JP2001246074A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To alleviate a feeling of tediousness of a game player in his slump state. SOLUTION: A pachinko game machine 1 provided with a liquid crystal display 3 includes a special pattern display part 3b for enjoying whether or not a plurality of special patterns which are varying are arranged in a certain combination and a presentation pattern display part 3c for displaying a variety of presentation patterns in conjunction with the variation in the special patterns at the display part 3b. An additional presentation display region is provided to additionally display the special presentation patterns during the suspension of presentation patterns before the variable display of presentation pattern at the part 3c in conjunction with the variation in special patterns displayed on the part 3b or after the variable display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine, a slot machine (including a video type), and a game machine having a display means for displaying various symbols such as symbols related to a game.
It relates to a gaming machine such as a V game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some gaming machines are provided with a display device for displaying symbols, in addition to a gaming board surface on which an original game is played.
Various information is displayed on this display device. For example,
In the case of a pachinko machine, when there is a start winning, a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and when it stops in a predetermined combination,
Benefits such as generating special games are provided. Further, some of the display devices include a variation display section for effect symbols, in addition to the variation display section for special symbols. The effect symbol variation display section displays effect symbols elaborating various aspects.

For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-155028, a moving image of a character playing golf is displayed in addition to the display of a special symbol for determining the occurrence of a special game state on the special variable display device. The display result of the image is provided corresponding to the display result of the special symbol. For example, during the change display of the special symbol, a moving image in which the character performs a golf tee shot as a series of actions is displayed, a big hit symbol is displayed when the golf ball enters the pin, and a lost symbol is displayed when the golf ball comes off the pin. indicate. Further, in this moving image, a plurality of types of golf having a common story property are set, and switching of a game to be displayed according to the number of times of starting a special symbol is disclosed.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-313682, while a game with variable display of a special symbol (variable display game) is being performed, a preliminary variable display game is performed in conjunction with the variable display game, and the preliminary variable display game is performed. In the display game, it is disclosed that the character symbol performs a decorative display such as extracting a stop symbol by playing a special symbol variably displayed.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-234276, moving image information configured to synchronize with a variable display of a special symbol display device is displayed on a video display device. The story from the stage of dropping the fish to the stage of catching the fish is shown corresponding to the jackpot state, the losing reach state, and the losing state. Specifically, it is disclosed that a character design such as an octopus or a shark on which a specific design corresponding to the special design determined as the stop design of the special design display is displayed during the variable display of the special design display. Have been.

[0006]

By the way, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, a special symbol and an effect symbol are simultaneously controlled. That is, the display is controlled so that the effect symbol stops simultaneously with the stop of the special symbol.

However, during a game, a period in which the starting winning does not occur may continue to some extent. If this period continues after the end of the symbol change by the start winning memory, the symbols on the display device remain stopped until the next start winning. That is, a slump state is set.

If this slump state continues for a long time (for example, about 30 seconds), the player will feel strongly bored.
The pleasure of a player in a gaming machine equipped with a display device has changed from the conventional one in which a game ball is seen to fall on a game board surface at random, to the effect of a display device. In particular, in a gaming machine provided with a large display device (for example, a display device of 7 inches or more), the display device occupies a wide area in the entire game board surface, and the flow-down area of the game ball is correspondingly increased. Will be narrowed. On the other hand, since the player constantly looks at the game board surface during the game, the player feels bored when the display device occupying a large area in the field of view of the player remains stopped. Then, if the display device is stopped for a long time, there is a problem that the player's feeling of boredom becomes stronger.

Further, if the slump state continues for a long time or occurs repeatedly, the player may lose expectation of a big hit at the gaming machine and stop the game.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the feeling of boredom of a player in the slump state.

[0011]

A gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention has a special symbol display section for enjoying whether or not a plurality of fluctuating special symbols are arranged in a fixed combination, and a special symbol display section for the special symbol display section. In a gaming machine provided with a display means having an effect symbol display unit that displays various effect symbols in conjunction with the change of the symbol, the effect symbol interlocking with the change of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit An additional effect display area for additionally displaying a special effect symbol is provided while the effect symbol is stopped before or after the effect symbol is displayed on the display unit.

With the above-described configuration, when the special symbol starts to change on the special symbol display section, the change of the effect symbol on the effect symbol display section also starts. Further, when the change of the special symbol is stopped in the special symbol display section, the change of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display section is stopped in conjunction therewith. While repeating the start and stop of the change of the special symbol and the effect symbol, a special effect symbol is additionally displayed on the effect symbol display section while the change is stopped. As this special production design,
A moving image related to the effect design or a moving image unrelated to the effect design is displayed, or a still image is displayed. As a result, the time during which the player feels the slump state is shortened, and the feeling of boredom of the player can be reduced.

A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect, wherein the additional effect symbol additionally displayed in the additional effect display area is a moving image.

With the above configuration, it is possible to attract the viewpoint of the player. In the case of a still image, the boring sensation of the player can be reduced in a special situation such as when the player is particularly interested in the still image. However, when the user is not so interested, the line of sight looking at the effect symbol display unit floats and the user feels bored, so the additional effect symbol is animated. In the case of a moving image, the gaze of the player is attracted to the movement of the additional effect symbol, and the feeling of boredom can be reduced.

[0015] The gaming machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine, comprising:
In the gaming machine according to the invention, a predetermined time is provided between the effect symbol display on the effect symbol display unit and the additional effect display.

According to the above configuration, if the additional effect symbol is displayed immediately after the change of the effect symbol stops, the player's gaze is attracted to the additional effect display immediately after enjoying the result on the special symbol display section. It gives a little emotion. Similarly, when a special symbol is suddenly displayed while the additional effect symbol is displayed, a feeling that is not busy is given. In this case, by providing a predetermined time between the fluctuation display of the effect symbol and the additional effect display on the effect symbol display unit and providing a predetermined time, it is possible to give the player a feeling of being busy or give a feeling of boredom. Disappears.

A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the additional display time of the special effect symbol on the effect symbol display section is different from that of the effect symbol. It is characterized in that it is set to be longer than the effect symbol stop time before or after the fluctuation display.

With the above arrangement, the special effect symbol is additionally displayed while the effect symbol is stopped. This makes it possible to reduce the feeling of boredom without causing the player to feel in the slump state.

A gaming machine according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the effect symbol change display on the effect symbol display section is performed in the additional effect display area. It is characterized by giving priority to additional effect symbol display.

According to the above configuration, when the variation of the effect symbol stops, an additional effect symbol is displayed. When the display of the special symbol on the special symbol display section is started during the display of the additional effect symbol, the variation of the effect symbol is started in preference to the display of the additional effect symbol even during the display.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, also in the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine.

First, a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 shows a gaming board surface 1 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.
FIG. Near the center of the game board surface 10,
The liquid crystal display device 3 is arranged as display means for displaying symbols related to the game (special symbols and effect symbols). On the upper side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 3, a plurality of symbols represented by images are variably displayed to simulate the three rows of rotating reels of the slot machine. The symbols to be displayed in a variable manner are called "special symbols". If the special symbol is in a predetermined stop mode (for example, in a stop mode such as “7-7-7” and is called “big hit”) when the variable display is stopped, the special symbol is advantageous to the player. This shows the transition to the gaming state. The special game state is a special winning opening 5 described later.
Is converted to an advantageous state, which will be specifically described later.

On the lower side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 3, various effects are displayed while the special symbols are being changed and displayed. This effect display is expressed in various video modes. For example, the "big hit reliability" that is the probability of transition to the special game state, or the "reach development rate" that is the probability of developing into the reach state, or that the gaming state by the variable display has developed into the reach state, Is established or lost. These designs are called "staging designs".

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display screen 3a of the liquid crystal display device 3 is vertically divided into two parts. That is, the upper display areas 50L, 50C, 50
It is composed of a special symbol display section 3b made of R and a rendered symbol display section 3c which is a lower display area. In addition, the special symbol display part 3b and the effect symbol display part 3c are images in which the background is continuous without providing a clear boundary. In the display areas 50L, 50C, 50R of the special symbol display section 3b, special symbols composed of numeric symbols and the like are variably displayed,
In the effect symbol display section 3c, an effect display related to the game is performed.

In the example of FIG. 3, a story set in a downtown area is unfolded as an effect display. In FIG. 3A, a downtown area as a background is displayed. And FIG.
In (b) to (d), a male character 51 and a female character 52 are displayed as staging patterns against a downtown area,
They talk to each other, their expressions change, and their body movements change.

In the case of the reach state, the effect display is a display of contents in which the development of the scenario has greatly developed. For example, if two men and women characters are arranged in different situations by changing the background, it is easy to understand that the development of the scenario has greatly expanded, and the player can easily recognize that the reach state has been reached. be able to. Also, it is assumed that the jackpot reliability differs depending on the degree of its development.

Referring again to FIG. 2, below the liquid crystal display device 3 on the game board surface 10, there is provided a start winning opening 4 for starting a variation display of a special symbol of the liquid crystal display device 3 when a game ball enters. The starting winning opening 4 is provided with a variable winning device that can be converted into a first state that is disadvantageous to the player and a second state that is advantageous to the player. It is determined that prize balls will be paid out. Note that even in the first state that is disadvantageous to the player, the starting winning port 4 holds a winning space in which about one game ball can be won, so that a game ball can be won.

On the right and left sides immediately above the liquid crystal display device 3, four start winning memory lamps 15 are provided. this is,
The number of wins in the start winning opening 4 (so-called holding balls) while the special symbol is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 3 is stored up to four times, and the liquid crystal display device 3 at that time is stored.
Of the start prize memory lamp 15
Is turned on to notify the player. Therefore, winning in the starting winning opening 4 when all four lamps 15 are turned on becomes invalid as a variable display start condition. When four lamps 15 are lit,
By shortening the fluctuation time, that is, switching to the time saving mode, the new winning is prevented from being invalidated as much as possible. The specific operation for this will be described later.

Below the start winning opening 4, there is provided a large winning opening (so-called attacker) 5 which can be converted into a closed state disadvantageous to the player and an open state advantageous to the player. The special winning opening 5 is converted into an open state which is advantageous to the player for a predetermined time when the display of the special symbol on the liquid crystal display device 3 is stopped and the combination of the special special symbol which becomes "big hit" is displayed. It consists of an open / closed variable winning prize device. A predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls is paid out when a game ball wins. The above-mentioned special game state is a game state in which the game state in which the special winning opening 5 is in an open state is such that a big hit game in which a 10-ball prize winning or a 30-second continuation is continued can be performed 16 times (round). . However, in order to perform the next round after the end of the first round jackpot game, generally a "V prize"
It is necessary to satisfy a predetermined condition referred to as

Here, the special winning opening 5 is composed of a plurality of winning openings (not shown) arranged in parallel, and the V winning is achieved when a game ball is placed in a specific winning opening among the plurality of winning openings. This is when winning. This particular winning opening is usually 5
Provided in the center of the

Further, on the game board surface 10, a windmill 12,
A general prize hole 13 for paying out five prize balls to a player every time there is a prize ball, a board side lamp 14, and the like are provided.

Hereinafter, the display contents on the display screen 3a of the liquid crystal display device 3 will be described with a specific example.

First, when a game is started on the liquid crystal display device 3, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), a special symbol is fluctuated in the display areas 50L, 50C, 50R of the special symbol display section 3b of the display screen 3a. Start. At the same time, the effect display for effecting one scenario is started on the effect symbol display unit 3c.

FIG. 3A shows a state before the start of the change display of the special symbol. The three special symbols on the special symbol display section 3b are stopped. The effect symbol display unit 3c is displayed as a background image in which the scenery of the downtown area at night is fixed.

FIG. 3B shows a state immediately after the start of the change display of the special symbol. In the special symbol display section 3b, three special symbols start rotating. In the effect design display section 3c, a male character 51 as an effect design is displayed from the left side of the display screen 3a, and a female character 52 is displayed from the right side with the scenery of the downtown area as a background.
But each walks to the center of the screen.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), both characters 51 and 52 stand side by side at the center of the screen and start a conversation. After that, according to the development of the scenario, an attached symbol displayed along with the effect symbol is displayed. For example, FIG.
In (c), when the variable display in the left display area 50L stops, the male character 51
A serif symbol 53a indicating a line to be spoken to 2 is displayed as an attached symbol. Here, the character pattern 53a of the male character 51 is displayed as "cute face". Next, when the variable display in the right display area 50R is stopped, the dialogue pattern 5 indicating that the female character 52 has responded to the speech of the male character 51.
5a is displayed as an attached symbol. In this case, "Who are you conscious of that hairstyle?" Is displayed as a line symbol 55a of the female character 52.

Next, when the variable display in the central display area 50C is stopped and the special symbol is determined, the male character 51 changes the expression according to the result. In FIG. 3D, the expression in the case of a loss is changed to a shocked or surprised expression with a wide open mouth.

When the special symbols are not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 3, various demonstration displays (hereinafter referred to as "demo displays") are performed. The demonstration display is not only a display indicating the entire flow of the game performed on the liquid crystal display device 3 but also a display including important information regarding the game.

This demonstration display is a display that suggests the relationship between the effect display performed during the fluctuation display and the reach development rate and the jackpot reliability. Specifically, the male and female characters appearing in the effect display are displayed in the reach display. It is a display that suggests that there is a close relationship between the rate and the jackpot reliability.

Further, in this embodiment, an additional effect display area for additionally displaying a special effect symbol is provided. In the additional effect display area, the time period immediately after the display of the effect symbol on the effect symbol display unit 3c is completed after the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 3b is determined (stop of the effect symbol) Middle). In the additional effect display area, a special effect symbol is displayed in addition to a series of effect displays in the effect symbols described above. The additional effect display area is provided after the end of the effect symbol display, because the effect appears to continue even after the special symbol is stopped, so that the player does not feel the slump state as much as possible, reducing the feeling of boredom It is to make it.

The additional display time of the special effect symbol on the effect symbol display unit 3c is set longer than the effect symbol stop time after the effect symbol change display (the special symbol stop time on the special symbol display unit 3b). . It should be noted that the special symbol stop time differs depending on conditions such as whether or not a reserved ball is stored. Here, the special symbol stop time (interval time) when there is a reserved ball memory is used as a reference. When there is a reserved ball memory, the special symbol display section 3b displays the special symbol in a variable manner, and after the change is fixed and the special symbol is stopped, the variation is restarted after a certain time has elapsed. At this time, the additional display time of the special effect symbol is set longer based on the interval time during which the special symbol is stopped. In addition, the variable display of the effect symbol is set to be prioritized over the display of the additional effect symbol in the additional effect display area. Thereby, when the variation display of the special symbol is started during the display of the additional effect symbol, the variation display of the effect symbol is started prior to the display of the additional effect symbol.

As the additional effect display content in the additional effect display area, a still image is displayed for a certain period of time, and then a moving image is displayed. The time for displaying a still image is the above-mentioned interval time. This means that if a moving image is continuously displayed immediately after the change of the effect symbol stops, the player's line of sight will be attracted to the additional effect display immediately after enjoying the result in the special symbol display unit 3b, This is because it gives an emotion that is slightly busy. By this, if there is a pending ball memory,
A still image is displayed without displaying a moving image in the additional effect display area, and the user can check and enjoy the result on the special symbol display unit 3b. If the reserved ball is no longer stored, a moving image is displayed after the elapse of the interval time, and attention is paid to the moving image.

As an effect in the additional effect display area, a symbol related to the effect symbol is displayed, or a symbol having no relation to the symbol is displayed. FIG. 4 is an example in the case of displaying a symbol related to the above-mentioned effect symbol. In FIG. 4A, the female character 52 turns right from the state of FIG. 3D.
Next, in FIG. 4B, the female character 52 walks to the right. Then, in FIG. 4C, the female character 52
Disappears from the right end of the display screen 3a. This operation is performed for a preset operation time.

This additional effect starts after a predetermined time has elapsed after the special symbol stops and the effect symbol stops accordingly. Specifically, it is as shown in the timing chart of FIG. In this timing chart, the following is shown in order from the top. That is, from the top, a trigger for starting and confirming the change of the symbol, starting and confirming the change of the special symbol, switching the animation (moving image and still image) as the effect symbol, changing and stopping the symbol in the left symbol display area 50L, right Fluctuation and stop of the symbol in the symbol display area 50R, fluctuation and stop of the symbol in the medium symbol display area 50C,
The fluctuation and the stop of the animation as the effect symbol are shown.

Specifically, the symbol change start trigger T1 and the confirmation trigger T
2 is output. An interval T3 is set between the symbol confirmation trigger T2 and the next variation start trigger T1. In response to the change start trigger T1, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display section 3b starts changing display, and the effect symbol (animation) on the effect symbol display section 3c also starts changing display.

In the special symbol display section 3b, the special symbol starts to change at the same time in the left symbol display area 50L, the right symbol display area 50R, and the middle symbol display area 50C by the above-described trigger. Stop in the order of the middle symbols. At this time, the middle symbol is stopped by the confirmation trigger. Further, the effect symbol (animation) on the effect symbol display section 3c starts and stops changing according to the start and end of the change trigger. When the trigger for starting the next variation display is output, the left symbol, the right symbol, the middle symbol, and the effect symbol (animation) start to vary and stop sequentially, as described above.

At this time, in the effect symbol display section 3c, after the effect symbol (animation) is stopped, a still image is displayed for an interval time, and then a special effect symbol is additionally displayed. If the start of change is output, the effect symbol is given priority and is canceled by the trigger of change start. Specifically, it is as shown in FIG. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 6 , the effect symbol (animation) stops and starts to fluctuate in conjunction with a medium symbol that stops and starts to fluctuate by a trigger for stopping and starting the fluctuation. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, in conjunction with the middle symbol (T10 in the figure) whose fluctuation is stopped by the trigger of the stop, the effect symbol (animation)
Also stops changing (T11 in the figure), but after this stop, an additional display of the special effect symbol is performed at an interval T3 (T12 in the figure). At this time, if a trigger to start the change is output, as shown in FIG. 7, the additional display of the special effect symbol is not performed, and the effect symbol (animation) is displayed.

The above operation is repeated while a reserved ball is present, and when there are no reserved balls, a special effect symbol is additionally displayed. In other words, if there are no more reserved balls, the trigger for the start of change is not output for a while, so the effect design (animation) stops and after the interval time elapses, the additional display of the special effect design (T4 in FIG. 5) is started. . Thereby, the display on the special symbol display unit 3b is stopped,
In the effect symbol display section 3c, a special effect symbol is displayed for a while to attract the gaze of the player.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electric circuit section in the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the electric circuit section in the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention comprises a main board 30, a relay board 3
4, a symbol control board 31, a voice control board 32, and a prize ball control board 33.

The main board 30 is mainly composed of a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a “microcomputer”). The microcomputer includes a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM serving as a read-only storage unit, and a readable / writable storage. And a RAM as a means.

The relay board 34 connected to the main board 30
The passing ball gate 6 mentioned above is used
A passing ball sensor 20 for detecting a game ball passing through the above, a starting winning ball sensor 22 for detecting a gaming ball winning the above-mentioned starting winning opening 4, a large winning ball for detecting a gaming ball winning the above-mentioned large winning opening 5. A sensor 25, a winning ball sensor 21 for detecting a game ball that has won the general winning opening 13, a firing ball sensor 23 for detecting a game ball fired from a ball firing device (not shown), and fired but do not reach the game board surface A return ball sensor 24 for detecting the game ball returned by the above is connected, and a lamp display device 41 to which the board side lamp 14 and the like are connected, a starting winning opening 4, and a big winning opening 5 are connected as actuators.

When each of the sensors detects a game ball, a detection signal is input to the CPU in the main board 30, and the various actuators are respectively driven and controlled in accordance with the input signal. The control command is also transmitted to the voice control board 31, the voice control board 32, and the award ball control board 33.

During the game, when the passing ball sensor 20 detects a game ball passing through the passing ball gate 6 and outputs a detection signal, the microcomputer in the main board 30 hits and loses according to the detection signal. Make a decision. Then, when it is determined that a hit has occurred, the tulip at the starting port is opened for a predetermined time.

When the starting prize ball sensor 22 detects a game ball that has won the starting prize port 4 and outputs a detection signal, the microcomputer in the main substrate 30 detects the game ball in the liquid crystal display device 3 based on the detection signal. In order to make various settings relating to the game, a control command is transmitted to the symbol control board 31, and the liquid crystal display device 3 is controlled according to the determination result on the symbol control board 31.
Here, the symbol control board 31 is separated from the main board 30 by C
A liquid crystal display device 3 comprising a PU, a ROM and a RAM
The control processing program relating to the game and the image data necessary for the game are stored in the ROM in the symbol control board 31.

Further, based on the detection of the game ball by the starting winning ball sensor 22 as described above, the microcomputer in the main board 30 determines whether or not a big hit has occurred. Then, if it is determined that the big hit, the door of the big winning opening 5 is opened to convert the game ball into the above-mentioned open state in which the game ball can easily win.

The voice control board 32 includes various voice data, and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 40 according to a control command transmitted from the main board 30 according to a game situation.

The prize ball control board 33 responds to a control command transmitted from the main board 30 in response to various prizes and receives a prize ball device 4
Drive 3 and pay out the pachinko balls.

Hereinafter, a control processing operation relating to a game in the liquid crystal display device 3 performed by the main board 30 and the symbol control board 31 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.

The game control processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 12 is performed on the main board 30.

On the main board 30, the main game control process (ST1 to ST7) shown in FIG. 9 is repeated, and periodically (for example, every 3 ms) on the condition that the interrupt permission flag is set. Interrupt processing (ST
10 to ST20).

The processing flow in the main game control processing shown in FIG. 9 will be described below.

ST1: An interrupt permission flag is set.

ST2: The updating process of the stop symbol determining random number counter and the reach determining random number counter is performed.

The stop symbol determination random number counter is a counter for extracting a stop symbol determination random number which is used when a loss is determined in the above-mentioned big hit determination and a stop mode in the liquid crystal display device 3 is determined. The count value is updated in the range of 0 to 9 shown in FIG. This update processing is
+1 is added to the upper limit value 9 (hereinafter referred to as “count up”), and the count is restarted from 0 again. The stop symbol determination random number counter is composed of three counters, a left stop symbol determination random number counter, a middle stop symbol determination random number counter, and a right stop symbol determination random number counter, each of which performs an update process separately. .

The reach determination random number counter is a counter for extracting a reach determination random number used to determine whether or not to display the special symbol change display in the case of a loss, as shown in FIG. The count value is updated in the range of 9. That is, it is configured to count up from 0 to its upper limit value 9, and then restart counting from 0 again.

ST3: Determine whether a control command (command) for error check processing is being transmitted,
If it is transmitting, the process returns to ST1, and if it is not transmitting, the process proceeds to ST4.

ST4: Generate a command for error check processing.

ST5: An error check process is executed based on the command generated in ST4.

ST6: Determine whether an error is occurring,
If an error has occurred, the process returns to ST1, and if no error has occurred, the process proceeds to ST7.

ST7: A special symbol game control process shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 to be described later is executed.

The interrupt processing that is periodically executed is shown in FIG.
Are executed in the processing flow of ST10 to ST20 shown in FIG.

ST10: Each register is saved.

ST11: Update processing of the big hit determination random number counter, the big hit symbol determination random number counter, and the effect group determination random number counter.

The big hit determination random number counter is a counter for extracting a big hit determination random number used for determining whether or not a game result on the liquid crystal display device 3 is a big hit with special symbols (big hit determination). 0 to 334 shown in 17
The count value is updated within the range of. That is, the counter is configured to count up from 0 to its upper limit value 334, and to count up again from 0.

The jackpot symbol determining random number counter is a counter for extracting a jackpot symbol determining random number, which is used when the jackpot is determined in the above jackpot determination and the stop mode in the liquid crystal display device 3 is determined. 0-9 shown in FIG.
The count value is updated within the range of. That is, it is configured to count up from 0 to its upper limit value 9, and then restart counting from 0 again.

The effect group determining random number counter is a counter for extracting effect group determining random numbers used for determining an effect group, which will be described later.
The count value is updated in the range of 023. That is, it counts up from 0 to its upper limit value 1023,
It is configured to count up from 0 again.

ST12: Various timer updating processes are executed.

ST13: When input signals from various sensors such as the passing ball sensor 20, the winning ball sensor 21, and the starting winning ball sensor 22 are detected, processing corresponding to the input signals is executed. For example, when the input signal from the starting winning ball sensor 22 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of stored starting winnings is less than the upper limit value (4 balls as described above). For each of the random number counter, big hit symbol determination random number counter, and effect group determination random number counter, the updated count value is extracted as a random number,
The data is transferred to the RAM in the main board 30 and stored.

ST14: Processing related to display on the ordinary symbol display device (this is called "ordinary symbol processing") is executed.

ST15: Various LEDs depending on the game state
Is turned on, blinking, and turned off.

ST16: The payout process of the prize ball is executed in response to the payout request issued by the game ball winning to the winning opening.

ST17: An error process for determining whether various errors have occurred in the gaming machine is executed.

ST18: A process of transmitting a control command to the symbol control board 31 or the like is executed.

ST19: Each register is restored.

ST20: An interrupt permission flag is set.

In the special symbol game control process, as shown in FIG. 11, first, it is determined whether or not there is a start winning memory (S
T30) If it is determined that there is no start winning memory, the following processing is performed.

A demonstration display switching timer that manages the timing of switching between the demonstration display on the liquid crystal display device 3 and a game (hereinafter, referred to as a “normal game”) based on a change display of a special symbol counts a predetermined time, and proceeds to the demonstration display. It is determined whether or not the switching instruction is output (ST31). If it is determined that the switching instruction is output, it is determined whether or not the demonstration display is being displayed (ST32), and the demonstration display is being displayed. If so, the game is switched to the normal game (ST33), and if it is during the normal game, the game is switched to the demonstration display (ST34).

If it is determined in ST30 that there is a starting winning memory, it is determined whether or not the starting winning memory number is the upper limit (ST35). If the start winning prize memory number is the upper limit value, a fluctuation time reduction flag is set (ST3).
6). If the number of start winning storages is not the upper limit value, it is determined whether or not the probability is changing (ST37). If it is determined that the probability is fluctuating, a fluctuation time reduction flag is set in ST36. When it is determined that the probability is not fluctuating, or after the variation time reduction flag is set in ST36, the big hit determination random number stored in the RAM is read out in the above ST13, and the big hit determination table stored in the ROM as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is a big hit (ST38).
Here, if the read random number for big hit determination is “7”, it is determined that a big hit.

If the big hit is determined in ST38, the big hit symbol determining random number stored in the RAM is read out in ST13, and the big hit symbol (big hit) is read from the big hit symbol determining table stored in the ROM as shown in FIG. Is determined (ST39). As shown in FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, ten types of special symbols are provided, and the big hit symbol is a stop mode in which three of each symbol are aligned. These symbol data are stored in the ROM in the symbol control board 31.

If the big hit symbol is determined, then, as shown in FIG.
The effect group determination table for the big hit (FIG. 20C) is selected from the three effect group determination tables stored in the ROM as shown in FIG. The effect group required for the determination is determined (ST40).

When the loss is determined in ST38, the reach determination random number stored in the RAM is read in ST13, and the presence / absence of reach (variable display) is read from the reach determination table stored in the ROM as shown in FIG. Is determined (ST41).

If it is determined in ST41 that there is a reach, the left stop symbol determining random number, the middle stop symbol determining random number, and the right stop symbol determining random number stored in the RAM in ST13 are read out. The special symbol stop mode is determined from the left stop symbol determination table, the middle stop symbol determination table, and the right stop symbol determination table stored in the ROM as shown in FIG. In this determination process, first, a left stop symbol is determined, and the same symbol as the symbol is determined as a right stop symbol. When the symbol determined from the middle stop symbol determination random number is the same as the left and right symbols, the frame is shifted by one frame to be a middle stop symbol.

If the manner of stopping the reach loss is determined,
Subsequently, the effect group determination table for reach loss shown in FIG. 20 (FIG. 20B) is selected, and the effect group is determined from the effect group determination random numbers stored in the RAM in ST13 (ST43).

If it is determined that there is no reach in ST41, the RAM is read in ST13 as in ST42.
, The left stop symbol determination random number, the middle stop symbol determination random number, and the right stop symbol determination random number stored in the memory are read to determine the stop symbol. However, unlike the determination process in ST42, first, the left stop symbol and the middle stop symbol are determined by the left stop symbol determination random number and the middle stop symbol determination random number, and then the right stop symbol determination random number is determined. If the shifted symbol is the same as the left stop symbol, the symbol shifted by one frame is determined as the right stop symbol (ST44).

After the mode of stopping the reach without loss is determined, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time reduction flag is set (ST45). When it is determined that the fluctuation time reduction flag is not set, the (normal) effect group determination table for reach-less loss shown in FIG. 20 (FIG. 20)
A) is selected, and the effect group is determined from the effect group determining random numbers stored in the RAM in ST13 (ST13).
46).

If it is determined in ST45 that the fluctuation time reduction flag is set, the reachless (loss of time) effect group determination table for reach-less loss is selected.
The effect group is determined from the effect group determining random number stored in the RAM in (ST47), and the fluctuation time reduction flag is cleared (ST48). FIG. 20A shows an example of the production group determination table for the reach-less loss (reduced time).
A dedicated table may be provided separately from the effect group determination table of FIG. 20A, and the effect group determination table of FIG. 20A may be edited and used for the time saving mode.

As described above, when the special symbol stop mode is determined, a symbol change command for controlling the liquid crystal display device to perform display based on this determination is generated (ST49), and the symbol change is performed. Command to design control board 31
(ST50).

Next, the flow shifts to the flowchart of FIG. 12 to determine whether or not a big hit has been determined (S
T51). If the determination is a loss, the process proceeds to ST59 to be described later. If the determination is a hit, a jackpot fanfare process for controlling the audio control board 32 to output a sound (a jackpot fanfare) for notifying the jackpot from the speaker 40 is performed. Perform (ST52).

Then, a process of switching from the normal game to the round display is performed by counting a predetermined time of the round display switching timer for managing the timing of switching from the normal game to the round display during the big hit game on the liquid crystal display device 3. (ST53).

Then, a jackpot game time check process for managing the execution time (30 s) of the jackpot game at the jackpot 5 and the waiting time of the round switch of the jackpot game is executed (ST54). When it is confirmed that the execution time of one round of the big hit game has elapsed, the process of closing the door of the big winning port 5 is performed, and when it is confirmed that the waiting time of the round switching of the big hit game has been elapsed, the door of the big winning port 5 is opened. (ST55).

After ST55, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 5 is being opened (ST56).
Returning to the process, the jackpot game is continued, and if it is not being opened, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned V winning is established (ST5).
7) If the V prize has been established, the process returns to ST54 to continue the big hit game. If the V winning has not been established, the big hit game is terminated (ST58).

Then, the work area of the RAM used in the special symbol game control processing is reset (ST59).

FIG. 13 shows the operation performed by the symbol control board 31.
It is a flowchart which shows a main process.

In this processing, first, the operation initial setting of the MPU is performed (ST60), and the RAM is cleared (ST6).
1), VDP operation initialization is performed (ST62).

Next, image processing described later is executed (S
T63). Thereafter, the effect pattern determination random number counter for extracting the effect pattern determination random number used when determining the effect pattern of the effect display to be described later updates the count value in the range of 0 to 127 shown in FIG. (ST64).

Then, it is determined whether or not the display of one screen has been completed (ST65). If the display has been completed, the process returns to the image processing of ST63. If not completed, the process returns to ST64 to determine the effect pattern. Update the random number counter.

When a command is sent from the main board 30, an interrupt process as shown in FIG. 14 is executed. That is, when a command from the main board is input (ST6)
6) The command data is received (ST67). Next, the received command data is stored in the RAM, and a command reception flag is set (ST68).

Next, the image processing in ST63 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (ST70). If a big hit is being played ("YES" in ST70), the currently displayed round display is continued (ST70).
71). If it is not during the big hit game, it is determined whether or not the demonstration is being displayed (ST72). If the demonstration is being displayed ("YES" in ST72), the displayed demonstration is continued (ST73).

If it is determined that the demonstration is not being displayed (ST
"NO" at 72), it is determined whether or not a variable game is in progress (ST74). During the floating game ("YE" in ST74)
S "), then, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is set (ST75). If the command reception flag is not set, the variable display and the effect display during the display are continued (ST76). If the command reception flag is set, the image setting relating to the fluctuation display of the special symbol in the normal game is performed in accordance with the symbol fluctuation command received from the main board 30 (ST77), and then an effect pattern determination process (ST78) to be described later. After clearing the command reception flag (ST79), the normal game processing (display processing of the fluctuation display and the effect display) is performed (ST7).
6).

Next, the effect pattern determination processing performed in ST78 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

This is an effect group included in the symbol change command received from the main board 30. The effect groups are ST40, ST43, ST46 and ST46 during the special symbol game control process shown in FIG.
Based on the effect group determined in ST47, FIG.
In D), one of the effect pattern determination tables is selected, and an effect pattern to be displayed as the effect display is determined.

First, it is determined whether or not effect group 1 is selected (ST80). When it is determined that staging group 1 has been selected (“YES” in ST80)
As shown in FIG. 20A, in the case of no loss, the effect pattern determination table of the normal variation of FIG. 23A is selected. Then, the count value of the effect pattern determination random number counter updated in ST64 is extracted as an effect pattern determination random number, and an effect pattern to which a random number range to which the random number belongs is assigned is determined as an effect pattern to be displayed (ST81). .

If it is determined in ST80 that effect group 1 has not been selected, it is determined whether or not effect group 2 has been selected (ST82). When effect group 2 is selected (“YES” in ST82),
As shown in FIG. 0 (B), in the case of no loss,
The effect pattern determination table of the time saving variation of 3 (B) is selected. Then, the count value of the effect pattern determining random number counter updated in ST64 is extracted as an effect pattern determining random number, and the effect pattern to which the random number range to which this random number belongs is assigned as an effect pattern to be displayed is determined (ST83). .

If it is determined in ST82 that effect group 2 has not been selected, it is determined whether effect group 3 or 4 has been selected (ST84). When any of production groups 3 or 4 is selected (ST8
4, “YES”) is a case of reach loss, as shown in FIG. 20C, and the effect pattern determination table for reach loss in FIG. 23C is selected. And ST
The count value of the effect pattern determination random number counter updated in 64 is extracted as an effect pattern determination random number, and an effect pattern to which a random number range to which this random number belongs is assigned is determined as an effect pattern to be displayed (ST85).

When it is determined that effect group 3 or 4 has not been selected, that is, when any of effect groups 5, 6 or 7 has been selected ("N" in ST84).
O ") is a big hit, as shown in FIG. 20 (D), and the big hit effect pattern determination table of FIG. 23 (D) is selected. Then, the effect pattern determining random number counter updated in ST64. Is extracted as an effect pattern determining random number, and an effect pattern to which a random number range to which the random number belongs is assigned as an effect pattern to be displayed (ST86).

[Effect] An additional effect display area for additionally displaying a special effect symbol is provided while the effect symbol is stopped after the effect symbol is displayed on the effect symbol display section 3c, so that the special symbol and the effect symbol fluctuate. Is stopped, a special effect symbol is additionally displayed, and the time for the player to feel the slump state is shortened, so that the boring feeling of the player can be reduced.

Since the additional effect symbol additionally displayed in the additional effect display area is a moving image, the viewpoint of the player can be more strongly attracted than the still image, and the feeling of boredom can be reduced.

[0120] Since a predetermined time is provided between the effect symbol display and the additional effect display on the effect symbol display section 3c, the effect screen changes continuously to give the player a feeling of being busy. And no more boring.

Since the additional display time of the special effect symbol on the effect symbol display section 3c is set to be longer than the effect symbol stop time after the variation display of the effect symbol, the special effect symbol is displayed while the effect symbol is stopped. The effect symbol is additionally displayed, and the feeling of boredom can be reduced without making the player feel that the game is in the slump state.

Since the change display of the effect symbol on the effect symbol display section 3c has priority over the additional effect symbol display in the additional effect display area, the special symbol display section 3b can display the special symbol even during the display of the additional effect symbol. When the display starts, the variation of the effect symbol can be started in conjunction with the display.

[Modifications] (1) In the above embodiment, the case of the pachinko game machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other game machines, for example, electric display devices and other images are used. It can be applied to a gaming machine equipped with a device. Further, the present invention can be applied to a game program in a game program that performs the above-described operation in a pachinko gaming machine for a home game machine in a simulated manner. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a video type slot machine.

Some mechanical reel-type gaming machines, such as pachislot gaming machines, have a display device for effects and display moving images on the display device. For example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, mechanical reels (105a, 105b, 1)
05c) and a start lever (120) and a stop button (121a, 121b, 121c) between which a liquid crystal display device (113) is provided. The present invention can also be applied to such a gaming machine by providing an additional effect display area on the liquid crystal display device.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the special effect is displayed while the effect symbols are displayed on the effect symbol display portion 3c, while the effect symbols are changed. Although an additional effect display area for displaying additional symbols was provided, while the effect symbol was stopped before the effect symbol change display,
An additional effect display area may be provided.

Slot machines (including video types),
Regarding pachislot machines, it is prohibited to remarkably stimulate gambling by laws concerning the regulation of customs business and the appropriateness of business. More specifically, it is set so that one game takes 4.1 seconds or more so that the amount of money inserted per minute (that is, the number of games) falls within a predetermined upper limit. Therefore, if the rotation is within 4.1 seconds from the start of the reel rotation of the previous game, the reel is kept stopped even if the start lever is hit, and the rotation of the reel is started after the elapse of 4.1 seconds. For this reason, the player has an interval between hitting the start lever and starting to rotate the reel, and feels uncomfortable.

Therefore, if the start lever is struck within 4.1 seconds from the start of reel rotation in the previous game,
An additional effect display area is provided before the start of reel rotation (at the start of the effect symbol change display).

As a result, the operation is performed as shown in the timing chart of FIG. In this timing chart, the fluctuation and stop of the left reel, the fluctuation and stop of the center reel, the fluctuation and stop of the right reel, the start and stop of payout, the fluctuation and stop of the effect symbol are shown in order from the top. I have.

In the drawing, when the start lever is hit to start, the left, center and right reels start simultaneously and stop at random. At this time, if the last reel stopped before 4.1 seconds from the start, the start lever may be struck after 4.1 seconds elapse, but the start lever may be struck before 4.1 seconds elapse . If the start lever is struck after a lapse of 4.1 seconds, the three reels rotate at the time the start lever is struck. If the start lever is struck before the elapse of 4.1 seconds (T6 in the figure), an additional effect in the additional effect display area is displayed at the same time as the start lever is struck. And after 4.1 seconds elapse (T7 in the figure)
Then, the three reels start rotating.

When the start signal is input before the elapse of 4.1 seconds from the previous game, the reels are still stopped, but the effect image is started. It can make the player feel that it has started. As a result, it is not necessary for the player to feel uncomfortable when the player does not respond even if the start lever is hit.

(3) In the above embodiment, the symbols of the three reels of the slot machine are displayed as special symbols variably displayed on the special symbol display section 3b, but other modes may be used. For example, a pattern such as mahjong and playing cards may be used. The number to be displayed may be two or four or more. In this case, the same operation and effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

(4) In the above embodiment, a moving image is displayed as a special effect symbol, but a still image may be displayed.
A still image or the like that can soften a player such as a landscape image unrelated to the game is displayed.

(5) In the above embodiment, the special symbol display section 3b and the effect symbol display section 3c of the liquid crystal display device 3 are provided integrally, but they may be provided separately.

[0134]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
The following effects are obtained.

(1) An additional effect display area for additionally displaying a special effect symbol is provided before or after the effect symbol is fluctuated on the effect symbol display unit, and the special symbol and effect are provided. While the symbol stops changing,
The special effect symbol is additionally displayed, so that the time for the player to feel the slump state is shortened, and the feeling of boredom of the player can be reduced.

(2) By making the additional effect design additionally displayed in the additional effect display area a moving image,
The player's viewpoint can be more strongly attracted, and the feeling of boredom can be reduced.

(3) Since a predetermined time is provided between the effect symbol display on the effect symbol display unit and the additional effect display, the effect screen changes continuously, and the emotion that does not hinder the player is displayed. It will not give or give boring feelings.

(4) Since the additional display time of the special effect symbol on the effect symbol display section is set longer than the effect symbol stop time before or after the fluctuation display of the effect symbol, the effect symbol is stopped. During this period, the special effect symbols are additionally displayed, and the feeling of boredom can be reduced without making the player feel that the game is in the slump state.

(5) Since the change display of the effect symbol on the effect symbol display section has priority over the additional effect symbol display in the additional effect display area, the special symbol on the special symbol display section is displayed even when the additional effect symbol is displayed. When the display of is started, the variation of the effect symbol can be started in conjunction therewith.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a timing chart showing a change and stop of a symbol in a display area of a medium symbol and a change and stop of an effect symbol and an additional effect symbol according to the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a game board surface of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of display on a variation symbol display screen of an effect symbol on an effect symbol display unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of a variation display of an additional effect symbol on the effect symbol display unit.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a flow of a variable display in a special symbol display section and an effect symbol display section.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a variation and stop of a symbol in a conventional medium symbol display area, and a variation and stop of an effect symbol.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the fluctuation and stop of the symbol in the display area of the middle symbol and the fluctuation and stop of the effect symbol according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric circuit unit of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main game control process relating to a game in the liquid crystal display device performed on the main substrate.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process.

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

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main process performed by a symbol control board.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an interrupt process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing image processing performed by the symbol control board.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an effect pattern determination process performed by the symbol control board.

FIG. 17 is a table showing update ranges of count values of various random number counters.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a big hit determination table.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a big hit symbol determination table.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an effect group determination table.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a reach determination table.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a stop symbol determination table.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an effect pattern determination table.

FIG. 24 is a front view showing a pachislo gaming machine according to a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing a modification of the present invention.

[Explanation of Signs] 1 ... Pachinko gaming machine, 3 ... Liquid crystal display device, 3a ... Display screen, 3b ... Special symbol display unit, 3c ... Effect symbol display unit, 4
… Start winning prize opening, 5… Grand prize winning opening, 6a, 6b… Passing ball gate, 10… Game board surface, 12… Windmill, 13… General winning opening,
14 ... board side lamp, 15 ... start winning prize memory lamp.

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 8, 2000 (200.3.8)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] FIG.

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 24

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A special symbol display section for enjoying whether or not a plurality of changing special symbols are arranged in a fixed combination, and displaying various effect symbols in conjunction with the change of the special symbols on the special symbol display section. In a gaming machine provided with a display means having an effect symbol display portion, interlocking with the change of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display portion, before or after the change display of the effect symbol on the effect symbol display portion A gaming machine further comprising an additional effect display area for additionally displaying a special effect symbol while the effect symbol is stopped. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the additional effect symbol additionally displayed in the additional effect display area is a moving image. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined time is provided between the display of the effect symbols on the effect symbol display section and the display of the additional effect symbols. Gaming machine to do. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display time of the additional effect symbol on the effect symbol display unit is before or after the effect symbol is displayed. A gaming machine characterized by being set to be longer than the production symbol stop time. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect symbol display in the effect symbol display section has priority over the display of the additional effect symbol in the additional effect display area. A gaming machine characterized by being performed.