JP2001246078A - Game machine with pattern display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine provided with a pattern display device which realizes a pattern variation of concept and system different from a conventional pattern variation. SOLUTION: In this game machine, the display mode including a group of two or more characters, each character having a space, is divided into partial regions, and the display modes of the partial regions are made different from each other, and the partial regions having different display modes are increased or decreased as the time passes to effect a display of a variable pattern on a pattern display part 11 of the pattern display device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine provided with a symbol display device. In particular, the present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays a process until a predetermined symbol is finally displayed according to a predetermined symbol variation pattern.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a symbol display device for displaying various symbols related to the contents of a game to be played there. For example, in the center of the gaming board of the pachinko machine, a symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol or a missing symbol in association with establishment of a so-called big hit gaming state is provided as a center accessory. In the symbol display devices of these gaming machines, the symbols to be displayed are changed in various effect patterns in order to improve the interest of the game played in the gaming machine. For example, in a pachinko machine, as a means of increasing the interest in pachinko games, the pachinko machines are displayed on a symbol display unit for a certain period (for example, a reach time) until a predetermined symbol related to the game content is determined and displayed. A symbol variation process for varying the symbol in a predetermined manner is performed.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-285566 discloses a means for performing a variation process on a plurality of symbols in several different patterns in accordance with the state of occurrence of a reach state in a center role of a pachinko machine.

[0003]

By the way, in the conventional design change processing including the above-mentioned publication, generally, a plurality of types of characters (shapes) having mutually different outlines appear or disappear alternately or are displayed on a screen. The character itself changes the outer shape itself. That is, the process is based on the concept of changing the character itself.
In a conventional gaming machine (pachinko machine or the like), none of the above-mentioned concepts deviates from the above-mentioned concept, although the symbol display processing is performed in a different effect pattern for each model. For example, in a conventional pachinko machine, the symbol change process in the reach state typically involves alternately appearing / disappearing each of a plurality of types of characters on the screen, or moving and displaying the characters in a display area. A fixed symbol (big hit symbol, etc.) is displayed (fixed display). Therefore, there is a demand for a new symbol variation processing means for realizing an effect pattern based on a concept different from the conventional one, which can contribute to further enhancing the interest of the gaming machine by obtaining a more advanced or various effect. .

[0004] The present invention has been created to satisfy such a demand for symbol fluctuation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that realizes symbol fluctuation in a method different from the conventional symbol fluctuation. It is.

[0005]

A game machine according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a game machine having a symbol display device,
The display mode for filling at least temporarily the space within the outline of the character, or the character group having two or more of the characters having the outline space, is made different between the regions that partition the space. This is a gaming machine capable of displaying a symbol variation over time on the symbol display device, characterized in that different partial regions are displayed while increasing or decreasing over time. In the present specification, the “character” refers to a general shape which is embodied with a predetermined contour on the symbol display unit of the symbol display device, and is not limited to a specific type or a specific number of components. Various forms of numbers, characters, living things, tools, natural objects, marks, etc. are all included in the "character" in the present specification, but a specific design which is a design that displays these as a large hit. Is a typical example. The “character group” refers to a group of two or more of the same type or different types with respect to the outer shape of these characters. 777 and the like, which are displayed as a big hit symbol by combining the specific symbols in the pachinko machine, are typical examples included in the “character group”. Also,
The “display mode that fills the space within the outline” refers to contents that can be visually recognized inside the outline of the character displayed on the display unit of the symbol display device. Typically, such content can be perceived visually as a pattern and / or color or brightness difference in comparison with a space outside the contour.

In the gaming machine of the present invention having such a configuration, a character or a group of characters having a space within the outline (area) is displayed on the symbol display device (the shape of the outline is not substantially changed, but is typically not substantially changed). State), and the display mode of the space in the contour is divided into several regions at least at one time, and the display mode of the space in the contour is varied over time as described above (hereinafter, referred to as “variation”).
This is referred to as display variation within a character according to the present invention. )I do. As a result, a novel visual effect can be provided that is not subject to a pattern change based on the conventional concept of repeatedly changing the appearance or disappearing of the outer shape of the character or the character group itself. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the interest in the game can be improved.

[0007] In one of the preferred gaming machines of the present invention, the display mode for filling the space in the symbol fluctuation is constituted by colors and / or patterns. According to such a configuration, the display variation in the character of the present invention can be visually and clearly grasped as a change in color and / or pattern over time. For this reason, the player can easily visually recognize such display fluctuation in the character, and can further increase interest in the game.

In another preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the symbol variation (display variation in the character according to the present invention) is a boundary (typically, visible) between the areas that partition the space. Perceived as a boundary line). According to this configuration, the display variation in the character of the present invention can be grasped more clearly and visually, and it is possible to further increase the interest of the player in the game. In a further preferred embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, the boundary is moved in a predetermined direction to increase or decrease the partial areas having different display modes. According to this configuration, the player can more clearly grasp the in-character display variation of the present invention, and can further increase interest in the game. Further, particularly preferable as the gaming machine of the present invention having such a configuration, the symbol change is performed on the character group, and the movement of the boundary in a predetermined direction constitutes the character group. This is a gaming machine performed over time between two characters.
According to this configuration, it is possible to realize the in-character display variation of the present invention with a sense of unity when viewed from the entire character group displayed on the symbol display device.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment (first embodiment) of a gaming machine of the present invention embodied in a pachinko machine will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a front frame 3 formed in a frame shape on the front surface of a wooden frame 2 formed in a rectangular frame shape, similarly to a conventional general pachinko machine. It is installed. On the upper part of the front frame 3, a metal frame 4 fitted with a glass plate through which the game board 8 can be seen is mounted so as to be openable and closable. On the other hand, a front plate 5 is attached to the lower part of the front frame 3 adjacent to the metal frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. An upper plate 5a, which is a tray for pachinko balls, is attached to the surface of the front plate 5. Below the front plate 5, a lower plate 6, which is one of the trays for pachinko balls, and a handle 7, which communicates with a firing device (not shown) for firing the pachinko balls onto the game board, are mounted. I have.

The game board 8 is configured so as to be able to carry out a so-called first-class pachinko game. In the center of the game board 8, a center role incorporating a symbol display device (CRT) 10 according to the present embodiment is provided. An object 12 is provided. on the other hand,
Around the center role object 12, there are provided, as appropriate, a role such as an attacker (large winning device) 15 having a first-type starting port 13 and a large winning port 14, a general winning port, and the like. Next, the pachinko game executed in the pachinko machine 1 will be briefly described.

The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called CR digital pachinko machine constructed to carry out a first-class pachinko game. That is, when the game balls ejected to the game board 8 pass through the game ball passage gate 16, the ordinary symbols fluctuate in the ordinary symbol display section (7-segment LED here) (not shown) of the center role object 12. Thus, when a predetermined hit symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display portion, the lower starting port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (here, one second). Here, the first
When a game ball enters the seed starting port 13 or the lower starting port 17, the symbol display processing of the special symbol is performed in the symbol display section 11 of the symbol display device 10 (hereinafter, simply referred to as symbol variation processing).
Is performed.

As schematically shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, a left display area 11a obtained by horizontally dividing a rectangular symbol display section (ie, a CRT screen) 11 of the symbol display device 10 into three parts, In each of the three symbol display areas of the center display area 11b and the light display area 11c, a so-called scrolling movement is performed in which a plurality of types of characters (special symbols) appear and disappear sequentially while moving in the vertical direction. Here, each area 11a, 11b, 11
The special symbols (characters) appearing in c are the eight types shown in FIG. That is, from the top of FIG. 3, gorilla, yellow 7 (hereinafter, referred to as “Y-7”), Goku, blue 7 (hereinafter, referred to as “B-7”), penguin, green 7 (hereinafter, “G-7”) ), Knight, and red 7 (hereinafter referred to as “R-7”). Hereinafter, the left display area 11a and the center display area 11
The special symbols displayed in b and the light display area 11c are called a first symbol, a second symbol, and a third symbol, respectively. Thus, in each of the areas 11a, 11b, and 11c, a combination (character group) of three characters that are statically displayed after scrolling in the vertical direction constitutes a special symbol according to the present embodiment. That is, there are a total of 512 (8 × 8 × 8) display patterns of the special symbols displayed in the present embodiment. Note that FIG.
Is a mark which is moved and displayed (scrolled) up and down together with the character in each area when the scroll is changed, but does not constitute a special symbol.

Thus, when the same kind of character is statically displayed in any of the above three symbol display areas after the scroll movement for a predetermined time (for example, when the first to third symbols are all 7 of the same color). Is a big hit state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there are eight types of big hit symbols. On the other hand, when the special symbol displays a lost symbol other than the big hit symbol (that is, when the first to third symbols are not the same character), the symbol variation process of the current cycle ends at that time in principle. However, in the present embodiment, when the lost symbol is composed of 7 of different colors for each area, a color variation process is a further privilege that embodies the in-character display variation of the present invention. Done. This will be described later. In the present embodiment, as in the case of the conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball further wins in the starting ports 13 and 17 during the symbol change processing, up to four winning balls are counted as reserved balls. . That is, if the number of reserved balls is present after the symbol display processing is completed, the above-described symbol change processing is repeatedly performed by the number of retained balls.

When the big hit state is established, the big winning opening 14 in the attacker 15 is opened for a predetermined time (typically, for 30 seconds or until ten game balls are won). When the game ball winning from the special winning opening 14 passes through a special winning area (V zone) (not shown) inside the special winning opening 14, the once winning special winning opening 14 is opened again for a predetermined time. And the big hit condition continues. This open repetition operation is typically continued up to 16 times.

[0016] In addition, similar to the conventional type 1 pachinko game,
The present pachinko machine 1 also performs a so-called reach effect and a probability variation (probability change) process as a special game mode in addition to the above-mentioned predetermined pachinko game, and these will be briefly described. In this embodiment, the reach is a big hit symbol (for example, the same color 77
It refers to the state of production on the brink of whether or not 7) is established. In the present embodiment, after the above-described scroll change, the character is statically displayed in each of the areas 11a, 11b, and 11c of the symbol display section 11, and the same character is statically displayed first in any two areas. Reach is a state in which scroll fluctuations are still continuing in one area.
In this state, various effects are provided to increase the interest of the pachinko game. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, like the conventional pachinko machine, the probability change processing refers to a state in which the probability that the big hit symbol is displayed after the big hit state is completed is set higher for a certain period of time than normal. This can increase the interest in pachinko games. That is, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, similarly to the conventional machine, the predetermined probability change lottery system determines whether or not to set the high probability state after the end of the big hit with a predetermined probability. Thus, when the high-probability state is established, the fact is displayed on the symbol display section 11, and a predetermined high-probability notification lamp blinks in a predetermined manner in order to inform the player of the fact. Controlled.

Next, a detailed description will be given of a symbol variation process which is executed by the symbol display device 10 during the execution of the above-mentioned pachinko game, and a mode of the symbol variation. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control system relating to a symbol variation process in the pachinko machine 1. First,
With reference to FIG. 2, a control system related to symbol fluctuation in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. A display control unit (control board) 40 for controlling symbol variation and a main control unit (control board) for controlling the entire game operation in the pachinko machine 1 are provided at predetermined positions on the back side of the game board 8 of the pachinko machine 1. ) 30
And are attached. Mainly these two control units 3
The symbol display on the symbol display device 10 is controlled by 0 and 40.

The main control unit 30 includes a CPU (processor) 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an input processing circuit 3.
5, an output processing circuit 36, a display control circuit 37, a communication control circuit 34, and the like. The CPU 31
The entire operation of the pachinko machine 1 is controlled according to a predetermined game control program stored in M32. Such a game control program also includes a program for realizing a start-up process, a symbol variation process, a variation display process, a reach process, and a color variation process corresponding to the in-character display variation in the present embodiment, which will be described later. ing. Also,
The ROM 32 stores, in addition to the game control program, control data such as various fluctuation pattern data relating to special symbols, ordinary symbols, and the like, and blinking pattern data of decorative lamps mounted on the game board 8 and the like. . Meanwhile, RA
M33 is a main storage element used as a work memory, and executes various programs such as a first type counter, a variation flag, a special winning opening flag, a decoration display flag, various data such as symbol variation period data, and input / output signals. Is stored according to.

The input processing circuit 35 includes the first type starting port 1.
The ball detection signals sent from the starting port sensor 21 provided at the third and lower starting ports 17 and the gate sensor 22 provided at the game ball passing gate 16 are received and processed in the main control unit 30. This is a circuit for converting the data into a possible data format and sending it to the CPU 31 or the RAM 33 via the bus 38. On the other hand, the output processing circuit 36
This is a circuit for driving the solenoid 23 and other operating devices provided in the pachinko machine 1 in response to the operation data sent from the U31 via the bus 38. The display control circuit 37 is a circuit that receives the display control data sent from the CPU 31 via the bus 38, and controls the blinking of the display 24 such as the LEDs and decorative lamps constituting the ordinary symbol display section. The communication control circuit 34 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from a display control unit 40 and other control boards (for example, a prize ball payout control unit) described later. The CPU 31 of the main control unit 30 is also connected to a clock circuit and a power supply circuit for defining a predetermined cycle for input / output processing and the like. Is omitted.

Next, the display control unit 40 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the display control unit 40 according to the present embodiment
Is composed of a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a communication control circuit 44, a VDP 46, a character ROM 45, and the like. The CPU 41 operates according to a predetermined image processing program stored in the ROM 42, and performs display control of images and symbols displayed on the symbol display device (CRT) 10 according to display control command data input from the main control unit 30. That is, a command corresponding to the display control command data received by the CPU 41 is transmitted to the V
When transmitted to the DP 46, the VDP 46 reads necessary data from the ROM 42 storing predetermined image data according to the command. The VDP 46 constructs image data for displaying a predetermined image (a background image, a special symbol described later, an error message, etc.) on the symbol display device (CRT) 10 in accordance with the input data, and converts the image data. Once stored in VRAM (not shown). This image data is converted into an RGB signal and then an analog signal at a predetermined cycle, and then output to the symbol display device 10 (CRT). As a result, a predetermined image (background or the like) and a special symbol are displayed on the symbol display section 11 of the symbol display device 10. The VDP 46 is connected to a character ROM 45 for storing data such as characters (see FIG. 3) constituting a special symbol which is frequently used, and the character symbol display data stored in the character ROM 45 as necessary. Read. In addition, the symbol display device 1 of the present invention.
0 is not limited to a general CRT, and may be, for example, a color liquid crystal display.

Next, a processing procedure for realizing the present invention in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The present invention provides a special symbol variation process performed during the execution of the above-described first-type pachinko game and a character display variation process (a color variation process described later herein) of the present invention which can be executed along with the special symbol variation. ). Hereinafter, description will be made in order.

First, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 30 executes a predetermined period (for example, 4 ms).
The starting port 13, which triggers the symbol change performed in
The processing (starting port processing) related to the game ball prize to 17 is described. The CPU 31 of the main control unit 30 first performs a game ball winning detection process for the starting ports 13 and 17. That is, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the starting ports 13 and 17 (step S1). Specifically, when the detection signal output from the starting port sensor 21 is input, it is determined that the starting ports 13 and 17 have won, and when the detection signal is not input, it is determined that no winning has occurred. When it is determined that no prize is won, the processing of the current cycle ends. On the other hand, if a winning is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls has reached an upper limit value (here, 4) (step S2). If the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit, the process of the current cycle ends. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit, the number of reserved balls is incremented by 1 (step S3). Thereafter, the CPU 31 of the main control unit 30
Performs the extraction of various random numbers, stores the extracted random number value in a predetermined storage area (step S4), and ends the start-up process in the current cycle. The stored random numbers include a big hit determination random number RA and a big hit symbol random number R.
B, random number RB 'for missing symbol, reach pattern random number R
C, a random number for probability variation RD and a random number for color variation RE are included. Here, the big hit determination random number RA is a random number for determining whether or not it is a big hit. RB for big hit symbols
Is a random number for specifying a big hit symbol (fixed symbol) which is finally displayed stationary on the symbol display unit 11 of the symbol display device 10 when it is determined to be a big hit by the big hit determination random number RA. In addition, random number RB 'for a missing symbol
Is a random number for specifying a lost symbol (fixed symbol) that is finally displayed on the symbol display unit 11 of the symbol display device 10 when it is not determined to be a big hit. The reach pattern random number RC specifies a display pattern (that is, a reach effect pattern) from when the symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 11 reaches the above-described reach state until the remaining symbol (character) is stopped or determined. It is a random number to perform. The probability variation random number RD is a random number for determining whether or not to establish a probable change state after the end of the big hit. Further, the color variation random number RE is a random number for determining whether or not to perform a later-described color variation process on a symbol when a predetermined fixed symbol is selected.

Next, the symbol variation processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of reserved balls is a positive number (that is, the number of reserved balls> 0) (step S11). Here, if the number of reserved balls is not a positive number, that is, if there is no reserved ball, the processing of this cycle is ended. On the other hand, if the number of retained balls is a positive number, the number of retained balls is decremented by 1 (step S12), and the random number RA for jackpot determination stored in the starting port process (step S4) is read (step S13). Next, a variation display process (see FIG. 6) for actually performing symbol variation display in various modes is performed (step S14). Hereinafter, FIG.
Will be described.

In FIG. 6, first, a process of determining whether or not a big hit has occurred is performed (step S21). In particular,
Big hit determination random number RA read in step S13
Is determined based on whether or not matches the predetermined hit value. The big hit determination random number RA according to this embodiment is 0 to 29.
In the case of the normal probability, one of the values is the hit value, and in the case of the high probability (at the time of the probability change), the hit value is plural (for example, five). Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of the variable display processing according to the present embodiment, in the following description, first, the entire processing after the case where a big hit is determined in step S21 will be described. In the following, the processing after the determination of the deviation will be described in its entirety.

If it is determined in step S21 that the big hit has been determined based on the read big hit determination random number RA, the extracted big hit symbol random number RB is read (step S22). That is, a big hit symbol (hereinafter, referred to as a “fixed big hit symbol”) that is finally stopped and displayed is determined according to the big hit symbol random number RB at this time. Next, it is determined whether the determined big hit symbol is 777 of any color (yellow Y, blue B, red R or green G) (step S23). here,
When the determined big hit symbol is other than 777 of the same color (that is, a big hit symbol in which any of the above three characters other than 7 are aligned), the predetermined display control command data is sent from the main control unit 30 to the display control. Output to the unit 40,
The scroll movement of the special symbol (character group) shown in FIG. 3 is started (step S24). That is, the CPU 41 of the display control unit 40 uses the symbol display device 1 based on the display control command data transmitted from the main control unit 30.
The symbol change process (special symbol scroll change) is started in the symbol display unit 11 of 0. Subsequently, the main control unit 30
CPU 31 performs a reach process for establishing a reach state (step S25). In addition, when the big hit is determined and the color variation processing described later is not accompanied, the reach processing shown in FIG. 7 is always performed.

Next, the reach processing will be described with reference to FIG. After the symbol change is started in step S24, the CP
U31 reads the extracted reach pattern random number RC (step S51). Then, the reach pattern is determined based on the random number value (step S52). Thus, the symbol group fluctuates in a variation pattern of the entire symbol according to the reach pattern (for example, a variation pattern characterized by slowly scrolling while gently vibrating in the horizontal direction of the symbol display unit 11). Display control command data for causing the main control unit 30 to output the display control command data to the display control unit 40, and based on the command data, the display control unit 40 executes a symbol change in such a change pattern (step S53). Next, the left display area 1
A process of statically displaying the same type of symbol (for example, a gorilla) in 1a and the center display area 11b is performed (step S54). Next, display processing of a reach symbol, that is, a third symbol is performed with the determined reach pattern (step S5).
5). For example, display control command data for performing a super-slow scrolling change is output from the main control unit 30 to the display control unit 40, and the display control unit 40 performs the display processing of the third symbol based on the command data. Finally, the variation of the third symbol is stopped, and a predetermined symbol (gorilla) is statically displayed (step S56), and a series of reach processing ends. That is, the determined big hit symbol is displayed on the symbol display section 11.

Next, returning to FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not to perform the probable change process after the end of the above-mentioned big hit (step S).
40). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the probable change state has been established based on a combination of the determined jackpot symbol displayed by the reach processing and the value of the random number RD for probability variation read in step S13. Thus, when such a combination is one that defines the establishment of the probable change state (value), a predetermined probability variation process is executed (step S41). That is, after the big hit state is completed, a process of displaying a predetermined probable change symbol indicating that the probable change has been established on the symbol display section 11 is executed. On the other hand, when such a combination indicates that the probable change state has not been established (value), the fluctuation display process of the current cycle ends without performing the probability fluctuation process (step S41). Note that the probability variation process itself is the same as that of an existing pachinko machine and is well-known, so that detailed description is omitted.

Next, in step S23 of FIG. 6, if the determined big hit symbol is 777 of the same color, then it is determined whether or not to perform color variation processing (step S26). Specifically, the color variation random number RE stored in the starting port process (step S4) is read,
The determination is made based on whether or not the random number is a value related to a predetermined color variation. If no color change is determined by the determination, the above-described steps S24 to S2 are performed.
5 is performed. Here, no duplicate description is given. On the other hand, when performing color fluctuation by such a determination,
The predetermined display control command data is output from the main control unit 30 to the display control unit 40, and the scrolling of the special symbol (character group) shown in FIG. 3 starts (step S27). That is, the CPU 41 of the display control unit 40
Starts a symbol variation process (scroll variation) in the symbol display unit 11 of the symbol display device 10 based on the display control command data transmitted from the main control unit 30. Next, a color change process, which is a display change within the character according to the present embodiment, is performed (step S28). Hereinafter, the color variation processing according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. Note that image output processing other than those described below may be performed by applying various conventional image processing means conventionally performed by a pachinko machine.

In the color variation processing according to the present embodiment, "7" of different colors are displayed in the areas 11a, 11b and 11c of the symbol display section 11 in a stationary manner, and the space within the contour of the 7 is filled. This is a process in which the coloring (that is, the display mode according to the present embodiment) is partially and sequentially changed over time. More specifically, the color variation processing according to the present embodiment is performed in each area 1
In the space (coloring area) inside the contour of “7” that is statically displayed on 1a, 11b, and 11c, at least some divided areas with different colors are generated at least temporarily, and the several areas are temporally changed. This is to increase / decrease (that is, expand a certain area while reducing a certain area), and then unify the space within the contour into one display mode (coloring in this case). Further, in the present embodiment, color change processing is integrally performed on one character group in which three symbols (777) displayed in each area are put together.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
In the color change processing according to the present embodiment, after a predetermined scroll change, the areas 11a, 11b, and 11c once have different colors 7 (for example, the first symbol: G-7, the second symbol:
B-7, the third symbol: R-7) is tentatively displayed (see FIG. 9A). Hereinafter, such a lost symbol is referred to as a “first lost display symbol”. Next, the coloring of the space in the outline of the first out-of-line display symbol is partially and temporally fluctuated with a predetermined pattern for increasing or decreasing the coloring area generated in the space in the outline of the first out-of-line display symbol. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B, each of the coloring regions (L, L2, L3) is formed in the vertical direction of the drawing so that the coloring regions ( G, B, R,
Y indicates a green area, a blue area, a red area, and a yellow area, respectively. same as below. ) (I.e., the movement of the boundary line) is sequentially performed in the right direction in the drawing over the entire first to third symbols. By continuing this movement, as shown in FIG.
1st design: Y-7, 2nd design: G-7, 3rd design: B-
It changes to another special symbol which is 7. By continuing the color change similar to the color change in the horizontal direction shown in FIG. 9 (i.e., the movement of each coloring area), the first out-of-date display symbols that are statically displayed are successively changed in coloring. It is possible to change to another special pattern of a different color. And
As a result of this coloring change being performed in synchronism with the entire one character group consisting of three 7, color change processing with a sense of unity can be realized throughout the symbol display unit 11. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the appearance / change of the color is always performed in the order of red → blue → green → yellow → red. In other words, when the color variation shown in FIG. 9 is continued without stopping in the state of FIG. 9C, the coloring area generated after the yellow area Y of 7 in the first symbol of the left display area 11a is red. This is an area (not shown). By keeping the order in which colors appear in this manner, it is possible to further enhance the sense of unity in the color variation processing.

After repeating the above-described color change for a predetermined period, a color change process for displaying a fixed jackpot symbol is performed. For example, the state shown in FIG. 10A (the first symbol: R-
7, the second symbol: Y-7, and the third symbol: Y-7), a boundary line L5 is formed in the vertical direction of the drawing to form and divide each colored region into a band shape as in FIG. The movement of each colored region is performed such that the boundary line L5 moves from the first symbol to the third symbol as time passes (FIG. 10).
(B)). At this time, unlike the case shown in FIG. 9 described above, the movement of each colored region is performed such that one colored region (here, the red region R) is expanded. That is, the first
The color of the symbol 7 is not changed, while the color of the second symbol 7 is changed such that the yellow region Y is reduced and the red region R is expanded in the same manner as shown in FIG. Next, the yellow area Y is also reduced to the red area R for 7 in the third symbol.
Is changed so as to expand. And finally, the first
A big hit symbol in which the symbol to the third symbol is R-7 is displayed (FIG. 10C). By performing such a color change process, it is possible to enhance the interest of the pachinko game with an effect different from the conventional reach pattern. Such color variation processing can be typically realized as follows.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the color variation process according to the present embodiment, when executing the color variation process, firstly, in step S61, a first-off display symbol is determined. That is, the CPU 31 extracts a predetermined random number for a first-time out-of-display symbol and determines a first-time non-display-to-be-displayed symbol to be displayed this time. Next, the arithmetic processing of the color variation processing is performed (Step S).
62). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines the order of color variation of each symbol in the current color variation process, the number of repetitions of the color variation, and the like from the first off-display symbol to be displayed this time and the determined fixed jackpot symbol determined above. The corresponding control data is stored in the RAM 33. Hereinafter, a specific example of this will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram listing the coloring patterns (patterns 1 to 24) of the respective symbols sequentially displayed on the symbol display unit 11 by the color variation processing according to the present embodiment.

Now, the first off display symbol is the first symbol: G
-7, 2nd design: B-7, 3rd design: R-7 (FIG. 9
(A)), and the determined big hit symbol is the first symbol: R
-7, 2nd design: R-7, 3rd design: R-7 (FIG. 10
(C), the color variation is performed in the order of each color pattern shown in FIG. That is, the pattern 1 in FIG.
Corresponds to the first off-going display symbol in this time, and the pattern 13 in FIG. 11 corresponds to the confirmed big hit symbol in this time. Thus, the CPU 31 sequentially performs the coloring process from the pattern 1 to the pattern 24 in the current color variation process, repeats the pattern 13 to the pattern 24 for a predetermined period, and finally performs the coloring process on the pattern 13. Then, the display control command data corresponding to each pattern is stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 33 by the number of patterns to be executed. Note that a coloring pattern in which a circle is described in the right end column of FIG. 11 is a coloring pattern corresponding to a fixed jackpot symbol. That is, in the color variation processing according to the present embodiment, the color variation is performed so as to once display the big hit symbol even before the final decision is made. This can increase the player's interest in the game. Next, the CPU 31
Transmits display control command data for displaying the determined first off-line display symbol to the display control unit 40 (step S63). Accordingly, the CPU 41 of the display control unit 40 transmits a command corresponding to the received display control command data to the VDP 46 via the bus 48. Then, the VDP 46 converts the necessary data according to the command into R
Reading from the OM 42, the scroll fluctuation is ended, and the first out-of-office display symbol is statically displayed on the symbol display device 10 (the state of FIG. 9A).

Next, the CPU 31 of the main control unit 30
Transmits the display control command data corresponding to each of the color patterns stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 33 to the display control unit 40 sequentially (step S6).
4). As a result, the CPU 41 of the display control unit 40 starts the color change display of the first off-display pattern based on the display control command data corresponding to each coloring pattern in the order of reception. That is, from coloring pattern 1 to pattern 2
4, the color variation display from pattern 13 to pattern 24 is repeated for a predetermined period, and finally, a process of displaying a big hit symbol with three R-7s based on the pattern 13 is performed. . Hereinafter, this will be described.

As described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the color variation processing according to the present embodiment realizes the in-character display variation of the present invention. That is, FIG.
As shown in the figure, "7" displayed in each of the display areas 11a, 11b, and 11c indicates that the space in the outline is
,,, And are vertically divided into eight areas (hereinafter, referred to as “sprites”) and are created in advance. Thus, the ROM 42 of the display control unit 40 stores the combinations (a total of 36 combinations) of the coloring data shown in FIGS. Thereby, based on the received display control command data corresponding to each color pattern, the CPU 41 and the V
The DP 46 implements the color variation processing shown in FIGS. Here, when G-7 is changed to Y-7, FIG.
Nine color data shown in FIG. 3A are sequentially used. When B-7 is changed to G-7, nine chromatic data shown in FIG. 13B are sequentially used. When R-7 is changed to B-7, nine pieces of coloring data shown in FIG. 13C are sequentially used. In the case where Y-7 is changed to R-7, nine chromatic data shown in FIG. 13D are sequentially used.

That is, the CPU 41 of the display control unit 40
When one display control command data corresponding to the coloring pattern is received from the main control unit 30, the display control command data for each of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol (each 7) is received. Is sent to the VDP 46 in accordance with the color change command signal. The VDP 46 performs a coloring variation process at a predetermined cycle while reading the coloring data from the ROM 42 as needed in response to the signal. Specifically, when receiving the display control command data corresponding to the pattern 2 subsequent to the pattern 1 of FIG. 11 indicating the coloring of the first off-display pattern, the CPU 41 of the display control unit 40 determines the color of the pattern 1 received last time. The display control command data and the display control command data relating to pattern 2 received this time are compared, and a pattern which does not require a change in coloring this time (that is, a pattern whose coloring does not differ between the previous pattern and the current pattern. The color variation command signal for each symbol except for pattern 2 is not VDP.
Send to 46. The VDP 46 starts a color variation process for each symbol based on the command. That is, the first symbol is changed from green G of pattern 1 to yellow Y of pattern 2, the second symbol is changed from blue B of pattern 1 to green G of pattern 2, and the third symbol is changed to green G of pattern 1. A process of changing from R to blue B of pattern 2 is performed. Specifically, as the coloring data for the first symbol, FIG.
Data No. shown in FIG. 1 is output to the symbol display device 10. FIG. 13 shows coloring data for the second symbol.
Data No. shown in FIG. 1 is output to the symbol display device 10. FIG. 13 shows coloring data for the third symbol.
Data No. shown in FIG. 1 is output to the symbol display device 10. In these output processes, each display area 11a, 11
The symbols displayed on b and 11c respectively remain the pattern 1 of FIG. 11, that is, the first-off display symbols.

Next, after a predetermined time, the VDP 46
The data No. shown in FIG. 2 is output to the symbol display device 10. Also, the second
The data No. shown in FIG. 2 is output to the symbol display device 10. Also, the third
The data No. shown in FIG. 2 is output to the symbol display device 10. As a result of this processing, the first symbol shown in FIG.
And the remaining sprites are green G areas. In the second symbol, the sprite shown in FIG. 12 is a green G area and the remaining sprites are blue B areas. In the third symbol, the sprite shown in FIG.
Area. Next, after a predetermined period of time, the VDP 46 sets each data N of FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C as coloring data for the first symbol, the second symbol and the third symbol.
o. 3 is output to the symbol display device 10. As described above, as the coloring data for the first symbol, the second symbol and the third symbol, the data No. shown in FIGS. 13 (a), (b) and (c) are used. 1 to No. 9 are sequentially output at predetermined time intervals, so that a total of eight sprites change one by one from the color shown in pattern 1 in FIG. 11 to the color shown in pattern 2 and finally all eight sprites 2 can be changed. That is, the color change processing shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C can be realized by the above-described series of output processing.

With respect to the above-described color change processing, the CPU 41 of the display control section 40 compares the display control command data received last time with the display control command data received this time, and displays a pattern that does not require a change in color at this time (for example, The first case in which the coloring is changed from the pattern 23 to the pattern 24
If there is a symbol and a third symbol), the color change command signal for the symbol is not transmitted to the VDP 46. Therefore, in this case, the symbol is kept in a fixed color until the VDP 46 receives a new color change command signal and performs the color processing without causing the color change for each sprite as described above. On the other hand, the symbols other than the symbol (for example, the second symbol when the color is changed from the pattern 23 to the pattern 24) are, as described above, according to the color before the change, as shown in FIGS. ) Of any of the coloring data No. 1 to No. By sequentially outputting 9, sprites can be sequentially switched to new colors (see FIG. 10 described above).

As described above, after the color variation processing is performed until the determined big hit symbol (pattern 13) is displayed in accordance with each of the plurality of display control command data transmitted for each coloring pattern to be displayed. , Main control unit 30
, A symbol change stop signal is output to the display controller 40 (step S65), and the current color change process ends. Thus, returning to FIG. 6, it is determined in step S40 and step S4 whether or not to perform the probable change process after the end of the big hit.
1 is executed, and the current fluctuation display processing ends.

The variation display processing (FIG. 6) after the case where a big hit is determined in step S21 involving the color variation processing according to the present embodiment has been described. Next, a description will be given of the variable display processing after the deviation is determined in step S21.

If it is determined in step S21 that the hit has been lost based on the read random number RA for jackpot determination, the extracted hit symbol random number RB 'is read (step S29). That is, in accordance with the lost symbol random number RB 'at this time, a lost symbol which is finally displayed with the symbol change stopped and determined (hereinafter, referred to as a "fixed lost symbol") is determined. Next, it is determined whether or not the determined lost symbol is a so-called reach symbol (that is, a symbol in which two of the three symbols are composed of characters of the same form and the other is composed of characters of a different form). (Step S30). Here, if the determined non-confirmed symbol is a reach symbol, the above-described step S24 and the reach process (step S25) are executed. Here, no duplicate description is given. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is not a reach symbol, it is next determined whether or not the symbol data constituting the non-determined symbol, that is, the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol are all seven (step 7). Step S31).

Here, if the non-fixed symbol is not a symbol in which all of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol are 7 (that is, a different color 777), the CPU 31 determines in step S32 a predetermined display control command. The data is transmitted to the display control unit 40 to start the scroll change of the special symbol, and after a certain period of time, the symbol change is stopped, the undetermined symbol is displayed (step S33), and the change display process of this cycle is ended. . On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the non-fixed symbol has a color difference of 777, it is determined in next step S34 whether or not to perform the color variation process. Specifically, the same processing as in step S26 described above is performed. No duplicate description will be given. If no color variation is determined by the determination, the above-described step S
32 and step S33 are executed, and the fluctuation display processing of the present cycle ends.

On the other hand, when the color change is performed in step S34, the CPU 31 transmits predetermined display control command data to the display control unit 40 to start the scroll change of the special symbol (step S35). S28
The same color variation processing is performed (step S36). In addition,
Although a duplicate description is omitted here, in this case, in the calculation process (step S62) of the color variation process, the CP
U31 determines the order of color variation of each symbol in the current color variation process, the number of repetitions of the color variation, and the like from the first out-of-offline display symbol to be displayed this time and the determined determined out-of-band symbol, and outputs control data according to the determined order. It is stored in the RAM 33. In other words, the final design (typically, FIG. 11
Are displayed in the right end column of the “(colored pattern)” so that the current color variation processing can be completed, and display control command data corresponding to each colored pattern is constructed. Thus, the color variation processing after this step is as described above. That is, after a series of the above-described color change processing (FIG. 9 and the like) is completed in a predetermined cycle by outputting image data based on any of the coloring pattern data in a predetermined cycle, finally, the determined out-of-position symbol is displayed. The display on the display unit 11 terminates the current fluctuation display processing.

Next, the variable display processing (step S14)
Is returned to FIG. 5, and it is determined again whether or not the special symbol finally displayed on the symbol display section 11 matches the big hit symbol (step S15). This is to prevent confusion in pachinko games since the originally intended jackpot display may become a missed display due to the influence of external noise or the like while executing the variable display processing of step S14. Therefore, the special symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 11 is given priority to determine whether or not a big hit has occurred. Thus, if the special symbol matches the big hit symbol, the big hit is determined as "big hit" (step S1).
6) is performed, and the symbol variation processing ends. Here, the big hit processing means, for example, that the big winning port 14 is kept for a predetermined time (for example, for 30 seconds or until 10 game balls win).
This is processing such as releasing only the prize balls according to the number of winning game balls. On the other hand, if the special symbol does not coincide with the big hit symbol, the process goes to step S16, and the symbol variation process of the current cycle is terminated.

As described above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention to such an embodiment, and various modifications and alterations are possible. Is included. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the synchronized color fluctuations with a sense of unity over the entire in-contour space of one character group (777) composed of the symbols (7) displayed in the display areas 11a, 11b, and 11c. Although the processing has been realized, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, any one of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol, or two or more symbols selected therefrom may be separately and independently subjected to the above-described color variation processing. That is, as shown in FIG. 14A as the second embodiment, initially, a first symbol: Y-7, and a second symbol:
R-7, third symbol: Y-7 are displayed. Next, display control command data for changing the coloring of only the first symbol is transmitted from the main control 30 to the display control unit 40, and Y-7 of the first symbol is gradually changed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. R-
Change to 7. Specifically, similarly to the first embodiment, the CPU 41 that has received the display control command data
A predetermined color change command signal is transmitted to the DP 46 and the VDP 46
Is the color data No. shown in FIG. 1 to N
o. By outputting each image data constructed based on each of the patterns 9 to the symbol display device 10 at a predetermined cycle, each of the sprites (see FIG. 12) constituting the first symbol 7 can be
The color is sequentially changed from yellow Y to red R at a predetermined interval (for example, 10 milliseconds), and finally the entire space within the contour of the first symbol 7 is set as a red area. Next, display control command data for changing the coloring of only the third symbol is transmitted to the main control unit 30.
To the display control unit 40, and Y-7 of the third symbol is
It is gradually changed to R-7 in the same manner as the pattern (FIG. 14).
(C)) Finally, all the spaces in the outline of the 7 of the third symbol are set as the red region R. As described above, by performing the color change processing on each symbol individually, it is possible to provide an effect of a mode / concept different from the effect of the conventional character itself appearing / moving, thereby enhancing the interest of the game. be able to. Also, different from the above-described embodiment, by performing the color variation processing of the present invention on each character (here, 7), the color variation in the outline space leading to the big hit symbol or the outlying symbol can be performed at another stage, or relatively. It can be continued for a long time. For this reason, the player's interest in the game (the effect on the symbol display unit) can be further increased.

In each of the first and second embodiments, the coloring in the display mode for filling the space inside the outline of the character is changed as the display change in the character according to the present invention. Not done. For example, various patterns may be employed as a display mode for filling the space within the outline of the character. An example is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, at first, the first symbol: 7 of the brick pattern α, the second symbol: 7 of the desert pattern β, and the third symbol: 7 of the star pattern γ are displayed as the first non-display symbols. Thus, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, a character group (7
In 77), the pattern of the space in the contour of the first out-of-offline display symbol is partially and temporally changed with a predetermined pattern for increasing or decreasing the pattern area generated in the space within the contour. That is, the boundary lines L11 and L12 of each colored region as shown in FIG. 15B are formed in an oblique direction (upward diagonal line in the drawing), and each pattern region (α in the drawing) , Β, and γ indicate a brick pattern area, a desert pattern area, and a star pattern area, respectively.)
It is performed over time in the lower right direction of the drawing over the entire third design. At this time, the movement of each pattern area is performed such that one area (here, the brick pattern area α) is expanded. Specifically, while the pattern 7 of the first symbol is not changed, the third symbol 7 is not changed.
For the symbol 7, the pattern is changed such that the star pattern area γ is reduced and the desert pattern area β is expanded at a predetermined time. Next, at a predetermined time, the pattern change is started so that the desert pattern area β is reduced and the brick pattern area α is expanded also for 7 of the second symbol (FIG. 15B). Then, the pattern 7 is changed such that the desert pattern area β is reduced and the brick pattern area α is expanded at a predetermined time. Finally, all of the first to third symbols become 7 which is the same in the brick pattern area α (FIG. 15 (c)).

In this pattern variation process, similar to the above embodiment, similar pattern pallet data is stored in the ROM 42 in advance instead of the chromatic data, and the VDP 46 is used instead of the chromatic variation or the chromatic variation. And can be processed in combination. For example, by replacing green G, yellow Y, and red R in the coloring pattern data shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C with a brick pattern α, a desert pattern β, and a star pattern γ, respectively, By the combination of a pattern and a single color (blue B), the above-described in-character display variation of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be realized. Further, instead of the vertically divided sprites shown in FIG. 12, some sprites are formed in an oblique direction (that is, boundary lines L11, L11 in FIG. 15).
Classify so that L12 is reflected as a sprite boundary. ), It is possible to cause a pattern and / or color fluctuation in an oblique direction as shown in FIG. Note that the direction in which the boundary line is generated (that is, the direction in which each region in the display mode of the in-contour space in the in-character display variation increases / decreases) is a vertical direction, a diagonal direction, or a horizontal direction similar to the above-described embodiment. It does not matter which of the directions.
Also, in the pattern variation processing, the processing may be individually performed for each symbol as in the second embodiment. As described above, even if the pattern as the display mode for filling the space within the outline of the character is changed by the in-character display change processing of the present invention, a novel visual effect that has not been achieved in the past can be achieved. In addition, by changing the pattern in the character outline closely related to the game content (concept), it is possible to enhance the player's sense of reality for the pachinko game.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the boundary between the regions in which the display mode of the character or the character group in the outline space is different from each other (here, both ends are grasped as lines contacting a part of the outline) is clear. Although the display mode (color, pattern, etc.) is selected so that it can be visually recognized (that is, visually grasped), in the present invention, several divided display modes of the space within the outline of the character or the character group are used. Finally, it is sufficient that the display is unified in one display mode, and it is not always necessary to generate a boundary that can be visually recognized (understood) instantaneously. Therefore, for example, an area that is classified according to a difference in lightness or saturation of a predetermined color, such as a color gradation, may be generated in the outline space. In this case, the space within the outline of the character or the character group is first divided into two or more regions by coloring or the like having slightly different lightness from each other. Is filled with one display mode, that is, one lightness or the like, with unified coloring. In such an embodiment, it is difficult to visually recognize a clear boundary (line) depending on the gradation, but the display mode (for example, gradation (shading of color, blurring, etc.)) is different for each area. This is a preferred embodiment included in the gaming machine of the present invention, as long as the player can recognize that the player is in the brain.

Further, even when a boundary line is generated, it is not necessary that the boundary line be linear as in the above-described embodiments, and the boundary line may be a circular shape having no ends, irregular or distorted. . For example, the color variation processing according to 7 of the first symbol shown in FIG. 16 is also suitable as embodying the present invention. That is, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), the first symbol: B-7, the second symbol: R-7, the third symbol as the first off symbol (here, the reach symbol) are initially displayed on the symbol display section 11.
Symbol: R-7 is displayed, and at a predetermined time, FIG.
As shown in (a), one or more (three in this figure) small circular regions, which are red regions R, are generated in a part of the space within the outline of the first symbol, and then the circular regions are formed. 16 is subjected to color variation processing (FIG. 16).
(B)). Finally, by expanding the circular area R, the entire first symbol is unified with the red area (FIG. 16).
(C)) As a result, means for displaying a big hit symbol with three R-7s is also a preferable process for embodying the present invention. In each of the above embodiments, the display variation within the character of the present invention is performed for a character displayed in a state where the shape of the outline does not substantially fluctuate. However, the present invention is not limited to this. (For example, 7
The character according to the present invention is subjected to a process of enlarging or reducing the outline of another character (such as the character shown in FIG. 3) (for example, a process of expanding or reducing the shape of 7 itself displayed on the symbol display unit). The inside display may be changed. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the space within the outline of the character is finally unified into one display mode (for example, the entire space within the outline is filled with one color) due to the display variation within the character of the present invention. Not limited to this,
For example, after each partial region that divides the inside of the outline is temporally increased or decreased by the in-character display variation processing of the present invention, the inside of the outline may be filled with two or more different display modes. For example, after performing the color change processing shown in FIG. 9 and the like, finally, the two-tone character (7
) Is also preferably displayed.

In the pachinko machine of the above-described embodiment, the character display variation process of the present invention is applied to the symbol display process (production process) when determining whether the symbol is a big hit symbol or a non-big hit symbol (during a big hit lottery). , But is not limited to this.
For example, the present invention can be suitably applied to a reach announcement effect, a probable lottery effect, or a demo display time. Further, the gaming machine of the present invention can be widely applied not only to pachinko machines but also to gaming machines having a symbol display device. For example, a pachislot machine or a card game machine for playing cards or playing cards on a symbol display section of a symbol display device is also suitable as the gaming machine of the present invention.

[0051]

According to the in-character display variation processing of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a visual effect of a concept and aspect that has not been provided in the past. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention capable of performing the in-character display variation of the present invention,
A novel visual effect can be performed on the symbol display unit, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a rough configuration of a control system related to symbol display in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a special symbol in the pachinko machine of the present invention according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a starting port process in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a symbol variation process in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a variable display process in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reach process in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a color variation process in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a change of a special symbol by the in-character display change process according to the present invention.

FIGS. 10 (a), (b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a change of a special symbol by the in-character display change process according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram listing coloring patterns according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a special symbol (7) according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are explanatory diagrams listing the contents of coloring data according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 14 (a), (b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a change of a special symbol by the in-character display change process according to the present invention.

FIGS. 15 (a), (b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a change of a special symbol by the in-character display change process according to the present invention.

FIGS. 16 (a), (b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a change of a special symbol by the in-character display change process according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 10 Symbol display device 11 Symbol display section 11a Left display area 11b Center display area 11c Right display area 30 Main control section 40 Display control section 46 VDP

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shuichi Ikegami 1 Nishinokawa, Okimura, Nishiharucho, Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi F-term in Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. (Reference) 2C088 AA17 AA35 AA36 AA42 BC22 BC23 BC23

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine provided with a symbol display device, wherein a character having an in-contour space or a character group consisting of two or more such characters is at least temporarily filled in the in-contour space of the character. Characterized in that the symbol display is varied between regions that divide the space, and the partial regions having different display modes are displayed with increasing or decreasing in time, and the symbol change over time is displayed on the symbol display device. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the symbol change, a display mode for filling the space is configured by a color and / or a pattern. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the symbol change is performed so as to generate a visible boundary between regions that partition the space. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the partial areas having different display modes are increased or decreased by moving the boundary in a predetermined direction. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the symbol change is performed on the character group, and the movement of the boundary in a predetermined direction constitutes the character group. A gaming machine played over time over at least two characters.