JP2003339937A - Control method for game machine, game machine, and control program for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more improve expectations by stimulating curiosity of a player when displaying an image on an image display area. <P>SOLUTION: In a control method for a game machine in which information on a game is provided to the player by displaying the image on the image display area, the method includes the steps of: determining the image to be displayed on the image display area; displaying a plurality of pieces dividing the determined image while dispersing them over the image display area; collecting the respective image pieces; and forming the determined image from the collected respective image pieces. <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 game machine control method for displaying an image in an image display area, a game machine, and a game machine control program.

(Definition of Terms) [0002] In this specification, the following terms have the following meanings unless otherwise specified. (1) "Position" means a combination of symbols that gives a gaming value. Note that the names of the winning combinations are called “Red Seven winning combination”, “Plum winning combination”, “Bell winning combination” and the like. (2) The "prize group" means a collection of one or a plurality of winning combinations or a collection of a plurality of symbol combinations that give a different game value to a winning combination other than a combination of specific symbols to be a winning combination. In the case of an award group consisting of one winning combination, the winning combination and the winning group are formally the same. The name of the prize group is "BB
"Award", "RB Award", "Small Role Award 1 (or Watermelon Award)",
These are referred to as the "small role prize 2 (or bell prize)", the "small role prize 3 (cherry prize)", the "replay prize", and the like. A combination of symbols that can obtain a game value even though there is no combination (specific symbol combination) is also a prize group. (3) "Game value" means the value that the player gets. The game value determined by the prize group or the combination includes a payout, a shift to a high-winning normal game (for example, a BB game), and a re-play game. (4) “Random number extraction” refers to sampling one numerical value from a plurality of numerical values generated from the sequence generator. (5) "Table (prize group lottery table)" refers to a collection of a range of numerical values (lottery classification) defined for each of a plurality of prize groups. (6) "Internal lottery" refers to determining winning or losing by using a numerical value sampled as a result of random number extraction and a prize group lottery table. (7) "Winning" means that the right to win a prize is generated according to any prize group. (8) “Loss” means that the right to win a prize does not occur. (9) “Winning” means that the winning combination is completed on the effective winning line after winning by the internal lottery. (10) "Winning flag" refers to data that stores "right to win" generated as a result of winning. (11) "The carry-over of the winning flag" means that the flag of the game that has won the prize but has not won is not erased in the next game. (12) "Bet operation" means an operation for validating the pay line according to the game value. For this bet operation, a method for supplying the game value medium to the gaming machine (for example, inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot) and a machine operation for supplying the credited game value medium (for example, credited). There is a method of supplying the medals that are playing with the BET button) and a method of using both methods together.
The bet operation in the game starting with the replay prize is performed by automatically activating the same pay line as the pay line activated in the previous game. (13) "Game" refers to one game or a repetition of the game during a period from the bet operation until the next bet operation becomes possible. (14) "Normal game" refers to a game in which one of a plurality of prize groups and loss is drawn by internal drawing. (15) “High winning regular game” means a regular game with a higher winning rate than the regular game. For example, a BB game. (16) The "notification game" is a game that constantly informs the player of information related to a specific winning group of winning.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game machine having an image display section composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like is known. In such a gaming machine, various images are displayed on the image display unit when performing an effect related to the game. When displaying an image, for example, a method of enlarging, reducing, or rotating a specific symbol, or a method of changing the speed of deriving the symbol is adopted. In addition, a method of displaying the pattern in a defocused manner and gradually displaying the pattern clearly, or initially displaying nothing in the image display unit, then causing a smaller pattern to appear and expanding that pattern over time There is also a way to go.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned display method has become well known to the player, and it has been difficult to make the player feel unexpected. Therefore, there has been a demand for a new display method for stimulating the player's curiosity and further enhancing the expectation.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when the image is displayed in the image display area, the player's curiosity can be stimulated and the expectation can be further enhanced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method, a game machine, and a game machine control program.

[0006]

A method for controlling a gaming machine according to the present invention is a method for controlling a gaming machine which displays an image in an image display area to provide a player with information about a game, wherein the image is displayed in the image display area. A step of determining the image to be displayed, a step of displaying the image pieces obtained by dividing the determined image into a plurality of pieces in the image display area, a step of collecting the image pieces, and a step of collecting the image pieces. Forming the determined image with image pieces.

In this way, the determined image is divided into a plurality of image pieces, the image pieces are scattered and displayed in the image display area, and the image is formed by the collected image pieces, so that the game is played. It becomes difficult for a person to predict what kind of image will be finally formed. Further, since the images are displayed as the image pieces gather, it is possible to increase the player's expectation. This makes it possible to provide a display method with high non-predictability and unexpectedness in the image display area. As a result, the player's curiosity can be stimulated and expectations can be further increased.

Further, the game machine control method of the present invention is characterized by further including a step of determining a process of assembling a plurality of image pieces displayed in the image display area.

As described above, since the process of assembling a plurality of image pieces divided and displayed in the image display area is changed, it is possible to perform display with various variations. For example, when a plurality of image pieces are assembled, the effect can be enhanced by randomly moving each image piece or rotating the image pieces spirally and then assembling them.

Further, the game machine control method of the present invention is characterized in that the reliability of the information is represented by the pattern, color or combination of the image pieces.

As described above, since the reliability of the information provided to the player is represented by the pattern of the image piece, the color or the combination thereof, the player can trust the information based on the pattern, the color or the combination thereof. You can judge your gender. As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, the game machine control method of the present invention is characterized in that the reliability of the information is represented by the degree of completion of an image formed by each of the image pieces collected.

As described above, since the reliability of information is represented by the degree of completion of the image formed by each image piece collected, the player should judge the reliability of the information based on the degree of completion of the image. You can As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, the control method of the gaming machine of the present invention further includes a step of detecting an operation of the player on the gaming machine, and in the step of determining a process of collecting the plurality of image pieces, the detected operation is performed. The process of assembling the image pieces is changed based on the above.

In this way, the process of collecting image pieces is changed based on the player's operation on the gaming machine.
The expectation of the player can be increased. That is, the player recognizes that the process of collecting the image pieces changes according to his / her operation, and has a sense of expectation as to what kind of change will occur by the next operation. For example, each time the stop button is pressed, the process of collecting image pieces changes, and when the last stop button is pressed, the final image to be displayed is displayed. Every time you press it, you will expect what the next display will look like. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Further, the game machine control method of the present invention further includes a step of determining an event that occurs in the game machine during the game, and in the step of determining a process of assembling the plurality of image pieces, the determination is made. The process of collecting the image pieces is changed based on the event.

As described above, the process of collecting the image pieces is changed based on the event occurring in the gaming machine, so that the player's expectation can be increased. That is, the player recognizes that the process of collecting the image pieces changes according to the event that occurs in the gaming machine, and has a sense of expectation as to what kind of change the event will cause. For example, by configuring the process of gathering image pieces to change in accordance with an event such as a notification effect or payout, the player expects what will happen to the next display each time an event occurs. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Further, the control method for the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the change in the process of assembling the image pieces is displayed over a plurality of games.

As described above, since the change in the process of collecting the image pieces is displayed over a plurality of games, it is possible to provide information about the games in parallel with the progress of the games. For example, the winning flag of the BB game is carried over to the next and subsequent games when no prize is won, but the fact that the BB prize is won can be displayed until each of the image pieces is used for winning.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention includes an image display section for displaying an image to provide the player with information regarding the game.
In a gaming machine including a control unit that determines an image to be displayed on the image display unit, the image display unit displays image pieces obtained by dividing the determined image into a plurality of pieces in the image display area. , Collecting the displayed image pieces,
It is characterized in that the determined image is formed by each of the collected image pieces.

In this way, the determined image is divided into a plurality of image pieces, the image pieces are scattered and displayed in the image display area, and the image is formed by the collected image pieces. It becomes difficult for a person to predict what kind of image will be finally formed. Further, since the images are displayed as the image pieces gather, it is possible to increase the player's expectation. This makes it possible to provide a display method with high non-predictability and unexpectedness in the image display area. As a result, the player's curiosity can be stimulated and expectations can be further increased.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the image display section determines a process of assembling the plurality of displayed image pieces.

As described above, since the process of assembling a plurality of image pieces divided and displayed in the image display area is changed, it is possible to perform display with various variations. For example, when a plurality of image pieces are assembled, the effect can be enhanced by randomly moving each image piece or rotating the image pieces spirally and then assembling them.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the image display section indicates the reliability of the information by the pattern, color or combination of the image pieces.

As described above, the reliability of the information provided to the player is represented by the pattern of the image piece, the color, or the combination thereof, so that the player can trust the information based on the pattern, the color or the combination thereof. You can judge your gender. As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the image display section indicates the reliability of the information by the degree of perfection of the image formed by each of the assembled image pieces.

As described above, the degree of completeness of the image formed by each image piece collected represents the degree of reliability of the information. Therefore, the player should judge the reliability of the information based on the degree of completeness of the image. You can As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention further comprises an operation detecting section for detecting a player's operation on the gaming machine, and the image display section collects the image pieces based on the detected operation. It is characterized by changing the process.

In this way, the process of collecting image pieces is changed based on the player's operation on the game machine.
The expectation of the player can be increased. That is, the player recognizes that the process of collecting the image pieces changes according to his / her operation, and has a sense of expectation as to what kind of change will occur by the next operation. For example, each time the stop button is pressed, the process of collecting image pieces changes, and when the last stop button is pressed, the final image to be displayed is displayed. Every time you press it, you will expect what the next display will look like. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention further comprises an event determining section for determining an event occurring in the gaming machine during the game, and the image display section displays the image piece based on the determined event. It is characterized by changing the process of gathering.

As described above, the process of collecting the image pieces is changed based on the event occurring in the gaming machine, so that the player's expectation can be increased. That is, the player recognizes that the process of collecting the image pieces changes according to the event that occurs in the gaming machine, and has a sense of expectation as to what kind of change the event will cause. For example, by configuring the process of gathering image pieces to change in accordance with an event such as a notification effect or payout, the player expects what will happen to the next display each time an event occurs. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the image display section displays a change in a process of assembling the image pieces over a plurality of games.

As described above, since the change in the process of collecting the image pieces is displayed over a plurality of games, it is possible to provide information about the games in parallel with the progress of the games. For example, the winning flag of the BB game is carried over to the next and subsequent games when no prize is won, but the fact that the BB prize is won can be displayed until each of the image pieces is used for winning.

Further, the control program of the gaming machine of the present invention is a control program of the gaming machine for displaying an image in an image display area to provide a player with information regarding a game,
A process of deciding an image to be displayed in the image display region, a process of displaying the image pieces in which the decided image is divided into a plurality of pieces in the image display region, and a process of collecting the image pieces. , The computer is caused to execute the processing of forming the image determined by the collected image pieces.

In this way, the determined image is divided into a plurality of image pieces, the image pieces are scattered and displayed in the image display area, and the image is formed by the gathered image pieces, so that the game is played. It becomes difficult for a person to predict what kind of image will be finally formed. Further, since the images are displayed as the image pieces gather, it is possible to increase the player's expectation. This makes it possible to provide a display method with high non-predictability and unexpectedness in the image display area. As a result, the player's curiosity can be stimulated and expectations can be further increased.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This slot machine has a liquid crystal display composed of liquid crystal. Various images are displayed on this liquid crystal display, and the information about the game is provided to the player by displaying the images. The information about the game includes a prize group selected by internal lottery, a lottery probability, and the like. In this embodiment, the following characteristic display is performed. First, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display is determined. For example, it is assumed that the BB prize is won by the internal lottery and the image displayed on the liquid crystal display is determined to be “7” as the symbol corresponding to the BB prize. Next, as shown in FIG. 1A, “7” is divided on the liquid crystal display, and a plurality of image pieces generated by the division are displayed in a scattered manner. In the present embodiment, the pattern "7" is divided to generate a plurality of image pieces, like a puzzle in which pieces are combined to form an image. The image pieces are displayed so as to be scattered on the liquid crystal display. That is, the image pieces are displayed with a certain distance from each other. Therefore, if the determined images are divided and the respective image pieces are not separated from each other, they are excluded. Then, these plural image pieces are aggregated to form the determined image, that is, "7", as shown in FIG. 1 (b). Further, it is desirable that the determined image is divided so that the cut ends have a random shape like each piece of a jigsaw puzzle. This is to make the player feel unexpected. It is also possible to change the assembled image pieces as described later to form the above-determined image.

Further, the slot machine according to the present embodiment variably displays a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of areas, and the player operates the stop button at his or her will to stop timing of each spinning drum (reel) and You can decide the stopping order. A mechanical spinning drum (reel) may be used for the portion for variably displaying the symbols, or a video reel for variably displaying the symbols as an image on a liquid crystal screen or the like may be used. In the present embodiment, a medal is described as an example of a game value medium, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any medium such as a pachinko ball or the like that can give a game value is applicable.

In FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 is composed of a housing 2 and a front panel 3 attached to the front surface of the housing 2 so as to be openable and closable. Behind the front panel 3, three reels, that is, a left reel 4, a middle reel 5, and a right reel 6 are arranged side by side in three rows. Various symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 4 to 6, and these symbols are illuminated from behind by a backlight (not shown) provided on each reel, and the symbol display window 7 for each 3 frames is displayed.
Observed from 8 and 9.

In the symbol display windows 7 to 9, a total of five pay lines are marked. That is, the horizontal center line P1 is 1
There are two horizontal and vertical lines P2 and two diagonal lines P3. The slot machine game is started when the player specifies a valid pay line by a BET operation. This BET operation is performed by inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 10 described later, or by BETing the medals stored by the stored medal insertion button 21. BET can also be made by using these BET operations together. As shown in the figure,
In 1 BET, only one horizontal center line P1 is an effective winning line. In 2BET, three pay lines are activated. That is, the horizontal center line P1 is one and the horizontal upper and lower lines P2 are two, which is a total of three lines. In 3BET, 5 pay lines are activated. That is, the horizontal center line P
There is a total of five lines, one for 1, one for horizontal and vertical lines P2, and two for diagonal lines P3.

The front of the housing 2 is provided with a medal insertion slot 10 and a medal return button 10a for returning a medal when the inserted medal is clogged. The start lever 11 is a lever for starting rotation of each reel 4-6. The stop buttons 12, 13, 14 are
The reels 4 to 6 are provided so as to correspond to the reels 4 to 6 and individually stop the rotation of the rotating reels 4 to 6. Each reel 4-6
Rotation is triggered by the operation of the start lever 11 by the player, and symbols are displayed by rotating and moving in the column direction in the respective symbol display windows 7-9. When each of the reels 4 to 6 reaches a certain rotation speed, the operation of each stop button provided corresponding to each of the reels 4 to 6 becomes effective. The player operates each stop button while observing the rotating and moving symbols to stop the rotation of the reels 4 to 6, and tries to display the desired symbol on any of the pay lines. At that time, in order to win a specific prize group (for example, a bell prize), it may be necessary to operate each stop button so as to match the operation order of each stop button determined by lottery. Each of the reels 4 to 6 stops rotating in accordance with the operation timing of each stop button. When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on one of the activated pay lines at the time of this stop, a prize corresponding to the symbol combination is obtained.

Below the front panel 3, a medal payout opening 15 and a medal receiving tray 16 are provided, and above the front panel 3, a game effect display device 17 driven for effecting a game is provided. . The game effect display device 17 includes, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or various lamps. In this embodiment, an example in which an LCD is adopted is shown. A bonus game display 18 is provided above the front panel 3. Bonus game display 18
Consists of LEDs, BB (Big Bonus) award,
Alternatively, it is lit or blinked when an RB (Regular Bonus) prize is won or won, a game state is changed, a game effect, an error occurs, and a stop occurs. Speaker 19
Generates voice guidance, music, sound effects, and the like.

A plurality of lamps 2 provided on the front panel 3
0 indicates a game line such as a winning line that is activated according to the number of inserted medals, a display that each of the reels 4 to 6 can be rotated, and a winning display by turning on, turning off, or blinking. I do. The stored medal insertion button 21 is a button for using a predetermined number of medals stored in a medal storage device (not shown),
The stored medal insertion button 22 is a button for using the maximum specified number of medals stored in a medal storage device (not shown). The medal storage number display unit 23 displays the number of medals stored in a medal storage device (not shown). The number-of-wins display section 24 is for the BB game or the RB.
During the game, the number of remaining RB prizes and the number of remaining games are displayed. The number of winnings and the number of remaining times are not necessarily displayed. Displayed number of medals 2
5 displays the number of medals to be paid out and the like. The stored medal number display unit 23, the winning number display unit 24, and the medal payout number display unit 25 are configured by, for example, LEDs. The settlement button 26 carries out the settlement of the stored medals, and the locking device 27 unlocks the door and unlocks the door depending on the turning direction. The label 28 describes the format of the slot machine 1, the manufacturer name, and the like.

In FIG. 3, the slot machine according to this embodiment is electrically composed of a main board A and a sub-board B. On the main board A, the CPU 30
A ROM 31 and a RAM 32 are provided, and control operation is performed according to a preset program. In the ROM 31, in addition to the control program for controlling the operation of the slot machine 1,
The award group lottery table and the like used to perform the award group pre-determination (internal lottery) are stored. This CPU 30,
The ROM 31 and the RAM 32 form a control unit. In addition, the CPU 30 constitutes an operation detection unit that detects a player's operation and an event determination unit that determines an event occurring in the gaming machine.

Further, the CPU 30 is connected with a clock generating circuit 33 for generating a reference clock pulse and a random number generating circuit 34 for generating a constant random number. CPU
The control signal sent from 30 sends a medal payout device 36 for paying out medals via the output port 35.
And to the reel motor control circuit 37 that drives the motor that rotates the three reels 4 to 6 of the slot machine 1.

Output from the medal discrimination device 38 for discriminating the suitability of medals, the payout medal counter 40 for counting the number of medals to be paid out, the start lever 41 for starting the rotation of the reel, and the stop button 42 for stopping the rotation of the reel. The generated signal is input to the CPU 30 via the input port 43. The signal output from the CPU 30 is output to the sub-board B via the data sending circuit 46 under the control of the sending timing control circuit 45 that controls the signal sending timing to the sub-board B.

On the sub-board B, the signal output from the data transmission circuit 46 is input to the data input circuit 47. The signal input to the data input circuit 47 is processed by the CPU 48. A clock generation circuit 49 for generating a reference clock pulse, a ROM 50 in which various programs and image data are recorded, and a RAM 51 are connected to the CPU 48. Data relating to the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 53 via the display circuit 52 that performs image processing from the CPU 48.
Is output to. On the liquid crystal display 53, characters, still images, moving images, etc. are displayed. These CPU 48, ROM 50,
The RAM 51, the display circuit 52, and the liquid crystal display 53 are
It constitutes an image display unit.

Data relating to the voice is stored in the CPU 48.
Is output to the amplifier circuit 56 via the sound LSI 54 that performs voice processing and the like. The sound LSI 54 extracts necessary voice data from the voice ROM 55 and processes the voice data. The audio data that has undergone processing such as amplification by the amplifier circuit 56 is output to the speaker 58 via the audio adjustment circuit 57 that adjusts the audio.

Next, a method of displaying an image of the slot machine according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the CPU 30 as a control unit determines an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 53. This image provides information regarding the game to the player, and may be, for example, a symbol corresponding to the prize group won by the internal lottery. In addition, it may be a pattern to be displayed as an effect while playing the game. Here, the BB prize is won by an internal lottery,
It is assumed that it is decided to display the symbol “7” corresponding to the BB prize. Then, the symbol “7”, for example, is divided into three and displayed as an image piece. That is, FIG. 1 (a)
As shown in FIG. 5, the pattern “7” is divided into three, and the pieces are displayed as image pieces A0 to A2 in a scattered manner in the display area 100 of the liquid crystal display 53. These image pieces A0-A
2 aggregate to finally form a pattern "7" as shown in FIG. 1 (b).

Image pieces A0 to A in which the design "7" is divided
2 has no discriminating power by itself. Therefore, the player cannot predict the finally displayed image only by looking at each image piece, but what kind of image is being formed in the process of assembling these image pieces? Can be suggested to the player. Then, the image pieces are aggregated to display the image (design “7”) to be finally displayed, so that the player's expectation can be satisfied. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Incidentally, in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b),
With the upper left corner of the display area 100 as the origin (0, 0), the x axis is taken in the right direction and the y axis is taken in the downward direction, and the arrangement of each image piece is determined based on these coordinate axes. Further, in the figure, α, β, and γ are the image pieces A0 to A2, respectively.
Is the point indicating the center of the image, and the arrangement of the image pieces A0 to A2 in the display area 100 is determined by the coordinates of α, β, and γ.

The coordinates of the center points α, β and γ of the image pieces A0 to A2 are determined based on the table shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the arrangements P0 to P3 when the image pieces A0 to A2 are displayed in the display area 100 are predetermined, and by selecting one of the arrangements, the coordinates of the center points α, β, and γ are selected. Can be decided. For example, if you select P0 placement,
The center point α of the image piece A0 has coordinates (18, 12), the center point β of the image piece A1 has coordinates (81, 12), and the center point γ of the image piece A2 has coordinates (46, 59). When the arrangement of P1 is selected, the coordinates of the center point α of the image piece A0 are (17, 2
1), the coordinates of the center point β of the image piece A1 are (75, 19),
The coordinates of the center point γ of the image piece A2 are (46, 55).
When the arrangement of P2 is selected, the coordinates of the center point α of the image piece A0 are (26, 23) and the coordinates of the center point β of the image piece A1 are (6
8, 24), the coordinates of the center point γ of the image piece A2 are (46, 4)
6). In the arrangement of P3, the coordinates of the center point α of the image piece A0 are (30, 28), the coordinates of the center point β of the image piece A1 are (62, 29), and the coordinates of the center point γ of the image piece A2 are ( 46, 41).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the display operation of the slot machine according to this embodiment. In displaying the image, the coordinates for finally displaying the symbol “7” determined as described above are determined. Here, the arrangement of P3 becomes the coordinates of the final target. After the BET operation is performed by the player, it is determined whether or not the start lever is operated (step S1). When the start lever is not operated, the determination of step S1 is repeated, and when the start lever is operated, the image pieces A0 to A2 are displayed in the arrangement of P0 (step S2). That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the display area 100, each of the image pieces A0 to A2.
P determined from the coordinates of the respective center points α, β, γ
It is displayed with a layout of 0. The coordinate of the center point α of the image piece A0 is (18, 12), and the coordinate of the center point β of the image piece A1 is (8
1, 12), the coordinate of the center point γ of the image piece A2 is (46,5)
9).

Next, it is determined whether or not the nth stop button has been operated (step S3). here,
Whether or not the first stop button is operated is determined. When the first stop button is not operated, the determination in step S3 is repeated, and when the first stop button is operated, the image pieces A0 to A2 are set to P.
It moves to the arrangement of 1 (step S4).

Next, it is judged whether each of the image pieces A0 to A2 has reached the target arrangement (P1) (step S
5) If not, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, when the target arrangement (P1) is reached,
As shown in (b), in the display area 100, the image pieces A0 to A2 are displayed in the arrangement P1 determined from the coordinates of the center points α, β, and γ. The coordinates of the center point α of the image piece A0 are (17, 21), the coordinates of the center point β of the image piece A1 are (75, 19), and the coordinates of the center point γ of the image piece A2 are (46, 55). There is.

Next, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped (step S6). Here, since all reels are not stopped, the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined whether or not the second stop button is operated (step S3). When the second stop button is not operated, the determination in step S3 is repeated, and when the second stop button is operated, each image piece A
0 to A2 are moved to the arrangement of P2 (step S4). Next, it is judged whether or not each of the image pieces A0 to A2 has reached the target arrangement (P2) (step S5). If not, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, when the target arrangement (P2) is reached, as shown in FIG. 6C, the image pieces A0 to A2 are determined from the coordinates of the respective center points α, β, γ in the display area 100. It is displayed in the P2 layout. The coordinates of the center point α of the image piece A0 are (2
6, 23), the coordinates of the center point β of the image piece A1 are (68, 2)
4), the coordinates of the center point γ of the image piece A2 are (46, 46).

Next, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped (step S6). Here, since all reels are not stopped, the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined whether or not the third stop button is operated (step S3). When the third stop button is not operated, the determination in step S3 is repeated, and when the third stop button is operated, each image piece A
0 to A2 are moved to the arrangement of P3 (step S4). Next, it is determined whether or not each of the image pieces A0 to A2 has reached the target arrangement (P3) (step S5). If not, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, when the target arrangement (P3) is reached, as shown in FIG. 6D, in the display area 100, the image pieces A0 to A2 are determined from the coordinates of their respective center points α, β, γ. The image pieces A <b> 0 to A <b> 2 are combined and displayed in the arranged P <b> 3. The coordinate of the center point α of the image piece A0 is (30, 28),
The coordinates of the center point β of 1 are (62, 29), and the coordinates of the center point γ of the image piece A2 are (46, 41). As a result, the image to be finally displayed, that is, the design “7” is displayed in the display area 100. Next, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped (step S6). Here, since all reels have stopped, the process ends.

As described above, the process of collecting the image pieces is changed based on the operation of the stop button by the player, so that the player's expectation can be increased. That is,
The player recognizes that the process of collecting the image pieces changes according to his / her operation, and has a feeling of expectation as to what kind of change will occur by the next operation. In particular,
By configuring so that the collection process of image pieces changes each time the stop button is pressed, and the image that should be finally displayed is displayed when the last stop button is pressed,
Each time the player presses the stop button, he expects what the next display will be. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

It is also possible to determine an event that occurs in the gaming machine and change the process of collecting the image pieces based on the determined event. For example, the process of collecting the image pieces is configured to change according to an event such as a notification effect or payout. As a result, the player can expect what will happen to the next display each time an event occurs, which can stimulate the player's curiosity and display an image that further enhances the sense of expectation.

When moving the image pieces A0 to A2, the image pieces may be moved randomly or rotated in a spiral shape. As a result, it is possible to display a wide variety of variations. As a result, it is possible to enhance the effect of production.

Further, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the reliability of information is represented by the pattern, color, or combination thereof of the image pieces A0 to A2. For example, when the symbols corresponding to the prize group won by the internal lottery are correctly displayed, the color is set to "red". However, when the symbol is displayed, the symbol does not necessarily correspond to the winning prize group, and therefore the correct display and the incorrect display may be switched with a certain probability. For example, when displaying a symbol corresponding to a prize group that is won in the internal lottery with a probability of 50%, the color of the symbol is set to “blue”,
A pattern such as diagonal lines may be applied. This allows the player to
The reliability of information can be judged based on changes in patterns, colors, or combinations of these. As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, it is also possible to change the degree of completion of the image formed by the collected image pieces A0 to A2 to show the reliability of information. For example, each image piece A
When 0 to A2 are completely combined and the design "7" is displayed, the display is 100% reliable, but each image piece A0 to
When A2 is slightly apart and the unfinished symbol "7" is displayed, the probability that the display is correct may be 50%. This allows the player to judge the reliability of the information based on the degree of completion of the image. As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, each of the image pieces A0 to A2 as described above
You may display the change of the process which collects over several games. This makes it possible to provide information about the game in parallel with the progress of the game. For example, the winning flag of the BB game is carried over to the next and subsequent games when no prize is won, but the fact that the BB prize is won can be displayed by using each of the image pieces A0 to A2. .

The image piece A0 in which the design "7" is divided
It is also possible to display not only A2 to A2 but also image pieces that have no distinctive power by themselves. Thereby, the non-predictability in the display can be improved. That is, the player cannot predict the finally displayed image only by looking at each image piece. Then, when a plurality of image pieces are aggregated or the aggregated image pieces are changed, a final image is formed. As a result, the player's curiosity can be stimulated and expectation can be further enhanced.

Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described. In this modified example, a case where an image piece has a discriminating power alone is shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of bell patterns 70 having a smaller size than the display area 100 are displayed as image pieces. The bell symbol is a symbol corresponding to the bell prize in the game, and has a distinctive power by itself. These bell symbols 70 are collected as shown in FIG. 7B, and finally the symbol “7” is displayed.

As described above, since the image pieces having the discriminating power alone are used, the player grasps the meaning of the image pieces based on the discriminating power of each image piece. However, an image associated with each image piece is not always formed in the end, so that the player strongly feels unexpectedness when the final image is displayed. For example, if the image piece is a bell pattern, the player looks at the image piece and associates the bell prize. However, if the "7" symbol corresponding to the BB prize is finally formed by a plurality of bell symbols, the player will have a strong sense of surprise. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Further, the number of image pieces may be increased or decreased. As a result, the image piece can be additionally displayed in the display area 100, or the displayed image piece can be erased. As a result, it is possible to display a wide variety of variations.

Further, the shape, the pattern, the color of the image piece or the combination thereof may be changed. For example, when the bell design was initially displayed, it is changed to a watermelon design. Then, the watermelon symbols are collected to form the symbol “7”. In this way, by changing the shape, pattern, color or combination of these image pieces, it is possible to make the player feel surprising and to display a variety of variations.

The characteristic operation of the slot machine as described above is performed by executing a control program.
This control program is a control program for a gaming machine that displays an image in an image display area to provide information about a game to a player, and a process of determining an image to be displayed in the image display area, and the determined image. A process of displaying a plurality of divided image pieces in a scattered manner in the image display area, a process of collecting the image pieces, and a process of forming the image determined by the collected image pieces. It is characterized by making a computer execute.

In this way, the determined image is divided into a plurality of image pieces, each image piece is scattered and displayed in the image display area, and the image is formed by the collected image pieces, so that the game is played. It becomes difficult for a person to predict what kind of image will be finally formed. Further, since the images are displayed as the image pieces gather, it is possible to increase the player's expectation. This makes it possible to provide a display method with high non-predictability and unexpectedness in the image display area. As a result, the player's curiosity can be stimulated and expectations can be further increased.

Further, the control program for the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized by further including a process of determining a process of assembling a plurality of image pieces displayed in the image display area.

As described above, since the process of assembling a plurality of image pieces divided and displayed in the image display area is changed, it is possible to perform display with a wide variety of variations. For example, when a plurality of image pieces are assembled, the effect can be enhanced by randomly moving each image piece or rotating the image pieces spirally and then assembling them.

Further, the control program for the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the reliability of the information is represented by the pattern of the image piece, the color, or a combination thereof.

As described above, since the reliability of the information provided to the player is represented by the pattern, the color of the image piece or the combination thereof, the player can trust the information based on the pattern, the color or the combination thereof. You can judge your gender. As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, the control program for the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the reliability of the information is represented by the degree of perfection of the image formed by the image pieces collected.

In this way, the reliability of information is represented by the degree of perfection of the image formed by each image piece collected, so that the player should judge the reliability of the information based on the degree of perfection of the image. You can As a result, it is possible to make the player feel thrill and to display a variety of variations.

Further, the control program for the gaming machine of the present invention further includes a process of detecting an operation of the player on the gaming machine, and in the process of determining a process of collecting the plurality of image pieces, the detected operation is performed. The process of assembling the image pieces is changed based on the above.

In this way, the process of collecting image pieces is changed based on the operation of the player on the game machine.
The expectation of the player can be increased. That is, the player recognizes that the process of collecting the image pieces changes according to his / her operation, and has a sense of expectation as to what kind of change will occur by the next operation. For example, each time the stop button is pressed, the process of collecting image pieces changes, and when the last stop button is pressed, the final image to be displayed is displayed. Every time you press it, you will expect what the next display will look like. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Further, the control program for the gaming machine of the present invention further includes processing for determining an event that occurs in the gaming machine during the game, and in the processing for determining the process in which the plurality of image pieces are assembled, the determination is made. The process of collecting the image pieces is changed based on the event.

As described above, since the process of collecting the image pieces is changed based on the event occurring in the gaming machine, the player's expectation can be increased. That is, the player recognizes that the process of collecting the image pieces changes according to the event that occurs in the gaming machine, and has a sense of expectation as to what kind of change the event will cause. For example, by configuring the process of gathering image pieces to change in accordance with an event such as a notification effect or payout, the player expects what will happen to the next display each time an event occurs. As a result, it is possible to display an image that stimulates the player's curiosity and further increases the expectation.

Further, the control program for the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the change in the process of assembling the image pieces is displayed over a plurality of games.

As described above, since the change in the process of collecting the image pieces is displayed over a plurality of games, it is possible to provide information about the games in parallel with the progress of the games. For example, the winning flag of the BB game is carried over to the next and subsequent games when no prize is won, but the fact that the BB prize is won can be displayed until each of the image pieces is used for winning.

The control program described above is stored in the ROM 3
1 or stored in ROM 50, CPU 30 or C
It is read and executed by the PU 48. Further, for example, it can be distributed alone by being recorded in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD disk or being placed in a state where it can be transmitted on a WEB page.

[0083]

As described above, the control method for a game machine according to the present invention is a method for controlling a game machine, which displays an image in an image display area to provide a player with information regarding a game. A step of determining an image to be displayed, a step of displaying image pieces obtained by dividing the determined image into a plurality of pieces in the image display area, a step of collecting the image pieces, and a step of collecting the image pieces. Forming the determined image by each image piece.

In this way, the determined image is divided into a plurality of image pieces, each image piece is scattered and displayed in the image display area, and the image is formed by the gathered image pieces. It becomes difficult for a person to predict what kind of image will be finally formed. Further, since the images are displayed as the image pieces gather, it is possible to increase the player's expectation. This makes it possible to provide a display method with high non-predictability and unexpectedness in the image display area. As a result, the player's curiosity can be stimulated and expectations can be further increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display example on a liquid crystal display.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a table that determines the arrangement of image pieces.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image display operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of a set of image pieces.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Slot machine, 4-6 ... Reel, 11 ... Start lever, 12-14 ... Stop button, 17 ... Game effect indicator, 30 ... CPU, 53 ... Liquid crystal indicator

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masashi Tsuruoka             1-6-1, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Kona             Within Miparler Entertainment Inc.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A method of controlling a gaming machine for displaying an image in an image display area to provide a player with information about a game, the step of determining an image to be displayed in the image display area, wherein the determined image is A step of displaying a plurality of divided image pieces scattered in the image display area, a step of collecting the image pieces, and a step of forming the image determined by the collected image pieces. A method for controlling a gaming machine, including: 2. The method of controlling a gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining a process of assembling a plurality of image pieces displayed in the image display area. 3. The control method for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the reliability of the information is represented by a pattern, a color of the image piece, or a combination thereof. 4. The control method for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the reliability of the information is represented by a degree of completion of an image formed by each of the collected image pieces. 5. The method further comprises the step of detecting a player's operation on the gaming machine, wherein in the step of determining the process of collecting the plurality of image pieces, the image pieces are collected based on the detected operation. The method of controlling a gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the process is changed. 6. The method further comprises the step of determining an event that occurs in the gaming machine during a game, wherein the step of determining a process in which the plurality of image pieces are aggregated is based on the determined event. The method of controlling a gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein a process of gathering is changed. 7. The change in the process of gathering the image pieces is displayed over a plurality of games.
7. The method for controlling a gaming machine according to claim 6. 8. A gaming machine comprising: an image display section for displaying an image to provide a player with information about a game; and a control section for determining an image to be displayed on the image display section, wherein the image display section comprises: An image piece obtained by dividing the determined image into a plurality of pieces is displayed in a scattered manner in the image display area, the displayed image pieces are aggregated, and the determined image is formed by the aggregated image pieces. A gaming machine characterized by being. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the image display unit determines a process in which the displayed image pieces are assembled. 10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the image display unit indicates the reliability of the information by the pattern of the image piece, the color, or a combination thereof. 11. The game according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the image display unit indicates the reliability of the information by the degree of completion of an image formed by the collected image pieces. Machine. 12. An operation detecting unit for detecting an operation of a player on a gaming machine is further provided, and the image display unit changes a process of assembling the image pieces based on the detected operation. The gaming machine according to claim 9. 13. An event determination unit that determines an event that occurs in a gaming machine during a game, wherein the image display unit changes a process of assembling the image pieces based on the determined event. The game machine according to claim 9, wherein 14. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the image display unit displays a change in a process of assembling the image pieces over a plurality of games. . 15. In a control program for a gaming machine, which displays an image in an image display area to provide information about a game to a player, a process of determining an image to be displayed in the image display area, and the determined image is A process of displaying a plurality of divided image pieces scattered in the image display area, a process of collecting the image pieces, and a process of forming the image determined by the collected image pieces. A control program for a gaming machine, characterized by being executed by a computer.