JP2003111930A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To heighten amusement when a decorative performance is displayed. SOLUTION: In the case that a display control device displays patterns for the execution of readiness to win a race on a special pattern display device, an intermediate-stage pattern which has won when a race of the decorative performance is completed (a pattern in which 7 is added to Yorkshire terriers) is displayed as one constituting a big-win pattern in such a way as to be approximately in a straight line with upper-stage and lower stage patterns constituting the big-win pattern between the start of the variation of the patterns and its completion by the special pattern display device. Therefore, it is possible for a game player to easily recognize which pattern among the three types of patterns performing the race first reaches a goal to bring about the big-win pattern when the race is displayed on the special pattern display device. Therefore, the game player's expectation of the halted patterns becoming the big-win pattern during the race, and amusement is heightened.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is such that when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a symbol display device starts changing a symbol, and a stop symbol after the variation ends becomes a normal symbol if it is a symbol and after the variation ends. If the stop symbol is a winning symbol, the present invention relates to a gaming machine that is in a gaming state advantageous to the player.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a pachinko machine equipped with a symbol display device, a starting condition is satisfied by a game ball entering a starting opening, the symbol on the symbol display device starts to change, and a stop symbol after the change ends. It is known that the normal game state is continued if the symbol is off, and the special game state is advantageous to the player if the stop symbol after the fluctuation is a big hit symbol. In this special game state, a special winning opening called an attacker is opened, and when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the special winning opening, the big winning opening is closed. When at least one of them enters the area called V zone in the special winning opening, the special winning opening is opened again, and this operation is repeated a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, 16 times).

When it comes to a big hit pattern, for example,
After each of the symbols in the middle and lower rows fluctuates horizontally, any two of them will stop first with the same symbol on the same line and become a so-called reach state, then the symbol display of the last one will stop. And then all three are lined up on the same line with the same design, resulting in a big hit design such as "7", "7", "7". In addition to using only numbers as a design, when using some character as a design,
There is a case where the character and the number are combined and used as a design.

By the way, in recent years, various reach patterns have been adopted in order to enhance the effect of the reach state. For example, there is a decorative reach that displays a competition such as a race or a ball game, which is independent of the symbol variation, and performs a decorative effect.

[0005]

However, at the time of decorative reach, the decorative effect of displaying a competition such as a race is prioritized, and the two patterns that are aligned at the time of reach of the variation of the pattern are:
It is neglected to decide the stop design by the decorative effect. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to recognize which character wins the jackpot pattern when the decoration effect is displayed, and the sense of expectation for the jackpot is impaired. There was a problem of not having.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest in displaying a decorative effect.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problem and Its Action / Effect The gaming machine of the present invention employs the following means in order to achieve at least a part of the above-mentioned object. The operation and the like will be described as needed.

Means 1. When the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the symbol display device starts changing the symbol, and if the stop symbol after the fluctuation is disengaged, it becomes a normal game state, and if the stop symbol after the fluctuation ends is a winning symbol, it becomes a player. In a gaming machine that is in an advantageous gaming state, on the symbol display device, from the start to the end of the fluctuation of the symbol, at least part of the symbol is used to clearly show the success / failure of decoration. The control means is provided with a control means for displaying a display mode, and the control means, from the start to the end of the fluctuation of the symbol on the symbol display device, until the finish, the symbol which has succeeded in the decorative effect display mode is the stop symbol. As one of the constituents, a gaming machine that causes the stop symbols to be displayed so as to be regularly arranged with the other symbols.

In this gaming machine, between the start and the end of the fluctuation of the symbol on the symbol display device, the symbol that has succeeded in the decoration effect display mode is one of the stop symbols constituting the stop symbol. It is displayed so as to be regularly arranged with other symbols constituting the symbol. Therefore, the player can easily recognize which symbol is successful when the decorative effect is displayed and the symbol is a winning symbol. In addition, the player can enjoy both the enjoyment of the decorative effect and the enjoyment of having the same pattern at the same time. Therefore, according to this gaming machine, the player's sense of expectation that the stop symbol becomes a hit symbol during the decoration effect is increased, and the interest is increased.

Examples of the "decorative display mode that clearly shows success / failure" include competitions such as races and horse racing, competitions such as martial arts, and ball games that compete for points. To be

Means 2. In the gaming machine of means 1, the control means, when displaying the decoration effect display mode, succeeds in the decoration effect display mode the position when other symbols constituting the stop symbol are aligned in the same symbol. -A gaming machine that moves so that it is at the established position of the unsuccessful result. By doing this, the reach symbol (a state in which other symbols constituting the stop symbol are aligned with the same symbol) can be impressed to the player, so that the player further decides which symbol will be a winning symbol if successful. It can be easily recognized, and the player's expectation that the stop symbol will be a hit symbol during the decoration effect is further increased, and the player's interest is further enhanced.

Means 3. A gaming machine of means 1 or 2,
The control means, when displaying the decoration effect display mode,
A gaming machine that moves the position when the other symbols constituting the stop symbol are aligned with the same symbol to the end of the symbol display device.
In this way, the space for displaying the decoration display mode becomes large, and the decoration effect is displayed in a way that is easy for the player to see.

Means 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the control means displays the decoration display mode substantially at the center of the symbol display device. In this way, the decoration effect is displayed in a way that is easy for the player to see, which enhances the interest.

Means 5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the design used in the decoration effect display mode is the design itself or a part thereof. In this way, the symbols used in the variable display mode and the decoration effect display mode are substantially the same, and the player can easily recognize the winning pattern, thereby enhancing the interest. Here, in addition to the case where only the numbers are used as the symbols, there are cases where some characters are used as the symbols and cases where the characters and numbers are combined and used as the symbols.

Means 6. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 5, wherein an active symbol that can be moved by itself is used for at least a part of the symbol used for variation, and decoration is performed by moving the active symbol in the decoration effect display mode. A game machine that displays performance. By doing this, it is possible to further enhance the interest. Here, examples of the "active pattern" include animals and insects.

Means 7. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, a passive symbol that cannot be moved by itself is used for at least a part of the symbol used for fluctuation, and the passive symbol is moved in the decoration effect display mode. A gaming machine that displays decorative effects. By doing this, it is possible to further enhance the interest. Here, the "passive pattern" includes, for example, a ball for ball games and the like.

Means 8. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, between the start and the end of the fluctuation of the symbol on the symbol display device, the symbol which has succeeded in the decorative effect display mode is the stop symbol. As one of the constituents, a gaming machine that may be displayed so as to be lined up on a substantially straight line with the other constituents of the stop symbol. In this way, the symbols that have succeeded in the decoration effect display mode are lined up on a substantially straight line together with other symbols, as in the case of the conventional hit, so that the player can easily judge the hit and the interest is enhanced.

Means 9. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. As a basic configuration example of a pachinko machine as a game machine of the present invention, a launch handle is provided, and a game ball is launched into a predetermined game area in response to operation of the handle, and the game ball has a predetermined range within the game area. The variable display of the symbols on the display means is started on condition that it is necessary to win the operating port arranged at the position, and the winning port arranged at the predetermined position in the game area is predetermined during the special game state. In this mode, the game balls can be won by being opened in this mode, and a valuable value (including not only a prize ball but also writing on a magnetic card, etc.) corresponding to the number of winning prizes can be given. In such a pachinko machine, there is a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous for a player who can obtain at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is a disadvantage for a player who consumes the game balls. It can also be done.

Means 10. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine.
As an example of the basic configuration of the slot machine as the gaming machine of the present invention, "display means for variably displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state, and then confirming the symbol The change of the pattern is started due to the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the stop operation means (for example, the stop button)
Due to the operation of or due to the lapse of a predetermined time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and the special game state in which a special game state advantageous to the player is generated on condition that the definite symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol A gaming machine provided with a generating means ". In this case, coins, medals, etc. are typical examples of the game medium. In such a slot machine, a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can obtain at least a large number of game media such as coins and medals, and a normal game that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes game media. The state and can also exist.

Means 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. As a basic configuration example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine as such a gaming machine of the present invention are fused, "a symbol sequence composed of a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state A display means for confirming and displaying the symbol after the variable display is provided, and the fluctuation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the start operation manual throw (for example, the operation lever), and the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button). And or the change of the symbol is stopped by the lapse of a predetermined time, and special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the definite symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. Prepare,
There is a game machine configured to use a game ball as a game medium and to require a predetermined number of game balls at the start of fluctuation of symbols, and to pay out a large number of game balls when a special game state occurs. it can. In such a gaming machine, a special gaming state (big hit state) that is advantageous for a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls.
There can be a normal game state that is a disadvantageous state for the player who consumes the game ball.

As described in the means 9 to 11, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a pachinko machine, a slot machine, a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, or the like. It can also be applied to various game machines.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a game machine according to the present invention is embodied as a pachinko machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the pachinko machine 20 of the present embodiment as seen from the front, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 20, and FIG. 3 is a pachinko machine of the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the electrical connection of 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 20 of the present embodiment has a game board 30 covered with a transparent plate 30a made of polycarbonate fitted in a front frame 22, an upper tray 24 and a lower tray 26 for storing game balls. , A launch handle 28 for launching a game ball to the game board 30, and a main controller 70 for controlling the entire pachinko machine 20 (see FIG. 3).
With.

The game board 30 is, as shown in FIG. 2, a normal symbol display device 32 arranged at the upper center of the game board 30.
And, the normal symbol display device operating gates 34a, 34b having the normal symbol starting opening switches 36a, 36b respectively arranged on the left and right parts of the game board 30 for detecting the passage of the game ball, and arranged on the lower side of the normal symbol display device 32 The special symbol display device 40, the starting port 42 having a special symbol starting port switch 44 arranged below the special symbol displaying device 40 to detect the winning of the game ball, and the tulip attached to the starting port 42 and capable of opening and closing. -Type ordinary electric accessory 46, a big winning opening 50 which is arranged below the starting opening 42 and can be opened and closed, and a total of four ordinary winning openings 60a to 60d arranged on the lower left and right sides of the game board 30.
And an outlet 69 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings.

The normal symbol display device 32 is a symbol 32a, 32b of "○" and "x" which are variably displayed by switching lighting of a lamp (not shown) provided on the back,
Four ordinary symbol variation holding lamps 33a to 33 arranged above the symbols "a" and "x" 32a, 32b
and d. "○" and "x" symbols 32a, 32
b is a game ball is normally a symbol display device operating gate 34a, 3
When the passage of 4b is detected, the variable display is started, and after the variable display for a predetermined time, the variable display is ended with one of the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "x" being turned on. Ordinary symbol variation hold lamps 33a to 33d are
Each time the game balls pass through the normal symbol display device operating gates 34a, 34b during the variable display of the symbols "a" and "x" 32a, 32b by the normal symbol display device 32, one by one is lit in order from the left side. , The normal symbol display device 32 is turned off in the reverse order of lighting every time the variable display of the symbols "a" and "x" 32a, 32b is started, so that the normal symbol display device is displayed during the variable display. Operating gate 34
The number of times the ball passes through a and 34b is shown as the number of reserved balls up to four times.

The tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 provided at the starting port 42 has a tulip for a predetermined time (eg, 0. 0.) when the variation display by the normal symbol display device 32 is stopped at the symbol 32a of "O". It is configured to open for 3 seconds.

The special symbol display device 40 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 90 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 40 is composed of three stages of an upper stage U, a middle stage M, and a lower stage L, and displays three symbols of a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol for each stage, The display is changed horizontally from right to left. The display control device 90 variably displays a series of symbols on each of the upper tier U, the middle tier M, and the lower tier L when detecting that the game ball has won the starting opening 42.
The series of symbols is composed of a main symbol that is a combination of a dog as a character and a numeral, and a sub symbol that is a heart, and the main symbol and the sub symbols are variably displayed from right to left with periodicity. In the middle M and the lower L, the display order of the series of symbols is, in the middle M and the lower L, the main symbol with the number "1" added to the breed "Boston Terrier", the sub-pattern consisting of hearts, and the number "2" with the breed "Beagle". Main design with "", sub design consisting of heart, main design with number "3" attached to breed "Pomeranian", sub design consisting of heart, main design with number "4" attached to breed "Pug" , Sub-design consisting of hearts, main design with the number "5" attached to the breed "Cavalier", sub-design consisting of hearts, main design with the number "6" attached to the breed "Welsh Corgi", consisting of the heart Sub-design, main design with the number "7" attached to the breed "Yorkshire Terrier",
Sub-design consisting of hearts, main design with the number "8" attached to the breed "Shih Tzu", sub-design consisting of hearts, design with the number "9" attached to the breed "Papillon", breed "Pug""4" is added to the main symbols, that is, in ascending order, and then the "Boston Terrier" is again given the number "1".
Return to the main design with. As a result, only the main symbol with the number "4" added to the breed "Pug" appears twice during one cycle. On the other hand, in the upper row U, a similar series of symbols are displayed, but the display order is not ascending order but descending order. Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the upper row U, the lower row L, and the middle row M, and the main symbol is any one of the vertical left column L1, the vertical center row L2, the vertical right row L3, the diagonal right upper row L4, and the diagonal upper left row L5. When is aligned, a special game video is displayed as a big hit.

The game board 30 is provided with four special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d between the normal symbol display device 32 and the special symbol display device 40. The special symbol fluctuation holding lamps 41a to 41d are the special symbol display device 4
Each time the game ball wins the starting opening 42 while the variation display of the upper U, the middle M, the lower L by 0 and the special game animation is displayed, one by one is lit in order from the left side, and a special symbol. The display device 40 is turned off in the reverse order of lighting each time the upper display U, the middle display M, and the lower display L are started to be displayed, so that during display of the display of change and during display of the special game moving image. The maximum number of balls that have been won in the starting port 42 is shown as the number of reserved balls.

The special winning opening 50 is normally in a closed state in which the game ball is not received, and in the case of a big hit, the special winning opening driving device 52 shown in FIG. The state is driven so as to be repeated based on a predetermined condition. The special winning opening 50 is a 10-count switch 54 (see FIG. 3) for counting the winning of the game ball, and a V count for detecting that the gaming ball has won in a V zone 56 provided on the right side of the special winning opening 50. Switch 58
(See FIG. 3).

In addition to the above, on the game board 30, there are rails 62 for guiding the fired game balls on an arc and lamp windmills 64a, 64b arranged on the left and right shoulders for guiding the center of the game board 30.
Ordinary symbol display device operation gate 34a, windmill 66a, 66b arranged in the vicinity of 34b, special symbol display device 40 is attached to both sides of a total of eight indicators 68a-6
8h etc. are also attached. It should be noted that a plurality of nails that guide and play the game ball to enhance the playability thereof are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main controller 70 is configured as a microcomputer centered on a CPU 72, and in addition to a power supply circuit 73 that supplies power to the CPU 72, a ROM 74 that stores various processing programs.
RAM 76 for temporarily storing data, clock circuit 78 for outputting a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, input / output processing circuit 8
0s are connected by a bus 82. In the main control device 70, a passing signal from the normal symbol starting port switches 36a and 36b, a starting signal from the special symbol starting port switch 44, a count signal from the 10 count switch 54, V
A V signal from the count switch 58, an input signal from another input device 88 such as a normal winning switch or a prize ball count switch, and the like are input via the input / output processing circuit 80. Further, from the main control device 70, the drive signal to the normal symbol display device 32 and the drive signal to the special winning opening drive device 52, the normal symbol variation hold lamps 33a to 33d and the special symbol variation hold lamps 41a to 41d are turned on. Signal, drive signal to the normal electric auditors' prize 46, control signal to the voice control device 84 to which the speaker 86 is connected, special symbol display device 40
Output device 8 such as a control signal to the display control device 90 that controls the display control of
The drive signal to 9 is output through the input / output processing circuit 80. The lighting signals to the indicators 68a to 68h are output from another output device 89.

Next, the pachinko machine 20 configured as described above
The operation of will be described. FIG. 5 shows the main controller 70.
5 is a flowchart showing an example of a main routine executed by This routine is executed every predetermined time (for example,
It is repeatedly executed every 2 msec.

When the main routine is executed, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 causes the start winning process (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 100) illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variation start process (S102) illustrated in FIG. The fluctuation stop process (S104) illustrated in FIG. 8 and the counter update process (S106) illustrated in FIG. 9 are executed, and then the deviation symbol counter update process (S108) illustrated in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed during the remaining time. For ease of explanation, first, the counter updating process and the deviation symbol counter updating process will be described, and then each of the other processes will be described.

[Counter Update Process] In the counter update process, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 7 of the main controller 70 is operated.
2 is an internal random number counter C1, a reach random number counter C
2, big hit symbol counter C3, fluctuation pattern counter C
The process of incrementing each counter of 4 is executed (S240). As shown in FIG. 11, the internal random number counter C1 is a counter used when determining whether or not it is a big hit, and in the present embodiment, a value of 1 from 0 to 599 in order.
It is a loop counter that increments by one and reaches a maximum value (that is, 599) and then returns to 0 again. The reach random number counter C2 is a counter used when deciding whether or not to perform a reach game at the time of a miss, and in the present embodiment, 0.
It is a loop counter that sequentially increments up to 11 by 1 and reaches a maximum value (that is, 11) and then returns to 0 again. The big hit symbol counter C3 is a counter used when determining the symbols (big hit symbols) when the special symbol display device 40 variably displays the upper stage U, the middle stage M, and the lower stage L when the variation stops. In this embodiment, 0 to
It is a loop counter that sequentially increments up to 44 by 1 and reaches a maximum value (that is, 44) and then returns to 0 again. The fluctuation pattern counter C4 is a special symbol display device 4
This counter is used when deciding a pattern for variably displaying the upper U, middle M, and lower L of 0. In the present embodiment, 0 to 99 are sequentially incremented by 1 to reach the maximum value (that is, 99). It is a loop counter that returns to 0 again after doing. When each counter is updated in this manner, each counter is stored in the counter buffer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S242), and the counter updating process is ended.

[Displacement Symbol Counter Update Processing] In the removal symbol counter update processing, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes processing for incrementing the displacement symbol upper stage counter CU (S25).
0). The removal symbol upper tier counter CU is an upper tier U, which is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 when it is detached, a middle tier M,
It is a counter used when determining the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol of the upper stage U among the symbols (displacement symbol) when the lower stage L stops changing, and as shown in FIG.
It is a loop counter that increments by 1 in sequence from the number of symbols to the number obtained by subtracting 1 and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. FIG. 12 (a) is a disengagement symbol upper counter C.
It is a table showing an example of the correspondence between the value of U and the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol of the upper row U. As is clear from this table, the upper row U appears in descending order from left to right.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the deviation symbol upper stage counter CU is 0 (S252), and the deviation symbol upper stage counter C is determined.
When U is 0, the deviation symbol lower counter CL is incremented (S254). Outer symbol lower tier counter CL is the left symbol of the lower tier L, the middle symbol of the upper tier U, the middle tier M, which is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the alienation, the lower tier L of the symbols when the variation is stopped (the errant symbol). , Is a counter used when determining the right symbol, and as shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the number 1 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols 0 in the same manner as the outlier symbol upper counter CU. It is a loop counter that increments by one and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. FIG. 12B is a table showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the value of the deviation symbol lower counter CL and the lower symbol L, the middle symbol, and the right symbol. As is clear from this table, the lower row L appears in ascending order from left to right.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the deviation symbol lower counter CL is 0 (S256), and the deviation symbol lower counter C
When L has a value of 0, the deviation symbol middle counter CM is incremented (S258). Here, the disengagement symbol middle counter CM is a special symbol display device 40 when disengaged.
The upper U, middle M, and lower L patterns that are displayed in a variable manner at the time of the stop of the fluctuations (outside symbols), the left M of the middle M, the middle M,
It is a counter used when determining the right symbol, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the value is incremented one by one from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols in the same manner as the deviation symbol upper counter CU and the deviation symbol lower counter CL, and the maximum value is reached. It is a loop counter that returns to 0 again later. FIG. 12C is a table showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the value of the outlier symbol middle counter CM and the left symbol of the middle M, the middle symbol, and the right symbol. As is clear from this table, in the middle row M, as in the lower row L, they appear in ascending order from left to right.

Either all the deviation symbol each stage counter CU, CL, CM is incremented, or when it is determined in S252 that the deviation symbol upper stage counter CU is not 0, or S25.
When it is determined that the deviation symbol lower counter CL is not 0 in 6, any one of the vertical left column L1, the vertical center column L2, the vertical right column L3, the diagonal right upper column L4, and the diagonal upper left column L5 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the main symbols of the upper row U and the lower row L are aligned on the line (S260). When the main symbols of the upper row U and the lower row L are not aligned in any of the lines, the values of the respective deviation symbol counters CU, CM and CL are stored in the deviation symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (S26).
2), this routine is finished. On the other hand, when the main symbols of the upper tier U and the lower tier L are aligned on any of the lines, it is determined whether the main symbols of the middle tier M are aligned on the same line (S264). Here, when the main symbols of the middle row M are not aligned, so-called out-reach symbols are obtained, so the values of the out-reach symbol counters CU, CM, CL are stored in the out-reach symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (( (S266), this routine ends. On the other hand, the middle M
When the main symbols are also available, the routine is terminated without storing the values of the respective deviation symbol counters CU, CM, and CL in the deviation symbol buffer or the deviation reach symbol buffer because they are not deviation symbols.

As can be seen from the flowchart of the main routine illustrated in FIG. 5, the deviation symbol counter updating process is repeatedly performed in the idle time until the main routine is executed every time a predetermined time elapses. Therefore, while other counters such as the internal random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 count up each time the main routine is executed, the outlier symbol upper stage counter CU is additionally free every time the main routine is executed. It counts up each time it is repeatedly executed. In the present embodiment, the "out-of-place design" refers to a stop design when stopped at an uneven design without going through a reach state, and the "out-of-reach reach design" stops at an uneven design after a reach state. When referring to the stop design, one or both of these two corresponds to the "off design" in the present invention.

[Starting Winning Processing] In the starting winning processing, FIG.
As shown in, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not the game ball has won the starting opening 42 (S200). This judgment is a special symbol starting port switch 4
4 can be turned on or off. When it is determined that the game ball has won the starting opening 42, it is checked whether the number N of reserved balls is less than 4 (S202). This is because, as described above, in the present embodiment, there are four holding upper limit values.

When the number N of reserved balls is less than 4, the number N of reserved balls is incremented by a value of 1 (S204), and one of the special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d is sequentially turned on from the left (S206). RAM7 in S242 of the counter update process or S262 of the outlier symbol counter update process of FIG.
Internal random number counter value, reach random number counter value, big hit symbol counter value, out symbol counter set value stored in the counter buffer of 6 (values of each out symbol counter CU, CM, CL temporarily stored in the out symbol buffer) Is stored in the first area of the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage area which is also set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 (S208). FIG. 13 shows an example of the structure of the reserved ball storage area. As shown, the reserved ball storage area is 1
It is composed of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas), and each area can store an internal random number counter value, a reach random number counter value, a big hit symbol counter value, and a deviation symbol counter set value. .

After the processing of storing each counter value in the reserved ball storage area is completed, when it is determined in S200 that the game ball has not won the starting opening 42, or S202.
If it is not determined that the number N of reserved balls is less than 4, it is determined whether the number N of reserved balls is greater than 0 or not (S
210), it is determined whether or not the special symbol display device 40 is displaying the left, middle, and right symbols L, M, R in a variable manner, or whether or not it is a big hit (S212). When the number N of reserved balls is not 0 and the special symbol display device 40 is neither in the fluctuation display nor in the big hit, the fluctuation permission flag F1
Set 1 to (zero at initialization) (S214),
When this routine is finished and the number of reserved balls N is 0, the special symbol display device 40 is displaying fluctuations, or is a big hit, this routine is executed without setting 1 to the fluctuation permission flag F1. finish.

[Fluctuation Start Processing] In the fluctuation start processing, as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of determining whether or not the variation permission flag F1 is 1 (S220). When the variation permission flag F1 is not the value 1, the number N of reserved balls is 0, or the special symbol display device 40 displays the symbols U, M, L of the upper, middle, and lower variability or is a big hit. If it is determined to be one of the cases, this routine is ended.

When the variation permission flag F1 has a value of 1, the special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d are sequentially set from the right to 1
One light is turned off (S222), the number N of reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S224), and the process of shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is performed (S226).
This data shift process is performed by the first to the third reservations illustrated in FIG.
This is a process of shifting the data stored in the fourth area to the execution area side by one block. That is, the data in the reserved first area is the execution area, the data in the reserved second area is the reserved first area, the data in the reserved third area is the reserved second area, and the data in the reserved fourth area is the reserved third area. It is a process of moving to.

Next, the processing for determining the display command is performed (S227). The display command is the special symbol display device 40.
Upper U, middle M, lower L symbols are displayed in a horizontal direction after being displayed in a horizontal direction, and a stop symbol command for setting the symbol at the time of variable display stop, and the special symbol display device 40 upper U, middle M, lower L symbols And a fluctuation pattern command for setting the fluctuation pattern. Then, the display command determined in S227 is transmitted to the display control device 90 via the input / output processing circuit 80 (S228), the variation permission flag F1 is set to the value 0 (S229), and this routine is ended. Display control device 90 that received the display command
Is the special symbol display device 40 according to the stop symbol command when the symbols of the upper symbol U, the middle symbol M, and the lower symbol L are displayed in a variable manner according to the variation pattern command of the display commands, and when a confirmation command to be described later is received. The variable display of the symbols in the upper row U, the middle row M, and the lower row L is stopped. The display command determination process of S227 is performed using the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

[Display Command Determination Processing] In the display command determination processing, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. Whether or not it is a big hit is determined based on the relationship between the internal random number counter value and the mode (S300). Specifically, the internal random number counter value is a numerical value from 0 to 599, among which 7 and 3
07 is a normal hourly value, and the number when the remainder when divided by 60 is 7 (7, 67, 127, ...) Is determined as the high probability hourly value. For this reason, the jackpot determination is normally performed by determining whether the internal random number counter value is 7 or 307, and when the probability is high, the internal random number counter value is 7, 67, 127 ,. It is performed by determining whether or not It should be noted that the high probability time means a state in which the big hit probability thereafter increases as an added value when it becomes a big hit according to a predetermined probability fluctuation pattern (called a probability change), and the normal time does not mean such a probability change state. Say time.

Now, when it is determined that the big hit, a table not showing the symbol corresponding to the value of the big hit symbol counter C3 stored in the execution area of the holding ball storage area (the correspondence relation between the big hit symbol counter value and the symbol) Table to represent)
Based on, the symbol is set to the stop symbol command (S310). Specifically, the big hit symbol counter value is any value from 0 to 44, and there are 45 big hit symbols because any of the nine main symbols are aligned on any of the five lines L1 to L5. The counter value corresponds to any of the 45 big hit symbols. Therefore, one of the 45 big hit symbols is set in the stop symbol command. In addition, when these special jackpot symbols are arranged in a predetermined specific symbol, the state changes to the probable variation state thereafter, but when they are arranged in a non-specific symbol, the probable variation state does not transition. Next, the jackpot variation pattern command determination process illustrated in FIG. 15 is performed to set the variation pattern command (S312), and this routine is ended. In the jackpot variation pattern command determination processing, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 76 is checked (S340), and when the variation pattern counter C4 is less than 10, the pattern B is set as the variation pattern command ( S342), fluctuation pattern counter C
When 4 is 10 or more and less than 50, the pattern C is set to the variation pattern command (S344), and when the variation pattern counter C4 is 50 or more and less than 95, the pattern D is set to the variation pattern command (S346), and the variation pattern counter C4 is set. When it is 95 or more, the pattern E is set to the variation pattern command (S348). Each fluctuation pattern will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S300 that it is not a big hit, it is determined whether the value of the reach random number counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is reach (S302). In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is any of 0 to 11, and the value with reach is set to 7. Therefore, the probability with reach is 1/12. If it is determined that there is reach, RAM
The out-reach upper counter CU, the out-removing middle middle counter CM, and the out-removing lower counter CL stored in the out-reach symbol buffer of 76 are set in the stop symbol command (S320), and then the out-reach illustrated in FIG. Time variation pattern command determination processing is performed to set a variation pattern command (S322), and this routine is ended.
In the out-reach variation pattern command determination process, RA
The value of the fluctuation pattern counter C4 stored in the M76 counter buffer is checked (S350), and when the fluctuation pattern counter C4 is less than 50, the pattern B is set to the fluctuation pattern command (S352), and the fluctuation pattern counter C4 is set to 50. If it is above 85 and is less than 85, pattern C
Is set to the variation pattern command (S354), and when the variation pattern counter C4 is 85 or more and less than 95, the pattern D is set to the variation pattern command (S356).
When the variation pattern counter C4 is 95 or more, the pattern F is set as the variation pattern command (S358).
If it is determined that there is no reach in S302, the outlier symbol counter set value stored in the execution area is set to the stop symbol command (S330), and the pattern A is set to the variation pattern command (S332), and the book is set. Exit the routine.

In this embodiment, each fluctuation pattern is set as follows. “Pattern A” is a pattern for displaying a deviating symbol, and after starting the variable display of the symbols of the upper U, middle M, and lower L by the special symbol display device 40, 7
After 2 seconds, stop the symbol fluctuation of the upper tier U, after 8 seconds stop the symbol fluctuation of the lower tier L (the main symbols of the upper tier U and the lower tier L are not aligned in any of the lines L1 to L5 (see FIG. 4)), It is set as a pattern for stopping the symbol fluctuation of the middle stage M after 9 seconds. "Pattern B" is a so-called normal reach pattern, and after starting the variable display of the symbols of the upper U, middle M, and lower L by the special symbol display device 40, the symbol fluctuation of the upper U is stopped after 7 seconds, 8 After 2 seconds, stop the fluctuation of the lower symbol (the main symbols of the upper U and the lower L are aligned in any of the lines L1 to L5), and then at a low speed without adding any special change to the symbol of the middle M 7
It is set as a pattern that changes the display for a second and then stops. “Pattern C” is a so-called super-reach pattern, and does not stop the variable display of the symbols in the middle M of the pattern B at the stop timing of the symbols in the middle M of the pattern, and then stops after displaying the variable display for a further 5 seconds at high speed. It is set as a pattern. "Pattern D" is a so-called special reach pattern, and is the middle M of pattern C.
At the stop timing of the symbol, it is set as a hit pattern or a pattern before and after the hit symbol after the variable display of the middle M is displayed for 10 seconds at a low speed without stopping the variable display of the symbol. In the super reach and the special reach, not only the upper U, the middle M, and the lower L symbols are variably displayed, but also predetermined reach games and reach animations are displayed. In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, in the big hit variation pattern command determination process, the pattern D is more easily set than in the reach reach variation pattern command determination process. In the reach time variation pattern command determination process, the pattern B is easier to set than in the big hit variation pattern command determination process. In other words, if you reach a special reach, you often get a big hit,

"Pattern E" is a pattern that gives a big hit in race reach, and FIGS. 17 to 19 are explanatory views showing an example of this pattern. In this pattern, first, the variation display of the symbols of the upper U, middle M, and lower L by the special symbol display device 40 is started, then the symbol variation of the upper U is stopped after 7 seconds, and the symbol variation of the lower L after 8 seconds. Stop (in any of the lines L1 to L5, the main symbols of the upper stage U and the lower stage L are aligned). FIG. 17A shows an example at this time, which is a so-called reach state in which the main symbols of the upper stage U and the lower stage L are aligned in the line L2. After that, FIG. 17 (b)
As the background of the variable display of the symbols of the special symbol display device 40 changes, the symbols of the middle tier M fluctuate as they are, and only the stop symbols of the upper tier U and the lower tier L are parallel to the left end of the special symbol display device 40. To the stop position at the goal of the race, which is a decorative effect in which the variable display main pattern is used. After that, as shown in FIG. 17C, the special symbol display device 40
Change from the background for the variable display of the design to the background for the lace display, the pattern fluctuation in the middle M disappears, and three types of main symbols including the same main symbol stopped in the upper U and lower L appear. Lined up vertically in the vicinity of line L2, the special symbol display device 40
The display of "Start" is displayed in full and the race begins. After that, as shown in FIG. 18A, the three kinds of main symbols arranged near the line L2 move from the right to the left of the special symbol display device 40. Furthermore, the three types of main symbols are special symbol display device 4 as shown in FIGS. 18 (b) and 18 (c).
Move from the left edge of 0 to the right while avoiding obstacles.

As shown in FIG. 19 (a), when the same main symbol as the main symbol that is stopped at the upper and lower tiers U and L is the first goal and wins (that is, success), the winning main symbol is a big hit. It is arranged on a substantially straight line with the main symbols of the upper and lower tiers U and L constituting the symbol. Further, as shown in FIG. 19 (b), the other two out-of-place symbols jump toward the right end of the special symbol display device 40 and disappear from the display of the special symbol display device 40,
After that, as shown in FIG. 19C, the background of the special symbol display device 40 is changed from the background for racing to the background for variable display of symbols, and the jackpot symbols lined up on the substantially straight line at the left end of the special symbol display device 40. Only remains. Finally, as shown in FIG. 19 (d), the big hit symbol that was on the left end of the special symbol display device 40 is moved to the line L2 of the special symbol display device 40, and the special symbol display device 40 is directly displayed from the variable display of the symbols. Line L2 where sub-designs are aligned on lines L1 and L3 as if a big hit design was reached.
Is set as a display pattern that provides a jackpot pattern.

"Pattern F" is a pattern in which the reach is released by the race reach, and FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing an example of this pattern. In this pattern, first, the variation display of the symbols of the upper U, middle M, and lower L by the special symbol display device 40 is started, then the symbol variation of the upper U is stopped after 7 seconds, and the lower symbol variation is stopped after 8 seconds. (Line L1
The main pattern of the upper tier U and the lower tier L are aligned in any one of L5), and changes to the race mode, but since this change is the same as the "pattern E", the description thereof will be omitted. Figure 20
As shown in FIG. 20A, when the main symbol that is out of alignment satisfies the victory condition of the race, the two symbols that have not been successful and do not meet the victory condition in the race as shown in FIG. Jump toward the right end of the and disappear from the display of the special symbol display device 40, and then the background of the special symbol display device 40 from the background for racing to the background for variable display of symbols as shown in FIG. 20 (c). It changes, and only the out-reach pattern arranged on the substantially straight line remains at the left end of the special pattern display device 40. Finally, as shown in FIG. 20 (d), the detach reach symbol at the left end of the special symbol display device 40 moves onto the line L2 of the special symbol display device 40, and the special symbol display device 40.
However, the line L2 is set as a display pattern such that the line L1 and the line L3 are lined up with the sub-symbols so that the variable symbols are directly displayed to the stop symbol.

[Fluctuation Stop Processing] In the fluctuation stop processing, FIG.
As shown in, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not it is a big hit (S230). Here, during the big hit, the special symbol display device 4 at the time of the big hit
It includes during the special game displayed with 0 and during the predetermined time after the end of the special game. The predetermined time after the end of the special game is set as, for example, the time required to adjust each state of the pachinko machine 20. When it is determined that the big hit is not in progress, it is determined whether or not the variation time in the variation pattern has ended (S232). This processing is performed by determining whether or not the time has elapsed since the variation time is set for each variation pattern as described in the variation start processing. When the fluctuation time is over, the stop symbol set for stop and confirmation of the fluctuation is transmitted to the display control device 90 as a confirmation command (S234). Then, it is judged whether or not it is a big hit (S
236) At the time of a big hit, a big hit execution command is transmitted to the display control device 90, the special winning opening driving device 52, etc. (S238), and this routine is ended. The display control device 90 that has received the jackpot execution command causes the special symbol display device 40 to display the special game moving image after the stop symbol is displayed. In addition, the special winning opening driving device 52 drives the opening and closing of the special winning opening 50. Here, since the determination of the big hit in S236 is performed in the display command determination process (FIG. 14) of S227 in the variation start process, the determination result may be used, or the result is stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. The determination may be performed using the value of the internal random number counter C1 that has been set. When it is determined in S230 that the jackpot is in progress, when it is determined in S232 that the variation time has not ended, or when it is determined in S236 that the jackpot is not a jackpot, this routine is ended after the determination.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, between the start of the fluctuation of the symbols on the special symbol display device 40 and the end thereof, the main symbol which has won or succeeded at the end of the race is designated as a big hit symbol. As one of the constituents, the main symbols of the upper row U and the lower row L constituting the big hit symbol are displayed so as to be regularly arranged. Therefore, when the race is displayed on the special symbol display device 40, the player can easily recognize which of the three main symbols to be raced becomes the jackpot symbol when the first goal is reached. Therefore, the player's expectation that the stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol during the race is increased, and the interest is increased. In particular, the main symbols that won the race are lined up with other main symbols in a substantially straight line, which makes them more entertaining.

The position (see FIG. 17 (a)) when the upper tier U and the lower tier L are aligned with the same main symbol on the same line is moved to the goal position of the race (see FIG. 17 (b)). Therefore, the reach pattern can be impressed on the player,
The player can more easily recognize which main symbol becomes the jackpot symbol when the goal is first, and the player's expectation that the stop symbol becomes the jackpot symbol during the race further increases, and the player's interest Will be higher.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, during the variable display of the symbols on the special symbol display device 40, a main symbol (dog breed and number) that can generate a jackpot and a sub symbol (heart that does not relate to the occurrence of a jackpot) ) Are mixed, but during the race display on the special symbol display device 40, the sub symbol disappears and only the main symbol is left, so that the interest is also enhanced in this respect.

Furthermore, since the pattern for causing a big hit in the middle row M, like the pattern F, may end unsuccessfully without winning in the race, the player has a design for becoming the big hit pattern in the race. I strongly hope to win. Therefore, the player's interest is increased.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the position (see FIG. 17A) when the upper row U and the lower row L are aligned with the same main symbol on the same line moves to the end, and the special symbol display device 4
Since it is the goal position of the race at the left end of 0 (see FIG. 17 (b)), the space for displaying the race on the special symbol display device 40 becomes large, and the race is displayed in the approximate center of the special symbol display device 40. It Also in this respect,
Interestingness increases.

It is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various forms can be adopted as long as they are within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the present embodiment, a main design consisting of a dog (that is, an active design) and a number is adopted, and a dog race is adopted as a decorative effect display mode in which success / failure can be clearly seen. A main design consisting of numbers and a horse racing race may be adopted as a decoration effect display mode, or a main design consisting of a bicycle on which a bicycle racer rides and a number is adopted, and a bicycle race as a decoration effect display mode. It may be adopted, or the main design consisting of the boat on which the boat rider rides and the numbers may be adopted, and the boat race may be adopted as the decorative effect display mode. In this case, a bicycle on which a horse or a bicycle rider rides or a boat on which a boat rider rides is equivalent to an active pattern that can move by itself. The symbols used in such a decoration effect display mode may be only dogs, horses, or the like among the main symbols, or may be only numbers.

Further, the decorative effect display mode clearly showing success / failure may be a ball game such as basketball or billiards, and the pattern used for the decorative effect is not only the main pattern capable of generating a big hit but also the big hit. Sub-symbols unrelated to the occurrence may be used. FIG. 21A is an example at this time, and a so-called reach state in which main symbols (symbols consisting of basketball and numbers) are arranged on the left and right sides of the lower part of the special display device 40 is displayed, and the special symbol display A basketball ring is displayed in the approximate center of the device 40, and three kinds of symbols including the same main symbol and sub symbol (heart) as the reach symbol are displayed in a horizontal row on the upper row of the special symbol display device 40. Then, with the passage of time, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), the three types of symbols start moving toward the basketball ring displayed in the approximate center of the special symbol display device 40. Next, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), one of the three types of symbols enters the basketball ring and moves toward the center of the lower stage of the special symbol display device 40 as it is. Finally, as shown in FIG. 21 (d), the first symbol in the basketball ring among the three types of symbols is a straight line with the main symbols on the left and right sides of the lower row of the special symbol display device 40 as one of the jackpot symbols. Line up By doing so, it is possible to set decoration effects by various characters, and it is possible to further enhance the fun of the gaming machine. In this case, basketball corresponds to a passive pattern that cannot move by itself.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the so-called "first
Although the model belonging to the "type" has been described, the present invention is similarly applicable to a model belonging to the so-called "third type" (also referred to as a property item). The same applies to gaming machines other than pachinko machines, such as slot machines and fusion machines (models that perform slot games using pachinko balls).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a game board of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating the upper, middle, and lower symbols composed of characters and numbers in the special symbol display device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a start winning process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of fluctuation start processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of fluctuation stop processing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a counter updating process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a removal symbol counter updating process.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a counter buffer and various counters.

FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of a correspondence relationship between a value of each misplacement symbol counter, a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol on each stage.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a reserved ball storage area.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of display command determination processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a jackpot variation pattern command determination process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a variation pattern command determination process at the time of disconnection reach.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example from display of variation of the pattern of pattern E to decorative effect.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a decoration effect display mode of a pattern E.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example from a decorative effect display mode of pattern E to displaying a big hit symbol.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a decorative effect display mode of pattern F up to displaying a deviation pattern.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of implementation of a decoration effect display mode using a ball such as a ball game.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 ... Pachinko machine, 30 ... Game board, 30a ... Transparent plate, 3
2 ... Ordinary symbol display device, 33a ... Ordinary symbol fluctuation hold lamp, 34a ... Ordinary symbol display device operating gate, 36a ... Ordinary symbol start switch, 40 ... Special symbol display device, 41 ...
Reserved ball number display section, 42 ... Starting port, 44 ... Special symbol starting switch, 46 ... Ordinary electric accessory, 50 ... Special winning opening, 52 ...
Special winning opening driving device, 54 ... 10 count switch, 56
... V zone, 58 ... V count switch, 70 ... Main control device, 90 ... Display control device.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Ryota Minami             Iremso, 655 Fukudome-cho, Matsuto City, Ishikawa Prefecture             Software Engineering Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koji Osaka             Iremso, 655 Fukudome-cho, Matsuto City, Ishikawa Prefecture             Software Engineering Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C088 AA35 AA36 AA37 CA19 EB55

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. When the predetermined starting condition is satisfied, the symbol display device starts changing the symbol, and the stop symbol after the fluctuation ends is a normal game state if it is a symbol, and the symbol after the fluctuation is a winning symbol. If so, in the gaming machine that is in a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, on the symbol display device, between the start and the end of the variation of the symbol, at least a part of the symbol is used for success / failure. The control means for displaying a clearly understandable decoration effect display mode is provided, and the control means has succeeded in the decoration effect display mode between the start and the end of the variation of the symbol on the symbol display device. A gaming machine that displays the symbols as one that constitutes the stop symbol so that the symbols are displayed in a regular arrangement with other symbols that constitute the stop symbol. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the design used in the decoration effect display mode is the design itself or a part thereof. 3. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a symbol that has succeeded in the decorative effect display mode is displayed between the time when the symbol display device starts changing the symbol and the time when it ends. As one of the constituents of the stop symbol, a gaming machine that displays the symbols in a substantially straight line with other symbols constituting the stop symbol.