JP2001231996A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine by which a player is fully thrilled and excited when he watches scrolling identification information. SOLUTION: The display game by which identification information passes successively downward for a specified period of time is developed in such a way that patterns passing preceding display regions in longitudinal strip form on the right, in the center and on the left appear in variable display regions positioned below the preceding display regions, then the passage gradually stops and the player is awarded grand prize when a grand prize mode such as '777' is displayed in the variable display regions. In this case, the speed of passage of identification information, the space between displays of identification information and the like are varied among the preceding display regions. Also, the speed of passage, the space between displays and the like are varied every time a display game is played or they are dynamically varied during execution of a display game.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine which shoots a ball on a game board, executes a predetermined display game based on the establishment of predetermined game conditions, and sets a predetermined display game as an execution result. It relates to a special prize state advantageous to a player when a special prize display mode in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are arranged in a specific combination is formed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional gaming machine, a liquid crystal display for displaying a display game such as a symbol matching game is provided substantially at the center of a game board surface, and a game ball is awarded at a starting port. There is a so-called fever machine that generates a special value advantageous to a player when a specific symbol (identification information) is prepared as a result of executing a symbol matching game and executing the symbol matching game.

[0003] For example, a display game of a slot machine is executed by dividing a display screen of a liquid crystal display into a 3x3 matrix and displaying identification information indicating numbers and the like in respective display areas. When a game ball is won at the starting port, it is connected in the column direction of the matrix 3
After the identification information is scroll-displayed over a predetermined period in units of one display area, the identification information is sequentially stopped and displayed. Then, when the same number or the like is arranged on a horizontal or diagonal line via a reach state that becomes a hit when one more piece of predetermined identification information is collected, a special prize state is set and a special value is given to the player. It has become.

[0004] In such a display game, the scroll speed of the identification information is gradually reduced so that the player can predict to a certain extent which identification information will stop at a target location. It excites the thrill and excitement of the elderly.

[0005]

In the conventional display game,
Since the moving distance from the identification information appearing in the display area to the stop position is short, sufficient prediction could not be made. Further, even when the identification information is configured to be viewed ahead of a certain distance, the scrolling speed of the identification information, the degree of decrease in the scrolling speed, the arrangement interval of the identification information, and the like are fixed and are not changed. Therefore, there is a problem that the prediction of which identification information will stop at a target location tends to be monotonous, and it is not possible to sufficiently evoke the thrill and excitement of the player with a variety of changes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the conventional technology, and provides a gaming machine capable of providing a thrill and excitement to a player watching identification information during scrolling. It is intended to be.

[0007]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object lies in the following inventions. [1] A game machine that fires a ball on a game board, executes a predetermined display game based on establishment of a predetermined game condition, and as a result of the execution, a plurality of predetermined identification information is a specific combination. When the special prize display mode aligned with is formed,
A plurality of variable display areas (31-33) capable of displaying arbitrary identification information in a special prize state advantageous to a player.
And a strip-shaped preceding display area (41-43) which can display arbitrary identification information and which is arranged adjacent to each of the variable display areas (31-33). Display control means (180, 181) for controlling display contents of the variable display areas (31-33); and preceding display control means (180, 182) for controlling display contents of the preceding display areas (41-43). The preceding display means displays, for a predetermined period, a state in which identification information flows one after another along the longitudinal direction for each of the preceding display areas (41 to 43) based on establishment of the game condition. Thereafter, the flow of the identification information is stopped, and the display control means (180, 181) performs the preceding display area (41 to 41).
When the flow of the identification information displayed in (43) is extended, the identification information to appear at the position where the adjacent variable display area (31-33) exists is stored in the variable display area (31-33).
The display game is in the state of the special prize when the special prize display mode is formed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display areas (31 to 33), and the preceding display is performed. The means may be configured such that the identification information to be displayed in the plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43) is arranged in a line in the same direction as the direction in which the variable display areas (31 to 33) are arranged in a line. A gaming machine characterized by being displayed in a state of being changed to a flowing state.

[2] A game machine which shoots a ball on a game board, executes a predetermined display game based on establishment of a predetermined game condition, and as a result of the execution, a plurality of predetermined identification information is obtained. A plurality of variable display areas (31-33) capable of displaying arbitrary identification information are arranged in a line in a special prize state advantageous to a player when a special prize display mode arranged in a specific combination is formed. And a strip-shaped preceding display area (41 to 4) capable of displaying arbitrary identification information.
3) which is disposed adjacent to each of the variable display areas (31 to 33);
33) display control means (180, 1) for controlling the display contents.
81), and preceding display control means (180, 182) for controlling the display contents of the preceding display areas (41 to 43), and the preceding display means is configured to execute the preceding display based on establishment of the game condition. The display control means (180, 181) stops the flow of the identification information after displaying a state in which the identification information successively flows along the longitudinal direction for each of the display areas (41 to 43) for a predetermined period. Are variable display areas (31 to 3) adjacent to each other when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display areas (41 to 43) is extended.
The identification information to be displayed at the position where 3) exists is displayed in the variable display area (31 to 33), and the display game is performed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display area (31 to 33). When the special prize display mode is formed, the special prize state is set, and the preceding display means includes:
A gaming machine, wherein the speed at which the identification information flows is different from at least one of the preceding display areas (41 to 43) in at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43).

[3] A game machine which shoots a ball on a game board, executes a predetermined display game based on establishment of a predetermined game condition, and obtains a plurality of predetermined identification information as a result of the execution. A plurality of variable display areas (31-33) capable of displaying arbitrary identification information are arranged in a line in a special prize state advantageous to a player when a special prize display mode arranged in a specific combination is formed. And a strip-shaped preceding display area (41 to 4) capable of displaying arbitrary identification information.
3) which is disposed adjacent to each of the variable display areas (31 to 33);
33) display control means (180, 1) for controlling the display contents.
81), and preceding display control means (180, 182) for controlling the display contents of the preceding display areas (41 to 43), and the preceding display means is configured to execute the preceding display based on establishment of the game condition. The display control means (180, 181) stops the flow of the identification information after displaying a state in which the identification information successively flows along the longitudinal direction for each of the display areas (41 to 43) for a predetermined period. Are variable display areas (31 to 3) adjacent to each other when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display areas (41 to 43) is extended.
The identification information to be displayed at the position where 3) exists is displayed in the variable display area (31 to 33), and the display game is performed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display area (31 to 33). When the special prize display mode is formed, the special prize state is set, and the preceding display means includes:
A gaming machine wherein at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43) has a different interval between the pieces of identification information from other preceding display areas (41 to 43).

[4] A game machine which shoots a ball on a game board, executes a predetermined display game based on establishment of a predetermined game condition, and as a result of the execution, a plurality of predetermined identification information is obtained. A plurality of variable display areas (31-33) capable of displaying arbitrary identification information are arranged in a line in a special prize state advantageous to a player when a special prize display mode arranged in a specific combination is formed. And a strip-shaped preceding display area (41 to 4) capable of displaying arbitrary identification information.
3) which is disposed adjacent to each of the variable display areas (31 to 33);
33) display control means (180, 1) for controlling the display contents.
81), and preceding display control means (180, 182) for controlling the display contents of the preceding display areas (41 to 43), and the preceding display means is configured to execute the preceding display based on establishment of the game condition. The display control means (180, 181) stops the flow of the identification information after displaying a state in which the identification information successively flows along the longitudinal direction for each of the display areas (41 to 43) for a predetermined period. Are variable display areas (31 to 3) adjacent to each other when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display areas (41 to 43) is extended.
The identification information to be displayed at the position where 3) exists is displayed in the variable display area (31 to 33), and the display game is performed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display area (31 to 33). When the special prize display mode is formed, the special prize state is set, and the preceding display means includes:
The speed at which the identification information flows in at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43) is different from the speed of the other preceding display areas (41 to 43), and the plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43) are different from each other. 43) A gaming machine wherein at least one of the preceding display areas (41 to 43) has a different interval between the pieces of identification information.

[5] Each time a display game is executed, the speed at which identification information flows through each preceding display area (41 to 43) and / or the interval between identification information changes [1], [2]. ], [3] or the gaming machine according to [4].

[6] The speed is increased or decreased while the identification information is flowing [1], [2],
The gaming machine according to [3], [4] or [5].

[7] While the identification information is flowing, the intervals between the identification information are varied [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. Or the gaming machine according to [6].

[8] The identification information in each preceding display area (41-43) is made to flow toward the side where the corresponding variable display area (31-33) exists [1], [2]. ,
The gaming machine according to [3], [4], [5], [6] or [7].

[9] The direction of the flow is varied while the identification information is flowing [1],
The gaming machine according to [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7] or [8].

[10] Just before the flow of the identification information stops, a case where the direction of the flow is temporarily reversed is provided [1], [2], [3], [4]. ,
The gaming machine according to [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9].

[11] The predetermined condition is satisfied based on that a game ball hit on the game board surface wins a predetermined starting port (50) [1], [1]. 2], [3], [4], [5], [6],
The gaming machine according to [7], [8], [9] or [10].

[12] When the special prize state is entered, a state advantageous to the player is formed by opening the special winning opening (90) which is closed in the normal state. 2], [3], [4], [5], [6],
The gaming machine according to [7], [8], [9], [10] or [11].

[13] A plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface thereof, which are coaxially juxtaposed, are rotated based on establishment of the game condition, and a stop switch prepared for each reel is provided. , The corresponding reels are stopped in accordance with the pressing of the slot machine, and when all the reels are stopped, the slot machine that performs a win when the special prize display mode is formed on the activated line as the display game is characterized in that it is a slot machine. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5],
The gaming machine according to [6], [7], [8], [9] or [10].

The present invention operates as follows. The preceding display means, based on the fact that the game condition has been established by the ball winning the starting opening (50) or the like, determines that each preceding display area (4
A state in which the identification information flows one after another along the longitudinal direction for each of 1 to 43) is displayed for a predetermined period, and thereafter, the flow of the identification information is stopped. Display control means (180, 1
81), when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display areas (41 to 43) is extended, the identification information that should appear at the position where the adjacent variable display areas (31 to 33) exist is correspondingly changed. It is displayed one after another in the display areas (31 to 33).

The identification information flowing through the preceding display areas (41 to 43) is then transmitted to the corresponding variable display areas (31 to 3).
Appears in 3). When the flow of the preceding display areas (41 to 43) stops, the variable display areas (31 to 43) are accordingly generated.
In 3), one piece of identification information is stopped and displayed. This display game enters a special prize state when a special prize display mode is formed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the plurality of variable display areas (31 to 33) arranged in a line.

Here, the preceding display means causes the identification information to be displayed in the plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43) to flow in the same direction as the direction in which the variable display areas (31 to 33) are aligned. Is displayed in such a manner that it is changed to the state of flowing without alignment.

By observing the identification information flowing in the preceding display areas (41 to 43) in this way, it is possible to predict the identification information that will stop in the variable display areas (31 to 33) and to flow the identification information. Since the state fluctuates, the prediction content becomes rich in change, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be aroused accordingly.

Further, the preceding display means makes the speed at which the identification information flows in at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43) different from that of the other preceding display areas (41 to 43). For example, the preceding display area (41 to 43)
When there are three, the speed at which the identification information flows is changed by only one of them, or the speed at which the identification information flows in the three preceding display areas (41 to 43) is different.

By observing the identification information flowing in the preceding display areas (41 to 43) in this way, it is possible to predict the identification information that will stop in the variable display areas (31 to 33) and to flow the identification information. Since the speed is different, the prediction contents are varied, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be evoked accordingly.

Further, a plurality of preceding display areas (41 to 43)
For at least one of the above, the intervals between the pieces of identification information may be different from the other preceding display areas (41 to 43). For example, one preceding display area (41 to 41)
43), the identification information flows at a narrow interval, and the identification information flows at a wider interval in the other preceding display areas (41 to 43). Since the cycle in which information appears in the variable display areas (31 to 33) is different for each variable display area (31 to 33),
The predictions will be varied.

By changing both the speed at which the identification information flows and the interval between the identification information, the prediction can be further changed, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be effectively aroused. it can.

Further, if the speed at which the identification information flows and / or the interval between the identification information changes in each preceding display area (41 to 43) every time the display game is executed, even if the player plays the game for a long time, the player is not affected. Never get bored. Further, while the identification information is flowing, the speed may be increased or decreased, or while the identification information is flowing, the interval between the identification information may be changed.

In addition, by providing a case in which the flow direction is changed while the identification information is flowing, or in particular, the flow direction is temporarily reversed immediately before the flow of the identification information stops. It is possible to further excite the player.

The gaming machine is not limited to a pachinko machine, but may be a slot machine for actually rotating reels.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 2, a gaming machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention
This is a pachinko machine that launches a ball on the game board 12 by rotating the ball and enjoys winning of the hit ball.

The game board 12 is a place where the struck ball flows down and stands substantially vertically, and its front face is covered with a glass door with a predetermined gap. The gap between the game board 12 and the glass door is a space for the ball to move. On the periphery of the game board 12, a rail 16 for defining a game area and guiding a hit ball to an upper portion of the game board 12 is provided.

At a substantially central portion of the game board 12, a special symbol display device 30 composed of a color liquid crystal display (LCD) is arranged. The special symbol display device 30 has a CR
It may be a T display, a TFT type display or the like. In the present gaming machine, a symbol matching game, which looks like a slot machine, is developed as a display game on the special symbol display device 30.

The display areas of the special symbol display device 30 are variable display areas 31 to 33 in which the execution results of display games are displayed.
And preceding display areas 41 to 43 for displaying the symbols displayed in the variable display areas 31 to 33 in advance. The variable display areas 31 to 33 are each capable of displaying one piece of arbitrary identification information.
0 occupy the lower part of the display area and are arranged in a horizontal line.

Each of the preceding display areas 41 to 43 is a vertically long strip-shaped display area capable of displaying arbitrary identification information. The leading display area 41 at the left end includes a variable display area 31 at the left end,
The central preceding display area 42 includes the central variable display area 32,
The right end preceding display area 43 is associated with the right end variable display area 33, and the preceding display areas 41 to 43 are assigned so as to be arranged adjacent to the corresponding variable display areas 31 to 31 respectively. .

During the execution of the display game, the preceding display areas 41 to 4
3 shows a state in which the identification information flows one after another along the longitudinal direction from top to bottom or from bottom to top. In the variable display areas 31 to 33, when the flow of the identification information displayed in the corresponding preceding display areas 41 to 43 is extended, the identification information to be displayed at the position where the variable display areas 31 to 33 exist is displayed. It has become.

That is, the display contents of the preceding display area 41 and the display contents of the variable display area 31 are linked, and the display contents of the preceding display area 42 and the display contents of the variable display area 32 are linked. The display content and the display content of the variable display area 33 are linked. For example, when the identification information flows through the preceding display area from top to bottom, each piece of identification information appears in the corresponding variable display area 31 to 33 after passing through the preceding display areas 41 to 43. In addition, the preceding display areas 41 to 41
When the flow of the identification information in the 43 stops, one identification information is also stopped and displayed in the corresponding variable display areas 31 to 33.

In the display game, after the identification information flows for a predetermined period from the start, the speed of the flow gradually decreases, and finally, one identification information is stopped and displayed in each of the variable display areas 31 to 33. Is what is done.

The variable display areas 31 to 33 are areas for displaying the execution result of the display game, and when predetermined identification information such as "777" is arranged in the variable display areas 31 to 33, a special prize display mode is set and a special prize state is set. It has been migrated.

Below the special symbol display device 30, a special symbol storage display device 30a is arranged, and further below the special symbol display device 30a,
A starting port 50 is provided. The starting opening 50 is a winning opening for securing the execution right of the display game developed on the special symbol display device 30.

The starting port 50 is provided with a condition device 51 composed of movable pieces disposed on the left and right sides in the vicinity of the winning opening, and a condition device driving section 206 (see FIG. 1) such as a solenoid or a stepping motor is used. Conditioning device 5 consisting of
1 is opened and closed. The starting port 50 is configured as a so-called electric tulip accessory that changes between a closed state where a ball is unlikely to win and an open state where a ball is easy to win by opening and closing operations of the condition device 51.

The special symbol storage and display device 30a includes a starting port 5
Among the execution rights secured by winning the ball to 0, the number of execution rights that have not been executed (the number of suspensions) is displayed. The number of holds is limited to 4 times.
The right to execute the display game is discarded. The special symbol storage and display device 30a has four lamps, and the number of the lamps is increased or decreased to display the current reserved number.

Below the starting opening 50, a special winning opening 90 is arranged. The large winning opening 90 is configured so that the winning opening can be changed between a closed state where the ball is hard to win and an open state where the winning is easy by a driving source such as a solenoid. The inside of the special winning opening 90 is divided into a plurality of parts, a part of which is a specific area.

At the bottom of the game board 12, there is provided an out port 19 for taking in a ball that could not win any of the winning ports and discharging the ball from the top of the game board 12. When a ball enters the OUT port 19, no privilege is given to the player, and no prize ball is paid out. other than this,
The game board 12 has various winning ports 13 and windmills 14,
Numerous obstacle nails 15 for changing the falling speed and direction of the hit ball are arranged.

Further, on both left and right ends of the game board 12, there are arranged illumination lamps 17 which blink according to the progress of each display game, such as when a special prize state appears in the display game. Although not shown in FIG. 2, various decorative lamps 18 (see FIG. 1) are provided, which flicker irrespective of the progress of each display game after the power is turned on to provide a decorative effect.

At the front of the gaming machine 10 and below the gaming board 12, there is an upper plate 20 for storing balls to be used for the game, and a lower plate 21 for receiving and storing balls overflowing from the upper plate 20. Is provided. On the bottom surface of the lower plate 21, there is an openable / closable outlet for discharging balls to a ball box (not shown) placed below the lower plate 21. Ball release lever 2 for opening and closing the door
2 are provided.

On the right side of the lower plate 21, the handle 11 is arranged. When the rotary operation type handle 11 is rotated, balls are fired one by one onto the game board 12 with a launching force according to the angle. Note that the gaming machine 10
A circuit portion for controlling various operations of the game board 12 is mounted inside the body such as the back surface of the game board 12.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a circuit configuration of the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 includes a main control unit 100, a display control circuit 140, and a voice control circuit 170 as main circuit parts. The main control unit 100 is a central circuit part that controls the operation of the gaming machine 10, and includes a one-chip microcomputer 110, a reset circuit 101, a clock circuit 102, an I / O port 103, a driver circuit 104.
It is composed of

The one-chip microcomputer 110 has a start opening winning ball detection switch 210 via an I / O port 103,
The special winning opening winning ball detection switch 211, the specific area winning ball detection switch 212, the safe ball detection switch 213, the external information input terminal 214 and the like are connected.

Of these, the starting opening winning ball detection switch 210
Is a switch for detecting that a ball has won the starting port 50. In the starting opening winning ball detection switch 210,
In addition to a mechanical switch, various sensors such as an optical sensor that detects a prize when light is blocked by a sphere and a magnetic sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field due to the passage of a sphere can be used. The special winning opening winning ball detection switch 211 is a switch for detecting that a ball has won the special winning opening 90. Like the starting opening winning ball detection switch 210, various types such as a mechanical type, a magnetic type, and an optical type are used. Sensors can be used as switches.

The specific area winning ball detection switch 212 detects a ball that has won a specific area in the special winning opening 90. The safe ball detection switch 213 is a switch for detecting that a ball has won one of the winning ports (safe ports) 13 arranged on the game board. The external information input terminal 214 is a terminal for inputting a firing control signal (stop signal) from a hall computer.

In addition, various components are connected to the one-chip microcomputer 110 via the I / O port 103 and the driver circuit 104. Specifically, a solenoid 201 for driving the opening and closing of the special winning opening 90, a special symbol storage and display device 30a including four lamps, a decorative lamp 18, an external information output terminal A202, an illumination circuit 203,
A payout circuit 204, a condition device driving unit 206 for opening and closing the condition device 51 of the starting port 50, and the like. Note that an external information output terminal B205 is connected to the payout circuit 204.

Of these, the external information output terminal A 202 and the external information output terminal B 205 are for attaching data transmission lines for electrically communicating with a hall computer for centrally managing a large number of gaming machines installed in a game arcade. Terminal. The external information output terminal A202 is a terminal for transmitting a signal from the gaming machine such as a probability variation signal, a jackpot signal, a start signal, etc. to the hall computer. The external information output terminal B205 is a terminal for transmitting the winning ball payout number (10 pulses for one winning ball), a ball lending signal, a winning ball tank ball out signal, and a door open detection signal to the hall computer.

The illumination circuit 203 is provided with the special symbol display device 30.
Illuminated lamp 17 with the progress of the display game developed above
Is a circuit part for controlling blinking. For example, the illumination lamp 17 is made to blink when a special prize state occurs.

The one-chip microcomputer 110 has a game control C
It comprises a PU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 as circuits.
The ROM 112 stores a program representing an operation procedure of the game control CPU 111 and various fixed data. The game control CPU 111 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 112. RAM 113 is
This is a work area for temporarily storing various data when the game control CPU 111 operates.

The clock circuit 102 generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency. One-chip microcomputer 1
Reference numeral 10 inputs a clock signal generated by the clock circuit 102 as a reference signal for the operation speed. The clock circuit 102 includes an oscillation circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, and the like.
The reset circuit 101 receives a signal every several ms from the one-chip microcomputer 110, generates a reset signal in which the clock signal supplied from the clock circuit 102 is synchronized with the previous signal, and sends the reset signal to the one-chip microcomputer 110. Output.

The reset circuit 101 outputs a reset signal from the time when the power is turned on until the time when a predetermined number of clock signals generated by the clock circuit 102 have been counted.

The one-chip microcomputer 110 has a ROM 11
2 by executing the program stored in the random number lottery means 121 and the special prize control means 12 as shown in FIG.
2. Performs various functions such as execution right management means 123, prize ball management means 124, game progress selection means 125, and sound effect management means 126.

Among them, the random number lottery means 121 operates the special symbol display device 30 when the ball wins the starting port 50.
When the execution right of the display game is secured, the random number lottery for determining the execution result of the game is performed.
The random number lottery means 121 determines a predetermined number from “0” (here,
A counter function for repeatedly generating the numerical value up to 1023) in a very short time cycle (here, every several ms), a function for reading the count value at the time when the starting-port winning ball detection switch 210 detects the winning of the ball, and a function for reading. The counted value to R
It has a function of storing in a predetermined memory area provided in the AM 113.

Further, before the start of the special symbol change, it is determined whether or not the count value stored in the previous memory area is a big hit value, and in the case of a big hit, the game control CPU 111 sets the I / O port of the display control unit 150. A signal for displaying a big hit symbol is transmitted to 151. The ROM 112 has a reference table for jackpot determination, and performs a jackpot determination at the time of low probability and at the time of high probability by changing the number of hit values registered according to the jackpot probability.

The game progress selection means 125 is a part for selecting a progress pattern of a display game according to the lottery result of the random number lottery means 121. That is, when the lottery result of the random number lottery means 121 is “special prize”, a special prize pattern is played. Is selected as the progress pattern.

The special prize pattern is a progress pattern in which a special prize display mode is finally formed as a result of the execution through the reach state during the execution of the display game as a slot machine. The disconnection pattern is a progress pattern in which the disconnection state is stopped and displayed without passing through the reach state. The out-of-reach pattern is a progress pattern in which a reach state is formed during the execution of a display game likened to a slot machine, and an out-of-reach state is finally formed.

The game progress selecting means 125 also has a function of selecting each identification information group constituting the execution result of the displayed game. For example, in the case of a special prize pattern, a group of three identical numerical values, such as "777" and "333", is selected as an identification information group constituting an execution result. If the game progress pattern is out of pattern, "539"
A group of identification information that does not go through the reach state and ends is removed. When the game progress pattern is the out-of-reach pattern, the out-of-reach identification information group that ends in the out-of-reach mode is selected because only one identification symbol such as “747” is different.

In the display game, an execution start command (execution start signal) including the progress pattern of the game determined by the game progress selection means 125 and information indicating an identification information group constituting the execution result is sent to the one-chip microcomputer 110. To the display controller 150 via the I / O port 151.

The sound effect management means 126 is a part for managing the types of sound effects to be played during the execution of a display game and the timing of the generation thereof. The timing at which a sound effect or the like is played is determined in advance for each game progress pattern, and the one-chip microcomputer 110 measures the elapsed time from when the display game execution command is transmitted to the display control unit 150, and When a predetermined timing comes, a reproduction instruction such as a sound effect is output to the audio control circuit 170.

The special prize control means 122 controls opening and closing of the special winning opening 90 when the special prize display mode is stopped and displayed in the special prize display mode in the display game developed on the special symbol display device 30, and the special value Is performed. Specifically, when a special prize state appears in the display game, the solenoid 2
01 is driven to open and close the special winning opening 90 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds) and then close for a short time (about 2 seconds) up to a predetermined number of times.

In each round from the opening of the special winning opening 90 to the closing thereof, a predetermined allowable upper limit number (here, 10) of balls are set in the special winning opening 90 before the above-mentioned predetermined time (29 seconds) elapses. When a prize is won, the special winning opening 90 is closed at that time. Furthermore, if at least one ball wins a specific area provided inside the special winning opening 90 during each round and the number of rounds has not reached the upper limit, the process proceeds to the next round. On the other hand, if no ball wins the specific area during the current round, the operation of giving the special value is ended in that round.

The execution right management means 123 manages the number of unexecuted display game execution rights generated by winning a ball into the starting port 50. Specifically, when a ball is won in the starting port 50, the number of reserves at the present time is checked,
If the number of holdings has not reached the upper limit, “1” is added to the number of holdings and the number of lighting of the special symbol storage and display device 30a is set to 1
One. On the other hand, if the number of reservations has already reached the upper limit, the execution right is not secured based on the current winning. Further, each time a display game is executed on the special symbol display device 30 based on the secured execution right, the number of holdings is subtracted by “1” each time, and the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display device 30a is reduced. Is performed by one.

The prize ball management means 124 manages the number of prize balls to be paid out, and the payout circuit 204 sends one pulse for every 10 prize balls to the hall computer, and from the hall computer to the prize ball tank. This is to instruct the payout of the ball.

The display control circuit 140 is a circuit portion that controls the display of the special symbol display device 30 based on an instruction received from the main control section 100. That is, the main control unit 100
Is the execution result of each display game by random number lottery,
A game progress pattern or the like is determined, and the display control circuit 140
It has a function of determining the specific development content of the display game according to the execution result and the progress pattern determined by the main control unit 100, creating display data corresponding thereto, and sequentially transmitting the display data to the special symbol display device 30. ing.

The display control circuit 140 determines a specific display content of the display game in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 100, and actually performs a drawing process in accordance with the display content determined by the display main control unit 150. And a display processing unit 160 for executing and transmitting display data to the special symbol display device 30. The display control circuit 140 includes a clock circuit 142 for generating a clock signal to be supplied to the display main control unit 150 and a reset circuit 141 for generating a reset signal.

The display main control unit 150 includes an I / O port 15 for inputting and outputting various signals to and from the main control unit 100.
1, a display control CPU 180, a control ROM 153,
And a RAM 154. The control ROM 153 includes a control program and control data for executing a display game,
Various set values and the like are stored. Display control CPU 18
0 performs display control of a display game according to a control program or the like stored in the ROM 153. RAM 154
Is a work area for temporarily storing data required when the display control CPU 152 executes the control program.

The display control CPU 180 controls the control ROM 15
3 is a part that performs a function of developing and displaying a display game, which looks like a slot machine, on the special symbol display device 30 by executing the program stored in the special symbol display device 30. FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the display control CPU 180. Display control C
The PU 180 includes an execution result control unit 181 for controlling display contents of the variable display areas 31 to 33, and a preceding display area 41 to
43 is provided with each function of preceding display control means 182 for controlling display contents.

The display control CPU 180 divides the display area of the special symbol display device 30 into variable display areas 31 to 33 and preceding display areas 41 to 43.
Has a function of displaying a state in which the identification information flows from the top to the bottom or occasionally from the bottom to the top and scrolls in the preceding display areas 41 to 43.
The execution result control means 181 determines whether the corresponding preceding display area 41
When the flow of the identification information displayed in ~ to 43 is extended,
The function of displaying the identification information to appear at the position where the variable display areas 31 to 33 exist is displayed on the variable display areas 31 to 33.

The display control CPU 180 advances the display game in accordance with the game progress pattern selected by the game progress selection means 125, and finally, the identification information group determined by the game progress selection means 125 appears in the variable display areas 31 to 33. Thus, detailed display contents at each time point are determined, and drawing instructions corresponding thereto are sequentially output to the display processing unit 160.

The display processing section 160 is a VDP (Video Digit
al Processor) 161, image data ROM 162,
And a VRAM 163. Image data RO
M162 is a read-only memory in which various kinds of identification information appearing in a display game and image data of its background are stored in advance. The VRAM 163 is a video memory for storing display data for the special symbol display device 30 for at least one screen.

The VDP 161 reads the background of the display screen and various identification information from the image data ROM 162 based on an instruction from the display main control unit 150, and reads them from the VRAM 16
3 to constitute display data for one screen to be displayed on the special symbol display device 30. VDP 161 is V
A function of sequentially reading out display data for one screen stored in the RAM 163 in accordance with a predetermined image timing signal and transmitting the display data to the special symbol display device 30 is provided.

The voice control circuit 170 has a function of voice-synthesizing a voice signal such as a sound effect according to an instruction received from the game control CPU 111 of the one-chip microcomputer 110 and outputting the synthesized signal to the speaker 175.

The audio control circuit 170 includes an I / O port 171 for transmitting and receiving various signals to and from the one-chip microcomputer 110, an audio synthesis circuit 172, and an audio amplification circuit 1
73. The audio synthesis circuit 172 is a circuit that synthesizes audio signal waveforms of various kinds of music and sound effects according to a control signal received through the I / O port 171. The audio amplification circuit 173 amplifies the audio signal synthesized by the audio synthesis circuit 172 and outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 175.

Next, the operation will be described. First, a flow when the right to execute the display game is secured will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when a ball, which is a game medium, wins in the starting port 50 (step S501; Y), the execution right management means 123 determines whether or not the number of suspensions at the present time has reached the upper limit of four times. A determination is made (step S502). When the number of reserved games has already reached the upper limit (step S502; Y), the execution right of the display game based on the current winning is not secured.

On the other hand, when the number of reservations has not reached the upper limit (step S502; N), "1" is added to the current number of reservations to secure (pend) the execution right (step S50).
3, S504). The random number lottery means 121 performs a random number lottery for determining the final execution result of the display game performed based on the secured execution right (step S50).
5). Whether the numerical value extracted by the random number lottery corresponds to the special prize is checked by referring to the reference table for jackpot determination, and an execution result of the display game executed based on the execution right is obtained (step S506).

Further, a progress pattern corresponding to the execution result and an identification information group (for example, a combination of identification information such as "777" and "747") constituting the final execution result are selected by random number drawing or the like ( Step S507),
These are stored in the memory (step S508).

Next, the flow of executing the display game based on the reserved execution right will be described with reference to FIG. If the number of holds for the display game is not 0 (step S601; Y), the execution right management unit 123 subtracts “1” from the number of holds and displays the special symbol storage and display device 30.
One lamp of a is turned off (step S602).

Next, the display game execution result and the like stored in the memory are read out (step S603), and a predetermined execution start command including the read information and a display game start instruction is sent to the I / O port 151. Display main controller 1 through
50 to the display control CPU 180. In order to synchronize the output timing of the sound effect and the like with the display screen, the one-chip microcomputer 110 measures the elapsed time from when the execution start command is output.

Upon receiving the display game execution start instruction, the display control CPU 180 sets the identification information in the preceding display areas 41 to 43 from top to bottom, that is, the variable display areas 31 to 33.
And the variable display areas 31 to 33 are displayed in the variable display areas 31 to 33.
The content linked with 43 is displayed. Thus, the execution of the display game is started (step S604).

After displaying the state of the flow of the identification information for a predetermined time, the speed of the flow of the identification information gradually decreases,
The flow finally stops, and the execution result of the current display game is stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 31 to 33 (step S6).
05).

If the execution result of the current display game stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 31 to 33 is a special prize display mode in which the same identification information such as “777” is prepared (step S
606; Y), a special prize state is entered, the special winning opening 90 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (step S607), and a special prize privilege is given to the player. In other words, every time a ball wins in the special winning opening 90, about 10 to 13 prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 20, so that the special winning opening 90 is opened to form a state where the winning probability of the ball is high. A substantial number of balls will be given to the player.

When the execution result of the current display game stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 31 to 33 does not finally become the special prize display mode, and ends in a miss (step S606;
N), the current display game ends without entering the special prize state.

FIG. 7 shows how identification information flows during execution of a display game. Each piece of identification information flows from top to bottom as indicated by the white arrows. FIG. 7B shows a state in which the identification information in FIG. 7A slightly flows downward and moves, and FIG. 7C shows a state in which each identification information flows further downward and moves downward by exactly one cell. Is shown. Such downward flow of identification information is performed at a high speed at the beginning of the display game, and the speed gradually decreases.

Various display modes are provided for display games. The display mode may be fixed to any one of the display modes described below, or may be configured so that various display modes are switched as needed during business hours.
FIG. 8 shows a display mode in the synchronous state variation mode. As shown in FIG. 8, in the synchronous state change mode, the state in which the identification information flowing in each of the preceding display regions 41 to 43 flows in a horizontal line and the state in which the identification information is uneven are changed during the execution of the display game. Has become. In the example of FIG. 8, after the horizontal position of the identification information gradually shifts (b in FIG. 8) from the state of moving in a line in the horizontal direction (a in FIG. 10), the flow again aligns in one horizontal line. (FIG. 3c).

In the speed difference mode, the speed at which the identification information flows through the preceding display area 41 and the variable display area 31, the speed at which the identification information flows through the preceding display area 42 and the variable display area 32, and the speed of the preceding display area 43 and the variable display area 33 are set so that the speed at which the identification information flows is different from each other. For example, the preceding display area 41 is relatively slow, the preceding display area 42 is slightly faster, and the preceding display area 4
In No. 3, the identification information is flowed at a higher speed than the preceding display area 42. Further, while maintaining the magnitude relation of these speeds, the speed at which the identification information flows gradually decreases.

Note that only one of the three preceding display areas may be different from the other preceding display areas in the speed at which the identification information flows. In the speed difference mode, as a result, the pieces of identification information flow without being aligned in a horizontal line.

In the speed fluctuation mode, the preceding display areas 41 to 41 are displayed.
43, the speed at which the identification information flows fluctuates as the speed increases or decreases during the execution of the display game.
For example, the speed at which the identification information flows gradually decreases, and when it is likely to stop, the speed increases again, and again, the speed slows down and stops. In the speed fluctuation mode, each preceding display area 41
The method of changing the speed in the steps 43 to 43 may be made uniform, or may be made to vary independently.

FIG. 9A shows a display state in the interval difference mode. In the interval difference mode, an interval between pieces of identification information flowing in the preceding display area 41 and the variable display area 31,
The intervals between the pieces of identification information flowing in the preceding display area 42 and the variable display area 32 are different from the intervals between the pieces of identification information flowing in the preceding display area 43 and the variable display area 33.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, in the preceding display area 41, the identification information is arranged at a narrow interval, in the preceding display area 42, the identification information is arranged at a relatively wide interval, and in the preceding display area 43, the medium interval is set. It is arranged in. Since the arrangement intervals of the identification information are different as described above, even if the identification information flows at the same speed, the time intervals at which the identification information appears one after another in the variable display areas 31 to 33 are different.

FIG. 9B shows an interval variation mode in which the arrangement interval between identification information varies in one flow.
For example, in the identification information flowing in the preceding display area 41 and the variable display area 31 in FIG. 9B, the interval between “2” and “9” is narrow, and the interval between “9” and “7” is wide. As described above, in the interval change mode, the arrangement interval between the pieces of identification information dynamically changes during the execution of the display game in one flow.

As described above, in the present gaming machine, the identification information appearing in the variable display areas 31 to 33 is displayed in advance in the preceding display areas 41 to 43 adjacent thereto, and the identification information flows in the preceding display areas 41 to 43. The mode is made different between the preceding display areas, or dynamically changed during execution of the display game. For this reason, the variable display areas 31 to 3
3. The player can predict the identification information that will stop at 3 to some extent, and the prediction is not monotonous but variable and gives the player fresh thrill and excitement forever without getting tired of the player. Can be.

In the embodiment described above, the identification information flows vertically, but the display screen may be configured so that the identification information flows horizontally as shown in FIG. Various modifications may be made to the display modes described in the embodiments. For example, both the speed at which the identification information flows and the arrangement interval of the identification information may be changed during the execution of the display game.

The display mode at the time of executing the display game may be appropriately changed every time the display game is executed, the display mode of the day may be fixedly selected for each gaming machine, May be configured so that only one of the ideographic modes can be executed. Further, the speed at which the identification information flows and the interval between the identification information may be changed every time the display game is executed.

In addition, if the direction in which the identification information flows is changed during the execution of the display game, the content of the game becomes more varied. For example, a case may be added in which the identification information moves in the opposite direction by several squares immediately before the flow of the identification information stops. The reversing may be performed by moving all the columns by several squares, or by reversing only two arbitrary columns. Further, the distance to return may be changed in a range from one square to several squares. The reversing distance may be different for each row, or the reversing distance may be changed each time a display game is executed.

In the embodiment, the pachinko machine has been described as an example. However, a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof, which are arranged coaxially with each other, are used for inserting a medal and operating a start switch. Is rotated based on the establishment of the game condition, and the corresponding reels are stopped according to the pressing of a stop switch prepared for each reel. When all the reels are stopped, a special prize display mode such as "777" is displayed on the activated line. The present invention may be applied to a slot machine which becomes a hit when a is formed.

In this case, a viewing window in which the upper part of the rotating reel is projected using, for example, a mirror may be provided, and this may be used as a preceding display area. If the reels are simulated and displayed on the liquid crystal display instead of using the reels that actually rotate, it is possible to easily cope with the various display modes described above.

[0103]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, by observing the identification information flowing through the preceding display area, it is possible to predict the identification information that will stop at the variable display area, and to determine the state in which the identification information flows. Fluctuates, the prediction contents become rich in changes, and the thrill and excitement of the player can be aroused accordingly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of a game control CPU included in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of a display control CPU included in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention secures a right to execute a display game.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow when the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention executes a display game based on the secured execution right.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which identification information flows in a display game executed by the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode when the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a display game in the synchronous state variation mode.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode when the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a display game in various display modes.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode when identification information flows horizontally.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game machine 11 ... Handle 12 ... Game board 13 ... Various winning holes 14 ... Windmill 15 ... Obstacle nail 16 ... Rail 17 ... Electric lamp 18 ... Decoration lamp 19 ... Out opening 20 ... Upper plate 21 ... Lower plate 22 ... Ball release lever 30 ... Special symbol display device 30a ... Special symbol storage display device 31-33 ... Variable display area 41-43 ... Preceding display area 50 ... Starting port 51 ... Conditioning device 90 ... Big winning opening 100 ... Main control unit 101 ... Reset circuit 102 clock circuit 103 I / O port 104 driver circuit 110 one-chip microcomputer 121 random number lottery means 122 special prize control means 123 execution right management means 124 prize ball management means 125 game progress selection means 126 ... sound effect management means 140 ... display control circuit 150 ... display main control unit 160 ... display processing unit 170 ... voice control circuit 1 0 display control CPU 181 execution result control means 182 preceding display control means 201 solenoid 202 external information output terminal A 203 illumination circuit 204 payout circuit 205 external information output terminal B 206 conditional device drive unit 210 ... Start-up winning prize ball detecting switch 211. Winning prize winning prize ball detecting switch 212. Specific area winning prize ball detecting switch 213.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A game machine for shooting a ball on a game board,
When a predetermined display game is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined game condition and a special prize display mode in which a plurality of predetermined pieces of identification information are arranged in a specific combination as a result of the execution, a special prize advantageous to the player is provided. In the state, a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying arbitrary identification information and arranged in a line, and a strip-shaped preceding display area capable of displaying arbitrary identification information, wherein the variable display area Respectively, and display control means for controlling display content of the variable display area, and preceding display control means for controlling display content of the preceding display area, wherein the preceding display means, Based on the establishment of the game condition, after displaying a state in which identification information flows one after another along the longitudinal direction for each of the preceding display areas for a predetermined period,
When the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended, the display control means causes the identification information to appear at the position where the adjacent variable display area exists when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended. The display game is displayed in a variable display area, and the display game enters the special prize state when the special prize display mode is formed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display area. The identification information to be displayed in the plurality of preceding display areas is displayed by being changed to a state in which the variable display areas are aligned in a line in the same direction as the direction in which the variable display areas are aligned and a state in which the variable display areas are aligned without being aligned. A gaming machine. 2. A gaming machine for launching a ball on a gaming board,
When a predetermined display game is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined game condition and a special prize display mode in which a plurality of predetermined pieces of identification information are arranged in a specific combination as a result of the execution, a special prize advantageous to the player is provided. In the state, a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying arbitrary identification information and arranged in a line, and a strip-shaped preceding display area capable of displaying arbitrary identification information, wherein the variable display area Respectively, and display control means for controlling display content of the variable display area, and preceding display control means for controlling display content of the preceding display area, wherein the preceding display means, Based on the establishment of the game condition, after displaying a state in which identification information flows one after another along the longitudinal direction for each of the preceding display areas for a predetermined period,
When the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended, the display control means causes the identification information to appear at the position where the adjacent variable display area exists when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended. The display game is displayed in a variable display area, and the display game enters the special prize state when the special prize display mode is formed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display area. A game machine wherein the speed at which the identification information flows in at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas is different from that of the other preceding display areas. 3. A game machine for shooting a ball on a game board,
When a predetermined display game is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined game condition and a special prize display mode in which a plurality of predetermined pieces of identification information are arranged in a specific combination as a result of the execution, a special prize advantageous to the player is provided. In the state, a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying arbitrary identification information and arranged in a line, and a strip-shaped preceding display area capable of displaying arbitrary identification information, wherein the variable display area Respectively, and display control means for controlling display content of the variable display area, and preceding display control means for controlling display content of the preceding display area, wherein the preceding display means, Based on the establishment of the game condition, after displaying a state in which identification information flows one after another along the longitudinal direction for each of the preceding display areas for a predetermined period,
When the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended, the display control means causes the identification information to appear at the position where the adjacent variable display area exists when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended. The display game is displayed in a variable display area, and the display game enters the special prize state when the special prize display mode is formed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display area. A gaming machine characterized in that at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas has a different interval between the pieces of identification information from other preceding display areas. 4. A gaming machine for launching a ball on a gaming board,
When a predetermined display game is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined game condition and a special prize display mode in which a plurality of predetermined pieces of identification information are arranged in a specific combination as a result of the execution, a special prize advantageous to the player is provided. In the state, a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying arbitrary identification information and arranged in a line, and a strip-shaped preceding display area capable of displaying arbitrary identification information, wherein the variable display area Respectively, and display control means for controlling display content of the variable display area, and preceding display control means for controlling display content of the preceding display area, wherein the preceding display means, Based on the establishment of the game condition, after displaying a state in which identification information flows one after another along the longitudinal direction for each of the preceding display areas for a predetermined period,
When the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended, the display control means causes the identification information to appear at the position where the adjacent variable display area exists when the flow of the identification information displayed in the preceding display area is extended. The display game is displayed in a variable display area, and the display game enters the special prize state when the special prize display mode is formed by the identification information stopped and displayed in the variable display area. The speed of the identification information flowing in at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas is made different from that of the other preceding display areas, and the identification information of at least one of the plurality of preceding display areas is A gaming machine characterized in that a flowing interval is different from other preceding display areas. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein each time the display game is executed, the speed at which the identification information flows through each preceding display area and / or the interval between the identification information changes. Gaming machine. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the speed is increased or decreased while the identification information is flowing. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an interval between the pieces of identification information is varied while the pieces of identification information are flowing. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the identification information in each preceding display area is directed toward the side where the corresponding variable display area exists. Gaming machine. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the flow is varied while the identification information is flowing.
The gaming machine according to 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. 10. Immediately before the flow of the identification information stops,
10. The case where the direction of the flow is temporarily reversed is provided.
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 11. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied based on a game ball hit on a game board surface winning a predetermined start port.
The gaming machine according to 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. 12. A state advantageous to a player by opening a special winning opening which is closed in a normal state when the special prize state is entered.
The gaming machine according to 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11. 13. A plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface thereof, which are coaxially juxtaposed to each other, are rotated based on establishment of the game condition, and a stop switch prepared for each reel is provided. Stop the corresponding reel according to the press,
The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine is configured to perform, as the display game, a win when the special prize display mode is formed on an activated line when all reels are stopped. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10
A gaming machine according to claim 1.