JP2002306756A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that can vary a game condition by varying the direction of variation on the basis of a prescribed condition. SOLUTION: The patterns of 'cake,' 'gem (1),' and 'girl' are displayed downward in this order in leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1 and 3c1 before the start of a second variation (before change of a movement direction). In the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1 3c1, in the second variation of a vertical scroll, as the a vertical scroll is made upward from below, on the basis of the 'girl' pattern in the leftmost lower display area 3c1, the second variation of the vertical scroll is made by using the 'girl' pattern (the same pattern) alone. By carrying out the second variation of at least the vertical scroll with only the same pattern as one pattern stationarily displayed, it is possible to make double ready-to-wins on two jackpot lines and improve the interesting property of a game.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a pachinko machine, a slot machine, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, gaming machines such as pachinko machines that use a liquid crystal display device have become mainstream in order to enhance the interest of gaming. Competition among companies is how to change the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device to satisfy the player. It has been devised. Generally, in this liquid crystal display device, a variable display game is performed, and the interest of the game is enhanced.
In the variable display game, for example, three symbols are displayed horizontally or vertically in the effective display area, or nine symbols are displayed in a 3 × 3 square, and the displayed symbols are changed by scrolling based on predetermined game conditions. Is to be displayed. When the scrolling of the symbols is stopped (at a predetermined stop position), the case where the stopped symbols are in a predetermined combination is a big hit.

[0003] The scroll direction of the symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device is the vertical upward or downward rotation direction of the liquid crystal display device or the horizontal right or left rotation direction of the liquid crystal display device. The symbol effected and displayed on the device is displayed by combining these scrolls.

[0004]

However, the scrolling of the symbols performed on the liquid crystal display device tends to be a monotonous effect because the variation direction of the symbol row moves in the same direction. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the attraction of a game by enriching the effects of variable display.

[0006]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, comprising: a display device for displaying identification information such as symbols; and a display device for dynamically displaying the identification information. Control means, wherein when the dynamic display of the identification information derives a predetermined display result, in a gaming machine that gives a predetermined game value, the change display of the identification information has two or more change directions. , And at least one change display after the change in the change direction is performed with the same identification information.

[0007]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine, which is a kind of a ball-and-ball game machine, is described as an example of a game machine, in particular, a first-type pachinko game machine.
Note that it is naturally possible to use the present invention for a third-type pachinko game machine and other game machines.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment. Around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of winning ports 2 from which 5 to 15 balls are paid out by winning the balls. In the center of the game board 1, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as "LCD") 3 for displaying a plurality of types of design information as identification information is provided. The display screen of the LCD 3 is divided into three parts in the horizontal direction, and in each of the three divided display areas, symbols are displayed while being scrolled from right to left in the horizontal direction.

Below the LCD 3, a symbol operation port (first type start port) 4 is provided, and when the ball passes through the symbol operation port 4, the above-described variable display of the LCD 3 is started. Below the symbol operating port 4, there is a specific winning port (large winning port)
5 are provided. When the display result after the change of the LCD 3 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations, the specific winning opening 5 becomes a big hit and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds elapse) so that the ball can easily win. Until you do
Alternatively, the winning opening is opened (until 10 balls are won).

[0010] The specific winning opening 5 is provided with a V zone 5a. When a ball passes through the V zone 5a while the specific winning opening 5 is open, a continuation right is established, and the specific winning opening is established. After the closing of the specific winning opening 5, the specific winning opening 5 is opened again for a predetermined time (or until a predetermined number of balls are won in the specific winning opening 5). The opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 5 can be repeated up to 16 times (16 rounds), and the state in which the opening / closing operation can be performed is a state in which a predetermined game value is given (a special game state). is there.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P. The main control board C of the pachinko machine P has an MPU 11 as an arithmetic unit and the MPU 11
ROM 12 which stores various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the CPU, and a RAM 13 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like. The programs in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are stored in the ROM 12 as a part of the control program.

The RAM 13 includes a transmission buffer 13a and a command counter 13b, and is connected to a backup rechargeable battery 13x so as to be backed up. Therefore, each value of the RAM 13 is retained (backed up) even when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off.

The transmission buffer 13a is provided between the main control board C and the display control board D for controlling the variable display of the LCD 3.
This is a buffer for storing a control command transmitted to. Since the control command is composed of 2 bytes,
This transmission buffer 13a is also composed of 2 bytes. The control command set (written) to the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where the display screen of the LCD 3 is divided into nine display areas. As mentioned above,
The variable display according to the present embodiment is performed while horizontally scrolling in the direction of arrow A in each of the three display areas 3a, 3b, and 3c divided into three in the horizontal direction. The three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three parts in the horizontal direction are further divided into three parts in the vertical direction, and nine display areas 3a1,.
c3, and the nine display areas 3a1,..., 3c3
As shown in FIG. 3, nine symbol numbers 32a of "Symbol 1 to Symbol 9" are displayed.

A command counter 13b shown in FIG. 2 is a stop symbol designation command 32 which is a kind of control command.
(See FIG. 5) Display areas 3a1-3 of LCD 3 designated by
This is a counter for indicating c3, and is updated by "1" in the range of "1 to 10". When the value of the command counter 13b is in the range of "1 to 9", the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the symbol number 32a (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b are designated. When the value of the command counter 13b is “10”,
No display area is specified.

When the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the backup area 13c restores the state of the pachinko machine P to the state before the power was turned off when the power is turned on again. This is an area for storing values of stack pointers, registers, I / O, and the like. This backup area 1
3c is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 8).
The restoration of each value written in 3c is performed by an initialization process (S1) at the time of power-on (including power-on due to blackout of power-off; the same applies hereinafter).
2 (see FIG. 10)).

The NMI (Non Maskable Inter) of the MPU 11
rupt) terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) is configured to receive a power failure signal 51 output from the power failure monitoring circuit 50 when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like. Power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing)
Is executed immediately.

The power failure monitoring circuit 50 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal 51 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 11 of the main control board C when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 50 is mounted on a power supply unit (not shown), and monitors a DC stable 24 volt voltage which is the largest voltage output from the power supply unit.
When the voltage falls below 2 volts, it is determined that a power failure (power interruption) has occurred, and a power failure signal 51 is output. The output of the power failure signal 51 causes the main control board C
Recognizes the occurrence of a power failure and executes a power failure process (NMI interrupt process in FIG. 8). In addition, even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts, the power supply unit outputs the 5 volt output, which is the drive voltage of the control system, to a normal value for a period of time sufficient for performing the power failure process. , The main control board C can execute the power failure process normally.

These MPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 1
3 are connected to each other via a bus line 14,
The bus line 14 is also connected to an input / output port 15. The input / output port 15 is connected to the clear switch 1
8, the display control board D, and other input / output devices 16.

The clear switch 18 is connected to the R of the main control board C.
This is a switch for clearing data backed up in the AM 13, and is constituted by a push button type switch. When the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on in a state where the clear switch 18 is pressed down (including the power-on due to the blackout), the data in the RAM 13 is cleared by the main control board C (S42 in FIG. 10: Yes). , S4
5).

The main control board C sends various commands to the display control board D and other input / output devices 16 via the input / output port 15 to control these devices. The connection between the main control board C and the display control board D is made by two buffers (inverter gates) 17, 2 having fixed inputs and outputs.
8, transmission and reception of control commands between the main control board C and the display control board D are performed only in one direction from the main control board C to the display control board D, A control command or the like cannot be transmitted from the display control board D to the main control board C.

The display control board D includes an MPU 21, a program ROM 22, a work RAM 23, and a video RA.
M24, character ROM 25, image controller 26, input port 29, and output port 27. The input of the input port 29 has an inverter gate 28
Is connected, and the output of the input port 29 is MP
It is connected to a bus line that connects U21, program ROM 22, and work RAM 23. The image controller 26 is connected to the input of the output port 27, and the LCD 3 is connected to the output of the output port 27.

The MPU 21 of the display control board D controls the LC based on the control command transmitted from the main control board C.
This is for controlling (variable) display of D3, and the program ROM 22 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 21 and fixed value data. The program of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 is a program ROM 22 as a part of the control program.
Is stored in

The work RAM 23 is a memory in which work data and flags used when executing various programs by the MPU 21 are stored.
A command reception flag 23b and nine stop symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k are provided.

The receiving buffer 23a is a buffer for receiving a control command transmitted from the main control board C. Since the control command is composed of 2 bytes, the reception buffer 23a is also composed of 2 bytes. The command reception flag 23b is a flag that is turned on when a new control command is stored in the reception buffer 23a. When the command reception flag 23b is turned on,
The control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is read, and based on the read control command,
The variable display of the LCD 3 is controlled. The command reception flag 23b once turned on is turned off when the control command is read from the reception buffer 23a.

Stop symbols 1 to 9 are stored in the memories 23c to 23k.
Stop symbol designating command 32 which is a kind of control command
The symbol code 32b of the stop symbol transmitted by
9), one for each of the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 (see FIG. 3) of the LCD 3, that is, a total of nine stop symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 2c.
3k are provided. In addition, stop symbol 1-9 memory 2
Details of 3c to 23k will be described later.

The video RAM 24 is a memory in which display data displayed on the LCD 3 is stored.
By rewriting the contents of the AM 24, the display contents of the LCD 3 are changed. That is, each display area 3a1-3c3
Is displayed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 24. Character ROM
Reference numeral 25 denotes a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the LCD 3. The image controller 26 includes an MPU 21, a video RAM 24, an output port 2
7 is adjusted so that reading and writing of data is interposed, and display data stored in the video RAM 24 is displayed on the LCD 3 at a predetermined timing with reference to the character ROM 25.

Next, a control command transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D for controlling the variable display will be described with reference to FIGS. The control command mainly includes a fluctuation pattern designation command 31, a stop symbol designation command 32, and a symbol stop command 33. Since the control command is composed of two bytes, the most significant bit is set in the first byte command code and the second byte The code has the most significant bit reset.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the command code of the variation pattern designation command 31 and the contents of the command. The fluctuation pattern designation command 31 is a command for starting the fluctuation display and specifying a series of fluctuation patterns from the start to the end of the fluctuation display. The first byte of the command code is “C0H” indicating the normal mode of the variable display or “C1H” indicating the abbreviated mode. In each mode, a total of 56 types of variable patterns are prepared, 28 types each. I have.

The control of the fluctuation display specified by the fluctuation pattern specification command 31 is performed by the display control board D that has received the fluctuation pattern specification command 31. By changing, the contents of the fluctuation display for the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 of the same code can be changed. That is, the contents of the variable display can be changed only by changing the control program of the display control board D without changing the control program of the main control board C.

FIG. 5A shows a stop symbol designation command 32.
And a symbol number 32a specified by the command code.
As described above, the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 shown in FIG. 3 are associated with the respective symbol numbers 32a.
FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the correspondence between 18 types of symbol codes 32b and symbol names 32c.

The stop symbol designation command 32 is a command for designating a symbol stopped and displayed in each of the display areas 3a1-3c3 of the LCD 3 at the end of the variation display of the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31. is there. The stop symbol designation command 32 is transmitted after the variation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted and the variation display is started.
The data is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D for each of the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the LCD3.

The stop symbol designating command 32 is composed of 2 bytes like the variation pattern designating command 31. In the first byte of the stop symbol designation command 32, a command code designating the display areas 3a1-3c3 of the symbols 1-9 is set. As shown in FIG. 5A, if the command code of the first byte of the stop symbol designating command 32 is “90H”, the display area 3a1 of the symbol 1 becomes “A0”.
H, the display area 3b1 of the symbol 2 is..., "B
If it is "2H", the display area 3c3 of the symbol 9 is specified. In the second byte of the stop symbol designation command 32, symbols 1 to 9 specified by the command code of the first byte
Are set in the display areas 3a1-3c3. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, “10H” is displayed when the symbol to be stopped and displayed is “3”, and “11H” is displayed when the symbol is “MOUSE”.
If “H” is..., “Jewel (4)”, “1F”
H "is set as the code of the second byte of the stop symbol designation command 32, respectively.

When the display control board D receives the stop symbol designation command 32, the variation display ends with the symbol of the symbol code 32b designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 in consideration of the variation pattern being executed. Like this, the symbols that are changing are replaced. Since the symbol replacement is performed only when the variable display is fluctuating at a high speed, the player does not notice that the symbol replacement has been performed.

Whether the variable display is a big hit depends on the symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32. That is, when a big hit occurs, the stop symbol designating command 32 of the combination constituting the big hit is transmitted from the main control board C. Therefore, on the display control board D, the variation display of the pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 is terminated at the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 without any consideration as to whether the jackpot is a jackpot or not. That is, the effect of the variable display is performed.

As shown in FIG. 5B, different symbols are assigned to all symbols. In particular,
The symbol names 32c “CAT (1)” and “CAT (2)” are displayed on the LCD 3 as exactly the same symbol, but FIG.
As shown in (b), both symbols are “13H” and “20”.
The symbol code 32b different from “H” is given.
Similarly, the symbol names 32c "candy (1)" to "candy (5)" are displayed on the LCD 3 as exactly the same symbol, but as shown in FIG. 5B, "18H" to "21"
A different symbol code 32b of "H" is given. Similarly, symbol name 32c "jewel (1)"-"jewel (4)"
Are displayed as exactly the same pattern on the LCD 3 as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), different symbol codes 32b of “19H” to “1FH” are given.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 in each of the upper, middle, and lower tiers. FIG. 6A shows a display area 3 a in the upper part of the LCD 3.
The structure of the upper virtual symbol reel 41 variably displayed by is schematically shown. As shown in FIG. 6A, 16 kinds of symbols are displayed on the virtual symbol reel 41 at the upper stage, such as “jewel (4)”, “Cake”, “candy (4)”,.
, "3" are arranged in this order, and after the last "3" symbol, return to the first symbol and select "jewel (4)" and "CA".
KE "," candy (4) ",... Are arranged. The upper virtual symbol reel 41 is variably displayed in the upper display area 3a of the LCD 3 in the arrangement order of the symbols.

Similarly, FIG. 6C schematically shows the structure of the lower virtual symbol reel 43 which is variably displayed in the lower display area 3c of the LCD 3. As shown in FIG. 6C, the lower virtual symbol reel 43 has 16 types of symbols “3”, “candy (1)”, "MOUSE",
.., "Jewel (4)". After the last "jewel (4)" symbol, return to the first symbol and return to "3", "candy (1)", "MOUSE", ...
・ Each symbol is arranged. The lower virtual symbol reel 43
Are variably displayed in the lower display area 3c of the LCD 3 in the order of the arrangement of the symbols.

FIG. 6B schematically shows the configuration of the middle virtual symbol reel 42 that is variably displayed in the middle display area 3b of the LCD 3. As shown in FIG. 6B, two types of symbols, “CAT (2)” and “candy (5)”, are provided at the end of the arrangement of the lower virtual symbol reels 43 on the middle virtual reel 42. A total of 18 kinds of added symbols are arranged in order. As in the case of the upper and lower virtual symbol reels 41 and 43, after the last symbol of “candy (5)”, return to the first symbol and return to “3”,
Each pattern of "candy (1)", "MOUSE", ... is arranged. The middle-stage virtual symbol reels 42 are variably displayed in the middle-stage display area 3b of the LCD 3 in the arrangement order of the symbols.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the command code of the symbol stop command 33 and the contents of the command. The symbol stop command 33 is a command for stopping (fixing) a symbol variably displayed in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the designated symbol number 32a. When the display control board D receives the symbol stop command 33, the display areas 3a1-3c specified by the symbol stop command 33 are displayed.
3, stop symbols already designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 are stopped and displayed, and their display areas 3a1 to 3a3 are displayed.
The symbol of c3 is determined. That is, the variable display of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 specified by the symbol stop command 33 ends. When the symbols in all nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 are determined by the symbol stop command 33, the variation display of a series of variation patterns started by the variation pattern designation command 31 ends.

The display control board D takes into consideration the contents of the variation pattern designation command 31 and the stop symbol designation command 32, and the display area corresponding to the symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 at the end of the variation display. 3
As shown in a1 to c3, symbols are replaced in advance during the high-speed fluctuation of the fluctuation display. Moreover, the main control board C controls the symbol stop command 33 to be transmitted to the display control board D at the timing when the variation pattern of the variation display designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 ends. Therefore, the symbol stop command 33
Is stopped (determined) smoothly without giving the player a sense of incongruity.

The transmission timing of the symbol stop command 33 from the main control board C is accelerated, so that the display control board D remains in spite of before the end of the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31. When the symbol stop command 33 is received, the display control board D displays the stop symbol already designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 even in the display area 3a even before the end of the variation pattern.
Stop display is provided at the center of each of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3.
The symbol 3c3 is determined.

The symbol stop command 33 includes nine types of commands for individually determining the symbols in the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3, and one type of command for determining all the symbols in the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 at one time. , Upper, middle,
Three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three lower rows
There are three types of commands that individually determine the symbol of each row, and a total of 13 types of commands are prepared. Among them, a symbol stop command 33 (“80H, 0BH”, “80H, 0C”) for fixing three symbols at a time for each of the upper, middle, and lower rows serving as scroll units.
H "," 80H, 0DH "), the virtual symbol reels 41 to 4 displayed on the display of the LCD 3 by control.
The scrolling of No. 3 can be performed in the same manner as the scrolling of the actual symbol reel, and the interest of the player can be further improved.

Next, each process executed by the pachinko machine P configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the NMI interrupt process executed by the main control board C when the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to a power failure or the like. By the NMI interrupt processing, the state of the main control board C when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored in the backup area 13c.

When the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 51 is transmitted from the power failure monitoring circuit 50 to the NMI (Non Maskable Interru) of the MPU 11 of the main control board C.
pt) terminal. Then, the MPU 11 suspends the control under execution and starts the NMI interrupt processing of FIG. For a predetermined time after the power failure signal 51 is output, power is supplied from a power supply circuit (not shown) so that the processing of the main control board C can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is executed within the predetermined time. Is done.

In the NMI interrupt processing, first, the value of the stack pointer is written to the backup area 13c (S
1) Further, the values of each register and I / O and the like are written in the backup area 13c (S2), and the state at the time of power failure due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored. Thereafter, after executing other power failure processing (S3), the processing is looped until the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the main processing executed on the main control board C of the pachinko machine P. The main control of the pachinko machine P is executed by this main processing. In the main processing, first, after prohibiting the interrupt (S
11), the initialization processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed (S1).
2).

FIG. 10 shows an initialization process (S) executed in the main process of the main control board C when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on.
It is a flowchart of 12). In this process, if the backup is valid, each data stored in the backup area 13c is returned to the original state, and the control of the game is continued from the state before the power was cut off. On the other hand, if the backup is not valid, or if the clear switch 18 is pressed when the power is turned on even if the backup is valid, the RAM clearing and initialization processing is executed. In addition,
This initialization process (S12) is described in the form of a subroutine, but is a process executed before the setting of the stack pointer. Therefore, the initialization process (S12) is actually executed after the process of S11 without a subroutine call.

First, a temporary stack pointer is set so as not to destroy data stacked in the original stack area (S41). It is confirmed whether or not the clear switch 18 is turned on (S42). If it is turned on (S42: Yes), the process proceeds to S44. on the other hand,
If the clear switch 18 is not turned on (S42:
No), it is confirmed whether the backup is valid or not (S43). This determination is made based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 is correctly stored. If the keyword is correctly stored, the backup is valid. Conversely, if the keyword is not correct, the backup data is destroyed and the backup is not valid. If the backup is valid (S43: Yes), the process proceeds to S46,
Each state of the main control board C is returned to the state before the power was turned off.
On the other hand, if the backup is not valid (S43: N
o), the process proceeds to S44.

In the processing from S44, a regular stack pointer is set and the contents of the stack are adjusted (S4
4), execute RAM clear and initialization processing (S4)
5) Initialize each value of the RAM 13 and I / O, etc., and end this initialization processing. After the end of the process of S45,
The process of S13 in FIG. 9 is performed.

In the return process from S46, the data of each register, I / O, etc. evacuated to the backup area 13c is read from the backup area 13c, and these data are written to the original register, I / O, etc. (S4).
6). Further, the value of the stack pointer is read from the backup area 13c, written to the stack pointer, and returned to the state before the power interruption (before the power failure), that is, the state before the occurrence of the NMI interrupt (S47). Similarly, the interruption is returned to the state before the power is turned off (before the power failure), that is, the state before the occurrence of the NMI interruption (S48), and the NMI interruption return is executed.
The process is returned to the position where it was executed before the power was turned off, and the control is continued from the state before the power was turned off.

In the process of S13 in FIG. 9, a timer interrupt is set (S13). The timer interrupt set here includes a timer interrupt for generating a strobe signal for transmitting a control command for controlling the variable display of the LCD 3 to the display control board D. After setting the timer interrupt,
Each interrupt is allowed (S14). After allowing the interrupt,
Special symbol change processing (S25), display data creation processing (S27), ramp / information processing (S28), etc.
A port output process for outputting the output data updated in the previous process to each port at a time is executed (S15).

Further, a random number update process (S16) for updating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot by "+1" is executed, and a storage timer subtraction process is executed (S17). The storage timer subtraction processing is for shortening the time required for the symbol fluctuation display when there are a predetermined number or more of reserve balls for jackpot determination and the LCD 3 is displaying the symbol fluctuation.

In the switch reading process (S18), the value of each switch is read, and the sphere hit into the game area 1 wins the winning opening 2 or the big winning opening 5 (including the V zone 5a).
This is a process for detecting the passing of the symbol operating port 4 and further detecting a prize ball or a lending ball. The count abnormality monitoring process (S19)
This is a process for monitoring whether there is an abnormality in the switch data read by the switch read process of No. 18. For example, the special winning opening 5 is opened, and the V zone 5a of the ball is opened.
If one ball is not detected by the 10 count switch that detects the winning in the special winning opening 5 other than the V zone 5a despite the fact that the ball is detected by the V count switch that detects the passage of Some abnormality has occurred in the 10 count switch, for example, because the count switch is removed. In addition, if one payout ball is not paid out even though the payout motor for paying out the payout ball is driven, some abnormality has occurred in the payout device of the payout ball. As described above, in the count abnormality monitoring process (S19), the presence or absence of the above-described abnormality is monitored based on the switch data read in the switch reading process (S18).

In the symbol counter updating process (S20), L
As a result of the variable display performed on the CD 3, a counter updating process for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed is performed. Also, in the symbol check process (S21), based on the value of the counter updated in the symbol counter update process (S20), a big hit symbol used in the special symbol variation process (S25), a lost symbol, and a reach symbol. Are determined.

In the processing from S16 to S21, if no error has occurred (S22: normal), the fluctuation of the 7-segment LED (not shown) is displayed by the normal symbol fluctuation processing (S23), and the fluctuation is displayed. As a result of the display, when a hit occurs, a hitting process of opening a normal electric accessory (not shown) for a predetermined time is executed. Thereafter, the status flag is checked (S24), and if the symbol change is started or displayed on the LCD 3 (S2).
4: During symbol change), the special symbol change process (S25) determines whether or not a big hit has occurred based on the value of the random number counter read at the timing when the ball passes through the symbol operating port 4, and the LCD 3 A symbol variation process is executed. On the other hand, as a result of checking the state flag, if a big hit is being made (S24: big hit), a big hit process (S26) such as opening the big winning port 5 is executed. Further, as a result of checking the status flag, if the symbol is not fluctuating or being a big hit (S24: other), the process of S25 and S26 is skipped, and the process proceeds to the display data creating process of S27. In the process of S22, if an error is confirmed (S22: error), S23 to
The processing of S26 is skipped, and the process proceeds to the display data creation processing of S27.

In the display data creation processing (S27), demonstration data displayed on the LCD 3 in addition to the symbol change display,
The display data of the 7-segment LED and the like are created, and in the lamp / information processing (S28), various lamp data including the lamp data of the reserved ball are created. In the sound effect processing (S29), sound effect data according to the game situation is created. The display data and the sound effect data are output to each device by the port output process (S15) and the timer interrupt process.

After the end of the sound effect processing (S29), the next S
During the remaining time until the execution timing of the process of No. 15 arrives, the symbol counter updating process (S30), which is the same process as S20, is repeatedly executed. Since the processes of S15 to S29 need to be executed periodically, in the process of S31, the elapsed time from the previous execution of the process of S15 is checked (S31). As a result of the check, the previous S15
If a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the process (S31: Y
es), the process proceeds to S15. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (S31: No), the process proceeds to S30, and the symbol counter updating process (S30) is repeated. Here, the execution time of each processing of S15 to S29 changes according to the state of the game, so the remaining time until the execution timing of the next processing of S15 comes is not a fixed time. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the symbol counter updating process (S30) using the remaining time, the stopped symbols can be changed at random.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a command setting process executed in the special symbol changing process (S25) of the main process in FIG. In this command setting process, the variation pattern designation command 31, the stop symbol designation command 32, and the symbol stop command 33, which are control commands for controlling the variation display on the LCD 3, are transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D. This is a process for writing (setting) each command 31 to 33 into the transmission buffer 13a for transmission.

In the command setting process, first, the state of the variable display is checked by the state flag (S51). As a result of the check, if the fluctuation display is started (S51: fluctuation start), the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 is written into the transmission buffer 13a (S52), and the command counter 13b is written.
Is set to "1" (S53), and this process ends.
The fluctuation pattern specification command 31 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D byte by byte by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S13.

In the process of S51, as a result of checking the status flag, if the symbol is being displayed in a variable display (S51: During the variable display), it is checked whether or not the value of the command counter 13b is "9" or less (S54). ). Command counter 1
If the value of 3b is equal to or less than "9" (S54: Yes), the first byte of the stop symbol designation command 32 corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is written to the upper byte of the transmission buffer 13a (S55). Based on the correspondence shown in FIG. 5A, for example, if the value of the command counter 13b is “1”, “90H” is changed to the value of the command counter 13b.
If the value of the command counter 13b is "9", "A0H" is written to the upper byte of the transmission buffer 13a.

Further, the symbol code 32b of the stop symbol corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is transmitted to the transmission buffer 13a.
(S56). For example, if the value of the command counter 13b is "1", symbol 1 (3a1)
Symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of
If the value of the command counter 13b is “2”, the symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of the symbol 2 (3b1) is..., If the value of the command counter 13b is “9”. The symbol codes 32b of the symbols stopped and displayed in the display area of the symbol 9 (3c3) are respectively shown in FIG.
Is written to the lower byte of the transmission buffer 13a based on the correspondence shown in FIG. Here, "3" is used as the stop symbol.
If a symbol of "10H" is specified, symbol code 3 of "10H"
2b, the symbol code 32b of "11H" is designated when the symbol "MOUSE" is designated, and the symbol code 32b of "21H" is designated when the symbol "candy (5)" is designated. Are respectively specified.

By the processing of S55 and S56, the 2-byte stop symbol designation command 32 is transmitted to the transmission buffer 13a.
After writing to the command counter, the value of the command counter 13b is incremented by "1" (S57), and this process ends. The stop symbol designating command 32 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S13, similarly to the case of the variation pattern designating command 31. Is done.

On the other hand, if the value of the command counter 13b is "1"
If "0" or more (S54: No), it means that the stop symbol designation command 32 has been transmitted for all nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3. Therefore, in such a case,
The processing from S55 to S57 is skipped, and this processing ends.

In the process of S51, as a result of checking the status flag, if it is the timing to end the variable display (S51: End of variable display), the nine display areas 3a1 to 3a1 to 3 are displayed.
The transmission buffer 13a transmits a symbol stop command 33 (80H, 0AH) for stopping and displaying (fixing) all the symbols of c3 at a time.
(S58), and this process ends. The symbol stop command 33 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S13, as in the case of the variation pattern designation command 31. When the symbol stop command 33 is transmitted to the display control board D, a series of variable display started by the variable pattern designation command 31 ends.

The symbol stop display (determination) by the symbol stop command 33 does not necessarily have to determine all nine symbols at one time. For example, nine symbols can be individually determined, or The symbol may be determined for each unit of scrolling, that is, for each of the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol. In the former case, “80H, 01H” to “8” as shown in FIG.
0H, 09H "symbol stop command 33 is used, and in the latter case," 80H, 0BH "to" 80H, 0DH "
Is used.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a command reception process executed in the reception interrupt process of the display control board D. This command reception processing is executed when a control command is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D. First, the display control board D transmitted from the main control board C
The control command received in step (1) is written into the reception buffer 23a (S61), and the command reception flag 23b is turned on (S62) to indicate that a new control command is stored in the reception buffer 23a. The process ends.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the variable display process executed in the main process of the display control board D. In the variable display processing, the variable display is controlled based on the control command received from the main control board C.

First, it is confirmed whether or not the command reception flag 23b is turned on (S71). If the command reception flag 23b is on (S71: Yes), some control command has been received, so after turning off the command reception flag 23b (S72), the command is stored in the upper byte of the reception buffer 23a. The type of control command is confirmed based on the existing data (S73).

If the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is “C0H” or “C1H”, the control command is the fluctuation pattern designation command 31. Therefore, in such a case (S73: fluctuation pattern designation command), all the stopped symbols 1 to 9 are stored in the memory 2
After the contents of 3c to 23k are cleared to 0 (S74), the variation display designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 is displayed on the LCD.
3 (S75).

In the process of S73, the reception buffer 23
The upper byte of the control command stored in “a” is “90H
-92H "," A0H-A2H "or" B0H-B2 "
H ", the control command is the stop symbol designation command 32. Therefore, in such a case (S73: stop symbol designation command), the symbol code 32b, which is the second byte command of the stop symbol designation command 32, corresponds to the corresponding stop symbol 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k.
(S76). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example, if the stop symbol designation command 32 stored in the reception buffer 23a is “90H, 14H”, “9H”
0H "is stored in the stop symbol 1 memory 23c.
(Symbol 7) "is written. If the stop symbol designation command 32 stored in the reception buffer 23a is “B2H, 21H”, the symbol code 32b of “21H (candy symbol)” is stored in the stop symbol 9 memory 23k corresponding to “B2H”. Written.

Thereafter, the changing symbols that are being changed at high speed on the LCD 3 are displayed in the stop symbols 1 to 9 in consideration of the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 and the progress of the variation pattern. Memory 23c-23
The changing symbol is replaced so that the variable display ends with the symbol of the symbol code 32b stored in k (S7).
7). For example, when “14H” is stored in the stop symbol 1 memory 23c, the variable display of the display area 3a1 of symbol 1 ends with the symbol “7” which is the symbol code 32b of “14H”. The symbols are replaced. When "21H" is stored in the stopped symbol 9 memory 23k, the variable display in the display area 3c3 of the symbol 9 ends with the symbol "candy (5)" which is the symbol code 32b of "21H". In this way, the symbols are replaced.

In the process of S73, the reception buffer 23
The upper byte of the control command stored in “a” is “80”.
If "H", the control command is the symbol stop command 33. Therefore, in such a case (S73: symbol stop command), the symbols in the display areas 3a1-3c3 of the symbol number 32a designated by the symbol stop command 33 are determined (S78), and the symbols correspond to the display areas 3a1-3c3. Stop and display the symbol.

For example, if the symbol stop command 33 of “80H, 0AH” is stored in the reception buffer 23a,
The symbols of all nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 are determined at a time and stop-displayed. If the symbol stop command 33 of “80H, 0CH” is stored in the reception buffer 23a, the three symbols 2 displayed in the middle display area 3b
5 and 8 are determined at a time and stopped and displayed.

When the symbol stop command 33 is received even before the end timing of the variable display, the variable display of the display areas 3a1-3c3 specified by the symbol stop command 33 is immediately stopped. (Determine. Therefore, the fluctuation display can be actually ended at the timing of receiving the symbol stop command 33.

If the command reception flag 23b is turned off in the processing of S71 (S71: No),
After the execution of each of the steps S5, S77 and S78, the respective steps are executed in accordance with the state of the variable display (S79), and the variable display processing ends.

Next, the timing of variable display based on the above description will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. First, with reference to FIG. 14, the timing when all nine symbols are stopped and displayed (fixed) at once will be described. When the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D, the symbol 1
For all symbols from (3a1) to symbol 9 (3c3),
The variation display of the pattern determined in the preceding variation start process (S75) is started. This fluctuation pattern specification command 3
Following 1, the stop symbol designation command 32 is sequentially transmitted to the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 during the high-speed fluctuation. The stop symbol designation command 32 is displayed on the control board D for display.
Is received, the stop symbol designation command 32
The symbols are replaced during the high-speed change in accordance with the stop symbol specified by.

After that, the variable display is continued by the display control board D in the variable pattern designated by the variable pattern designation command 31, and the main control board C is transferred from the main control board C to the display control board D at the end timing of the variable display. Stop command 33 (8) to stop display (fix) all three symbols at once
0H and 0AH (see FIG. 7) are transmitted. When the symbol stop command 33 is received by the display control board D, a series of variable display started by the variable pattern designation command 31 ends. After the end of the variable display, the display of the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32, which is stopped and displayed in each of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3, is switched to another display after a lapse of a predetermined time.

If the display control board D receives the symbol stop command 33 before the end of the fluctuation display, the end of the fluctuation display specified by the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 comes. Even if it is not, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol specification command 32 is immediately displayed in the specified display areas 3a1-3c3.
Stop display. With this control, the symbol stop command 3
The variable display can be ended in accordance with the transmission (reception) timing of No. 3.

Next, referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, FIG.
Among the symbol variation control executed in each of the three processes (S79), three representative patterns will be described. The change control shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is such that the second change in the vertical scroll is performed after the first change in the horizontal scroll, and the change display shown in FIG. The second variation of the vertical scroll is performed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first pattern of such fluctuation control. As described above, the display screen of the LCD 3 is divided into nine display areas 3a1,..., 3c3, and a total of nine symbols are displayed in each display area. In the symbol variation display of the present embodiment, a line connecting three adjacent display areas on a straight line is a jackpot line, and a total of eight lines (plural lines) of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal are jackpot lines 71 to 78. I have. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine P that can expect a jackpot with eight lines is used. However, the present embodiment is also applied to a pachinko machine that can expect a jackpot with two or more lines, such as five or three lines. May be used. In addition, the jackpot lines 71 to 78 do not necessarily have to be connected in a straight line, and for example, a line that is bent in a “K” shape or a “H” shape may be used as the jackpot line.

In FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, the first fluctuation is a group of each of the display areas 3a1 to 3a3 in the upper row, the display areas 3b1 to 3b3 in the middle row, and the display areas 3c1 to 3c3 in the lower row. The fluctuation of the symbol scrolled in the horizontal direction is referred to as the second fluctuation, and the second fluctuation is the leftmost display area 3a1, 3b1, 3c1, the center display area 3a.
2, 3b2, 3c2 or rightmost display area 3a3, 3b
In each of the groups 3 and 3c3, it means a change in the symbol scrolled in the vertical direction. Further, the first fluctuation and the second fluctuation are both performed in one fluctuation display.

FIG. 15A shows a screen immediately before the upper and lower horizontal scrolls have already stopped and the middle horizontal scroll has stopped (before the first fluctuation stop). In each of the nine display areas, the symbols “Cake”, “Candy (4)”, and “Girl” are displayed in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3 in order from the left, and in the lower display areas 3c1 to 3c3 in order from the left. "Girl", "candy (4)", "CAK"
The symbol "E" is stopped and displayed. Therefore,
Two big hit lines 7 due to the first fluctuation of horizontal scroll
At 1,75, a double-reach state is achieved with two kinds of symbols, a "girl" symbol (probability variation symbol) having a high game value and a "Cake" symbol (normal symbol) having a low game value. For this reason, the player displays the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3.
Expect a big hit in the result of horizontal scrolling in,
The horizontal scrolling of the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3 is shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 5 (a), when the pattern of "jewel (1)", "5", and "candy (2)" is stopped in order from the left, the two jackpot lines 71 and 75 have developed into a double reach state. Nevertheless, the jackpot is not hit and the player is discouraged.

The normal change display ends in the state shown in FIG. 15A. In the change display of the first pattern, the second change of the vertical scroll is started following the first change of the horizontal scroll. . Therefore, it is possible to make the player who has once given up the jackpot expect the jackpot again, thereby improving the willingness to play.

In this embodiment, whether or not the second variation is performed following the first variation is determined by the fact that the ball which has won the first type starting port 4 is provided in the first type starting port 4. It is determined by the timing of passing through the switch. However, whether or not to execute the second variation may be determined based on another condition. Further, in this embodiment, the probability variation symbol means each symbol of “3”, “5”, “7” and “girl”, while the ordinary symbol is “MOUSE”,
The symbols "CAT (1)", "FRUIT", "Cake", and "CAT (2)". Each of the other “candy (1) to (5)” and “jewel (1) to (4)” symbols is a lost symbol. When three symbols of probability variation symbols are arranged on any of the jackpot lines 71 to 78, a probability variation jackpot occurs, and thereafter, a predetermined number of jackpot occurrence probabilities vary with a high probability, and a large game value is provided to the player. . On the other hand, the normal pattern is any of the jackpot lines 71-
When three symbols are aligned on 78, it becomes a normal jackpot in which the jackpot occurrence probability does not change. Even if three symbols are aligned on any of the jackpot lines 71 to 78, the lost symbols do not become jackpots.

FIG. 15 (b) shows the middle display area 3b1.
The screen immediately after the first change ends with the stop of the horizontal scroll of 3b3 and the vertical scroll of the second change starts. The groups arranged in the horizontal direction in the upper, middle, and lower tiers are temporarily released, and the display areas 3a1, 3 at the left end are newly added.
b1, 3c1 and the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c
2 are grouped in the vertical direction. And
In the display regions 3a1, 3b1, and 3c1 at the left end, scrolling starts from bottom to top, and in the center display regions 3a2, 3b2, and 3c2, scrolling starts from top to bottom. The display area 3a at the right end where the second change of the vertical scroll is not performed.
Symbols of "girl", "candy (2)", and "CAKE" are displayed in order from 3, 3b3, 3c3 from the top.

Here, before the start of the second fluctuation (before the change of the moving direction), the display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 at the left end are
"Cake", "jewel (1)", "girl" in order from the top
Are displayed respectively. In the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, and 3c1, in the second vertical scrolling, vertical scrolling is performed upward from the bottom, so that the "girl" is displayed on the basis of the "girl" symbol in the lower left display area 3c1. The second variation of the vertical scroll is performed only with the symbol (the same symbol).

The central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3
In c2, since the vertical scroll is performed from top to bottom in the second change, a newly appearing display symbol is based on “candy (4)” displayed in the display area 3a2 in the upper center at the end of the first change. Is determined. In other words, after “Candy (4)”, “5”, and “Candy (4)” that are stopped and displayed in the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, and 3c2 at the end of the first change, the display area 3a in the upper middle section is displayed.
Based on the “candy (4)” of No. 2 and using the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 42 in the middle, “candy (4)”,
"CAKE", "jewel (4)", "CAT (2)",
Vertical scrolling is performed from top to bottom in the order of “candy (5)”, “3”,.

When the scroll is changed from horizontal scroll (first variation) to vertical scroll (second variation),
Regarding the arrangement order of the changed scroll symbols, any of the arrangements of the virtual symbol reels 41, 42, 43 in the upper, middle, and lower stages may be selected. As described above, in FIG. 15B, the scroll of the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2 is performed based on the arrangement of the middle-stage virtual symbol reels 42. This may be performed based on the arrangement of the reels 41 and 43.

FIG. 15C shows the display area 3a1 at the left end.
This shows a screen immediately before the scrolling of 3b1 and 3c1 is stopped and the scrolling of the central display areas 3a2, 3b2 and 3c2 is continued. Display area 3a at left end
Since the scroll is slow in 1, 3b1 and 3c1, the player may select the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1 and 3c1.
It can be predicted that three "girl" symbols will stop.
Thereby, the display areas 3a1 and 3c at the upper left and lower left ends are displayed.
A double reach state is generated by the two jackpot lines 75 and 76 connecting the "girl" symbol displayed in 1 and the "girl" symbol displayed in the upper right display area 3a3. This is a double-reach state with a symbol with a high game value ("girl" = probability variation symbol),
Even if the jackpot hits any one of the two jackpot lines 75 and 76, the probability variation starts, so that the player's sense of expectation is dramatically increased and the interest in the game is improved.

In FIG. 15C, the jackpot lines 75 and 76 in the reach state are drawn by solid lines.
This indicates that the big hit lines 75 and 76 are displayed on the LCD 3 so as to overlap the symbols. In the change display of the present embodiment, the effective jackpot line changes according to the change of the change direction, so that it is difficult for the player to recognize which is the effective jackpot line. For example, a line 72 connecting the display regions 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 at the left end in the vertical direction.
Functions as an effective big hit line 72 in the first change of the horizontal scroll, but is not set as the big hit line in the second change of the vertical scroll with only the same symbol of “girl”. In this case, it is difficult for the player to recognize which is the effective jackpot line, and the player's willingness to play is reduced. Therefore, among the effective jackpot lines, the jackpot line in the reach state is displayed on the LCD 3 so that the player can easily understand the effective jackpot line. Note that not only the jackpot line in the reach state but also all of the valid jackpot lines may be displayed on the LCD 3. However, in such a case, a large number of jackpot lines are displayed on the LCD 3 so as to be superimposed on the symbol, and as a result, it is difficult to see the display.

FIG. 15D shows a central display area 3a2.
The screen immediately before the vertical scrolling of 3b2 and 3c2 is stopped, that is, the screen immediately before the second fluctuation stops. When the symbol of “girl” is stopped and displayed in the display area 3a2 in the upper center or the display area 3b2 in the middle center, a big hit occurs. As described above, the second variation of the at least one vertical scroll is performed only with the same symbol as the one symbol that is stopped and displayed, so that the double reach that becomes the reach on the two jackpot lines is made to appear. , The interest of the game can be improved. At that time, by making the probability reach symbol a double reach state, the interest of the game can be further improved.

After the end of the second change of the vertical scroll, the arrangement of the stopped symbols is different from the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41, 42, 43 of the first change of the horizontal scroll, so the next first change is started. Before displaying, the display symbol is changed to the virtual symbol reel 41,
It is necessary to return to the arrangement of 42 and 43. That is, a return effect of the symbol is required. The return effect in this embodiment is LC
The symbol displayed on D3 is temporarily set to a display state that makes it difficult for the player to visually recognize, and during the display state that is difficult to visually recognize, the arrangement of the displayed symbols is changed to the virtual symbol reel 4.
It returns to the arrangement of 1, 42, 43. Thereby, the arrangement of the symbols can be returned without giving the player a sense of discomfort. Examples of the display that is difficult to visually recognize include, for example, a display in which the entire screen is made completely white or dark for a moment, or the entire screen is made to flash with a flashlight. In a return effect in which the entire screen is flashed with a flashlight, the pattern arrangement is returned to the normal horizontal scroll arrangement at once or gradually during such blinking.

Instead of the return effect, the symbols stopped after the second change of the vertical scrolling are simply horizontally scrolled in the displayed order. May be displayed. In this case, when the symbol at the end of the second change disappears from the screen by the horizontal scroll, the symbol arrangement is returned to the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43. Therefore, only the symbol at the start of the horizontal scroll is the virtual symbol reel 4
This is different from the arrangements 1 to 43. In addition,
When the horizontal scrolling is performed from right to left, based on the symbol stopped and displayed in the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3, on the contrary, when the horizontal scrolling is performed from left to right, the leftmost display is performed. With reference to the symbols stopped and displayed in the areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1, horizontal scrolling of the symbols is started from the symbols based on the symbols in accordance with the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a second pattern of the symbol fluctuation control. As in the case of the first pattern shown in FIG. Then, a state in which the second change of the vertical scroll is started is illustrated.

FIG. 16A shows a screen immediately before the upper and lower horizontal scroll stops and the middle horizontal scroll stops (before the first fluctuation stop). Upper display area 3
The symbols “MOUSE”, “Candy (1)”, and “3” are displayed in the order from left to right in the display areas 3c1 in the lower row.
3C3, the symbols "CAT (1)", "jewel (2)", and "7" are stopped and displayed in order from the left. Further, the symbols in the display areas 3b1 to 3b3 in the middle row have not been stopped yet, but the scrolling has become slower just before the stop, and the player has “jewel (3)”, “girl”, “girl” in order from the left. It can be predicted that the symbol "candy (4)" is stopped and displayed. The normal change display ends here. In the change display of the second pattern, the second change of the vertical scroll is started following the first change of the horizontal scroll, and the game state transitions to a gaming state in which a big hit can be expected. .

FIG. 16B shows the display areas 3b1 to 3b1 in the middle stage.
The screen immediately after the first change ends with the stop of the horizontal scroll of 3b3 and the second change of the vertical scroll starts. The groups arranged in the horizontal direction in the upper, middle, and lower tiers are temporarily released, and three new display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 on the left end and three display areas 3a on the right end are newly added.
3, 3b3 and 3c3 are grouped in the vertical direction, respectively. Then, the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c
1, the display areas 3a3 and 3b on the right end
In 3, 3c3, scrolling is started from top to bottom. In the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, and 3c2 where the second vertical scrolling is not performed, symbols of "candy (1)", "girl", and "jewel (2)" are displayed in order from the top. I have.

The rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3
Is vertically scrolled from top to bottom in the second variation, so a newly appearing display symbol is determined based on “3” displayed in the upper right end display area 3a3 at the end of the first variation. . In other words, after “7”, “Candy (4)”, and “3” stopped and displayed in the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3, and 3c3 at the end of the first change, “3” in the upper rightmost display area 3a3 is displayed. , "3", "candy (1)", "MOUSE", "jewel (1)",...
, Vertical scrolling is performed from top to bottom.

Here, before the second fluctuation is started (before the change of the moving direction), the display regions 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 at the left end are set.
Has "MOUSE", "jewel (3)",
The pattern of "CAT (1)" is displayed, and the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2 where vertical scrolling is not performed
Does not include the "Girl" symbol, which is the winning symbol displayed in the "." Therefore, in such a case, as in the first pattern shown in FIG. 15, the display regions 3a1, 3b1,
The vertical scroll in 3c1 is changed to the lower left display area 3c.
Even if it is performed only with the symbol “CAT (1)” of No. 1, it cannot be developed into the reach state, and the interest of the game cannot be improved. Therefore, in the variable display of the second pattern, the vertical scroll in the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 is performed.
"Girl" displayed in the display area 3b2 in the middle center
By performing only with the symbol of, that is, by performing only with the hit symbol of the display area which is stopped and displayed, a reach state, a double reach state, and further a triple reach state are generated, and the player's willingness to play the game and Improve interest and interest.

FIG. 16 (c) shows the display area 3a1 at the left end.
This shows a screen immediately before the scrolling of 3b1 and 3c1 is stopped and the scrolling of the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3 and 3c3 is continued. Display area 3a at left end
Since the scroll is slow in 1, 3b1 and 3c1, the player may select the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1 and 3c1.
It can be predicted that three "girl" symbols will stop.
As a result, the "girl" symbol displayed in the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 and the display area 3 in the middle middle stage are displayed.
The triple reach state is generated by the three jackpot lines 71, 75, and 77 connecting the symbol of "girl" displayed in b2. This is a triple-reach state with a symbol with a high game value ("girl" = probability-changing symbol)
Even if any of the three jackpot lines 71, 75, and 76 hits a jackpot, the probability variation starts, so that the player's sense of expectation is dramatically increased, and the interest in the game is improved.

FIG. 16D shows the display area 3a3 at the right end.
The screen immediately before the vertical scrolling of 3b3 and 3c3 stops, that is, the screen immediately before the second fluctuation stops. "Girl" is displayed in one of the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 on the right end.
When the symbol is stopped and displayed, a big hit occurs. As described above, the second variation of the vertical scroll performed in the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, and 3c1 is changed to the middle middle display area 3b2.
By using only the same symbol as the symbol displayed in the above, a triple reach that can be reached on the three jackpot lines can be made to appear, and the interest of the game can be improved.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third pattern of the symbol variation control. Before (the middle of) the first variation of the horizontal scroll is stopped, the symbol re-varies and the second variation of the vertical scroll becomes smaller. The start is shown.

FIG. 17A shows a screen immediately before the upper and lower horizontal scrolls have already stopped and the middle horizontal scroll has stopped (before the first fluctuation stop). In the upper display areas 3a1-3a3, the symbols of "girl", "jewel (3)", and "FRUIT" are displayed in order from the left, and the lower display area 3
The symbols “girl”, “candy (4)”, and “Cake” are stopped and displayed in order from c3 to c3 from the left. Further, in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3, the horizontal scrolling is performed at a high speed, and it is impossible for the player to visually recognize the symbols.

In this state, the “girl” symbol displayed in the upper left and lower display areas 3a1 and 3c1 is in the reach state, and the player is in the middle display area 3b1 to 3b1.
A big hit is expected in the result of the horizontal scrolling of 3b3. The normal variable display is thereafter performed in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b.
3 is stopped when the horizontal scrolling stops, but in the variable display of the third pattern, the middle display area 3b1
During horizontal scrolling of 3b3, the second of vertical scrolling
The change is started to make a transition to a gaming state in which a big hit can be expected more, thereby improving the player's willingness to play.

FIG. 17 (b) shows the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b1.
The screen immediately after the second variation of vertical scrolling is started from top to bottom in the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 while horizontal scrolling of 3b3 is continued.
Note that the display area 3b3 at the right end
Although the first variation of the horizontal scroll of b1 to 3b3 and the second variation of the vertical scroll of the display areas 3a3, 3b3, and 3c3 at the right end intersect, in this embodiment, the first variation of the horizontal scroll has priority. The vertical scroll of the second variation is displayed on the display so as to pass below the horizontal scroll of the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3. Also,
The symbols stopped by the first change are displayed in the upper left and lower display areas 3a1 and 3c1 where the second change of the vertical scroll is not performed, and in the upper middle and lower display areas 3a2 and 3c2, respectively.

Here, before the second variation is started, the symbols "FRUIT" and "Cake" are displayed in the display regions 3a3 and 3c3 at the upper right and lower right ends in order from the top. On the other hand, in the upper left and lower left display areas 3a1 and 3c1 that are stopped and displayed, a symbol of "girl" is displayed. In this case, the second display area 3a3 or 3c3 at the right end
The fluctuations are the same as in the case of the second pattern shown in FIG.
E)), the image is vertically scrolled from top to bottom only by the symbol of “girl” displayed in the leftmost display areas 3a1 and 3c1.

FIG. 17C shows a display area 3a3 at the right end.
A screen immediately before the vertical scrolling of 3c3 stops (before the second fluctuation stop) and in which the horizontal scrolling of the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3 is continued. Since the vertical scrolling is slow in the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3c3, the player can predict that the symbol of "girl" will stop in the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3c3. This allows
The four jackpot lines 71, 72, 74 and 4 connecting the "girl" symbol displayed in the leftmost display areas 3a1 and 3c1 and the "girl" symbol displayed in the rightmost display areas 3a3 and 3c3. With 75, a tetra-reach state is generated (the symbols in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3 can be stopped at three places, and thus are substantially in the triple-reach state).

FIG. 17D shows the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b1.
The screen just before the horizontal scrolling of 3b3 stops, that is, just before the first fluctuation stops, is a big hit if the symbol of “girl” is stopped and displayed in any of the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3. In this way, before the first change of the horizontal scroll is stopped, the second change of the vertical scroll is started,
In addition, the second variation of the vertical scroll is performed on the same symbol as the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area on the left end and in the reach state, thereby displaying the tetra reach state in which the reach state is reached on the four jackpot lines. It is possible to improve the interest of the game by letting them out.

The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can easily be inferred.

For example, the direction of the variable display in each of the above embodiments may be changed. That is, in vertical scrolling, scrolling from top to bottom is scrolled from bottom to top, and conversely, scrolling from bottom to top is scrolled from top to bottom. May be. Similarly, the scroll direction of the horizontal scroll may be changed.

In addition, diagonal scrolling may be performed in addition to or instead of vertical scrolling and horizontal scrolling in each of the above embodiments. Three display areas (3a1, 3b2, 3c3) and (3a
3, 3b2, 3c1) is not limited to scrolling obliquely from top to bottom or in the opposite direction.
3b1), (3b3, 3c2) and 1 display area (3a
1), (3a3), (3c1), and (3c3) include scrolling obliquely from top to bottom or in the opposite direction.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the variation control is performed on the display control board D, but the variation control may be performed on a control board other than the display control board D. For example, a control board may be provided between the main control board C and the display control board D, and the control board may perform such control. Alternatively, the main control board C itself may be configured to perform such control.

The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine of a different type from the above embodiment. For example, once a jackpot has been hit, a pachinko machine (commonly known as a twice-rights item or a three-times right item) can increase the jackpot expectation value until a jackpot state occurs a plurality of times (for example, two or three times). ). Further, the pachinko machine may be put into a special gaming state on condition that a ball is won in a predetermined area after the big hit symbol is displayed. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, the present invention may be implemented as various game machines such as areache, sparrow ball, slot machine, so-called game machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined.

In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating an operation lever in a state where a symbol is inserted and a symbol valid line is determined, and the symbol is stopped and determined by operating a stop button. Is well known. Therefore, the basic concept of the slot machine is as follows.
The change of the identification information is started by the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the identification information is changed by the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. Is stopped, and the slot machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information, In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium.

Further, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, a variable display means for variably displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols and then displaying the symbols in a fixed manner is provided. Not equipped with a handle. In this case, a predetermined operation (button operation)
After the predetermined amount of balls is thrown based on the symbol, for example, the fluctuation of the symbol starts due to the operation of the operation lever, and the fluctuation of the symbol, for example, due to the operation of the stop button or after a predetermined time elapses. It is stopped, and a jackpot state advantageous to the player is generated on condition that the final symbol at the time of the stop is a so-called jackpot symbol, and a large amount of balls are paid out to the lower saucer to the player. .

Hereinafter, modified examples of the present invention will be described. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a change display (dynamic display; the same applies hereinafter) after the movement direction is changed (all performed with the same identification information).
The gaming machine 1 characterized in that the same type of identification information as the identification information displayed in a display area other than the display area in which the change display after the change of the change direction is performed appears in the identification information changed by the change direction. . All the variable displays after the change in the change direction are performed with the same identification information, and the identification information is the same type of identification information displayed in a display area other than the display area where the change display after the change in the change direction is performed. When the identification information appears, a state in which a predetermined game value is given based on the identification information and the identification information that can be stopped by the change display after the change in the change direction (for example, a "big hit state"; hereinafter, referred to as a "big hit state"). ) Can be expected (for example, “reach state”; hereinafter, referred to as “reach state”). Therefore, even if the player does not enter the reach state before the change direction, the reach state can be revealed by changing the change direction of the change display, thereby increasing the interest of the game and improving the player's willingness to play. Can be done. Further, in such a case, since the change display after the change of the change direction is all performed with the same identification information, the reach state on the display can always appear and the player's expectation of the jackpot can be greatly increased.

[0117] In the gaming machine or the gaming machine 1 according to the first aspect, the change of the change direction of the change display is performed when the appearance of the jackpot or the reach state cannot be expected. . By changing the direction of change from the display state in which the appearance of the jackpot or the reach state cannot be expected and performing the variable display, the appearance of the jackpot or the reach state can be expected. Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation of the occurrence of the jackpot of the player once lost, thereby increasing the willingness to play.

In the gaming machine or the gaming machine 1 according to the first aspect, the change of the change direction of the change display is performed in spite of the fact that a plurality of the same identification information are displayed on the jackpot line and the display state is changed to a state in which a big hit can be expected. The gaming machine 3 is performed when different identification information stops on the jackpot line and a jackpot cannot be expected. It is possible to increase the expectation of the occurrence of the jackpot of the player once lost, thereby increasing the willingness to play.

In the gaming machine or the gaming machine 1 according to the first aspect, when the change direction of the change display is changed, a state in which a plurality of the same identification information is displayed on the jackpot line and a change to a display state in which a big hit can be expected. A gaming machine 4 characterized in that the gaming machine 4 is performed. By setting a state in which a big hit can be expected in a state where a big hit can be expected, the player's willingness to play can be increased.

The gaming machine according to claim 1 or the gaming machines 1 to 4
In any one of the above, the variation display after the change direction is performed after the change display before the change direction is temporarily stopped is performed. After the change display is temporarily stopped, the change display in which the change direction is changed is restarted, so that the player can experience the expectation of the occurrence of the big hit twice or more in one change display.

The gaming machine according to claim 1 or the gaming machines 1 to 4
In any one of the above, the variation display after the change in the change direction is performed when at least one or more of the change displays before the change in the change direction are continued. In such a case, a period occurs in which the change display before the change direction is changed and the change display after the change direction is changed at the same time, so that the player is surprised and refreshes the player's willingness to play. be able to.

The gaming machine or the gaming machines 1 to 6 according to claim 1
The gaming machine 7 according to any one of the above, wherein the fluctuation display after the change in the change direction can be in the reach state with a greater probability than the change display before the change in the change direction. Since the reach state is established with a large probability by changing the change direction of the change display, the player's sense of expectation for the jackpot can be naturally increased, and the player's willingness to play can be increased. In addition, as the reach state mentioned here,
For example, it includes a normal reach state, a super reach where the reach has been developed, or a jackpot.

The gaming machine or the gaming machines 1 to 7 according to claim 1
In any one of the above, the variable display is performed by grouping a plurality of display areas of the display device into a predetermined group and changing identification information in the display area of the grouped group. When the change direction is changed, the group is once released, the group is once again grouped in a new display area, and the variable information is displayed by changing the identification information in the display area of the newly grouped group. A gaming machine 8 characterized in that it is a game machine.

[0124] In the gaming machine according to claim 1, the control means includes: a main control means for controlling a game; Display control means for performing a display, the display control means, while defining a group for the variable display including a plurality of identification information,
A gaming machine 9 characterized by redefining a new group. Here, a group refers to a series of pseudo, virtual, or control provided on a display device in order to use a plurality of display units that are originally not related to each other as if they were related display units. It is a unity. By defining the group, the identification information in the group can be continuously displayed on one or more display units of the display device, and the display device can be used effectively. The “group” is a concept including “link”, “synchronous sequence”, “virtual reel”, “virtual array”, and the like, and the same effect can be obtained when these groups are replaced. In addition, the term "prescribed" also includes deriving one selected from a plurality of items and deriving one stored or set in advance.

In the gaming machine 9, the display control means moves and displays the identification information in a direction set by the group to perform a variable display, and when the group is redefined, the display control means controls the display. A gaming machine 10 characterized by moving and displaying identification information in a direction set by a redefined group to perform a variable display. Since the direction of the variable display is set along with the re-regulation of the group, it is possible to provide a variety of effects and improve the interest of the game.

In any one of the gaming machines 9 and 10, the display control means performs the change display of the group after the redefinition based on at least one identification information of another group displayed on the display device. Gaming machine 1 characterized by the following:
One. By performing the variable display of the group after the redefinition with the same identification information as the identification information of the other groups displayed on the display device, the appearance of the reach state or the jackpot state can be greatly expected. Therefore, it is possible to increase a player's sense of expectation of occurrence of a big hit and increase a player's willingness to play.

The gaming machine or the gaming machines 1 to 1 according to claim 1
In any one of the first to eighth aspects, the jackpot line for displaying the jackpot state for giving the predetermined game value is changed in accordance with the change direction of the change display.

In the gaming machine 12, when the big hit line is changed according to the change direction of the variable display, the changed big hit line is displayed on the display device so that the player can recognize the big hit line. A gaming machine 13 characterized by the following. Since the changed jackpot line is displayed so that the player can visually recognize it, even if the jackpot line is changed, the player can enjoy the game without being confused.

A gaming machine or a gaming machine 1 to 1 according to claim 1
In any one of the above-mentioned items 3, when the variable display is started in the variable direction before the change after the variable direction of the variable display is changed, the arrangement of the identification information displayed on the display device is changed before the start of the variable display. A gaming machine 14 wherein a return effect for adjusting the arrangement suitable for the variable display is performed before the direction is changed. The arrangement of the identification information is different from the original arrangement due to the change of the change direction. In this state, since the next variable display cannot be started, it is conceivable that the arrangement of the identification information is switched at once and returned at the start of the next variable display. However, if the switching of the identification information is performed by such a method, the identification information is intentionally operated and the impression that the information is rearranged is given to the player, and the desire to play the game may be reduced.
Not preferred. On the other hand, according to the gaming machine 14, when the fluctuation display is started in the fluctuation direction before the change, before the start of the fluctuation display, the arrangement of the identification information displayed on the display device is changed before the change direction. Since the return effect of adjusting the arrangement suitable for the variable display is performed, the next variable display can be started smoothly without giving the player an uncomfortable feeling. The return effect may be performed at the end of the change display after the change of the moving direction, or may be performed before the start of the change display performed in the change direction before the change.

In the gaming machine 14, the return effect is performed while the identification information displayed on the display device is once made difficult to visually recognize.
5. In addition, as a state in which visual recognition is difficult, for example, the entire display screen may be made completely white or dark for a moment, or the entire screen may be flashed with a flashlight. In a return effect in which the entire display screen is flashed with a flashlight, the arrangement of the identification information is returned to an appropriate array at once or gradually during such flashing.

In the gaming machine 14, when the return display is started in the change direction before the change, the identification information displayed on the display device is changed in the same direction in the change direction before the change. A gaming machine 16 characterized by being fluctuated and disappearing from the display.

[0132] In the gaming machine or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 16, a command transmitted from the main control means, wherein the display control means performs dynamic display of identification information. The gaming machine 17, wherein the command for use includes a pattern specification command for specifying a series of dynamic display patterns. Since a series of dynamic display patterns is instructed at once from the main control means to the display control means, the display control means can perform the change processing of the dynamic display pattern at one time, and the Control can be realized.

The gaming machine 18 according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, the pachinko machine has an operation handle as a basic configuration, and fires a ball to a predetermined game area in response to operation of the operation handle, and the ball wins an operation port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. (Or pass through the operating port) is a condition in which the identification information variably displayed on the display device is fixedly stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special game state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined mode so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the winning number is obtained. Value (including data written to magnetic cards as well as prize balls)
Are given.

The gaming machine 19 according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is as follows: "variable display means for variably displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of pieces of identification information and then confirming and displaying the identification information is used. Alternatively, or after a lapse of a predetermined time, the change of the identification information is stopped, and a condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information is a necessary condition.
A game machine having special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player. In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium.

A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the integrated gaming machine is as follows: "variable display means for variably displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information and then confirming and displaying the identification information is provided. The change of the identification information is started due to the operation, and the change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. A special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the fixed identification information is the specific identification information, using a ball as a game medium, and starting the change of the identification information In such a case, a predetermined number of balls are required, and when a special game state occurs, many balls are paid out.

[0136]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the change display of the identification information can be changed in two or more directions, and at least one change display after changing the change direction is the same. Since the identification information is used, there is an effect that the player can be expected to give a predetermined game value and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where a display screen of a liquid crystal display is divided into nine display areas.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a command code of a variation pattern designation command and the contents of the command.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a command code of a stop symbol designating command and a symbol number designated by the command code. (B) is a diagram showing the correspondence between 20 types of symbol codes and symbol names.

FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a virtual symbol reel that is variably displayed in an upper display area;
(B) is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a virtual symbol reel variably displayed in a middle display area, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a virtual symbol reel variably displayed in a lower display region. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a command code of a symbol stop command and the contents of the command.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an NMI interrupt process executed by the main control board when the power of the pachinko machine is cut off due to a power failure or the like.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main process executed by the main control board.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an initialization process executed in the main process of the main control board when the pachinko machine is turned on.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a command setting process executed in the main process of the main control board.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a command reception process executed by a reception interrupt of the display control board.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a variable display process executed in a main process of the display control board.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart of a variable display for fixing all symbols at once.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first pattern of a variable display executed in the symbol display control process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second pattern of the variable display executed in the symbol display control process.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third pattern of the variable display executed in the symbol display control process.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 Liquid crystal display (LCD)
(Display device) 3a Upper display area 3b Middle display area 3c Lower display area 3a1-3c3 Display area of each symbol 3a1, 3a2, 3a3 Left end display area 3b1, 3b2, 3b3 Center display area 3c1, 3c2, 3c3 Right display area 22 Program ROM of display control board 23 Work RA of display control board
M 31 Variation pattern designation command (part of control command) 32 Stop symbol designation command (part of control command) 33 Symbol stop command (part of control command) 41-43 Virtual symbol reel 71-78 Big hit line C Main control board (part of control means, main control means) D Control board for display (part of control means, control means for display) P Pachinko machine (game machine)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A display device for displaying identification information such as a symbol, and control means for causing the display device to dynamically display the identification information, wherein the dynamic display of the identification information indicates a predetermined display result. In the gaming machine that gives a predetermined game value when derived, the change display of the identification information can be changed in two or more directions, and at least one change after the change in the change direction is performed. A gaming machine characterized in that all displays are performed with the same identification information.