JP2002292015A - Game machine, machine presentation expressing method, recording medium, and server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of enhancing the fun for players to a great extent by attracting the player to the images and heightening his/her expectation about how and where the game will proceed. SOLUTION: The game machine includes a display part installed on a play board for displaying the screen images consisting of an discrimination information image region to display the discrimination information images consisting of a plurality of varying patterns each making varying display and capable of stopping individually at the specified timing and a presentation image region to display presentation images, wherein when a plurality of varying patterns are displayed in varying, all of them move approximately in the same direction and aslant to a horizontal line.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, an effect expression method for the gaming machine, a storage medium, and a server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to keep a player playing a pachinko game from getting tired and to grasp the state of the game, a pachinko game machine is provided with a display device having, for example, a CRT or a liquid crystal monitor. In this display device, usually, in order to incite the player's interest in the game, in the identification information image area in which an identification information image including a plurality of identification information including numerical values and the like is displayed, the variation symbol is displayed in a variable manner. During this time, an effect expression for displaying a background image such as a moving image having a certain narrative in the effect image area where the effect image is displayed is performed.

[0003] However, what is most important to the player is the combination of the plurality of fluctuating symbols that are stopped and displayed, and the player views the story developed in the effect image area while viewing the story. However, he always pays attention to the state of the fluctuation of the fluctuation symbol that affects the whereabouts of the game state, and watches it.

[0004] Therefore, if not only the effect image but also the variation display mode of the variable design is devised well, the player feels the freshness of the effect expression on the image because the variation pattern of the variable design is different from the normal one. Can fully enjoy the change, and as a result, can attract the player to the image,
Expectation about the whereabouts of the game can be further increased.

[0005] In view of the above, there have been various types of devices in which the variation pattern of the variation pattern has been devised. For example, the variation pattern is placed on a belt conveyor in the same manner as in the case of sushi material in conveyor belt sushi. There are also screen configurations that move on a fixed orbit.

[0006] However, since such a moving method of the moving symbol has been used for a long time, recently,
It lacks freshness, and a new variation display mode of the variation symbol is required. In addition, in the above-described moving method of the variable symbol, since the variable symbol is moved in a different direction, it is not easy to follow the movement of the variable symbol with eyes, and it is tired to follow the movement of the variable symbol, and the game becomes tired. There was also a problem that it was difficult to fully enjoy the game.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily follow the movement of a fluctuating symbol which a player does not want to keep an eye on, You can feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image focusing on the movement of the fluctuating pattern and enjoy the effect expression, as a result, you can attract the player to the image and increase the expectation about the whereabouts of the game To provide a gaming machine, a gaming machine effect expression method, a storage medium, and a server that can enhance a player's sense of fulfillment and accomplishment when the game is a big hit, and can achieve a dramatic improvement in amusement. It is in.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for displaying a plurality of variable symbols in the same direction, when all of the variable symbols are displayed.
In addition, it is characterized by moving in an oblique direction with respect to a horizontal line.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention provides the following. (1) An identification information image area for displaying an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable symbols which are provided on a game board, each of which is variably displayed, and which can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image are displayed. A gaming machine having a display unit on which a screen image composed of effect image areas is displayed, wherein when the plurality of fluctuating symbols are respectively fluctuated and displayed, all fluctuating symbols are in substantially the same direction, and a horizontal line It is characterized by moving in an oblique direction with respect to.

According to the invention of (1), all the moving symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, so that the player follows the movement of the changing symbol which has not existed conventionally. To focus on the screen,
It is possible to feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image centered on the movement of the fluctuating symbol and enjoy the effect expression. Further, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction, the movement of the variable symbols can be easily followed, and the progress of the game can be enjoyed in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract the player to the image, and can increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed simultaneously when the symbol is slowly moving before the symbol is stopped and displayed. The player can clearly recognize such a symbol. When a variable symbol is composed of figures and symbols, it is difficult to memorize the order of display. If only one symbol is displayed, predict which symbol will be displayed next. In many cases, it is not possible, but in the present invention, since the player moves in a state in which a large number of symbols are displayed as described above, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, and to be excited and excited. The degree can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging the fluctuating symbols is adopted, the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the sense of reality can be further enhanced.

The present invention further provides the following. (2) a display unit provided on the game board and displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining these images as appropriate according to a game situation developed on the game board;
And a control unit that transmits electronic data to the display unit, and the screen image is variably displayed,
A gaming machine comprising: an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable symbols that can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing; and an effect image area for displaying an effect image, wherein the plurality of variable symbols Are displayed in a variable manner, all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line.

According to the invention of (2), since all the moving symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, the player follows the movement of the changing symbol which has not existed before. To focus on the screen,
It is possible to feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image centered on the movement of the fluctuating symbol and enjoy the effect expression. Further, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction, the movement of the variable symbols can be easily followed, and the progress of the game can be enjoyed in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract the player to the image, and can increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed simultaneously when the symbol is slowly moving before the symbol is stopped and displayed. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging the fluctuating symbols is adopted, the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the sense of reality can be further enhanced.

The present invention further provides the following. (3) a display unit provided on the game board and displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining these, as appropriate according to a game situation developed on the game board;
And a control unit that performs transmission of electronic data to the display unit, and a plurality of display units, each of which is variably displayed on the display unit and can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing. An effect expression method for a gaming machine for displaying an image including an identification information image region displaying an identification information image composed of a variation symbol and an effect image region displaying an effect image as the screen image, wherein the plurality of variation symbols are provided. , The step of moving all of the variable symbols in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to a horizontal line.

According to the invention of (3), since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, the player follows the movement of the variable symbol which has not existed conventionally. To focus on the screen,
It is possible to feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image centered on the movement of the fluctuating symbol and enjoy the effect expression. Further, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction, the movement of the variable symbols can be easily followed, and the progress of the game can be enjoyed in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract a player to an image, and provide an effect expression method for a gaming machine that can further increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of a game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed simultaneously when the symbol is slowly moving before the symbol is stopped and displayed. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging a fluctuating symbol is employed, a staging effect can be emphasized, and a staging effect expression method of a gaming machine capable of further enhancing a sense of reality is provided. be able to.

The present invention further provides the following. (4) A computer-readable recording medium storing a control program for displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining the moving image and the static image according to the gaming state of the gaming machine, The program is
An image including an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable symbols, each of which is variably displayed and can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area for displaying an effect image, is displayed on the screen image. And when the plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed, all the variable symbols are configured to move in substantially the same direction, and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line. A computer-readable recording medium characterized by the following:

According to the invention of (4), all the moving symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line, so that the player follows the movement of the changing symbol which has not existed conventionally. To focus on the screen,
It is possible to feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image centered on the movement of the fluctuating symbol and enjoy the effect expression. Further, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction, the movement of the variable symbols can be easily followed, and the progress of the game can be enjoyed in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract a player to an image, and can provide a recording medium capable of further increasing a sense of expectation about the whereabouts of a game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be simultaneously displayed when the symbol is slowly moving before the symbol is stopped and displayed. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging a fluctuating design is adopted, a recording medium capable of enhancing the three-dimensional effect and further enhancing the sense of realism can be provided.

The present invention further provides the following. (5) A server for displaying a gaming machine image indicating a gaming machine on each terminal, and a screen composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image combining these, as appropriate, according to the situation of a game performed in the terminal. An image, and an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable symbols that can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area for displaying an effect image. When the terminal is controlled to display an image including, and when the plurality of variable symbols are respectively variably displayed, all the variable symbols are moved in substantially the same direction, and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line. A server for performing control for causing a terminal to perform control.

According to the invention of (5), since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, the player follows the movement of the variable symbol which has not existed conventionally. To focus on the screen,
It is possible to feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image centered on the movement of the fluctuating symbol and enjoy the effect expression. Further, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction, the movement of the variable symbols can be easily followed, and the progress of the game can be enjoyed in a relaxed state. As a result, it is possible to provide a server capable of attracting a player to an image by such an effect expression and further increasing a sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed simultaneously when the symbol is slowly moving before the symbol is stopped and displayed. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. In addition, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging a fluctuating symbol is adopted, a server that can enhance the three-dimensional effect and can further enhance the sense of realism can be provided.

[Definition of Terms] In this specification, the term "identification information" refers to visually identifiable information such as characters, symbols, pictures or patterns (patterns). “Variable display” refers to a case where the identification information sequentially changes, for example, a case where a pattern “7” which is one identification information changes to a pattern “8” which is another identification information, or a case where the pattern “9” changes from another pattern “9”. In addition to the case of changing to the symbol "☆", the case where the identification information is moved and displayed while one identification information is displayed in the display area where the identification information can be displayed, for example, one symbol ""7" moves while being displayed in the display area. Furthermore, when the display mode of the identification information changes, for example, when one symbol “7” is deformed and displayed horizontally or vertically,
This concept includes a case where a symbol is displayed in an enlarged or reduced manner.

The term "substantially the same direction" means that the directions of the scroll movement of the moving symbols need not be exactly the same direction, for example, a direction that can be regarded as substantially the same within a certain allowable range, such as a diagonally lower left direction. It means what we need to do. For example, the moving direction of the variable symbol may be any angle as long as the angle between the moving directions of the two variable symbols having the most different directions is within 60 °. The moving direction of the variable symbol is defined in this way, for example, when the variable symbol is enlarged in the middle, the moving direction spreads radially, and the moving direction is not exactly the same. .

The definition of "diagonal to the horizontal line" means that "diagonally" means neither perpendicular nor parallel to the reference direction, so that it is necessary to determine a reference direction. It is. In this specification, a horizontal line is adopted as a reference direction, and the “horizontal line” refers to a straight line perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Therefore, the oblique direction in this specification means a direction that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to a horizontal line assumed on a screen.

In the present invention, all the fluctuation symbols are
It moves in substantially the same direction and in an oblique direction with respect to the horizontal line. As a specific movement mode, for example, three changing symbols arranged side by side at the upper left of the screen maintain substantially the same interval. While scrolling from the upper left to the lower right of the screen while scrolling from the lower right of the screen to the upper left of the screen while maintaining approximately the same interval. .

When moving the fluctuating symbol in the manner described above,
The display may be varied so that it is small at the start of the movement and large at the end of the movement, and small at the start of the movement, temporarily displayed at the center of the screen so as to be large, and then changed to be small again. It may be displayed. By adopting such an expression method, a three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and a sense of reality can be further enhanced.

Regarding the positional relationship between the "identification information image area" and the "effect image area", in most cases, it appears that the "effect image area" exists inside the "identification information image area". There are few cases where the “identification information image area” and the “effect image area” are clearly separated. Therefore, when it appears that the “identification information image area” exists inside the “effect image area”, the “effect image area” refers to an area excluding the “identification information image area” existing inside. It shall be.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a gaming machine of the present invention. In the embodiments described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine is shown as a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

The pachinko gaming device 10 includes a main body frame 12.
And a game board 14 incorporated in the main body frame 12 and a game board 1
4 and a window frame 16 of a main body frame 12 provided on a front surface of the window frame 1.
6, an upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22 provided on the front surface of the main body frame 12 and a firing handle 26 provided on the right side of the lower plate 22 are arranged.

A plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are driven into the front of the game board 14. It should be noted that the game board 14 is formed of a resin material without using a configuration for driving nails, and a metal rod is formed on the game board 14 of this resin material.
It may be configured to be implanted so as to protrude in the front direction,
The present invention can also be applied to the above-described pachinko gaming device 10 (pachicon machine). In this specification, the pachinko gaming device 10 is a concept that includes a pachinko machine.

Further, the firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12, and the player can proceed with the pachinko game by operating the firing handle 26. On the back side of the firing handle 26, a firing motor 28 is provided. When the firing handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player, power is supplied to the firing motor 28, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired on the game board 14.

The launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to an upper portion of the game board 14, and thereafter, its traveling direction is changed by the collision with the plurality of obstacle nails described above. It falls toward the lower part of the game board 14 while changing.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing the game board 14. Note that the same reference numerals are given to components corresponding to the components shown in FIG. 1 described above. FIG.
Shows the omission of the obstacle nail described above.

At a substantial center of the front of the game board 14, there is provided a display device 32 which is a display unit as described later. In the center of the upper part of the display device 32, a display device 52 is provided. The display device 52 is configured by, for example, a 7-segment display, and a normal symbol as display information is:
The display is variably displayed so that the change and the stop are repeated. On the left and right sides of the display device 32, ball passage detectors 55a and 55
b is provided. This ball passage detector 55a or 55
In b, when it is detected that the game ball has passed in the vicinity, the fluctuation display of the ordinary symbol is started on the display device 52 described above, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the fluctuation display of the ordinary symbol is stopped. The ordinary symbol is information including numbers and symbols, for example, numbers from “0” to “9” and symbols such as “☆”. This ordinary design is a predetermined design,
For example, when it is stopped and displayed as "7",
Solenoids 57 for driving movable pieces 58a and 58b provided on both left and right sides of a starting port 44 described later.
(Not shown) to drive the movable pieces 58a and 58b so that the game balls can easily enter the starting port 44,
The starting port 44 is set in an open state. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the opening of the starting port 44, the movable piece is driven to close the starting port 44 so that a game ball becomes difficult to enter.

4 are provided on both left and right sides of the display device 52 described above.
There are provided three holding lamps 34a to 34d. Further, a general winning opening 50 is provided at an upper portion of the display device 52. Further, at the lower part of the game board 14, a winning hole 38 for a game ball is provided. In the vicinity of the winning opening 38, a shutter 40 is provided so as to be freely opened and closed. Shutter 40
Is a solenoid 48 (not shown) so that it is opened when a variable display game to be described later is in a big hit state.
Driven by

General winning ports 54a and 54b are provided on both left and right sides of the display device 32 described above. further,
General winning ports 54c and 54d are provided on both left and right sides of the lower part of the display device 32. Special prize holes 56a and 56b are provided at the left and right ends of the game board 14, and special prize holes 56c and 56
d is provided.

Also, a starting port having a ball detection sensor 42 that triggers a shift to a variable display state of a plurality of, for example, three pieces of identification information displayed on the display device 32 when a variable display game described later is started. 44 are provided.
The above-mentioned winning opening 38, starting opening 44, general winning opening 54a-
When a game ball wins at 54d and the special winning openings 56a to 56d, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the lower plate 22 in accordance with the type of the winning opening.

Further, on both left and right sides of the display device 32, rolling guide members 60a and 60b for guiding the path of the game ball in a predetermined direction are provided. Decorative lamps 36a are provided on the upper left and upper right sides of the game board 14 outside.
And 36b are provided.

The portion for displaying an effect image, which will be described later, on the display device 32 may be formed of a liquid crystal display panel or a CRT. In the example described above, the display device 3
2 is a gaming board 14 of the pachinko gaming device 10 which is a gaming machine.
In the above, the case where the display device 32 is provided substantially at the center of the front surface is shown, but the display device 32 may be provided at any position of the gaming machine as long as the display device 32 can be seen by the player.

Further, in recent years, some pachislot gaming machines have a liquid crystal screen in addition to the symbol display means for displaying symbols. Such a pachislot gaming machine has the same structure as the pachinko gaming machine in the liquid crystal screen. The game effect screen is displayed to improve the interest.
Therefore, the present invention is applied to a pachislo gaming device having such a liquid crystal screen.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The above-described firing handle 26 is connected to the control circuit 6
0 is connected to the interface circuit group 62, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to the input / output bus 64. The angle signal indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle 26 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 62 and then supplied to the input / output bus 64. I / O bus 64
Are configured so that a data signal or an address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 66. The ball detection sensor 42 is also connected to the interface circuit group 62 described above. When a game ball passes through the starting port 44, the ball detection sensor 42 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62. Further, the interface circuit group 62 includes the ball passage detector 5
5 is also connected, and the ball passage detector 55 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62 when detecting that the game ball has passed near it.

The input / output bus 64 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 68 and a RAM (Random Access Memory).
An access memory 70 is also connected. ROM68
Stores a control program for controlling the entire game flow of the pachinko gaming device. Furthermore, when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, the ROM 68 stores image data of a variable symbol displayed and stopped, character image data of a moving object displayed as an effect screen, and a display device 32. Background image data and moving image video image data constituting the background, and sound data used for the game,
It stores initial data for executing the control program, a program for controlling a blinking operation pattern of the decoration lamp 36, and the like.

The above-described symbol image data is transmitted to the display device 32.
Are used when the symbols are displayed in a variable manner or when the symbols are stopped and displayed, and include image data corresponding to various display modes, for example, an enlarged image, a reduced image, a deformed image, and the like. In addition, the character image data, the background image data, and the moving image image data including the moving object described above display a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining them as a screen image on the display device 32 so as to produce a game. It is for. Further, the character image data composed of the moving object described above includes image data corresponding to each of the motions to display the motion of the character. Further, the sound data is also for producing a game, and is used for producing a sound such as a sound effect from a speaker 46 described later.

The RAM 70 stores the values of flags and variables used in the above-mentioned programs. For example, it stores new input data, accumulated reach data indicating a calculation result by the CPU 66 and a history of the game, an accumulated number of fluctuations, and an accumulated number of jackpots.

The CPU 66, which is a control unit, performs arithmetic processing by calling and executing a predetermined program.
Based on the result of the arithmetic processing, character image data of a moving object, background image data, moving image image data, variable design image data, and sound data are transmitted as electronic data and other controls are performed.

The CPU 66 reads out the image data of the variable symbol, which is the above-mentioned identification information, and
Is controlled so that the symbols are variably displayed, or the combination of symbols, which are a plurality of pieces of identification information, is stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing on the display device 32.

Further, an interface circuit group 72 is also connected to the input / output bus 64. The display device 32, the speaker 46, the firing motor 28, the solenoid 48, the holding lamp 34, and the decoration lamp 36 are connected to the interface circuit group 72.
2 supplies a drive signal and a drive power to control each of the above-described devices according to the result of the arithmetic processing in the CPU 66.

The screen image of the display device 32 as the display unit is
The image is composed of an identification image on which a changing symbol is displayed and an effect image on which an effect screen is displayed. These two images are superimposed and combined under the control of the CPU 66 to be displayed as one image.

As described above, by superimposing a plurality of images, for example, a design image and an effect image, and synthesizing them, a scene in which the design fluctuates can be produced with the effect image as a background, and various display modes can be provided. It becomes possible.

The solenoid 48 is used to open and close the shutter 40 as described above.
Indicates the number of times the combination of symbols displayed on the display device 32 has become effective. The decorative lamp 36 is used to indicate to the player when the game has reached a jackpot or a reach. It blinks or lights up.

The above-mentioned CPU 66 constitutes a control unit, the display device 32 constitutes a display unit, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 constitutes a gaming machine.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 has been activated, the variables used in the CPU 66 have been initialized to predetermined values, and the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 is operating normally.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for detecting a game ball executed in the control circuit 60 described above. This subroutine is called at a predetermined timing from a previously executed control program for controlling the pachinko game of the pachinko game device 10 and is executed.

First, it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S11). The winning ports are, for example, the general winning ports 50 and 54a to 54d and the special winning ports 56a to 56d in the example shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S11 that a game ball has entered the winning opening, a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls according to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S11).
12).

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting port (step S13). This start is, for example, the start port 44 in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above. If it is determined in step S13 that a game ball has entered the starting port, a variable display game described later is executed (step S14).

Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S15). This ball passage detector is, for example, the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b in the example shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S15 that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, a process of normally displaying a variable symbol on the display device 52 is executed as described above (step S16). As described above, when the variably displayed normal symbol comes to a predetermined symbol when stopped, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to open the starting port 44 so that the starting port 4 is opened.
This is to make it easier for game balls to enter 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing the variable display game process called and executed in step S14 described above. FIG.
FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an image displayed on the display device when the variable display game is being played.

When this subroutine is called, the fixed screen displayed on the display device 32 is switched to the normal screen, and the variable display game is started. Here, the variable display game is a game imitating a game played in a slot machine, and displays a plurality of symbols, which are a plurality of identification information, on the display device 32, and displays each of them in a fluctuating manner. These symbols are displayed so as to stop sequentially at the timing of, and when the combination of symbols when all the symbols are stopped becomes a predetermined combination, to shift the pachinko game to a state advantageous to the player This is a game in which the change display and the stop display are executed as one process.

For example, as one set of symbols consisting of twelve numerals consisting of “1”, “2”,..., “12”, these twelve symbols are displayed in a fixed area (identification information image Area), and the symbols themselves are displayed so as to change while the symbols are displayed so as to move. For example, on the display device 32, the symbol “1” is displayed in the identification image area so as to scroll from the top to the bottom of the display device 32, and then the symbol “2” is displayed so as to scroll from the top to the bottom. Then, the symbol "3" is displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom in the same manner. After the symbol "1" to the symbol "12" are displayed in such a manner, the symbol "1" is scrolled again, and the same display is sequentially repeated.

By displaying the symbols on the display device 32 in this manner, the symbols are scrolled from "1" to "2" and "2" to "3" so that the symbols are sequentially changed while being scrolled. 12 ", and then" 1 "is displayed again. The manner in which a symbol is displayed such that the symbol itself changes sequentially while moving the position of one symbol in this manner is called variable display. A mode in which a certain symbol is stopped and displayed is referred to as a stop display.

The symbols belonging to one set are displayed on the display device 3.
At the time of display in 2, the symbol to be displayed is not limited to only one symbol belonging to the set, and a plurality of symbols, for example, two to three symbols may be displayed at the same time. For example, when the symbol “5” is variably displayed on the display device 32, a portion or the whole of the symbol “4” is variably displayed below the symbol “5”, and the symbol “6” is displayed above the symbol “5”. May be variably displayed. The above-described symbol set is a concept corresponding to the symbol set displayed on one reel used in the slot machine.

Further, when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, symbols belonging to each of the plurality of sets are displayed. For example, when each of the symbols belonging to the three sets is to be displayed in the horizontal direction, the symbols belonging to one set are displayed on the left side of the display device 32, and the symbols belonging to the other set are displayed on the display device 32. The symbols which are displayed at the center and belong to the remaining sets are displayed on the right side of the display device 32.

By displaying the symbol as the identification information in this way, a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed on the display device 32 as the display section. For example, when the variable display is performed such that only one of the symbols belonging to one set is always displayed, the display device 32
, Three symbols, that is, one symbol is displayed on the left side, one symbol is displayed in the center, and one symbol is displayed on the right side. Further, the number of sets when the variable display game is executed is not limited to three, and symbols belonging to a plurality of sets other than three may be displayed on the display device 32.

As described above, by displaying the symbols in this manner, a plurality of symbols, that is, a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed on the display device 32 which is a display unit.
Further, as described above, a plurality of symbols may be displayed for the symbols belonging to one set.
If two symbols belonging to one set are displayed so as to be simultaneously displayed in a variable manner, and if three sets are to be displayed, a total of six symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the display device 32. It becomes.

However, in the present invention, when a plurality of variable symbols are respectively displayed in a variable manner, all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line.
The above-mentioned movement of the fluctuating symbol will be described in further detail later.

After variably displaying symbols belonging to a plurality of sets,
When all the symbols that have been displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and when the combination of these symbols is stopped and displayed in accordance with the predetermined combination, the pachinko game is determined as a variable display game having won a jackpot. The state shifts to a state that is advantageous to the player.

For example, when symbols belonging to three sets are displayed on the display device 32, symbols belonging to one set are stopped and displayed at "7", and symbols belonging to other sets are also stopped and displayed at "7". When the symbols belonging to the remaining sets are also stopped and displayed at “7”, the combination of the symbols matches the predetermined combination “7” − “7” − “7”, and the variable display game has won the jackpot. As a result, the game shifts to a state where the pachinko game is advantageous to the player. When you transition to a state that is a big hit and a player advantage,
An electric current is supplied to the above-mentioned solenoid 48 to open the shutter 40 of the winning opening 38 provided on the front surface of the game board 14, thereby facilitating a game ball to enter the winning opening 38.

When the variable display game is being executed, an effect screen including a background image and a character image is also displayed on the display device 32. Note that the fixed screen described above refers to a screen displayed on the display device 32 when only the pachinko game is progressing on the pachinko game device 10 in which the variable display game executed on the display device 32 is not executed. Say.

Further, the normal screen is defined as a case where the variable display game reaches a reach or a big hit after the variable display game is started on the display device 32 and the symbols displayed on the display device 32 are variably displayed. During this period, it refers to an effect screen displayed on the display device 32.

When the above-described variable display game is started,
First, an internal lottery process is performed by the arithmetic process of the CPU 66 (step S20). The internal lottery process is a process in which all symbols belonging to a plurality of groups that have been variably displayed are stopped and displayed, and a symbol combination is determined in advance when a symbol is determined. The CPU 66 performs an internal lottery process as described later. The process of changing and displaying the symbols is performed so that the symbols are stopped and displayed in the combination of symbols determined by the above.

The moving direction of the variable symbol, that is, the moving direction and the moving speed of the variable symbol may always be the same. However, the moving direction and the moving speed of the variable symbol are determined by this internal lottery process. It may be. As described above, since the variation mode is determined by the number or the like allocated by the internal lottery process, various variations can be given to the movement of the variation symbol, so that the player is more interested in the screen image. Can be enjoyed and the entertainment can be dramatically improved.

Next, the screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S21). That is,
After the internal lottery process is executed, the CPU 66 executes a control program for selecting a background image according to the result of the internal lottery process, the progress of the variable display game, and the like.
Called and executed by OM68.

Next, based on the result obtained by the CPU 66, screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 by the CPU 66 as needed. In the present invention, the background image is not particularly limited, and is appropriately selected by the CPU based on the progress of the variable game and the result of the internal lottery process.

Next, screen configuration information of the selected character image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S22).
That is, based on the execution result of the control program, the CP
Screen configuration information of the character image selected by U66 is generated in the RAM 70.

At this time, for example, 1/60 seconds, 1/3
By controlling the head position of the character image to be shifted by a predetermined movement amount at a constant interval (frame span) every 0 seconds or the like, the character image can be displayed with movement. Note that the character image does not always need to be displayed on the display device.

In the present invention, the character image is not particularly limited, but desirably has a relationship with the above-described background image. This is because, by developing a story or the like in the effect image area using the effect image including the character image and the background image, it is possible to attract the player to the effect image. The character image is appropriately selected by the CPU based on the progress of the variable display game and the result of the internal lottery process.

Next, the CPU 66 generates the screen configuration information of the variable symbol, which is the identification information, in the RAM 70 based on the result of the internal lottery process and the execution result of the control program (step S23).

The screen configuration information of the image serving as each symbol constituting the fluctuating symbol is, for example, 1/60 second or 1/60 second by the CPU 66 based on the control program described above.
At a fixed interval (frame span) every 30 seconds or the like, the leading position of the screen configuration information is shifted by a predetermined moving amount with respect to an image which is a variable symbol having the same identification information. By controlling the images to be sequentially generated in a predetermined order, it is possible to perform a variable display of a variable symbol.

Further, by adjusting the frame span, the head position of the readout of the screen configuration information, and the like, the fluctuation speed of the fluctuation symbol can be controlled. It is also possible to make the fluctuation of the fluctuating design smooth, and to fuse the background image with the fluctuating design.

Note that the ROM 68 stores a plurality of image data having different shapes for the same variable symbol,
By reading the information from the CPU 66 as needed and transmitting it to the display device 32, it is also possible to display such that the shape of the fluctuating symbol changes over time during fluctuating display.

In the present invention, in this step, when a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed, all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line. Then, screen configuration information of the variable symbol is generated.

Next, in steps 21 to 23, R
CPU based on the screen configuration information generated in AM 70
By 66, each image data corresponding to the screen configuration information is read from the ROM 68. Thereafter, the image data is converted into image data to be displayed on the display device 32 according to the information on the display priority, the position, and the like in the screen configuration information, and then transmitted to the display device 32 and displayed (step S24).

The processes in steps S21 to S24 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S27 to be described later that all the symbols belonging to a plurality of sets have been stopped and displayed. By repeatedly executing the processing in this manner, the symbols can be displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined manner, and the character image can be displayed so as to perform a predetermined operation. When the variable symbols are variably displayed, all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line. The above-mentioned movement of the fluctuating symbol will be described in further detail later.

Next, of a plurality, for example, three sets,
It is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the variable symbols belonging to one set (step S25). When it is determined that it is time to stop and display the variable symbol,
The variable symbols are stopped and displayed (step S26).

In step S25, when it is determined that it is not the timing to stop and display the symbols, or when the process of step S26 is executed, it is determined whether or not all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets have been stopped and displayed. (Step S27).

If it is determined that all of the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets have not been stopped and displayed, the process proceeds to step S21.
Return to On the other hand, when it is determined that all the symbols have been stopped and displayed, the subroutine is immediately terminated after all the changed symbols have been stopped and displayed (step S28).

Next, steps S21 to S21 described above are performed.
The movement of the variable symbol performed by repeating step 27 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
And FIG. 7 does not show the effect image displayed in the effect image area.

First, FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 6 (a)
(B) is an explanatory view schematically showing the movement of the variable symbol in the present invention. In FIG. 6, a fluctuating symbol composed of a figure or a symbol is displayed. FIG. 6 (a)
Shows a state in which three sets of variable symbols arranged in a horizontal row are scrolled from upper left to lower right by repeating steps S21 to S24 described above. That is, all the fluctuating symbols move in the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line. In FIG. 6, a plurality of symbols belonging to the set are simultaneously displayed in each of the three sets of variable symbols. However, in this case, since the moving speed of the variable symbol is high, it is difficult to clearly recognize each symbol.

Next, in steps S25 and S26, when it is determined that one set of the fluctuating symbols is at the timing of the stop display, the motion of the symbol that has been repeatedly moved quickly decreases gradually, and the motion gradually decreases. After that, the variable symbol is stopped and displayed. By repeating such a process three times, all the fluctuation symbols are stopped and displayed. As a result, in the three sets of changing symbols, five symbols belonging to the set are simultaneously displayed.
That is, in the case described above, a total of 15 symbols are stopped and displayed on the display device 32.

As described above, when the movement of the symbol becomes slow immediately before the stop display, the symbol is moved in the oblique direction in the present invention, and therefore, as shown in FIG. Can be displayed. In general, it is not easy to memorize the order of a variable symbol composed of a figure or a symbol. Therefore, if only one variable symbol is displayed, it cannot be predicted which symbol will be displayed next.
Since only the displayed symbols are merely followed by eyes, the degree of excitement cannot be gradually increased. However, in the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, five symbols can be displayed on one screen, so that it is possible to predict which symbol will be stopped and displayed, and By predicting whether or not it is likely to be, the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be gradually increased.

Next, FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 (a)
(B) is an explanatory view schematically showing another example of the movement of the variable symbol in the present invention. FIG. 7 (a) shows FIG. 6 by repeating steps S21 to S24 described above.
Similarly to (a), a state is shown in which three sets of variable symbols arranged in a horizontal row are scrolled from upper left to lower right. However, FIG. 7 shows that when the moving symbol moves from the upper left to the lower right, the moving symbol gradually expands as it moves from the upper left, and becomes the most enlarged state in the central portion of the display device 32. 6 is different from that in FIG. 6 in that the display is variably displayed so as to be gradually reduced as it moves to the lower right.

Next, in steps S25 and S26, when it is determined that one set of the fluctuating symbols is at the timing of the stop display, the motion of the symbol that has been repeatedly moved quickly decreases gradually, and the motion gradually decreases. After that, the variable symbol is stopped and displayed. By repeating such a process three times, all the fluctuation symbols are stopped and displayed. As a result, in each of the three sets of changing symbols, five symbols belonging to the set are simultaneously displayed, and a total of 15 symbols are stopped and displayed on the display device 32. The symbol displayed at the center of the device 32 is variably displayed in a manner enlarged in comparison with the symbol displayed at the top and bottom, and is stopped and displayed.

As described above, when the movement of the symbol becomes slow immediately before the stop display, the symbol is moved obliquely in the present invention, and therefore, as shown in FIG. Can be displayed, and as a result, it can be made to feel as if the fluctuating symbol has moved over a long distance, and the three-dimensional effect can be further emphasized and the sense of presence can be increased.

In the present invention, as described above, all the fluctuating symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line. In the example shown in FIG. 6, all the moving symbols move in the same direction, but the moving direction of the changing symbols in the present invention may not be exactly the same direction,
Any direction may be used as long as it can be regarded as substantially the same within a certain allowable range. As described above, movement in substantially the same direction includes:
For example, when the fluctuating symbol enlarges in the middle, a movement that spreads radially can be cited. in this way,
By moving the moving symbol in substantially the same direction, the player can easily follow the movement of the moving symbol,
You can enjoy the progress of the game in a relaxed state.

Although the diagonal direction is not particularly limited, in order to display more symbols on the display device 32 at the same time, a direction in which the moving distance of the variable symbol on the display device 32 is as long as possible is considered. It is desirable to do. Further, the movement does not necessarily need to be a movement that draws a strictly straight line, and may be, for example, a movement that draws an arc. This is because the three-dimensional effect can be further emphasized.

The moving speed of the variable symbol is not particularly limited. The moving speed does not need to be constant at all times. For example, the moving speed is slow at the start of the movement, gradually accelerates, and thereafter, as the moving end approaches,
The variable symbol may move, such as decelerating.

In FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B, 3
In one set of variable symbols, five symbols belonging to the above set are displayed at the same time. However, in a symbol belonging to one set, the number of symbols simultaneously displayed is not particularly limited, and three symbols are displayed. Or four, or six or seven. In the present invention, since the moving symbol moves in an oblique direction with respect to the horizontal line, that is, in a direction in which the moving distance of the moving symbol on the display device 32 becomes longer, it is possible to simultaneously display more symbols. .

Further, the movement of the variable symbol in the present invention is as follows.
Movement accompanied by enlargement and / or reduction of a fluctuating symbol, for example, as shown in FIG. The movement of the fluctuating symbol may be used. The movement accompanied by the enlargement and / or reduction of the fluctuating symbol can enhance the three-dimensional effect, and can further enhance the sense of reality.

In the movement involving the enlargement and / or reduction of the fluctuating symbol, the more the symbols simultaneously displayed on the display device 32, the more the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the more realistic feeling can be enhanced. It will be an effective production.

Further, by setting the combination of the symbols displayed in the largest size to determine whether or not a big hit is made, it is possible to make the player more strongly recognize whether or not a big hit is made. It is possible to perform a certain effect.

As described above, the gaming machine of the present invention, and
According to the effect expression method of gaming machines, all the fluctuating symbols are
Since the player moves in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, the player pays attention to the screen in order to chase the movement of a non-conventional fluctuating symbol, and also focuses on the movement of the fluctuating symbol. The user can feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image to be performed and enjoy the effect expression. Further, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction, the movement of the variable symbols can be easily followed, and the progress of the game can be enjoyed in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract the player to the image, and can increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the fluctuating symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed at the same time when the symbol is slowly moving before the stop display. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging a fluctuating symbol is used, the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the sense of reality can be further enhanced.

In the above-described embodiment, the program for controlling the pachinko game, the program for detecting the game ball shown in FIG. 4, and the program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. ROM6
8 and the RAM 70 are shown, but in the case where the operator can play a pachinko game by operating a terminal communicably connected to the server, The data used in these programs may be stored in a server or a terminal.

When the server and the terminal are configured as described above, the server controls the pachinko game, the program for detecting the game ball shown in FIG. 4, and the program shown in FIG. The program for executing the variable display game is stored in advance, and these programs are transmitted to the terminal at a predetermined timing.

On the other hand, the terminal stores these transmitted programs once, reads out the stored programs as appropriate, and executes them to advance the pachinko game. In addition, a program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for detecting a game ball shown in FIG.
May be executed on the server side, and a command generated in accordance with the execution result may be transmitted to the terminal as a control signal or control information. In this case, the terminal selects or generates an image for performing a pachinko game according to the transmitted control signal or control information, and displays the image on the display unit.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of a terminal having the above configuration.

[0111] In the example shown in FIG.
Is a general-purpose personal computer, and the terminal 100
The input operation of the player is input from an input device 102 connected to the input device 102, for example, a keyboard. Also, the terminal 10
0 control unit 130 includes a CPU 108, R
The control unit 13 includes an OM 110, a RAM 112, and the like.
At 0, a program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for controlling a variable display game are executed.

The control unit 130 also has a communication interface circuit 120 (not shown), and the control unit 130 communicates with a server described later via the communication interface circuit 120, and The pachinko game is controlled based on the transmitted control signal or control information, the program, and the data, and the variable display game is controlled.

Further, on the display device 116 connected to the terminal device 100, a game machine image simulating a pachinko game machine as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, and a pachinko game is performed on this game machine image. is there. On this gaming machine image, the display unit 132 on which the above-described variable display game is executed is displayed as an image. This display unit 132
In, the image of the symbol as the identification information as described above is displayed.

As will be described later, when the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 or the subroutine shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 17 or FIG.
When a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed on the display unit 132, all the variable symbols are displayed in substantially the same direction.
In addition, they move obliquely with respect to the horizontal line.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing another example of the terminal. The components corresponding to the components shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 9 shows a portable terminal 140, in which the input device 10 provided on the terminal 140 is used.
2. For example, an input operation of the player is input from a switch. In addition, the control unit 130 (not shown) is connected to the terminal 140.
And a CPU 10 as described later.
8, a ROM 110, a RAM 112, and the like. The control unit 130 executes a program for controlling a pachinko game or a variable display game.

The control unit 130 also has a communication interface circuit 120 (not shown).
Performs communication with a server described later via the communication interface circuit 120, and controls a pachinko game or a variable display game based on a control signal or control information, a program, or data transmitted from the server.

Further, the display device 116 provided on the upper surface of the terminal 140 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel, and as shown in FIG. 9, a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine is displayed. Pachinko games are played on the image. On this gaming machine image, the display unit 132 on which the above-described variable display game is executed
Is displayed as an image. In this display unit 132,
The image of the symbol, which is the identification information described above, is displayed.

Further, the subroutine shown in FIG.
5, when a subroutine as shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 22 is executed in the control unit 130, when a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed on the display unit 132,
All the fluctuating symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line.

As described above, the terminal 10 shown in FIG.
0, the display device 116 is configured separately from the control unit 130, and various control signals or control information such as a display control signal transmitted from the server are transmitted to the terminal 100.
The control unit 130 generates a display signal based on the supplied control signal or control information, and supplies the generated display signal to the display device 116.

On the other hand, the terminal 140 shown in FIG. 9 is integrated with the display device 116, and a control signal or control information such as a display control signal transmitted from the server is transmitted to the control unit of the terminal 140. The controller 130 generates a display signal based on the supplied control signal or control information, and supplies the generated display signal to the display device 116. The embodiment described below can be applied whether the control unit of the terminal and the display device are separate or integrated.

FIG. 10 shows the terminal 100 or 14 described above.
It is a block diagram showing a configuration of 0 (hereinafter, referred to as a pachinko gaming terminal device). FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 80 connected to the pachinko gaming terminal device via a communication line and supplying various control signals or control information and data to the pachinko gaming terminal device.
In the pachinko gaming terminal device shown in FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to components corresponding to the components shown in FIG.

Input device 1 for inputting a player's operation
02, for example, a keyboard and a switch are connected to the interface circuit 104 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100, and the interface circuit 104 is connected to the input / output bus 10
6 is connected. Through this input / output bus 106, a data signal or an address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter, referred to as CPU) 108. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 110 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 are also connected to the input / output bus 106. ROM 110 and RA
M112 is a program or display device 11 as described later.
6 stores data of an image to be displayed.

Further, an interface circuit group 114 is also connected to the input / output bus 106. The interface circuit group 114 includes a display device 116 and a speaker 11.
8 are connected, and the interface circuit group 114
Supplies a display signal and an audio signal to each of the display device 116 and the speaker 118 according to the result of the arithmetic processing in the CPU 108.

Furthermore, a communication interface circuit 120 is also connected to the input / output bus 106. The communication interface circuit 120 is for communicating with a server 80 described below via a communication line such as a public telephone line network or a local area network (LAN).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the server 80 includes a hard disk drive 88, a CPU 82,
It comprises an OM 84, a RAM 86, and a communication interface circuit 90. The hard disk drive 88 includes a program for communicating with the pachinko gaming terminal, a program for receiving information issued from the pachinko gaming terminal, a program for controlling the pachinko gaming, and a variable display game. The program to be controlled is stored. Communication interface circuit 90
Is a public telephone line network or a local area network (L
AN) for communication with the above-mentioned pachinko gaming terminal devices 100 and 140 via a communication line.

In the case of the above-described configuration, the image of the gaming machine imitating the pachinko gaming device shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is displayed on the display device 1 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
16, an image showing devices such as a game board surface, a holding lamp, a decoration lamp, a display unit 132 for performing a variable display game and a display unit 152 for displaying a normal symbol, and an image showing a game ball are displayed. Displayed on device 116. In the display unit 132 for executing the variable display game,
When the variable display game is executed, a symbol image as identification information is displayed.

The subroutine executed by each of the pachinko gaming terminal device and the server will be described below with reference to FIGS.
It is shown in FIG.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80 are activated in advance and are operating in a steady state. Further, the CPU 108 described above
And variables used in the CPU 82 are assumed to be initialized to predetermined values. In the following description, devices such as a winning port, a starting port, a ball passing detector, and a game ball are displayed as images on the display device 116.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show various programs stored in a storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80 at a predetermined timing such as when the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is started. 80 is supplied to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, and when the program supplied in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is to be executed, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, and the server 80
5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in each of FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Or 140 is a subroutine executed at a predetermined timing from the main routine. It is assumed that the main routine includes a program required for communicating with the server 80, such as a program for determining whether communication with the server 80 is possible or not, in advance.

First, a program for executing a pachinko game and image data necessary for progressing a pachinko game in the pachinko game terminal device are downloaded from the server 80 (step S31).

Next, the pachinko game is started by the player operating the input device 102, and the game program is executed (step S32). This game program is a game program that controls pachinko games,
And a program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 3 described above. The necessary image data is a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine, a background image, and an image of a fluctuating design. And an image such as a character image on the display device 116.

When the game program is executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102. When it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102, as described above, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 14 is used.
A game device image imitating a pachinko game device is displayed on the 0 display device 116, and a display unit 132 for displaying a variable display game is also displayed on the game device image. Further, when the player operates the input device 102 to fire the game ball, an image of the game ball that can be visually recognized as the game ball moves on the game board is displayed on the game machine image.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S33). The winning openings are image portions corresponding to the above-described general winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d and the special winning openings 56a to 56d shown in FIG.

If it is determined that a game ball has entered the winning opening, a process of paying out a number of game balls according to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S34). This step S3
4 is performed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.
In the case of displaying the number of game balls at any position on the display device 116, the number of game balls
2 may be stored.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the starting port (step S35). This start is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the start port 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

When it is determined in step S35 that a game ball has entered the starting port, a variable display game processing routine similar to the above-described subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called and executed (step S36). When the variable display game processing routine is executed, a background image, an image of a fluctuating design, and a character image are displayed on the display unit 132 shown in FIGS.

For example, if it is determined at step S25 in FIG. 5 that it is time to stop and display one symbol, step S26 in FIG. 5 is processed to display a plurality of variable symbols on the display unit 132. Are variably displayed, all the variably moving symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line.

Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S37). This ball passage detector is, for example, the ball passage detector 55 shown in FIG.
This is an image portion corresponding to a and 55b. If it is determined in this step S37 that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, a process of variably displaying a normal symbol on the display device 52 is executed (step S38).

As described above, when the variably displayed ordinary symbol comes to a predetermined symbol when stopped,
The movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to display an image that can be visually recognized so that the starting port 44 is opened.
The processing is performed to make it easier for the game ball to enter.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game has been completed (step S39). To determine whether the game has ended,
It is determined that the game has ended when it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102 to end the game, or when it is determined that a predetermined number of game balls have been fired on the game board surface. It is. If it is determined that the game is not over, the process returns to step S32 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is over, a game result indicating the number of launched game balls, the number of reclaimed game balls, and the like, and game end information indicating that the game is over are transmitted to the server 80. (Step S40), this subroutine ends.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the server 80 corresponding to the terminal-side processing routine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has been activated and is in a communicable state (step S51). If it is determined that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has not been activated, the process returns to step S51.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has been activated, various programs and various image data are transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S52). The processing in step S52 is the same as the processing in step S52 in FIG.
This corresponds to the process 31.

As described above, in step S52, the programs transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 include a game program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for executing the above-described variable display game shown in FIG. The various types of image data are for displaying, on the display device 116, a game machine image imitating a pachinko gaming device, a background image, an image of a changing design, a character image, and the like. .

Next, it is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has transmitted a game result or information indicating that the game has been completed (step S53). This step S53 corresponds to step S40 in FIG. 12 described above. In step S53, the game result and the game end information are displayed in the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 1
If it is determined that the data has not been transmitted from the server 40, the process returns to step S53. In the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, step S shown in FIG.
While the processes of S32 to S39 are being executed, the server 80
In this case, the processing of step S53 described above is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, in step S53, the game result and the game end information are displayed in the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 1
If it is determined that the game result is transmitted from the game server 40, the game result and the game end information are received (step S54), and the present subroutine is ended.

In the case of the above-described configuration, a program for executing a pachinko game and various image data are always transmitted from the server 80 before the game is started in the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 140. Therefore, when the program or the image data is updated in the server 80, the player can always enjoy the latest game.

In the case of such a configuration, a plurality of variable symbols are respectively variably displayed on the display section 132 displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 as a terminal. At this time, a program configured so that all the fluctuating symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80. It is being done.

With such a configuration, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, the player can follow the movement of the variable symbol which has not existed before. As a result, attention is paid to the screen, and the effect expression on the image centering on the movement of the fluctuating pattern can be felt fresh, and the effect expression can be enjoyed. Also, since all the moving symbols move in the same direction, you can easily follow the movement of the changing symbols,
You can enjoy the progress of the game in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract the player to the image, and can increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed at the same time when the symbol moves slowly before the symbol is stopped and displayed. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging the fluctuating symbols is adopted, the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the sense of reality can be further enhanced.

Next, a program for controlling the pachinko game and a program for executing the variable display game are stored in the ROM 1 of the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 140.
10 is stored in advance, and only the various image data required as the pachinko game progresses is transmitted from the server 80 as appropriate, and the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80 execute the image data. FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Or a subroutine executed in 140, and in the following description, it is assumed that the subroutine is read from the ROM 110 at a predetermined timing from the main routine and executed. It is assumed that the main routine includes a program required for communicating with the server 80, such as a program for determining whether communication with the server 80 is possible or not, in advance. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14 is the same as the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12 except for step S31, and the steps that perform the same processing are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, a pachinko game is started by a player's operation, and a game program is executed (step S32). The game program includes a game program for controlling a pachinko game, and a program for executing a variable display game described later, and further includes a game machine image imitating a pachinko game device, a background image, and a fluctuation image. The display device 116 displays a pattern image, a character image, and the like.
Is to be displayed.

When the game program is executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102. When it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102, as described above, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 14 is used.
On the display device 116, a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine is displayed, and a display unit 132 for displaying a variable display game is also displayed on the game machine image.

Further, when the player operates the input device 102 to shoot a game ball, an image of the game ball which can be visually recognized as the game ball moves on the game board is displayed on the image of the game machine.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S33). The winning openings are image portions corresponding to the above-described general winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d and the special winning openings 56a to 56d shown in FIG.

When it is determined that a game ball has entered the winning opening, a process of paying out a number of game balls according to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S34). This step S3
4 is performed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.
In the case of displaying the number of game balls at some position on the display device 116, the number of game balls
May be stored.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the starting port (step S35). This starting port is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the starting port 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

If it is determined in step S35 that a game ball has entered the starting port, a variable display game processing routine described later is called and executed (step S3).
6). In this case, when the variable display game processing routine is executed, when a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed on the display unit 132 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, all the variable symbols are substantially the same. In the direction and oblique to the horizontal.

Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S37). This ball passage detector is, for example, the ball passage detector 55 shown in FIG.
This is an image portion corresponding to a and 55b.

When it is determined in step S37 that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, the display device 5
In step 2, a process for changing and displaying the ordinary symbols is executed (step S38). As described above, when the fluctuation-displayed ordinary symbol comes to a predetermined symbol when stopped, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to start the opening 44.
Is displayed so as to be in an open state, so that a game ball can easily enter the starting port 44.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game has been completed (step S39). To determine whether the game has ended,
It is determined that the game has ended when it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102 to end the game, or when it is determined that a predetermined number of game balls have been fired on the game board surface. It is. If it is determined that the game is not over, the process returns to step S32 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is over, a game result indicating the number of launched game balls, the number of reclaimed game balls, and the like, and game end information indicating that the game is over are transmitted to the server 80. (Step S40), this subroutine ends.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for processing the variable display game called and executed in step S36 described above. Note that FIG.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, steps that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, information indicating that this subroutine has been called and the execution of the variable display game has been started is stored in the server 8.
0 (step S61).

Next, an image of a fluctuating symbol, which is an identification information image required in the variable display game, a background image,
Image data serving as a character image, a control program, and the like are received from the server 80 (step S62).

Next, an internal lottery process is executed by a calculation process of the CPU 108 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S20). This internal lottery process
This is a process in which all the symbols belonging to a plurality of groups that are variably displayed are stopped and displayed, and a symbol combination is determined in advance when the symbol is determined. As described later, the CPU 108 determines a symbol combination determined by an internal lottery process. Then, the processing of the variable display and the stop display of the symbol is performed so that the symbol is stopped and displayed on the display unit 132.

Next, the control program is executed by the CPU 108, and based on the result, the background image is selected, the screen configuration information of the background image is generated (step S21), and the character image is selected. Then, the screen configuration information of the character image is generated (step S22), and the screen configuration information of the variable symbol, which is the identification information, is generated (step S23). Further, in the present invention, when a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed in step S23, all the variable symbols are moved in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line. , The screen configuration information of the variable symbol is generated.

Then, based on the generated screen configuration information, necessary image data is read out of the image data received in S62, and is read as image data to be displayed on the display unit 132. Is displayed (step S24).

By repeatedly executing the above-mentioned steps S21 to S24, the above-described images shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are displayed on the display section 132 displayed on the display device 116. By executing step S24, as described above, a plurality of symbols, for example, symbols belonging to each of the three groups are displayed on the display unit 132, and when a plurality of variable symbols are respectively variably displayed, all of the variable symbols are displayed. Move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line.

Next, one of a plurality of, for example, three
It is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the variable symbols belonging to one set (step S25). If it is determined that it is time to stop the variable symbols belonging to one set, the variable symbols are displayed in a variable and / or stopped state (step S26). For example, the variable symbol is displayed in a variable manner so as to gradually decelerate, and then stopped and displayed.

In the above step S25, when it is determined that it is not the timing to stop and display the symbols, or when the process of step S26 is executed, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to stop and display all the symbols belonging to a plurality of sets. Is determined (step S27). If it is determined that it is not time to stop and display all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets, the process returns to step S21.

On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display all the symbols belonging to a plurality of sets, information indicating that the variable display game has ended and result information of the variable display game are transmitted to the server 80 ( Step S6
4), end this subroutine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the server 80 in correspondence with the terminal-side processing routine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the server 80 has been activated in advance, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 16 is called from a previously executed main routine and executed.

First, it is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has received information indicating that a variable display game has been started (step S71).
When it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has started has not been received, this subroutine is immediately terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that information indicating that the variable display game has been started has been received, a variable design image, a background image, and a character image, which are identification information images required in the variable display game, are displayed. Is transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S72). This step S72 corresponds to the process of step S62 shown in FIG. 15 described above.

Next, it is determined whether or not information indicating that the variable display game has been completed has been received (step S75).
The processing in step S75 is processing corresponding to the processing in step S64 in FIG. 15 described above. Step S75
In step S7, if it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has ended has not been received, the process proceeds to step S7.
Return to 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has ended has been received, the present subroutine ends.

In the above-described configuration, when a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed on the display section 132 displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 as a terminal, The image of the variable pattern, which is the identification information image, the background image, the image data and the control program, and the like, such that the variable pattern moves in the substantially same direction and obliquely to the horizontal line. Is transmitted from the server 80 to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, and the server 80 controls the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 that is a terminal.

With such a configuration, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, the player can follow the movement of the variable symbol which has not existed before. As a result, attention is paid to the screen, and the effect expression on the image centering on the movement of the fluctuating pattern can be felt fresh, and the effect expression can be enjoyed. Also, since all the moving symbols move in the same direction, you can easily follow the movement of the changing symbols,
You can enjoy the progress of the game in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract the player to the image, and can increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed simultaneously when the symbol is slowly moving before the stop display. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging the fluctuating symbols is adopted, the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the sense of reality can be further enhanced.

When the image of the variable symbol, the background image, the character image and the display method thereof are updated in the server 80, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 1 is updated.
40 is always a new image data and control program, etc.
It will be transmitted from the server 80. Therefore, the player can enjoy the latest effect screen on the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.

Further, only the game program for controlling the pachinko game and the program for executing the variable display game are transmitted from the server, and the data of the image of the variable design, the background image and the character image are transmitted to the pachinko game terminal device 100. Or, if the required image data is stored in advance in the ROM 110 of the 140 and the required image data is read from the ROM 110 as appropriate, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100
Or 140 and the subroutine executed in the server 80 are shown in FIGS.

FIG. 17 shows a subroutine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 in the above configuration. Note that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has been activated in advance, and the above-described subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is read from the ROM 110 at a predetermined timing from the main routine and executed, and the subroutine shown in FIG. It is assumed that the program is read from the ROM 110 and executed in step S36 in FIG. Also, in the subroutine shown in FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are given to the steps performing the same processing as the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG.

First, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 transmits information indicating that the variable display game has been started to the server 80 (step S61).

Next, a control program such as a game program for controlling a pachinko game or a program for executing a variable display game is received from the server 80, and the received control program is executed (step S81).

Next, an internal lottery process is executed by the CPU 108 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S20). This internal lottery process
This is a process in which all the symbols belonging to a plurality of groups that are variably displayed are stopped and displayed, and a symbol combination is determined in advance when the symbol is determined. As described later, the CPU 108 determines a symbol combination determined by an internal lottery process. Then, the processing of the variable display and the stop display of the symbol is performed so that the symbol is stopped and displayed on the display unit 132.

Next, the control program is executed by the CPU 108, and based on the result, a background image is selected, screen configuration information of the background image is generated (step S21), and a character image is selected. Then, the screen configuration information of the character image is generated (step S22), and the screen configuration information of the variable symbol, which is the identification information, is generated (step S23). Further, in the present invention, when a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed in step S23, all the variable symbols are moved in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line. , The screen configuration information of the variable symbol is generated.

Then, based on the generated screen configuration information, necessary image data is read out of the image data received in S62, and is read out as image data to be displayed on the display unit 132. Is displayed (step S24).

By repeatedly executing the above-described steps S21 to S24, the above-described images shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 are displayed on the display section 132 displayed on the display device 116. By executing step S24, as described above, a plurality of symbols, for example, symbols belonging to each of the three groups are displayed on the display unit 132. Further, when a plurality of variable symbols are respectively variably displayed, all symbols are displayed. The moving symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line.

Next, one of a plurality of, for example, three
It is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the variable symbols belonging to one set (step S25). If it is determined that it is time to stop the variable symbols belonging to one set, the variable symbols are displayed in a variable and / or stopped state (step S26). For example, the variable symbol is displayed in a variable manner so as to gradually decelerate, and then stopped and displayed.

If it is determined in step S25 that it is not the timing to stop and display the symbols, or if the process of step S26 is executed, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to stop and display all the symbols belonging to a plurality of sets. Is determined (step S27). If it is determined that it is not time to stop and display all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets, the process returns to step S21.

On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets, information indicating that the variable display game has ended and result information of the variable display game are transmitted to the server 80 ( Step S6
4), end this subroutine.

FIG. 18 shows a subroutine executed in the server 80 in correspondence with the variable display game processing routine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the server 80 has been activated in advance, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 18 is called from a previously executed main routine and executed. In the subroutine shown in FIG. 18, steps that perform the same processing as the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, it is determined whether or not information indicating that the variable display game has been started has been received in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S71).
The process of step S71 is a process corresponding to step S61 shown in FIG. 17 described above. When it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has started has not been received, this subroutine is immediately terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that information indicating that the variable display game has been started has been received, a control program such as a game program for controlling the pachinko game or a program for executing the variable display game is used for the pachinko game. Transmit to the terminal device 100 or 140 (step S9
1). This step S91 corresponds to the process of step S81 shown in FIG. 17 described above.

Next, it is determined whether or not information indicating that the variable display game has been completed has been received (step S75).
The processing in step S75 is processing corresponding to the processing in step S64 in FIG. 17 described above. Step S75
In step S7, if it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has ended has not been received, the process proceeds to step S7.
Return to 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has ended has been received, the present subroutine ends.

In the case of the above-described configuration, when a plurality of variable symbols are respectively displayed on the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 as a terminal. A program in which all the moving symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely to the horizontal line is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80.

With such a configuration, since all the moving symbols move in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line, the player can follow the movement of the changing symbol which has not existed before. As a result, attention is paid to the screen, and the effect expression on the image centered on the movement of the fluctuating pattern is fresh, and the effect expression can be enjoyed. Also, since all the moving symbols move in the same direction, you can easily follow the movement of the changing symbols,
You can enjoy the progress of the game in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract the player to the image, and can increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed at the same time when the symbol moves slowly before the symbol is stopped and displayed. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging the fluctuating symbols is adopted, the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the sense of reality can be further enhanced.

When the variable display game is started, the control program for executing the variable display game is always downloaded, so that the player can enjoy the latest variable display game, Since it is not necessary to download the data of the background image and the character image, the pachinko gaming terminal device 10 is required.
The effect image can be promptly displayed on the display device 116 of 0 or 140.

Next, the server stores programs such as a program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for executing a variable display game, and stores image data required for the pachinko game and the variable display game for the pachinko game. The case where the data is stored in the ROM 110 of the terminal device 100 or 140 will be described below.

In such a configuration, the pachinko game progress is performed by the server 80, and the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 140 transmits a control signal or a control signal transmitted in accordance with the progress of the pachinko game performed in the server 80. An image is selected according to the control information, and the selected image is displayed on the display device 116.

In such a configuration, the subroutine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80 is shown in FIG. 19, FIG.
1 and FIG.

FIG. 19 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Or a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in 140. In the following description, a main routine (not shown) is executed when the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is activated, and communication with the server 80 is performed in this main routine. It is assumed that this subroutine is called and executed after confirming that the state is possible.

First, the image data transmitted from the server 80 is received (step S101). Note that the image data in this case is image data not only relating to a variable display game to be described later but also relating to pachinko games such as a game board and a game ball. If the image data is stored in advance in the ROM 110 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, the processing in step S101 may be omitted.

[0209] Next, it is determined whether or not the player has operated the input device 102 (step S102). When it is determined that the player has operated the input device 102, operation information corresponding to the operation of the player is transmitted to the server 80 (step S103).

After executing the processing in step S103, or when it is determined that the player has not operated the input device 102, it is determined whether or not command information has been issued from the server 80 (step S104).

When it is determined that the command information is issued from the server 80, the command information is received, and it is determined whether or not the command information is the end command information (step S10).
5).

If it is determined that the command information is not the end command information, an image corresponding to the received command information is selected, and the selected image is displayed on the display device 116 (step S1).
06). After this process, the process returns to step S102 described above. In step S104, the server 8
When it is determined that the instruction information has not been issued from 0, the process returns to step S102 described above.

If it is determined in step S105 that the received command information is end command information, the present subroutine ends.

The command information received in step S104 described above corresponds to steps S122 and S122 in FIG.
128, S130, S132, and S134. The pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 generates the RO according to the information.
Desired image data is selected and read from M110, and the read image data is displayed on display device 116 as an image.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in server 80 in correspondence with the above-described subroutine of FIG. It is assumed that server 80 has been activated in advance, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 20 is called from a previously executed main routine and executed.

First, image data is transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal (step S111). This step corresponds to step S10 described above.
As described above, this image data is image data not only relating to the variable display game but also relating to pachinko games such as game boards and game balls.

Next, operation information issued from the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is received (step S).
112). This step corresponds to step S103 described above.
This is processing corresponding to.

Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
When the operation information issued from is received, it is determined whether or not the received operation information is game ball launch operation information (step S113).

When it is determined that the operation information is game ball launch operation information, a pachinko game process described later is executed (step S114). In step S112 described above, when the operation information issued from the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is not received, the process of step S114 is immediately executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that the operation information is not game ball launch operation information, or if the process of step S114 is executed, step S1 is executed.
The command information generated by the pachinko gaming process executed in 14 is transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 14.
0 (step S115). This step S1
Process 15 is a process corresponding to step S104 described above.

Next, it is determined whether or not the transmitted command information is end command information (step S116). When it is determined that the transmitted instruction information is not the end instruction information,
The process returns to step S112 described above.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the pachinko game process called in step S114 described above.

First, it is determined whether or not the image of the game ball is moved and displayed (step S121). When it is determined that the image of the game ball is moved and displayed, the position of the movement destination of the game ball in the image is calculated to display the image of the game ball so that the game ball can be visually recognized as moving, and the position is calculated. Generated as position information (step S12
2).

Next, it is determined whether or not the ball has entered the winning opening, that is, whether or not the image of the game ball calculated in step S121 is near the position of the image indicating the winning opening (step S121). Step S123). The winning openings are image portions corresponding to the above-described general winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d and the special winning openings 56a to 56d shown in FIG.

When it is determined that the calculated position is near the position of the winning opening, a process of paying out game balls is executed (step S124). In the process of paying out game balls, a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the RAM 86 in accordance with the type of winning opening, and information on the number of game balls indicating the number of game balls is stored in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100. Alternatively, it is a process of generating the information to be transmitted to 140.

Next, whether or not a game ball has entered the starting port,
That is, it is determined whether or not the position of the image of the game ball calculated in step S121 is near the position of the image indicating the starting port (step S125). The starting port is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the starting port 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

When it is determined that the calculated position is near the position of the starting port, a process for starting a variable display game described later is executed (step S126). In the process of starting the variable display game, an internal lottery process for determining a combination of identification information to be displayed on the display unit 132 when a symbol as identification information is determined is executed, and FIG.
The variable display game process shown in FIG.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, that is, whether or not the image of the game ball calculated in step S121 is near the position of the image indicating the ball passage detector. (Step S127). The ball passage detector is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b shown in FIG.

In this step S127, when it is determined that the game ball has passed in the vicinity of the ball passage detector, the display device 152 displayed on the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 displays the image of the ordinary symbol to be fluctuated and displayed. Then, the selected image information indicating the selected image is generated (step S128).

Next, it is determined whether or not the displayed ordinary symbol has stopped at a predetermined symbol on the display section 152 displayed on the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S129).

When it is determined that the normal symbol has stopped at the predetermined symbol, the image of the movable piece is selected so that the above-described image in which the starting port is opened is displayed, and the selected image information indicating the selected image is displayed. Is generated (step S130).
When this selected image information is issued to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 displays an image that can be visually recognized as if the movable piece is open. It is done. Note that the movable piece is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Are image portions corresponding to the movable pieces 58a and 58b shown in FIG.

Next, it is determined whether the decorative lamp is to be displayed on or off (step S131). If it is determined that the decorative lamp is to be turned on or off, an image corresponding to each state is selected, and selected image information indicating the selected image is generated (step S13).
2). This decorative lamp is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the decorative lamps 36a and 36b shown in FIG. The above-described selected image information is transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 1
00 or 140, the display device 116
In the image portions of the decorative lamps 36a and 36b displayed in the above, an image that can be visually recognized as being turned on or an image that can be visually recognized as being turned off is displayed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game has been completed (step S133). When it is determined that the game has ended, game end information is generated (step S134), and the present subroutine ends. In addition, whether or not the game has ended, or when the player operating the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has performed an operation to end the game, the number of game balls fired on the game board surface is a predetermined number or more If it becomes
It is determined that the game has ended.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for processing the variable display game called and executed in step S126 described above.

First, a background image to be displayed on the display unit 132 of the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, an image of a variable design, and a character image are selected (steps S141, S142 and S143). .
Next, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the variable symbol as one piece of identification information (step S14).
4). If it is determined that it is time to stop and display, the fluctuating symbol is fluctuated and / or stopped and displayed (step S145). For example, the variable symbol is displayed in a variable manner so as to gradually decelerate, and then stopped and displayed.

Next, steps S141 and S14 described above are performed.
2, Generates selected image information of the image selected in S143 and S145 (step S146). The server 80 uses the screen configuration information generated in step S146 described above as the command information in step S115 in FIG. 20 described above, and outputs the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 1 as a terminal.
Send to 40.

On the other hand, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 receives the command information transmitted from the server 80 in step S104 of FIG. 19 described above, and in step S106, adds the selected image information indicated by the received command information. The image data is stored in the ROM 110 or R
Read from the AM 112 and display unit 13 of the display device 116
2, the read image is displayed.

Next, it is determined whether or not all the symbols have stopped (step S147). When it is determined that all symbols have stopped, variable display game end information is generated (step S148), and this subroutine ends.

The subroutine shown in FIG. 22 is not only called when the start processing of the variable display game in step S126 shown in FIG. 21 is executed, but also from the start to the end of the variable display game. In between, it is called and executed at a predetermined cycle. That is, in the present invention, when a plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed in step S142, all the variable symbols are moved in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to the horizontal line. In step S146, a variable symbol is selected, and selected image information of the variable symbol is generated.

By doing so, the display unit 13 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal device, is provided.
In 2, the server 80 can perform control to move all the variable symbols in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line when each of the multiple variable symbols is variably displayed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 22 described above, only the display portion 132 displayed on the image of the gaming machine simulating the pachinko gaming device displayed on the display device 116 has the fluctuating symbol. Image and background image,
Although the case where the character image is displayed is shown, the image of the variable design, the background image,
A character image may be displayed.

Whether or not the above-described effect expression method according to the present invention or the like has been provided to a player can be determined by confirming that the entertainment in pachinko games has been enhanced. . For example, economic phenomena, such as the prosperity of stores employing pachinko gaming machines as described above, and phenomena in which information permeates through the media, such as being reputed when published in magazines, etc. It will appear as.

[0243]

According to the present invention, all the fluctuation symbols are
Since the player moves in substantially the same direction and diagonally with respect to the horizontal line, the player pays attention to the screen in order to chase the movement of a non-conventional fluctuating symbol, and also focuses on the movement of the fluctuating symbol. The user can feel the freshness of the effect expression on the image to be performed and enjoy the effect expression. Further, since all the variable symbols move in substantially the same direction, the movement of the variable symbols can be easily followed, and the progress of the game can be enjoyed in a relaxed state. As a result, such an effect expression can attract the player to the image, and can increase the sense of expectation about the whereabouts of the game.

Further, since the moving distance of the variable symbol can be made longer than before, more symbols can be displayed simultaneously when the symbol is slowly moving before the stop display. As described above, especially when the fluctuating symbol is a graphic or a symbol, it is possible to predict whether or not a big hit is likely at the immediately preceding stage, so that the degree of excitement and the degree of excitement can be increased. Further, even when a three-dimensional display method such as gradually enlarging the fluctuating symbols is adopted, the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized, and the sense of reality can be further enhanced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a pachinko gaming device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing a game board surface of the pachinko gaming device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for detecting a game ball executed in the pachinko gaming device.

5 is a step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4;
9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a variable display game process called and executed in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of an image of an effect screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of an image of an effect screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of a terminal for pachinko gaming.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing another example of the pachinko gaming terminal.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the server according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine executed in the server 80 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the step S.

FIG. 15: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a process of a variable display game executed in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine executed in the server 80 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a process of a variable display game executed in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine executed in server 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the step S.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in server 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. 19;
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the pachinko game process called in 4 in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a step S12 in the flowchart of FIG. 20;
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the pachinko game process called in 6 in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Pachinko gaming device (gaming machine) 32 Display device (display unit) 60 Control circuit 66 CPU (Control unit) 64 I / O bus 68 ROM 70 RAM 80 Server 100 Pachinko gaming terminal device (terminal device) 132 Display unit 140 Pachinko game Terminal device (terminal device)

Continued on front page F-term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA02 BA00 BA06 BB06 BC00 BC01 CB01 CC02 CC03 2C088 AA34 AA35 AA36 AA42 CA31 EB44 EB55

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An identification information image area which is provided on a game board and displays an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable symbols, each of which is variably displayed, and which can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing. A gaming machine having a display unit on which a screen image composed of an effect image area to be displayed is displayed, and when the plurality of variable symbols are respectively variably displayed, all the variable symbols are substantially in the same direction, and A gaming machine characterized by moving in an oblique direction with respect to a horizontal line. 2. A display unit provided on a game board and displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining these images as appropriate according to a game situation developed on the game board; A control unit for transmitting electronic data to a display unit, and the screen image is displayed in a variable manner, and an identification information image including a plurality of variable symbols that can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing. An identification information image area to be displayed, and a gaming machine including an effect image area for displaying an effect image, wherein when the plurality of variable symbols are respectively variably displayed, all the variable symbols are substantially in the same direction, A gaming machine characterized by moving in an oblique direction with respect to a horizontal line. 3. A display unit provided on the game board and displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image combining these, as appropriate, according to a game situation developed on the game board; And a control unit for transmitting electronic data to the display unit, wherein the display unit displays a plurality of fluctuations, each of which is variably displayed and individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing. An effect information expression method of a gaming machine that displays an image including an effect information image region displaying an effect information image and an identification information image region displaying an identification information image composed of symbols as the screen image, wherein the plurality of variable symbols are displayed. An effect expression method for a gaming machine, characterized by including a step of moving all variable symbols in substantially the same direction and obliquely with respect to a horizontal line when displaying each variable. 4. A computer-readable recording medium storing a control program for displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining the moving image, the static image, or an image according to a game situation of a gaming machine, The control program includes an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image including a plurality of variable symbols, each of which is variably displayed and can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area for displaying an effect image. A program for displaying an image as the screen image, and, when the plurality of variable symbols are variably displayed, all of the variable symbols,
A computer-readable recording medium configured to move in substantially the same direction and oblique to a horizontal line. 5. A server for displaying a gaming machine image indicating a gaming machine on each terminal, wherein the server displays a moving image, a still image, or an image combining these according to the situation of a game performed in the terminal. An identification information image area displaying an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable symbols, each of which is displayed in a variable manner, and each of which is variably displayed and can be individually stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image for displaying an effect image While controlling the terminal to display an image including the region, and when each of the plurality of variable symbols is variably displayed, all the variable symbols are placed in substantially the same direction, and in a direction oblique to the horizontal line. A server for performing control to move the terminal to the terminal.