JP2003024586A - Game machine, method for expressing performance for game machine, storing medium and server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine by which it strongly appeals to a game player that time when whether a big win is realized is determined approaches moment by moment and expectation and excitement on the future of a game are raised and the interest can be remarkably improved. SOLUTION: The game machine is characterized by a game machine consisting of a discriminating information image region for displaying a discriminating information image which is provided on a game board and is each variably displayed and can be displayed for stopping at a specified timing and a performance image region for displaying a performance image and having a displaying part where a screen image on which one or a plurality of characters appear is displayed and that after it is ready for winning, a plurality of icons are displayed in the performance image region and on a plurality of the icons, the number is decreased caused by an action of at least one character and just after the number of the icons is decreased, or just after the icons disappear, the final variable pattern is displayed for stopping.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, a method of expressing the game machine, a storage medium, and a server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko game machine is provided with a display device having a CRT or a liquid crystal monitor, for example, in order to keep a player playing a pachinko game from getting tired and to grasp the game state. In this display device, normally, in order to attract the player's interest in the game, while the variable symbol is variably displayed in the identification information image area in which the identification information image having a plurality of identification information such as numerical values is displayed, In the effect image area where the effect image is displayed, effect expression is performed in which a background image such as a moving image having a certain narrative property is displayed.

Recently, a variety of stories, characters, etc. developed in this display device have appeared, such as the appearance of the main character of a dramatic picture or a person related to it, or the appearance of professional wrestling or sumo characters. is doing.

In addition, after the so-called reach is reached, the player pays attention to the screen with the expectation that it may be a big hit, so many things have been devised, and it is normal before the reach. Compared to the story on the screen,
He is trying to develop a high-impact story and further draw the player's attention.

Furthermore, in recent years, as the number of pachinko players has increased dramatically and the number of maniacs for pachinko players has increased, when the fate of the players after reaching is displayed on the display unit, the reach state is simply changed. Instead of displaying only one thing, mania by making more complicated modes such as so-called double reach and triple reach where the reach continues multiple times, super reach with a high probability of being a big hit, etc. The device is designed to satisfy the satisfaction of the player.

On the other hand, there are also devised variations of the variable design. For example, the variable design is placed on a belt conveyor and moved on a fixed orbit, as in the case of sushi material in rotary sushi. Some have adopted a screen configuration that goes well.

As described above, there are many devised devices for the effect screen after the reach and the variation mode of the variable pattern, and in particular, as described above, the variation mode of the variable pattern and the effect screen are expressed in association with each other. Although there are various types, there are few that effectively use a certain pattern in association with the above-mentioned effect image in addition to the variable pattern, and a new effect method that gives an impact to the player is required. It was being done.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is a design different from a variable design after reaching, and an important effect image with an effect image. Display multiple related symbols, and
By gradually reducing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in the effect image, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time to determine whether or not to be a big hit is approaching momentarily, and the player A gaming machine that can be attracted strongly to images, raise expectations about the whereabouts of the game, and when the game is a jackpot, enhance the player's sense of fulfillment and achievement, and achieve a dramatic increase in interest, An object of the present invention is to provide an effect expression method for a game machine, a storage medium, and a server.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, after reaching, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are The number is reduced due to the action of at least one character, and the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the number of the icons is reduced or immediately after the icons are completely disappeared.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following. (1) An identification information image area that displays an identification information image that is provided on a game board and that is displayed in a variable manner and that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area that displays an effect image. A gaming machine having a display unit for displaying a screen image in which one or more characters appear in the effect image area, and after reaching, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and The number of the plurality of icons decreases due to the action of at least one character, and the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the number of the icons decreases or immediately after the icons disappear completely. Is characterized by.

According to the invention of (1), after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and have a significant relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. be able to.

The present invention further provides the following. (2) A display unit that is provided on the game board and displays a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these images as appropriate according to the game situation developed on the game board,
And a control unit for transmitting electronic data to the display unit, and the screen image, each of which is variably displayed,
A screen image in which one or more characters appear is included in the effect image area, which includes an identification information image area that displays an identification information image that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area that displays an effect image. In a gaming machine having a display section, after reaching, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are the number of the icons due to the action of at least one character. Immediately after the number of icons has decreased,
Alternatively, the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the icon is completely disappeared.

According to the invention of (2), after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and have important relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. be able to.

The present invention further provides the following. (3) In the gaming machine described in (1) or (2) above, an enemy character and a teammate character appear in the effect image area, and after reaching, a plurality of effect image areas are displayed. With the icon indicating a bullet displayed, the number of the plurality of icons is reduced due to the shooting action of the enemy character or the ally character, immediately after the number of the icons is reduced, or the icon is completely removed. It is characterized in that the final variable pattern is stopped and displayed immediately after it disappears.

According to the invention of (3), after reaching, the icons indicating a plurality of bullets that are related to the effect image are displayed, and the number of the icons indicating the bullets is gradually reduced, whereby the story is displayed. It is possible to make a stronger appeal to the player that the end of the game is approaching, that is, the time of determining whether or not to be a jackpot is getting closer. In addition, the effect that the number of bullets is reduced due to the shooting action is an effect that is easily accepted by the player, and, for example, the enemy character is defeated by reducing the number of bullets that the ally character has. Since the chances decrease, it is possible to pay attention to the whereabouts of the story while being harassed, and whether or not the teammate character defeats the opponent determines whether or not it is a big hit, so it is strongly attracted to the image. You can be absorbed in such a production.

The present invention further provides the following. (4) A display unit that is provided on the game board and displays a screen image composed of a moving image, a static image, or a combination of these images as appropriate according to the game situation developed on the game board,
It is a representation expression method of a gaming machine having a control unit for transmitting electronic data to the display unit, and, in the display unit, each of them is variably displayed, and a plurality of variable symbols that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing. A game having a display unit that includes an identification information image area that displays an identification information image and an effect image area that displays an effect image, and that displays a screen image in which one or more characters appear in the effect image area. A method of expressing a machine, in which after reaching, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the number of the plurality of icons is decreased due to the action of at least one character, and the icon The final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the number of symbols is reduced or immediately after the icon is completely erased.

According to the invention of (4), after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and have important relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. It is possible to provide a production expression method of a gaming machine that can perform.

The present invention further provides the following. (5) A computer-readable storage medium that stores a control program for displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these images as appropriate in accordance with the gaming status of a gaming machine, wherein The program is
Each is variably displayed, including an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image consisting of a plurality of variable symbols that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area for displaying an effect image, and the effect image area is , A program for displaying an image in which one or more characters appear as the screen image, and after reaching, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are at least Due to the action of one character, the number of the symbols is reduced, and immediately after the number of the icons is reduced, or immediately after the icons are completely extinguished, the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed. It is characterized by

According to the invention of (5), after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and have important relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. It is possible to provide a storage medium that can be used.

The present invention further provides the following. (6) A server for displaying a gaming machine image showing a gaming machine on each terminal, and a screen including a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these images, depending on the situation of the game played on the terminal. An image is displayed, and each is variably displayed, and includes an identification information image area that displays an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable patterns that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area that displays an effect image. , Controlling the terminal device to display an image in which one or more characters appear in the effect image area, and displaying a plurality of icons in the effect image area after reaching, and at least one Due to the action of the character, the number of the plurality of icons is reduced, and immediately after the number of the icons is reduced, or the icon is completely removed. And performing control to stop displaying the final variation pattern immediately after is dark relative to the terminal.

According to the invention of (6), after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and which have an important relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. It is possible to provide a server that can.

[Definition of Terms, etc.] In the present specification, the "identification information" used below refers to information that can be visually identified such as characters, symbols, pictures or patterns. "Variable display"
And, when the identification information changes sequentially, for example, when the design “7” which is one identification information is changed to the design “8” which is the other identification information, or the design “9” is changed to another design “☆”. In addition to the case of changing to “”, when one piece of identification information is moved and displayed in the display area where the identification information can be displayed, for example, one symbol “7” is displayed. This is a concept including a case of moving while being displayed in the area.

In the present invention, the "icon" means a pictorial image simply displaying an image of an object, unlike words usually used in a computer, and relates to, for example, an effect image or a story developed in the effect image. Means a pictorial image in which an image of an object having is displayed in a simplified manner. For example, when the battle scene between the teammate character and the enemy character is displayed on the display unit, and the teammate character shoots the enemy character, the number of bullets the teammate character has (the number of remaining bullets)
Can be displayed as an icon. in this way,
By displaying the icon, the player can know the remaining number of bullets of the teammate character from the effect image.
However, the bullet icon does not originally appear in the battle scene between the teammate character and the enemy character. As described above, the icon in the present invention is an icon that simply displays the image of the object, but originally does not appear in the effect image, or refers to a symbolic icon different from that that appears in the effect image, It is different from the character image.

"The number of a plurality of icons decreases due to the action of at least one character" means that at least one of the one or more characters displayed in the effect image has the same action as the action of at least one character. Or, immediately before or immediately after that, one of the plurality of icons decreases, which means that the number of icons decreases in association with the action of the character. For example, in a case where a battle scene in which a teammate character shoots an enemy character is displayed on the display unit and the remaining number of bullets of the teammate character is displayed as an icon indicating a bullet, the teammate character shoots at the enemy character at the same time. , Icon is reduced by one. At this time, at the same time as the character's shooting action, the number of bullet icons decreases, and the number of bullet icons related to the character's shooting action decreases.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the gaming machine of the present invention. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine as a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

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

A plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are struck on the front surface of the game board 14. It should be noted that the game board 14 is formed of a resin material without using a structure in which nails are driven, and a metal rod-shaped body is added to the game board 14 of the resin material.
It may be configured to be planted so as to project in the front direction of
The present invention can be applied to the pachinko game machine 10 (pachi-con machine) as described above. In this specification, the pachinko game machine 10 is a concept including a pachinko machine.

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

The launched game ball is guided by the guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper part of the game board 14, and then the traveling direction is changed by the collision with the plurality of obstacle nails described above. While changing, it drops toward the bottom of the game board 14.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing the game board 14. The same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to those shown in FIG. Also, FIG.
Shows the omitted one of the above-mentioned obstacle nails.

A display device 32, which is a display unit as described later, is provided substantially in the center of the front surface of the game board 14. A display device 52 is provided at the center of the upper portion of the display device 32. The display device 52 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment display device, and a normal symbol that is display information is
It is variably displayed so that fluctuation and stop are repeated. On the left and right side portions of the display device 32, the ball passage detectors 55a and 55
b is provided. This ball passage detector 55a or 55
b, when it is detected that the game ball has passed in the vicinity thereof, the variable display of the normal symbol is started on the above-mentioned display device 52, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the variable display of the normal symbol is stopped. This ordinary pattern is information consisting of numbers and symbols, and is, for example, numbers from "0" to "9" or symbols such as "*". This normal design is a predetermined design,
For example, when it is stopped and displayed as "7",
A solenoid 57 for driving movable pieces 58a and 58b provided on both left and right sides of a starting port 44 described later.
An electric current is supplied to (not shown) to drive the movable pieces 58a and 58b so that the game ball can easily enter the starting opening 44,
The starting port 44 is opened. After the start port 44 is opened, when a predetermined time elapses, the movable piece is driven to close the start port 44 to make it difficult for the game ball to enter.

There are 4 on both left and right sides of the above-mentioned display device 52.
Two holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. Further, a general winning opening 50 is provided above the display device 52. In addition, at the bottom of the game board 14, a winning opening 38 for gaming balls is provided. A shutter 40 is provided near the winning opening 38 so as to be openable and closable. Shutter 40
Is driven by a solenoid 48 (not shown) so as to be opened when the variable display game is in the big hit state.

General winning openings 54a and 54b are provided on both the left and right sides of the above-mentioned display device 32. further,
General winning openings 54c and 54d are provided on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the display device 32. Further, special winning openings 56a and 56b are provided at the left and right ends of the game board 14, and special winning openings 56c and 56 are provided on both left and right sides of the winning opening 38.
d is provided.

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

Furthermore, rolling guide members 60a and 60b for guiding the path of the game ball in a predetermined direction are provided on both left and right sides of the display device 32. Also, a decorative lamp 36a is provided on the upper left side and the upper right side outside the game board 14.
And 36b are provided.

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

Further, in recent years, some pachislo gaming devices also have a liquid crystal screen in addition to the symbol display means for displaying symbols, and such a pachislo gaming device has the same liquid crystal screen as the pachinko gaming device. The game effect screen is displayed to improve the taste.
Therefore, the present invention is also applied to a pachi-slot gaming machine having such a liquid crystal screen.

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

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

The input / output bus 64 described above includes a ROM (read only memory) 68 and a RAM (random
An access memory) 70 is also connected. ROM68
Stores a control program for controlling the flow of the entire game of the pachinko gaming apparatus. Further, the ROM 68 is image data of a variable symbol that is variable or stopped when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, icon image data that is an icon displayed when the reach is reached, and a production screen. Image data consisting of moving objects displayed as, background image data and moving image data forming the background of the display device 32, sound data used for games, initial data for executing a control program, and a decorative lamp. A program for controlling the blinking operation pattern of 36 is stored.

The symbol image data described above is displayed on the display device 32.
In the case where the symbols are variably displayed or when the symbols are stopped and displayed, the image data corresponding to various display modes such as an enlarged image, a reduced image, and a deformed image are included. Further, the character image data, the background image data, and the moving image video image data, which are the above-mentioned moving objects, display a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these images as a screen image on the display device 32 so as to produce a game. It is for. Further, the character image data composed of the above-described moving object includes image data corresponding to each motion so as to display the motion of the character. Further, the sound data is also used to produce a game, and is used to emit a sound such as a sound effect from the speaker 46 described later.

The RAM 70 also stores the values of flags and variables used in the above-mentioned program. For example, it stores new input data, a result of calculation by the CPU 66, cumulative reach data indicating a history of games, a cumulative variation number, and a cumulative jackpot number.

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

Further, the CPU 66 reads out the image data of the variable pattern which is the above-mentioned identification information, and displays it on the display device 32.
The control is performed such that the symbols are variably displayed, or the mutual combination state of the symbols that are the plurality of pieces of identification information is stopped and displayed on the display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

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

The screen image of the display device 32, which is the display unit, is
It is composed of an identification image in which a variable pattern is displayed and an effect image in which an effect screen is displayed. Under the control of the CPU 66, these two images are superimposed and combined to be displayed as one image.

In this way, by superimposing a plurality of images, for example, the design image and the effect image, and synthesizing them, it is possible to produce a scene in which the design changes with the effect image as the background, and various display modes are provided. Is possible.

The solenoid 48 is for opening and closing the shutter 40 as described above, and holds the hold lamp 34.
Indicates the number of times that the combination of symbols displayed on the display device 32 has been activated, and the decoration lamp 36 indicates to the player when the game is a big hit or reach. It blinks or lights up.

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

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is activated, the variables used in the CPU 66 described above are initialized to predetermined values, and are in steady operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for detecting a game ball executed in the control circuit 60 described above. It should be noted that this subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a control program that controls the pachinko game of the pachinko game device 10 that has been executed in advance.

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

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

Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S15). This sphere passage detector is, for example, the sphere passage detectors 55a and 55b in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above.

In this step S15, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, as described above, the process of displaying the normal symbols in a variable manner on the display device 52 is executed (step S16). Note that, as described above, when the variable display of the normal symbol becomes a predetermined symbol when stopped, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to open the starting port 44 and the starting port 4 is opened.
It is easy for the game ball to enter 4.

Next, the variable display game according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing the variable display game process called and executed in step S14 described above, and FIG. 6 shows that the variable symbols are all stopped after reaching in the variable display game. It is a flow chart showing processing until it does. In addition, FIG.
8E and FIGS. 8A to 8D are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an image displayed on the display device during the variable display game.

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

For example, these 12 symbols are sequentially displayed on the display device 32 as one set of symbols consisting of 12 numbers consisting of "1", "2", ..., "12", and the symbols are displayed. While the symbols are displayed to move, the symbols themselves are displayed to change. For example, on the display device 32, the symbol "1" is displayed so as to be scrolled from the top to the bottom of the display device 32, and then the symbol "2" is displayed so as to be scrolled from the top to the bottom. Similarly, "3" is displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom. After the symbols "1" to "12" are displayed in this manner, the symbols "1" are again displayed so as to be scrolled, and the same display is sequentially repeated.

By displaying the symbols on the display device 32 in this way, the symbols are sequentially changed while scrolling from "1" to "2" and from "2" to "3". Up to 12 "will be displayed, and then" 1 "will be displayed again. In this way, the mode of displaying the symbols so that the symbols themselves are sequentially changed while moving the position of one symbol is called variable display. Further, a mode in which a certain symbol is stopped and displayed is referred to as a stop display.

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

Further, when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, the symbols belonging to each of the plurality of groups are displayed. For example, when each of the symbols belonging to the three groups is displayed in the horizontal direction, the symbols belonging to one group are displayed on the left side of the display device 32, and the symbols belonging to another group are displayed on the display device 32. The symbols displayed in the center and belonging to the remaining groups are displayed on the right side of the display device 32.

By displaying the symbol which is the identification information in this way, a plurality of identification information is displayed on the display device 32 which is the display unit. For example, in the case of performing variable display so that only one of the symbols belonging to one set is always displayed, the display device 32
The three symbols are displayed, that is, one symbol is displayed on the left side, one symbol is displayed on the center, and one symbol is displayed on the right side. Further, the number of groups when the variable display game is executed is not limited to three, and symbols belonging to a plurality of groups other than three may be displayed on the display device 32.

As described above, by displaying the symbols in this way, a plurality of symbols, that is, a plurality of pieces of identification information, are displayed on the display device 32 which is the display unit. Further, as described above, a plurality of symbols may be displayed for symbols belonging to one group, and for example, two symbols belonging to one group may be displayed so as to be variably displayed at the same time. In the case of displaying the set, a total of 6 symbols are variably displayed on the display device 32.

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

For example, when symbols belonging to three groups are displayed on the display device 32, symbols belonging to one group are stopped and displayed at "7", and symbols belonging to other groups are also stopped and displayed at "7". When the symbols belonging to the remaining groups are also stopped and displayed at "7", the symbol combination matches the predetermined combination "7"-"7"-"7", and the variable display game is won as a jackpot. As a result, the state where the pachinko game is advantageous to the player is shifted. When it shifts to a state where it becomes a big hit and is advantageous to the player,
The current is supplied to the solenoid 48 to open the shutter 40 of the winning opening 38 provided on the front surface of the game board 14 so that the game ball easily enters the winning opening 38.

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

The normal screen is from when the variable display game is started on the display device 32 and the symbols displayed on the display device 32 are variably displayed until the reach or jackpot of the variable display game. In the meantime,
An effect screen displayed on the display device 32.

When the variable display game described above is started,
First, the internal lottery process is executed by the calculation process of the CPU 66 (step S200). This internal lottery process is a process of predetermining a symbol combination when all symbols belonging to a plurality of variably displayed groups are stopped and displayed and the symbol is fixed, and the CPU 66, as described later,
The variable display and the stop display of the symbols are performed so that the symbols are stopped and displayed in the combination of the symbols determined by the internal lottery process.

Next, the screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S201). That is, after the internal lottery process is executed, the CPU 66 executes a control program for selecting a background image according to the result of the internal lottery process, the progress status of the variable display game, and the like.
It is called from the ROM 68 and executed.

Next, based on the result obtained by the CPU 66, the screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 by the CPU 66 at any time. Examples of the background image include a background image showing the inside of an old western-style mansion as shown in FIG. 7 and a background image showing a soccer field as shown in FIG. Such an image is appropriately selected by the CPU based on the progress status of the variable game and the result of the internal lottery process.

Next, the screen configuration information of the character image composed of the selected moving object is generated in the RAM 70 (step S202). That is, the screen configuration information of the character image selected by the CPU 66 is generated in the RAM 70 based on the execution result of the control program.

At this time, for example, 1/60 seconds or 1/3
By controlling the head position of the character image to shift by a predetermined movement amount at a constant interval (frame span) such as 0 seconds, it is possible to give a motion to the character image for display. The image showing the character does not always have to be displayed on the display device.

In the present invention, the character image is not particularly limited. For example, when an image showing the inside of an old western-style mansion is displayed as the background image as shown in FIG. , Police officers, etc. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when an image showing a soccer field is displayed, a soccer player or the like can be cited. The number of character images, that is, the number of characters is not particularly limited, and may be one or plural. It can be set according to the story or the like developed in the effect image.

Next, the screen configuration information of the variable pattern which is the identification information is based on the execution result of the control program.
It is generated in the RAM 70 by the CPU 66 (step S203).

The screen configuration information of the images which are the respective symbols forming the variable symbol is, for example, 1/60 seconds or 1/60 by the CPU 66 based on the control program described above.
With a fixed interval cycle (frame span) such as 30 seconds, for images that are variable patterns having the same identification information, the start position of the screen configuration information is shifted by a predetermined movement amount, and each variable pattern is also changed. By controlling such images to be sequentially generated in a predetermined order, it is possible to perform variable display of variable symbols.

Further, since the frame span, the start position of reading the screen configuration information, and the like can be adjusted, the changing speed of the changing pattern can be controlled, so that the background image can be adjusted according to the story or the like being developed. It is also possible to make the fluctuation of the fluctuation pattern smooth and to fuse the background image and the fluctuation pattern.

The ROM 68 stores a plurality of image data having different shapes for the same variable pattern,
By reading out from the CPU 66 and transmitting it to the display device 32 at any time, it is also possible to display the shape of the variable symbol such that the shape of the variable symbol changes with time during variable display.

Next, in steps 201 to 203, based on the screen configuration information generated in the RAM 70,
Each image data corresponding to the screen configuration information is read from the ROM 68 by the CPU 66. After that, the image data is displayed on the display device 32 according to the information regarding the displayed priority order, position, etc. in the screen configuration information, and then transmitted to the display device 32 and displayed (step S204).

In steps S201 to S204 described above, in steps S206 and S208, which will be described later, after the left variable design and the right variable design are stopped and displayed, it is determined whether or not the left and right variable designs are the same. (Step S
210), it is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the reach is reached (the same). By repeatedly executing such processing, it is possible to variably display the symbols in a predetermined manner and also to display the character image so as to perform a predetermined motion.

Next, it is judged whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one of the three groups (step S205). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, for example, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display the left variable pattern, the left variable pattern is stopped and displayed (step S206).

Next, it is judged whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one of the remaining two groups (step S207). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display, the process proceeds to step S20.
Return to 1. On the other hand, for example, when it is determined that it is the timing to stop and display the right variable symbol, the right variable symbol is stopped and displayed (step S208).

After that, it is judged whether or not the left and right fluctuation patterns are the same (step S210). Then, when it is determined that the left and right fluctuation patterns are the same,
The reach screen display processing subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is executed (step S29). The reach screen display processing subroutine will be described later in detail.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the left and right symbols are not the same, then it is determined whether it is time to stop and display the symbol in the center (step S211). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display the central symbol, the process proceeds to step S20.
Return to 1. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display the central symbol, the central variable symbol is stopped and displayed (step S212), and the present subroutine ends.

Incidentally, in FIG. 5, three variable symbols are shown on the left,
Although the case where the symbols are stopped and displayed in the order of right and center has been described, the order in which the variable symbols are stopped and displayed in the variable display game is not particularly limited.

Next, the reach screen display processing subroutine will be described with reference to FIG. When the reach screen display processing subroutine is executed in step S29 of the variable display game processing routine described above, first, FIG.
Similar to step S201 shown in step S201, screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S201).
291).

In the present invention, the background image selected for the reach state may be the same image as the background image on the normal screen, or may be a different image. Such a background image is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a background image showing the inside of an old Western-style mansion or a background image showing a soccer field as shown in FIG. Etc. can be mentioned.

Next, as in step S202 shown in FIG. 5, the screen configuration information of the selected character image is stored in the RAM 7
0 is generated (step S292). The selected character image may be the same image as the character image on the normal screen, or may be a different image.

Next, the screen configuration information of the selected icon image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S293).
That is, based on the execution result of the control program, the CP
The screen configuration information of the icon image selected by U66 is generated in the RAM 70.

Although the icon image is not particularly limited, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a background image showing an old western-style mansion and a character image showing police officers, zombies, etc. as effect images. When is displayed, an icon image showing a bullet can be mentioned. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when a background image showing a soccer field and a background image showing a soccer player are displayed as effect images, an icon image showing a soccer ball can be cited. The icon image and the effect image in which the icon image is displayed will be described later.

Next, the left and right symbols are stopped and displayed, and
The screen configuration information is generated in such a manner that the central symbol is variably displayed (step S294). The selected variable pattern image may be the same image as the variable pattern on the normal screen, or may be a different image.

Next, in steps S291 to S294, based on the screen configuration information generated in the RAM 70, the CPU 66 reads each image data corresponding to the screen configuration information from the ROM 68. After that, the image data to be displayed on the display device 32 is converted into image data according to the displayed priority order and the position information in the screen configuration information, and then transmitted to the display device 32 and displayed (step S295).

Next, it is determined whether or not at least one character has performed a predetermined action (step S29).
6). When it is determined that the character has performed a predetermined action, the number of icon images is reduced (step S2).
97).

To determine whether or not at least one character has performed a predetermined action, the number of frames and the time until the character performing the predetermined action is displayed are measured in advance, When the number of measured frames is displayed or when the measured time has elapsed, step S2
At 96, it is determined that at least one character has performed a predetermined action, and the control program for executing step S297 is stored in the ROM 68, which can be performed.

Next, it is judged whether or not it is time to stop and display the final variable symbol (step S298).
If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display the final variation pattern, the process returns to step S291. On the other hand, in step S298, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display the final fluctuation symbol, the image is selected in a mode in which the final fluctuation symbol is stopped and displayed, and the final fluctuation symbol is stopped and displayed (step S299), and this subroutine is executed. finish.

Next, regarding the screen image displayed on the display unit in the reach state, FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (e), and
This will be described with reference to FIGS. The story developed in the screen image shown in FIG. 7 is a story in which a police officer shoots a zombie attacking inside an old Western-style mansion. Here, the police officer is the ally character and the zombie is the enemy character.

The ally character means a character that informs the player of an advantageous state in the game by winning in the battle scene, and usually a story or the like developed in the effect image area. Is the main character of. Also,
With an enemy character, by winning in a battle scene, the player is in a disadvantageous state in the game, or
It means a character that announces that it will not be in an advantageous state. It should be noted that using a battle scene between a teammate character and an enemy character as an effect image is one of the effective effect expression methods that encourage the player's excitement.

In FIG. 7 (a), among the three variable symbols,
The variable symbols on the lower right and lower left of the screen are stopped and displayed as a symbol "7", and the variable symbol on the upper center of the screen is variably displayed. Further, an image showing the inside of an old western-style mansion is displayed as a background image, and an image in which a zombie, which is an enemy character, attacks a police officer who is one of the teammate characters is displayed as a character image. The zombies are riding the police officers and are likely to eat them.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), a female police officer, who is one of the friendly characters, appears on the left side of the screen, and is directed to the zombies in order to save the police officer who is likely to be eaten. Hold a gun. At this time, three icons indicating bullets are displayed on the upper left of the screen. Note that the bullet icon indicates the remaining number of guns held by the female police officer. Thus, by displaying the icon indicating the bullet, the player can know how many more guns the female police officer who is one of the friendly characters can fire. . In addition, FIG.
As shown in (b), the icon does not necessarily need to be displayed from the beginning of the reach screen, and may be displayed from the time when it is necessary to display the icon. Normally,
It is desirable to be displayed near the end of the series of stories. This is because it is possible to appeal that the time when the final fluctuation pattern is stopped and displayed is approaching, and it is possible to amplify the expectation for the big hit.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the female police officer fires a shot at the zombie, but does not hit the zombie. At the same time that the above female police officer fires one shot, the number of bullet icons displayed in the upper left of the screen is
It decreases to two. That is, the number of the three icons is reduced to two due to the action of the female police officer who is one character firing.

Thereafter, the female police officer fires the remaining two shots, and the number of bullet icons decreases each time the shot is shot, but as shown in FIG. 7 (d), the bullet hits the zombie. If so, the zombie is flipped over and the police officer is rescued. Then, the variable design that was variably displayed in the center of the upper side of the screen is stopped and displayed as a design showing "7",
Move to the bottom center of the screen. As a result, the combination of variable symbols is a predetermined combination “7”-“7”-
In accordance with "7", the jackpot state is reached, and although not shown in the figure in the effect image area, the female police officer who is the ally character wins the battle and issues the V sign.

On the other hand, if the female police officer fires the remaining two shots and does not hit any one, the zombie eats the police officer as shown in FIG. 7 (e). Then, the variable pattern that has been variably displayed in the upper center of the screen is stopped and displayed as the symbol "8", and moves to the lower center of the screen. As a result, the symbol combination of the variable symbols stopped and displayed is the combination of the outlier symbols "7"-
Since it is "8"-"7", it is confirmed that the state is out of the way. In FIGS. 7D and 7E, the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the icon indicating the bullet has completely disappeared.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present invention, the action of the character and the decrease or disappearance of the icon are associated with each other, and the decrease or disappearance of the icon and the stop display of the final variable symbol are associated with each other, so that the character It is possible to closely associate the action of and the stop display of the final variable pattern.

FIG. 8 shows another example of the screen image in the reach state. In the screen image shown in FIG. 8, a game in which a soccer player who is a teammate character and a goalkeeper who is an enemy character face each other with a penalty kick in soccer is developed. In the above game, if the soccer player can shoot a soccer ball three times and score a goal, the soccer player who is a team character wins,
If the goal cannot be determined, the goalkeeper, the enemy character, wins.

In FIG. 8 (a), among the fluctuation symbols horizontally displayed on the upper side of the screen, the fluctuation symbols at the upper right and upper left are stopped and displayed as the symbol "7", and the fluctuation symbol at the upper center. Are displayed in a variable manner. An image showing a soccer field is displayed as the background image, a soccer player and a goalkeeper are displayed as character images, and further, at the feet of the soccer player,
A soccer ball is displayed. At this time, three icons indicating a soccer ball are displayed on the upper left of the screen. In this way, by displaying the icon indicating the soccer ball, the player can know how many times the soccer player who is the teammate character can shoot.

The soccer ball displayed at the foot of the soccer player moves at the same time when the soccer player performs the action of shooting, whereas the soccer ball displayed as an icon is displayed in the effect image. It is a symbolic icon that differs from the one that appears, and both are different images.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the soccer player shoots one ball toward the goal, but is blocked by the goalkeeper. At the same time when the soccer player shoots one ball, the number of icons indicating the soccer ball displayed at the lower left of the screen decreases to two. That is, three icons are reduced to two due to the action of one character, a soccer player, to shoot.

Further, when the above-mentioned soccer player shoots one ball toward the goal, one icon decreases, but when the goal is decided as shown in FIG.
Soccer players live long. Then, the variable symbol that was variably displayed in the upper center of the screen is stopped and displayed as the symbol "7". As a result, the symbol combination of the variable symbols matches the predetermined combination “7”-“7”-“7”, and the jackpot state is achieved. It should be noted that in FIG. 8C, the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the number of icons indicating a soccer ball has decreased.

On the other hand, if the soccer player fails to score a goal by shooting three times, FIG.
As shown in (d), the soccer player kneels and is discouraged. Then, the variable symbol that was variably displayed in the upper center of the screen is stopped and displayed as the symbol “8”. as a result,
Since the combination of the symbols of the variable symbols is the combination of the deviating symbols “7”-“8”-“7”, the deviating state is determined. In FIG. 8D, the final variation symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the icon indicating the soccer ball has completely disappeared.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present invention, the action of the character and the decrease or disappearance of the icon are associated with each other, and the decrease or disappearance of the icon and the stop display of the final variable symbol are associated with each other, so that the character It is possible to closely associate the action of and the stop display of the final variable pattern.

7 and 8, the number of icon images is three, but in the gaming machine of the present invention, the number of icons displayed on the screen image is not particularly limited as long as it is plural. However, the number may be two, or four or more. In addition, since the icon image is reduced due to the action of the character image,
There is always a state in which only one is displayed, not a plurality of displays.

The plurality of icons need not always be the same, and different icons may be displayed at each reach. For example, an icon showing a brown bullet may be displayed in one reach state, and an icon showing a gold bullet may be displayed in another reach state. Further, for example, when an icon showing a gold bullet is displayed, the probability of being a big hit, that is, the reliability of the big hit is high, such as the shape and color of the displayed icon and the reliability of the big hit. Can also be associated.

Further, it is not necessary for all of the plurality of icons to be the same, and several types of icons may be displayed simultaneously. For example, when three icons are displayed, two icons indicating a bullet may be displayed and one icon indicating a bomb may be displayed. At this time, the icon indicating a bullet may be reduced due to the action of the character firing a gun, and the icon indicating the bomb may be reduced due to the action of the character throwing a bomb. In this way, by displaying several types of icons at the same time and the character performing an action related to each icon, it is possible to perform a variety of effects.

As described above, it is not always necessary to display the icon image each time the reach state is set. For example, in the reach state in which the icon image is displayed,
It is also possible to set a reach state in which the icon image is not displayed. Furthermore, in the case of the reach state where the icon image is displayed, the probability of being a big hit, that is, the reliability of the big hit is high, and whether or not to display the icon image is related to the reliability of the big hit. Is also possible.

In FIG. 7, the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the icon is completely disappeared, and in FIG. 8, the final variable symbol is stopped immediately after the number of the icons decreases from 2 to 1. Although it is displayed, the timing at which the final fluctuation pattern is stopped and displayed may be any of the above, and further, for example, the final fluctuation pattern immediately after the number of icons is changed from three to two. The display may be stopped. Further, always, the final variation symbol may be stopped and displayed immediately after the icon has completely disappeared, and the timing at which the final variation symbol is stopped and displayed may be changed every time the reach is reached.

As described above, in the gaming machine and the rendering expression method for a gaming machine according to the present invention, after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and which have an important relationship with the rendering image. By displaying the symbols and gradually reducing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in the effect image, the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not to be a big hit, is approaching moment by moment. While strongly appealing to the player what is going on, it strongly attracts the player to the image, raises the expectation about the whereabouts of the game, and when the game is a big hit, enhances the player's sense of fulfillment and achievement Therefore, the interest can be dramatically improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the program for controlling the pachinko game, the program for detecting the game ball shown in FIG. 4, and the program for executing the variable display game shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are pachinko machines. The case where it is stored in the ROM 68 or the RAM 70 of the gaming device 10 is shown, but in the case where the operator can play a pachinko game by operating a terminal device communicatively connected to the server, The server and the terminal may have the above-described programs and data used by these programs.

When the server and the terminal are thus configured, the server has a program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for detecting a game ball shown in FIG. 4, and FIGS. The programs for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 6 are stored in advance, and these programs are transmitted to the terminal at a predetermined timing.

On the other hand, the terminal device temporarily stores these transmitted programs, and reads out and executes the stored programs as appropriate to advance the pachinko game. Further, a program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for detecting the game ball shown in FIG. 4, and FIG.
Also, the program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 6 may be executed on the server side, and the command generated according to the execution result may be transmitted to the terminal device as a control signal or control information. In this case, the terminal selects or generates an image for playing a pachinko game according to the transmitted control signal or control information, and displays the image on the display unit.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of a terminal having the above-mentioned structure.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the terminal 100
Is a general-purpose personal computer, terminal 100
A player's input operation is input from the input device 102 connected to the, for example, a keyboard. In addition, the terminal 10
The control unit 130 of 0 is the CPU 108, R as described later.
The control unit 13 includes an OM 110 and a RAM 112.
At 0, a program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for controlling a variable display game are executed.

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

Further, on the display device 116 connected to the terminal device 100, a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, and a pachinko game is played on this game machine image. is there. On the gaming machine image, the display unit 132 in which the variable display game described above is executed is displayed as an image. This display unit 132
In, the image of the design which is the identification information as described above is displayed.

Further, as will be described later, when the subroutine shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 or the subroutine shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 18 or FIG. In, after becoming a reach,
A plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are reduced in number due to the action of at least one character, immediately after the number of icons is reduced, or the icon is Immediately after it completely disappears, the final variable design will be stopped and displayed.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing another example of the terminal. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component corresponding to the component shown in FIG.

The example of FIG. 10 shows a portable terminal device 140, and the input device 10 provided in the terminal device 140.
2. For example, the input operation of the player is input from the switch. In addition, the control unit 130 (not shown) controls the terminal 140.
Which is provided inside the CPU 10 and will be described later.
8, a ROM 110, a RAM 112, etc., and a program for controlling a pachinko game or a variable display game is executed in the control unit 130.

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

Further, the display device 116 provided on the upper surface of the terminal 140 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel, and as shown in FIG. 10, a gaming machine image imitating a pachinko gaming machine is displayed, and this gaming machine is displayed. The pachinko game is played on the image. On this gaming machine image, the display unit 13 in which the above-described variable display game is executed
2 is displayed as an image. On the display unit 132, the image of the design which is the identification information as described above is displayed.

Further, when the subroutine shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 or the subroutine shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 18 or FIG. 23 is executed in the control unit 130, a reach is displayed in the display unit 132. After that, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are reduced in number due to the action of at least one character, immediately after the number of icons is reduced, or Immediately after the above icon has completely disappeared, the final variable pattern will be stopped and displayed.

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

On the other hand, the terminal 140 shown in FIG. 10 is configured integrally with the display device 116, and the control signal or control information such as the display control signal transmitted from the server is controlled by the control unit of the terminal 140. And is supplied to the control unit 130.
Generates a display signal based on the supplied control signal or control information and supplies the generated display signal to the display device 116. The embodiments described below can be applied whether the control unit of the terminal and the display device are separate or integrated.

FIG. 11 shows the terminal 100 or 14 described above.
It is a block diagram showing a configuration of 0 (hereinafter, referred to as a pachinko gaming terminal device). FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 80 which is connected to the pachinko gaming terminal device via a communication line and supplies various control signals or control information and data to the pachinko gaming terminal device.
In the pachinko gaming terminal device shown in FIG. 11, constituent elements corresponding to those shown in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

Input device 1 for inputting player's operation
02, for example, a keyboard and a switch are connected to the interface circuit 104 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100, and the interface circuit 104 is the input / output bus 10.
Connected to 6. A data signal or an address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 108 via the input / output bus 106. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 110 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 are also connected to the input / output bus 106. ROM110 and RA
M112 is a program or display device 11 as described later.
The data of the image to be displayed in 6 is stored.

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

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

On the other hand, the server 80, as shown in FIG. 12, has a hard disk drive 88, a CPU 82, an R
It is composed of an OM 84, a RAM 86, and a communication interface circuit 90. The hard disk drive 88 executes a program for communicating with the pachinko gaming terminal device, a program for receiving information issued from the pachinko gaming terminal device, a program for controlling the pachinko gaming device, and a variable display game. Store the control program. Communication interface circuit 90
Is a public telephone line network or local area network (L
It is for communicating with the above-mentioned pachinko gaming terminal devices 100 and 140 via a communication line such as AN).

In the case of the above-mentioned configuration, the gaming machine image imitating the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 9 or 10 is displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100, and the gaming board surface, Hold lamp, decoration lamp,
An image showing a device such as the display unit 132 for playing the variable display game and the display unit 152 for displaying a normal symbol, and an image showing a game ball are displayed on the display unit 116. In the display unit 132 for executing the variable display game, an image of a symbol which is identification information is displayed when the variable display game is executed.

The subroutines executed by the pachinko gaming terminal device and the server will be described below with reference to FIGS.
3 shows.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80 have been activated in advance and are operating steadily. In addition, the CPU 108 described above
The variables used in the CPU 82 and the CPU 82 are assumed to have been initialized to predetermined values. In the following description, devices such as a winning opening, a starting opening, a ball passage detector, etc. and game balls are displayed as images on the display device 116.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show various programs stored in a storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80 at a predetermined timing when the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is activated. When 80 decides to supply the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and execute the program supplied in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80.
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed and processed in each of the above.

FIG. 13 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Alternatively, the subroutine is executed at 140, and is called and executed from the main routine at a predetermined timing. It is assumed that this main routine includes in advance a program necessary for communicating with the server 80, such as a program for determining whether communication with the server 80 is possible.

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

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

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

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

When it is determined that a game ball has entered the winning opening, a process of paying out a number of gaming balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S34). Note that this step S3
The processing of No. 4 is the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.
In, even if the number of game balls is displayed at any position of the display device 116, the number of game balls is determined by the RAM 11
2 may be stored.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting opening (step S35). This start is, for example, the image portion corresponding to the start opening 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

When it is determined in this step S35 that the game ball has entered the starting opening, the variable display game processing routine similar to the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called and executed (step S36). When the variable display game processing routine is executed, the background image, the variable pattern image, and the character image are displayed on the display unit 132 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Furthermore, in the variable display game, the reach state is entered, and the reach screen display processing routine shown in FIG. 6 is executed, so that after reaching the display section 132, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area. While being displayed, the plurality of icons, the number of which decreases due to the action of at least one character, immediately after the number of the icons has decreased, or immediately after the icons have completely disappeared Will be stopped and displayed.

Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S37). This sphere passage detector is, for example, the sphere passage detector 55 shown in FIG. 2 described above.
It is an image portion corresponding to a and 55b. In this step S37, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, the display device 52 executes a process of variably displaying the normal symbols (step S38).

As described above, when the variably displayed normal symbol becomes a predetermined symbol when stopped,
The movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to display a visually recognizable image so that the starting opening 44 is opened, and the starting opening 44 is displayed.
The processing is performed so that the game ball can easily enter.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game is over (step S39). Judgment whether the game is over,
When it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102 to end the game, or when it is determined that a predetermined number of game balls have been launched onto the game board surface, it is determined that the game has ended. Of. When it is determined that the game has not ended, the processing is returned to step S32 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game has ended, a game result indicating the number of game balls shot, the number of game balls refunded, and the like, and game end information indicating that the game has ended are transmitted to the server 80. (Step S40), this subroutine is completed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed by the server 80, corresponding to the terminal side processing routine executed by the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 shown in FIG.

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

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

As described above, the program transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 in step S52 is a game program for controlling a pachinko game, and a program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 5 described above. And, and various image data, a game machine image imitating a pachinko gaming device,
This is for displaying a background image, an image of a variable pattern, a character image, etc. on the display device 116.

Next, it is determined whether or not information indicating that the game result or the game has ended is transmitted from the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S53). This step S53 corresponds to step S40 of FIG. 13 described above. In step S53, the game result and the game end information are the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 1.
If it is determined that the data has not been transmitted from 40, the process returns to step S53. In the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, step S shown in FIG.
While the processes of 32 to S39 are being executed, the server 80
In this case, the process of step S53 described above is repeatedly executed.

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

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

Further, in the case of such a configuration, in the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 which is a terminal device, after the reach is reached, the effect image area is displayed. In addition to displaying a plurality of icons on, the number of the plurality of icons is reduced due to the action of at least one character,
A program for stopping and displaying the final variable pattern immediately after the number of the icons is reduced or immediately after the icons are completely disappeared is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80. Is there.

With such a configuration, after the reach, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and which are importantly related to the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. be able to.

Next, a program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for executing a variable display game are stored in the ROM 1 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.
In the case where it is stored in advance in 10 and only various image data required as the pachinko game progresses is appropriately transmitted from the server 80, it is executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80. The subroutine for this is shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17.

FIG. 15 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Alternatively, it is a subroutine executed in 140, and in the following description, it is assumed that the main routine is read from the ROM 110 at a predetermined timing and executed. It is assumed that this main routine includes in advance a program necessary for communicating with the server 80, such as a program for determining whether communication with the server 80 is possible. Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 except for step S31, and the steps performing the same processing are designated by the same reference numerals.

First, the pachinko game is started by the operation of the player, and the game program is executed (step S32). This game program includes a game program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for executing a variable display game which will be described later, and also includes a game machine image imitating a pachinko game device, a background image and a variation. Display device 116 for displaying a design image, a character image, etc.
For display.

When the game program is executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102. When it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102, as described above, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 14 is used.
On the display device 116 of 0, a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine is displayed, and a display unit 132 for displaying a variable display game is also displayed on this game machine image.

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

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

When it is determined that the game balls have entered the winning opening, a process of paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S34). Note that this step S3
The processing of No. 4 is the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.
In the case of displaying the number of game balls at some position of the display device 116, the number of game balls is determined by the RAM 112.
It may be stored in.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting opening (step S35). The starting opening is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the starting opening 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

When it is determined in this step S35 that the game ball has entered the starting opening, a variable display game processing routine which will be described later is called and executed (step S3).
6). In this case, when the variable display game processing routine is executed, and when the reach screen display processing routine is executed in the variable display game processing routine, a reach is displayed on the display unit 132 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. After that, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are reduced in number due to the action of at least one character, immediately after the number of icons is reduced, or Immediately after the above icon has completely disappeared, the final variable pattern will be stopped and displayed.

Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S37). This sphere passage detector is, for example, the sphere passage detector 55 shown in FIG. 2 described above.
It is an image portion corresponding to a and 55b.

When it is determined in this step S37 that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, the display device 5
In step 2, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner (step S38). Note that, as described above, when the variable display ordinary symbol has a predetermined symbol when stopped, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to start the opening 44.
Is displayed so as to be opened so that the game ball can easily enter the starting opening 44.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game is over (step S39). Judgment whether the game is over,
When it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102 to end the game, or when it is determined that a predetermined number of game balls have been shot on the game board surface, it is determined that the game has ended. Of. When it is determined that the game has not ended, the processing is returned to step S32 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game has ended, a game result indicating the number of game balls shot, the number of game balls refunded, and the like, and game end information indicating that the game has ended are transmitted to the server 80. (Step S40), this subroutine is completed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for processing the variable display game called and executed in step S36 described above. Note that FIG.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, steps that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the information indicating that the variable display game has been started by calling this subroutine is provided to the server 8.
0 (step S61).

Next, an image of a variable pattern which is an identification information image required in the variable display game, a background image,
The image data to be a character image, the control program, and the like are received from the server 80 (step S62).

Next, the internal lottery process is executed by the arithmetic process of the CPU 108 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S200). This internal lottery process is a process of predetermining a symbol combination when all symbols belonging to a plurality of variably displayed groups are stopped and displayed and the symbol is fixed, and the CPU 108 performs the internal lottery process as described later. The variable display and the stop display of the symbols are performed so that the symbols are stopped and displayed on the display unit 132 by the combination of the determined symbols.

Next, the control program is executed by the CPU 108, and based on the result, the background image is selected, the screen configuration information of the background image is generated (step S201), and the character image is selected. The screen configuration information of the character image is generated (step S202), and the screen configuration information of the variable symbol that is the identification information is generated (step S203).

Then, based on the generated screen configuration information, necessary image data among the image data received in S62 is read out and made into image data to be displayed on the display unit 132, and then the display unit Is displayed (step S204).

By executing steps S201 to S204 described above, the normal image including the background image and the character image is displayed on the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116.

Next, it is judged whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one of the three groups (step S205). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, for example, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display the left variable pattern, the left variable pattern is stopped and displayed (step S206).

Next, it is judged whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one of the remaining two groups (step S207). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display, the process proceeds to step S20.
Return to 1. On the other hand, for example, when it is determined that it is the timing to stop and display the right variable symbol, the right variable symbol is stopped and displayed (step S208).

After this, it is judged whether or not the left and right fluctuation symbols are the same (step S210). Then, when it is determined that the left and right fluctuation patterns are the same,
The reach screen display processing subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is executed (step S29). The reach screen display processing subroutine is substantially the same as the reach screen display processing routine shown in FIG. 6 and has already been described.
The description here is omitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the left and right symbols are not the same, then it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbol in the center (step S211). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display the central symbol, the process proceeds to step S20.
Return to 1.

On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display the central symbol, the central variable symbol is stopped and displayed (step S212). And step S
When it is determined that the processing of 212 is executed or the reach screen display processing routine is ended, information indicating that the variable display game is ended and result information of the variable display game are transmitted to the server 80 (step S64). ), And ends this subroutine.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed by the server 80, corresponding to the terminal side processing routine executed by the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the server 80 has been started in advance, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 17 is called and executed from a main routine that has been executed in advance.

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

On the other hand, when it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game is started is received, the image of the variable pattern which is the identification information image required in the variable display game, the background image, and the character image are displayed. The following image data, control program, etc. are transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S72). This step S72 corresponds to the processing of step S62 shown in FIG. 16 described above.

Next, it is determined whether or not the information indicating that the variable display game is finished is received (step S75).
The process of step S75 is a process corresponding to the process of step S64 of FIG. 16 described above. Step S75
In step S7, if it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has ended is not received, the process proceeds to step S7.
Return to 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game is finished is received, this subroutine is finished.

In the case of the above-mentioned configuration, in the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal device, after reaching, a plurality of images are displayed in the effect image area. At the same time as the icons are displayed, the number of the plurality of icons is reduced due to the action of at least one character, and immediately after the number of the icons is reduced, or immediately after the icons are completely disappeared. The server 80 sends to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 the image of the variable design that is the identification information image, the background image, the image data that becomes the character image, the control program, etc. so that the variable design is stopped and displayed. Then, the server 80 controls the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 which is a terminal device.

With such a configuration, after reaching, a plurality of symbols that are different from the variable symbol and have important relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. be able to.

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

Further, only the game program for controlling the pachinko game and the program for executing the variable display game are transmitted from the server, and the data of the variable pattern image, the background image, and the character image are the pachinko game terminal device 100. Alternatively, when the necessary image data stored in the ROM 110 of 140 is read out from the ROM 110 as appropriate, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 may be used.
Or 140 and the subroutine executed in the server 80 are shown in FIGS.

FIG. 18 is a subroutine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 in the case of the above-mentioned configuration. It should be noted that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has been started in advance, the above-mentioned subroutine shown in FIG. 15 is read from the ROM 110 from the main routine at a predetermined timing and executed, and the subroutine shown in FIG. It is assumed that the program is read from the ROM 110 and executed in step S36 of FIG. Further, in the subroutine shown in FIG. 18, steps that perform the same processing as the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 16 are designated by the same reference numerals.

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

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

Next, the internal lottery process is executed by the arithmetic process of the CPU 108 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S200). This internal lottery process is a process of predetermining a symbol combination when all symbols belonging to a plurality of variably displayed groups are stopped and displayed and the symbol is fixed, and the CPU 108 performs the internal lottery process as described later. The variable display and the stop display of the symbols are performed so that the symbols are stopped and displayed on the display unit 132 by the combination of the determined symbols.

Next, the control program is executed by the CPU 108, and based on the result, the background image is selected, the screen configuration information of the background image is generated (step S201), and the character image is selected. The screen configuration information of the character image is generated (step S202), and the screen configuration information of the variable symbol that is the identification information is generated (step S203).

Then, based on the generated screen configuration information, necessary image data is read out from the above-mentioned image data received in S62 and made into image data to be displayed on the display unit 132, and then the display unit Is displayed (step S204).

By executing steps S201 to S204 described above, a normal image including a background image and a character image is displayed on the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116.

Next, it is judged whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one of the three groups (step S205). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, for example, when it is determined that it is time to stop and display the left variable pattern, the left variable pattern is stopped and displayed (step S206).

Next, it is judged whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one of the remaining two groups (step S207). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display, the process proceeds to step S20.
Return to 1. On the other hand, for example, when it is determined that it is the timing to stop and display the right variable symbol, the right variable symbol is stopped and displayed (step S208).

Thereafter, it is judged whether or not the stopped left and right fluctuation symbols are the same (step S210). Then, when it is determined that the left and right fluctuation patterns are the same,
The reach screen display processing subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is executed (step S29). The reach screen display processing subroutine is substantially the same as the reach screen display processing routine shown in FIG. 6 and has already been described.
The description here is omitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the left and right symbols are not the same, then it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbol in the center (step S211). If it is determined that it is not the time to stop and display the central symbol, the process proceeds to step S20.
Return to 1.

On the other hand, when it is judged that it is time to stop and display the central symbol, the central variable symbol is stopped and displayed (step S212). And step S
When it is determined that the processing of 212 is executed or the reach screen display processing routine is ended, information indicating that the variable display game is ended and result information of the variable display game are transmitted to the server 80 (step S64). ), And ends this subroutine.

FIG. 19 is a subroutine executed by the server 80 corresponding to the variable display game processing routine executed by the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the server 80 has been started in advance and the subroutine shown in FIG. 19 is called and executed from a main routine that has been executed in advance. Note that, in the subroutine shown in FIG. 19, steps that perform the same processing as the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG.

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

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

Next, it is determined whether or not the information indicating that the variable display game is finished is received (step S75).
The process of step S75 is a process corresponding to the process of step S64 of FIG. 18 described above. Step S75
In step S7, if it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has ended is not received, the process proceeds to step S7.
Return to 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game is finished is received, this subroutine is finished.

In the case of the above-mentioned configuration, in the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal device, after reaching, the effect image area is displayed. Along with displaying a plurality of icons, the number of the above-mentioned icons is reduced due to the action of at least one character, and immediately after the number of the above-mentioned icons is reduced, or immediately after the above-mentioned icons are completely disappeared, the final fluctuation. The program for stopping and displaying the symbols is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80.

With such a configuration, after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and have important relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. be able to.

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

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

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

With such a structure, the subroutines executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80 are shown in FIGS. 20, 21, and 2.
2 and FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Or 140 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed. In the following description, a main routine (not shown) is executed when the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is activated, and communication with the server 80 is performed in this main routine. This subroutine should be called and executed after confirming that it is in a state where

First, the image data transmitted from the server 80 is received (step S101). The image data in this case is not limited to the variable display game to be described later, but is also image data including pachinko games such as game boards and game balls. Further, when the image data is stored in advance in the ROM 110 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, the process of step S101 may be omitted.

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

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

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

When it is determined that the command information is not the end command information, the image corresponding to the received command information is selected and the selected image is displayed on the display device 116 (step S1).
06). After this processing, the processing is returned to step S102 described above. Further, in step S104, the server 8
Even when it is determined that the command information is not issued from 0, the process is returned to step S102 described above.

When it is determined in the above-mentioned step S105 that the received command information is the end command information, this subroutine is ended.

The command information received in the above step S104 is the same as the command information in steps S122 and S in FIG.
Information such as screen configuration information generated in 124, S126, S128, S130, S132, and S134. The pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 selects desired image data from the ROM 110 according to the information. Read-out and read-out image data
It is displayed on 16 as an image.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a subroutine executed by the server 80 corresponding to the above-mentioned subroutine of FIG. It is assumed that the server 80 has been started in advance, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 21 is called and executed from a main routine that has been executed in advance.

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

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

Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
When the operation information issued from is received, it is determined whether the received operation information is game ball launching operation information (step S113).

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

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S113 that the operation information is not the game ball launching operation information, or when the processing of step S114 is executed, step S1
Command information generated by the pachinko game processing executed in 14 is used for the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 14
0 (step S115). This step S1
The process of 15 is a process corresponding to step S104 described above.

Then, it is judged whether or not the transmitted command information is end command information (step S116). If it is determined that the transmitted command information is not end command information,
The process is returned to step S112 described above.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the subroutine of the pachinko game process called in step S114 described above.

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

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

When it is determined that the calculated position is near the position of the winning opening, processing for paying out game balls is executed (step S124). In addition, in the process of paying out the game balls, the number of game balls predetermined according to the type of the winning hole is stored in the RAM 86, and the game ball number information indicating the number of the game balls is used for the pachinko game terminal device 100. Alternatively, it is a process to generate to be transmitted to 140.

Then, whether or not a game ball has entered the starting opening,
That is, it is determined whether or not the position of the image of the game ball calculated in step S121 is near the position of the image showing the starting opening (step S125). Note that this starting opening is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the starting opening 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

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

Next, it is determined whether the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, that is, whether the position of the image of the game ball calculated in step S121 is near the position of the image showing the ball passage detector. (Step S127). The sphere passage detector is, for example, an image portion corresponding to the sphere passage detectors 55a and 55b shown in FIG. 2 described above.

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

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

When it is determined that the normal symbol has stopped at the predetermined symbol, the image of the movable piece is selected so that the above-mentioned image in which the opening is opened is displayed, and the selected image information indicating the selected image is displayed. Is generated (step S130).
When the selected image information is issued to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, the visually recognizable image is displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 as if the movable piece is in an open state. Is done. The movable piece may be, for example, the one shown in FIG.
It is an image portion corresponding to the movable pieces 58a and 58b shown in FIG.

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

Next, it is determined whether or not the game is over (step S133). When it is determined that the game has ended, game end information is generated (step S134), and this subroutine ends. Whether or not the game has ended is determined when the player operating the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 performs an operation to end the game, or when the number of game balls shot on the game board surface is a predetermined number or more. When
It is determined that the game is over.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a subroutine for processing the variable display game called and executed in step S126 described above.

First, a background image to be displayed on the display unit 132 of the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, a variable pattern image, and a character image are selected (steps S141, S142 and S143). .

Next, it is judged whether or not it is the timing to stop and display the symbol which is one piece of identification information, for example, the left symbol (step S144), and when it is determined to be the timing to stop and display, the above fluctuation An image whose symbols are to be stopped and displayed is selected (step S145). next,
Further, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to stop and display the right symbol (step S146), and when it is determined to be the timing to stop and display, the image for which the variable symbol is stopped and displayed is selected (step S147).

Next, it is judged whether or not the stopped left and right fluctuation patterns are the same (step S148), and if they are not the same,
Further, it is determined whether or not the central symbol is the timing to stop and display (step S150), and if it is the timing to stop and display, the image in which the variable symbol is stopped and displayed is selected (step S151). On the other hand, if the left and right variable symbols are the same, the reach screen display processing routine substantially similar to that in FIG. 6 is executed (step S149). Since the reach screen display processing routine has already been described, the description thereof is omitted here.

Next, steps S141 to S14 described above.
The screen configuration information of the image selected in 3, S145, S147, and S150 is generated (step S152). The server 80 transmits the screen configuration information generated in step S152 described above to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal device, as command information in step S115 of FIG. 21 described above.

On the other hand, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 receives the command information transmitted from the server 80 in step S104 of FIG. 20 described above, and then, in step S106, changes the screen configuration information indicated by the received command information. Based on the image data, the ROM 110 or R
The display unit 13 of the display device 116 is read from the AM 112.
The read image is displayed on the screen.

By doing so, the display unit 13 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 which is a terminal device.
In 2, the server 80 displays a plurality of icons in the effect image area after reaching, and reduces the number of icons due to the action of at least one character, thereby reducing the number of icons. Immediately after letting
Alternatively, the screen can be controlled so that the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the icon is completely erased.

Next, it is determined whether or not all the symbols have stopped (step S153). When it is determined that all the symbols have stopped, variable display game end information is generated (step S154), and this subroutine is ended.

The subroutine shown in FIG. 23 is not only called when the variable display game start process of step S126 shown in FIG. 22 is executed, but also the variable display game is started and ended. In the meantime, it is called and executed at a predetermined timing.

In the case of the above-mentioned configuration, in the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal device, after reaching, the effect image area is displayed. Along with displaying a plurality of icons, the number of the above-mentioned icons is reduced due to the action of at least one character, and immediately after the number of the above-mentioned icons is reduced, or immediately after the above-mentioned icons are completely disappeared, the final fluctuation. The server 80 controls the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 so that the symbols are stopped and displayed.

With such a configuration, after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and have important relation with the effect image are displayed, and the effect image is also displayed. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story in, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story comes to an end, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. At the same time, the player is strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game is further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment is enhanced, and the interest is dramatically improved. be able to.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 23 described above, only in the display section 132 displayed on the image of the gaming machine imitating the pachinko gaming machine displayed on the display apparatus 116, the variable symbol is displayed. Image, background image,
Although the case where a character image is displayed is shown, an image of a variable design, a background image, and
A character image may be displayed.

Whether or not the above-described production expression method according to the present invention is provided to the player can be judged by confirming that the entertainment property in the pachinko game is enhanced. . For example, an economic phenomenon such as the prosperity of a store that employs a pachinko gaming device as described above, or a phenomenon in which information permeates through media such as being popular by being published in a magazine. Will appear as.

[0257]

According to the present invention, after reaching, a plurality of symbols which are different from the variable symbol and have a significant relation with the effect image are displayed, and in the effect image. By gradually decreasing the number of symbols in association with the development of the story, it is strongly appealing to the player that the time when the story ends, that is, the time when it is decided whether or not it is a big hit, is getting closer. With
The player can be strongly attracted to the image, the expectation about the whereabouts of the game can be further raised, and when the game is a big hit, the player's sense of fulfillment and sense of accomplishment can be enhanced, and the interest can be dramatically improved. .

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of variable display game processing called and executed in No. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a reach screen display processing routine in a variable display game processing subroutine.

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

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image of an effect screen according to the present invention.

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

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing another example of a pachinko gaming terminal.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a pachinko gaming terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a server which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine that is executed by the server 80 that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in.

FIG. 16: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a variable display game process executed in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine that is executed by the server 80 that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a variable display game process executed in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine that is executed by the server 80 that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine that is executed by the server 80 that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a step S11 of the flowchart of FIG.
4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a pachinko game process called in 4.

FIG. 23 is a step S12 in the flowchart of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a pachinko game process called in 6.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Pachinko gaming device (gaming machine) 32 Display device (display unit) 60 control circuit 66 CPU (control unit) 64 I / O bus 68 ROM 70 RAM 80 servers 100 Pachinko gaming terminal device (terminal) 132 display 140 Pachinko game terminal device (terminal)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An identification information image area for displaying an identification information image provided on a game board, each of which is displayed in a variable manner and can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area for displaying an effect image. , In the effect image area,
A gaming machine having a display unit for displaying a screen image in which one or a plurality of characters appear, and after becoming a reach,
A plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are reduced in number due to the action of at least one character, immediately after the number of icons is reduced, or A gaming machine characterized in that the final variable design is stopped and displayed immediately after it completely disappears. 2. A display unit, which is provided on a game board and displays a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these, as appropriate according to the game situation developed on the game board, Having a control unit for transmitting electronic data to the display unit, and the screen image, each of which is variably displayed, an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and A production machine including a production image area for displaying a production image, wherein the production image area has a display section on which a screen image in which one or more characters appear is displayed. A plurality of icons are displayed in the image area, and the number of the plurality of icons decreases due to the action of at least one character, and immediately after the number of the icons decreases, or A gaming machine characterized in that the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the icon has completely disappeared. 3. An icon showing a plurality of bullets is displayed in the effect image area after an enemy character and a teammate character have appeared in the effect image area and the player has reached the area. The final fluctuation symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the number of the icons decreases or the number of the icons decreases due to a shooting action of an enemy character or an ally character. Alternatively, the gaming machine described in 2. 4. A display unit, which is provided on the game board, and on which a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or a combination thereof is displayed as appropriate according to the game situation developed on the game board, It is a representation expression method of a gaming machine having a control unit for transmitting electronic data to a display unit, and, in the display unit, each is variably displayed, and from a plurality of variable symbols that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing. An identification information image area for displaying an identification information image and a performance image area for displaying a performance image, and a game machine having a display unit for displaying a screen image in which one or more characters appear in the performance image area. After the reach is reached, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area, and the plurality of icons are caused by the action of at least one character. A representation expression method for a gaming machine, characterized in that the final variable symbol is stopped and displayed immediately after the number of icons is reduced and the number of icons is reduced, or immediately after the icons are completely erased. 5. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a control program for displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining these, as appropriate according to the game situation of a gaming machine, Each of the control programs is variably displayed, and includes an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image composed of a plurality of variable symbols that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area for displaying an effect image, The effect image area is a program for displaying an image in which one or more characters appear as the screen image, and after reaching, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area and the plurality of icons are displayed. The number of the icons is decreased due to the action of at least one character, immediately after the number of the icons is decreased, or Is a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the final variable pattern is stopped and displayed immediately after the icon is completely disappeared. 6. A server for displaying a gaming machine image showing a gaming machine on each terminal, and from a moving image, a still image, or an image obtained by combining these, as appropriate according to the situation of the game played on the terminal. Display a screen image that
Each is variably displayed, including an identification information image area for displaying an identification information image consisting of a plurality of variable symbols that can be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, and an effect image area for displaying an effect image, in the effect image area, The terminal is controlled to display an image in which one or more characters appear, and after reaching, a plurality of icons are displayed in the effect image area and caused by the action of at least one character. By reducing the number of the plurality of icons, and immediately after reducing the number of the icons, or immediately after completely disappearing the icon, to perform a control to stop and display the final variable symbol to the terminal device. A server characterized by.