JP2003205127A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a game state to be changed by changing a varying direction on the basis of prescribed conditions. <P>SOLUTION: In display regions 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end, patterns displayed on an LCD 3 before the start of second variation (before the change of a moving direction) are 'girl', 'candy (4)' and '3', from the down to top in order and include the pattern of 'girl' displayed in a center middle-stage display region 3b2 where four big hit lines 71, 73, 75, 77 which are the most, cross one another. In the second variation in the display regions 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end in this case, vertical scrolling only with the patterns of these 'girl', 'candy (4)' and '3' is repeated from the top to down, that is, the vertical scrolling from the top to down in the display regions 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end is repeated in the order of 'girl', 'candy (4)', '3', 'girl', 'candy (4)', '3', etc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine and a slot machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in game machines such as pachinko machines, those using a liquid crystal display device have become mainstream in order to improve the interest of the game. It is a competition of each company how to change the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device to satisfy the player. Therefore, it is possible to give various variations to the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device. It has been devised. In general, a variable display game is played on this liquid crystal display device to enhance the interest of the game.
In the variable display game, for example, three symbols are displayed horizontally or vertically in the effective display area, or nine symbols are displayed in a 3 × 3 square, and the displayed symbols are scrolled and varied based on a predetermined game condition. It is to be displayed. Then, when the scroll of the symbols is stopped (at a predetermined stop position), the case where the stopped symbols are a predetermined combination is a big hit.

[0003]

However, scrolling of symbols performed on the liquid crystal display device is vertical scrolling from top to bottom or bottom to top, or horizontal scrolling from right to left or left to right. However, there is a problem in that the variable display tends to be monotonous because it is performed in the same direction.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the enjoyment of a game by enriching the effect of variable display.

[0005]

In order to achieve this object, a gaming machine according to claim 1, a display device for displaying identification information such as a symbol, a main control means for controlling the game, and its main control. A display control means for causing the display device to perform a variable display of the identification information based on a control command transmitted from the means, when the variable display of the identification information ends with a predetermined display result, A predetermined game value is given under a predetermined condition, and the variable display of the identification information can change the changing direction to two or more directions, and at least one variable display after changing the changing direction. Is performed with the identification information displayed on the display device before the change of the changing direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, in the identification information that is changed by the variable display after changing the changing direction, the display area in which the changing display after changing the changing direction is performed. The identification information displayed in the display area other than is included.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect.
In the gaming machine described in [3], the change of the change direction of the change display is performed when the same identification information is displayed on the display device two or more times and when a jackpot or a reach state cannot be expected. Is.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gaming machine according to the first to third aspects.
In the gaming machine described in any one of 1, the fluctuation display after changing the changing direction is at least 1 before the changing direction.
This is done when the above is continued.

[0009]

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

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine P of this embodiment. Around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of winning openings 2 from which 5 to 15 balls are paid out by winning the balls. Further, in the center of the game board 1, a liquid crystal (L) for displaying a pattern or the like as a plurality of types of identification information.
CD) display 3 is provided. This LCD3
The display screen is divided into three parts in the horizontal direction, and in each of the three divided display regions, variable display of symbols is performed while scrolling from the right to the left in the horizontal direction.

Below the LCD 3, a symbol operating port (first type starting port) 4 is provided, and when the ball passes through the symbol operating port 4, the variable display of the LCD 3 is started. Below the symbol working opening 4, a specific winning opening (big winning opening)
5 are provided. The specific winning opening 5 is a jackpot when the display result after the change of the LCD 3 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations, and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds elapses) so that the ball can easily win. Until
Alternatively, it is a winning opening that is opened until 10 balls are won.

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

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

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

The transmission buffer 13a is provided from the main control board C to the display control board D for controlling the variable display of the LCD 3.
Is a buffer for storing a control command transmitted to. Since the control command consists of 2 bytes,
This transmission buffer 13a is also composed of 2 bytes. The control command set (written) in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D byte by byte by the timer interrupt processing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how the display screen of the LCD 3 is divided into nine display areas. As mentioned above,
The variable display of the present embodiment is performed while scrolling in the horizontal direction in the direction of arrow A in each of the three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three in the horizontal direction. The three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three in the horizontal direction are further divided into three in the vertical direction to form nine display areas 3a1, ..., 3
c3, and its nine display areas 3a1, ..., 3c3
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, nine symbol numbers 32a of “symbol 1 to symbol 9” that are respectively displayed are attached.

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

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

NMI (Non Maskable Interference) of MPU 11
The power failure signal 51 output from the power failure monitoring circuit 50 is input to the rupt) terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) at the time of power failure due to power failure or the like. Power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing)
Is executed immediately.

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

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

The clear switch 18 is an R switch on the main control board C.
It is a switch for clearing the data backed up in the AM 13, and is composed of a push button type switch. When the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on while the clear switch 18 is being pressed (including turning on the power by eliminating the power failure), the main control board C clears the data in the RAM 13 (S42: Yes in FIG. 10). , S4
5).

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

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

Based on the control command transmitted from the main control board C, the MPU 21 of the display control board D performs LC control.
This is for controlling the (variable) display of D3, and the program ROM 22 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 21 and fixed value data. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 are the program ROM 22 as a part of the control program.
Remembered in.

The work RAM 23 is a memory for storing work data and flags used when various programs are executed by the MPU 21, and includes a reception buffer 23a and
It is provided with a command reception flag 23b and nine stop symbols 1-9 memories 23c-23k.

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

Stop symbols 1-9 The memories 23c-23k are
Stop symbol designation command 32, which is a type of control command
The symbol code 32b (FIG. 5) of the stop symbol transmitted by
(Refer to FIG. 3), which is a memory for storing nine stop patterns 1 to 9 corresponding to the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 (see FIG. 3) of the LCD 3, and a total of nine stop symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 2
3k is provided. In addition, stop symbols 1-9 memory 2
Details of 3c to 23k will be described later.

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

Next, the control command transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D for controlling the variable display will be described with reference to FIGS. The control command is mainly composed of a fluctuation pattern designation command 31, a stop symbol designation command 32, and a symbol halt command 33. Since the control command is composed of 2 bytes, the most significant bit is set in the command code of the 1st byte and the command code of the 2nd byte in order to distinguish the command code of the 1st byte from the command code of the 2nd byte. The code has the most significant bit reset.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the command code of the variation pattern designation command 31 and the command contents. The variation pattern designation command 31 is a command for starting variation display and designating a series of variation patterns from the start to the end of variation display. The command code of the first byte is "C0H" which indicates the normal mode of variable display or "C1H" which indicates the shortened mode. There are 28 types of each mode and 56 types of variation patterns are prepared. There is.

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

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

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

The stop symbol designating command 32 is composed of 2 bytes like the variation pattern designating command 31. In the first byte of the stop symbol designating command 32, a command code designating the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the symbols 1 to 9 is set. As shown in FIG. 5A, if the command code of the first byte of the stop symbol designating command 32 is “90H”, the display area 3a1 of the symbol 1 is “A0
If "H", the display area 3b1 of the design 2 is ..., "B
If it is “2H”, the display area 3c3 of the symbol 9 is designated. In the 2nd byte of the stop symbol designation command 32, the symbols 1-9 designated by the command code of the 1st byte
The symbol code 32b of the symbol which is stopped and displayed in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 is set. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, "10H" is displayed when the symbol displayed in a stopped state is "3", and "11H" is displayed when it is "MOUSE".
When "H" is ..., "candy (5)", "21H" is 2 of the stop symbol designating command 32, respectively.
It is set as the byte code.

When the display control board D receives the stop symbol designating command 32, the variable display ends with the symbol of the symbol code 32b designated by the stop symbol designating command 32 in consideration of the variation pattern being executed. As shown, replace the changing pattern. This symbol replacement is performed only when the variable display is changed at a high speed, so that the player is not aware that the symbol replacement has been performed.

Whether or not the variable display is a big hit depends on the symbol designated by the stop symbol designating command 32. That is, when a big hit occurs, the main control board C transmits a stop symbol designating command 32 of a combination forming the big hit. Therefore, in the display control board D, the variation display of the pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 ends with the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32, without considering whether it is a big hit or a big hit. As described above, the effect of the variable display is performed.

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

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 in each of the upper, middle and lower stages. In FIG. 6A, the upper display area 3a of the LCD 3 is shown.
The configuration of the upper virtual symbol reel 41 which is variably displayed by is schematically illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6A, 16 types of symbols are displayed on the upper virtual symbol reel 41 as “jewels (4)”, “CAKE”, “candy (4)”, ...
., "3" are arranged in this order, and after the final "3" symbol, return to the first symbol, "jewel (4)", "CA".
Each of the symbols "KE", "candy (4)", ... Is arranged. The upper virtual symbol reel 41 is variably displayed in the upper display area 3a of the LCD 3 in the order of arrangement of the symbols.

Similarly, FIG. 6C schematically shows the structure of the lower virtual symbol reel 43 which is variably displayed in the lower display area 3c of the LCD 3. As shown in FIG. 6 (c), the lower virtual symbol reel 43 has an arrangement that is completely opposite to the arrangement of the upper virtual symbol reel 41, and 16 types of symbols are "3", "candy (1)", "MOUSE",
..., "jewels (4)" are arranged in this order. Next to the final "Gemstone (4)" design, go back to the top design and select "3", "Candy (1)", "MOUSE", ...
・ Each pattern is arranged. Lower virtual pattern reel 43
Are variably displayed in the lower display area 3c of the LCD 3 in the order of arrangement of the symbols.

FIG. 6B schematically shows the structure of the virtual symbol reel 42 in the middle stage which is variably displayed in the display region 3b in the middle stage of the LCD 3. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), the middle virtual symbol reel 42 has two types of symbols, "CAT (2)" and "candy (5)", at the end of the array of the lower virtual symbol reel 43. A total of 18 types of added symbols are arranged in order. As in the case of the upper and lower virtual symbol reels 41 and 43, next to the final "candy (5)" symbol, the first symbol is returned to "3",
The symbols "candy (1)", "MOUSE", ... Are arranged. The middle virtual symbol reel 42 is variably displayed in the middle display area 3b of the LCD 3 in the order of arrangement of the symbols.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the command code of the symbol stop command 33 and the command contents. The symbol stop command 33 is a command for stopping and displaying (determining) the symbols that are variably displayed in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the designated symbol number 32a. When the display control board D receives the symbol stop command 33, the display areas 3a1-3c designated by the symbol stop command 33
The stop symbol which has already been designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 is stopped and displayed in 3, and its display areas 3a1-3a
The design of c3 is confirmed. That is, the variable display of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 designated by the symbol stop command 33 ends. When the symbols of all nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 are fixed by the symbol stop command 33, the variation display of the series of variation patterns started by the variation pattern designation command 31 ends.

The display control board D is a display area to which the design designated by the stop design designation command 32 is applied at the timing of the end of the variable display, while considering the contents of the variation pattern designation command 31 and the stop design designation command 32. Three
As displayed in a1 to c3, the symbols are replaced in advance during the high speed fluctuation of the fluctuation display. Moreover, the main control board C controls so as to transmit the symbol stop command 33 to the display control board D in consideration of the timing when the fluctuation pattern of the fluctuation display designated by the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 ends. Therefore, the symbol stop command 33
The stop display (decision) of the symbol by is smoothly performed without giving a feeling of strangeness to the player.

As a result of the fact that the transmission timing of the symbol stop command 33 from the main control board C is accelerated, the display control board D is When the symbol stop command 33 is received, the display control board D applies the stop symbol already designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 to the corresponding display area 3a even before the end of the variation pattern.
1 to 3c3 is displayed in the center, and its display area 3a1 to
The symbol of 3c3 is confirmed.

The symbol stop command 33 includes nine kinds of commands for individually fixing the symbols in the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 and one kind of command for fixing all the symbols in the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 at once. , Upper / middle
Three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three lower rows
There are three types of commands for individually fixing the symbols for each stage, and a total of 13 types of commands are prepared. Of these, a symbol stop command 33 (“80H, 0BH”, “80H, 0C” that fixes three symbols at a time for each of the upper, middle, and lower stages that are scroll units
H "," 80H, 0DH "), the virtual symbol reels 41 to 4 displayed on the display of the LCD 3 by control.
The scroll of 3 can be performed in the same manner as the scroll of the actual symbol reel, and the interest of the player can be further improved.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 10 shows an initialization process (S) executed in the main process of the main control board C when the pachinko machine P is powered on.
It is a flowchart of 12). In this process, if the backup is valid, each data stored in the backup area 13c is returned to the original state, and the game control is continued from the state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the backup is not valid, or if the clear switch 18 is pressed when the power is turned on even if the backup is valid, the RAM clearing and initialization processing is executed. In addition,
Although this initialization process (S12) is described in the form of a subroutine, it is a process that is executed before the stack pointer is set. Therefore, the initialization process (S12) is not actually called, but is executed sequentially after the process of S11.

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

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

In the process of returning from S46, the data of each register and I / O saved in the backup area 13c is read from the backup area 13c, and these data are written in the original register, I / O and the like (S4).
6). Further, the value of the stack pointer is read from the backup area 13c, written in the stack pointer, and returned to the state before the power failure (before the power failure), that is, the state before the NMI interrupt is generated (S47). Similarly, the interrupt is returned to the state before the power failure (before the power failure), that is, the state before the NMI interrupt occurs (S48), and the NMI interrupt return is executed.
The processing is returned to the place where it was being executed before the power was turned off, and the control is continued from the state before the power was turned off.

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

Further, a random number updating process (S16) for updating the value of the random number counter for determining the big hit by "+1" is executed, and a storage timer subtracting process is executed (S17). The storage timer subtraction process shortens the time for variable display of symbols when the number of holding balls for jackpot determination is a predetermined number or more and the variable display of symbols is being displayed on the LCD 3.

In the switch reading process (S18), the value of each switch is read, and the winning hole 2 and the special winning opening 5 (including the V zone 5a) of the ball hit in the game area 1 are won.
This is a process for detecting the passing of the symbol working opening 4, and further the prize ball or the ball rental. The count abnormality monitoring process (S19) is S
This is a process for monitoring whether or not there is an abnormality in the switch data read by the switch reading process of 18. For example, the special winning opening 5 is opened and the V zone 5a of the sphere
Even if the ball is detected by the V count switch that detects the passage of the ball, if the 10 count switch that detects the winning of the special winning opening 5 other than the V zone 5a cannot detect one ball, 10 Some abnormality has occurred in the 10 count switch due to the count switch being pulled out. In addition, if one prize ball is not paid out even though the payout motor for paying out the prize ball is driven, some abnormality has occurred in the prize ball payout device. As described above, in the count abnormality monitoring process (S19), the presence or absence of the above-described abnormality is monitored based on the switch data read by the switch reading process (S18).

In the symbol counter updating process (S20), L
As a result of the variable display performed on the CD 3, the counter is updated to determine the symbols to be stopped and displayed. Further, in the symbol check process (S21), based on the value of the counter updated in the symbol counter update process (S20), the jackpot symbol used in the special symbol variation process (S25), the off symbol, and the reach symbol. Etc. are determined.

In the processing from S16 to S21, if no error has occurred (S22: normal), the variation display of the 7-segment LED (not shown) is performed by the normal symbol variation processing (S23), and the variation is also performed. If a big hit is generated as a result of the display, a big hit process of opening an ordinary electric accessory (not shown) for a predetermined time is executed. After that, the state flag is checked (S24), and if the variation of the symbol is started or is being displayed on the LCD 3 (S2).
4: During symbol fluctuation), by the special symbol fluctuation process (S25), based on the value of the random number counter read at the timing when the sphere passes through the symbol working opening 4, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, and in the LCD 3 The variation process of the symbol is executed. On the other hand, as a result of checking the state flag, if it is a big hit (S24: big hit), big hit processing (S26) such as opening the special winning opening 5 is executed. Furthermore, as a result of checking the state flag, if the symbol is neither changing nor a big hit (S24: other), the processes of S25 and S26 are skipped, and the process proceeds to the display data creation process of S27. When an error is confirmed in the process of S22 (S22: error), S23-
The processing of S26 is skipped, and the process proceeds to the display data creation processing of S27.

In the display data creation process (S27), in addition to the variable display of symbols, demo data displayed on the LCD 3 and
Display data of the 7-segment LED and the like are created, and in the lamp / information processing (S28), various lamp data including the lamp data of the holding ball is created. In the sound effect processing (S29), sound effect data corresponding to the game situation is created. The display data and the sound effect data are output to each device by the port output process (S15) and the timer interrupt process described above.

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

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

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

In the processing of S51, as a result of checking the state flag, if the symbols are displayed in a variable display (S51: during a variable display), it is checked whether or not the value of the command counter 13b is "9" or less (S54). ). Command counter 1
If the value of 3b is equal to or less than "9" (S54: Yes), the first byte of the stop symbol designating command 32 corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is written in the upper byte of the transmission buffer 13a (S55). Based on the correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 5A, for example, if the value of the command counter 13b is "1", "90H" will be
If the value of is 2 is "A0H", ..., if the value of the command counter 13b is "9", "B2H" is written to the upper byte of the transmission buffer 13a.

Further, the symbol code 32b of the stop symbol corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is sent to the transmission buffer 13a.
Write to the lower byte of (S56). For example, if the value of the command counter 13b is "1", design 1 (3a1)
Symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of
However, if the value of the command counter 13b is "2", the symbol code 32b of the symbol that is stopped and displayed in the display area of the symbol 2 (3b1) is ..., if the value of the command counter 13b is "9". The symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of the symbol 9 (3c3) is shown in FIG. 5B, respectively.
It is written in the lower byte of the transmission buffer 13a based on the correspondence relationship shown in. Here, "3" as a stop symbol
Symbol of "10H" when design is specified
2b, when the symbol "MOUSE" is designated, the symbol code 32b of "11H" is ..., When the symbol "candy (5)" is designated, the symbol code 32b of "21H" Are specified respectively.

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

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

In the process of S51, if the result of checking the state flag is the end timing of the variable display (S51: end of variable display), the nine display areas 3a1-3a1.
Sending buffer 13a a symbol stop command 33 (80H, 0AH) for stopping and displaying (confirming) all symbols of c3 at once
Write to (S58), and this process ends. The symbol stop command 33 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D byte by byte by the timer interrupt process set in S13, as in the case of the variation pattern designation command 31. By transmitting this symbol stop command 33 to the display control board D, the series of variable displays started by the variable pattern designation command 31 is completed.

The stop display (confirmation) of the symbols by the symbol stop command 33 does not necessarily have to confirm all nine symbols at once, and for example, each of the nine symbols can be confirmed separately, or, The unit for which scrolling is performed, that is, the design may be fixed for each unit of the upper design, the middle design, and the lower design. In the former case, as shown in FIG. 7, “80H, 01H” to “8H”
The symbol stop command 33 of “0H, 09H” is used, and in the latter case, “80H, 0BH” to “80H, 0DH”
The symbol stop command 33 is used.

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

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

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

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

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

Thereafter, the changing pattern which is being changed at a high speed on the LCD 3 is considered in consideration of the change pattern designated by the change pattern designation command 31 and the progress of the change pattern, and the stop symbols 1-9. Memories 23c-23
The changing symbol is replaced so that the variable display ends with the symbol of the symbol code 32b stored in k (S7).
7). For example, when "14H" is stored in the stopped symbol 1 memory 23c, the variable display of the display area 3a1 of the symbol 1 ends with the symbol "7" which is the symbol code 32b of "14H", The design is replaced. When "21H" is stored in the stopped symbol 9 memory 23k, the variable display of the display area 3c3 of the symbol 9 ends with the symbol "candy (5)" which is the symbol code 32b of "21H". As described above, the symbols are replaced.

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

For example, if the symbol stop command 33 of "80H, 0AH" is stored in the reception buffer 23a,
The symbols of all the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 are confirmed at one time and stopped and displayed. Further, if the symbol stop command 33 of "80H, 0CH" is stored in the reception buffer 23a, the three symbols 2, which are displayed in the middle display area 3b,
Confirm 5 and 8 at once, and stop display.

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

When the command reception flag 23b is turned off in the processing of S71 (S71: No), S7
After the execution of each processing of S5, S77, and S78, each processing is executed according to the status of the variable display (S79), and the variable display processing is ended.

Next, the variable display timing based on the above description will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 14, a timing when all nine symbols are stopped and displayed (confirmed) at once will be described. When the variation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D, for all the symbols of symbol 1 (3a1) to symbol 9 (3c3), the variation start process (S75) is determined. The variable display of the selected pattern is started. Subsequent to the variation pattern designation command 31, the stop symbol designation command 32 is sequentially transmitted to the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 during the high speed variation. When the stop symbol designating command 32 is received by the display control board D, the symbols are replaced during the high speed fluctuation in accordance with the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designating command 32.

Thereafter, the variable display is continued by the display control board D with the change pattern designated by the change pattern designation command 31, and at the end timing of the variable display, the main control board C transfers to the display control board D 9 Design stop command 33 (8) to stop (display) all one design at a time
0H, 0AH (see FIG. 7)) is transmitted. When the symbol stop command 33 is received by the display control board D, the series of fluctuation display started by the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 ends. After the end of the variable display, the display of the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 stopped and displayed in each of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 is switched to another display by the elapse of a predetermined time.

If the display control board D receives the symbol stop command 33 before the end timing of the variable display, the end timing of the variable display designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 comes. Even if not, the stop design specified by the stop designating command 32 is immediately displayed on the designated display areas 3a1-3c3.
Stop display. By such control, the symbol stop command 3
The variable display can be ended at the transmission (reception) timing of No. 3.

Next, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 15, a description will be given of the timing when the three symbols are stopped and displayed (confirmed) by three symbols in the order of the upper stage, the lower stage and the middle stage. Until the transmission of the stop symbol designation command 32,
The same as the timing of 4, the symbols are replaced during the high speed fluctuation.

At the timing of ending the variable display, from the main control board C to the display control board D, first, the upper display area 3a is displayed.
A symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (confirming) the symbol displayed on (80H, 0BH (see FIG. 7)) is transmitted. This symbol stop command 33 is the display control board D
When received by, the symbols 1, 4, 7 on the upper stage are stopped and displayed (determined) (see FIG. 3). Next, the lower display area 3c
A symbol stop command 33 for stopping display (decision) of the symbol displayed in is transmitted (80H, 0DH (see FIG. 7)), and lower symbols 3, 6, 9 are stopped (determined) (see FIG. 3). . Further, a symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (determining) the symbols displayed in the display area 3b in the middle row is transmitted (80H, 0CH (see FIG. 7)), and the symbols 2, 5, 8 in the middle row are confirmed (FIG. 3). By the above three symbol stop commands 33, the variation pattern designation command 31
The series of variable displays started by ends.

In this way, the symbols are stopped and displayed (determined) in the order of the upper, lower, and middle stages in accordance with the scrolling direction of the symbols, so that the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 represented on the display by the control are actually displayed. It can be expressed like a symbol reel. When the scroll direction of the design is the vertical direction, the stop display (decision) of the design is, for example,
The order is left, right, and middle.

Next, referring to FIG. 16 to FIG.
Of the symbol variation control executed in each process (S79) of 3, representative 6 patterns will be described. Of these, in the fluctuation control shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the second fluctuation of the vertical scroll is performed after the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll, and the fluctuation control shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 is the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll. After that, the second variation of the rotary scroll is performed, and further, the third variation of the vertical scroll is performed.

First, with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, a description will be given of fluctuation control in which the second fluctuation of the vertical scroll is performed after the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first pattern of such fluctuation control. As mentioned above, LC
The display screen of D3 has nine display areas 3a1, ..., 3c
It is divided into 3 areas, and each display area has 1 symbol, totaling 9 symbols.
Two patterns are displayed. In the variable display of the symbols of the present embodiment, a line that connects three adjacent display areas on a straight line is a big hit line, and a total of 8 lines (plural lines) of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines are big hit lines 71 to 78. There is. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine P that can expect a big hit with 8 lines is used. However, in addition to this, a pachinko machine that can expect a big hit with two or more lines such as 5 lines, 3 lines, etc. May be used. Further, the jackpot lines 71 to 78 do not necessarily have to be connected in a straight line, and for example, a line bent into a "ku" shape or a "he" shape may be used as the jackpot line.

16 to 18, the first variation means the upper display areas 3a1-3a3, the middle display areas 3b1-3b3 or the lower display areas 3c1c3c3.
In each of the display area groups, the fluctuation of the symbols scrolled in the lateral direction is referred to, and the second fluctuation is the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 and the central display area 3a.
2, 3b2, 3c2 or rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b
In each of the groups 3 and 3c3, it refers to the variation of the symbols scrolled in the vertical direction. Further, both the first fluctuation and the second fluctuation are performed in one fluctuation display.

FIG. 16A shows the screen just before the upper and lower horizontal scrolls have already stopped and the middle horizontal scroll has stopped (before the first fluctuation stop). In each of the nine display areas, “MOUSE”, “candy (1)”, and “3” are displayed in order from the left in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3.
In the lower display areas 3c1 to 3c3, the symbols "FRUIT", "jewel (3)" and "girl" are stopped and displayed in order from the left. Middle display area 3b
Although the symbols 1 to 3b3 have not been stopped yet, the scrolling motion is slow because it is immediately before the stop, and the player is in a state in which the symbols can be sufficiently viewed. Therefore,
The player can predict that the symbols "jewelry (3)", "girl", and "candy (4)" will be stopped in order from the left in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3. The normal variation display ends here, but in this variation display, the second variation is started following the first variation, and a transition is made to a gaming state in which a jackpot can be expected. That is, even when the reach state is not reached due to the first variation of the horizontal scroll,
Therefore, the variable display is not ended and the second scroll vertical fluctuation is displayed to show the reach state, and the player is expected to win the jackpot to improve the game motivation.

In the present embodiment, whether or not the second variation is performed after the first variation is determined by the fact that the ball winning the first type starting opening 4 is provided in the first type starting opening 4. It is determined by the timing of passing the switch. However, whether or not to execute the second variation may be determined according to other conditions.

FIG. 16B shows the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b1.
3B3 shows the screen immediately after the first fluctuation ends with the stop of the horizontal scroll of 3b3 and the scroll of the second fluctuation starts. The groups arranged in the horizontal direction in the upper, middle, and lower rows are temporarily released, and the three display areas 3a at the left end are newly added.
1, 3b1, 3c1 and the three display areas 3a3 on the right end
3b3 and 3c3 are grouped in the vertical direction. Then, in the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1, from the bottom to the top, the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3
At c3, scrolling is started from the top to the bottom.

Here, the display areas 3a3, 3b3 at the right end are
In 3c3, the symbols displayed on the LCD 3 before the start of the second fluctuation (before the change of the moving direction) are “girl”, “candy (4)”, and “3” in order from the bottom. It includes the pattern of "girl" displayed in the display area 3b2 in the central middle stage where the jackpot lines 71, 73, 75, 77 intersect. Therefore, in the second variation in the display regions 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end in this case,
Only these "girl", "candy (4)", and "3" symbols are repeatedly scrolled vertically from top to bottom. That is, vertical scrolling from top to bottom in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end is "girl", "candy (4)", "3", "girl", "candy (4)", "3", It is repeated in the order of.

On the other hand, the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3
In c1, before the start of the second fluctuation (before changing the moving direction)
The symbols displayed on the LCD 3 in the order are "MOU
"SE", "jewel (3)", and "FRUIT". In this case, these 3 symbols do not include the "girl" symbol displayed in the display area 3b2 at the center of the middle stage, so scrolling only with these symbols does not develop into reach (develops into reach). Probability is low). Since the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 vertically scroll from the bottom to the top in the second variation, the newly appearing display symbol is determined based on "FRUIT" of the lower left display area 3c1. Therefore, "MOUSE", "Gem (3)", "F"
After the display of "RUIT", the virtual pattern reel 43 in the lower row is used as a pattern pattern having "girl" within three symbols based on "FRUIT", and "jewel (3)", "girl", "FRUIT" , "Gem (3)", "Girl",
Vertical scroll from bottom to top is repeatedly performed in the order of "FRUIT", .... That is, scroll display is sequentially performed in the same arrangement order as the horizontal scroll of the lower virtual symbol reel 43.

When the scroll is changed from the horizontal scroll (first fluctuation) to the vertical scroll (second fluctuation),
As the arrangement order of the changed scroll symbols, any one of the arrangements of the virtual symbol reels 41, 42 and 43 in the upper, middle and lower stages may be selected. That is, as described above, FIG.
In (b), scrolling of the display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 at the left end was performed based on the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 43 in the lower row, but this is done, for example, in the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41, 42 in the upper or middle row. You may make it based on. However, when the upper virtual symbol reel 41 is used with “FRUIT” as a reference, since the symbol “girl” is not included within 3 symbols, the variation display with low development probability to reach is displayed, and the virtual symbol is displayed. Reel 41
Is not preferable. Therefore, when performing the second variation of the vertical scroll based on the arrangement of the upper or middle virtual symbol reels 41, 42, not only the specific three symbols are scrolled, but the upper or middle virtual symbol reel 41. , 42 are used for vertical scrolling.

FIG. 16C shows the leftmost display area 3a1.
It shows a screen immediately before the scroll of 3b1, 3c1 is stopped and the scroll of the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end is continued. Left display area 3a
Since the scroll movement is slow in 1, 3b1 and 3c1, the player has left-most display areas 3a1, 3b1,
3c1 from top to bottom "FRUIT", "Gem (3)",
It can be predicted that each "girl" symbol will stop. As a result, the reach state is generated by the jackpot line 75 connecting the “girl” symbol displayed in the lower left display area 3c1 and the “girl” symbol displayed in the middle display area 3b2.

FIG. 16D shows the screen immediately before the scrolling of the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end in this reach state. In the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end, the scroll movement is slow, and the player is in a state in which the symbols can be sufficiently viewed. The right display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3
The scroll of "girl", "candy (4)",
Since it is performed with the three symbols of "3", the probability of jackpot occurrence becomes 1/3, and the player's expectation of jackpot occurrence can be increased and the enjoyment of the game can be improved.

After the second variation of the vertical scroll, the arrangement of the stop symbols is different from the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41, 42, 43 of the first variation of the horizontal scroll, so the next first variation is started. Before doing, the display symbol is the virtual symbol reel 41,
It is necessary to restore the array of 42 and 43. That is, it is necessary to return the design. The return effect in this embodiment is LC
The symbols displayed on D3 are temporarily set in a display state that makes it difficult for the player to visually recognize, and the arrangement of the symbols displayed is changed to the virtual symbol reel 4 during the visually difficult display state.
It is returned to the array of 1, 42, 43. As a result, the arrangement of the symbols can be returned without giving the player a feeling of strangeness. Examples of the display that is difficult to see include, for example, displaying the entire screen for a moment with white or black, or flashing the entire screen with a flashlight. In the return effect of flashing the entire screen with a flashlight, the arrangement of symbols is returned to the normal horizontal scrolling arrangement at once or gradually during the blinking.

Further, instead of such a return effect, the stop symbols after the end of the second variation of the vertical scroll are horizontally scrolled in the order in which they are simply displayed, and the newly displayed symbols are arranged on the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43. It may be displayed with. In this case, when the symbols at the end of the second fluctuation disappear from the screen by horizontal scrolling, the symbol arrangement is returned to the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43. Therefore, only the symbol at the start of the horizontal scroll is the virtual symbol reel 4
It is different from the arrangement of 1-43. In addition,
When the horizontal scroll is performed from right to left, the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end are used as a reference, and when the horizontal scroll is performed from left to right, the left end display is performed. Using the symbols stopped and displayed in the regions 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 as a reference, horizontal scrolling of the symbols is started from the reference symbol according to the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second pattern of symbol variation control, and similarly to the case of the first pattern shown in FIG. 16, the symbol is re-varied immediately after the first variation of the horizontal scroll is stopped. Then, it is illustrated that the second variation of the vertical scroll is started.

FIG. 17A shows the screen immediately before the upper and lower horizontal scrolls have already stopped and the middle horizontal scroll has stopped (before the first fluctuation stop). The symbols "CAKE", "candy (4)" and "girl" are displayed in order from the left in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3, and "jewels (3)" and "Gem (3)" are displayed in order from the left in the lower display areas 3c1 to 3c3. The symbols "girl" and "candy (4)" are stopped and displayed. Further, the symbols in the display areas 3b1 to 3b3 in the middle row are not stopped yet, but since the movement is just before the stop, the scrolling movement is slow, and the player is "girl" and "candy (4)" in order from the left. , "CA
It can be predicted that the symbol "KE" will be stopped and displayed. The normal variation display ends here, but in this variation display, the second variation of the vertical scroll is started following the first variation of the horizontal scroll, and a transition is made to a gaming state in which a big hit can be expected.

FIG. 17B shows the display areas 3b1 to 3b1 in the middle row.
3B3 illustrates the screen immediately after the first variation ends with the stop of the horizontal scroll of 3b3 and the second variation of the vertical scroll starts. The groups arranged horizontally in the upper, middle, and lower rows are temporarily canceled, and the three display areas 3 at the left end are newly added.
a1, 3b1, 3c1 and the three central display areas 3a
2, 3b2, 3c2 are grouped in the vertical direction. The leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c
1, the display areas 3a2 and 3b in the center are from bottom to top.
In 2 and 3c2, scrolling starts from top to bottom. The symbols "girl", "CAKE", and "candy (4)" are sequentially displayed from the top in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end where the second variation of the vertical scroll is not performed.

Here, the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1,
3c1 shows "CAK
The symbols "E", "girl", and "jewel (3)" are stopped and displayed. Since the two patterns of "CAKE" and "girl" that are stopped and displayed in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 on the right end where the second variation of the vertical scroll is not performed are included in this, the left end is displayed. Display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3
By performing the vertical scroll of c1 only with the three symbols at the end of the first variation, it is possible to obtain a variation display with a high probability of developing to reach.

Also, the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3
c2 is vertically scrolled from the top to the bottom in the second fluctuation, so the newly appearing display pattern is based on the "candy (4)" displayed in the display area 3a2 in the central upper stage at the end of the first fluctuation. Will be decided. That is, the "girl", "candy (4)", which are stopped and displayed in the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2 at the end of the first fluctuation,
From "candy (4)" onward, using the array of the virtual symbol reels 42 in the middle row with reference to "candy (4)" in the display area 3a2 in the upper center, "candy (4)", "CAKE" , "Gem (4)", "CAT
Vertical scrolling is performed from top to bottom in the order of (2) ”,“ candy (5) ”,“ 3 ”, ....

FIG. 17C shows the leftmost display area 3a1.
It shows a screen immediately before the vertical scroll of 3b1, 3c1 is stopped and the vertical scroll of the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2 is continued. In this state,
When the vertical scrolling of the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 is stopped, the middle rightmost and leftmost display areas 3b1, 3 are displayed.
In b3, "CAKE" symbols are lined up, and jackpot line 77
Reach occurs at. In addition, the display area 3c1 at the lower left end
And the symbols of "girl" are lined up in the display area 3a3 on the upper right side, and reach occurs on the jackpot line 75. That is,
Double reach occurs due to the pattern of "CAKE" and "girl". This is a reach state that cannot occur at all by merely changing the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 in one direction. At this time, the central display areas 3a2, 3b2,
In 3c2, vertical scrolling is performed at high speed, and the player cannot see the symbols.

FIG. 17D shows the central display area 3a2.
The screen immediately before the vertical scroll of 3b2 and 3c2 is stopped, that is, immediately before the second fluctuation is stopped is shown. When the symbol "girl" or "CAKE" is stopped and displayed in the display area 3b2 in the middle and middle row, it is a big hit. In this way, the second variation of the vertical scroll is changed to the leftmost display areas 3a1 and 3b.
The virtual symbol reel 41 is performed by using only the symbols at the time of the first fluctuation stop of the horizontal scroll in 1, 3c1.
Vertical scroll can be performed with an arrangement of symbols that is not in the arrangement of ~ 43, and as a result, two jackpot lines 75,
It is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game by displaying the double reach state which becomes the reach at 77.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a third pattern of symbol variation control, and similarly to the case of the first pattern shown in FIG. 16, immediately after the stop of the first variation of the horizontal scroll, the symbol is re-varied. Then, it is illustrated that the second variation of the vertical scroll is started.

In FIG. 18A, similarly to the case of the first pattern shown in FIG. 16, the horizontal scroll of the upper and lower rows has already stopped, and the horizontal scroll of the middle row has just stopped (before the first fluctuation stop). The screen is shown. Upper display area 3a1
The symbols "candy (4)", "girl", and "jewelry (3)" are arranged in order from the left on 3a3, and the lower display area 3c1 is displayed.
The symbols "girl", "candy (4)" and "FRUIT" are stopped and displayed in order from the left to 3c3. Further, the symbols in the display areas 3b1 to 3b3 in the middle row are not yet stopped, but the scroll movement is slow because it is just before the stop, and the player sequentially plays "jewels (3)" and "girl" from the left. , "Candy (4)" can be predicted to be stopped and displayed. The normal variation display ends here, but in this variation display, the first variation of the horizontal scroll is followed by the second variation of the vertical scroll.
Fluctuation is started, and the game state transitions to a big hit.

FIG. 18B shows the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b1.
3B3 shows the screen immediately after the first fluctuation ends with the stop of the horizontal scroll of 3b3 and the start of the vertical scroll of the second fluctuation. The groups arranged in the horizontal direction in the upper, middle, and lower rows are temporarily released, and the three display areas 3a at the left end are newly added.
1, 3b1, 3c1 and the three display areas 3a3 on the right end
3b3 and 3c3 are grouped in the vertical direction. Then, in the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1, from the bottom to the top, the rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3
At c3, scrolling is started from the top to the bottom.

Here, two "girl" symbols and one "candy (4)" symbol are stopped and displayed in the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2 where the second vertical scrolling variation is not performed. ing. Since the design of "candy (4)" is a lost design, pay attention to the design of "girl".

First, the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3
In c1, the symbols displayed before the start of the second variation are “candy (4)”, “jewels (3)”, and “girl” in order from the top, and the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2.
Since it includes the hit girl "girl" that is stopped and displayed in, the display areas 3a1, 3b1, on the left end in this case
In the second variation in 3c1, only the three patterns of "girl", "candy (4)", and "jewel (3)" stopped and displayed at the end of the first variation of the horizontal scroll are repeatedly scrolled vertically from bottom to top. To do. That is, the display area 3 at the left end
Vertical scroll from bottom to top in a1, 3b1, 3c1 is "candy (4)", "jewel (3)", "girl", "candy (4)", "jewel (3)", "girl", It is repeated in the order of. Due to the end of the vertical scrolling in the display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 at the left end, the "girl" symbol is displayed in the display area 3a at the upper left end.
When it stops at 1, the jackpot lines 71 and 76 reach the state, when it stops at the left end middle stage display area 3b1, it reaches the reach by the jackpot line 77, and when it stops further at the left end lower stage display area 3c1. The jackpot line 75 is used to reach. Therefore,
By the vertical scroll in the display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 at the left end, the reach state can be surely developed.

The rightmost display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3
Since c3 is vertically scrolled from the top to the bottom in the second fluctuation, the newly appearing display pattern is based on the “jewel (3)” displayed in the display area 3a3 at the upper right end at the end of the first fluctuation. Will be decided. That is, “FRUIT”, “candy (4)”, which are stopped and displayed in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end at the end of the first fluctuation,
After "Gemstone (3)", using the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 in the upper row on the basis of "Gemstone (3)" in the display area 3a3 in the upper right end, "Gemstone (3)", "FRUIT" ,
"Candy (3)", "7", "Gem (2)", "C
Vertical scrolling from top to bottom is performed in the order of "AT (1)", ....

FIG. 18C shows the leftmost display area 3a1.
It shows a screen immediately before the vertical scroll of 3b1 and 3c1 is stopped and the vertical scroll of the display areas 3a3, 3b3 and 3c3 at the right end is continued. In this state,
When the vertical scrolling of the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 is stopped, the uppermost left display areas 3a1, 3 are displayed.
At “a2”, the “girl” symbols are lined up, and reach occurs on the jackpot line 76. In addition, in the display area 3a1 on the upper left end and the display area 3b2 in the central middle row, the "girl" symbols are aligned,
Reach occurs on the jackpot line 71. That is, a double reach occurs due to the pattern of "girl" on the upper left side. This is a reach state that cannot occur at all by merely changing the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 in one direction. At this time, the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end
In the vertical scrolling is performed at high speed, and the player cannot see the symbols.

FIG. 18D shows the display area 3a3 at the right end.
The screen immediately before the vertical scroll of 3b3 and 3c3 is stopped, that is, immediately before the second fluctuation is stopped is shown. When the "girl" symbols are stopped and displayed in the upper right or lower display areas 3a3, 3c3, the "girl" symbols are aligned on the jackpot lines 71, 76, and the jackpots are displayed. Is higher, and the player's expectation can be improved.

The second variation of the vertical scroll in the third pattern is due to the left and right display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c.
1, 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 were started at the same time, but at the end of the first variation of the horizontal scroll like this time, the display area 3c1 at the lower left end and the display area 3b2 at the central middle position are in the reach state. Alternatively, the second variation may be started while maintaining the reach state. Specifically, first, the second fluctuation of the vertical scroll is started only in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end that are not related to the reach state, and the second fluctuation causes the symbol "girl" to be displayed in the lower right end display area. When the stop display is performed in 3c3 and the process is finished, the second variation of the vertical scroll is further started in the leftmost display regions 3a1, 3b1, 3c1. If the second variation of the vertical scroll is sequentially performed in this way, the first reach state can be revealed on the jackpot line 75 at the end of the first variation of the horizontal scroll, and the first scroll state of the vertical scroll in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end can be displayed. It is possible to expect a big hit to occur with two fluctuations, and further, at the end of the vertical scroll in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end, a big hit line 71
The reach state for the second time can be displayed, and the leftmost display area 3a1,
The second fluctuation of the vertical scroll in 3b1 and 3c1 can be expected to generate a big hit. That is, it is possible to expect a big hit to occur twice or more by the second fluctuation of the vertical scroll in addition to the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, description will be given of a variation control in which the second variation of the rotary scroll is performed after the first variation of the horizontal scroll, and the third variation of the vertical scroll is further performed. . FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a fourth pattern of such fluctuation control.

19 to 21, the first variation means the upper display areas 3a1-3a3, the middle display areas 3b1-3b3 or the lower display areas 3c1c3c3.
In each of the display area groups, the fluctuation of the symbols scrolled in the lateral direction is referred to, and the second fluctuation is the display areas 3a1 to 3a3, 3 other than the central middle display area 3b2.
In the group of b1, 3b3, 3c1 to 3c3, it refers to the fluctuation of the symbols that are rotated and scrolled around the display area 3b2 in the middle middle stage, and the third fluctuation is the second of the rotary scroll.
After the change ends, it refers to a change in the pattern that scrolls horizontally in the groups of the upper, middle, and lower display areas, or vertically in the groups of the left, center, and right display areas. Each of the first to third fluctuations is performed in one fluctuation display.

FIG. 19A shows the screen immediately before the horizontal scrolls of the upper and lower rows have already stopped and the horizontal scroll of the middle row has stopped (before the first fluctuation stop). In the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3, the symbols "girl", "jewel (3)", and "FRUIT" are displayed in order from the left.
The symbols "girl", "candy (4)", and "CAKE" are stopped and displayed in order from the left on c1 to c3. That is, the leftmost display areas 3a1, 3b1, 3c
1, the jackpot line 7 by the "girl" design
2, the player is in the reach state, and the player expects a big hit on the result of the horizontal scroll in the display areas 3b1 to 3b3 in the middle row. However, when the horizontal scrolling of the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3 is stopped from the left in the order of the “jewel (3)”, “girl”, and “candy (4)” symbols as shown in FIG. Display areas 3a1, 3b
Despite the fact that the game reached the reach state with 1,3c1, it did not hit the jackpot and the player was disappointed.

The normal variation display ends here, but in the variation display of the fourth pattern, the second variation of the rotary scroll is started following this first variation of the horizontal scroll, and a jackpot can be expected. , And improve the player's willingness to play.

FIG. 19B shows the screen immediately after the first variation of the horizontal scroll ends and immediately after the second variation of the rotary scroll starts. The groups horizontally grouped in the upper, middle, and lower three rows are temporarily canceled, and new display areas 3a1-3a3, 3b1, 3b other than the central middle display area 3b2 are newly created.
Grouped by 3, 3c1 to 3c3, the rotation scroll that rotates counterclockwise around the symbol in the middle middle stage is started. The rotary scroll is performed with the stop symbol at the end of the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll, and the stop symbol at the end of the first fluctuation is displayed in the display region 3b2 in the center middle stage which is the center of the rotary scroll. The "girl" symbol is included in two symbols with a symbol interval of 1. The second
The variable rotation scroll does not have to be counterclockwise, but may be clockwise.

FIG. 19 (c) shows a state in which the rotary scroll started in FIG. 19 (b) is fluctuating at high speed, and the symbol "girl" in the central middle display area 3b2 is stopped and displayed. There is. Further, FIG. 19D shows the screen immediately before the second fluctuation of the rotary scroll is stopped, and “FRUIT”, “candy (4)”, and “CAKE” are displayed in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3. , "Jewels (3)", "girl" in the left and right display areas 3b1-3b3 in the middle,
"Candy (4)" is displayed in the lower display areas 3c1-3c
It can be predicted that each of the symbols “girl”, “jewel (3)”, and “girl” is stopped in 3. Here, the symbols “girl” are arranged in the left and right display areas 3c1 and 3c3, and the reach state can be made to appear again by the jackpot line 78 in the lower row.

Here, as shown in FIG. 19E, the third vertical scrolling variation is started in the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2. That is, the group of the rotary scroll is released, and the central display areas 3a2 and 3b are newly added.
It is grouped by 2, 3c2, and the vertical scroll is started from the top to the bottom. Such vertical scrolling is performed on the basis of the "candy (4)" displayed in the display area 3a2 at the upper center. That is, after the "jewels (3)", "girl", and "candy (4)" that are stopped and displayed in the central display areas 3a2, 3b2, 3c2 at the end of the second variation, the central upper display area 3a2 is displayed. Based on “Candy (4)”, the virtual pattern reel 42 in the middle row
Array of "Candy (4)", "CAK
Vertical scrolling from top to bottom is performed in the order of "E", "jewel (4)", "CAT (2)", "candy (5)", "3", .... When the "girl" symbol is stopped and displayed in the display area 3c2 in the lower center of the stage due to the third variation of the vertical scroll, "girl" is displayed on the jackpot line 78.
The symbols are aligned and a big hit occurs.

In this way, the reach state once deviated in the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll is changed to the second state of the rotary scroll.
It is possible to make the reach state again due to the change, and to expect a big hit in the reach state by the third change of the vertical scroll. Therefore, the player can enjoy the interest of the reach twice in one variable display, and the interest can be improved. In addition, since the first, second, and third fluctuations are displayed in different directions, it becomes difficult for the player to predict how the next fluctuation display will be developed. It is possible to improve the property.

The third variation of the vertical scroll, the three symbols (“candy (4)”, “girl”, “jewel ( 3) ”) may be repeated. In this case, since the three patterns include the "girl" pattern that is a reach pattern, the probability of a big hit on the display can be reduced to 1/3, and the expectation of a big hit can be further improved. You can

After the end of the variable display and at the start of the next variable display, or at the end of the variable display when the variable display is disengaged, the above-mentioned "return effect" described with reference to FIG. Is performed, and the arrangement of the symbols is returned to the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 at the time of horizontal scrolling.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a fifth pattern of symbol variation control. In the variation control of this fifth pattern,
After the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll, the second fluctuation of the rotary scroll
The variation is performed, and further, the third variation of the horizontal scroll is performed. That is, in the variation control of the fourth pattern shown in FIG. 19, the third variation is vertically scrolled, whereas in the variation control of the fifth pattern, the third variation is a horizontal scroll. The rotation direction of the rotary scroll in the second variation is counterclockwise in the variation control of the fourth pattern, but is clockwise in the variation control of the fifth pattern.

As shown in FIG. 20 (a), the first variation of the horizontal scroll causes the jackpot line 74 to reach the "girl" symbol, and the "girl" symbol of the reach symbol is displayed in the central middle display area 3b2. 20B, as shown in FIG. 20B, the second fluctuation of the rotary scroll that rotates clockwise around the symbol of "girl" in the display region 3b2 in the center middle stage is performed. Figure 20
FIG. 20C shows a state in which the rotary scroll fluctuates at high speed, and FIG. 20D shows a screen immediately before the second fluctuation of the rotary scroll stops. Whether or not the second variation of the rotary scroll is performed after the first variation of the horizontal scroll is the same as in the case of the variation control of the first pattern. It is determined by the timing of passing through the switch provided in the type 1 starting port 4.

In FIG. 20D, the upper display area 3
"girl", "jewel (3)", "FR" for a1 to a3
“UIT” is displayed in the middle left and right display areas 3b1 to 3b3 as “candy (4)”, “girl”, and “jewel (3)”.
However, in the lower display areas 3c1-3c3, "girl",
It can be predicted that the symbols "candy (4)" and "CAKE" will be stopped in order from the left, and the symbols "girl" are arranged in the upper and lower display areas 3a1 and 3c1 on the left end, and the jackpot line on the left end. The reach state can be made to appear again by 72.

Here, as shown in FIG. 20 (e), the group of the rotary scroll is released and is newly grouped in the display areas 3b1 to 3b3 in the middle row, and the third variation of the horizontal scroll from the right to the left. Be started. The horizontal scrolling in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3 is performed based on the arrangement of the middle virtual symbol reels 42, based on the "jewel (3)" displayed in the right end middle display area 3b3.

As described above, the reach state once deviated in the first fluctuation of the horizontal scroll is changed to the second state of the rotary scroll.
Since the player can expect to reach a jackpot again in the reach state by the third variation of the horizontal scroll due to the variation, the player can enjoy the interest of the reach twice in one variation display. , Interest can be improved.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a sixth pattern of symbol variation control. In the variation control of the sixth pattern,
Similar to the variation control of the fourth pattern shown in FIG. 19, after the first variation of the horizontal scroll, the second variation of the rotary scroll is performed, and further, the third variation of the vertical scroll is performed. The rotation direction of the rotary scroll in the second variation is counterclockwise in the variation control of the fourth pattern, but is clockwise in the variation control of the sixth pattern.

21 (a) to 21 (d) are shown in FIG.
0 (a) to FIG. 20 (d) are the same as those in FIG. In FIG. 21D, the “girl” symbols are lined up in the display areas 3a1 and 3b2 of the upper right end and the middle middle tier, and the display areas 3c1 and 3b2 of the lower right end and the middle middle tier.
The reach state can be made to appear again following the reach state of (a). Moreover, in FIG. 21D, the double reach state is formed by the two jackpot lines 71 and 75.

Here, as shown in FIG. 21E, the third variation of the vertical scroll is started in the display areas 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end. That is, the group of the rotary scroll is released, and the display areas 3a3 and 3b at the right end are newly added.
It is grouped by 3, 3c3, and the vertical scroll is started from the top to the bottom. Such vertical scrolling is performed by the "FRUI" displayed in the upper right display area 3a3.
It is performed on the basis of "T". That is, after "CAKE", "Gemstone (3)", and "FRUIT" that are stopped and displayed in the display regions 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 at the right end at the end of the second variation, "FRUIT" in the display region 3a3 at the upper right end is displayed. ", Using the arrangement of the lower virtual symbol reel 43,
Vertical scrolling from top to bottom is performed in the order of “FRUIT”, “jewel (3)”, “girl”, “candy (4)”, “CAKE”, ... Due to the third variation of the vertical scroll, the upper or lower display area 3a at the right end is displayed.
When the symbol of "girl" is stopped and displayed on 3, 3c3, the symbols of "girl" are arranged on the jackpot lines 71 and 75, and a jackpot occurs.

In the lower virtual symbol reel 43,
Since there is a "girl" design that is a reach design within 3 designs based on "FRUIT", from "CAKE", "jewel (3)", and "FRUIT", such "FRU"
Using the 3 patterns after "IT", "jewel (3)", "girl", "FRUIT", "jewel (3)", "girl",
Vertical scroll from top to bottom may be repeated in the order of "FRUIT" .... According to such scrolling of the three symbols, the symbols of "girl" forming the two jackpot lines 71, 75 are repeatedly displayed in a variable manner, so that the jackpot occurrence probability on the display can be reduced to 2/3. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the player's expectation for the occurrence of a big hit and improve the player's willingness to play.

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

For example, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the scrolling of the symbols is performed according to the arrangement of the symbols defined by the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43. However, in addition to the arrangement of the symbols defined by the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43, the virtual Design reels 41-4
The symbols may be scrolled in an arrangement based on the arrangement of 3 or a completely different arrangement from the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43. That is, the symbols may be linked to each other for variable display, the continuity of the symbols may be used for variable display, or the symbols may be linked or synchronized to perform variable display. Specifically, as a variable display by linking the patterns to each other, a variable display is made by relating only the designs of characters that are not numbers, and the variation is made only by the winning design excluding the lost design. An example is one that displays. Also,
As a method of displaying variation by giving continuity to each other, “rat”, “cat”, “dog”, “female”, “rat”, ... Chase, “dog” chases the “cat”, “female” chases the “dog”, and “rat” chases the “female”, and the symbolic continuity and fluctuating pattern itself The continuous variable display is illustrated. Further, as the variable display by interlocking or synchronizing the symbols with each other, one that is interlocked with or synchronized with the variable display of the other symbols is varied.

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

Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the vertical scroll, horizontal scroll and rotary scroll in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, diagonal scroll may be performed. As such an oblique scroll, there are three display areas (3a1, 3b).
2, 3c3) and (3a3, 3b2, 3c1) are not limited to those that scroll diagonally from the top to the bottom or the opposite direction, and two display areas (3b1, 3c2), (3a2,
3b3), (3a2, 3b1), (3b3, 3c2)
Or 1 display areas (3a1), (3a3), (3c
1) and (3c3) include scrolls that scroll diagonally from top to bottom or the opposite direction.

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

The present invention may be carried out on a pachinko machine or the like of a type different from the above embodiment. For example, a pachinko machine that raises the expectation value for a jackpot once it hits the jackpot multiple times (for example, twice or three times) including that (commonly known as a two-time right-of-use property, a three-time right-of-use property, etc.) It is also possible to carry out. Further, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine which is in a special game state on condition that a ball is won in a predetermined area after the jackpot pattern is displayed. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, it may be implemented as various game machines such as arepaches, sparrow balls, slot machines, and game machines in which so-called pachinko machines and slot machines are integrated.

In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating the operation lever in a state where the coin is inserted and the symbol effective line is determined, and the symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating the stop button. It is well known. Therefore, the basic concept of the slot machine is to include "variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information sequence including a plurality of identification information,
The change of the identification information is started due to the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), the identification information is changed due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button), or a predetermined time elapses. The fluctuation of is stopped, and it is a slot machine equipped with a special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player, provided that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. In this case, coins, medals, etc. are typical examples of the game medium.

Further, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, a variable display means for variably displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols and then finally displaying the symbols is provided, and for ball launching. One that does not have a handle. In this case, the predetermined operation (button operation)
After throwing in a predetermined amount of balls based on, for example, the fluctuation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or after the elapse of a predetermined time, the fluctuation of the symbol is changed. It is stopped, a big jackpot state that is advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stopping is a so-called jackpot symbol, and a lot of balls are paid out to the lower tray to the player. is there.

A modification of the present invention will be shown below. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is changed by a variation display (dynamic display; the same applies hereinafter) after the variation direction is changed (performed by the identification information displayed on the display device before the variation direction is changed). The game machine 1 is characterized in that the identification information displayed in a display area other than the display area in which the variable display after the change of the changing direction is performed is included in. The change display after changing the changing direction is performed using the identification information displayed on the display device before changing the changing direction.
Since the identification information displayed in the display area other than the display area in which the variable display after changing the direction of change is performed is included,
A state in which a predetermined game value is imparted (for example, "big hit state", hereinafter referred to as "big hit state") can be expected based on the identification information and the identification information that can be stopped by the variable display after changing the changing direction (eg, "reach State ”, hereinafter referred to as“ reach state ”). Therefore, even if the reach state is not changed before changing the change direction, the reach state can be revealed by changing the change direction of the change display, which enhances the interest of the game and improves the player's willingness to play. Can be made. Further, in such a case, since the variation display after changing the changing direction is performed by the identification information displayed on the display device before changing the changing direction, it is possible to increase the appearance probability of the reach state on the display, and It is possible to greatly increase the expectation of the jackpots. For example, when the variable display after changing the changing direction is repeatedly performed with three pieces of identification information, the reach probability of the reach state on the display is at least 1/3.

In the gaming machine or the gaming machine 1 according to claim 1, the variation direction of the variation display is changed when two or more pieces of the same identification information are displayed on the display device. A gaming machine 2 characterized in that it is performed when it is not possible to expect to come out. From the display state in which the jackpot or reach state cannot be expected to appear, it is possible to expect the jackpot or reach state to appear by changing the direction of change and performing the variable display. Therefore,
It is possible to increase the player's willingness to play again by increasing the expectation that the once-lost player will have a big hit.

In the gaming machine or the gaming machine 1 according to claim 1, the variation of the variation direction of the variation display is changed despite the fact that the same identification information is displayed on the jackpot line and a transition to a display state in which a jackpot can be expected. A gaming machine 3, characterized in that it is performed when different identification information is stopped on the jackpot line and a jackpot cannot be expected. It is possible to increase the player's willingness to play again by increasing the expectation that the once-lost player will have a big hit.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 3, the fluctuation display after changing the fluctuation direction is:
The gaming machine 4 characterized in that the variation display before changing the direction of variation is performed after being temporarily stopped. After the variable display is temporarily stopped, the variable display in which the variation direction is changed is restarted, so that the player can experience the expectation of a big hit twice or more in one variable display.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 3, the variation display after changing the variation direction is:
A gaming machine 5, which is performed when at least one variation display before changing the variation direction is continued. In such a case, there is a period in which the variable display before changing direction change and the variable display after changing direction change are performed at the same time, so that the player is surprised and the player's willingness to play is refreshed. be able to.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any of the gaming machines 1 to 5, the fluctuation display after changing the fluctuation direction is:
The gaming machine 6 is characterized in that the probability of a display that can reach the reach state is made higher than that of the variation display before changing the variation direction. By changing the changing direction of the changing display, the probability of reaching the reach state becomes higher than that before changing the changing direction, so changing the changing direction naturally raises the player's expectation for the jackpot, and the willingness to play. Can be increased. In addition, the reach state here includes, for example, a normal reach, a super reach in which the reach is developed, a jackpot, and the like.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any of the gaming machines 1 to 6, the fluctuation display after changing the fluctuation direction is:
The gaming machine 7 is characterized in that the number of types of identification information displayed is smaller than that of the variable display before changing the changing direction. In the variable display after changing the direction of change, the number of types of identification information to be displayed is small, so that the probability of appearance of the reach state (including the jackpot state) on the display can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the interest of the player by raising the expectation that the player will hit the jackpot.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 7, the fluctuation display after changing the fluctuation direction is:
The gaming machine 8 characterized by being performed only by the identification information displayed on the display device immediately before the change of the changing direction. By performing the variable display only with the identification information displayed before the change of the changing direction, it is possible to increase the appearance probability of the reach state (including the big hit state) on the display.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 8, the variable display is such that a plurality of display areas of the display device are grouped into a predetermined group, and the group is grouped. This is performed by changing the identification information in the display area of the display area. When changing the changing direction, the group is once released, and the display area is grouped again in a new display area, and the new grouping is performed. A gaming machine 9, characterized in that the identification information is varied in the display area of the group to perform variable display.

In the gaming machine 9, the group of the new display area is grouped in a non-linear manner. Here, the non-linear shape means a combination of two or more straight lines, a curved line, or the like, and examples thereof include an annular or endless group.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1, the display control means defines a group for the variable display including a plurality of identification information, and redefines a new group based on the control command. A gaming machine 11 characterized by: Here, a group is a series of pseudo, virtual, or control provided on a display device in order to use a plurality of originally unrelated display units as if they were related display units. It is a group of people. By defining the group, the identification information in the group can be continuously displayed on one or a plurality of display portions of the display device, and the display device can be effectively used. The "group" is a "link",
This is a concept including “synchronization column”, “virtual reel”, “virtual array”, and the like, and similar effects can be obtained when these are replaced. In addition, the term “prescribed” includes deriving by selecting from a plurality of items and deriving a item that is stored or set in advance.

In the gaming machine 11, there is at least 1 in the group before the redefinition and the group after the redefinition.
Gaming machine 1 characterized by having common identification information
2. Since the identification information displayed after the redefinition of the group has at least one piece of identification information displayed on the display device before the redefinition of the group, the identification information of the group is identified by the at least one identification information. It is possible to smoothly perform the variable display after the redefinition.

In the gaming machine 11 or 12, the display control means moves and displays the identification information in the direction set by the group for variable display, and when the group is redefined. , A gaming machine 1 characterized in that the identification information is moved and displayed in a direction set by the redefined group to perform variable display.
3. Since the direction of the variable display is set in accordance with the redefinition of the group, it is possible to provide a variety of effects and improve the enjoyment of the game.

In any of the gaming machines 11 to 13,
The gaming machine 14 characterized in that at least two pieces of the same identification information are displayed on the display device in the group before the redefinition and the group after the redefinition. Since at least two or more identical identification information are displayed,
It can be expected that a reach state or a jackpot state will appear. Therefore, it is possible to increase the player's expectation that a big hit will occur and to increase the player's motivation.

In any of the gaming machines 11 to 14,
The gaming machine 15 characterized in that the identification information appearing in the variable display of the group after the redefinition includes the identification information displayed in the newly defined group at the time of redefining the group. For example, if a reach state occurs before the redefinition of the group and the reach state ends, and the desired identification information does not stop at the desired stop position,
By redefining the group and performing variable display with the identification information displayed on the display device at the time of redefining, the reach state can be made to appear again, so it is expected that the jackpot state or reach state will appear. It will be possible. Therefore, it is possible to increase again the expectation of the player who has lost the jackpot, and to increase the motivation of the player.

In any of the gaming machines 12 to 15,
When the variable display is performed in the newly defined group after the re-definition, the display order of the identification information is a predetermined order based on the identification information common to the other groups. 16.

In the gaming machine 16, the predetermined order is
A gaming machine 17 characterized in that the display order is such that identification information is displayed in a predetermined group before the redefinition.
By performing the variable display after redefining the group in the display order of the identification information before the redefinition, the display order of the identification information is unified before and after the redefinition of the group, so that the variable display without giving the player a feeling of discomfort It can be performed.

In the gaming machine 16, the predetermined order is
A gaming machine 18 characterized by a display order having continuity (expansion) generated by the identification information. For example, in order to perform variable display with identification information having continuity, in the order of identification information “rat,” “cat,” “dog,” “female,” “rat,” ... mouse"
"Cat" chases, "Cat" chases "Dog",
The "woman" chases the "dog", and then the "woman"
An example is a variable display with continuity with a story like that "a mouse" chases, or continuity in the changed identification information itself.

In any one of the gaming machines 11 to 18, the group newly defined after the above redefinition is defined in a non-linear manner. Here, the non-linear shape means a combination of two or more straight lines, a curved line, or the like, and examples thereof include an annular or endless group.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 19, the jackpot line for displaying the jackpot state that gives the predetermined gaming value is changed in accordance with the changing direction of the variable display. A gaming machine 20 characterized by being a thing.

In the gaming machine 20, when the big hit line is changed according to the changing direction of the variable display, the changed big hit line is displayed on the display device so that the player can recognize it. A gaming machine 21 characterized by being present. Since the changed jackpot line is displayed so that the player can see it, even if the jackpot line is changed, the player can enjoy the game without being confused.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 21, when the variation display is started in the variation direction before the change after the variation direction of the variation display is changed, before the variation display is started. The gaming machine 22 is characterized in that a return effect is performed in which the arrangement of the identification information displayed on the display device is arranged into an arrangement suitable for the variable display before changing the direction of change. The arrangement of the identification information is different from the original arrangement due to the change in the changing direction. Since the next variable display cannot be started in this state, it is conceivable that the array of identification information is switched back at once at the start of the next variable display. However, switching identification information by such a method is not preferable because it may give the player the impression that the identification information is intentionally manipulated and rearranged, which may reduce the player's willingness to play. On the other hand, according to the gaming machine 22, when the variable display is started in the changing direction before the change, the array of the identification information displayed on the display device is changed before the changing direction before the change display is started. Since the return effect is arranged in an arrangement suitable for the variable display, the next variable display can be smoothly started without giving the player a feeling of strangeness. It should be noted that such return effect may be performed after the end of the variable display after the change of the changing direction, or before the start of the change display performed in the changing direction before the change.

In the gaming machine 22, the return effect is performed while the identification information displayed on the display device is once in a visually difficult state.
3. It is to be noted that examples of the visually difficult state include, for example, turning the entire display screen to white or black for a moment, or blinking the entire screen with a flashlight. In the return effect of flashing the entire display screen with a flashlight, the array of identification information is returned to an appropriate array all at once or gradually during the flashing.

In the gaming machine 22, in the return effect, when the variable display is started in the changing direction before the change, the identification information displayed on the display device is changed to the changing direction before the change in the same arrangement. A gaming machine 24 characterized by being changed and disappeared from the display.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 24, a command transmitted from the main control means for controlling the display of the identification information by the display control means. The game machine 25 is characterized in that the command includes a pattern specifying command for specifying a series of patterns of the variable display. Since a series of patterns for variable display are instructed from the main control means to the display control means at a time, the display control means can perform the changing processing of the variable display pattern at one time, which enables smooth control. Can be realized.

A game machine according to claim 1 or any one of the game machines 1 to 25, wherein the game machine is a pachinko machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the pachinko machine is to have an operation handle, which shoots a ball to a predetermined game area in response to the operation of the operation handle, and the ball wins an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition for (or passing through the actuation port), there is one in which the identification information variably displayed on the display device is fixedly stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special game state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning port) arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined manner to make it possible to win a ball, and the value depending on the number of winning prizes. Value (including not only gift balls but also data written on magnetic cards)
Are given.

A game machine according to claim 1 or any one of the game machines 1 to 25, wherein the game machine is a slot machine. Among them, as a basic configuration of the slot machine, "a variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying an identification information sequence including a plurality of identification information is provided, Alternatively, or after a lapse of a predetermined time, the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped, and as a necessary condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information,
A gaming machine provided with a special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player ". In this case, coins, medals, etc. are typical examples of the game medium.

A game machine according to claim 1 or any one of the game machines 1 to 25, wherein the game machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine is "provided with variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information sequence consisting of a plurality of identification information, The fluctuation of the identification information is started due to the operation, and the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. A special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player is provided on condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information, and a ball is used as a game medium and the variation of the identification information is started. In this case, a predetermined number of balls are required, and a large number of balls are paid out when a special game state occurs.

[0169]

According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, the variable display of the identification information can change the changing direction to two or more directions, and at least one changing display after changing the changing direction is possible. Since the identification information displayed on the display device before the change of the changing direction is performed, there is an effect that it is possible to enrich the effects of the changing display and improve the enjoyment of the game.

According to the gaming machine of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effect of the gaming machine described, the change display after changing the changing direction is performed by the identification information displayed on the display device before the changing direction is changed. Since the identification information displayed in a display area other than the display area in which the variable display is performed is included, the predetermined game value is determined by the identification information and the identification information that can be stopped by the variable display after changing the direction of change. State to give (eg "big hit state". Hereinafter referred to as "big hit state")
Can be expected (for example, “reach state”; hereinafter referred to as “reach state”). Therefore, even if the reach state is not changed before changing the change direction, the reach state can be revealed by changing the change direction of the change display, which enhances the interest of the game and improves the player's willingness to play. The effect is that it can be done. Further, in such a case, since the variation display after changing the changing direction is performed by the identification information displayed on the display device before changing the changing direction, it is possible to increase the appearance probability of the reach state on the display, and This has the effect of greatly increasing the expectation of a jackpot for a person. For example, when the variable display after changing the changing direction is repeatedly performed with three pieces of identification information, the reach probability of the reach state on the display is at least 1/3.

According to the gaming machine of claim 3, claim 1
Or, in addition to the effect of the gaming machine described in 2, the big hit or reach state is expected by changing the direction of change from the display state where the big hit or reach state cannot be expected. It will be possible. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to increase the expectation of the once-lost player's jackpot occurrence again and increase the player's willingness to play.

According to the gaming machine of claim 4, claim 1
In addition to the effect of the gaming machine described in any one of 3 to 3,
By changing the changing direction of the changing display, the probability of reaching the reach state becomes higher than that before changing the changing direction, so changing the changing direction naturally raises the player's expectation for the jackpot, and the willingness to play. There is an effect that can be increased. In addition, the reach state here includes, for example, a normal reach, a super reach in which the reach is developed, a jackpot, and the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of virtual symbol reels that are variably displayed in the upper display area,
(B) is the figure which showed typically the structure of the virtual symbol reel variably displayed by the display area of a middle stage, (c) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual symbol reel variably displayed by the display area of a lower stage. FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 15 is a timing chart of variable display in which nine symbols are fixed every three symbols.

It is the figure which shows the 1st pattern of fluctuation control of the design.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a second pattern of symbol variation control.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a third pattern of symbol variation control.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a fourth pattern of symbol variation control.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a fifth pattern of symbol variation control.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a sixth pattern of symbol variation control.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 Liquid crystal display (LCD)
(Display device) 3a Upper display area 3b Middle display area 3c Lower display area 3a1-3c3 Display area 3a1, 3b1, 3c1 for each symbol Left display area 3a2, 3b2, 3c2 Central display area 3a3, 3b3, 3c3 Right display area 22 Program ROM of display control board 23 Work RA of display control board
M 31 variation pattern designation command (part of control command) 32 stop design designation command (part of control command) 33 design stop command (part of control command) 41 to 43 virtual design reel C main control board ( Main control means) D Display control board (display control means) P Pachinko machine (gaming machine)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A display device for displaying identification information such as a design, a main control means for controlling a game, and a variable display of the identification information on the display device based on a control command transmitted from the main control means. In the gaming machine, which is provided with a display control means for effecting, and which gives a predetermined game value under a predetermined condition when the variable display of the identification information ends with a predetermined display result, the change of the identification information. In the display, the changing direction can be changed to two or more directions, and at least one changing display after changing the changing direction is performed by the identification information displayed on the display device before changing the changing direction. A gaming machine characterized by that. 2. The identification information changed by the variable display after changing the changing direction includes the identification information displayed in a display area other than the display area in which the changing display after changing the changing direction is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that. 3. The change of the change direction of the change display is performed when the same identification information is displayed on the display device two or more times and when a big hit or a reach state cannot be expected. Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above.
Gaming machine described in. 4. The variable display after changing the changing direction is performed when at least one changing display before changing the changing direction is continued. The game machine described.