JP2003265774A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of significantly increasing the apparent expectation degree to big hit by enabling a significant increase in the number of effective lines. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine comprises a presentation control means (presentation control part 14) for performing a presentation control including the variable display control of identification information in a variable display device (special pattern display device 4) on the basis of a game state instruction command transmitted from a game control means (game control part 11) for totally controlling the progress of a game. The presentation control means increasingly displays, during the variable display of identification information, a new display line of identification information on the outside of the display line of identification information concerned, and increases the number of effective lines by displaying the new display line of identification information. Accordingly, the number of effective lines can be significantly increased according to the increase in display lines of identification information, and the apparent big hit expectation degree can be consequently significantly increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine,
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having a variable display function that variably displays predetermined identification information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines,
Liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display)
On a variable display device such as, variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (hereinafter, special symbol) prepared in advance, and whether or not to give a predetermined game value is determined based on the display result, so-called variable display Many games are offered that enhance the fun of the game.

As a variable display game, there is a variable display game (hereinafter, referred to as a special figure game) mainly using an image display device as the variable display device. In the special figure game, the special symbol is variably displayed in accordance with the detection of the game ball passing through the predetermined area, and the derived display mode when the display result of the special symbol is derived and displayed is the specific display mode. "Big hit"
And the game. When it becomes a "big hit" in the special drawing game, a special electric accessory called a special winning opening is activated,
The special winning opening door is opened. As a result, the player is continuously provided with a state in which winning of the game ball is extremely easy for a certain period of time.

The following is a big hit in the special drawing game,
When the special winning opening door is opened, it is extremely easy for the player to win a game ball, which is called a specific game state. In order to be in the specific game state, usually, the derivation display mode of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (generally, a plurality of variable display portions of the variable display device). It is a condition that the special symbols displayed in 1) are the same. In addition, a game machine for playing a special figure game has been proposed in which a double reach or a triple reach is formed by artificially increasing the number of effective lines to increase the appearance expectation of a big hit.

[0005]

By the way, conventionally, as a method of increasing the number of effective lines in a pseudo manner, a special symbol 1 is used.
By increasing the number of symbols to be displayed in one display column,
Some have increased the number of active lines. In particular,
In the reach effect display, the number of symbols to be displayed in the display columns other than the display column of the special symbol which is the final stop symbol from 1 symbol to 2 symbols
By increasing the number of symbols, or 3 symbols, the number of effective lines which was only 1 to be 2 or 3 and realizing the reach display mode such as double reach or triple reach,
It was supposed to raise the expectation of a big hit. However, in the configuration in which the number of symbols displayed in one display row is increased in this way, the number of symbols that can be increased is limited on the display, and therefore the number of effective lines cannot be significantly increased, and an apparent big hit. There was a limit to raising expectations.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to significantly increase the number of effective lines, thereby significantly increasing the expected jackpot expectation. It is to provide a game machine that can.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is, as shown in FIG. 1, a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information. (For example, if there is a special symbol display device 4) and a big hit is achieved by satisfying a predetermined condition, the variation display result of the identification information is set as a big hit display mode on a preset effective line and the game is played. It is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that brings a state into a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, and is transmitted from a gaming control means (for example, a gaming control section 11) that comprehensively controls the progress of the game. Based on the game state instruction command, the production control means (for example, production control unit 14) for performing production control including variable display control of identification information in the variable display device is provided, and the production control means, During variable display of the identification information, a new identification information display row is displayed outside the identification information display row, and the number of effective lines is increased by displaying the new identification information display row. Is configured.

With this configuration, the number of effective lines can be greatly increased as the number of identification information display columns is increased, and the appearance expectation of the jackpot can be greatly increased.

The gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention has a variable display device (for example, a special symbol display device 4) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and is responsible for the progress of the game. Game control means for controlling (for example, the game control unit 1
When it is determined that the big hit is achieved by satisfying the predetermined condition according to 1), the effect control including the variable display control of the identification information in the variable display device is performed based on the game state instruction command transmitted from the game control means. A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) which is made to be performed by a production control means (for example, a production control unit 14) and which brings the gaming state into a specific gaming state advantageous to a player,
During the variable display of the identification information, the effect control unit increases the display columns of the new identification information of two columns outside the currently displayed display columns of the three identification information, and the new identification information is displayed. The number of effective lines is doubled by displaying the display column.

With such a configuration, the number of effective lines can be doubled as the number of columns for displaying the identification information increases, and the appearance expectation of the big hit can be greatly increased.

In this case, in the image display means, the left and right columns of the three columns of the identification information display columns have the identification information arranged in reverse order, and the newly displayed identification information display column is It is preferable that the identification information in the other outermost row is arranged in the same order. With this configuration, the effective lines are formed symmetrically with respect to the central display row, so that the tilting effect can be divided into the left and right.

Further, the gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention starts the variable display of the identification information displayed on the variable display device (103) when the predetermined variation start condition is satisfied, and the predetermined variation is started. A variable display control means for stopping the variable display of the identification information when the stop condition is satisfied, and a predetermined image display pattern determined when a predetermined change start condition is satisfied, on the image display device (104) in advance. A gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 101) having an image display control means for performing a symbol combination effect display of a plurality of symbols on a set activated line, wherein the image display control means is variably displaying the symbols. , The display column of the new symbol is increased and displayed outside the display column of the symbol, and the number of effective lines is increased by the display column of the new symbol being displayed.

With this structure, the number of effective lines can be greatly increased as the number of display columns of symbols is increased, and the expected jackpot expectation can be greatly increased.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the reach effect display means that special symbols other than the special symbol that is the final stop symbol are stopped, oscillated, enlarged or reduced, or deformed, for example, in a state that they match the specific display mode that is a big hit. The state (hereinafter, these states are referred to as temporary stop), that is, the state in which the update display is continuously stopped for a certain period within a predetermined area, or the display position of the special symbol is replaced, or Like a state in which a plurality of special symbols are being updated and displayed in synchronization with each other, it refers to effect display in which the possibility that the display result will be the specific display mode is apparently increased before the final result is displayed. Also,
The reach display mode refers to a display mode when the reach effect display is performed.

In addition, a specific combination of symbol display areas in the special symbol display device is set in advance as an effective line, and when it is decided to give a predetermined game value, a big hit depending on the final stop symbol mode. When notifying that the special symbol finally stops on the activated line, the special symbol is changed so that the special symbol is in a specific display mode, and then stopped. Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether or not it is a big hit by confirming the display mode on the activated line in the special symbol display device.

As the gaming machine in this embodiment, LC
An example of a first-class pachinko game machine of a card reader (CR) type, which is a game machine for playing a special figure game by an image display device (variable display device) including D and the like, and which lends a ball by a prepaid card. Explain. But,
The game machine to be applied is not limited to this, and can be applied to a game machine such as a slot machine equipped with an LCD, for example.

Further, even a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, if it has an image display device, for example,
Pachinko gaming machines classified into the second or third type,
It may be a general electric machine, or a ball game machine with a probability setting function called Pachikon. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using a prepaid card (in the future, a value medium that also includes an IC coin or the like), but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball by cash. That is, any form may be used as long as it is an amusement machine having an image display device such as an LCD and capable of performing an effect display corresponding to a special figure game.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment, showing the layout of the main members.
The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (underframe) 3 that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails, and a special symbol display device (variable display device) 4 is provided at a substantially central position of the game area. On the upper part of the special symbol display device 4, a normal symbol display device 18 (a pair of left and right LEDs) for displaying a normal symbol
Is provided. Note that the special symbol display device 4 variably displays the special symbols (identification information) on a plurality of variable display portions, and when the special symbols are aligned in the same symbol on the activated lines set in the plurality of variable display portions. Is a big hit.

At the lower position of the special symbol display device 4, a special symbol starting port (start chucker) 6 that also serves as an electric tulip type accessory (ordinary electric accessory), and when a big hit occurs (occurrence of a specific game state) The special winning opening (first-class special electric accessory) 7 that performs an opening operation by driving a solenoid or the like is arranged side by side vertically, and on the left side position of the special symbol starting opening 6, A passage gate 19 is provided. The special winning opening 7 performs the opening operation of the special winning opening door 7a provided on the front surface when the special drawing game is played based on the winning timing of the special symbol starting opening 6 and the result is a big hit. The passage gate 19 permits the variation start (universal figure game) of the ordinary symbol display device 18 (ordinary symbol) with the passage of a hit ball. In addition, speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at upper and left positions of the gaming machine frame 3. Furthermore, in the game area and the periphery of the game area,
A lamp / LED 9 for light decoration is provided.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment, showing a layout of main boards.
As will be described later in detail, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a power supply board (power supply section 10), a main board (game control section 11), a performance control board (production control section 14), and a payout control board (payout control section). 15), a board external terminal board 16, and a frame external terminal board 17, each of which is arranged in a suitable place.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example centering on the game control section. The pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment mainly includes a power supply unit (power supply board) 10
, A game control unit (main board) 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, a performance control unit (production control board) 14, a payout control unit (payout control board) 15, and a board external terminal board 16
And a frame external terminal board 17.

The power supply unit 10 supplies a predetermined power supply voltage to each circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The game control unit 11 is composed of various circuits provided in the game control board, and has a function of generating a random number used in the special figure game, a function of inputting a signal via the input unit 12, and an output unit 13. A function to output a signal, a function to output a control command signal to the effect control unit 14 and the payout control unit 15, and a function to output various information to the hall management computer.

The input unit 12 is composed of a starting opening switch 12a, a gate switch 12b, a specific area switch 12c, a count switch 12d, a winning opening switch 12e, etc., and detects a game ball. Output unit 13
Is composed of an ordinary electric winning accessory solenoid 13a, a special winning opening guide plate solenoid 13b, a special winning opening door solenoid 13c, etc., and is configured to open and close a winning accessory.

The effect control unit 14 controls the special figure display in the special figure game, the general figure display control in the general figure game, based on the control command signal transmitted from the game control section 11.
The voice output control and the lamp display control are executed independently of the game control unit 11. Payout control unit 15
Is for lending game balls and controlling payout of prize balls and the like. The external terminal board 16 for the board and the external terminal board 17 for the frame are
It is for outputting various game-related information to the outside.

Here, the temporary stop timing and the variation time of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 4 are uniquely determined according to a variation pattern designation command described later. That is, from the timing of receiving the effect control unit 14 and the variation pattern designation command, the special symbol display device 4
The control is performed so that the variation of the special symbol above, the voice output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the blinking display of the lamp / LED 9 are performed in conjunction with each other.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing details of the effect control unit. The effect control unit 14 is a display control unit 14a that performs display control in each game of the special figure and the general figure independently of the game control unit 11, and a voice control unit 14b that controls generation of sounds from the speakers 8L and 8R. A lamp control unit 14c that controls the light emission of the lamp / LED 9, and a CPU (Central CPU) that controls the control units 14a to 14c according to a program.
Processing Unit) 14d, a program for controlling predetermined components according to a signal from the game control unit 11 and light emission,
ROM (Read Only Memor) that stores pronunciation patterns, etc.
y) 14e, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14f which is an example of a storage unit used as a work memory.

The display control unit 14a displays an image used in the special figure game on the special symbol display device 4 based on the display control command data (variation pattern designation command) output from the game control unit 11. Therefore, the display control unit 14a uses the GCL (Graphi) as an image processor.
cs Controller LSI) 20 and video compression / expansion unit 21
And a CGROM 22 for storing character data,
SDRAM (VRAM: Video RA) that stores the frame buffer, character source data, and palette data
M) 23, a display control unit 24 and a DAC 25 for outputting a signal to the special symbol display device 4, and a normal symbol drive circuit 26 for outputting a signal to the normal symbol display device 18. The GCL 20 has a drawing order, the number of colors,
An attribute analysis unit 20a for analyzing an attribute serving as a parameter for designating a scaling ratio, a palette number, coordinates, etc., and a VRAM address generation unit 20 for generating address information in the SDRAM 23.
b, clipping section 20c, semi-transparent brightness modulation section 20d,
It is composed of a palette buffer 20e and a CG data buffer 20f.

The voice control section 14b is a voice IC 30 for generating a voice or a sound effect according to a signal from the game control section 11.
An audio ROM 31 for storing audio data, a low-frequency amplifier circuit 32 for amplifying the audio signal and outputting the amplified audio signal to the speakers 8L, 8R, and an output level of the audio signal output from the low-frequency amplifier circuit 32. And a digital volume 33 that sets the level according to the volume.

The lamp control unit 14c includes a lamp / LED 9
A lamp drive circuit 40 for outputting a signal to the gaming state decoration lamp 9a that constitutes the LED, and an LE for outputting a signal to the gaming state decoration LED 9b that constitutes the lamp / LED 9.
And a D drive circuit 41.

Next, the operation (action) of this embodiment will be described.

First, the outline of the game flow in the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. By operating the handle provided at the lower right position of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game ball is launched into the game area. Game control unit 11
In, the presence or absence of the input of the starting port switch 12a and the like which constitutes the input unit 12 is monitored, and the game ball has a special symbol starting port 6
When the winning is awarded to, the winning of the game ball is detected at the starting opening switch 12a. Further, when the winning of the game ball is detected at the special symbol starting port 6, the number of winning game balls and the random number lottery value at the time of winning are stored in the special symbol determining bank. Then, the special symbol game is started on the special symbol display device 4 based on the stored data.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the main processing executed by the CPU in the game control section 11. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, in the main process, C
The PU performs necessary initialization processing.

In the initial setting process, the CPU first
The interrupt is set to be prohibited (step S101: hereinafter simply referred to as S101). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (S102), and the stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (S103). Then, the internal device register is initialized (S10).
4). In addition, CT which is a built-in device (built-in peripheral circuit)
After initializing C (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) (S105), the RAM is set to the accessible state (S106).

The CPU used in this embodiment is provided with the following three types of maskable interrupt (INT) modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that has made an interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) to the internal data bus of the CPU.
Therefore, the CPU executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. Upon reset, the CPU automatically goes into interrupt mode 0. Therefore, when it is desired to set the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.

Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted, it is a mode that always jumps to address 0038 (h).

Interrupt mode 2: An address composed of a value (1 byte) of a specific register (I register) of the CPU and an interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device indicates an interrupt address. Mode. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, interrupt processing can be provided at arbitrary even addresses, although they are scattered. Each built-in device has a function of sending an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set,
It becomes possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to provide an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in the program. Furthermore, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU is set to the interrupt mode 2 in S102 of the initial setting process.

Next, it is determined whether or not the clear switch provided in the gaming machine is in the on state (S107).
When the clear switch is on (S107; Yes)
s), while the process proceeds to S110 which will be described later, if the clear switch is not in the on state (S107; No), the data protection process of the backup RAM area when the power is cut off (for example,
It is confirmed whether or not the parity data is added) (S108). In this embodiment, a process for protecting the data in the backup RAM area is performed when an unexpected power failure occurs. When such a protection process is performed, backup is made. That is,
Upon confirming that there is no backup, the CPU executes the initialization processing from S110.

After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU
Performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control unit 11 and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control unit 14 to the power-off state (S109). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) saved in the backup RAM area is reset in the PC and the address is restored.

In the initialization process, the CPU first determines the RAM
Clear processing is performed (S110). Further, an initial value setting process for setting an initial value in a predetermined work area (for example, a random number counter for normal symbol determination, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a payout command storage pointer, etc.) is also performed. Further, processing for initializing the sub-boards (symbol control board, voice control board, lamp control board, payout control board, etc.) is executed (S111). As the process of initializing the sub-board, for example, a process of sending an initial setting command is performed, and as the initial setting command, a payable state designation command or a payout impossible state output to the payout control unit 15 in the payable state is performed. In the case of, the payout stop state designation command or the like is transmitted. An example of the undeliverable state is a state in which the out-of-ball switch or the full tank switch (both not shown) is turned on. That is, the CPU
If the out-of-ball switch or the full tank switch is turned on, a payout stop state designation command is sent to the payout controller 15.
Otherwise, the payable state designation command is sent. The payable state designation command or the payout stop state designation command may be configured to be executed also in the game state recovery process of S109.

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU is set so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied every 2 ms (S112). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register).

Thereafter, the interrupt disabled state is set (S11
3) After that, the display symbol random number updating process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (S11)
4) and the random number updating process for initial value determination (S115), and then the process of setting the interrupt enabled state (S11)
6) is repeatedly executed.

Interrupt prohibition is realized by issuing an interrupt prohibition instruction, setting an interrupt prohibition register to prohibition, or setting a mask register, and interrupt permission is issued by issuing an interrupt permission instruction. It is realized by setting the register for interrupt prohibition to enable or resetting the mask register. The random number for initial value determination is a random number for determining the initial value of the random number for jackpot determination.

The counter updating process (numerical value updating process) of the counter in the display symbol random number updating process (S114) and the initial value determining random number updating process (S115) is executed in the interrupt disabled state. Therefore, a maskable interrupt such as a timer interrupt does not occur while the numerical value updating process is being executed. That is, the numerical value updating process is executed without being interrupted by the interrupt process.

In this embodiment, the built-in CTC of the CPU is set to repeatedly generate timer interrupts. In this embodiment, the repetition period is set to 2ms.
Then, when a timer interrupt occurs, a timer interrupt process as illustrated in FIG. 7 is executed.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the timer interrupt processing. In the timer interruption process, the CPU executes the game saving process of S202 to S214 after executing the saving process of the register. When the game control process is completed,
Register restoration processing is performed (S215), and the interrupt enabled state is set (S216).

In the game control process, the CPU first
A gate switch, via a switch circuit (not shown)
The states of switches such as a start opening switch, a count switch, and a winning opening switch (both not shown) are input, and their states are determined (switch processing: S202).

Next, various abnormality diagnosis processing is performed by the self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error processing: S203).

Next, a random number updating process for updating each counter showing each judgment random number such as a big hit judgment random number used for game control is carried out (S204). In this random number updating process, a big hit symbol random number updating process for determining a symbol to be drawn and displayed on the special symbol display device 4 at the time of a big hit is also performed. The CPU further executes an initial value determination random number updating process (S
205) and the display symbol random number updating process (S206). The contents of the processing of S205 and S206 are S1
This is the same as the processing of 15 and S114.

Further, the CPU performs a special symbol process process which will be described in detail later (S207). In the special symbol process processing, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state. Further, the CPU performs a normal symbol process process whose details will be described later (S208). In the normal symbol process process, the normal symbol display device 1 by a pair of left and right LEDs
The corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the lighting of 8 in a predetermined manner. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state.

Next, the CPU sets a display control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM and performs a process of transmitting the display control command (special symbol command control process: S209). Further, the display control command relating to the normal symbol is set in a predetermined area of the RAM, and the process of transmitting the display control command is performed (normal symbol command control process:
S210).

Further, the CPU performs an information output process for outputting data such as big hit information, start information, probability variation information, etc. supplied to the hall management computer (S).
211).

Further, the CPU issues a drive command to a solenoid circuit (not shown) when a predetermined condition is satisfied (S2
12). The solenoid circuit drives a solenoid (not shown) according to the drive command, and opens the special symbol starting port 6 or the special winning opening 7 in an open state or a closed state.

Then, the CPU executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection output of the switch for detecting the winning of each prize hole (S213). Specifically, the payout control command is output to the payout control unit 15 in response to the winning detection. A payout control CPU (not shown) mounted on the payout control unit 15 drives a ball payout device (not shown) in response to a payout control command.

By the above control, in this embodiment,
The game control process will be activated every 2 ms. Also, until all of the game control process is executed, it is not in the interrupt enabled state, so no other interrupt or the next timer interrupt will occur, and all the respective processes during the game control process will be executed reliably. Complete.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 8 is a specific process of S207 in the flowchart of FIG. CP
U, when performing the special symbol process process, performs a variation reduction timer subtraction process (S301), and then whether the switch of the special symbol starting port 6 (first type starting port switch) is in the on state or not. It is determined (S302). When the first-class starting opening switch is in the ON state (S302; Yes), if the number of winning-start prize memory is not full, the number of starting-winning prize memory is incremented by 1 and a big-hit determination random number or the like is extracted. A switch passage process (S303) is performed. On the other hand, when the first-type starting opening switch is not in the on state (S302; N
o), without performing the process of S303, one of the processes of S304 to S312 is performed according to the internal state (special figure flag information). When the memory information stored at the time of winning a prize is used for a special drawing game after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the variation time is shortened in the special drawing game, but the predetermined time is measured. Is a fluctuation reduction timer. Further, the value of the special figure flag information is updated during each process according to the game state.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "00H",
It is determined whether or not the random number value selected in the special drawing game matches the jackpot value, and the "special symbol normal processing" in the normal gaming state such as the processing of notifying it to the outside is executed (S304).

When the value of the special figure flag information is "01H",
The "special symbol stop symbol setting process" for setting the stop symbol in the special symbol game performed on the special symbol display device 4 is executed (S305). In this special symbol stop symbol setting process, the stop symbol is determined based on the information about the big hit determined in the special symbol normal process. In particular,
When the loss is determined, the stop symbol is determined based on the income value from the display symbol random number, and when the jackpot is determined, the stop symbol is determined based on the income value from the jackpot symbol random number.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "02H",
The "variation pattern setting process" for setting the variable display mode of the symbols of the special symbol game performed on the special symbol display device 4 is executed (S306). In this variation pattern setting process, the variable display mode is determined based on the stop symbol determined in the special symbol stop symbol setting process.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "03H",
The "special symbol variation process" for performing the variation process in the special symbol game is executed on the special symbol display device 4 (S30).
7). In the special symbol variation process, the variation process in the special figure game is performed during the effect time set for each variable display mode determined in the variation pattern setting process. Further, the timing of performing the processing of S307 is the transmission timing of command data by the command transmitting means of the present invention.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "04H",
The "special symbol stop process" for performing the process after the stop display of the special symbol is executed (S308). In this special symbol stop processing, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the symbol stop display is set. Specifically, if it is a big hit, the special figure flag “05H” shown below is set after the big hit effect is set.
Perform processing to move to. On the other hand, if it is lost, the special symbol flag “00H” is displayed in order to variably display the next symbol.
Perform processing to move to.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "05H",
The "special winning opening pre-processing" that performs the initialization processing for the big hit operation is executed (S309). It should be noted that, in this special winning opening opening preprocessing, processing relating to the operation before the big hit is performed. Specifically, the process of driving the solenoid to open the special winning opening 7 is performed, and the effect control unit 14 and the voice control unit 1 are performed.
4 and a process of transmitting command data for producing a big hit to the lamp control unit 15.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "06H",
Various processing relating to the big hit operation and the "large winning opening opening processing" for checking the opening time of the big winning opening 7 per one time are executed (S310). In addition, in the process of opening the special winning opening, the process related to the action during the big hit is performed. Specifically, the number of winning game balls to the special winning opening 7 and the passage of a specific area are monitored, and the opening time of the special winning opening 7 is monitored.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "07H",
The passage of the game ball to the specific area switch is monitored, and "specific area effective time processing" for determining whether or not the special symbol process is executed is executed (S311). In the specific area effective time process, after the special winning opening 7 is closed, the passage of the game ball in the specific area within a predetermined time is monitored. Specifically, a process for ensuring the process by the game ball winning just before closing the special winning opening 7 passing through the specific region is performed.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "08H",
Determine whether the special symbol process is finished, if it is finished,
Demonstration (screen during big hit) flag clear, special design at the time of big hit clear, big hit end indication clear, “big hit end processing” which clears information during big hit is executed (S312). In addition, this big hit ending process performs a process of determining whether or not the big hit ends. Specifically, it is determined whether it is the final round, and if it is not the final round, it is determined whether the continuation condition to the next round is satisfied. As a result of the above, when it is determined that the big hit ends, the data such as the demo display flag is cleared, and when the probability variation condition is satisfied (for example, when the big hit with the probability variation pattern), the high probability state. In order to shift to, the probability change flag is set, and the special figure flag “00H” is set. When the condition for continuing to the next round is satisfied, the special figure flag “05H” is set to perform the process for opening the special winning opening 7 in the next round.

Incidentally, each process executed in the special symbol process process is not limited to the above-mentioned process, and may be replaced with another process or further another process may be added. Also, when the processing contents of each processing branched by the value of the special figure flag information are complicated and the processing cannot be completed within the timer interrupt time,
You may make it add several same processes.

In the special figure game, when the game ball passes through the special symbol starting port 6, the special symbol big hit is determined by the value of the random number for determination, and the loss is determined. As a result of the determination, when it is a big hit, a combination of special symbols corresponding to the value of the big hit symbol random number is displayed on the special symbol display device 4. on the other hand,
In the case of losing, a special symbol corresponding to the value of the display symbol random number is displayed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the normal fluctuation processing process. The performance control unit 14 is the game control unit 11
When a normal symbol variation command is received from, variation of all symbols on the left, middle, and right is started (S401). After that, the presence or absence of the notice effect is determined (S402), and when there is the notice effect (S402; Yes), the notice effect process of displaying the notice image such as a character on the display image in which all the symbols are changing (S40).
After performing 3), the process proceeds to S404. On the other hand, if there is no notice effect (S402; No), the process proceeds directly to S404. In S404, stop processing of the left symbol row is performed, and thereafter, similarly to the processing in S402 and 403, it is determined whether or not there is a notice effect (S405), and if there is a notice effect (S40).
5; Yes), after performing the notice effect process (S406) of displaying the notice image of the character or the like on the display image in the middle right pattern change, the process proceeds to S407, while there is no notice effect (S405; No). , And proceeds directly to S407.
In S407, the stop process of the right symbol column is performed, and then it is determined whether or not there is a notice effect (S408). If there is a notice effect (S408; Yes), a notice image such as a character is displayed on the display image during change of the middle symbol. Notice production process to display (S40
After performing 9), the process proceeds to S410. On the other hand, if there is no notice effect (S408; No), the process proceeds directly to S410. In S410, the stop process of the middle symbol row is performed, and then the process returns to the main flow.

Next, a specific display image in the normal symbol variation based on the above-described normal variation process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a normal symbol variation. As shown in FIGS. 10 (A) to (D), the special symbol display device 4 normally displays the left, middle, and right display columns 51, 52, 53 in the variable display area 50 at the time of normal symbol variation. The pattern is changed in the display mode. Each display row 5
1, 52, 53 are designed to display the upper, middle, and lower three symbols individually, and as a result, as shown in FIG. A total of five effective lines L1 to L5 are set diagonally and diagonally to the upper right.
Then, as shown in FIGS. 10 (A) to (D), the display columns 51, 52, and 53 which are changing as a normal symbol change are left,
The display results are derived and displayed by stopping in the order of right and middle. In the following description, in each of the display columns 51 to 55 (including display columns 54 and 55 for additional display which will be described later), the upper symbol display area is a variable display section 51a to 55a, and the middle symbol display area is a variable display section 51b. ~ 55b, the lower symbol display area will be described as variable display sections 51c to 55c. In addition, FIG.
In (D), the case where the same symbols are not aligned on any of the five activated lines L1 to L5 is illustrated.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the multi-reach processing process. When the production control unit 14 receives the multi-reach symbol variation command from the game control unit 11, the variation of all symbols on the left, middle, and right is started (S50).
1). After that, stop processing of the left and right symbol rows is performed so that either double reach or triple reach is established in the left and right symbol rows (S502). Next, after performing reach determination display processing for displaying an image for notifying the player that reach of either double reach or triple reach has been determined (S503), temporary stop processing of the middle symbol row is performed. (S504). After that, an advanced display notice process such as a wink operation with a pattern of "daughter", whether or not to display the character image 62 of "chance", switching of background images, and the like is performed (S505). Display of 63 and reach double display processing by adding a display column are performed (S506).

Next, left-side reach effect processing for reaching effect display by the left-side bran image 64, which will be described later, is performed (S
507) Then, it is determined whether or not to be a big hit (S
508). When it is a big hit (S508; Yes), the process shifts to S512 and the big hit effect display process is performed.
Then, the process returns to the main flow. On the other hand, if the jackpot is not a big hit (S508; No), a right reach effect process that is a reach effect display based on the right bran image 65 described later is performed (S509), and then it is determined whether or not to be a big hit. S510). When it becomes a big hit (S5
10; Yes), and directly proceeds to S512. On the other hand, if it is not a big hit (S510; No), a lost effect display process is performed (S511), and then the process returns to the main flow.

Next, a specific display image in the design variation of the developed display based on the above-mentioned multi-reach processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. First, multi 4
Explaining the symbol variation which is the development display mode of the line, first, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the display columns 51, 52 and 53 which are changing as a normal symbol variation are left, right, It will stop in the middle order. And FIG. 12 (B)
As shown in FIG. 12, when the double reach state is set at the time of stopping the left and right display columns 51, 53 (in FIG. 12B, the lower right diagonal effective line L on the variable display portions 51a, 53c).
4 shows a double reach with a reach in which the symbols of "lanterns" are arranged and a reach in which the symbols of "three" are arranged in the effective line L5 on the upper right diagonal on each of the variable display portions 51c and 53a),
As shown in FIG. 12 (C), a character image (in FIG. 12 (C), a fan on which the character “double reach” is written) 60 for notifying the player of the double reach is displayed.
After that, as shown in FIG. 12D, the variable image display section 52 is stopped by stopping the variation of the display row 52 at the same time as deleting the character image 60.
The symbol "daughter" is stopped and displayed on b. Then, FIG.
As shown in (E), when the operation of winking the design of "daughter" stopped and displayed on the variable display portion 52b, the background image is switched in accordance with this. The variable display portions 51b and 53 in the double reach display shown in FIG.
b, and the variable display parts 52a and 52c in the display of the "daughter" symbol shown in FIG. 12D, the symbols "●" are stopped and displayed, but the symbols "●" are complete. Is a lost design that cannot determine the big hit.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12F, when the character image 62 of "chance" is displayed so as to cover the design of "daughter" stopped and displayed on the variable display portion 52b, FIG.
As shown in (G), the bran image 63 in a closed state is displayed on the entire variable display area 50 so as to cover the respective display columns 51, 52, 53. After that, by opening the bran image 63, as shown in FIG. 12 (H), the display columns 54, 55 are newly added to the left of the display columns 51, 52, 53 in the normal display mode. Switch to the display mode. As a result, the variable display area 50 has five display columns 55, 54, 51, 52, from left to right.
53 is displayed side by side. In this state, the symbols forming the above-mentioned double reach are stopped and displayed in the display columns 51 and 53. Also, the display column 55 on the left end
In the display column 51 (variable display portions 51a and 51c)
The symbol "3" is stopped and displayed on the variable display portion 55a and the symbol "lantern" is stopped and displayed on the variable display portion 55c so as to form a double reach with the stop symbol.
That is, by opening the bran image 63, it is possible to change from the double reach display in the normal display mode to the 4th display in the expanded display mode.
Line reach display (multi 4 line advanced display mode)
Switch to. Further, at this time, the bran images 64 and 65 which are individually closed are displayed in the middle symbol display regions (variable display portions 54b and 52b) in the display columns 54 and 52.

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D, the bran images 64 and 65 are sequentially opened to display the stop symbols of the variable display portions 54b and 52b. , Derive the final display result. Note that FIG.
In (D), the variable display unit 52b stops displaying the symbol "three", so that the variable display units 51c, 52b, 53a are displayed.
The jackpot pattern on the effective line set above ("3.3.
3 ”) is derived.

Next, a description will be given of a symbol variation which is a development display mode of multi 6 lines. In the multi-six lines, the display of the double reach described above is simply replaced with the display of the triple reach in the symbol variation in the normal display mode, and the display of the bran image 63 of 12 (G) is almost the same. Is displayed, the description up to that point will be omitted for convenience. Therefore, the state in which the bran image 63 is opened is changed from the display state of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 (E), the display column 5 in the normal display mode
The display is switched to the advanced display mode in which display columns 54 and 55 are newly added on the left side of 1, 52 and 53. As a result, the variable display area 50 has five display columns 55, 5 from left to right.
4, 51, 52 and 53 are displayed side by side. In this state, the symbols forming the triple reach in the normal display state are stopped and displayed in the display columns 51 and 53. Specifically, the reach in which the symbols “5” are arranged on the activated lines on the variable display portions 51a and 53c and the symbol “3” are arranged on the activated lines on the variable display portions 51c and 53a. It is a triple reach of a reach and a reach in which the symbols of "Inro" are aligned on the activated line on each of the variable display portions 51b and 53b. Further, in the leftmost display column 55, the display column 51 (variable display portions 51a, 51b, 51c) is displayed.
To make a triple reach with the stop pattern of
The variable "three" is stopped and displayed on the variable display 55a, the symbol "Inro" is stopped and displayed on the variable display 55b, and the symbol "five" is stopped and displayed on the variable display 55c. That is, by opening the bran image 63, the triple reach display in the normal display mode is switched to the 6-line reach display in the advanced display mode (multi 6-line advanced display mode). Further, at this time, the bran images 64 and 65 which are individually closed are displayed in the middle symbol display regions (variable display portions 54b and 52b) in the display columns 54 and 52.

After that, as shown in FIGS. 13F to 13H, the bran images 64 and 65 are sequentially opened to display the stop symbols of the variable display portions 54b and 52b. , Derive the final display result. Note that FIG.
During (H), the variable display unit 52b stops displaying the symbol "three", so that the variable display units 51c, 52b, 53a are displayed.
The jackpot pattern on the effective line set above ("3.3.
3 ”) is derived.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the number of effective lines can be significantly increased with the increase in the display row of the special symbols, and the appearance expectancy of the jackpot can be greatly increased. be able to.

In the above-described embodiment, the special symbol display device 4 has a function as a variable display device for variably displaying identification information and a function as an image display device for displaying an effect image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as in the other embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine in which a variable display device and an image display device are individually provided.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a slot machine according to another embodiment. Slot machine (gaming machine) 10
Reference numeral 1 denotes a variable display device 1 provided on the front surface of the housing 102.
03, the image display device 104, and the coin slot 105
, Max BET button 106a, single BET button 106b, start lever 107, stop buttons 108L, 108C, 108R, and speaker 109L,
And 109R and 109D.

The variable display device 103 variably displays the identification information by driving the three reels to which the identification information is attached.
The variable display of the identification information is started based on the operation of 7, and stop buttons 108L, 108C, 1 to be described later are started.
The variable display of the identification information is stopped based on the operation of 08R. The image display device 104 is composed of a display device such as an LCD, and displays various effects according to the game state.

The coin insertion slot 105 is for inserting coins as a game medium, and up to 50 coins can be credited. Max
The BET button 106a is for setting the maximum number of bets from the credited coins according to the gaming state, and the one BET button 106b is for setting the bet number one by one regardless of the gaming state. It is for.

The start lever 107 starts variable display of the identification information displayed on the variable display device 103 by driving the reels in response to an operation by the player in a state where a predetermined number of bets has been set. It is for making it. The stop buttons 108L, 108C, 108R are
This is for stopping each reel which is changing by the operation of the player. Here, when the player does not operate, after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, the game is stopped in the order of left, middle, and right.

Speakers 109L, 109R, 109D
Is a start lever 107 and a stop button 108
This is for outputting various effect sounds according to the game state, such as sound effects at the time of operating L, 108C, and 108R, at the time of winning a prize, at the start of a bonus game, and an alarm sound at the time of abnormality.

In the above configuration, first, by inserting a predetermined number of coins (three coins in a normal case) into the coin slot 105, or when there is a sufficient credit balance, M
ax BET button 106a or single BET button 106
A predetermined number of bets is set by pressing b. After the betting number is set, the reel is driven by operating the start lever 107, and the variable display device 103
The variable display of the identification information is started above.

On the image display device 104, effect display is performed for each game or in any game. For example,
When a bonus flag or a predetermined small winning combination is internally established at the time when the start lever 107 is operated, an effect display is performed to inform the established bonus flag or small winning combination. Here, the slot machine 101 is
When the bonus flag or the small winning combination has image data and the effect display of the bonus flag or the small winning combination is performed, the effect display for aligning the winning combination images on the preset effective line is performed. The same effect display as in the case of the pachinko gaming machine described above may be added to the image display device 104 having such a configuration.

The game machine of the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is possible. For example, the block configurations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be arbitrarily changed and modified.

The program and data for implementing the present invention are not limited to the form in which they are distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, and are stored in the computer device or the like in advance. It may be distributed by being pre-installed in the storage device. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are provided on a network connected via a communication line by providing a communication processing unit.
It may be distributed by downloading from another device.

The game execution mode is not limited to that executed by mounting a removable recording medium, but the program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like are once stored in the internal memory or the like. It may be possible to execute it, or directly execute it by using the hardware resources of other devices on the network connected via a communication line or the like. Moreover,
A game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The number of effective lines can be significantly increased as the number of columns for displaying the identification information is increased, and the expected jackpot expectation can be greatly increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example centering on a game control unit.

5 is a block diagram showing details of a display control unit in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing in the game control unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a normal fluctuation process.

FIG. 10 (A) to (D) are explanatory diagrams showing normal symbol variations.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing multi-reach processing.

FIG. 12A to FIG. 12H are explanatory diagrams showing the symbol variation of the developed display.

FIG. 13A to FIG. 13H are explanatory views showing the symbol variation of the developed display.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a slot machine according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 2 game board 4 Special symbol display device (variable display device) 11 Game control section (game control means) 14 Production control unit (production control means) 50 variable display area 51-55 display columns 101 slot machine (game machine) 103 variable display device 104 image display device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and when a big hit is achieved by satisfying a predetermined condition, the variation display result of the identification information is displayed on a preset effective line. A gaming machine that provides a jackpot display mode and sets the game state to a specific game state that is advantageous to the player, based on a game state instruction command transmitted from the game control means that controls the progress of the game as a whole. And a production control means for performing production control including variable display control of identification information in the variable display device, wherein the production control means, during variable display of the identification information, makes a new identification outside a display column of the identification information. A gaming machine characterized by increasing the number of information display columns and increasing the number of effective lines by displaying the new identification information display column. 2. A case where it is determined that a big hit is achieved by having a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information and satisfying a predetermined condition by a game control means for controlling the progress of the game as a whole. , Based on the game state instruction command transmitted from the game control means, the production control means to perform the production control including the variable display control of the identification information in the variable display device, and the game state is advantageously specified for the player. A gaming machine to be in a game state, wherein the effect control means, while the identification information is being variably displayed, two new identification information display columns outside the currently displayed three columns of identification information display columns. Is increased, and the number of effective lines is doubled by displaying the display column of the new identification information. 3. The left and right columns of the three identification information display columns are arranged in the reverse order of the identification information, and the newly displayed identification information display column is the other outermost column. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is arranged in the same order. 4. A variation in which variation display of identification information displayed on a variable display device is started when a predetermined variation start condition is satisfied, and variation display of identification information is stopped when a predetermined variation stop condition is satisfied. An image display for performing a symbol combination effect display of a plurality of symbols on an activated line preset on the image display device based on a display control means and a predetermined image display pattern determined when a predetermined variation start condition is satisfied. A game machine comprising a control means, wherein the image display control means, during variable display of the symbols, increases and displays a display row of new symbols outside a display row of the symbols,
A game machine characterized by increasing the number of effective lines by displaying a display row of the new symbol.