JP2003047727A - Game machine and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve interest of a game by performing an effective performance in a scene where a game player can obtain a more profit. SOLUTION: When a combination of patterns stopped and displayed on a variation displaying part (a plurality of cells) of an image displaying apparatus constitutes a prize embodiment, a special game being advantageous to the game player is performed. Each variation displaying part is divided into a plurality of sets according to its row direction and is arranged. With progress of the game, by changing number of the variation displaying part, number of the sets of sections according to the arrangement direction of the variation displaying part is changed. E.g. by successively increasing the number of the variation displaying parts to three, five and seven, the number of the sets of the variation displaying parts is respectively changed to one, two and three.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine and a computer program, and more specifically, a plurality of variable display portions are arranged on an image display means, and a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the variable display portion is a prize. The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of shifting to an advantageous special game as compared with a normal game when the aspect is configured, and a computer program for realizing the functions of the gaming machine by a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pachinko machine is known as a game machine of this type. For example, in a conventional pachinko machine, a total of 9 squares in 3 rows and 3 lines are displayed in the image display device.
It is displayed in a row, and a plurality of symbols are variably displayed for each square. In addition, each square is divided into three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines intersecting with the horizontal line, for a total of five lines, and the symbols stopped and displayed on the squares arranged on any of the lines have a predetermined prize mode. When configured, the special game which is more advantageous than the normal game is performed. The symbols that are variably displayed in each square consist of numbers, for example, and when the combination of numbers stopped and displayed on a predetermined line becomes "7", "7", "7", etc., shift to a special game. You can This special game is a game in which a so-called special winning opening is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times and a large number of prize balls can be acquired in a short time.

[0003]

As described above, in the special game, a lot of prize balls can be obtained in a short time, and the profits that the player can obtain are remarkably large as compared with the normal game. Therefore, the player is playing the game while expecting that a prize mode in which the player can shift to the special game is configured. Therefore, the variable display of the symbols on the image display device is important in terms of the effect of enhancing the fun of the game.

However, the conventional pachinko machine described above uses a total of nine squares as a variable display portion in the image display device, and the number of squares does not change from beginning to end. For this reason, it is difficult to say that it is possible to increase the fun of the game because the variable display of the symbols does not seem to be novel, and the variable display of the symbols may get tired while the game is continued for a long time. .

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is possible to enhance the fun of the game by effectively producing the scene where the player can obtain more profit. The purpose is to provide a machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer program for realizing such a function of the gaming machine by a computer.

[0006]

A gaming machine according to the present invention is
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the following features are provided. That is, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes image display means having a plurality of variable display portions for displaying a plurality of symbols in a variable manner for a predetermined period when a predetermined start condition is satisfied,
Each of the variable display sections is arranged in a plurality of groups according to the arrangement direction, and when the symbols stopped and displayed on the variable display section constitute a prize mode in any one of the predetermined groups, it is usually A gaming machine that allows a player to perform a special game that is more advantageous than a game, and by changing the number of the variable display portions as the game progresses, a division according to the arrangement direction of the variable display portions. It is characterized by changing the number of sets of.

Further, the number of the variable display portions can be changed after the variable display of the symbols on each of the variable display portions is temporarily stopped.

Further, the number of the variable display portions can be changed immediately before or after the variable display of the symbols on the variable display portion is started.

Further, it is preferable that the variable display portion has a regular hexagonal shape.

A computer program according to the present invention is
Using a computer, when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, a function as an image display unit having a plurality of variable display sections for displaying a plurality of symbols in a variable manner for a predetermined period is realized, and each of the variable display sections has its function. When the symbols arranged in a plurality of groups according to the arranging direction and stopped and displayed on the variable display section constitute a prize mode in any one of the predetermined groups, compared to the normal game, for the player A computer program for realizing an advantageous special game function, wherein the number of the variable display portions is changed as the game progresses, and a set of sections according to the arrangement direction of the variable display portions. It is characterized by adding a function for changing the number.

Here, specifically, the image display means comprises, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and a plurality of squares are displayed on the liquid crystal display device as an image display portion. In addition, "0""1""2" ... "9""10" for each square
A number such as "11" is displayed. Each square is vertical, horizontal,
They are arranged on diagonal lines and are grouped for each line. The shape of each square is, for example, a regular hexagon, and the number of squares changes as the game progresses.

A program for realizing such a function as a game machine is a CD-ROM or a DVD-R.
It can be stored in a storage medium such as OM and distributed, or can be distributed via an electric communication line such as the Internet or a satellite communication line.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a pachinko machine is described as an example of a typical game machine. FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board 1 used in a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a game board 1 for playing a game ball by launching a game ball by a launching device (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the game board 1 is provided with a substantially circular game part 3 surrounded by a pair of guide rails 2. Inside the game part 3, a plurality of obstacle nails, windmills, etc. While disposing the obstacle member 4 of, the image display device 5 having a variable display portion for variably displaying a plurality of special symbols, a normal symbol display device 7 having two ordinary symbol display LEDs 6a, b, and a plurality of And the outlet 8 for discharging the game balls that have not won any of the prizes from the inside of the game section 3.
It has and.

<Winning hole> The above winning holes are classified into a plurality of types according to their functions, and a general winning hole 9 for discharging a predetermined number of winning balls on condition that a game ball has won.
And, on the condition that the game ball has passed, the normal symbol starting port 10 for starting the variable display of the normal symbol display LEDs 6a, b in the normal symbol display device 7, the state in which the game ball is easily received, and the game ball A fluctuating member that can be switched between a difficult-to-accept state (hereinafter referred to as an ordinary electric accessory 11).
There is a start winning hole 12 for starting the variable display of the special symbol on the image display device 5 on condition that the game ball has won, a state in which it is easy to accept the game ball, and a state in which it is difficult to accept the game ball. If the stop display mode of the symbols on the image display device 5 constitutes a predetermined prize mode, it is possible to switch between the game balls for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, and a special winning opening 13 which can be easily accepted. Consists of.

<Ordinary symbol starting port> The above-mentioned ordinary symbol starting port 1
0 is provided on the lower left of the start winning opening 12, and detects a game ball passing through. Up to four spheres passing through the normal symbol starting port 10 can be stored, and the variable display of symbols on the normal symbol display device 7 is performed based on the winning memory. In addition, the image display device 5
In the upper part of, four normal symbol storage LEDs 14 for displaying the number of passing memory of the normal symbol starting port 10 are provided. Depending on the number of the normal symbol storage LED14 lighting,
It is possible to display the passing memory number of the normal symbol starting port 10.

<Starting prize hole> At the upper part of the starting prize hole 12, a so-called tulip-shaped ordinary electric accessory 11 is provided which can be switched between a state in which the game ball is easily received and a state in which the game ball is difficult to be received. Has been. This normal electric auditors product 11 is in a state where it is difficult to accept the game ball in the normal state, and when the normal symbol display device 7 is “hit”, the game is played for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). It is possible to switch to a state in which the ball can be easily received.

Also, up to four winning balls can be stored in the starting winning opening 12, and based on the winning memory,
The variable display of the special symbol on the image display device 5 is performed. In addition, at the upper part of the image display device 5, the starting winning opening 12
There are four special symbol storage LEDs 15 for displaying the number of winning prizes stored. This special symbol memory LED
It is possible to display the number of winning prizes stored in the starting winning opening 12 depending on the number of lit lights.

<Image Display Device> The image display device 5 includes
It is composed of a liquid crystal display device provided almost in the center of the game section 3, and while displaying a plurality of special symbols represented by images in a variable manner and performing animation display corresponding to the game state, a game effect can be performed. It is like this.

On the image display device 5, for example, a total of 3, 5, and 7 squares are sequentially increased or decreased to be displayed as a variable display section, and a plurality of special symbols are variably displayed for each square. It The shape of each square is, for example, a regular hexagon. When a total of three regular hexagonal cells are arranged in one horizontal row, the respective cells are arranged side by side on a horizontal line to form one set. When a total of five regular hexagonal cells are arranged from the left side to the right side in the vertical direction, two vertically, one vertically, and two vertically, respectively, each diagonally intersects two diagonal lines. They will be lined up, and each line will be divided into two groups. Furthermore, when a total of seven squares are arranged in a honeycomb shape, the squares are arranged on three intersecting lines, and each line is divided into a total of three groups.

The special symbols displayed in each square of the image display device 5 are, for example, "0""1""2" ... "9""1".
"Big hit" when the combination of numbers that consist of numbers such as "0" and "11" and stopped and displayed on a predetermined line is the same combination of numbers such as "7", "7", "7" As a result, it is possible to perform a special game which is advantageous to the player as compared with the general game. With this special game, for example, the large winning opening 13 is switched to a state in which it is easy to receive the game balls for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, and more game balls are won than in the general game, so that many prize balls are obtained. It is a game that can be done.

<Normal symbol display device> The normal symbol display device 7 includes a normal symbol display LED 6a for green light emission and a normal symbol display LED 6b for red light emission provided above the image display device 5. In this normal symbol display device 7, two normal symbol display LEDs 6a, 6b are designed to blink alternately, and these normal symbol display LEDs 6a, 6b
The case where the normal symbol display LED 6 for green light emission is turned on at the time when the blinking period of b is finished is defined as "winning", and in this case, the normal electric accessory 1 provided in the starting winning port 12
1 is switched to a state in which it is easy to receive the game ball for a predetermined time so that the game ball can be easily won in the starting winning opening 12.

Incidentally, the normal symbol display device 7 is the above-mentioned 2
In addition to the configuration including the individual normal pattern display LEDs 6a and 6b, it is also possible to configure with, for example, a 7-segment display or the like. In this case, as a normal symbol displayed on the 7-segment display, for example, "0""1""2" ...
Numbers such as “7”, “8”, and “9” are variably displayed, and the case where the number that is stopped and displayed is “3” or “7” is defined as “win”.

<Game on Pachinko Machine> Next, the game on the pachinko machine will be described. In the above-mentioned pachinko machine, when a game ball launched into the game section 3 by a launching device (not shown) wins the general winning opening 9 or the like, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls are paid out.

Further, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol starting port 10, the variable display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 7 is started. Then, by a lottery using random numbers, the normal symbol display LEDs 6a, b in the normal symbol display device 7 are determined to be stopped and displayed, and the variable display of the normal symbol display LEDs 6a, b is stopped based on this determination. Here, when the stop display mode of the normal symbol display LEDs 6a and 6b in the normal symbol display device 7 is "hit", the normal electric auditors product 11 provided in the starting winning opening 12 is kept for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). ) Only switch to a state where it is easy to accept the game ball.

Further, the variable display of the special symbol on the image display device 5 is started on condition that the game ball has won the start winning port 12. Then, by a lottery using a random number, the stop display mode of the special symbol on the image display device 5 is determined, and the variable display of the special symbol is stopped based on this determination. Here, when the stop display mode of the special symbol on the image display device 5 is “big hit”, the special winning opening 13 is set for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10).
Open until you receive the winning ball. Further, a continuous winning opening (not shown) is provided in the special winning opening 13, and when the game ball that has won in the big winning opening 13 also wins in the continuous winning opening, the above-mentioned large winning opening 13 is opened. The operation is repeated until the predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) is reached.

<Control Device> Each device constituting the pachinko machine described above is controlled by a control device 50 including a microcomputer and the like. The schematic configuration of this control device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control device 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 50 for controlling each device constituting the pachinko machine is based on a main control board 51 for performing main control regarding the occurrence of a big hit, and the control of the main control board 51. The image display device 5 includes a symbol control board 52 for performing subordinate controls such as variable display of special symbols. In addition, from the main control board 51 to the pattern control board 52
With respect to, communication is possible only in one direction.

<Main Control Board> The main control board 51 includes a main CPU 53 for performing arithmetic processing, a main ROM 54 storing a main control program, and a main RAM 55 serving as a temporary storage area. By the main CPU 53 or the like operating in accordance with the stored control program, game ball launch control, prize ball discharge control, voice control, and the like are performed. The main CPU 53
Is based on the input of a reset signal that occurs periodically.
The process is executed from the beginning of the control program.

The main control board 51 also includes a relay board 56.
Through, a big winning ball sensor 57 for detecting a winning ball to the big winning opening 13, a normal symbol starting sensor 58 for detecting a game ball passing through the normal symbol starting opening 10, a general winning opening 9 General winning ball sensor 5 for detecting winning balls
9, a starting winning ball sensor 60 for detecting a winning ball to the starting winning opening 12, a launch ball sensor 6 for detecting a gaming ball launched toward the gaming section 3 by the launching device 68.
1, and a return ball sensor 62 for detecting a game ball that has returned to the launch position without reaching the inside of the game unit 3 is connected, and ball detection signals from these sensors are input.

In the game of the pachinko machine, when the normal symbol starting sensor 58 detects the game ball that has passed through the normal symbol starting port 10, the main CPU 53 carries out a lottery using a random number based on the detection signal, and the lottery result is obtained. Based on the normal symbol display device 7 to determine the normal symbol stop display mode. The signal output to the normal symbol display device 7 is performed via the lamp control circuit 63.

When the starting winning ball sensor 60 detects a winning ball, the main CPU 53 performs a lottery using a random number based on the detection signal, and based on the lottery result, the winning mode and the variation in the image display device 5 The stop display mode of the pattern and the special symbol is determined.

Further, the main control board 51 includes a relay board 5
Ordinary electric accessory 11 provided at the starting winning opening 12 via 6
Is connected to the drive device for the special winning opening 13, and various decorative displays, the opening / closing operation of the electric accessory 11 provided in the starting winning opening 12, and the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 13 are controlled.

A lamp control circuit 63, a voice control circuit 64, and a prize ball control circuit 66 are connected to the main control board 51. The lamp control circuit 63 is a normal symbol display device 7, a normal symbol memory LED 14, a special symbol memory LED 1.
5. By controlling the decorative LED 16, these LEDs are turned on or blinked. Further, the voice control circuit 64 controls the speaker 65 to generate a sound effect or the like. Further, the prize ball control circuit 66 controls the prize ball discharging device 67 and the launching device 68 to perform a prize ball discharging operation and a hit ball discharging operation.

<Design control board> The design control board 52 is composed of a board different from the board constituting the main control board 51, and is displayed on the image display device 5 based on a command received from the main control board 51. Image data to be generated is generated, and display control of the image data is performed.

This symbol control board 52 is a main control board 51.
Interprets the command received from VDP (V
video display processor) 73
Sub CPU 69 for setting the parameters of, a program ROM 70 storing a control program executed by the sub CPU 69, and a work RAM 7 as a temporary storage area.
1. An image ROM 72 for storing dot data for forming an image, a V for reading the dot data in the image ROM 72 based on the parameters set by the sub CPU 69 and generating image data to be displayed
DP73, R is the image data generated by this VDP73
The D / A converter 74 for converting to a GB signal detects that the control program has entered an abnormal processing routine, and the sub CP within a predetermined time during a normal processing routine.
CTC (Count Tim) with watchdog timer function for resetting U69 and VDP73
er Controller) 75, and CTC75
And a reset IC 76 for generating a reset signal in response to a reset command from. Design control board 52
Then, the image display in the image display device 5 is controlled by operating the sub CPU 69 and the like in accordance with the control program stored in the program ROM 70.

<Game Control in Pachinko Machine> Next, game control of the pachinko machine by the above-mentioned control device 50 will be described. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing the procedure of game control in the pachinko machine. In the main control board 51, main game control processing (S1_1 to S1_) as shown in FIG.
7) is repeated, and periodically (for example, 3) if the interrupt enable flag is set.
every ms), the interrupt processing shown in FIG. 7 (S2_1 to S2
_11) is performed.

<Main Game Control Process> In the main game control process, as shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on, CP
After resetting U and starting the main control board 51, the interrupt permission flag is set (S1_1),
Random number counter to determine the stop symbol when the big hit judgment is lost (random number counter for losing symbol determination)
And the update process (S1_2) of the random number counter (reach operation determining random number counter) for determining the reach operation is performed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a command is being transmitted to the symbol control board 52 (S1_3), and if the command is being transmitted, an interrupt permission flag setting process (S)
Return to 1_1).

On the other hand, when the command is not being transmitted,
An error check command for detecting an error state is generated (S1_4), and an error check is performed (S1_4).
5) Determine whether an error has occurred (S1_
5). Here, if an error has occurred, the subsequent operation cannot be performed, so the process returns to the interrupt permission flag setting process (S1_1). On the other hand, if no error has occurred, the special symbol control process (S1_7) relating to the variation process of the special symbol is performed, and the process returns to the interrupt permission flag setting process (S1_1).

<Interrupt Processing> In the periodic interrupt processing performed when the interrupt enable flag is set, as shown in FIG. 7, first, each register is saved (S2_
1), a jackpot determination random number counter for determining whether or not a jackpot, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter for determining jackpot symbols, a fluctuation pattern number determining random number counter for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol The update process (S2_2) is performed, and the timer update process (S2_3) for updating the timer is performed.

Subsequently, various input signal processing (S2_4) for detecting the presence or absence of input signals from the general winning ball sensor 59, the starting winning ball sensor 60, the big winning ball sensor 57, the normal symbol starting sensor 58 and the like is performed.

Subsequently, a normal symbol process (S2_5) relating to the variation of the normal symbol is performed, and a decoration control process (S2_6) for controlling blinking of the decoration lamp is performed, and a general winning opening 9, a starting winning opening 12 and a large amount. When a game ball is won in the winning opening 13, a prize ball payout process (S2_7) is performed.

Subsequently, an error process (S2_8) for dealing with an error is performed, and a transmission data output process (S2_9) for transmitting data to the symbol control board 52 is performed.

Then, each register is restored (S2_1
0), reset the interrupt enable flag (S2_1
1) Return from interrupt processing.

<Special symbol control process> In the above-mentioned special symbol control process (S1_7), as shown in FIG. 8, whether or not the game ball is won in the starting winning opening 12 and is detected by the starting winning ball sensor 60. Judgment (S3_1), start winning hole 1
If there is no winning ball for 2, demo screen processing (S3_2) for displaying a demo screen is performed.

On the other hand, when a game ball wins the starting winning opening 12, it is determined whether or not the lottery result using a random number permits the occurrence of a big hit (S3_3), and the occurrence of a big hit is permitted. If there is, the effect of the jackpot is determined (S3_4), and the jackpot symbol is also determined (S3).
_5).

When the lottery result using the random numbers does not permit the occurrence of the big hit, the effect of the loss is determined (S3_6), and it is further determined whether or not the determined effect is the reach effect. (S3_7). If the result of this determination is the reach effect, the lost design with reach is selected and determined (S3_8). If it is not the reach effect, the lost pattern without reach is selected and determined (S3).
_9).

Subsequently, a command corresponding to the determined symbol is generated (S3_10), and it is determined whether or not the stop display mode of the special symbol on the image display device 5 is actually a big hit (S3_11). Here, when the big hit has occurred, after performing the special game process (S3_12) for performing the special game, the special symbol control end process (S3_13) for ending the variation process of the special symbol Perform and return processing.

On the other hand, if the big hit has not occurred, without performing the special game process (S3_12), the special symbol control end process (S3_13) is performed, and the process is returned.

<Display Mode of Special Symbol in Image Display Device> Next, a display mode of the special symbol in the image display device 5 will be described with reference to Examples 1 to 3. FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a special symbol display mode according to Example 2, a special symbol display mode according to Example 2, and a special symbol display mode according to Example 3 shown in FIG. In FIGS. 3 to 5, the winning symbol is represented by the numeral “7” and the lost symbol is represented by a star to simplify the description. In addition, the display of a plurality of vertical lines in each square represents a square whose pattern is changing.

<Embodiment 1> The display mode of the special symbol according to Embodiment 1 is to display a total of three squares as the variable display portion, and temporarily stop the variable display of the symbol on each variable display portion. , The number of squares is increased to 5 in total, the variable display of symbols is started again in a predetermined square, and the variable display of symbols in the variable display section is temporarily stopped, and then the number of squares is changed. The total number is increased to 7, and the variable display of symbols is started again at a predetermined square.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, first, a total of three regular hexagonal cells are arranged in a horizontal row, and a variable display of the symbols is performed for each cell. Here, the respective squares are arranged on one horizontal line. In this case, the number of sets is “1”.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the variable display of symbols is stopped in the order of the left-side square and the right-side square. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, a so-called reach state occurs because "7" is stopped and displayed on each of the left and right squares.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), the variable display of the symbols in the central square is stopped, and the effect that the variable display of the symbols is temporarily stopped in all three squares is performed. In the example shown in FIG. 3D, the combination of numbers is "7", "5", and "7", and the state is lost. Here, as shown in FIG. 3E, the number of squares is 5
Increase to individual. That is, a total of five regular hexagonal cells are arranged vertically from left to right, two vertically, one vertically and two vertically.
Individual pieces are arranged and each square is arranged on two intersecting lines to be divided into two groups.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3 (f), the variable display of the symbols is started again in the central square, and the reach state is generated in each line. In other words, once the game is lost, the reach state is generated again so that a jackpot may be generated depending on the stop display pattern in the central grid, and the player's expectation is enhanced. To do.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 3 (g), the variable display of the symbols in all five squares is stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 3 (g), since "4" is stopped and displayed in the central cell, there is a loss state in any line. Here, as shown in FIG. 3 (h), the number of squares is further increased to seven. That is,
Arrange a total of seven regular hexagonal cells in a honeycomb shape,
Place each square on the 3 intersecting lines and 3
Divide into groups.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3 (i), the variable display of the symbols is started again in the central square, and the reach state is generated in each line. In other words, once the game is lost, the reach state is generated again so that a jackpot may be generated depending on the stop display pattern in the central grid, and the player's expectation is enhanced. To do.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 3 (j), the variable display of the symbols in all the seven squares is stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 3 (j), since "7" is stopped and displayed in the center square, "7", "7", and "7" are lined up on the diagonal line from the upper left to the lower right, and the jackpot award mode is obtained. It is configured.

<Embodiment 2> The display mode of the special symbol according to Embodiment 2 displays a total of three squares as the variable display portion, and immediately after the variable display of the symbol on each variable display portion is started, The total number of squares is increased to seven.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), first, a total of three regular hexagonal cells are arranged in a horizontal row, and a variable display of symbols is performed for each cell. Here, the respective squares are arranged on one horizontal line. In this case, the number of sets is “1”.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4B, the number of squares is increased to 7, and each square is arranged in a honeycomb shape. That is, a total of seven regular hexagonal cells are arranged on three intersecting lines and divided into three groups.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), the variable display of symbols on a total of three squares arranged on the left side of the outer periphery is stopped. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), the variable display of symbols in a total of three squares arranged on the right side of the outer periphery is stopped. In this state, the variable display of symbols on a total of 6 squares is stopped.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4 (e), the variable display of the symbols in the central square is stopped, and the variable display of the symbols is stopped in all seven squares.

In the example shown in FIG. 4 (e), the cells are divided into three groups, but on any line,
It hasn't been a big hit, nor has it been in the so-called reach state.

<Third Embodiment> The display mode of the special symbol according to the third embodiment is such that after displaying a total of three squares as a variable display portion, the number of squares is increased to seven and each variable display is made. The variable display of symbols in the section is started.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, first of all, a total of three regular hexagonal cells are arranged in a horizontal row. Here, the respective squares are arranged on one horizontal line. In this case, the number of sets is “1”.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5B, the number of squares is increased to 7, and each square is arranged in a honeycomb shape. That is, a total of seven regular hexagonal cells are arranged on three intersecting lines and divided into three groups.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5C, the variable display of the symbols in each square is started.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), the variable display of symbols in a total of three squares arranged on the left side of the outer periphery is stopped. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), the variable display of the symbols on a total of three squares arranged on the right side of the outer circumference is stopped. In this state, the variable display of symbols on a total of 6 squares is stopped.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (f), the variable display of the symbols on the central square is stopped, and the variable display of the symbols is stopped on all seven squares. Figure 5
In the example shown in (f), the squares are divided into three groups, but they are not a big hit or a so-called reach state on any line.

<Other Embodiments> The gaming machine according to the present invention is
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In other words, the number of squares that serve as the variable display area is 3 and 5 as described above.
The number is not limited to 7 and 7, for example, 4, 10, 14 and 1
It can be implemented by appropriately changing the number such as six. Further, the form of the line is not limited to that described above, and may be a V-shaped line or an inverted V-shaped line. The shape of the grid is not limited to the regular hexagon, but may be another polygon or a circle. Further, the number of squares may be sequentially decreased instead of being increased sequentially, may be increased once and then decreased again, or may be decreased once and then increased again.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a pachinko machine is described as an example of a typical gaming machine, but the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines and pachislot gaming machines.

[0072]

Since the gaming machine according to the present invention has the above-mentioned structure, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the variable display portions for displaying the plurality of symbols in a variable manner are arranged in a plurality of groups according to the arrangement direction, and the symbols stopped and displayed on the variable display portion are predetermined. When the prize mode is formed in any of the groups, a special game that is advantageous to the player as compared with the normal game is performed. Then, by changing the number of variable display portions as the game progresses, it is possible to change the number of sets of sections according to the arrangement direction of the variable display portions.

Therefore, since the number of so-called reach lines changes with the progress of the game, it is possible to give an unexpected effect to the effect. Further, it is possible to further increase the fun of the game by increasing the reach line and performing an effect that increases the possibility that a special game will occur.

The number of variable display portions can be changed after the variable display of symbols on each variable display portion is temporarily stopped. By performing such an effect, even if the variable display of the symbols is temporarily stopped and there is no possibility of shifting to the special game at all, by changing the number of the variable display portions thereafter, shift to the special game. There is a possibility that a possibility may occur, and it is possible to maintain the state where the player's expectation is heightened in the whole process of the game and to enhance the fun of the game.

The number of variable display portions can be changed immediately before or after the variable display of symbols on the variable display portion is started. By performing such an effect, it is possible to perform an unexpected effect and enhance the fun of the game.

Further, by making the shape of the variable display portions a regular hexagon, adjacent variable display portions can be arranged without a gap, and the display screen of the image display device can be effectively used. Furthermore, the arrangement of the variable display section becomes orderly, and the aesthetic effect can be enhanced.

Further, by storing a program for realizing the function of the gaming machine according to the present invention in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or distributing it by using a telecommunication line such as the Internet, a home game. A game similar to that of the gaming machine of the present invention can be played on a machine or the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device for controlling a pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display mode of special symbols according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display mode of a special symbol according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display mode of a special symbol according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of game control in a pachinko machine (main game control processing).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (interrupt processing) showing a procedure of game control in a pachinko machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of game control in a pachinko machine (special symbol control processing).

[Explanation of symbols]

1 game board 2 Guide rail 3 game department 4 Obstacles 5 Image display device 6 Normal design LED 7 Ordinary symbol display device 8 out mouth 9 General prize holes 10 Normal design starting port 11 ordinary electric accessories 12 Starting prize hole 13 big winning holes 14 Normal pattern memory LED 15 Special symbol memory LED 16 LED for decoration 51 Main control board 52 symbol control board 53 Main CPU 54 Main ROM 55 Main RAM 56 relay board 57 Big Prize Ball Sensor 58 Normal pattern start sensor 59 General prize ball sensor 60 Start prize ball sensor 61 Launch ball sensor 62 Return sphere sensor 63 Lamp control circuit 64 voice control circuit 65 speakers 66 prize ball control circuit 67 Prize Ball Discharge Device 68 launcher 69 Sub CPU 70 Program ROM 71 Work RAM 72 Image ROM 73 VDP 74 D / A converter 75 CTC 76 Reset IC

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image display unit having a plurality of variable display sections for displaying a plurality of symbols in a variable manner for a predetermined period when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, each of the variable display sections having a plurality of sets in accordance with an arrangement direction thereof. When the symbols that are arranged in a divided manner and are stopped and displayed on the variable display section constitute a prize mode in any one of the predetermined groups, a special game advantageous to the player as compared with the normal game is given. A gaming machine to be played, characterized in that by changing the number of the variable display sections as the game progresses, the number of groups of sections according to the arrangement direction of the variable display sections is changed. . 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the change of the number of the variable display portions is performed after the variable display of symbols on all the variable display portions is temporarily stopped. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of the variable display sections is changed immediately before or after the variable display of the symbols on the variable display section is started. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the variable display portion has a regular hexagonal shape. 5. A computer is used to realize a function as an image display unit having a plurality of variable display portions for displaying a plurality of symbols in a variable manner for a predetermined period when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, and each of the variations. The display unit is divided into a plurality of groups according to the arrangement direction, and when the symbols stopped and displayed on the variable display unit constitute a prize mode in any one of the predetermined groups, it is compared with the normal game. A computer program for realizing a function of playing a special game advantageous to a player, by changing the number of the variable display units as the game progresses, A computer program characterized by adding a function for changing the number of sets of the subdivided categories.