JP2002301232A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enjoy display even before and after switching of pattern variation and to discriminate a varying direction nearly at a moment. SOLUTION: A game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arranging ball machine is provided with an informing means 8a which makes first pattern variation 8c and second pattern variation 8e which is different from the variation 8c and which is performed switched with the variation 8c cross with each other in a display part 8 and informs which pattern display between the variation 8c and the variation 8e to give pattern variation to in the case of reaching a prescribed timing. When making the variation 8c and the variation 8e cross with each other and switching the pattern variation, one of them is varied and the other is stopped. Thus, a player 2, etc., can enjoy display even before and after switching of the pattern variation. Since the means 8a informs which pattern variation to be performed, the varying direction, the varying mode, etc., of the pattern variation can be discriminated nearly at a moment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, and to a technique for displaying symbols on a display unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine or the like as a game machine, when a game ball wins a starting port, a symbol change starts on a liquid crystal display device. After the start of the change, the symbol change is partially stopped to stop, for example, the left symbol and the right symbol.
If the combination of the left symbol and the right symbol becomes a reach symbol (for example, a zigzag symbol), a reach action is performed.
In the reach action, for example, a moving image such as a still image or an animation is displayed, or a display such as changing a fluctuation speed of a symbol change is performed. In this way, the middle symbol is finally stopped, and when the combination of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol becomes a big hit symbol (for example, “777” or the like), a big hit game is realized as a “big hit”. By the way, the above-mentioned symbol variation is performed by a vertical symbol variation that varies a symbol row in a vertical direction (vertical direction), or a horizontal symbol variation that varies a symbol row in a horizontal direction (horizontal direction). Since the player is not interested in the symbol variation itself in such a symbol variation, a pachinko machine or the like of a type that switches between a vertical symbol variation and a horizontal symbol variation has been provided.

[0003]

However, simply switching between the vertical symbol variation and the horizontal symbol variation is interesting only at the time of switching. Further, for example, when switching from vertical symbol variation to horizontal symbol variation, there are cases in which it is difficult to determine the variation direction of the symbol variation at a glance depending on the display of symbols such as characters and backgrounds. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a display can be enjoyed before and after the change of a symbol change, and a change direction can be almost instantaneously determined.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problem Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) “Symbol fluctuation” means that fluctuation is performed using a symbol group. The design group consists of arbitrarily plural designs of almost the same design or different designs, and the "design" is a special design consisting of characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji, etc.), symbols, signs, figures (characters, etc.), video, etc. A design, a normal design, a decorative design (background design), and the like are applicable, and may be a still image or a moving image such as an animation. (2) The “display section” may be almost all of a portion of one display (or a display device or a light-emitting body) on which a pattern can be displayed, or may be a part of the portion. Further, the display device is not limited to one display device, and may be configured by a plurality of display devices. (3) The display unit (display, luminous body, etc.)
Not only means of visually notifying by display on the display, but also means of notifying audibly by sound (speech, music, sound effect, etc.) and notifying tactilely through members attached to the gaming machine such as steering wheel and chair Including means. (4) The “predetermined timing” includes a fixed timing and an undefined timing. The certain timing corresponds to, for example, almost at the same time as the switching of the symbol variation, or when the number of reserved balls reaches a predetermined number after a predetermined period has elapsed from the present time.

According to the means 1, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine is provided with a display section 8 capable of displaying a symbol variation, and the first symbol variation 8c is different from the first symbol variation 8c. And switch to the first symbol variation 8c and perform the second
The symbol variation 8e intersects with the display unit 8 at a predetermined timing, and when a predetermined timing is reached, the first symbol variation 8c and the second symbol variation 8e.
Notification means 8 for notifying which of the symbol changes is performed
a. In the example of FIG. 1, when the required condition is satisfied, the game control unit 4 realizes a game state advantageous to the player 2, and the display control unit 6 controls a symbol change displayed on the display unit 8. In the means 1, the first symbol variation 8c and the second symbol variation 8e intersect, and when the symbol variation is switched, one is varied and the other is stopped. In the example of FIG. 1, when the first symbol variation 8c in the horizontal direction shown in (A) is switched to the second symbol variation 8e in the vertical direction shown in (B), the second symbol group 8d changes, and the first symbol group 8b changes. Stops fluctuating. Therefore, the player 2 and the like can enjoy the display before and after switching the symbol variation. Further, since the notifying means 8a notifies which symbol change is to be performed, it is also possible to determine the change direction and the change mode of the symbol change almost instantaneously.

[0006]

Means for solving the problem 2 Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 2. Means 2
According to this, the notifying means 8a notifies before switching the symbol variation. That is, a symbol change to be performed is notified in advance.
Therefore, since the player 2 can know in advance what kind of symbol change will be performed, the player 2 can look at the display unit 8 looking forward to the change of the symbol change and the symbol change after the switch.

[0007]

Means for solving the problem 3 Means for solving the problem are as described in claim 3. Here, the term “first symbol variation mode” described in claim 3 refers to a variation pattern (variation speed, display order, and the like) of the first symbol variation,
All aspects for realizing the first symbol variation, such as the configuration of the symbol group used for the first symbol variation (set, arrangement, etc.), are applicable. This is the same for the second symbol variation mode. This interpretation applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

[0008] According to the means 3, the mode of the first symbol variation 8c and the mode of the second symbol variation 8e are made different from each other.
To be displayed. For example, the configuration of the first symbol group 8b used for the first symbol variation 8c and the second symbol group 8 used for the second symbol variation 8e
The configuration of d is made different, and the adjustment is made such that the possibility that the other symbol variation becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player 2 is higher than the one symbol variation. In this way, when the symbol change of the informing person is performed, the player 2 can play a game with an expectation of expecting an advantageous game state. The first
It is desirable that the configuration of the symbol group 8b and the configuration of the second symbol group 8d be notified to the player 2 in advance.

[0009]

Means 4 for solving the problem Means 4 for solving the problem are as described in claim 4. Means 4
According to this, the notifying means 8a is provided at or near the intersection of the first symbol variation 8c and the second symbol variation 8e.
Since the notification means 8a is located at or near the intersection, it is possible to recognize the line of sight without moving much.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine, which is one of gaming machines, and will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, “stop” is a state in which the display is stopped at least temporarily, and is not only a display that is stationary, but also a display that is moved in an arbitrary distance range in an arbitrary direction around the reference position and is not moved. The display includes a display for changing the size of the symbol itself.

First, the game board 1 of the pachinko machine 10 shown in FIG.
2, a gate 32 having a gate sensor 58 for detecting a passing pachinko ball, passing ports 24 and 62 through which a pachinko ball can pass, a starting port 30 having a starting port sensor 60 for detecting a winning pachinko ball, a solenoid. The large winning opening 34 having an opening / closing lid 74 that can be opened and closed by the opening 54, the composite accessory device 14 having the special symbol display 22 and the holding ball lamps 20, 28 as described later, and other general winning openings, windmills, obstacles Nail and the like are appropriately arranged.

An operation button 48 (operation unit) for giving an instruction to the pachinko machine 10 is provided below the game board 12.
An ashtray 46 for holding cigarette butts, a lower plate 44 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including award balls, a handle 40 having a touch sensor 42 for detecting whether or not the player's hand is touching, A speaker 50 is provided inside the upper plate 38 serving as a receiving tray and emits sound (including sound effects and music). Further, a frame opening sensor 36 for detecting the opening of the glass frame 18 (gold frame), and the lamps 16 (light emitter) arranged at an appropriate position according to the game content of the pachinko machine 10 and the like.
Is provided. Above the upper plate 38, a ball lending switch 64 for instructing ball lending, a return switch 72 for instructing return of the prepaid card, and the like are provided.

By the way, the above-mentioned passage 24 is provided with a normal symbol display 26 capable of displaying symbol fluctuation of the normal symbol. Normally, the symbol display 26 has one or more light emitters (eg, LEDs emitting green or red light), and when the pachinko ball passes through the gate 32, the symbol starts to change and stops after a required period (for example, 10 seconds). . For example, as a result of a symbol change caused by blinking of a light-emitting body or the like, when the symbol becomes a specific display mode (specifically, a specific LED is lit in red), the lid of the starting port 68 is fixed for a certain period (specific Open for 4 seconds). In addition to the opening / closing lid 74 described above, if the pachinko ball wins within the opening period of the special winning opening (for example, 20 seconds), the special winning opening 34 is a special area in which the jackpot game state can be continued within a required number of times (for example, 16 times). V zone 56, a normal area where only award balls are paid out, and the like. In order to detect a pachinko ball, a V zone sensor 52 is provided in the V zone 56, and a winning sensor 70 is provided in the normal area. A starting port 68 (function equivalent to the starting port 30) provided with a starting port sensor 66 for detecting a winning pachinko ball is provided below the special winning port 34.
When the pachinko ball wins, the starting ports 30 and 68 pay out prize balls in the same manner as the normal winning port.

In FIG. 3 (A), the composite accessory device 14 which is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 shows a special symbol display 22 capable of displaying symbol variation, and has passed through the gate 32 during symbol variation of ordinary symbols. Reservation ball lamp 2 that displays the number of pachinko balls
0, a holding ball lamp 28 for displaying the number of pachinko balls (that is, holding balls) winning in the starting openings 30, 68 during the change of the special symbol, a natural winning opening 76 which is one of the normal winning openings.
(So-called ceiling holes). Here, the holding ball lamp 2
The number of pachinko balls that can be recognized by the display of 8 will be referred to as the “number of reserved balls”. The holding ball lamps 20, 28
Each consists of one or more light emitters (eg, four LEDs).

For example, a liquid crystal display is used as the special symbol display 22, and special symbols, characters, symbols, symbols, figures (characters, etc.), images, etc., special symbols, ordinary symbols, and decorative symbols (background) are used. Pattern) is displayed. The design includes not only a still image but also a moving image such as an animation. The special symbol display 22 includes a medium symbol group 82 shown in FIG. 3C and a medium symbol group shown in FIG. 3D in addition to the left symbol group 80 and the right symbol group 84 shown in FIG. 86 can be displayed. The configuration of the middle symbol groups 82 and 86 may be displayed on the game board 12, for example, or during the demonstration of the special symbol display 22.

Left symbol group 80, middle symbol group 82, right symbol group 8
4, the middle symbol group 86 is used to realize symbol variation and the like, and is a special symbol (single symbol) composed of a combination of numbers.
Each is composed. In this example, one configuration is shown for simplicity. However, in the actual pachinko machine 10, a plurality of configurations are stored in the recording unit such as the ROM 202 and the character generator 212 for each symbol group. These symbol groups may include other elements (for example, alphabetic characters, figures, and the like) as necessary, or the number of components of the symbol group may be increased or decreased at an arbitrary timing. The color, size, background, etc. of the symbols when displaying each symbol group are arbitrary. In addition, for example, each element of the left symbol group 80 is stored in the recording unit as a basic symbol, and addresses (pointers) corresponding to the basic symbols corresponding to the components of the symbol group to be displayed are stored in an array and stored in the recording unit. May be.

Next, a main control board 100 for realizing a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 and a display command (for example, a signal including a design or a display pattern displayed in a stopped state) sent from the main control board 100 are received. The display control board 200 that displays symbols on the special symbol display 22 will be described with reference to FIG. Both the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 are provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, for example.

Main control board 1 corresponding to game control section 4
Reference numeral 00 mainly includes a CPU (processor) 110. The main control board 100 stores a ROM 112 for storing a game control program and required data (for example, a big hit value, a small hit value, etc.), a RAM 114 for storing data such as various random numbers and signals, and a signal transmitted from various input devices. An input processing circuit 102 which receives and converts the data into a data format that can be processed in the main control board 100, an output processing circuit 104 which receives the operation data sent from the CPU 110 and operates various output devices, and a display data sent from the CPU 110 The display control circuit 106 that controls the display (including lighting and blinking) of the illuminant in response to it, and the communication control circuit 116 that sends necessary signals to the display control board 200, the prize ball control board 300, and the like.
Etc. All of these components couple to one another on bus 118.

The CPU 110 executes the game control program stored in the ROM 112 to implement the game by the pachinko machine 10, and the game control program also includes a program for implementing a procedure such as a start-up opening process described later. An EPROM is used for the ROM 112 and a RAM 114
Uses SRAM, but other types of memory (EEPRO
M, DRAM, flash memory, etc.). For example, the input devices that the input processing circuit 102 receives the detection signal include start-up opening sensors 60 and 66, a gate sensor 58, a winning sensor (such as a V zone sensor 52), an operation button 48, and other sensors (a frame opening sensor 36). , Touch sensor 42, etc.). The output device to which the output processing circuit 104 outputs a signal corresponds to, for example, the solenoid 54 or the like. Examples of the illuminant whose display is controlled by the display control circuit 106 include the lamps 16, the holding ball lamps 20 and 28, the ordinary symbol display 26, and the like. Communication control circuit 116
Can transmit necessary data to a hall computer or the like as necessary.

Next, a display control board 200 corresponding to the display control section 6 is constituted mainly by a CPU 210, and a display control program and a ROM 202 for storing required display data (for example, display information corresponding to a display command); RAM 204 for storing data such as commands and display information; communication control circuit 206 for receiving data sent from main control board 100 and sending it to CPU 210 or RAM 204; And a character generator 212 for generating a symbol and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 214 for displaying a symbol processed on the special symbol display 22 in response to display information sent from the CPU 210. All of these components couple to one another on bus 208.

The CPU 210 executes the display control program stored in the ROM 202 and displays symbols on the special symbol display 22. ROM 202 uses EPROM, and RAM
Although a DRAM is used for 204, other types of memories described above may be used. The communication control circuit 206 can transmit necessary data to a hall computer or the like as needed. The pattern data generated by the character generator 212 includes, for example, characters (alphanumeric characters and kanji), symbols, codes, figures (characters), and videos. VR
The VDP 214 having the AM, the palette RAM, and the like receives the display information, reads the design data generated by the character generator 212, performs image editing such as color designation and sprite processing, and develops the design data in the VRAM or the palette RAM. Finally, a video signal, a synchronization signal, and the like are output to the special symbol display 22. By the sprite function realized by executing the sprite processing, it is possible to easily realize the display of symbols (special symbols, background symbols, etc.), the variation of symbols, and the like.

The prize ball control board 300 for controlling the operation of various devices in response to the command signal sent from the main control board 100 and other boards are not specifically related to the gist of the present invention. Illustration and explanation of the configuration are omitted. Examples of the various devices include a launching device that launches a pachinko ball by operating the handle 40 and a payout device that pays out a pachinko ball for lending a ball or winning a ball.

The procedure performed by the main control board 100 to implement the present invention in the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a start-up process for realizing a winning determination of a pachinko ball with respect to the start-up window 30, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a procedure of a variation stop process for realizing a display from the start to the stop of the symbol variation. Show. Among these, the start-up port processing is performed by the R of the main control board 100 shown in FIG.
The game control program stored in the OM 112
110 is executed at an appropriate timing. Further, the fluctuation stop processing is performed in the ROM of the display control
The display control program stored in the CPU 202
0 is executed at an appropriate timing. Here, the opening process of FIG. 5 corresponds to the game control unit 4, and FIG.
Corresponds to the display control unit 6. Further FIG.
Step S38 is a process in which the notifying means 8a is embodied.

For the sake of simplicity, the following restrictions are provided. First, since the starting port 30 and the starting port 68 function equivalently, the starting port 30 will be described as an example. Secondly, in an actual pachinko machine, when a pachinko ball wins in the starting port 30 during a symbol change, the next symbol change is temporarily held up to a predetermined number (for example, four) and the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on. Then, after the current symbol change, the symbol change is performed continuously within the range of the number of reserved balls. Therefore, it is assumed that the number of reserved balls is 0 (all the reserved ball lamps 28 are turned off) and that one pachinko ball has won the starting port 30.

In FIG. 5, in the start-up processing which embodies a part of the game control section 4, it is first determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won the start-up opening 30 (step S10). For example, if there is a detection signal from the starting port sensor 60 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES), and if there is no such detection signal, it is determined that no prize has been won (NO). If the starting port 30
When the pachinko ball wins (YES), it is determined whether or not a symbol change is performed (step S12). For example, the determination is made based on whether or not the current game state is in a symbol change state, whether or not a big hit game is in progress, and the like. If the symbol is to be changed (YES), various random numbers are read and stored in the RAM 114 [step S14]. The various random numbers are, for example, a jackpot determination random number RA for determining whether or not a jackpot,
A jackpot symbol random number RB for specifying a jackpot symbol (predetermined symbol display mode) to be displayed on the special symbol indicator 22 when the jackpot is determined by the jackpot determination random number RA, a display pattern from the start of symbol change to the stop. And a symbol display random number RC for specifying whether or not to change the symbol variation.

A command for realizing the display of the symbol is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200 [Step S16], and the symbol from the start of symbol change to the stop based on the various random numbers stored in Step S14. A fluctuation stop process is executed to realize the fluctuation with the special symbol display 22 [Step S18]. The specific procedure of the fluctuation stop processing will be described with reference to FIG.

In the variation stop processing which embodies a part of the display control section 6 in FIG. 6, after the symbol variation is started (step S30), when the reach is reached (YES in step S32), the symbol variation is switched. Preparations are made to make it possible [step S34]. That is, the symbol group in which the symbol variation is possible is increased and displayed, and the symbol variation is arranged so as to intersect with another symbol variation. For example, when only the vertical symbol fluctuation is displayed before the reach, a symbol group capable of horizontal symbol fluctuation intersecting with the vertical symbol fluctuation is displayed. If the symbol change is switched based on the symbol display random number RC stored in step S14 (YES in step S36), the symbol change on the side to be switched is notified [step S38], and the process waits until the switching timing for switching. [Step S
40], and switch the symbol variation [Step S42].

The notification of the symbol change in step S38 means that the symbol change mode (form) after the switching is notified, for example, by displaying on the special symbol display 22. Specifically, it is notified by using a pattern imitating a traffic signal, a weathercock, or the like, and is notified by using a character pattern, an arrow pattern, or the like to indicate a change direction such as a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, an oblique direction, or the like. The notification of information (characters, character types, colors, shapes, and the like) on the constituent elements of the symbol group used for the change corresponds to this. The switching timing in step S40 may be substantially the same as the notification of the symbol change in step S38, or may be before or after the notification of the symbol change. A correlation (for example, an expectation indicating the possibility of a big hit) may be provided between the notification of the symbol change and the switching timing. For example, the higher the notification of the symbol change is, the higher the expectation is. In this way, the player can know the degree of expectation depending on the timing of the notification.
Can play with a sense of expectation.

The processing of the above-described steps S36 to S42 is continued until the stop timing for stopping the symbol fluctuation (NO in step S44), and when the stop timing is reached (YES in step S44), all the symbol fluctuations are stopped. The symbol is determined [step S46], and the fluctuation stop processing ends. The stop timing is, for example, when a stop command transmitted from the main control board 100 is received. The symbol displayed at the time of stoppage is a random number R for jackpot determination.
It depends on the random number value such as A. If the symbol change is not switched in step S36 (NO), the symbol change is continued as it is until the stop timing [step S4
4]. On the other hand, if the reach is not reached in step S32 (NO), the symbol variation is continued as it is and then stopped (step S46).

Returning to FIG. 5, when the fluctuation stop processing of step S18 is completed, it is determined whether or not the result of the current lottery is a big hit [step S20]. The pachinko machine 10 that is less likely to be affected by extraneous noise or the like and has high reliability determines whether or not it is a big hit based on the big hit determination random number RA. That is, it is determined whether or not the random number value is equal to the jackpot value. The jackpot value is one or more. If it is determined that there is a big hit (YES), a big hit process is executed to give the player 2 an opportunity to obtain a prize ball [step S22].
In the jackpot process, for example, the opening / closing lid 74 of the special winning opening 34 is opened for a predetermined period (specifically, 30 seconds), and a prize ball is paid out according to the number of pachinko balls that have won the special winning opening 34 or the like. A big hit game like this is realized. Since the specific procedure of the jackpot process is well known, its description and illustration are omitted. On the other hand, if the pachinko ball has not won the starting port 30 in the determination in step S10 (NO),
If the determination in step S22 is negative (NO), the start-up opening process ends.

If necessary, whether the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 22 matches the big hit symbol may be used to judge whether or not a big hit has occurred, without performing the determination in step S20. May be executed at step S22. Also, before and after the jackpot processing,
If necessary, a probability variation process of changing the probability (expectation) of a jackpot in the subsequent lottery may be executed. In this way, it is possible to improve the expectation of the player 2 who expects a big hit in the next and subsequent times.

Next, an example in which each of the processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is executed to display a symbol change or the like on the special symbol display 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
The display example of FIG. 9 is a case where a jackpot is won. Illustrations and explanations of the cases that occur many times are omitted. In this example, the jackpot symbols are "333" and "5".
It is assumed that the image has a zigzag pattern such as "55", "777", or the like.

First, after the game starts, the pachinko ball is moved to the starting port 30.
(YES in step S10 in FIG. 5)
If the symbol change can be started (step S in FIG. 5)
12 is YES), the left symbol change C as shown in FIG.
2, medium symbol variation C4, right symbol variation C6 are started [Step S30 in FIG. 6]. Specifically, a left symbol change C2 is performed using the left symbol group 80, a middle symbol change C4 is performed using the middle symbol group 82, and a right symbol change C6 is performed using the right symbol group 84 {FIG. reference}. In the example of FIG. 7A, any of the symbol fluctuations changes in the downward direction of the screen (the direction of arrow D2).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the reach is reached at the reach symbol “7「 7 ”(“ 〃 ”means that the symbol is changing; YES in step S32 of FIG. 6), the symbol change is switched. Prepare for That is, the middle symbol change C4 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 7 (C), and the signal symbols 78a and 78b imitating a traffic light are displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. The number of middle symbol groups 86 that can be changed is increased and displayed [Step S34 in FIG. 6]. In the drawing, a signal symbol 78a indicates a blue signal, a yellow signal, and a red signal in order from the left, and the signal symbol 78b
Indicates a blue signal, a yellow signal, and a red signal in order from the top. The solid state is off, and the white state is on. Also, the middle symbol group 82 is gradually displayed larger as it moves from top to bottom to create a sense of perspective.

Then, when switching the symbol variation (YES in step S36 in FIG. 6), the symbol variation of the switching destination is notified [step S38 in FIG. 6]. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7C to 9A, the signal pattern 78
Using a and 78b, the traffic light is circulated and changed in the order of green light → yellow light → red light in the same manner as the traffic light. In the example of FIG. 7C, since the signal symbol 78a is a red signal and the signal symbol 78b is a blue signal, it is informed that switching to the middle symbol variation C8 in the horizontal direction is performed. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 8B, since the signal symbol 78a indicates a blue signal and the signal symbol 78b indicates a red signal, it is informed that switching to the middle symbol change C4 in the vertical direction is performed. In this way, the player 2 or the like who has recognized the state of the signal symbols 78a and 78b can know in which direction the symbol changes.

After waiting for the switching timing while changing the states of the signal symbols 78a and 78b (step S40 in FIG. 6), the symbol changes from the display shown in FIG. 7 (B) to the display shown in FIG. 8 (C). [Step S in FIG.
42]. In the example of the display shown in FIG. 7 (B) to the display shown in FIG. 8 (A), the signal symbol 78a becomes a red signal and the signal symbol 78b becomes a blue signal, so that the middle symbol variation C4 changes to the middle symbol variation C8. Switching. Similarly, in the example of the display shown in FIG. 8A to the display shown in FIG.
Since a has changed from a red signal to a green signal and the signal symbol 78b has changed from a yellow signal to a red signal, the middle symbol variation C8 is switched to the middle symbol variation C4.

Then, the display shown in FIG.
As shown in the display of FIG. 9A, the signal symbol 78a circulates and changes in the order of green signal → yellow signal → red signal, and finally the middle symbol change C4 as shown in FIG. 9A. Is stopped [Step S46 in FIG. 6]. At this time, the fluctuation stop processing may be ended with the display shown in FIG. 9A, but the fixed symbols may be displayed in a horizontal line as shown in FIG. 9B for the next fluctuation. Good. In the example of FIG. 9B, a character design 88 of "big hit" is also displayed.

According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (A1) Medium symbol variation C4 (first symbol variation 8c) and medium symbol variation C8 (second symbol variation 8)
e) intersect, and when the symbol change is switched, one is changed and the other is stopped. FIG. 7 (B)
To FIG. 9 (A)}. Therefore, the player 2 can enjoy the display before and after switching the symbol variation.
Further, when the reach is reached (when a predetermined timing is reached), the signal symbols 78a and 78b (notification means 8a) are used to notify which symbol is to be changed {FIGS. 7 (C) to 8 (C). ) See｝. The predetermined timing is not limited to the reach time and may be another timing. The other timing is a timing that can be appropriately set according to the type, date and time, game state, etc. of the pachinko machine 10, for example, before and after the reach, or almost simultaneously with the switching timing, a specific symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 22. Is displayed, when a pachinko ball passes through a specific area (a winning opening, a gate, or the like). Regardless of the timing, the player 2 or the like who has recognized the notification by the signal symbols 78a and 78b can determine the variation direction and the variation mode of the symbol variation almost instantaneously. Therefore, the user can be interested in the change in the symbol fluctuation, and can also see with a sense of expectation of the jackpot game.

(A2) The signal symbols 78a and 78b are notified by changing the signal before switching the symbol variation {see step S38 in FIG. 6, and FIGS. 7 (C) to 8 (C)}. That is, the symbol change to be performed is foretold. For this reason, the player 2 can know in advance what kind of symbol change is to be performed, so that the special symbol display 22 (display unit 8) enjoys the change of the symbol change and the symbol change after the change.
To see.

(A3) Configuration of the middle symbol group 82 used in the middle symbol variation C4 (aspect of the first symbol variation 8c) and configuration of the middle symbol group 86 used in the middle symbol variation C8 (aspect of the second symbol variation 8e) And displayed on the special symbol display 22 (see FIGS. 3 (C), 3 (D), 7 (C) to 8 (C)). In this example, only the middle symbol group 82 has a jackpot of "777", but only the middle symbol group 86 has a jackpot of "333", "555", or "777". That is, the middle symbol fluctuation C8 is more likely to be a jackpot game (a gaming state advantageous to the player 2; a privilege) than the middle symbol fluctuation C4. Signal pattern 78a,
When the middle symbol variation C8 is notified by 78b, the player 2
Can play with a sense of expectation of a jackpot game.

(A4) Middle symbol variation C4 and middle symbol variation C8
The signal symbols 78a and 78b are displayed near the intersection with (see FIGS. 7C to 9A). Signal design 78
Since a and 78b are located near the center of the special symbol display 22, the notification can be recognized without moving the line of sight much.

[Other embodiments] The above-described pachinko machine 1
In 0 (gaming machine), the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied may be implemented. (B
1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, a game machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.) having a display unit capable of displaying a symbol change may also be used. Similarly, the present invention can be applied. Even with the other gaming machines, the display can be enjoyed before and after switching the symbol variation, and the variation direction can be determined almost instantaneously.

(B2) In the above-described embodiment, the switching timing of symbol change is notified by circulating and changing in the order of blue signal → yellow signal → red signal using signal symbols 78a and 78b imitating a traffic signal. Step S3 in FIG.
8, see FIGS. 7 (C) to 8 (C)}. Although the approximate switching timing can be predicted based on the change in the signal color, the switching timing may be clarified by displaying a counter 90 that displays a countdown as shown in FIG. The counter 90 shown in the example of FIG.
For example, a specific number of seconds until the time when the switching timing is performed, such as "second", is displayed. In addition, signal pattern 7 shown in FIG.
8b etc. can be displayed by changing the blinking speed,
For a level display composed of a predetermined number (for example, 20) of elements, the number of elements that are turned on or blinking is reduced as the switching timing approaches, or a time until the switching timing is notified by imitating a clock or a stopwatch. The same applies to the case of notifying by emitting sound through the speaker 50 or notifying by vibration through the vibrating member. According to these modes, the switching timing is specifically known, so that the player 2 and the like can enjoy the game with the switching of the symbol variation.

(B3) In the above embodiment, the middle symbol group 8
By displaying the configuration of 2,86 on the game board 12, etc.
The degree of expectation concerning the symbol change displayed on the special symbol display 22 was notified. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the degree of expectation of the symbol variation may be notified by the signal symbols 78a and 78b. For example, the lengths of the signal patterns 78a and 78b imitating arrows are made different according to the magnitude of the degree of expectation. In the example of FIG. 10, since the signal symbol 78a is longer than the signal symbol 78b, it can be seen that the medium symbol variation C8 has a higher degree of expectation. This means that medium symbol fluctuation C4, C
In the case where the fluctuation speed, the fluctuation pattern, etc. of each of the patterns 8 are different, or the size of a symbol other than an arrow (for example, a star figure “☆”) is different, a plurality of different symbols (for example, a symbol imitating a traffic signal, an arrow) Pattern imitating a star, star figure "☆"
, Etc.) can be realized in the same manner even when the design to be displayed is changed according to the degree of expectation. According to these modes, the player 2 can easily recognize the degree of expectation.

(B4) In the above embodiment, the signal symbol 7 is located near the intersection of the middle symbol variation C4 and the middle symbol variation C8.
Although 8a and 78b are displayed (see FIGS. 7C to 9A), they may be displayed on other parts. For example, the signal symbol 78 is provided at the intersection of the middle symbol variation C4 and the middle symbol variation C8.
a, 78b may be displayed, or may be displayed on the periphery of the special symbol display 22 as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 11, the fluctuation direction (two-way) of each of the signal symbol groups 78c and 78d is indicated by an arrow, and the middle symbol fluctuation C8 is currently performed. This indicates that the middle symbol variation C4 is performed in the direction. According to these embodiments, it is possible to recognize the notification without moving the line of sight much, and it is also possible to know the direction of the change.

(B5) In the above embodiment, the middle symbol group 82 is used for the middle symbol variation C4, and the middle symbol group 86 is used for the middle symbol variation C8 {FIGS. 3 (C) and 3 (D). , FIG.
(C) to FIG. 8 (C)}. Instead of this form, one or both of the middle symbol variations C4 and C8 are arbitrarily selected from a symbol group having a maximum set number of 2 or more (for example, 100) and different components based on a random number, a lottery table, or the like. It is good also as a structure which performs. This can be similarly applied to the left symbol group 80 and the right symbol group 84.
According to these modes, since the degree of expectation is different if the constituent elements of the symbol group are different, it is possible to expect a jackpot game by selecting the symbol group.

(B6) In the above embodiment, the symbol change is notified by the display on the special symbol indicator 22 (see step S38 in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 (C) to FIG. 8 (C)). Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the design variation mode may be notified by another notification method. As the other notification method, for example, a method of visually notifying using a light-emitting body (including a display device) other than the special symbol display 22 or a method of visually notifying using a movable member provided in the game board 12 or the like. The method includes a method of audibly informing by sound output from the speaker 50, and a method of haptic notification by vibrating members attached to the pachinko machine 10 such as the handle 40 and the chair. Specific examples of the light emitter include a display, LE
D, a predetermined number (one or several) of the luminous body itself such as a light bulb or a member provided with the luminous body (for example, a member imitating a traffic signal) is provided on the game board 12 (for example, the periphery of the special symbol display 22). The luminous body is displayed in accordance with the direction of change. As a specific example of the movable member, a driving body is used together with a member imitating a weathercock or the like to rotate or move in a direction such as up, down, left, right, or the like, thereby notifying the direction of change. Speaker 50
Is notified using voice, music, sound effect, etc., but it is easy to understand and interesting if it is performed in combination with the special symbol display 22 and the display of the luminous body. When the handle 40, the chair, and the like are vibrated, the direction of the fluctuation and the like can be recognized by the vibrating part and the vibration pattern. According to these modes, the player 2 can recognize the symbol change with various feelings.

[0048]

According to the present invention, the display can be enjoyed before and after the switching of the symbol variation, and the variation direction can be determined almost instantaneously.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the multifunction peripheral and the configuration of a symbol group.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main control board and a display control board.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a start-up port process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a fluctuation stop process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example on a special symbol display.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 player 4 game control unit 6 display control unit 8 display unit 8a notification means 8b first symbol group 8c first symbol change 8d second symbol group 8e second symbol change 10 pachinko machine (game machine) 22 special symbol display ( (Display unit, notification means) 50 Speaker (notification means) 78a, 78b Signal symbol (notification means) 80 Left symbol group 82 Middle symbol group (first symbol group) 84 Right symbol group 86 Medium symbol group (second symbol group) 100 Main control board (game control section) 110, 210 CPU 112, 202 ROM 114, 204 RAM 200 Display control board (display control section) 212 Character generator 214 VDP 300 Award ball control board C2 Left symbol variation C4 Medium symbol variation (first Pattern change) C6 Right symbol change C8 Medium symbol change (2nd symbol change)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C088 AA35 AA36 AA42 BC07 EB55

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine provided with a display unit capable of displaying a symbol variation, wherein a first symbol variation is different from the first symbol variation and a second symbol variation performed by switching to the first symbol variation. A game machine having a notifying unit for notifying which of the first symbol variation and the second symbol variation is to be performed when a predetermined timing is reached. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notifying means notifies the user before changing the symbol change. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first symbol variation mode and the second symbol variation mode are displayed differently on the display unit. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a notifying unit provided at an intersection of the first symbol variation and the second symbol variation or in the vicinity of the intersection.