JP2003290507A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of attracting the interest of a player by providing performance contents which can be surely recognized by every player, and varying the performance contents. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a pattern display part for executing the fluctuation display of various patterns for each pattern display region, and for displaying the arbitrary combined patterns by stopping the fluctuation display. When the stopped and displayed combined patterns are turned to be specific combined patterns, a special game condition advantageous for a player is generated. The fluctuation display in each pattern display region is provided with fluctuation display configuration different from a normal fluctuation display configuration, and when a predetermined condition is established, the fluctuation display configuration of the fluctuation display in the prescribed pattern display region is changed from the normal fluctuation display configuration to another fluctuation display configuration, and is also provided with an announcing means for announcing that the fluctuation display configuration is switched. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more specifically, it is provided with a symbol display section for displaying a plurality of types of symbols in a variable manner for each symbol display area, and then stopping and displaying an arbitrary combination of symbols. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, if a game ball is launched into a game area of a game board, a lottery process is executed in accordance with the fact that the game ball enters the starting opening, and the result of the lottery wins the big prize, A special game state that is advantageous to the player occurs, in more detail, for example, three symbol display areas in the symbol display unit are variably displayed according to the entry of the game ball into the starting opening, and after a predetermined time, for example, left , Right, stop in the order of the middle symbol display area, and the combination of each stopped symbol in each symbol display area becomes a specific combination symbol such as "7-7-7" or the like (so-called "big hit symbol"). For example, a pachinko machine is known in which a big prize is established (so-called “big hit”) and a special game state is entered.

In this kind of pachinko machine, in the process in which the variable display in each symbol display area is stopped in sequence, the remaining symbols are stopped with a high possibility of being a big hit except the symbol which is stopped and displayed at the end. (For example, "7- ↓ -7"
(“↓” indicates that the display is changing), that is,
By configuring a state (so-called "reach state") in which the combination symbols stopped and displayed depending on the symbols finally stopped and displayed can be a jackpot design, until the combination symbols are stopped and displayed, it is a big hit. This gives the player an opportunity to increase his / her expectation of not having it.

In recent pachinko machines, one symbol display area is reached until the variable display is performed only in the symbol display area where the variable display is finally stopped (including the reach state). There is an irregular pattern of stop patterns in the display (so-called "slip of the pattern",
There are many things that add production contents such as "return of symbols", "switching of symbols", etc., or a notification that there is a possibility of a reach state or a big hit (so-called "reach notice" or "big jackpot notice") , Opportunity to increase the expectation that the reach state will be established, and the expectation that it will be a big hit not only after the reach state is established, but also until the reach state is established We are trying to increase the fun of the game by giving to the player.

[0005]

However, the irregular stop pattern such as the slip of the symbol, the return of the symbol, the switching of the symbol, etc., is the moment after the variable display is performed based on the normal variable display mode. Since it occurs in many cases, it is often overlooked, and even if it can be confirmed, the visual effect is low, so it is not possible to sufficiently expect an increase in interest. Moreover, since the irregular stop pattern occurs only in the symbol display area where the variable display is secondly stopped, this irregular stop pattern does not occur, for example, the variable display is first displayed. The variable display in the stopped symbol display area is a very monotonous variable display mode and has no interest.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned reach announcement and jackpot announcement can be expected to increase in interest if a highly visual effect is created, but before that, the player, for example, is positioned above the pachinko machine. It is necessary to understand beforehand the content of the production of reach notice and jackpot notice through the attached model manuals and industry magazines sold at bookstores, etc.
If this is not known, even the fact that the reach notice or jackpot notice has occurred cannot be recognized, and there is a danger that the reach notice or jackpot notice will be effectively infamous.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the first object is to:
It is to provide a gaming machine that can attract the interest of the player by providing production contents that can be surely recognized by all players, and by making the production contents rich in variation. A second object is to provide a gaming machine in which the degree of expectation that a reach state is established and the degree of expectation that a jackpot can be changed stepwise by changing the execution timing of effects during variable display.

[0008]

A gaming machine according to the present invention is
After the variable display of a plurality of types of symbols for each symbol display area, it is provided with a symbol display unit that stops and displays an arbitrary combination symbol, and if the combination symbol that is stopped and displayed is a specific combination symbol, it is advantageous for the player. In a gaming machine in which a special game state occurs, the variable display in each symbol display area is provided with another variable display mode different from the regular variable display mode, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a predetermined symbol display area The variable display mode of the variable display is configured to be switched from the regular variable display mode to another variable display mode, and further, it is provided with a notifying unit for notifying that the variable display mode is switched.

According to the gaming machine having the above structure, normally, the variable display is performed based on the regular variable display mode, but if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the notifying means is activated to switch the variable display mode. Is displayed, and variable display is performed in one or two or three or more symbol display areas based on another variable display mode. Switching of the variable display mode is performed in an arbitrary symbol display area together with the notification to that effect, so that the player knows in advance that the variable display mode will change, but the change mode The irregularity makes me feel unexpected, and I am also interested in the variety of production contents. Moreover, the visual effect that the variable display, which is the main body of the game, causes a mode change is high, and as a result, not only can anyone recognize the fact that the production has occurred, but also sufficiently attract the player's interest. You can

As another variable display mode, as described in claim 2, after the variable display based on the variable display mode which is the same as or equivalent to the regular variable display mode and the subsequent stop display is performed, the variable display mode is again displayed. A mode in which a variable display that is the same as or equivalent to the normal variable display mode is performed, or a variable display based on a variable display mode that is the same as or equivalent to the regular variable display mode as described in claim 3 is followed by or afterwards. After the stop display of, or from the start of the variable display, at least one or more of the symbols of the plurality of types are removed and / or two or more symbols of the same type are included. A mode in which variable display is performed can be adopted.

The former variation display mode incorporates the concept of "re-variation", and the player recognizes that the normal variation display is being performed from the start time of the variation to the stop. The variable display is restarted, and the unexpectedness attracts interest. As an example, in the case of a gaming machine equipped with a symbol display section consisting of three symbol display areas, when the second stop symbol changes again in a state where the first stop symbol and the second stop symbol are different, reach Increase the player's expectation that the condition may be established, and the reach symbol (first stop symbol and second stop symbol) and the third stop symbol are different, the third stop symbol is re-created. If it fluctuates, it has the effect of increasing the player's expectation that it might be a big hit.

The latter variable display mode is "symbol arrangement change"
Incorporating the concept of, usually, for example, "0"
~ The symbols consisting of the numbers "9" are variably displayed in that order, but when switching occurs, for example, "0" ~
The symbols consisting of the numbers "5" are variably displayed in that order, or, for example, among the symbols consisting of the numbers "0" to "9",
It is to be variably displayed with the number of symbols "1" increased to two or more. As an example, if the game machine has a symbol display section consisting of three symbol display areas, the second stop in the symbol display area where the variable display stops If there is the same symbol as the symbol, it increases the player's expectation that the reach state will be established, and in the symbol display area where the variable display finally stops , Reach design (first stop design and second stop design)
If there is the same pattern, there is an effect of increasing the player's expectation that it may be a big hit.

In the case of the former variable display mode, it suffices to give notification until "re-fluctuation" occurs in the symbol display area, and in the latter variable display mode, "symbol array change" occurs in the symbol display area. Although it is sufficient to notify by, the notification is performed until the first variable display is stopped, or if the mode of variable display in the symbol display area that does not correspond to the timing of notification is switched (for example, one symbol Notification is given from the stop of variable display in the display area until the variable display in the symbol display area where the variable display stops next, and "Re-fluctuation" is displayed in the symbol display area where the variable display stopped first. In such a case, the player will be interested in the unpredictable state.

Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, as described in claim 4, the another variable display mode can adopt a configuration in which only the variable display in any one symbol display area can be switched. Yes, in that case, as in claim 5, the stop order of the variable display is set for each symbol display area, and further, the stop order of the symbol display area in which the variable display is performed based on another variable display mode is slow. As much as possible, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the combination display that is stopped and displayed is set so that the degree of expectation that it will be a specific combination design is higher.

In such a configuration, the expectation level of a big hit changes stepwise depending on whether the performance execution timing during the variable display is early or late, that is, in which stop order the symbol display area is switched. To do. This is especially the case when the notification is performed at the stage until the first variable display is stopped, but it is the case when the notification is performed for the variable display in the symbol display area in which the variable display mode is switched. However, the effect of increasing the player's expectation that the jackpot will be a big hit becomes greater as the changing display mode is switched later.

When this configuration is adopted, as described in claim 6, second notifying means for notifying that variable display based on another variable display mode is performed, and claim 7
As described above, it is more preferable to include a third notifying unit that notifies that the variable display based on another variable display mode is stopped and the stop display is confirmed. In this case, since it is possible for the player to clearly recognize that the changing display mode has been switched and that it has ended, it is possible to finish the effect rich in change and sharp.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic external configuration diagram of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko machine includes an outer frame (not shown) composed of four frame pieces framed so as to form four sides of a substantially rectangular shape, a front door 2 openably and closably attached to the outer frame, and a rear surface of the front door 2. And the game board 3 attached to the.

A large rectangular opening is formed in the front door 2, and a transparent plate 4 such as a glass plate is attached to the opening. The pachinko machine according to the present embodiment has this transparent plate. The internal game board 3 is configured to be visible through the screen 4. Further, in the front door 2, in order to store a handle 5 for operating a launching device (not shown) for launching a game ball toward the game board 3 and a game ball to be supplied to the launching device. An upper plate 6 and a lower plate 7 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 6 are provided.

The game board 3 is provided with an outer guide rail 8 formed in a substantially arc shape and an inner guide rail 9 formed in a substantially arc shape having a smaller radius. Then, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the game balls launched from the launching device are these guide rails 8 and 9.
Is guided to the upper part of the game board 3, and a game is played by rolling in the game board 3 (in the game area).
The game board 3 is provided with a plurality of game nails for rolling the game balls in various directions by contacting the game balls, but here, in order to avoid complication of the drawing. The description of the game nail is omitted. That is, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the upper part of the game board 3 contacts a plurality of game nails driven into the game board 3 or passes between these game nails. , Is configured to drop downwards.

A symbol display unit 10 incorporating, for example, a liquid crystal display is provided at the substantially central portion of the game board 3, and a starting opening 1 through which a game ball can be inserted is provided below the symbol display unit 10.
One and a plurality of winning openings 12, ... Are arranged. When a game ball enters the starting opening 11 and the winning opening 12, ... That is detected by a sensor provided in the passage path of the game ball after entering, and a predetermined number of the entered parts are detected. Prize balls are paid out from the ball payout unit (not shown) to the upper plate 6.

The display screen of the symbol display section 10 is, for example, on the left,
Inside, three symbol display areas 10a, 10b, 10c on the right are divided, and each display area 10a, 10b, 10c
Are designed such that symbols such as letters, numbers, symbols, figures, and characters can be displayed individually or in combination. When the game ball enters the starting port 11, a lottery process for determining whether to generate a special game state (“big hit” or “off”) is executed, and each display area 10a of the symbol display unit 10 is executed. , 10b, 10c start variable display, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, they stop in the order of left, right, and middle, for example, and one symbol is displayed in each display area. Then, if the lottery result is a big prize win, control is performed so that the combination of the stop symbols in each display area of the symbol display unit 10 becomes a predetermined combination symbol such as "7-7-7". Be seen.

At the position below the starting port 11, a special winning port 14
The special winning opening 114 is normally closed by a wide opening / closing plate 13. Then, as a result of performing the lottery process, when the big prize is won, the opening / closing plate 13 is tilted by the operation of the solenoid, and the big winning opening 14 is opened. The special winning opening 14 is provided with two routes, a first route that passes through a specific region (so-called V zone) and a second route that does not pass through the specific region, and each route has a game entered. A counter for counting the balls is provided. For example, in a special game, the special winning opening 14 is opened until a predetermined number of game balls enter the non-specific area (second route), and during that time, one game ball is placed in the specific area (first route).
If any one of the balls is entered, the continuation right is generated, the special winning opening 14 is opened again, and this series of operations is repeated a predetermined number of times. Then, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment,
A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out from the ball payout unit to the upper plate 6 in accordance with the number of game balls entered into the special winning opening 14 (the number of game balls counted by the counter).

At the lower part of the game board 3, a discharge port 15 is formed for collecting the game balls that have not entered the starting port 11, the winning port 12, the special winning port 14 and the like into the machine. Also,
In the peripheral part of the game area of the game board 3, various lamps such as a decorative lamp that blinks during a game, a prize ball lamp that lights up when paying out prize balls, and a ball-out lamp that lights up when supply is out 16 are arranged, and two speakers 17, 17 that emit a sound effect are arranged at the left and right positions of the outer frame 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a schematic electrical configuration of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment, and FIG.
The schematic diagram of the main control part in a gaming machine is shown. The pachinko machine according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 21, which is a main body of control and calculation,
The main control unit 20 has a ROM 22 in which a game control program and the like are stored, a RAM 23 used for reading and writing data, a random number generator 24, and the like (see FIG. 3).

The ROM 22 is a table used for the determination process, and is used for determining whether or not to win the big prize. The table for determining the big prize (set to win the big prize with a probability of about 1/300). Table) 22a,
A reach determination table (a table set so as to win the reach execution with a probability of about 1/10) 22b used for the determination process of whether or not to execute the reach effect, and the variable display mode is different from the normal one. Whether to switch to
The types of variable display modes that can be switched (there are "re-variation" and "decrease in number of symbols", which will be described later)
Table for switching determination used in the determination process including (the probability that "re-variation" is won with a probability of about 1/2, and the "number of symbols reduced" is executed with a probability of approximately 1/2 Table 22c, the symbol display area determination table 22 used in the determination processing of which symbol display area is performed when it is determined to switch the variable display mode.
d, it is provided with a symbol array determination table 22e that is used in the determination process of how to change the symbol array when it is determined that "the number of symbols has decreased".

The RAM 23 is a stop symbol information storage section 23a for storing information on three stop symbols in the symbol display areas 10a, 10b, 10c of the symbol display section 10, a type for storing information on the type of the selected variable display mode. Information storage unit 23b, area information storage unit 23c that stores information about the selected symbol display area, temporary stop symbol information storage unit 23d that stores information about the temporary stop symbol in the selected symbol display area, selected symbol array It is provided with a symbol arrangement information storage unit 23e that stores information regarding the.

When the random number generator 24 starts counting from “0” and reaches a predetermined upper limit value, the random number generator 24 sequentially increments by 1 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec), and when the count value reaches the predetermined upper limit value. Has a configuration in which the counting operation is repeated again from the initial value “0” (so-called “infinite loop counter”), and the big prize determination random number generator 24
a (predetermined upper limit value is, for example, "315"), a random number generator for stop symbol determination 24b (predetermined upper limit value is, for example, "9", and all symbols ", which determines stop symbols in the three display areas 10a, 10b, 10c. 0 to 9 correspond one-on-one),
Reach determination random number generator 24c (predetermined upper limit value is "9"), switching determination random number generator 24d, symbol display area determination random number generator 24e, temporary stop symbol determination random number generator 24f (predetermined upper limit value is For example, "9", all symbols "0" to "9" have a one-to-one correspondence), random number generator for symbol arrangement determination 24g (predetermined upper limit value is "8", and subtracts 1 from the total number of symbols 10) Corresponding to the value).

Various input / output units are connected to the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 via a bus. As the input unit, a starting opening sensor 25 as a detecting means for detecting a game ball entering the starting opening 11, a winning opening sensor 26 for detecting a gaming ball entering the winning opening 12, and a gaming ball in the lower plate 7. Lower plate sensor 27 that detects that the tank is full, the winning hole 14
Counter 2 that counts game balls that enter the general area of
8. A V-zone counter 29 for counting game balls that have entered the specific area of the special winning opening 14 is connected. Further, as the output unit, the display control unit 30, the power supply control unit 3
1, a voice controller 32, a lamp controller 33, and a payout controller 34 are connected.

The display control unit 30 controls signals sent from the main control unit 20 (storage information in the RAM 23a (information about stop symbols), storage information in the RAM 23b (information about variable display mode type), storage information in the RAM 23c. (Information regarding the symbol display area where switching of the variable display mode occurs), storage information within the RAM 23d (information regarding the temporary stop symbol), storage information within the RAM 23e (information regarding the symbol arrangement)), based on the symbol display of the symbol display unit 10 Area 10
a, 10b, 10c, and control signals (RAM23b
The notification area 10d of the symbol display unit 10 is controlled based on the stored information (information regarding the variable display mode type) in the inside.

The voice control unit 32 and the lamp control unit 3 are also provided.
Reference numeral 3 controls the lighting states of the various lamps 16 and the sounds from the speakers 17 and 17 based on the control signal from the main controller 20. A prize ball number signal is appropriately transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the payout control unit 34. And the payout control unit 34
Controls the ball payout unit 35 based on the prize ball number signal.

As described above, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the game ball enters the starting opening 11, so that a big prize determination random number generator 24a and a stop symbol determination random number generator 24 are generated.
b, reach determination random number generator 24c, switching determination random number generator 24d, and, if necessary, symbol display area determination random number generator 24e, temporary stop symbol determination random number generator 24f, symbol array determination Random number generator 24g for each random number acquisition process is executed, based on each random number, big winning determination, stop symbol determination, reach determination, switching determination, and only when necessary, symbol display area determination, temporary Stop symbol determination and symbol arrangement determination are performed.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart relating to the flow of the game of the pachinko machine. The pachinko machine according to the present embodiment obtains a random number for determining a big prize each time a game ball enters the starting opening 11 (acquisition processing), and uses this random number for a large prize determination table 22a (the winning value is, for example, " 0 ”), a so-called“ perfect probability method ”is adopted in which it is determined whether or not a grand prize is won each time (judgment processing). First, it is checked whether or not there is a ball entering the starting opening 11 (S10), and if this is YES, a random number is obtained from the big prize determination random number generator 24a, and the random number and the big prize determination table 22a are It is determined whether or not the obtained random numbers are compared with the winning value in the big winning determination table 22a, that is, whether the big winning is won (S20).

Next, three random numbers are acquired from the stop symbol determining random number generator 24b, and the left stop symbol, the right stop symbol, and the middle stop symbol are determined based on the respective random numbers (S3).
0). As described above, the stop symbol determination random number generator 24b includes random numbers corresponding to all the symbols “0” to “9” on a one-to-one basis. For example, if the random number for the left stop symbol is “7”, stop left. The design becomes "7", and the random number for the right stop design is "3"
If so, the right stop symbol is "3", if the random number for the medium stop symbol is "1", the medium stop symbol is "1", and the combination of the stop symbols is "7-1-3". . Incidentally, S2
If it is determined that the winning combination is 0, and if a combination of stop symbols such as "7-1-3" that cannot achieve the winning prize is determined in S30, one of the stopping symbols is stopped in S30. A process (for example, a left stop symbol) is copied to the remaining stop symbols (for example, the right and middle stop symbols), and a process of setting the combination of the stop symbols to “7-7-7” is executed. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in S20 that the big prize is not won, and in S30, when the combination of the stop symbols that achieves the big prize such as "7-7-7" is determined, in S30, For example, 1 in the stop symbol (eg right stop symbol)
Is added, the combination of stop symbols is, for example, "7-7-8"
The process of setting is executed.

Next, a random number is obtained from the reach determination random number generator 24c, and the random number and the reach determination table 22 are acquired.
b (the winning value is, for example, “0”) is compared, and it is determined whether or not the obtained random number and the winning value in the reach determination table 22b match, that is, whether or not the reach state is established. (S40). In addition, when it is determined in S20 that the winning combination has been won, the combination of the stop symbols naturally includes the reach state, so that it is not determined whether or not the reach state is established. In addition, in the case where it is determined in S20 that the prize is not won and it is determined in S40 that the reach state is established, a combination of stop symbols in which the reach state such as "7-1-3" cannot be established in S30 When it is determined, in S40, one of the stop symbols (for example, the left stop symbol) is copied to another stop symbol (for example, the right stop symbol), and the combination of the stop symbols is, for example, “7-1-7”. The process of setting is executed. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in S20 that the winning prize is not won and it is determined in S40 that the reach state is not established, a combination of stop symbols in which the reach state such as "7-1-7" is established in S30 When is determined, in S40, for example, 1 is added to any of the stop symbols (for example, right stop symbol), and the process of setting the combination of the stop symbols to, for example, “7-1-8” is executed.

Next, a random number is acquired from the switching determination random number generator 24d, the random number is compared with the switching determination table 22c, and the acquired random number matches the winning value in the switching determination table 22c. Or not, that is,
It is determined whether or not a change display mode switching execution has been won (S50). The variable display mode is as described above.
"Re-change" and "decrease number of symbols" are prepared.

FIG. 9 shows the liquid crystal screen of the symbol display portion 10 where the "re-changing" is performed. When the "re-variation" execution is won in S50, the three symbol display areas 10a to 10c are regular variation display modes (modes in which symbols composed of numbers "0" to "9" are sequentially scrolled in the vertical direction). After starting the variable display based on the above, the word "re-change" is displayed in the notification area 10d as a notification means to notify that the variable display mode is switched (FIG. 9 (A)). Then, in the symbol display area lottery process described later, the symbol display area 10 on the left side.
When a is selected, the variable display is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 10a, and the temporary stop symbol (the symbol determined by the temporary stop symbol determination process) is displayed (FIG. 9 (b)).
Then, the variable display is started again based on the regular variable display mode, and the word "re" is displayed in the notification area 10d as the second notification means (FIG. 9C). This display informs that the variable display based on the variable display mode different from the normal is performed.

Then, the second variable display is stopped,
The fixed left stop symbol (the left symbol determined by the stop symbol determination process) is displayed in the symbol display area 10a (FIG. 9).
(D)) and, in the notification area 10d, as a third notification means, display of the word "done" for notifying that the variable display based on the variable display mode different from the normal is stopped and the stop symbol is confirmed. Is done. Then, after that, the variable display based on the regular variable display mode in the right symbol display area 10c is stopped, and the confirmed right stop symbol (the right symbol determined by the stop symbol determination process) is displayed. , The variable display based on the regular variable display mode in the middle symbol display area 10b is stopped, and the determined middle stop symbol (the middle symbol determined by the stop symbol determination process) is displayed (FIG. 9).
(E)).

When the right symbol display area 10c is selected in the symbol display area lottery process, the fixed left stop symbol is displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of variable display, and after the lapse of a predetermined time, the right symbol display area. When the temporary stop symbol is displayed on 10c (Fig. 9 (f)), it changes again (Fig. 9 (f)).
(G)) Then, the confirmed right stop design is displayed (FIG. 9 (h)), and then the determined middle stop design is displayed (FIG. 9 (ri)).

On the other hand, when the symbol display area 10b in the symbol display area lottery process is selected, the fixed left stop symbol is displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the variable display, and further after a lapse of the predetermined time, it is confirmed. A stop symbol is displayed (FIG. 9 (nu)), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a temporary stop symbol is displayed in the middle symbol display area 10b (FIG. 9).
(Le)). Then, after that, the middle symbol changes again (Fig. 9 (wo)), and finally the confirmed middle stop symbol is displayed (Fig. 9 (wa)).

In the temporary stop symbol, the symbol in the symbol display area is not completely stopped, but for example, a part of the symbol is slightly moving, or the entire symbol is slightly moving. Has become. This is in agreement with the agreement that the current pachinko machine stop indication before re-change should not be in a complete stop state. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 10 shows the liquid crystal screen of the symbol display portion 10 in which the "decrease in the number of symbols" is performed. When the "decrease number of symbols" execution is won in S50, the three symbol display areas 10a to
After 10c starts the variable display based on the regular variable display mode, the word "decrease in the number of symbols" is displayed in the notification area 10d as a notification means to notify that the variable display mode is switched (FIG. 10). (I)). When the left symbol display area 10a is selected in the symbol display area lottery process, the variable display in the symbol display area 10a is
A variable display mode in which at least one of the symbols “0” to “9” is removed (for example, “0” to
While changing to the variable display based on the aspect in which the pattern consisting of the number “5” is sequentially scrolled in the vertical direction,
In the notification area 10d, the word "reduction" is displayed as the second notification means (FIG. 10B). This display informs that the variable display based on the variable display mode different from the normal is performed.

Thereafter, the variable display based on the variable display mode different from the normal is stopped, and the fixed left stop symbol (the left symbol determined by the stop symbol determination process) is displayed in the symbol display area 10a ( 10 (c)) and the notification area 10d, as the third notification means, the word "done" for notifying that the variable display based on the variable display mode different from the normal is stopped and the stop symbol is confirmed. Is displayed. Then, after that, the variable display based on the regular variable display mode in the right symbol display area 10c is stopped, and the confirmed right stop symbol (the right symbol determined by the stop symbol determination process) is displayed. , The variable display based on the regular variable display mode in the middle symbol display area 10b is stopped, and the confirmed middle stop symbol (the middle symbol determined by the stop symbol determination process) is displayed (FIG. 10 (d)). .

When the right symbol display area 10c is selected in the symbol display area lottery process, the fixed left stop symbol is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of variable display (FIG. 1).
0 (e)), after a further predetermined time, right symbol display area 1
The variable display mode at 0c changes (Fig. 10 (f)),
Then, the fixed right stop design is displayed (Fig. 10
(G)), and then the confirmed middle stop symbol is displayed (Fig. 10 (H)).

On the other hand, when the symbol display area 10b in the symbol display area lottery process is selected, the fixed left stop symbol is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display (FIG. 10 (re)), and After a lapse of a predetermined time, the fixed stop symbol is displayed (FIG. 10 (nu)), and after the lapse of a predetermined time, the variable display mode in the middle symbol display area 10b changes (FIG. 10 (le)), and then the final Then, the fixed middle stop design is displayed (Fig. 10 (wo)).

After the switching lottery is finished, it is checked whether or not it is won (S60), and if it is YES, it is checked whether or not the reach state is won in S40 (S70), and if it is NO. , S50, it is checked whether or not the “re-change” is won (S8).
0) If this is YES, the process proceeds to the "re-variation" effect process shown in FIG. 9 described above (S90), while S80 is NO.
In the case of, the process shifts to the "decrease number of symbols" effect process shown in FIG. 10 described above (S100). Also, if S70 is NO, it is checked in S50 whether or not "re-variation" is won (S110), and if YES, the process is shifted to "re-variation" effect processing (S120), while S110 is In the case of NO, the processing shifts to "decrease in number of symbols" effect processing (S13).
0).

Incidentally, the "gase" in S90 and S100 means that the reach state is not established even if the variable display based on the variable display mode different from the normal is displayed based on the determination result that the reach state is not established. Not)
Means "reach" in S120 and S130.
Means that, based on the determination result that the reach state is established, by performing variable display based on a variable display mode different from normal,
It means that the reach state is established (including the case of a big hit).

When the process proceeds to S90, first, as shown in FIG. 5, a random number is obtained from the random number generator for symbol display area determination 24e, and the random number and the symbol display area determination table 22c.
Are compared with each other, and it is determined whether or not the obtained random number and the winning value in the symbol display area determination table 22c match, that is, in which symbol display area the variable display mode is switched ( S9010). As shown in FIG. 11, the symbol display area determination table 22c is a composite table in which a reach state is not established (disappearance), a reach state is established and non-major hit (disappearance reach), and a big hit are combined into one table. For example, in S9010, the left symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the first stop) 10a or the right symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the second stop) 10b.
Only one of is selected.

Then, next, it is checked whether or not the left symbol display area 10a is selected (S9020), and if this is YES, a random number is acquired from the temporary stop symbol determination random number generator 24f, and this random number is obtained. A temporary stop symbol is determined based on this (S9030). As described above, the temporary stop symbol determination random number generator 24f includes random numbers corresponding to all the symbols “0” to “9” on a one-to-one basis. For example, if the temporary stop symbol random number is “1”, The stop symbol is "1". When the temporary stop symbol is decided, the variable display is started (Fig. 9 (a)).
After a predetermined time, the left symbol display area 10a is temporarily stopped based on the temporary stop symbol (S9040, see FIG. 9B), and then re-variates (S9050, see FIG. 9C), and predetermined. After a lapse of time, the left symbol display area 10a is definitely stopped based on the left stop symbol (S9060, see FIG. 9D). Then, after that, the right symbol display area 10c is definitely stopped based on the right stop symbol (S9070), and then the middle symbol display area 10b is definitely stopped based on the medium stop symbol (S9080, FIG. 9 (E)).

The same is true when S9020 is NO, that is, when the right symbol display area 10c is selected. The temporary stop symbol determination process (S9090) and the left fixed stop (S910).
0)), a temporary stop on the right (S9110, see FIG. 9F),
Re-change (S9120, see FIG. 9G), right definite stop (S9070, see FIG. 9H), middle definite stop (S9)
080, refer to FIG. 9 ().

When the process proceeds to S100, as shown in FIG.
First, it is determined which symbol display area the variable display mode is switched to (S10010). S10
Even in 010, as in S9010, either the left symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the first stop) 10a or the right symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the second stop) 10b is selected.

It is checked whether or not the symbol display area 10a on the left is selected (S10020), and if this is YES, a random number is acquired from the symbol arrangement determination random number generator 24g, and this random number and the symbol arrangement determination table 22e. Is compared, and the obtained random number is the symbol array determination table 22e.
It is determined which of the winning values matches, and the number of symbols and the corresponding symbol arrangement are determined (S1003).
0). The symbol array determination random number generator 24g includes a random number corresponding to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the total symbol number 10 as described above. For example, if the random number is "3", the symbol number is "3".
Becomes

When the number of symbols and the symbol arrangement corresponding thereto are determined, the variable display is started (see FIG. 10A).
After a predetermined time, in the left symbol display area, the variable display mode is replaced with the determined symbol arrangement (S10040, see FIG. 10B), and after a predetermined time, the left stop symbol is displayed. The symbol display area 10a is fixedly stopped (S10050, see FIG. 10C). Then, after that, based on the right stop symbol, the right symbol display area 10
c is definitely stopped (S10060), and then the middle symbol display area 10b is definitely stopped based on the middle stopped symbol (S10).
070, FIG. 10 (d)).

The same is true when S10020 is NO, that is, when the right symbol display area 10c is selected. The number of symbols / symbol arrangement determination process (S10080), left definite stop (S10090), and FIG. )), Right variable symbol reduction (S10100, see FIG. 10 (f)), right fixed stop (S10060, see FIG. 10 (g)), middle fixed stop (S10070, see FIG. 10 (h)) Done.

When the process proceeds to S120, as shown in FIG.
First, it is determined which symbol display area the variable display mode is switched to (S12010). S12
In 010, as can be seen from the table of FIG. 11, the left symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the first stop) 10
a, the right symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the second stop)
All of 10b and the inside symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the third stop) 10c are selected.

From S12020 to S12130, S9
020 to S9120, and S12090 is NO.
In the case of, that is, when the middle symbol display area 10b is selected, the temporary stop symbol determination process (S12140), the left fixed stop (S12150)), the right fixed stop (S12160,
FIG. 9 (see FIG. 9)), temporary stop (S12170, FIG. 9)
(See (l)), re-change (S12180, see FIG. 9 (wo)), and fixed stop in (S12080, see FIG. 9 (wa)).
Is done.

When the process proceeds to S130, as shown in FIG.
First, it is determined in which symbol display area the variable display mode is switched (S13010). S13
In 010, as in S12010, the left symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the first stop) 10a, the right symbol display area (the symbol display area related to the second stop) 10b, and the inside symbol display area (third stop) All of the symbol display area (10c) relating to () are selected.

From S13020 to S13110, S1
Similar to 0020 to S10100, if S13080 is NO, that is, if the inside symbol display area 10b is selected, the number of symbols / symbol arrangement determination processing (S13120),
Confirmation stop on the left (S13130), see FIG. 10 (re)),
Confirmation stop on the right (S13140, FIG. 10 (nu)), fluctuation pattern reduction in middle (S13150, see FIG. 10 (le)), final confirmation stop (S13160, see FIG. 10 (wo)) are performed.

Then, returning to FIG. 4, these S90, S1
00, S120, S130, or S60
If is NO, it is checked whether or not the combination symbol that is stopped and displayed is a jackpot symbol (S14).
0), if this is YES, the special game state advantageous to the player is entered (S150).

As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, normally, the variable display is performed based on the regular variable display mode, but if the switching determination process is successful, the symbol display section 10 is displayed.
The notification area 10d is notified that the variable display mode is switched, and the three symbol display areas 10a to 10c are displayed.
In any of the above, since the variable display is performed based on another variable display mode different from the regular one such as "re-variation" or "decrease in the number of symbols", the player can change the variation display mode. While knowing in advance what will happen, you will be surprised by the irregularity of the changes, and you will find the production contents rich in changes interesting.

Moreover, as can be seen by looking at the symbol display area determination table 22d of FIG. 11, when the result of the big winning lottery process is “out”, the left symbol display area (first stop symbol display area) 10a The winning probability is the highest, and the winning probability of the middle symbol display area (third stop symbol display area) 10b is zero. When the result of the big prize lottery process is “out” and the result of the reach lottery process is “reach established”, the right symbol display area (second stop symbol display area) 10c, the left symbol display area 10a, the middle symbol display area 10b The winning probability is high in this order.
When the result of the big prize lottery process is “big hit”, the winning probability is high in the order of the middle symbol display area 10b, the right symbol display area 10c, and the left symbol display area 10a. That is, the switching of the variable display mode is the right symbol display area (second stop symbol display area) 1
If it happens at 0c, there is a high expectation that the reach state will be established,
Further, if switching of the variable display mode occurs in the middle symbol display area (third stop symbol display area) 10b, it is set so that the degree of expectation of a big hit is high.

Repeatedly, by changing the execution timing of the switching effect during the variable display, the expectation level of the reach state and the expectation level of the big hit are changed stepwise. As a result, when the variable display is started and the variable display mode is switched to the notification area 10d while the variable display is being performed in all the symbol display areas 10a to 10c, the player,
Switching of the variable display mode is the first stop symbol display area 10a
Better than the second stop symbol display area 10c, the third stop symbol display area 10b than the second stop symbol display area 10c, therefore, if the reach state is established,
Alternatively, it is possible to inevitably raise the player's expectation that it will be a big hit, and to strongly attract the player's interest.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the normal variation display and the first variation display when re-variation is performed have the same variation display mode (they do not have to be completely the same, but the player recognizes that they are the same). However, this does not mean that the execution time of the variable display is completely the same. To the last, if the modes are the same, the player recognizes the first variable display when the re-fluctuation is performed as the normal variable display, and therefore the execution time is the normal variable display and the re-fluctuation. In this case, it may be different from the first variable display.

In the above embodiment, for example,
After the stop symbol is displayed in the second stop symbol display area 10c, this is designed to cause a change again. For example, when the stop symbol is displayed in the second stop symbol display area 10c, the first stop symbol is displayed. You may make it change again in the display area 10a (in this case, the previous stop symbol in the first stop symbol display area 10a is actually a temporary stop symbol), and the stop symbol in the third stop symbol display area 10b. When is displayed, the first stop symbol display area 10a and / or the second stop symbol display area 10c may be changed again (in this case, the previous stop symbol in the first stop symbol display area 10a). Is actually a temporary stop design).

Further, in the above embodiment, the variable display mode is switched only in any one of the symbol display areas, but the variable display mode is switched in two or more or all the symbol display areas. You may do it.

Further, in recent pachinko machines, the stop combination symbol is a more specific combination symbol of the jackpot symbols (first type of specific symbol symbol, so-called "probability variation symbol", the rest is the second type of symbol symbol). Equipped with a combination pattern, so-called "non-probability variation pattern", the state where the winning probability of the big prize in the normal game period from the end of the special game period to the next big prize winning is high, that is, the high probability judgment mode (so-called "probability variation mode )) Is in an advantageous state for the player, and if the probability symbols are aligned again at the time of the next big prize winning, the one that generates the continuation right of the high probability determination mode is the mainstream, but in the case of "re-variation", From the temporary stop by "non-probability variation pattern", the stop symbol after re-changing may be switched to "probability variation pattern" (or vice versa), in the case of "decrease number of symbols", The ratio of the probability variation pattern "is high (or" probability variation "symbol only become) so as to incorporate the symbol sequence (or or vice versa) may be.

Further, the variable display mode (another variable display mode) different from usual is not limited to "re-fluctuation" or "decrease in the number of symbols", but the mode in which the scroll speed changes and the mode in which the scroll direction is changed , A mode in which the pattern arrangement changes while the number of symbols remains the same, a mode in which the pattern form itself changes, etc.
Various variable display modes can be included.

[0068]

As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the variable display is normally performed based on the regular variable display mode, but if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification means is activated to display the variable display. While the notification that the mode is switched is made, the variable display mode is displayed based on another variable display mode in one or two or three or more symbol display areas. While knowing in advance that the change will occur, the irregularity of the change mode makes us feel unexpected, and the production contents rich in the change become interesting. Moreover, the visual effect that the variable display, which is the main body of the game, causes a mode change is high, and as a result, not only can anyone recognize the fact that the production has occurred, but also sufficiently attract the player's interest. Will be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic external configuration diagram of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a main controller of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a game flow according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart regarding the re-variation effect (gase) of FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart relating to the symbol number reduction effect (gase) of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart regarding the re-variation effect (reach) of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart regarding the symbol number reduction effect (reach) of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 shows an explanatory diagram of display contents relating to the re-variation effect of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of display contents related to the symbol number reduction effect of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 shows a symbol display area determination table according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a symbol arrangement determination table according to the same embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 game board 10 Design display section 10a to 10c symbol display area 10d Notification area

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A symbol display unit for displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols in a variable manner for each symbol display area, and then stopping and displaying an arbitrary combination symbol, if the combination symbol stopped and displayed is a specific combination symbol , In a gaming machine in which a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player occurs, the variable display in each symbol display area is provided with another variable display mode different from the regular variable display mode, and by satisfying a predetermined condition, The variable display mode of the variable display in the predetermined symbol display area is configured to be switched from the regular variable display mode to another variable display mode, and further, a notification means is provided for notifying that the variable display mode is switched. A gaming machine characterized by. 2. The another variable display mode is a variable display mode based on a variable display mode that is the same as or equivalent to a regular variable display mode and a stop display after that, and then again.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a variation display that is the same as or equivalent to the regular variation display mode is performed. 3. The another variable display mode is subsequent to a variable display based on a variable display mode that is the same as or equivalent to a regular variable display mode, or after a subsequent stop display, or a variable display mode. The variable display is performed in a state in which at least one or more symbols of a plurality of types of symbols are removed from the start point and / or two or more symbols of the same type are included. Game machine. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the other variable display mode is such that only the variable display in any one symbol display area can be switched. 5. The stop order of the variable display is set for each symbol display area, and further, the slower the stop order of the symbol display area in which the variable display is performed based on another variable display mode, the more the stop display is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the combination pattern is set so that the degree of expectation of becoming a specific combination pattern is high. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising a second notifying unit for notifying that a variable display based on another variable display mode is being performed. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising a third notifying unit for notifying that the variable display based on another variable display mode is stopped and the stop display is confirmed.