JP2002028315A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which achieves a higher attraction of game by performing effective presentation in a variable display device. SOLUTION: In a pachinko game machine having a variable display device capable of displaying a character image, a control is performed as follows: In the ready-for-winning position, the combination of characters for presentation is displayed by (A, A) and in the probability varying jackpot, the combination of the characters for presentation is displayed by (A, A, A) and in the non- probability varying jackpot, a predetermined number of characters is displayed as by (C, C, C) in the combination of characters for presentation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by, for example, a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine or a slot machine. Specifically, it has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and when the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode, it can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player. Related to gaming machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game machine of this type, for example, a display result is derived and displayed after a variable display device variably displays the display result, and the display result is determined in a predetermined manner. Is displayed (for example, 777), a specific game state (for example, a big hit state) occurs, and the state is controlled to be advantageous to the player.

[0003]

However, in this conventional gaming machine, the display control for the effect on the variable display device is uniform and has little change, so that the excitement of the player can be effectively raised. It was difficult to do so, and I couldn't improve my entertainment.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a variable display device to effectively produce an effect to improve the interest of a game.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and a display result of the variable display of the variable display device is a predetermined display mode. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player on condition that the predetermined display result is displayed on the variable display device in advance. A variable display control unit capable of causing a character to appear and displayed; and a pattern selection unit for selecting any one of a combination pattern of the appearing characters. In such a case, a combination pattern of a specific character is set to be easier to select than when a specific display result is not obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the variable display control means can perform a fusion display in which the characters are fused after the appearance display of a plurality of characters. It is characterized in that the setting is such that when the specific display result is obtained, the possibility of executing the fusion display is higher than when the specific display result is not obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the variable display control means sets the character in a display area different from the display area in which the variable display is performed. It is characterized by appearing and displaying.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, the variable display control means relates to a timing at which a display result of the variable display is derived. In this case, it is possible to control the appearance of the character.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a combination pattern of characters for giving advance notice that a predetermined display result is to be displayed on the variable display device by the function of the variable display control means is displayed. The combination pattern of characters for the advance notice is selected by the pattern selection means, and when a specific display result is obtained, it is set to be easier to select a specific character combination than when the specific display result is not obtained, The variable display control means performs control for causing a predetermined number of characters to appear according to the combination.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In addition to the effect of the invention described in the above, after the appearance display of a plurality of characters is performed, the display for fusing the characters is performed, and when the specific display result is obtained, the display is fused than when the specific display result is not obtained. Increase the possibility of executing the display.

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1 of the present invention,
Alternatively, in addition to the function of the invention described in claim 2, the variable display control means causes the character for notice notification to appear in a display area different from the variable display area.

According to the invention described in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in (3), the variable display control means causes the character to appear in relation to the timing at which the identification information stops.

[0013]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment,
A pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine, and has a variable display device whose display state can be changed. Any gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display device has a predetermined specific display mode is applicable.

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

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, variable display sections 9, 7 for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols) are provided.
A variable display device 8 including a variable display 10 using segment LEDs is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 includes three symbols (collectively, a special symbol), a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, which are variably displayed, a left symbol,
Various types of information such as effect characters for enhancing the effect of variable display of the middle symbol and the right symbol are displayed. A pass gate 11 for guiding a shot is provided on a side portion of the variable display device 8. The ball that has passed through the passage gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball outlet 13. The passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball exit 13 includes a passage gate 1
There is a gate switch 12 that detects a ball that has passed through 1. In addition, the winning balls entering the starting winning opening 14 are the game board 6
And is detected by the winning opening switch 17. In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs an opening / closing operation is provided below the starting winning port 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

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

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

The hit ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting rail, and thereafter, enters the game area 7.
Flow down. When the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is changed continuously. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the variable display section 9 is provided if the change of the special symbol can be started.
Starts scrolling. If the change of the special symbol cannot be started, the starting winning memory is temporarily increased. The scrolling of the image in the variable display section 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. Image when stopped (design)
If the combination of the symbols is a combination of the big hit symbols (combination of the symbols in which the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are aligned), the state shifts to the big hit state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls has won. Such a period during which the open / close plate 20 is open is called a round. Then, when a hit ball wins in the specific winning area and is detected by the V count switch 22 while the opening and closing plate 20 is being opened, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. This continuation right is generated a predetermined number of times (maximum 15
Times) is acceptable. That is, if a big hit occurs, the opening / closing plate 20 can be opened for a maximum of 16 rounds. The control in which the opening of the open / close plate 20 is repeatedly continued in response to the generation of the continuation right is referred to as repeated continuation control.

When the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in a probability variation state (high probability state) described later, the probability that the variable display result of the variable display unit 9 becomes a big hit display result is increased, and the probability that the stopped symbol on the variable display 10 becomes a hit symbol is increased. Can be Further, the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is extended, and the number of times of opening is increased.

The card unit 50 adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a usable indicator 151 for indicating whether or not the card unit 50 is usable. If 151 is lit, it can be used. Furthermore, the card unit 5
0, a display 153 for illuminating which pachinko gaming machine 1 is connected, a slot 155 for inserting and discharging a prepaid card, and a key for locking and unlocking the front cover of the card unit 50. And a keyhole 156 into which a key is inserted. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 152 denotes a fraction display switch, which displays the fraction of the balance of the inserted card. A card insertion lamp 154 is turned on or blinks when a card is inserted.

Next, the gaming operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be briefly described. First, when the player inserts a prepaid card into the card insertion / ejection slot 155 and performs a ball lending operation, the card balance recorded on the prepaid card is partially reduced and pachinko balls are supplied by the reduced amount. Dispensed into dish 3. In this state, when the player rotates the hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5, the pachinko balls in the hitting ball supply tray 3 are hit one by one into the game area 7. When the pachinko ball hit into the game area 7 passes through the passage gate 11 and is detected by the gate switch 12, the variable display 10 performs a variable display operation, and the display result is a predetermined identification. When the information becomes 7 (for example, 7), the variable winning ball device 15 constituting the starting winning port 14 is opened for a predetermined time to enter a first state advantageous to the player.

On the other hand, when a pachinko ball wins in the start winning port 14, the variable display section 9 of the variable display device 8 performs a variable display operation and the display result is determined in a predetermined display mode (for example, 777 specification). ), A specific game state (big hit state) occurs, and the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 19 is opened to be in a first state advantageous to the player. The first state ends when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of hit balls (for example, 10) wins, whichever is earlier, is satisfied and is disadvantageous for the player. It is in the second state. Variable winning ball device 1 in the first state
If the hit ball that has entered the inside 9 wins the specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by the V count switch 22, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again after the end of the first state of that time. 1 state. The repetition continuation control in the first state can be executed up to 16 rounds at the maximum.

When the variable display section 9 displays the full rotation reach in which the left, middle, and right symbols are scrolled in a state of being aligned with the zigzag pattern, a predetermined effect display is performed. Time saving control is performed a number of times according to the display result. The time-saving control is control for shortening the variable display period of the variable display 10 described above and promptly deriving and displaying a display result.

When the ball hits the passage gate 11 during the variable display on the variable display 10, the starting passage is stored, the variable display 10 is stopped, and the variable display 10 can be re-variably displayed. Is subtracted from the starting passage memory by "1", and the variable display 10 is variably displayed. The upper limit of the starting passage memory is set to, for example, "4", and the starting passage memory number at the present time is displayed by a starting passage memory display (not shown).

Further, the derived display referred to here means that the display result is completely stopped, and even if the display result is not completely stopped, for example, the identification information is fluctuated reciprocally, and a certain display result is continuously displayed. If it is displayed (see FIG. 21 described later)
(Display state of left reel 90a and right reel 90c in (c))
It is a concept including

Next, the probability fluctuation state will be described in more detail. When a special symbol variably displayed on the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8 is stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination, a big hit occurs, and the big hit symbol is a predetermined probability change among a plurality of types of big hit symbols. In the case of a symbol (for example, an odd symbol in this embodiment), a probability variation state (high-probability state) in which the probability of occurrence of a big hit varies higher than in the normal game state. Hereinafter, a jackpot with a probable variable pattern is called a probable variable jackpot, and a jackpot with a jackpot pattern (non-probable variable pattern) other than the probable variable pattern is called a non-probable variable jackpot.

Once a probability change big hit occurs during the normal game state, for example, the probability change state is continuously controlled until at least a predetermined probability change continuation number (for example, once or twice) big hit occurs. Further, if the probability change hit occurs again during the probability change state, the probability change count is counted again after the probability change hit, and thereafter, the probability change state is continued at least until the probability change occurrence number hits. Then, when the jackpot that has reached the number of times of the probability change continuation is caused by a non-probability change symbol other than the probability change symbol, the game returns to the normal game state in which the probability fluctuation does not occur.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the game board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a mechanism plate 36 is provided. A ball tank 38 is provided on the upper portion of the mechanism plate 36, and the pachinko balls are supplied to the ball tank 38 from above with the pachinko gaming machine 1 installed on the gaming machine installation island. The pachinko balls in the ball tank 38 are supplied to the ball payout device through the guide gutter 39.

On the mechanism board 36, a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display section 9 via the relay board 30, and a game control board (main control board) covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer and the like. Board) 31, a relay board 33 for relaying a signal between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 mounted with a payout control microcomputer for performing payout control of pachinko balls. Is installed. Further, a ball is hit on the mechanism plate 36 by using the rotating force of the motor in the game area 7.
Hitting ball firing device 34 and game effect LED 28
a, game effect lamps 28b and 28c, probability change determination symbol display unit 200, prize ball lamp 51, and ball out lamp 52
And a lamp control board 35 for sending a signal to the controller.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back. As shown in FIG. 3, on the back surface of the game board 6, a winning ball set cover 40 for guiding a winning ball winning each winning port and a winning ball device along a predetermined winning path.
Is provided. The winning ball guided by the winning ball collecting cover 40 is supplied to a winning ball processing device (not shown) for processing one winning ball. The winning ball processing device is provided with a winning ball detection switch 99 (see FIG. 4), and a detection signal of the winning ball detection switch 99 is sent to the game control board 31. In the game control board 31, based on the detection signal, the detection signal of the starting port switch 17, the detection signal of the V count switch 22, and the detection signal of the count switch 23, a prize ball signal for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls is provided. It is output to the prize ball substrate 37. The prize ball substrate 37 controls the ball payout device based on the outputted prize ball signal to perform control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls.

Specifically, for example, fifteen prize balls are paid out per one winning prize ball through the opening / closing plate 20, and one prize ball winning in the starting winning prize opening 14 is one prize ball. For example, six prize balls are paid out per ball, and the other prize balls won through the prize port 24 and the prize ball device are controlled such that, for example, ten prize balls are paid out per one prize ball.

In order to control the payout of the three types of prize balls, the game control board 31 performs a control operation as follows. If the detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 is input, it is determined whether or not there is a detection signal from the starting port switch 17 before the input, and if so, the game control board 31 sends a " A prize ball command signal for instructing the payout number of "6" is output. On the other hand, if there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 and if there is a detection signal from the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23 before that, the game control board 31 will display a prize ball of “15”. The number of prize ball command signals is transmitted to the prize ball substrate 3
7 is output. Further, if there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 and if no detection signal has been input from any of the starting port switch 17, V switch 22, or count switch 23 before that,
The game control board 31 outputs to the prize ball board 37 a prize ball command signal for instructing payout of the number of prize balls of “10”.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the game control board 31. FIG. 4 shows a prize ball board 37, a lamp control board 35, an audio control board 70,
A launch control board 91 and a display control board 80 are also shown. The game control board 31 includes a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in accordance with a program, a gate switch 12, a starting port switch 17, a V count switch 22,
A switch circuit 58 for providing signals from the count switch 23 and the winning ball detection switch 99 to the basic circuit 53;
A solenoid circuit 59 for driving a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable prize ball device 15 and a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53; A lamp / LED circuit 60 for driving the variable display 10 and the decorative lamp 25 is included.

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

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

Further, the game control board 31 has one of an initial reset circuit 56 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on, and an I / O port 57 by decoding an address signal given from the basic circuit 53. I /
An address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting the O port is provided.

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

The probability change judgment symbol display section 200 is provided with a basic circuit 5
The display is controlled by a control circuit provided on the lamp control board 35 based on the probable change determination symbol display control signal of the lamp control signals supplied to the lamp control board 35 from 3.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the display control board 80 together with a CRT 82 for realizing the variable display section 9. The display control CPU 101 operates according to the program stored in the control data ROM 102, and receives a strobe signal (interrupt signal) from the game control board 31.
Is input, the display control CPU 101 enters an interrupt operation state and captures display control command data. Then, display control of an image displayed on the CRT 82 is performed in accordance with the taken-in display control command data. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command data is given to the VDP 103. VDP 103 reads necessary data from character ROM 86. Then, the VDP 103 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT 82 according to the input data, and stores the image data in the VRAM 87. The image data in the VRAM 87 is R (red), G
(Green) and B (blue) signals (RGB signals).
The signal is converted into an analog signal by the A
2 is output.

FIG. 5 shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data, and display control command data. An input buffer circuit 105 for input is also shown. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, an animal, or an image composed of characters, figures, or symbols displayed on the CRT 82.

Each buffer in the input buffer circuit 105 can pass a signal only in a direction from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the display control board 80 to the game control board 31. Even if a circuit in the display control board 80 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. As described above, the transmission of information between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80 is performed in one direction from the game control board 31 (especially, the basic circuit 53) to the display control board 80 (especially, the display control CPU 101). Since the operation is performed based on the communication, the illegal control operation of the basic circuit 53 in the game control board 31 due to the input of the incorrect data from the display control board 80 to the game control board 31 can be prevented as much as possible.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing various random counters used for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. C_RND1, C_RND_L, C_RND
RND_C, C_RND_R, C_RND_RCH, C
There are six types of random counters, _RND_CAR.

C_RND1 is a random counter used to determine whether or not to generate a specific game state (big hit state), and it is set to 1 every timer interrupt described later (specifically, every 0.002 seconds). The values are added and updated in increments of 0, added and updated from 0, added and updated to the upper limit 293, and then added and updated again from 0.

C_RND_L, C_RND_C, C_R
ND_R is used to determine in advance a stop symbol displayed on the variable display unit 9.

C_RND_L is for determining the left symbol, and is 0.
, And when it is added up to its upper limit of 14, it is added again from 0. Note that C_RND_L is incremented by 1 every time the timer is interrupted, that is, every 0.002 seconds.

C_RND_C is a random counter for determining a medium symbol, and is incremented from 0 to 1 as its upper limit.
When it is added to 4, it is added again from 0. Note that C_
RND_C is set for each timer interrupt described above, that is, 0.00.
It is incremented by one every two seconds and every remaining time for interrupt processing. The remaining time of the interrupt processing is the remaining time until the next timer interrupt occurs after the interrupt routine of FIG. 8 is executed as a whole, and the remaining time is used to execute step S3 of FIG. , The addition process is executed in an infinite loop.

C_RND_R is a random counter for determining a medium symbol, which is added from 0 and is the upper limit of 1
After adding up to 4, it is added up again from 0. Note that C_
RND_R is 1 for each carry of C_RND_C described above.
Is incremented by one.

C_RND_RCH is used to determine the type of the reach and to determine whether or not to display a production character or the like during the variable display of the symbol.
It is incremented by one every 0.002 seconds, which is the above-mentioned timer interrupt, and by the remaining time of the interrupt processing, added from 0, added to its upper limit of 11, and then added again from 0.

C_RND_CAR is a random counter for character determination. When it is added from 0 and added to its upper limit of 60, it is added again from 0. This C_RND_CAR is added by one to the remaining time for interrupt processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a schematic procedure for determining the display result of the variable display device 8. First, 0
Random counter C_RN counting in the range of 293
The count number of D1 is extracted.

In a normal state (normal game state) which is not a high probability state (probability fluctuation state), when the extracted value is "7", it is determined in advance that a big hit is generated. Note that C_
When the extracted value of RND1 is other than "7", the deviation is predetermined and C_RND_L, C_RND_C, C_RN
Data is extracted from the count value of D_R, and an off symbol displayed on the variable display unit 9 is determined based on the extracted value. Here, when the determined out-of-place symbol is a zoro-symbol by chance, the extracted value of C_RND_C is set to “1”.
Is added, and a display control is forcibly made into a departure symbol.

On the other hand, in the case of high probability (probability variation state), when the extracted value of C_RND1 is 7, 11, 79, it is determined to generate a specific game state (big hit state). On the other hand, when the extracted value of the random 1 is other than 7, 11, 79 at the time of high probability (probability variation state), the deviation is determined in advance.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main processing and interrupt processing executed by the basic circuit 53.
8A shows a flowchart of the main program, and FIG. 8B shows a flowchart of the interrupt processing program.

Referring to FIG. 8A, in the main process, first, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, a stack set process for setting a designated address of a stack pointer is performed. Specifically, a process of setting 00FFH to the stack pointer is performed.
Next, the process proceeds to S2, where an initialization process is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S3, where a display random number updating process for determining in advance the symbol stopped by the variable display unit 9 is performed. In S3, the display random number updating process is repeatedly performed in an infinite loop. Specifically, an addition process is performed on the above-described random counter C_RND_L and the like. If an interrupt process described later is started while this S3 is being repeatedly executed, the interrupt process is temporarily stopped at the executing position of the program constituting the process of S3, and the interrupt process is executed. When finished, execution resumes from the location of the paused program.

Next, referring to FIG. 8 (b), the interrupt processing is performed by setting the clock value of the timer for the timer interrupt managed by the CPU 56 to the set value (timer interrupt time set in S15: concrete). The execution is started each time the time reaches 0.002 seconds.

In the interrupt processing routine shown in FIG.
First, in S4, processing for setting display control data is performed. The display control data is command data (command data) for controlling the display of the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8. Details of the display control data (command data) will be described later with reference to FIGS.

Next, the control proceeds to S5, in which the display control data (command data) set in S4 is output to the display control board 80. Details of the command data output process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

Next, in S6, processing for transmitting predetermined command data for sound generation and LED lighting control to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70 is performed, and the jackpot information and start-up are transmitted to the hall management computer. Data output processing for transmitting data such as information and probability variation information is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S7, where various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by the self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an error process is performed according to the result of issuing an alarm if necessary. Then S
Proceeding to S8, a process of updating various random numbers for determination (random counters for determination) used for game control is performed. In S8, specifically, a count-up (addition of 1) of a random C_RND1 for determining a big hit as a random number for determination is performed.

Then, the program proceeds to S9, in which a special symbol process is performed. In the special symbol process process, a process corresponding to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a game state is selected and executed. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Then S1
The process proceeds to 0, and a normal symbol process process is performed. In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

Next, the control advances to S11, where the gate switch 12, the starting port switch 17, the count switch 23, the V
The state of the count switch 22 and the like is input, and a switch process is performed to determine whether or not each of the winning ports and the variable winning ball device has won. Next, the process proceeds to S12, where the above-described display random number updating process is performed. Next, in S13, a prize ball signal process for outputting a prize ball number signal and a prize ball enable signal to the prize ball substrate 37 and instructing a prize ball payout control command is performed. The prize ball substrate 37 receives the prize ball possible signal and the prize ball number signal, and controls the ball payout device 97 to pay out the prize balls of the number specified by the prize ball number signal.

Next, the flow proceeds to S14, where award ball command output processing is performed. As a result, a prize ball command or the like corresponding to the expected number of prize balls is output from the basic circuit 53 to the prize ball substrate 37 on which a payout control microcomputer or the like is mounted. Then S
Proceeding to 15, the timer interrupt time setting process for setting the time value of the timer for the timer interrupt managed by the CPU 56 is executed, and the interrupt process ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a special symbol determination process for determining a scheduled stop symbol in the above-described special symbol process process of S9.

First, in step SA (hereinafter simply referred to as SA) 1, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set in the data at the time of high probability. Here, the probability variation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the state is in the probability variation state. In the case of the probability variation state, the probability variation flag is set to the data at the time of high probability. ,
It is set to data indicating a low probability state (normal game state).

If it is determined by SA1 that the data is not set to the data at the time of high probability, the process proceeds to SA2, and the data of the big hit determination value at the time of low probability (normal game state) other than the time of high probability is used. A process for setting special symbol determination value data is performed, and then the process proceeds to SA4. On the other hand, when it is determined by SA1 that the data is set to the data at the time of high probability, the process proceeds to SA3, and processing for setting the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability, which is the data of the jackpot determination value at the time of high probability, is performed. Then, the process proceeds to SA4. Thus, the data of the big hit determination value is selectively set according to whether or not the state is in the probability fluctuation state. In the case of this embodiment, the special symbol judgment value data at low probability is composed of one special symbol judgment value “7”, and the special symbol judgment value data at high probability is a plurality of special symbol judgment values “7, 11,. 79 ".

At SA4, the big hit flag is cleared. Here, the big hit flag is a flag set when a big hit occurs. After SA4, S
Proceeding to A5, it is determined whether or not the data of the extracted value of the random counter C_RND1 stored in the special symbol determination bank 0 matches the special symbol determination value. Thereby, it is determined whether or not a big hit is to be generated. SA
In 5, when the determination is made based on the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability, one determination is performed using one selected special symbol determination value data among the plurality of special symbol determination values. The order of the plurality of special symbol determination values constituting the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability is determined in advance in the order used for determination, and is used for the determination in SA5 in order from the special symbol determination value in the first order. . The special symbol determination value used for the determination in SA5 is SA1 described later.
4 and SA15, the determination is made for all of the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability.

Here, the special symbol determination bank is a storage area for temporarily storing data of the extracted value of C_RND1 extracted according to the starting winning, and the basic circuit 5
3 is provided in a work area of the RAM 55. Since up to four start winnings are stored, the special symbol determination bank is a special symbol determination bank 0 to a special symbol determination bank 3
And a shift register having four storage areas. In the special symbol determination bank, the data of the extracted value of C_RND1 corresponding to the starting winning is stored in the order of the special symbol determination banks 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Specifically, C_RND1 corresponding to the start winning prize
The extracted values at the oldest timing are stored in the special symbol determination bank 0, and the extracted values are stored in the order of banks 1, 2, 3 according to the winning start. Go. The extracted value stored in the bank 0 among the special symbol determination banks 0 to 3 is used for determining whether or not to generate a big hit. When the determination of bank 0 is completed, the stored data of bank 0 is cleared,
The stored data of the banks 1, 2, and 3 are shifted toward the bank 0 one by one. By repeatedly executing such a jackpot determination and data shift, the jackpot determination according to the start winning memory is performed.

According to SA5, C of special symbol determination bank 0
If it is determined that the stored data of _RND1 matches the special symbol determination value, it is to generate a big hit, and the process proceeds to SA6 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in SA5 that the stored data of C_RND1 in the special symbol determination bank 0 is not the special symbol determination value, the process proceeds to SA14, and the data of the special symbol determination value in the next order is used for the determination in SA5. Is performed as a special symbol determination value to be set.
Here, each of the low probability special symbol determination value data and the high probability special symbol determination value data includes data called a determination end code in addition to the special symbol determination value. When the low probability special symbol determination value data is set for the determination in SA5, a determination end code is set in SA14. On the other hand, when the special symbol judgment value data at the time of high probability is set for the judgment in SA5, S
After the determination using the special symbol determination value in the last order in A5, a determination end code is set in SA14.

After SA14, the process proceeds to SA15 and proceeds to SA14.
It is determined whether or not the data of the special symbol determination value set in the above is a determination end code. If it is determined by SA15 that the code is not the determination end code, the process returns to SA5 to determine the jackpot using the next special symbol determination value set by SA14. Thereby, in the case of the high probability, the determination of the big hit based on the plurality of special symbol determination values is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, if it is determined by SA15 that the code is the determination end code, the determination of the jackpot using the special symbol determination value has been completed, and it has been determined that it is to be lost, so the process proceeds to SA20 described later.

At SA5 described above, it is determined that the stored data of C_RND1 of the special symbol determination bank 0 matches the special symbol determination value, and when proceeding to SA6, it is determined that a big hit is to be generated. Is performed. After SA6, the process proceeds to SA7, where processing for setting a reach flag is performed. Here, the reach flag is a flag set when the reach state is displayed. By setting the reach flag, a reach state is displayed before a big hit occurs.

Next, the process proceeds to SA8, in which the data of the extracted value of the random counter C_RND_L stored in the specific symbol determination bank 0 is extracted for symbol determination. Here, the specific symbol determination bank refers to a storage area for temporarily storing data of an extracted value of C_RND_L extracted according to the start winning, and the R of the basic circuit 53
It is provided in the work area of AM55. Since up to four start winnings are stored, the specific symbol determination bank is constituted by a shift register having four storage areas of the specific symbol determination bank 0 to the special symbol determination bank 3. In the specific symbol determination bank, C corresponding to the starting prize in the order of the specific symbol determination banks 0, 1, 2, and 3.
The data of the extracted value of _RND_L is stored.

More specifically, C_RND_
Up to four extracted values of L are stored, but the extracted value at the oldest timing is stored in the special symbol determination bank 0,
The extracted values are stored in the order of banks 1, 2, and 3 in accordance with the start winning. The extracted value stored in the bank 0 of the special symbol determination banks 0 to 3 is used for determining all symbols when a big hit is generated or for determining a left symbol when a big hit is not generated, and a probability variation. Used to determine whether to generate a state. And bank 0
Is completed, the stored data of bank 0 is cleared, and the stored data of banks 1, 2, and 3 are shifted toward bank 0 one by one. Then, such a jackpot determination and data shift are repeatedly executed.

After the process of SA8, the process proceeds to SA9, and it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter is equal to or more than the maximum continuation number. Here, the probability variation counter is a counter that counts the number of continuations of the big hit with the probability variation. Then, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled so that the number of continuations of the jackpot accompanied by the probability fluctuation does not exceed a predetermined number (the maximum number of continuations). Therefore, if it is determined in SA9 that the probability variation counter is equal to or more than the maximum number of times, in SA11, the special symbol data at the time of the limiter operation is set to the extracted value of C_RND_L, and the process proceeds to SA22. . The limiter is a control operation for restricting the probability fluctuation state from continuing any more when the probability is high. On the other hand, when it is determined in SA9 that the probability change number counter does not reach the maximum number of times,
At SA10, the special symbol data at the normal time is stored in C_RND_
The process sets the extracted value of L and proceeds to SA22.

If the determination of SA15 is YES, the process proceeds to SA20, and whether or not the scheduled stop symbol is in the reach mode, that is, although the final display result is out of order, for example, the left symbol and the right symbol It is determined whether or not it is determined that the reach state is to be displayed by setting to the same type of stop symbol. When it is determined that the reach state is not determined, the process directly proceeds to SA22. When it is determined that the reach state is determined, SA2 is performed.
After the process proceeds to 1 and the reach flag is set, the process proceeds to SA22. If they match, the reach flag is set by SA21 to reach, and if they do not match, SA22
Proceed to.

At SA22, a special symbol data setting process is performed. In the special symbol data setting process, the types of stopped symbols are C_RND_L, C_RND_C, and C_RND_R.
A process of setting special symbol data relating to the scheduled stop symbol based on the value of is performed.

Next, in SA12, the special symbol data set in SA22 is extracted. In SA13, a process of setting a scheduled stop symbol is performed based on the extracted data, and then the process proceeds to SA16.

In SA16, the RAM 55 of the basic circuit 53
In the work area, a work area transfer process for shifting data is executed in each of the special symbol determination bank and the specific symbol determination bank. Thereby, in each of the special symbol determination bank and the specific symbol determination bank, the data of the bank 0 is discarded, and the banks 1 to 3 are discarded.
Are shifted to the next bank.
As a result, the next data is used for the processing such as the big hit determination and the symbol determination.

Next, the process proceeds to SA17, where processing for clearing the data stored in the special symbol determination bank 3 is performed. This is because the shift of the data by the SA 16 eliminates the necessity of holding the storage data of the special symbol determination bank 3 before the shift of the data, whereby the extracted value of the C_RND1 according to the new start winning is specially set. This can be stored in the symbol determination bank 3.

Then, the flow advances to SA18 to add and update the data of the special symbol process flag by "1" to bring the next process into a state where it is executed. Here, the special symbol process flag refers to a flag that designates a process to be executed when variable display of each special symbol is executed. The special symbol variable display operation is divided into a plurality of processes, and is controlled to a state corresponding to the process specified by the data of the special symbol process flag. As a result of the process of SA18, for example, execution of a special symbol stop symbol setting process is designated as the next process, and the process proceeds to the next process. After SA18, the special symbol determination processing ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the combined effect setting process 1 executed by the basic circuit 53.
According to the processing procedure described below, the type of the effect character displayed on the variable display unit 9 and the effect content are determined. The display contents on the variable display unit 9 based on the execution of the combined effect setting process 1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the extracted value of C_RND_RCH is a combined effect determination value (SS1). If not, the process ends. In the case of the combined effect determination value, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set, that is, whether or not the big hit is determined in advance (SS2). If the big hit flag is not set, a determination of NO is made in SS2, and it is determined whether or not the reach flag is determined, that is, whether or not the reach state is determined in advance (SS6). ). If the reach flag has not been set, the process ends. In this case, no effect character is displayed on the variable display section 9 at all.

FIG. 11 (a) is a table for a probability change, and FIG. 11 (b) is a table for a big hit.
(C) shows a reach table. These tables include a random counter C_R for character determination.
Character combination data is set according to the value of ND_CAR.

That is, the value of C_RND_CAR is 0 to 26, 2 in the probability change hit table shown in FIG.
7-37, 38-45, 46-51, 52-56, 57
"AAA", "AB"
A "," ACA "," ACB "," BAB "," BB
B "and" BCB "are set.

In the big hit table shown in FIG. 11B, the values of C_RND_CAR are 0 to 14, 15 to 2
4,25-32,33-39,40-45,46-5
For each of 0,51-54,55-57,58,59,60, "AAA", "ABA", "ACA",
"ACB", "BAB", "BBB", "BCB",
“CAC”, “CBC”, and “CCC” are set.

Further, in the reach table shown in FIG. 11C, the value of C_RND_CAR is 0, 1 to 10, 1
For values of 1 to 29 and 30 to 60, “AAA”, “A
“BA”, “BBB”, and “CCC” are set.

In FIG. 10, when the reach flag is set, the determination of YES is made in SS6, and FIG.
The reach table shown in (c) is referred to (SS
7). Then, in SS9, a combination of characters is selected from the reach table and set according to the value of C_RND_CAR. For example, if the value of C_RND_CAR is between 1 and 10, characters A and B are set as staging characters. The characters A and B are actually different types of images each having a predetermined form created based on a predetermined person, animal, natural object, landscape, or the like. Characters C, X, Y, and The same applies to Z.

In the present embodiment described above, an example is described in which the effect character and the effect content are determined in the combined effect setting process 1 executed by the basic circuit 53. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The processing for determining the effect content may be performed by the display control board 80 that controls the variable display unit 9.

In this case, C_RND_CAR, which is a random counter for character determination, is shown in FIGS.
The table for character combination determination shown in (c) is provided on the display control board 80.

The basic circuit 53 transmits the command indicating the start of the change including information that can identify the display mode of the jackpot or the display mode of the reach. For example, the variable start command 8FHXXH is designated and transmitted such that the lower 4 bits are 01H in the case of the jackpot display mode and 02H in the case of the reach display mode, and transmitted.

In response to this, the display control board 80 determines whether or not the jackpot has been determined in advance and whether or not the reach has been determined in advance. Then, as a result of the determination, the combination of staging characters is set from the combination determination table for each character according to the value of C_RND_CAR.

By setting the production characters A and B in SS7, the production character A and the production character B appear on the variable display section 9 before the reach state is reached. This allows the player to be notified of the reach state by the effect character A and the effect character B. It should be noted that, instead of always setting staging characters A and B when there is a reach flag, for example, 80
Production characters A and B may be set with a predetermined probability of about%.

By performing the display control based on SS7, after the variable display of the symbol is started on the variable display section 9, the production characters A and B appear on the variable display section 9,
Shortly after, both production characters attempt to unite (fusion), but a display is displayed that the combination (fusion) fails.

If it is determined in SS2 that the big hit flag is set, it is determined whether or not the type of the big hit symbol set as the scheduled stop symbol is a positively changing symbol (SS3). And if it is a non-probable variable design, S
A determination of NO is made in S3, and the big hit table is referred to in SS5. If the value of C_RND_CAR is, for example, between 33 and 39 in SS9, characters A, C, and B are used as staging characters to be displayed on variable display section 9.
Is set, and the display control is executed, so that the effecting character A and the effecting character B appear on the variable display unit 9 before the reach state, and after the reach state,
Further, a production character C appears. Some time after the three types of effect characters A, B, and C appear, a display is displayed in which the three types of effect characters attempt to unite but fail to unite. Thereafter, the display result of the jackpot by the non-probable variable symbol is derived and displayed. As described above, the display in which the three types of effect characters fail to unite is performed, so that the player is notified that the variable display result is a non-probable variable jackpot.

If it is determined in SS3 that the probable variable symbol is set as the big hit symbol, the process proceeds to SS4 in FIG.
The setting for displaying the character X as the united character is made in SS8 with reference to the probability change table shown in FIG. Then, C_RN in SS9
A combination of characters is set according to the value of D_CAR. By performing the display control in this manner, the combination of characters displayed before the vehicle reaches the reach state can be changed as shown in FIG.
After setting as shown in FIG. 1 (c) and reaching the reach state, FIG.
1 (b), and after a while, the three types of effect characters are united, and the united character X
Changes to After the united character X appears, the jackpot result by the probable symbol is derived and displayed by the combination of the characters shown in FIG. As described above, when the three types of effect characters successfully merge and the merged character X is displayed, the player is notified that the variable display result will be a large-variable hit. In addition, the combination of characters changes depending on the value of C_RND_CAR, making it possible to complicate the advance notice of whether the degree of expectation is high or low and make the player not to get tired.

When the probability change jackpot or the normal jackpot is determined in advance, the predetermined number shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, for example, in the order of a combination of three characters, is used. The probability of occurrence of “AAA” to “CCC” is high. That is, FIG.
The higher combination of (b), in particular, “AAA” is easily selected. Therefore, when a predetermined number, for example, “AAA” is displayed, the player can have a large expectation of a big hit.

Note that, when the processing shifts to each step of SS4, 5, and 7, the respective processing is not always executed.
It may be executed with a predetermined probability. This allows
For example, a player can expect to be a probability-change big hit even when the union character X is not displayed (union is not successful). Alternatively, even if the united character X is displayed (successfully united), there is a possibility that a probability-change big hit does not occur. Therefore, the player's sense of expectation for the probability-change hit is maintained while maintaining the player's nervousness. be able to. However, in order to improve the reliability of the notice, for example, the probability that the probability of a large hit when the united character X appears is set to be higher than the probability of the large hit when the united character X does not appear. There is a need to.

By executing the combined effect setting process 1 described above, not only the plurality of effect characters A, B, and C are displayed on the variable display device 8, but also the effect characters are displayed. Since the display for merging is made, and the probability of a big hit (probably variable big hit) differs between the case where the production characters are merged and the case where they are not merged, an effective production is performed on the variable display device 8 to play the game. Amusement can be improved. Also, three types of characters A,
When B and C are displayed, at least a big hit occurs. Therefore, the display result of the variable display device can be notified to the player by displaying the effect character.

Next, display control command data transmitted from the game control board (main control board) 31 to the display control board 80 will be described in detail.

FIG. 12 shows a game control board (main control board) 3
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing command data for display control transmitted from No. 1 to the display control board 80 by one-way communication. The command data for display control is composed of 8-bit data of CD0 to CD7, and each bit data is transferred in parallel as shown in FIG. Further, a display control signal INT (interrupt signal) as a strobe signal is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. Display control board 80
The display control C
PU 101 enters an interrupt state, and command data CD0 to
The operation of taking in the CD 7 is performed. Furthermore, the game control board 3
The DC voltages of +30 V and +5 V are supplied from 1 to the display control board 80, and the ground line is connected.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a transmission operation when command data is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. The display control command data CD0 to CD7 are different from the command data sent last time.
0, the basic circuit 5
3 is transmitted to the display control board 80 only once. In that case, first, the display control signal IN which is a strobe signal
The basic circuit 53 outputs T (interrupt signal) as a 30 μsec pulse signal to the display control board 80. This signal is
It is input to IRQ2 of the display control CPU 101 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the display control CPU 101 enters an interrupt state. On the other hand, the basic circuit 53 supplies the display control signal I
Command data CD for display control in synchronization with the output of NT
0 to CD7 are output. Then, the display control CPU 10
1 controls to take in the command data CD0 to CD7 in the interrupt state.

FIG. 14 shows the data structure of command data. Command data CD0 to C for display control
Each of D7 is composed of 8-bit data of 0 to 7, and the upper 4 bits of 4 to 7 designate a mode such as, for example, which of left, middle and right is command data for fluctuation control. This is the data for The lower 4 bits of 0 to 3 are specific contents of the mode specified by the upper 4 bits,
For example, it is data for specifying a specific content of a symbol changing speed and a changing method.

FIG. 15 shows the contents of the command. The upper 4 bits of the 8-bit command data are 8
In the case of 0H, it is specified that the command is a command for controlling the variation of the symbol, and the content of EXTDATA (extra data), which is the data for specifying the specific control operation content, is based on the variation speed and the variation method of the symbol (for example, Various settings are made according to high-speed fluctuation, low-speed fluctuation, frame-feed fluctuation, and the like.

When the upper 4 bits are 83H, it is specified that the command is a command for displaying a screen at power-on.
The extra data is fixed at 00H.
When the upper 4 bits are 88H, it is specified that the command is a command for replacing the left symbol, and the extra data of the lower 4 bits are variously set according to the type of the symbol to be replaced. When the upper 4 bits are 89H, it is specified that the command is a command to replace a middle symbol, and the lower 4 bits of extra data are variously set according to the type of symbol to be replaced. When the upper 4 bits are 8AH, it is specified that the command is a command for replacing the right symbol, and the extra data of the lower 4 bits are variously set according to the type of the symbol to be replaced.

When the upper 4 bits are 8BH, it is specified that the command is a command to stop the left symbol, and the lower 4 bits of the extra data are variously set according to the type of symbol to be stopped. When the upper 4 bits are 8CH,
It is specified that this is a command to stop the middle symbol, and the extra data of the lower 4 bits are variously set according to the type of symbol to stop.

When the upper 4 bits are 8DH, it is specified that the command is a command to stop the right symbol, and the lower 4 bits, extra data, are variously set according to the type of symbol to be stopped.

If the upper 4 bits are 8FH, it is specified that the command is a command for changing all symbols, and the extra data of the lower 4 bits is fixed to 00H. This change in all symbols means a state in which the left, middle, and right symbols simultaneously perform a variable display operation in accordance with the starting winning of the ball.

When the upper 4 bits are 90H, it is specified that the command is a command for controlling the symbol variation area and the shape of the symbol, and the extra data of the lower 4 bits are variously set according to the display area and the shape of the symbol. Is done. The command data controls the size, position and shape of the display area of the left, middle and right symbol display sections. Upper 4 bits are A
In the case of 0H, it is specified that the command is a command for displaying the screen of the variable display unit 9 during the jackpot control in which the variable winning ball device 19 is controlled to the first state.
The extra data as bits are variously set according to the display screen such as the number of repetitions (rounds) of the jackpot control and the interval. When the upper 4 bits are C0H, it is specified that the command is a command for controlling the background of the variable display section 9 and the characters (directing characters and united characters, etc.). Various settings are made according to the display character.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the variable display section 9 of the variable display device 8 performs a variable display operation.
After that, the display result is derived on the variable display unit 9. The “reach state” means that a specific display is performed even after the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8 is variably started and the display control progresses to a stage before the display result is derived and displayed. It refers to a display mode that does not deviate from the display condition that is the mode. In other words, the reach means that the variable display device has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, the variable display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are a predetermined identification. When the combination of the display modes of
In a gaming machine in which a gaming state becomes a specific gaming state advantageous to a player, at a stage where a part of the plurality of display results has not been derived and displayed yet, the display result that has already been derived and displayed is the specific display mode. A display state that satisfies the conditions for combination. In other words, the reach is a game state when the display result of the variable display device having a plurality of variable display units whose display states can be changed becomes a predetermined combination of specific display modes. In a gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, when the display result of the variable display device has not yet been derived and displayed, the variable display mode has become a variable display mode in which the combination of the specific display modes is easily displayed. Display state to make the person think.
Then, for example, a state in which a variable display is performed by the plurality of variable display units while maintaining a state in which the combination of the specific display modes is aligned is also included in the reach display state. Furthermore, some of the reach, when it appears, are more likely to cause a big hit than in a normal reach. Such a specific reach is called a super reach.

The reach state is a display state at the time when display control of the variable display device progresses to a stage before display results are derived and displayed, and the display results are derived and displayed. It also refers to a display state in which at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas that have been determined before satisfy the condition for the specific display mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of command data and command contents when variable display is performed on the variable display section 9 based on the setting of SS4 in the combined effect setting processing 1. In this case, as shown in FIG.
The type of command data is sequentially transmitted. Each of these command data is given a name as shown in the figure.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart of transmission of each command data. FIG. 18 shows a display screen diagram showing display contents on the variable display unit 9 as a result of transmission of each command data. The variable display control in the variable display unit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the basic circuit 53 stores the command data 8F
H00H is output to the display control board 80. Since the upper 4 bits of this command data are 8FH, the mode is for controlling all symbols as described with reference to FIG.
Then, 00H of the extra data designates the start of low-speed fluctuation of all symbols. As a result, the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 starts changing the left, middle, and right symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c of the variable display section at a low speed. At this time, in the variable display section 9, the stop display, which has been performed as a result of the previous variable display, is changed to scroll of the left, middle, and right symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c as shown in FIG. The display is switched to the variable display. Note that the upward arrow in the drawing indicates a scroll state.

Next, referring to FIG. 17, after a lapse of time T1, C0HA0H as the next command data is transmitted. The mode in which the background and the character are controlled is specified by the upper 4 bits of the command data.
The lower 4 bits specify that a character A, which is one of the effect characters, is displayed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18B, in the variable display section 9, the production character A 9 is displayed from below the left symbol 90a.
2a appears in such a manner as to fly out, and waits below the left symbol 90a.

Next, after the elapse of the time T2, the command data 8
AH07H is transmitted. The upper four bits of these command data specify that the command is a command for replacing the left symbol, and the lower four bits specify that the left symbol is replaced with “7”. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 18B, the symbol “7” is displayed on the variable display section 9 as the left symbol 90a. Note that T1 and T
Since the time interval with the character 2 is very small, the display mode is such that the character A appears almost simultaneously with the replacement display of the left symbol 90a.

Next, after a lapse of time T3, the next command data of 80H10H is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the left symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the left symbol swings. This fluctuation is
This is a display in which the left symbol is repeatedly moved up and down within the display area of the variable display section 9 so as to appear to sway. This allows
The left symbol 90a is displayed while shaking. Hereinafter, such a swinging state is also referred to as a quasi-stop.

Next, after a lapse of time T4, the next command data C0HA1H is transmitted. The high-order 4 bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the background and the character, and the low-order 4 bits specify the character B, which is one of the effect characters.
Is specified to be displayed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18C, the right symbol 9
The effect character B 92b appears from below 0c in such a manner as to fly out, and waits below the right symbol 90c.

Next, after a lapse of time T5, the next command data of 8AH07H is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of this command data specify that the command is a command to replace the right symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the right symbol is to be replaced with “7”. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (c) of FIG. 8, in the variable display unit 9,
The symbol "7" is displayed as the right symbol 90c, and the left symbol 9
A reach state in which 0a and the right symbol 90c are aligned is established.
Since the time interval between T4 and T5 is very small, the production character B 9 is almost simultaneously displayed with the right symbol 90c.
2b appears.

Next, after a lapse of time T6, the next command data of 82H10H is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the right symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the right symbol swings. Thereby, the right symbol 90c is displayed while swinging on the variable display unit 9,
The right symbol 90c is in a semi-stop state.

Next, after a lapse of time T7, the next command data C0HA2H is transmitted. The mode of controlling the background and the character is specified by the upper 4 bits of the command data, and the character C, which is one of the effect characters, is specified by the lower 4 bits.
Is specified to be displayed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18 (d), the character character C92c for effect appears on the variable display section 9 in such a manner as to jump out from below the middle symbol, and waits below the middle symbol 90b. It should be noted that in the above-described combined effect setting process 1, SS7
Is set, the command data C0
HA2H is not transmitted. For this reason, when the display setting of SS7 is set, the effect character C 92
c is not displayed.

Next, after a lapse of time T8, the next command data 89H02H is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of this command data specify that the command is a command for replacing the middle symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the middle symbol is replaced with “2”. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (d) of FIG. 8, the variable display section 9 displays the symbol “2” as the middle symbol 90b. At this stage, as shown in FIG. 18 (d), the display mode is "727". If the display setting of SS7 has been set in the above-described combined effect setting processing 1, the display result is determined at this stage (however, the effect character C 92c is not displayed), and a new result based on the next start winning is established. Variable display is started.

Next, after a lapse of time T9, the next command data 81H10H is transmitted. The upper four bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the middle symbol, and the lower four bits specify that the middle symbol swings and fluctuates. As a result, the middle symbol 90b is displayed while shaking, and as a result, the left, middle, and right symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c are displayed while shaking.

Next, after a lapse of time T10, the next command data, C0HB0H, is transmitted. The mode in which the background and the character are controlled is specified by the upper 4 bits of the command data. After the lower 4 bits are used to display all the characters A, B, and C, the combined character X is displayed. It is specified. As a result, first, as shown in FIG. 18D, a smoke-like character 92d (hereinafter, referred to as a smoke character 92d) surrounding the effect character (A, B, C) is displayed. The effect characters (A, B, C) including 92d start blinking. Then, for example,
The display is performed such that the effect characters gather at the center position and are fused. Then, the merging of the production characters succeeds, and as shown in FIG. 18E, a new merging character X93 appears on the front side of the middle symbol 90b so as to cover a partial area of the middle symbol 90b. .

The united character X 93 is a probability change determination symbol indicating that a probability variation state occurs. When the united character X 93 is displayed, a big hit state accompanied by the occurrence of the probability variation state occurs soon. . This allows
It is possible to improve the player's expectation of the display result (probable change big hit) of the variable display device 8.

When a big hit state occurs without the occurrence of the probability fluctuation state, the display of the united character X 'instead of the united character X may be specified. This united character X '
It can be said that it is a probability change determination symbol indicating that the probability fluctuation state does not occur, and when this united character X 'is displayed,
Eventually, a big hit state without the occurrence of the probability fluctuation state occurs. That is, by configuring the united character X and the united character X ′ to be displayed for selection,
By displaying the probability change determination symbol, it is notified in advance whether or not the probability fluctuation state occurs. With such a configuration, the presence or absence of the occurrence of the probability fluctuation state can be notified in advance using the united character, and the advance notification can enhance the player's expectation and enhance the interest of the game.

Next, after a lapse of time T11, the next command data of 80H02H is transmitted. The upper four bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the left symbol, and the lower four bits specify that the left symbol is changed in medium speed. The medium speed fluctuation is a fluctuation at a speed intermediate between the high speed fluctuation and the low speed fluctuation, and is a fluctuation at a predetermined speed. As a result, the left symbol 90a starts to change by scrolling at the medium speed change.

Next, after a lapse of time T12, the next command data, 82H02H, is transmitted. The upper four bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the right symbol, and the lower four bits specify that the right symbol is changed in medium speed. As a result, the right symbol 90c starts to change by scrolling at the medium speed change.

Next, after a lapse of time T13, the next command data, 81H02H, is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the middle symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the middle symbol is changed in the medium speed. Thus, the middle symbol 90b starts to fluctuate by scrolling at the middle speed fluctuation.

Next, command data 88H07H is transmitted after a lapse of time T14. The upper 4 bits of these command data specify the command to replace the left symbol, and the lower 4 bits indicate the left symbol as “7”.
Is specified to be replaced. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 18F, the symbol “7” is displayed on the variable display section 9 as the left symbol 90a.

Next, after a lapse of time T15, the next command data of 80H10H is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the left symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the left symbol swings. This allows
The left symbol 90a of “7” is displayed while shaking.

Next, after a lapse of time T16, the next command data of 8AH07H is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of the command data specify that the command is a command to replace the right symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the right symbol is to be replaced with “7”. This allows
As shown in FIG. 18F, in the variable display unit 9,
The symbol "7" is displayed as the right symbol 90c.

Next, after the elapse of time T17, the next command data, 82H10H, is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the right symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the right symbol swings. This allows
The right symbol 90c of “7” is displayed while swinging.

Next, after the elapse of time T18, the next command data 89H07H is transmitted. The upper 4 bits of the command data specify that the command is a command for replacing the middle symbol, and the lower 4 bits specify that the middle symbol is replaced with “7”. This allows
As shown in FIG. 18F, in the variable display unit 9,
The symbol “7” is displayed as the middle symbol 90b.

Next, after the elapse of time T19, the next command data, 81H10H, is transmitted. The upper four bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling the fluctuation of the middle symbol, and the lower four bits specify that the middle symbol swings and fluctuates. As a result, the middle symbol 90b is displayed while shaking, and as a result, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol 90a, 90b, 90c are displayed while shaking in a state indicating “7”.

Next, after a lapse of time T20, the next command data of 8FH01H is transmitted. The upper four bits of this command data specify the mode for controlling all symbols, and the lower four bits specify that the fluctuation of all symbols is stopped. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18 (f), the swinging symbols 90a, 90b, 90c are simultaneously stopped and displayed on the variable display section 9. As a result, the display result of each of the left, middle, and right symbols is "7".
At the same time, a big hit state occurs and the state shifts to the big hit control state. In this case, the big hit is a probability-change big hit notified by the display of the united character X93, and is controlled to the probability fluctuation state.

When the display setting of SS5 (setting for union failure) is made, command data (not shown) different from C0HB0H is transmitted after the elapse of the time T10. The upper four bits of the command data are C0H, which specifies that the mode is a mode for controlling the background and the character. Also, the lower 4
The bit specifies that a display for trying to combine all the characters A, B, and C is performed, and then a display for failing to combine is performed. Thereby, the smoke character 92 covering the effect characters (A, B, C) is displayed on the variable display section 9.
d is displayed, and the effect characters (A, B, C) including the smoke character 92d start blinking. Thereafter, for example, after a display is made such that the respective production characters gather at the center position and are merged, a display in which the respective production characters fail to unite (for example, the original production character A, B, and C).
As a result of the re-variation of each symbol, a non-probable variable jackpot results.

In FIG. 18, the case where the symbols are stopped in the order of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the symbols may be arranged in any order. In this case, the effect characters corresponding to the respective symbols appear in the order.

As described above, the game control board 31
On the (basic circuit 53) side, the command data is directed to the display control board 80 only once in a manner readable by the display control board 80 at a predetermined timing with respect to the start of the change of the display of the variable display section 9. Output. This eliminates the need for the game control means to repeatedly execute the same instruction information. For this reason, the number of times of processing relating to the output of command information can be reduced, and the processing load on the game control board 31 (basic circuit 53) side can be reduced.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 19 is a combined effect setting process 2 executed by the basic circuit 53 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment.
5 is a flowchart for explaining FIG. According to the processing procedure described below, the type of the effect character displayed on the variable display unit 9 and the effect content are determined. The display contents on the variable display unit 9 based on the execution of the combined effect setting process 2 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

First, it is determined whether or not the extracted value of C_RND_RCH is a combined effect determination value (ST1). If not, the process ends. In the case of the combined effect determination value, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set, that is, whether or not the big hit is determined in advance (ST2). If the big hit flag is not set, NO is determined in ST2, and it is determined whether or not the reach flag is determined, that is, whether or not the reach state is determined in advance (ST6). ). If the reach flag has not been set, the process ends. In this case, no effect character is displayed on the variable display section 9 at all. If the reach flag is set, a determination of YES is made in ST6, and "coalescing 3" is set as the content of the display setting of the effect character to be displayed on the variable display section 9 (ST7).
By performing the display control based on the setting of “coalescing 3”, after the variable display of the symbol is started on the variable display unit 9,
Characters A and C appear on the variable display unit 9, and shortly thereafter, both characters are united to become the united character X, and it is foreseen that the reach state will be reached. For this reason,
When the united character X appears, it is possible to improve the player's expectation of the occurrence of the reach. afterwards,
The display result of the departure through the reach state is derived and displayed.
Details of the display control content based on the setting of “coalescing 3” will be described later with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in ST2 that the big hit flag is set, it is determined whether or not the type of the big hit symbol set as the scheduled stop symbol is a positive change symbol (ST3). And if it is a non-probable variable design, ST
A determination of NO is made in step 3, and "coalescing 2" is set as the content of the display setting of the effect character to be displayed on the variable display section 9 (ST5). By performing the display control based on the setting of “Coalescing 2”, the variable display of the symbols is started on the variable display 9 and then the characters A, B,
C appears, and soon the three characters unite to form a united character Z. Thereafter, the display result of the non-probable variable jackpot is derived and displayed through the reach state. Therefore, the player is informed that a non-probable variable big hit will occur due to the appearance of the united character Z96. Details of the display control content based on the setting of “coalescing 2” will be described later with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in ST3 that a probable variable symbol is set as a big hit symbol, "coalescing 1" is set as the content of the effect character display setting to be displayed on the variable display section 9 (ST4). . By performing the display control based on the setting of “coalescing 1”, the characters B and C appear on the variable display unit 9 after the variable display of the symbols is started on the variable display unit 9 and shortly thereafter, the characters B and C are displayed. The characters unite to form a united character X. The reach state is announced by the united character X, and then, after the reach state that satisfies the condition of the probability change big hit, the display result is once off, but the staging character A appears from below the last stopped pattern. Then, the united character X and the effect character A are united to change to the united character Y. Thereafter, as a result of the variable display of the symbol being performed again, a certain-variable big hit occurs. Therefore, a probable change big hit is announced to the player by the appearance of the united character Y.

The basic circuit 53 transmits command data to the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 in the same manner as in the first embodiment in accordance with the setting of the combined effect setting processing 2 described above. Based on the command data from the basic circuit 53, the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 determines a plurality of types of effect characters (A, B,
C) and a character to be displayed is selected from a plurality of types of combined characters (X, Y, Z), and display control of the character is performed. As described above, since there is a choice in the type of the united character to be displayed, it is possible to further improve the interest of the game. The display contents based on the transmission of the command data are shown in FIGS.
A description will be given based on the screen diagram of FIG. FIG. 20 is a screen diagram for explaining display contents based on the display setting (ST4) of united unit 1. The display setting of the united 1 is a setting performed when it is determined in advance that the variable display result is to be the large hit.

First, from the state in which the previous variable display result is displayed (FIG. 20A), each of the symbols 90a to 90c starts variable display simultaneously. Thereafter, each variable display section 9 is reduced and displayed at the top of the screen, and at the same time, the production character B 92b and the production character C 92c appear at the bottom of the screen.

Next, a left symbol 90a is displayed.
Production character B 92b and production character C 9
2c are united, and a united character X93 appears (FIG. 20B). In the second embodiment, when the united character X 93 appears, the reach state is always established.
Therefore, the united character X93 has a reach state notice function. As described above, when the production characters are united with each other, the reach state is established, so that the player's expectation of the reach state can be improved.

After a predetermined time has elapsed after the appearance of the combined character X93, the variable display of the right symbol 90c ends, and a symbol "7" for establishing a reach state in relation to the left symbol 90a is displayed as previously announced. (FIG. 20C). In the figure, symbols of double arcs above and below a symbol that is derived and displayed indicate a state in which the symbol swings up and down (quasi-stop state).

After that, the off symbol "3" is once derived and displayed as the middle symbol 90b, and at the same time as the off symbol is displayed, the effect character A 92a appears at the bottom of the screen (FIG. 19).
(D)). Next, the appearing production character A 92a
And the united character X93 are displayed.
As shown in FIG. 20E, a united character Y95 appears. Thereafter, the middle symbol 90b starts variable display again. Eventually, after a lapse of the predetermined time, the display result of the probability change jackpot is derived and displayed (FIG. 20F).

In FIG. 20, the united character Y 95
Is displayed, the result of the display of the jackpot is that the combined character Y95 has a notice function of notifying the jackpot. Thereby, the variable display device 8
Of the player with respect to the display result (probable change big hit) can be improved.

The variable display section 9 at the time of FIG.
Is temporarily changed to a state of non-probability change (for example, “666”), and thereafter, the united character Y
When 95 is displayed, re-variable display of all the symbols may be started, and the display result may be changed to a probable big hit (“777” or the like).

In the display example shown in FIG. 20, each symbol 9
On the basis of the variable display results of 0a, 90b, and 90c, it is displayed whether the final hit is a probable variable hit or a non-probable variable hit. Instead, the variable display results of the symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c are simply displayed. It may be configured such that only whether or not a big hit is displayed is determined by the type of the united character whether the big hit or the non-stable big hit.
In this case, the production character and the union character
Each symbol 90a, 90b, 90c is configured to appear after the variable display result is determined, and each symbol 90a, 90b, 90c is displayed.
After the display control for determining whether or not a big hit is performed by the variable display of c is performed, the display control for determining whether or not the big hit is performed using the staging character and the united character may be performed. Good. FIG. 21 is a screen diagram for explaining display contents based on the display setting (ST5) of united 2. The display setting of the combination 2 is a setting performed when it is determined in advance that the variable display result is a non-probable variable big hit.

First, after the variable display of symbols is started again from the state where the previous variable display result is displayed (FIG. 21A), the variable display of all symbols 90a, 90b, 90c is continued. During the production character A 92a,
Production character B 92b, production character C9
2c are sequentially displayed (FIG. 21B). In addition, with the display of the production character, each of the symbols 90a, 90
0b and 90c are reduced and displayed at the top of the screen. Next, the three effect characters are covered with a smoke character (not shown), and a combined effect display in which a plurality of effect characters attempt to unite is started. Next, “2” is derived and displayed as the left symbol 90a while the united effect display is continued, and then the united character Z96 appears. The union character Z 96 is a notice character for giving a notice of the non-probable change reach state or the non-probability change jackpot.
After 96 appears, “2” is derived and displayed as the right symbol 90c (FIG. 21C). Thereby, a reach state is set. After that, the variable display of the middle symbol 90b ends, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1 (d), the display result of the non-probable variable jackpot is derived and displayed. FIG. 22 is a screen diagram for explaining the display contents based on the display setting (ST7) of the combination 3. In addition,
The display setting of the combination 3 is a setting performed when it is determined in advance that the variable display result is out of range.

First, after the variable display of symbols is started on the variable display section 9 (FIG. 22 (a)), the effect character A 9 is displayed.
2a and the effect character C 92c appear in order (FIG. 22B). The effect character A 92a and the effect character C 92c are symbols 90a, 90b, 9
Of the symbols 0c, the symbols appear below the symbols in the reach state. In FIG. 22 (b), the staging characters are displayed below the left symbol 90a and below the right symbol 90c, so that the player enters the reach state in the combination of the left symbol 90a and the right symbol 90c. Can be expected. In addition, for example, when the effect character B 92b is displayed below the middle symbol 90b and the effect character C 92c is displayed below the right symbol 90c, the player:
It can be expected that the reach state will be reached in the combination of the middle symbol 90b and the right symbol 90c.

Thereafter, a combined effect display in which both the effect characters are united is performed, and during that time, “7” is derived and displayed as the left symbol 90a. After that, the united character X
93 appears on the front side of the middle symbol 90b so as to cover a partial area of the middle symbol 90b (FIG. 22C).

Next, as shown in FIG. 22 (c), after the united character X93 has appeared, the reach state is set. Therefore, the united character X93 has a reach state notice function. Further, since the reach state is established when the united character X93 appears, it is possible to improve the player's expectation of the reach state. Thereafter, the departure symbol is derived and displayed on the variable display part 9, and the departure result is determined (FIG. 22D).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22, a big hit (non-probable variable big hit or probable variable big hit) occurs in the united character (X, Y, Z) to enter the specific game state. Specific merging characters (merging characters Y and Z) selected in this case are included. For this reason, when the specific united character appears, it is possible to improve the player's expectation of the specific game state. On the other hand, the united characters include a special united character (united character Y) that is selected particularly when a probability-variable big hit occurs and the probability changes. For this reason, when the special combined character appears, it is possible to improve the player's expectation of the probability variation state.

FIG. 23 is a screen diagram for explaining another modified example of the display control of the effect character.
Modifications 1 and 2 described below include all symbols 90a,
This is different from the above-described control contents in that the combined effect display is performed while 90b and 90c are changing.

First, a first modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (d). First, after the variable display of the symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c is started from the state of FIG. 23A, the effect characters A 92a and the effect characters B 92b appear while all the symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c are changing. (FIG. 23 (b)), and the reach state is established based on the fact that the two production characters A and B that have appeared have merged and the merged character Z 96 has appeared (FIG. 23 (c)). Therefore, the united character Z 96 is a character that gives notice of the reach state. However, when the united character Z 96 appears, it is not necessary to always be in the reach state. Even when the united character Z 96 appears, the unit may not be in the reach state. Is also good. However, in order to improve the reliability of the notice of the united character Z96, the united character Z96
It is necessary that the probability of reaching the reach state when appears has exceeded 50%.

After that, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the case where the variable display result is a large change big hit is shown (FIG. 23).
(D)). Instead of causing the united character Z96 to appear before the reach state, the united character Z96 may be configured to appear after the reach state. In this case, the united character Z96 functions as a notice character for giving a notice of a probability change big hit.

Next, a second modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 (e) to 23 (h). First, from the state of FIG.
After the variable display of 0a, 90b, and 90c is started, the effect character A 92a and the effect character B 92b appear while all the symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c fluctuate (FIG. 23F). FIG. 23 (g) shows a case where the characters A and B failed to unite (FIG. 23 (g)), and the result of the variable display is incorrect (FIG. 23 (h)). In this case, the unsuccessful combination results in an operation for giving notice of a disconnection. However, it is not necessary to configure so as to always come off in the event of unsuccessful merging. Even if the merging fails, a configuration may be adopted in which there is a case in which there is a case in which there is a case of a probability change big hit or a case in which there is a non-probability change big hit. However, in order to improve the reliability of the notice, the probability of uncoupling in the event of unsuccessful coalescence must be higher than the probability of non-probable jackpots or uncertainty jackpots in the event of unsuccessful coalescence. is there. Next, modifications, feature points, and the like in the above-described embodiment will be enumerated below.

(1) Production Characters Trying to Merge and Other Specific Examples of Merging Characters A plurality of small characters move to one location and overlap one to form a large character. I do. For example,
It is configured such that when the same type of effect character (animal such as a small fish) is united, the character is changed to a united character several times as large as the original effect character. In this case, the colors of the staging characters made of small fish or the like may be different from each other or may be the same color. Also, for the effect of merging, the character for effect may be covered with the smoke character described above.

A different kind of character is used as a production character. For example, a character composed of a key and a character composed of a door with a keyhole are set as effect characters, and a display in which a key is inserted into the keyhole is made. And
When the key does not match the keyhole, a display indicating that the key does not turn is displayed, and when the key matches (combines) with the keyhole, the door is opened and a display in which a predetermined character appears from the door is made.

The production character is a part of the united character. For example, if the robot is a united character and the head, torso, legs, etc. of the robot are the staging characters, an operable robot will appear if the staging of the staging characters is successful.

After a plurality of effect characters have entered the mixer character imitating a mixer, the mixer is activated, and if mixing is successful (combination is successful), a large combined character is formed.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that a favorable result for the player is obtained when the staging characters succeed in merging, but a disadvantageous result for the player is obtained when the merging succeeds. It may be configured as follows. For example, when the production characters succeed in merging, the probability of a non-probable variable jackpot is higher than the probability of a probable variable jackpot. Alternatively, when the directing characters have succeeded in merging, the probability that the character is out of proportion is higher than the probability that the character will be a big hit.

In the case where the united display control for combining a plurality of effect characters is executed, in addition to a configuration in which a new united character appears, a state in which a plurality of effect characters before uniting are simply combined with each other. The configuration may be such that

(2) The production character is, for example,
The symbols 90a, 90b, and 90c appear from below corresponding to the symbols. For example, in the case of FIGS. 18B and 18C, the effect character A appears below the left symbol 90a, and the effect character B appears below the right symbol 90c. In accordance with the order, the effect characters appear corresponding to the respective symbols. For this reason, the player can predict in what order the symbols will stop. For example, if the effect character first appears below the middle symbol 90b, and then the effect character appears below the left symbol 90a, the stop order of the symbols is the middle symbol, the left symbol, and the right symbol. The player becomes predictable.

(3) A combination of a plurality of staging characters appearing on the variable display unit may be configured to change the expectation of a big hit (big hit probability), or in particular, the probability of a big hit. For example, a cat effect character and a dog effect character are configured to be displayed, and the greater the proportion of the effect character of the cat among the plurality of effect characters appearing on the variable display portion, the higher the expected big hit. The degree (or, in particular, the degree of expectation of the probability change jackpot) may be configured to be high.

(4) The expectation degree of the big hit (or especially, the expectation degree of the probability change big hit) may be configured to be different depending on the number of the effect characters to be united. For example, the configuration is such that a specific character having a high jackpot expectation is displayed as a united character as a large number of effect characters are united into one.

(5) The control circuit for executing each process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 constitutes a display result determining means for determining the display result of the variable display device. In the above-described embodiment, before starting variable display, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit (or a probable big hit) based on a random counter or the like, and then the combined character is displayed based on the determination result. Configured. However, instead of this, it may be configured to determine whether or not to make a big hit (or a probable big hit) after starting the variable display, and then to display the united character based on the result of the determination. Alternatively, whether or not to display the united character may be determined first, and after the variable display is started, whether or not a big hit (or a probable big hit) may be determined based on the result of the determination. As described above, the display in which the three types of characters fail to unite according to the setting of SS5 in FIG. 10 informs the player that the variable display result is a non-probable variable hit.
In addition, by setting SS8 in FIG. 10, the three types of characters succeed in merging, and the appearance of the merging character X93 informs the player that the variable display result will be a probability-change big hit. Furthermore, the appearance of the unified character Z96 due to the setting of ST5 in FIG. 19 informs the player of a non-probable variable hit.
Further, by setting ST4 in FIG. 19, the player is notified that the appearance of the united character Y95 will result in a probability of a large change. It is disclosed that the effect display control means can notify the display result of the variable display device by these contents.

(6) The variable prize ball device 19 constitutes a variable prize ball device that can be changed between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player. The first state of the variable prize ball device 19 may be a state in which the opening and closing plate 20 is continuously opened and closed. The second state of the variable prize ball device 19 is that the hit ball can win but the prize can be won. It may be a difficult state. It includes a variable display device having a plurality of variable display sections whose display state can be changed by the pachinko gaming machine 1, and is advantageous to the player when the display results of the plurality of variable display sections have a predetermined specific display mode. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state is configured. The display regions in which the symbols 90a to 90c are displayed constitute the plurality of variable display units. The display control CPU 101 constitutes a variable display control means for performing a variable display operation of the plurality of variable display units and then performing a control to derive and display a display result.

(7) In the above-described embodiment,
As an example of the special game state, the probability fluctuation state is shown,
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the special game state, the following states may be used alone or in combination, including the probability fluctuation state. A game state in which time reduction control is performed to shorten the fluctuation time from the start of the change of the normal symbol until the display result is derived and displayed, a game state, a normal symbol hit probability improving control for improving the probability of hitting the normal symbol is performed. Game state, in which a fluctuation time reduction control for shortening the fluctuation time from the start of the change of the special symbol until the display result is derived and displayed is performed, and a pair of left and right movable provided in the starting winning opening 14. A game state in which the number-of-opening increase control for increasing the number of times the piece (conductive tulip) is opened is performed, and a game state in which open-time extension control for extending the opening time of the movable piece is performed.

(8) In the present embodiment described above,
As described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18, an example has been described in which a command is transmitted from the game control means (the basic circuit 53) to the variable display control means (the display control board 80) in accordance with a change in the display state. Not limited to this, at the timing when the derivation display of a series of variation patterns is started, a signal including a command indicating the variation pattern is transmitted from the game control means to the display control means, The control means may derive a series of display patterns, such as the changing speed, the replacement timing, and the appearance timing of the effect character. In this case, it is preferable that the display control means stores data for controlling the display state of the variable display device 8 in accordance with the series of variation patterns in correspondence with the command indicating the variation pattern. By configuring the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this manner, the influence of noise during data transmission from the game control means to the variable display control means can be minimized, and malfunctions due to noise can be minimized. it can.

(9) The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0174]

Specific Example of Means for Solving the Problems The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a variable display device (variable display device 8) whose display state can be changed, and the display result of the variable display device is specified in advance. Is displayed (for example, 777, 222, etc.), a gaming machine which can be controlled to a specific game state (big hit state) advantageous to the player is configured. The basic circuit 53 shown in FIG. 4 and the like constitutes game control means for controlling a game state of the game machine. The display control CPU 101 shown in FIG. 5 selects a character to be displayed from a plurality of types of effect characters (A, B, C) and a plurality of types of united characters (X, Y, Z), and selects the character to be displayed. It performs display control and the like. The display control CPU 101 sets the combination pattern of the staging character and the united character so that it can be easily selected depending on whether the specific game state is determined in SS4 or not in SS5, and the notice type is determined. In response to this, control is performed to cause a predetermined number of effect characters to appear.

The display control CPU 101 displays the united character after the appearance display of a plurality of types of effect characters, and may display the united character when the specific game state is set, rather than when the specific game state is not set. Higher.

The display control CPU 101 displays the effect character and the united character for the advance notice in a display area different from the variable display area.

The display control CPU 101 performs display control for causing the effecting character and the merging character to appear in relation to the timing at which the scrolling of the variable display is stopped.

[0178]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
Regarding, in order to notify in advance that the derivation mode of variable display by the variable display control means may be a predetermined mode, a combination pattern of characters for the advance notification is selected from a plurality of types, and a specific pattern is selected. By setting the combination pattern of a specific character to be easier to select in the case of a display result than in the case of no specific display result, it is possible to complicate the notice and direct the player so as not to get tired. Enhancement of interest can be achieved.

According to the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, it is possible to perform a fusion display in which characters are merged after the appearance display of a plurality of characters, and a specific display result is obtained when a specific display result is obtained. By increasing the possibility of executing the fusion display as compared with the case where the display result is not obtained, it is possible to complicate the notice and produce an effect so that the player does not get tired, thereby improving the interest of the game.

Regarding the third aspect, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect, the visibility of the identification information is not hindered by causing the character for notice notification to appear in a display area different from the variable display area.

According to the fourth aspect, in addition to the effects of the first to third aspects, the appearance of a character in relation to the timing at which the identification information stops causes the player to have a sense of expectation when the identification information stops. Can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine having a card unit adjacent thereto.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of a pachinko gaming machine having a card unit adjacent thereto.

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

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a view showing various random counters used in a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a schematic procedure for determining a display result of the variable display device.

8 shows a control operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 4,
(A) shows a main routine, and (b) shows an interrupt routine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a special symbol determination process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a combined effect setting process 1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a probability change hit table, a big hit table, and a reach table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing command data for display control transmitted from the game control board (main control board) to the display control board by one-way communication.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a transmission operation when command data is transmitted from the game control board (main control board) to the display control board.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a data structure of command data.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of a command.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating command data and an example of the command content when variable display is performed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart of transmission of each command data.

FIG. 18 is a display screen diagram showing display contents of a variable display unit based on a combined effect setting process 1.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a combined effect setting process 2.

FIG. 20 is a display screen diagram showing display contents of the variable display unit based on the display setting (ST4) of the combination 1;

FIG. 21 is a display screen diagram showing display contents of a variable display unit based on a display setting (ST5) of a combination 2;

FIG. 22 is a display screen diagram showing display contents of a variable display unit based on a display setting (ST7) of a combination 3;

FIG. 23 is a screen diagram for describing another modification example of the display control of the effect character.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine, 8 is a variable display device, 9 is a variable display unit, 31 is a game control board (main control board), 53 is a basic circuit, 57 is an I / O port, and 80 is display control Substrate, 90a is left design, 90b is middle design, 90c
Is a right symbol, 92a is a production character A, 92b is a production character B, 92c is a production character C, 93 is a united character X, 95 is a united character Y, 96
Denotes a united character Z, and 101 denotes a display control CPU.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device capable of changing a display state, wherein a specific display advantageous to a player is provided on condition that a display result of the variable display of the variable display device is a predetermined specific display mode. A gaming machine which can be controlled to a gaming state, wherein a variable display control capable of causing a plurality of types of characters to appear and display in order to give advance notice of a predetermined display result being displayed on the variable display device. Means, and pattern selecting means for selecting any one of a combination pattern of the appearing characters, wherein the pattern selecting means, when the specific display result is obtained, the specific display result and A gaming machine characterized in that a combination pattern of a specific character is set to be easier to select than when it is not possible. 2. The variable display control means can perform a fusion display in which characters are merged after performing appearance display of a plurality of characters, and when the specific display result is obtained, the specific display result is displayed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a setting is made so that the possibility of executing the fusion display is higher than a case where the combination display does not occur. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the variable display control means causes the character to appear and display in a display area different from a display area in which the variable display is performed. . 4. The variable display control means is capable of performing control to display the appearance of the character in relation to the time at which the display result of the variable display is derived.
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.