displayed in the display area gradually appears in the display area (fade-in), or the display area. Has been gradually disappeared (fade out) from within the display area, and display control of the appearance and disappearance of a novel symbol has been performed.

However, there has been a problem that large-scale hardware for changing the luminance is required in order for the symbol to appear or disappear by the luminance adjustment. In addition, when the luminance is changed by changing the magnitude of the voltage applied to the display device, the hardware for performing the continuous voltage change is particularly complicated, and the voltage change is performed stepwise using a microcomputer or the like. , The appearance or disappearance is unnaturally felt.

The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and does not require large-scale hardware, and makes appearance and disappearance (fade-in / fade-out) of a pattern or the like unnatural. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine and a display control method for the gaming machine.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information. And a display control means for gradually bringing the display color of the identification information set closer to the background color and causing the identification information to disappear from the display area.

In the invention according to the first aspect, the display control means gradually brings the display color of the displayed identification information closer to the background color and erases the identification information from the display area. It is possible to eliminate the identification information (fade out) without making the wear unnecessary and making the unnatural feeling.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the display control means further comprises:
It is a means for gradually changing the display color of the identification information not displayed in the display area from the background color and causing the identification information to appear in the display area.

In the invention according to claim 2, the display control means gradually changes the display color of the identification information not displayed in the display area from the background color, and causes the identification information to appear in the display area. Therefore, it is possible to make the identification information appear (fade in) without making complicated hardware unnecessary and without making the user feel unnatural.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a gaming machine provided with a display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information, when a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are aligned and the game machine reaches a reach state, a roll is made. The display color of the final identification information to be determined gradually approaches the background color, the final identification information disappears from the display area, and then the display color of the final identification information not displayed in the display area is changed to the background color. And a display control means for gradually causing the final identification information to appear in the display area.

In the invention according to claim 3, the display control means gradually brings the display color of the final identification information closer to the background color when a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are in the reach state, The identification information disappears from the display area.
Thereafter, the display color of the final identification information not displayed in the display area is gradually changed from the background color, so that the final identification information appears in the display area. Therefore, when you reach the reach state, without feeling unnatural,
The final identification information can disappear (fade out) and appear (fade in), and the player can be notified of the occurrence of the reach state in a novel display mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect, the display control means establishes the reach state when the final identification information disappears from the display area. Also, the identification information that has been displayed gradually disappears from the display area by gradually approaching the display color to the background color, and when the final identification information appears, the identification information that establishes the reach state is also displayed in the display color. Is gradually changed from the background color to appear in the display area.

[0010] In the invention according to claim 4, when the final identification information disappears from the display area, the display control means gradually brings the display color of the identification information that has established the reach state closer to the background color. When the final identification information is caused to disappear from the display area and the final identification information is made to appear, the identification information that establishes the reach state is also made to have a display color gradually different from the background color, and is made to appear in the display area. . Therefore, together with the final identification information, the identification information that establishes the reach state can be made to appear or disappear without feeling unnatural, and the reach notification can be more effectively performed by novel display control. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect, the display control means displays the final identification information in the display area when the final identification information disappears from the display area. The displayed character also gradually approaches the background color to the background color and disappears from the display area, and when the final identification information appears, the character also gradually changes its display color from the background color. And means for appearing in the display area.

In the invention according to claim 5, when the final identification information is erased from the display area, the display control means gradually brings the display color of the character displayed in the display area closer to the background color. When the character disappears from the display area and the final identification information appears, the character also gradually changes its display color from the background color to appear in the display area. Therefore, the character can also appear and disappear together with the final identification information without feeling unnatural, and the reach notification can be more effectively performed by the novel display control.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having a display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information, wherein a symbol displayed in the display area when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The display colors of all display objects such as characters and characters are gradually approached to the background color, all the display objects disappear from the display area, and then all the display objects disappear from the display area. A game machine comprising display control means for gradually changing a display color of an object from the background color and causing the display color to appear in the display area.

[0014] In the invention according to claim 6, the display control means, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, displays the display colors of all displayed objects such as symbols and characters displayed in the display area on the background. By gradually approaching the color, all display objects disappear from the display area, and then the display color of all display objects that disappear from the display area gradually changes from the background color, Make it appear in the area. Therefore, at the time of reach, all displayed objects disappear and appear (fade-out / fade-in) without feeling unnatural, and the game effect can be enhanced.

[0015] The invention according to claim 7 is based on claim 3,
7. In the gaming machine according to any one of 4, 5, and 6, the display control means sets identification information having a large hit as identification information to appear, and causes the identification information to appear in the display area. There is a feature.

In the invention according to the seventh aspect, the display control means causes the identification information having a large hit to appear in the display area, so that the game is performed while fading in without feeling unnatural. People's expectations can be increased.

The invention according to claim 8 is a display control method for a gaming machine having a display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information, wherein the display color of the displayed identification information is gradually changed. And causing the identification information to disappear from the display area, and then gradually changing the display color of the identification information not displayed in the display area to cause the identification information to appear in the display area. This is a display control method for a gaming machine.

In the invention according to claim 8, the display color of the displayed identification information is gradually changed.
When the color of the identification information and the surrounding background become the same (they do not have to be completely the same), the identification information can be erased from the display area without feeling unnatural. Then, since the display color of the identification information not displayed in the display area is gradually changed, it becomes unnatural to make the identification information appear in the display area when the identification information and the surrounding color are different and visible. It can be done without feeling it.

In the above invention, "gradually" has the meaning of including changing in a plurality of stages, and "background color"
May be a single color or a plurality of colors. Further, “disappearing” means that the background color and the display color completely coincide with each other, and also that the background color and the display color are brought close to an indistinguishable degree. Such display control can be realized by recording a display control procedure on a computer-readable recording medium, and reading and executing the display control procedure recorded on the recording medium by a computer. Examples of such a recording medium include a semiconductor recording medium such as a ROM and a semiconductor IC, an optical recording medium such as a DVDROM and a CDROM, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, and a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO.

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

Further, below the special symbol opening 104, a special winning opening 106, a normal symbol display device 108, and an out opening 114 are arranged in this order, and further, both diagonally above the special symbol opening 104. Has a lamp display device 110,
110 is provided, and a lamp display device (more specifically, an LED device) is also provided near both side ends of the game board 10.
112, 112 are provided.

When a game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 104 and a random number lottery is performed, and when the random number selected is a big hit value, at least one random number is displayed in the display area.
The display of a predetermined pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is performed by the special symbol display device 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in the predetermined pattern. It becomes an advantageous big hit gaming state. In addition, when a specific hit among the big hits is obtained, the jackpot has a probability changing function in which the jackpot probability becomes small to large, and the symbol changing time is shortened while the number of times of variable display is a predetermined number of times, for example, 50 times. It has a time reduction function that is advantageous for the player.

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

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

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

The main control unit 200 has an output port 2
15, a special symbol display device 10 having a display area for displaying a special symbol or a character and capable of independently and variably displaying each of the left, middle, and right symbols and realized by an LCD or the like.
0, lamp display devices 110 and 11 for controlling lighting of lamps
2. A sound effect generator 116 for generating a sound effect, for example, 7
Ordinary symbol display device 108 realized by a segment display device, starting port operating solenoid 300 for opening / closing control of opening / closing member 120 for starting port, and special winning opening 106
The large winning opening actuation solenoid 302 for controlling the opening and closing of the wide opening / closing member is connected, and the main control unit 200 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device. The main control unit 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing.
0 is based on the received command, and the CPU in itself performs detailed display control without depending on the main control unit 200.

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the display control command includes "specifying a special symbol and specifying how long after the start of the fluctuation, how long the special symbol (identification information) is stopped." Command for instructing, "Command for specifying the stop symbol on the special symbol left", "Command for specifying the stop symbol in the special symbol", "Command for specifying the stop symbol for the special symbol right", "Special symbol There is a command to stop. These commands are always required no matter how the variation mode of the variable display changes in accordance with the game situation, and the main control unit 200 determines when the game situation is such that the symbol variation display is started. These five commands are transmitted to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing in one variable display control.

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

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

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

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

Next, first, a normal game machine operation performed by the main control unit 200 and the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (a general flowchart of game control) and FIG.
1 will be described, and then, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 23, the characteristic display control of the present invention will be described in an effort to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the main control unit 200, but the reset circuit 213
From the first step with a reset signal supplied every predetermined time (for example, every 4 msec) as a trigger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, in step S1110, RA
Based on the symbol control data set in M1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090, and the symbol display position is set. Then, in step S1112, the symbol speed control is performed. Necessary data is stored in the program ROM1
040, which is obtained from a speed table (not shown) built in, and set in the RAM 1090.
At 114, the symbol offset value is updated based on the speed data, and preparation is made for performing the symbol variation at the set speed.

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

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

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

An embodiment for explaining the features of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of display control according to the present invention. In step S1500, CPU 1020 determines whether or not the vehicle is in the reach state with reference to the transmitted stop symbol information. If it is determined that the vehicle is not in the reach state (No), the process proceeds to step S1530. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is in the reach state (Ye
In s), the flow shifts to step S1510.

In step S1510, the CPU 1
Step 020 executes a fade-out process. CPU10
In step 20, the display color of the displayed pattern, character, or the like gradually approaches the background color and disappears from the display area. For example, when a symbol is to be deleted, a process is performed such that the RGB data of the pixels constituting the symbol gradually become equal to the RGB data of the surrounding background color. Therefore, it is possible to perform the disappearance of a symbol (a fade-out process of gradually disappearing) without making complicated hardware unnecessary and without giving an unnatural feeling.

Next, in step S1520, C
The PU 1020 performs a fade-in process. CPU
Reference numeral 1020 gradually changes the display color and the background color of a design or a character which is not displayed in the display area so as to appear in the display area. For example, when a symbol appears, the R
Processing is performed so that the GB data gradually differs from the surrounding RGB data of the background color. Therefore, it is possible to perform the appearance of a symbol (a gradually appearing fade-in process) without making complex hardware unnecessary and without giving an unnatural feeling. Then, in step S1530, all the rolls appear and stop display is performed.

In this way, the display color of the identification information of the displayed pattern, character, etc. is gradually changed, so that the identification information and the background color around it are the same (they do not have to be completely the same). Then, the identification information can be erased from the display area without feeling unnatural.
Then, since the display color of the identification information not displayed in the display area is gradually changed, it becomes unnatural to make the identification information appear in the display area when the identification information and the surrounding color are different and visible. It can be done without feeling it.

(First Embodiment) This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A shows a symbol display state at the time of reach. The CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on the right symbol at the time of reach (Yes in step S1500) (step S151).
0). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the display color of the right symbol “4” gradually becomes equal to the surrounding background color, and the right symbol gradually becomes unclear and eventually becomes unclear. (See FIG. 16C).

Further, the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on the right symbol (step S1520).
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 16D and 16E, the symbol “5” near the symbol “4”, which has disappeared earlier (close to the symbol display column order), gradually changes to the surrounding background color. It will be different and the right symbol will gradually become clearer. Then, as shown in FIG. 16 (e), the stop display of the appearance is performed.

Therefore, when the two symbols are aligned and reach state, the CPU 1020 gradually brings the display color of the right symbol closer to the background color, causes the right symbol to disappear from the display area, and then causes the display area to disappear. The display color of the right symbol that is not displayed inside is gradually different from the background color and appears in the display area, so when the reach state is reached, the right symbol disappears without feeling unnatural ( Fade-out) and appearance (fade-in) can be performed, and the player can be notified of the occurrence of the reach state in a novel display mode.

(Second Embodiment) This embodiment is characterized in that a symbol for generating a reach state also fades out and fades in. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17A shows a symbol display state at the time of reach. At the time of reach (Yes in step S1500), the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on all symbols (step S1510).
Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the display colors of the left symbol “7”, the middle symbol “7”, and the right symbol “4” gradually become equal to the background color around the symbol. , All the symbols gradually become blurred and finally disappear (see FIG. 17C).

Further, the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on all the symbols (step S1520).
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 17D and 17E, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the symbol "5" near the symbol "4" (closer in the symbol display column order) which have disappeared earlier are displayed. It gradually becomes different from the surrounding background color, and all the patterns gradually become clearer and appear. Then, as shown in FIG. 17E, the stop display of the appearance is performed.

Therefore, when the right symbol disappears from the display area, the CPU 1020 gradually brings the display color of the left symbol and the middle symbol, which are in the reach state, closer to the background color, and eliminates them from the display area. When the right symbol appears, the display color of the left symbol and the middle symbol is made to gradually differ from the surrounding background color and appears in the display area, so that the reach state is established together with the right symbol. The left symbol and the middle symbol can also be made to appear and disappear without feeling unnatural, and reach notification can be performed more effectively by novel display control.

(Third Embodiment) This embodiment is characterized in that fade-in processing and fade-out processing are performed on a character in addition to a right symbol. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 (a)
Indicates the symbol display state at the time of the reach, "〇" in the figure
And "x" are characters. At the time of the reach (Yes in step S1500), the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on the right symbol and the character (step S1500).
1510). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the display color of the right symbol “4” and the character gradually becomes the same as the background color around the symbol, and the right symbol and the character gradually become unclear. Finally disappears (Fig. 18
(C)).

Further, the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on the right symbol and the character (step S).
1520). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 18D and 18E, the character that has disappeared earlier and the symbol “5” (closer to the symbol display column order) near the right symbol “4” that has disappeared earlier are the same. The background color gradually changes from the surrounding background, and the character and the right symbol gradually appear sharper and appear. Then, as shown in FIG. 18 (e), the stop display of the appearance is performed.

Therefore, the CPU 1020 determines that when the right symbol disappears from the display area, the character displayed in the display area also gradually brings the display color closer to the background color. When the right symbol appears, the character also gradually changes its display color from the background color to appear in the display area.Therefore, along with the right symbol, the character does not appear or disappear. This can be performed without feeling the naturalness, and reach notification can be performed more effectively by novel display control.

(Fourth Embodiment) This embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment.
It is characterized in that fade-in processing and fade-out processing are performed on all display objects in the display area. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A shows a symbol display state at the time of the reach, in which symbols, characters (denoted by “〇” or “×”), and the like are displayed. CPU
1020 is the time of the reach (Ye in step S1500)
s) Fade-out processing is performed on all displayed objects, that is, all symbols and all characters (step S1510). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the display colors of all the displayed objects gradually become equal to the surrounding background colors, and all the displayed objects gradually become unclear and eventually become unclear. It disappears (see FIG. 19C).

Further, the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on all displayed objects (step S152).
0). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19D and 19E, all the display objects that have disappeared earlier gradually become different from the surrounding background color, and all the display objects gradually appear sharper. Then, as shown in FIG. 19E, the stop display of the appearance is performed.

Accordingly, when the two symbols are brought into the reach state, the CPU 1020 gradually brings the display colors of all the display objects such as all the symbols and the characters closer to the background color, and all the display objects are displayed. The object disappears from the display area, and thereafter, the display colors of all the disappeared objects from the display area gradually change from the background color, and appear in the display area. Therefore, at the time of reach, all displayed objects disappear and appear (fade out,
Fade-in) can enhance the game effect.

(Fifth Embodiment) In this embodiment,
The feature of the first embodiment is that when a right symbol is caused to appear, a symbol that becomes a big hit appears. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
0 (a) shows a symbol display state at the time of reach. CP
U1020 is at the time of the reach (Ye in step S1500)
s) A fade-out process is performed on the right symbol (step S1510). As a result, FIG.
As shown in (b), the display color of the right symbol "4" gradually becomes equal to the background color around it, and the right symbol gradually becomes unclear and finally disappears (FIG. 20 (c)). reference).

Further, the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on the right symbol (step S1520).
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 20 (d) and (e), the symbol "7" causing the big hit state gradually changes from the background color around it instead of the right symbol "4" which has disappeared earlier. To go. Then, the right symbol "7" gradually appears and appears. Then, as shown in FIG. 20 (e), the stop display of the big hit is performed, and thereafter the operation control of the gaming machine in the big hit state is performed, so that the fade-in is performed without feeling unnatural, Expectation of the player can be increased.

(Sixth Embodiment) In this embodiment,
The feature of the second embodiment is that when a right symbol is caused to appear, a symbol that makes a big hit appears. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
1 (a) shows a symbol display state at the time of reach. CP
U1020 is at the time of the reach (Ye in step S1500)
s) A fade-out process is performed on all symbols (step S1510). As a result, FIG.
As shown in (b), the display colors of the left symbol "7", the middle symbol "7", and the right symbol "4" gradually become equal to the background color around them, and all symbols gradually become unclear. And finally disappears (see FIG. 21C).

Further, the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on all the symbols (step S1520).
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 21 (d) and (e), the big hit symbol "7" instead of the left symbol, the middle symbol and the right symbol "4", which has disappeared earlier, gradually becomes the surrounding background color. , And all the patterns appear gradually clearer. Then, as shown in FIG. 21 (e), the stop display of the big hit is performed, and thereafter the operation control of the gaming machine in the big hit state is performed. Therefore, while performing the fade-in without feeling unnatural, Expectation of the player can be increased.

(Seventh Embodiment) In this embodiment,
The feature of the third embodiment is that when a right symbol is caused to appear, a symbol that becomes a big hit is caused to appear. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
2 (a) shows the symbol display state at the time of the reach, and "〇" and "x" in the figure are characters. CPU1020
Performs a fade-out process on the right symbol and the character at the time of reach (Yes in step S1500) (step S1510). As a result, FIG.
As shown in (b), the right symbol “4” and the display color of the character gradually become equal to the surrounding background color, and the right symbol and the character gradually become unclear and finally disappear (FIG. 22 (c)).

Further, the CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on the right symbol and the character (step S).
1520). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 22D and 22E, the character that has disappeared first and the big hit symbol “5” in place of the right symbol “4” that has disappeared earlier gradually become the background color around it. And the character and the right symbol gradually appear sharper and appear. Then, FIG.
As shown in the above, the stop display of the big hit is performed, and the operation control of the gaming machine in the big hit state is performed thereafter, so that the player's expectation is raised while performing the fade-in without feeling unnatural. be able to.

(Eighth Embodiment) In this embodiment,
The feature of the fourth embodiment is that when a right symbol is caused to appear, a symbol that makes a big hit appears. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
3 (a) shows a symbol display state at the time of the reach, in which symbols, characters (indicated by “〇” or “×”), etc. are displayed. The CPU 1020 determines whether to reach (step S15).
00), fade-out processing is performed on all displayed objects, that is, all symbols and all characters (step S15).
10). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 23 (a) and 23 (b), the display colors of all the displayed objects gradually become equal to the background color around them, and all the displayed objects gradually become unclear and eventually become unclear. It disappears (see FIG. 23 (c)).

Further, CPU 1020 performs a fade-out process on all displayed objects (step S152).
0). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 23D and 23E, all the display objects that have disappeared first gradually become different from the surrounding background color, and all the display objects appear gradually clearer. Then, as shown in FIG. 23 (e), the stop display of the appearance is performed. At this time, the right symbol is the symbol “4” which has disappeared earlier.
Instead, the big hit symbol “7” appears. Then, as shown in FIG. 22 (e), the stop display of the big hit is displayed, and thereafter the operation control of the gaming machine in the big hit state is performed, so that the fade-in processing is performed without feeling unnatural. , The player's sense of expectation can be increased.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, various modifications and changes may be made, such as that the timing of making all displayed objects fade-in and fade-out is at the time of the reach notice, and that the character is displayed in a state where only the design is faded-in and faded-out. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to pachinko machines but also to other gaming machines such as pachislot machines and TV games.

As described above, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the display color of the displayed identification information is gradually brought closer to the background color, and the identification information is displayed in the display area. Since it disappears from the screen, it is possible to eliminate the identification information (fade out) without feeling unnatural while eliminating the need for complicated hardware, and to change the display color of the identification information that is not displayed in the display area. Since the identification information is gradually made different from the background color and the identification information appears in the display area, the appearance of the identification information can be performed (fade-in) without making complicated hardware unnecessary and making the user feel unnatural. The effect is obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the final identification information can be erased (fade-out) and appear (fade-in) without causing unnaturalness, especially when the vehicle is in a reach state. And the player can be notified of the occurrence of the reach state in a novel display manner.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, together with the final identification information, the identification information that establishes the reach state can be made to appear or disappear without causing unnaturalness. The effect that reach notification can be performed more effectively by novel display control is obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, together with the final identification information, the character can perform the appearance or disappearance of the character without feeling unnatural, and the reach notification can be performed by the novel display control. The effect that it can be performed more effectively is obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display colors of all the displayed objects are gradually brought closer to the background color, and all the displayed objects are displayed. After that, the display color of all display objects that have disappeared from the display area is gradually changed from the background color to the background color and appear in the display area. The effect of disappearing and appearing (fade-out / fade-in) without feeling naturalness and increasing the effect of playing a game can be obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the identification information that gives a large hit appears in the display area, the player can expect the player while performing fade-in without feeling unnatural. The effect that a feeling can be raised is acquired.

According to the invention of claim 8, since the display color of the displayed identification information is gradually changed, it is not necessary to erase the identification information from the display area when both colors become the same. It can be performed without feeling the naturalness, and then the display color of the identification information not displayed in the display area is gradually changed, so if the two colors can be visually recognized, the identification information will appear in the display area This has the effect of allowing the user to perform the operation without feeling unnaturalness.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating display control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for describing the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for describing a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for describing a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an eighth embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game board 100 Special symbol display device 102 Normal symbol operation gate 104 Special symbol start-up port 106 Big winning opening 108 Normal symbol display device 110 Lamp display device 112 Lamp display device 114 Out port 116 Sound effect generator 120 Opening / closing member 200 Main control unit 201 ROM 202 Command data table area 203 RAM 210 Input port 213 Reset circuit 212 Power supply circuit 215 Output port 300 Starting port operating solenoid 302 Large winning port operating solenoid 304 Special symbol starting switch 306 Normal symbol operating switch 308 Large winning port switch 1020 CPU 1040 Program ROM 1060 Image processing LSI 1080 Video RAM 1090 RAM 1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD panel 11 0 data receiving circuit 1160 supply circuit 1180 character ROM

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor, Naoki Hiragawa, 2-3014, Hirosawa-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma 8 Heiwanai Co., Ltd. Heiwauchi Company (72) Inventor Kenichi Takano 8-3014-8 Hirosawacho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma Heiwanai Co., Ltd. (72) Michiharu Akasaka 2-3014 Hirosawacho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma 8-8 Heiwanai, Inc. F term (reference) 2C088 AA17 AA35 AA36 AA42 BC22 BC25 EB58

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine having a display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information, wherein a display color of the displayed identification information is gradually brought closer to a background color, and the identification information is displayed in the display area. A game machine comprising a display control means for causing the game machine to disappear from the game machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means further causes a display color of the identification information not displayed in the display area to be gradually different from the background color, A gaming machine, which is means for causing the identification information to appear in the display area. 3. In a gaming machine having a display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information, when a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are arranged and a reach state is reached, the display color of final identification information for determining an appearance is changed. By gradually approaching the background color, the final identification information disappears from the display area, and then the display color of the final identification information not displayed in the display area is gradually changed from the background color. And a display control means for causing the final identification information to appear in the display area. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein, when the final identification information disappears from the display area, the display information also changes the display color of the identification information that establishes the reach state. When gradually approaching the background color and disappearing from the display area, and when the final identification information appears, the identification information that establishes the reach state also gradually changes its display color from the background color A gaming machine, which is a means for appearing in the display area. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display control means, when the final identification information disappears from the display area, also changes the display color of a character displayed in the display area. When gradually approaching the background color and disappearing from the display area, and when the final identification information appears, the character also gradually changes its display color from the background color to the display area. A gaming machine characterized by a means for making it appear. 6. A game machine provided with a display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information, wherein when a predetermined condition is satisfied, all displays of symbols, characters and the like displayed in the display area are performed. The display colors of the objects gradually approach the background color, all the display objects disappear from the display area, and then the display colors of all the display objects that disappear from the display area are changed to the background color. And a display control means for making the display area appear gradually in the display area. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display control means sets identification information having a large hit as the identification information to appear, A gaming machine, which is means for appearing in the display area. 8. A display control method for a gaming machine having a display means having a display area capable of displaying identification information, wherein the display color of the displayed identification information is gradually changed.
Causing the identification information to disappear from the display area,
A display control method for a gaming machine, characterized by gradually changing a display color of identification information not displayed in the display area to cause the identification information to appear in the display area.