JP2004024282A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To give a saver which is not given heretofore to a player when a game is at a turning point whether it will be in an advantageous situation or not. <P>SOLUTION: First, "60 seconds remaining" is indicated and variable display of figures is started. After 5 seconds, first single operation is stopped and temporary stop figures "1", "2" and "3" and "55 seconds remaining" are indicated. Then "1", "2" and "3" are indicated in a first temporary stop figure indicating region 404a and variable display of figures is started again. After 15 seconds, second single operation is stopped. Temporary stop figures "7", "7" and "7" and "40 seconds remaining" are indicated. Then the updated figures "7", "7" and "7" are indicated in a second temporary stop figure indicating region 404b and variable display of figures is started again. Finally, temporary stop figures are indicated in first-fifth temporary stop figure indicating regions 404a-404e and stop figures are determined by a determining frame 408. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a pachinko machine equipped with a symbol display device, a starting condition is satisfied by a game ball entering the starting port, the symbol of the symbol display device starts to change, and if the stop symbol after the end of the change comes off the symbol, It is known that a normal game state is continued and a special game state that is advantageous to the player is achieved if the stopped symbol after the change is a big hit symbol. In this special game state, a special winning opening called an attacker opens, and when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the special winning opening, the special winning opening closes. When at least one of them enters a region called a V zone in the special winning opening, the special winning opening is opened again, and this operation is repeated a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, 16 times).
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the starting condition is satisfied, the symbol of the symbol display device ends after it starts to change, ends after re-starting the change again, and finally reaches a big hit when it reaches a state that is one step before reaching a reach or a big hit. Gaming machines have been proposed in which symbols are displayed in a fluctuation pattern in which the degree of expectation increases.
[0004]
However, in this fluctuation pattern, the start and end of the fluctuation are performed a plurality of times, but in the end, as before, the last pattern while giving the player the expectation that the player will be hit in a state just before the big hit How it stops will determine whether or not it will end up with a big hit symbol, so its interest is not much different than in the past.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can provide a player with a different interest from the conventional game when it is determined whether or not to enter an advantageous gaming state.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
The gaming machine of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above object. The operation and the like will be described as needed.
[0007]
Means 1. Symbol display means capable of variably displaying symbols,
When a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the symbol display means starts the variable display of the symbols, and the control is performed such that the stopped symbol after the end of the variable display is a required symbol to be in a game state advantageous to the player. Means
A gaming machine with
The control means includes:
As one of the fluctuation patterns of the symbol display means when the starting condition is satisfied, an operation of starting the fluctuation display by the symbol display means and then temporarily stopping to display a temporary stop symbol is a predetermined predetermined pattern. It has a pattern of performing at least once in time, displaying a list of temporarily stopped symbols obtained each time the variable display is once stopped, and determining a stopped symbol from the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list. Gaming machine.
[0008]
In this gaming machine, as a variation pattern of the symbol display means when the starting condition is satisfied, the symbol display means starts the variation display, then temporarily stops and displays the temporary stop symbol (hereinafter referred to as "single operation"). ) Is performed at least once within a predetermined period of time, a list of the temporary stop symbols obtained for each single operation is displayed in a list, and a stop symbol is determined from the temporary stop symbols displayed in the list. May be adopted. When this variation pattern is adopted, the player feels that the higher the percentage of the hit symbols in the list of the temporarily stopped symbols, the more easily the stopped symbols become the hit symbols. The game is played while expecting that many hit symbols appear. Such a fluctuation pattern has not been known conventionally. Therefore, according to this gaming machine, it is possible to give the player a different interest from the related art when determining whether or not the game state is advantageous.
[0009]
Here, the “design” may be any display information as long as it is visually identifiable, and examples thereof include numbers, characters, figures, symbols, colors, and the like. Further, the “control means” may be constituted by one control device, or may be constituted by a plurality of control devices. Further, the "predetermined starting condition" refers to a predetermined symbol variation display start condition, for example, a condition that a game ball wins at a predetermined starting opening, or a game ball enters a predetermined starting opening during a symbol changing. After winning and being held, there is a condition that the symbol change display ends and the held portion is consumed. In addition, when the game ball wins a predetermined starting port after the number of times of holding reaches the upper limit, the counter value obtained by the current lottery (internal random number counter value for hit determination, Reach random number counter value) and the previously held counter value may be rewritten to include the held portion.
[0010]
Means 2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays a winning symbol and a missing symbol in a mixed manner as the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list. In this way, the temporary stop symbols displayed in the list include the hit symbol and the off symbol, so that the player can play while expecting the hit symbol of the plurality of the temporary stop symbols to be the stop symbol. It becomes more interesting.
[0011]
Means 3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a player of an elapsed time since the start of the display according to the pattern. In this way, the player can play the game while grasping how long the predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the “notification unit” may be a unit that appeals to the player's vision (for example, a display panel) or a unit that appeals to hearing (for example, a speaker). When “notifying the elapsed time”, the notification may be performed at, for example, one second intervals, or may be performed at several-second intervals (for example, five-second intervals). Further, when the notification is made at intervals of several seconds, the notification may be made at a point in time when the remaining time is short (for example, 10 seconds) (for example, at intervals of 1 second).
[0012]
Means 4. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the notification means displays the predetermined time at the start of the variable display according to the pattern, and thereafter counts down to zero as time elapses. In this way, the interest of the player increases as the time displayed by the notification means approaches zero.
[0013]
Means 5. The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the symbol display means also serves as the notification means. In this way, the change in the symbol and the elapsed time are displayed on the same symbol display means and fall within the field of view of the player, so that the player can easily grasp the elapsed time while watching the change in the symbol.
[0014]
Means 6. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the control means selects and determines a time required for the single operation from a plurality of predetermined time lengths. In this way, it is difficult for the player to know when the fluctuation stops in one fluctuation display, and it is easy to increase the expectation that the player wants to stop early or not.
[0015]
Means 7. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the control means randomly determines a time required for the single operation for each operation. In this way, since the player does not know when the fluctuation stops in one fluctuation display, an expectation that the player wants the player to stop early or do not stop as it is is likely to increase.
[0016]
Means 8. 8. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the control means displays the state of the single operation on the symbol display means during a period in which the single operation is being executed, and temporarily controls the temporary operation. A gaming machine that displays a list of stopped symbols. In this way, even when the gaming machine is performing a single operation, the player can check the temporary stop symbol up to that time.
[0017]
Means 9. In the gaming machine according to the means 8, the control means may prevent the state of the single operation and the list of the temporarily stopped symbols from overlapping with the symbol display means during the period in which the single operation is being executed. Gaming machine to display. In this way, even when the gaming machine is performing a single operation, the player can easily check all the temporarily stopped symbols up to that time.
[0018]
Means 10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the control means displays the state of the single action and the list of the temporarily stopped symbols on the symbol display means during the period in which the single action is being executed. A gaming machine that erases the state of the single operation every time the single operation stops and displays a list of the temporarily stopped symbols. In this way, while the gaming machine is executing a single operation, it may not be possible to check all the temporary stop symbols up to that point, but every time the single operation stops, the list of temporary stop symbols is displayed all Therefore, at that time, the player can check all of the temporarily stopped symbols.
[0019]
Means 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein the symbol display means is a means capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, and the control means causes the symbol display means to start variable display. When performing an operation of temporarily stopping and displaying a temporarily stopped symbol, the gaming machine displays all of the plurality of symbols on the symbol display means in a variable manner and then temporarily stops to display a temporarily stopped symbol. In this way, it is easier to give the player a different interest from the related art when determining whether or not the game state is advantageous.
[0020]
Means 12. 12. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 11, wherein the control means transmits a variation pattern command instructing the symbol display means to display the pattern, and A gaming machine comprising: a display control unit that controls the symbol display means based on the received variation pattern command. With this configuration, the display control unit controls the symbol display means based on the fluctuation pattern command received from the main control unit, so that the burden on the main control unit is reduced.
[0021]
Means 13. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein the display control unit controls the symbol display means and also controls the lamp display and the sound generation in accordance with the control. This makes it possible to appropriately control the lamp display and the sound generation in accordance with the display contents of the symbol.
[0022]
Means 14. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 13, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In this way, the effects of the means 1 to 13 can be obtained in the pachinko machine. The pachinko machine may be a so-called first, second, or third type machine, but any other machine may be provided with the above-described symbol display means and control means. Anything should do.
[0023]
Means 15. When the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the symbol display is started by the symbol display means that can variably display the symbols, and a required symbol is a stop symbol after the variability display is completed. In a game control method controlled by a computer to become
As one of the variation patterns of the symbol display means when the starting condition is satisfied, the computer starts the variation display on the symbol display means, then temporarily stops the display, and displays a temporary stop symbol (hereinafter, referred to as a temporary stop symbol). "Single action") is performed at least once within a predetermined period of time, and the temporarily stopped symbols obtained each time the variable display is stopped are displayed in a list, and the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list are displayed. It has a pattern of determining a stop symbol from the middle, and if the pattern is selected when the starting condition is satisfied, the process is executed according to the pattern
Game control method.
[0024]
According to this game control method, in the pattern, the player feels that the higher the percentage of the hit symbols in the list of the temporarily stopped symbols, the more likely the stop symbol becomes the hit symbol. The game is played while expecting that many hit symbols appear as temporary stop symbols. Such a fluctuation pattern has not been known conventionally. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a different interest from the conventional game when determining whether or not the game state is advantageous.
[0025]
In this game control method, the computer may mix a winning symbol and a missing symbol as the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list. Further, the computer may notify the player of the elapsed time from the start of the display by the pattern, at this time, the predetermined time is displayed at the start of the variable display by the pattern, and thereafter, along with the lapse of time May be counted down to zero, or may be notified using the symbol display means. Further, when determining the time required for the single operation, the computer may select and determine the time from a plurality of predetermined time lengths, or may determine the time randomly for each operation. Furthermore, the computer may display the state of the single operation on the symbol display means and display a list of temporarily stopped symbols up to that time during the period in which the single operation is being executed. The state of the single action and the list of the temporary stop symbols may be displayed on the symbol display means so as not to overlap, or the state of the single action and the list of the temporary stop symbols may overlap on the symbol display means. May be displayed and the list of the temporarily stopped symbols may be displayed every time the single operation temporarily stops.
[0026]
Means 16. When the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the symbol display is started by the symbol display means that can variably display the symbols, and a required symbol is a stop symbol after the variability display is completed. In a game control program for causing a computer to control
As one of the fluctuation patterns of the symbol display means when the start condition is satisfied, an operation of starting the fluctuation display by the symbol display means and then temporarily stopping to display a temporary stop symbol (hereinafter, referred to as “single operation”) Is performed at least once within a predetermined period of time, and a list of temporarily stopped symbols obtained each time the variable display is stopped is displayed in a list. Causes the computer to execute the pattern of determining
Game control program.
[0027]
If this game control program is executed by a computer, in the above-mentioned pattern, the player feels that the larger the percentage of hit symbols in the list of temporarily stopped symbols, the more likely the stop symbol becomes a hit symbol. Play as a temporary stop symbol as much as possible within the time, expecting as many symbols as possible. Such a fluctuation pattern has not been known conventionally. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a different interest from the conventional game when determining whether or not the game state is advantageous.
[0028]
The game control program may be executed by a computer of the gaming machine, may be executed by a general-purpose personal computer, or may be executed by any other computer. The game control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a hard disk, a ROM, an FD, a CD, a DVD, etc.), or may be transmitted via a transmission medium (a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN). And may be delivered or received in any other form.
[0029]
In this game control program, a hit symbol and a missing symbol may be mixedly displayed on the computer as the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list. Further, the computer may notify the player of the elapsed time from the start of the display by the pattern, and at this time, the predetermined time is displayed at the start of the variable display by the pattern, and thereafter, with the elapse of time. May be counted down to zero, or may be notified using the symbol display means. Further, when determining the time required for the single operation, the computer may select and determine the time from a plurality of predetermined time lengths, or may determine the time randomly for each operation. Furthermore, the computer may display the state of the single operation on the symbol display means and display a list of temporarily stopped symbols up to that time during the period in which the single operation is being executed. The state of the single action and the list of the temporary stop symbols may be displayed so as not to overlap on the symbol display means, or the state of the single action and the list of the temporary stop symbols may overlap on the symbol display means. And the state of the single operation may be erased each time the single operation is stopped, and the list of the temporarily stopped symbols may be displayed.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 20, and FIG. It is a block diagram which illustrates the electrical connection of the pachinko machine 20 of a form. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 20 of the present embodiment includes a game board 30 covered with glass fitted in a front frame 22, an upper tray 24 and a lower tray 26 for storing game balls, and a game ball. It comprises a launch knob 28 for launching the game board 30 and a main controller 70 (see FIG. 3) for controlling the entire pachinko machine 20.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 has a normal symbol display device 32 disposed at the upper center of the game panel 30 and a normal symbol starter disposed on the left and right portions of the game panel 30 to detect the passage of a game ball. Ordinary symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b having mouth switches 36a and 36b, a special symbol display device 40 arranged below the ordinary symbol display device 32, and a game ball arranged below the special symbol display device 40 , Which has a special symbol start-up switch 44 for detecting a winning, a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 attached to the start-up opening 42 and capable of being opened and closed, and a large-sized open-closed openable and disposed below the start-up opening 42. There are a winning opening 50, four normal winning openings 60a to 60d arranged in the lower left and right portions of the game board 30, and an out opening 69 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings.
[0032]
The normal symbol display device 32 includes symbols “a” and “x” 32a and 32b that are displayed in a variable manner by switching the lighting of a lamp (not shown) provided behind the symbol 32a and symbols “a” and “x”. It includes four ordinary symbol change pending lamps 33a to 33d arranged above 32b. The symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X" start to be displayed in a variable manner when it is detected that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b, and are displayed in the form of "O" after the fluctuation display for a predetermined time. The variable display is ended in a state in which one of the symbols 32a and 32b of "x" is turned on. The normal symbol change holding lamps 33a to 33d allow the game balls to pass through the ordinary symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the variable display of the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X" by the ordinary symbol display device 32. By turning on the lights one by one from the left side each time, and turning on the lights in the reverse order of the lighting each time the variation display of the symbols 32a and 32b of "O" and "X" by the ordinary symbol display device 32 is started, The number of times of passing through the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the fluctuation display is shown as the number of suspensions up to a maximum of four times.
[0033]
The tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 provided in the starting port 42 is used for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) as a hit when the fluctuation display by the ordinary symbol display device 32 is stopped at the symbol 32a of “O”. It is configured to open.
[0034]
The special symbol display device 40 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 90 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the special symbol display device 40 displays three symbols L, M, and R on the left, the center, and the right, and detects that the game ball has won the starting opening 42. Variably display these three symbols L, M, R. When the predetermined fluctuation time ends, the fluctuation display stops in the order of the left symbol L, the right symbol R, and the middle symbol M, and when the symbols L, M, R are aligned with a predetermined big hit symbol. The special game video for the big hit is displayed. The order of stopping the variable display is not particularly limited to this order, but may be another order.
[0035]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the display control device 90. The display control device 90 includes a CPU 91 that executes processing of an image to be displayed on the special symbol display device 40 based on a display command or the like input from the main control device 70, and three control devices for the special symbol display device 40 according to the processing of the CPU 91. , Which mainly includes a VDP 92 as an image controller for controlling the variation display of the symbols L, M, and R, and the display of the background map. The processing program executed by the CPU 91 and the three symbols L, M, R A program ROM 93 for storing the color of the character figure to be displayed, a work RAM 94 for temporarily storing data, and a character number as three pattern numbers to be displayed on the special symbol display device 40 and for determining their colors. VRAM 95 for writing pallet numbers, character figures and backgrounds to be variably displayed as three symbols L, M, R Provided between the character ROM96 for storing a pattern, and a writable palette RAM97 color data as 32 palette number composed of 16 color number. The CPU 91 determines three symbols based on a processing program activated by a display command or the like from the main control device 70, writes the character numbers and pallet numbers into the VRAM 95, and writes pallet data into the pallet numbers written into the VRAM 95. The data is written to the corresponding pallet RAM 97 position. The VDP 92 reads the color number from the corresponding character in the character ROM 96 with reference to the character number written in the VRAM 95, reads the corresponding color data in the palette RAM 97 from the pallet number and the read color number, and displays the special symbol display device. By outputting to the special symbol display device 40, three symbols L, M, and R of the special symbol display device 40 are displayed.
[0036]
The game board 30 is provided with four special symbol change holding lamps 41 a to 41 d between the ordinary symbol display device 32 and the special symbol display device 40. The special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d are used by the game ball to start the opening 42 during the change display of the three symbols L, M, and R by the special symbol display device 40 and during the display of the special game video. Is turned on one by one from the left each time a prize is won, and is turned off in the reverse order of the lighting each time the variable display of the three symbols L, M, R by the special symbol display device 40 is started. The number of balls won in the starting port 42 during the fluctuation display or during the display of the special game moving image is shown as the number of reserved balls up to a maximum of four.
[0037]
The special winning opening 50 is normally in a closed state that does not accept a game ball, and at the time of a big hit, the large winning opening drive device 52 shown in FIG. It is driven to be repeated based on a predetermined condition. The large winning opening 50 includes a 10-count switch 54 (see FIG. 3) for counting the winning of the game ball, and a V-count for detecting that the gaming ball has won the V zone 56 provided at the right portion of the large winning opening 50. A switch 58 (see FIG. 3) is attached.
[0038]
In addition to the above, the game board 30 has a rail 62 for guiding the fired game balls on an arc, lamp windmills 64a and 64b disposed on left and right shoulders for guiding to the center of the game board 30, and a normal symbol display device operation gate. Windmills 66a and 66b arranged near 34a and 34b, a total of eight indicators 68a to 68h mounted on both sides of the special symbol display device 40, and the like are also mounted. It should be noted that a plurality of nails that guide and play the game balls to enhance the playability are not shown.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 3, the main control device 70 is configured as a microcomputer having a CPU 72 as a main component. In addition to a power supply circuit 73 for supplying power to the CPU 72, a ROM 74 for storing various processing programs and a ROM 74 for temporarily storing the processing programs are provided. A RAM 82 for storing data, a clock circuit 78 for outputting a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, and an input / output processing circuit 80 are connected by a bus 82. The main control device 70 includes a passing signal from the normal symbol starting port switches 36a and 36b, a starting signal from the special symbol starting port switch 44, a count signal from the 10 count switch 54, a V signal from the V count switch 58, An input signal from another input device 88 such as a winning switch or a prize ball counting switch is input via the input / output processing circuit 80. In addition, from the main control device 70, a drive signal to the ordinary symbol display device 32, a drive signal to the special winning opening drive device 52, and lighting of the ordinary symbol variation suspension lamps 33a to 33d and the special symbol variation suspension lamps 41a to 41d. Signal, a drive signal to the ordinary motorized accessory 46, a control signal to the audio control device 84 to which the speaker 86 is connected, a control signal to the display control device 90 which controls the display of the special symbol display device 40, a prize ball A drive signal or the like to another output device 89 such as a prize ball control device that controls payout of the game is output via the input / output processing circuit 80. The display control device 90 has the block configuration shown in FIG. 4, and outputs a control signal to the audio control device 84 and a lighting signal to a decorative lamp (not shown) as necessary. The lighting signals to the indicators 68a to 68h are output via another output device 89.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 20 thus configured will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main routine executed by the main control device 70. This routine is repeatedly executed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 msec).
[0041]
When the main routine is executed, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 executes a start winning process (step S100) illustrated in FIG. 6, a change start process (step S102) illustrated in FIG. 7, and a change stop process illustrated in FIG. (Step S104), the counter updating process (Step S106) illustrated in FIG. 9 is executed, and then the out-of-design symbol counter updating process (Step S108) illustrated in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed during the remaining time. For ease of explanation, first, the counter update process and the out-of-design symbol counter update process will be described, and then other processes will be described.
[0042]
[Counter update processing]
In the counter updating process, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 executes a process of incrementing each of the internal random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, the big hit symbol counter C3, and the variation pattern counter C4. (Step S240). As shown in FIG. 11, the internal random number counter C1 is a counter used to determine whether or not a big hit has occurred. In the present embodiment, 0 to 599 are sequentially incremented by one and the maximum value (that is, 599) Is a loop counter that returns to 0 again after reaching. The reach random number counter C2 is a counter used when deciding whether or not to perform a reach game at the time of departure. In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 increments 0 to 11 in order by one and reaches the maximum value (that is, 11). This is a loop counter that returns to 0 after the execution. The big hit symbol counter C3 is a counter used to determine a symbol (big hit symbol) when the symbols L, M, and R, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of a big hit, are stopped. In the embodiment, the loop counter increments the value from 0 to 9 in order by 1 and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value (that is, 9). The fluctuation pattern counter C4 is a counter used when determining a pattern for variably displaying the left symbol L, the middle symbol M, and the right symbol R of the special symbol display device 40. In the present embodiment, a value from 0 to 99 is sequentially set. This is a loop counter that increments by one and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value (that is, 99). When each counter is updated in this way, each counter is stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S242), and the counter update processing ends.
[0043]
[Missing symbol counter update processing]
In the missing symbol counter updating process, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of incrementing the missing symbol left counter CL (step S250). As shown in FIG. 11, the off symbol left counter CL is a counter used to determine the symbol when the variation of the left symbol L is stopped when it is off, and in the present embodiment, 0 to 9 are sequentially set to the value 1. This is a loop counter that increments by one and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value (that is, 9). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the off symbol left counter CL has a value of 0 (step S252). If the off symbol left counter CL has a value of 0, the off symbol right counter CR is incremented (step S254). The off symbol right counter CR is a counter used to determine the symbol when the fluctuation of the right symbol R at the time of departure is stopped. In the present embodiment, values from 0 to 9 are sequentially set similarly to the off symbol left counter CL. This is a loop counter that increments by one and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value (ie, 9). Similarly, it is determined whether or not the off symbol right counter CR has a value of 0 (step S256). If the off symbol right counter CR has a value of 0, the out of symbol counter CM is incremented (step S258). Here, the missing symbol counter CM is a counter used to determine a symbol when the variation of the middle symbol M is stopped when the symbol is lost, and in the present embodiment, the missing symbol left counter CL and the missing symbol right counter CR are used. Similarly, this is a loop counter that increments the values from 0 to 9 in order by 1 and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value (that is, 9).
[0044]
When all the off symbol counters CL, CR, CM are incremented, when the off symbol left counter CL is determined not to be the value 0 in Step S252, or when the off symbol right counter CR is determined to not the value 0 in Step S256. Determines whether the value of the off symbol left counter CL matches the value of the off symbol right counter CR (step S260). When the value of the off symbol left counter CL does not match the value of the off symbol right counter CR, the values of the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are stored in the off symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S262), this routine ends. On the other hand, when the value of the missing symbol left counter CL matches the value of the missing symbol right counter CR, it is determined whether or not the value of the missing symbol counter CM also matches (step S264). When the value of the off symbol left counter CL matches the value of the off symbol right counter CR, but the value of the off symbol inside counter CM is different, the values of the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76. The result is stored in the out-of-reach symbol buffer (step S266), and this routine ends. When all of the values of the respective missing symbol counters CL, CM, CR match, the value is not a missing symbol, and the value of each of the missing symbol counters CL, CM, CR is stored in the missing symbol buffer or the missing reach symbol buffer. End the routine.
[0045]
As can be seen from the flowchart of the main routine illustrated in FIG. 5, the out-of-design symbol counter updating process is repeatedly performed at intervals of a predetermined time during the idle time until the main routine is executed. Therefore, other counters such as the internal random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 are counted up each time the main routine is executed, whereas the left symbol CL is free every time the main routine is executed. Counts up each time it is executed repeatedly.
[0046]
[Start winning process]
In the start winning process, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not a game ball has won the start port 42 (step S200). This determination can be made based on whether or not the special symbol starting port switch 44 is turned on. When it is determined that the game ball has won the starting port 42, it is checked whether or not the number of reserved balls N is less than 4 (step S202). This is because, as described above, in the present embodiment, there are four hold upper limit values.
[0047]
When the number N of retained balls is less than 4, the number N of retained balls is incremented by 1 (step S204), and one of the special symbol change pending lamps 41a to 41d is turned on in order from the left (step S206). The internal random number counter value, the reach random number counter value, the big hit symbol counter value, the large hit symbol counter value, and the missing symbol counter set value stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 76 in step S242 of the updating process and step S262 of the missing symbol counter of FIG. Each of the out-of-design symbol counters CL, CM, and CR temporarily stored in the buffer is stored in the first of the free storage areas of the reserved sphere storage area set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step). S208). FIG. 12 shows an example of the structure of the reserved ball storage area. As shown in the figure, the reserved ball storage area is composed of one execution area and four reserved areas (reserved first to fourth areas), and each area has an internal random number counter value, a reach random number counter value, and a big hit symbol counter value. , Can store a set value of a missing symbol counter.
[0048]
After the process of storing each counter value in the reserved ball storage area is completed, when it is determined in step S200 that the game ball has not won the starting port 42, or when the number of reserved balls N is less than 4 in step S202. If not, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls N is greater than 0 (step S210), and the special symbol display device 40 displays three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right. It is determined whether a variable display is being performed or a big hit is being performed (step S212). If the number N of reserved balls is not the value 0 and the special symbol display device 40 is not displaying the fluctuation or the big hit, the variable permission flag F1 is set to 1 (step S214), the routine is terminated, and the number of reserved balls is returned. When N is a value of 0, the special symbol display device 40 is displaying a change, or a big hit is occurring, this routine ends without setting the change permission flag F1 to 1. The change permission flag F1 is a flag indicating whether or not the start condition is satisfied, and when set to 1, indicates that the start condition is satisfied.
[0049]
[Change start processing]
In the change start process, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of determining whether or not the change permission flag F1 has a value of 1 (step S220). When the change permission flag F1 is not the value 1, whether the number N of reserved balls is the value 0, the special symbol display device 40 is displaying the three symbols L, M, R of the left, the middle, and the right in the variable display, or the big hit In this case, the present routine is terminated.
[0050]
When the change permission flag F1 has the value 1, the special symbol change holding lamps 41a to 41d are turned off one by one from the right side (step S222), and the number N of holding balls is decremented by 1 (step S224). A process of shifting the data stored in the storage area is performed (Step S226). This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas illustrated in FIG. 12 by one block toward the execution area. That is, the data in the reserved first area is in the execution area, the data in the reserved second area is in the reserved first area, the data in the reserved third area is in the reserved second area, and the data in the reserved fourth area is the reserved third area. This is the process of moving to.
[0051]
Next, a process of determining a display command is performed (step S227). As shown in FIG. 13, the display command includes a stop symbol command for setting a symbol when the three symbols L, M, and R of the left, middle, and right are stopped after the change, on the special symbol display device 40, and a special symbol command. And a variation pattern command for setting variation patterns of three symbols L, M, and R by the symbol display device 40. Then, the display command determined in step S227 is transmitted to the display control device 90 via the input / output processing circuit 80 (step S228), and the value 0 is set in the variation permission flag F1 (step S229). finish. Upon receiving the display command, the display control device 90 displays the three symbols L, M, and R of the special symbol display device 40 in a variable manner in accordance with the variation pattern command among the display commands, and also confirms it later. When a command is received, the variable display of the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40 is stopped according to the stop symbol command. The display command determination processing in step S227 is performed using the flowchart illustrated in FIG.
[0052]
[Display command decision processing]
In the display command determination processing, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is a big hit. It is determined based on the relationship between the game mode and the game mode (either the normal mode or the probability change mode) (step S300). Specifically, the internal random number counter value is a numerical value of any of 0 to 599, of which 7 and 307 are hit values in the normal mode, and a number (7, 67) whose remainder when divided by 60 is 7 , 127,...) Are determined as the hit values in the probability change mode. Therefore, the jackpot determination is performed by determining whether the internal random number counter value is either 7 or 307 in the normal mode, and the internal random number counter value of 7, 67, 127,... This is performed by determining whether any one of them is present. The jackpot probability is 1/300 for the former and about 1/67 for the latter. In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 20 is set to the normal mode when the power is turned on, and thereafter, when a predetermined probability change pattern causes a big hit, the subsequent large hit probability becomes the probability change mode, and a pattern other than the probability change pattern (a normal pattern). When it hits the jackpot, it becomes the normal mode. Note that the probability change is an abbreviation of the probability change.
[0053]
When it is determined that a big hit has occurred, the value of the big hit symbol counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is set as the stop symbol command of the display command of FIG. 13 (step S310). In the present embodiment, the big hit symbol counter value is a numerical value of any one of 0 to 9, and the numerical value becomes a symbol as it is. In addition, odd symbols among 0 to 9 are probable symbols, and even symbols are normal symbols. After setting the value of the big hit symbol counter C3 to the stop symbol command in step S310, a big hit variation pattern command determination process illustrated in FIG. 15 is performed (step S312), and this routine ends. In the big hit variation pattern command determination process, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in the buffer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S340). (Step S342), and when the variation pattern counter C4 is equal to or greater than 20 and less than 70, the pattern C is set to the variation pattern command (Step S344). When the variation pattern counter C4 is equal to or greater than 70, the pattern is set. D is set as a variation pattern command (step S346). Each pattern will be described later.
[0054]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S300 that the hit is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the value of the reach random number counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is reach (step S302). In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is any one of 0 to 11, and for example, it is determined whether or not there is reach by determining whether or not it is "7". When it is determined that there is a reach, the values of the off symbol left counter CL, the off symbol middle counter CM, and the off symbol right counter CR stored in the off symbol buffer (see FIG. 11) of the RAM 76 are set to the stop symbol command. Then (step S320), an off-reach variation pattern command determination process shown in FIG. 16 is performed (step S322), and this routine ends. In the out-of-reach variation pattern command determination process, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in a buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S350). If the variation pattern counter C4 is less than 50, the pattern B is varied. When the variation pattern counter C4 is equal to or greater than 50 and less than 85, the pattern C is set to a variation pattern command (step S354). When the variation pattern counter C4 is equal to or greater than 85, the pattern D is set to the variation pattern command. (Step S356). The setting of the pattern D will be further described later. If it is determined that there is no reach in step S302, the values of the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area are set to the stop symbol command (step S330), and the pattern A is changed. This is set as a fluctuation pattern command (step S332), and this routine is terminated.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, each variation pattern is set as follows. The pattern A starts the variation display of the three symbols L, M, and R of the left, middle, and right by the special symbol display device 40, stops the left symbol L after 7 seconds, and displays the right symbol R after 8 seconds. The pattern is set as a pattern for stopping and stopping the middle symbol M after 9 seconds. The pattern B starts the variable display of the three symbols L, M, R of the left, middle and right by the special symbol display device 40, stops the left symbol L after 7 seconds, and changes the right symbol R after 8 seconds. The pattern is set as a so-called normal reach pattern in which the pattern is stopped, the medium symbol M is fluctuated at a low speed for 7 seconds, and then stopped. The pattern C is set as a so-called super-reach pattern in which the fluctuation display of the middle symbol M is stopped at the stop timing of the middle symbol M of the pattern B for another 5 seconds at a high speed without stopping. In the pattern D, an operation of temporarily stopping after starting the variable display and displaying a temporarily stopped symbol (hereinafter referred to as “single operation”) is performed at least once within a predetermined time (here, within 60 seconds), A list of temporarily stopped symbols obtained each time the operation is stopped is displayed, and the pattern is set as a pattern for determining a stopped symbol from the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list. The pattern D is also described as a type of reach for convenience.
[0056]
[Change stop processing]
In the fluctuation stop processing, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not a big hit is occurring (S230). Here, the big hit includes a special game displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the big hit and a predetermined time after the end of the special game. The predetermined time after the end of the special game is set as, for example, a time required for adjusting each state of the pachinko machine 20 or the like. If it is determined that it is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern has ended (S232). This process is performed by determining whether or not the time has elapsed since the variation time is set for each variation pattern as described in the variation start process. When the fluctuation time is over, the stop symbol set for stopping and confirming the fluctuation display is transmitted to the display control device 90 as a confirmation command (S234). Then, the display control device 90 that has received the confirmation command stops the change of the special symbol display device 40 and displays the stopped symbol. Subsequently, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 determines whether or not a big hit has occurred (S236), and in the case of a big hit, transmits a big hit execution command to the display control device 90, the big winning opening drive device 52, or the like (S238). Then, this routine ends. After receiving the jackpot execution command, the display control device 90 displays the number of rounds and the number of winnings in the special winning opening after displaying the stop symbol, and also displays a special game moving image. The special winning opening driving device 52 drives the opening and closing of the special winning opening 50. Here, the big hit determination in S236 is performed in the display command determination process (FIG. 14) in S227 in the variation start process, and the determination result may be used, or may be stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. The determination may be made using the value of the internal random number counter C1 that has been set. When it is determined in S230 that a big hit is being performed, when it is determined in S232 that the fluctuation time has not ended, or when it is determined that the big hit is not a big hit in S236, the present routine is terminated after the determination.
[0057]
Here, an example of the display screen of the pattern D is shown in FIG. The special symbol display device 40 can display a list of up to five temporary display symbols generated for each single action, and a main display area 402 for displaying the state from the start of the variable display to the temporary stop, that is, the single action. The first to fifth temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404e and the remaining time display area 406 for displaying the remaining time of the pattern D are provided, and each symbol L, M, R of the main display area 402 and each stop are provided. The symbol display areas 404a to 404f and the remaining time display area 406 are displayed so as not to overlap with each other. The pattern D includes patterns D11 to D55 as shown in the table of FIG. 18, and the tenth digit of the two-digit number after D is a display command (FIG. 13) sent from the main control device 70. The reference symbol indicates the number of times a single stop operation is to be displayed after the stop symbol command included in the stop symbol command, ie, the number of times the stop symbol is displayed. Represent. Thus, the tens digit is greater than the ones digit. Which one of the patterns D11 to D55 is set as the pattern D is set in the big hit variation pattern command determination process in step S346 to one of the patterns D11 to D55 based on C4 as shown in FIG. In the out-of-reach variation pattern command determination processing, when setting the pattern D in step S356, as shown in FIG. 18B, the pattern D is set to one of the patterns D11 to D55 based on C4. As can be seen from FIG. 18, the patterns D11 to D55 are not weighted and are equally distributed, but may be weighted.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 19, the display control device 90 includes first to fifth time-table counters TDC1 to TDC5 for executing the pattern D. It is used to determine the time required for each single operation when performing the single operation. Here, the minimum time required for a single operation is 5 seconds. The first to fifth timetable counters TDC1 to TDC5 are loop counters that sequentially increment the value from 0 to the maximum value by one and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Among them, the first time-table counter TDC1 is a loop counter having a maximum value of 55 since the time t1 required for the first single operation is an integer number of seconds from 5 seconds to 60 seconds and has 56 types. Each one-to-one corresponds to an integer second of 5 seconds to 60 seconds (see FIG. 20). The second timetable counter TDC2 subtracts 1 from the total number of combinations in which the time t1 required for the first single operation and the time t2 required for the second single operation are each an integer of 5 to 55 seconds and t1 + t2 ≦ 60 seconds. This is a loop counter in which the counter value is the maximum value of the counter, and each counter value corresponds to a combination of t1 and t2 on a one-to-one basis (see FIG. 20). The third timetable counter TDC3 has a time t1 required for the first single operation, a time t2 required for the second single operation, and a time t3 required for the third single operation, each being an integer second of 5 to 50 seconds, and t1 + t2 + t3 ≦ 60. This is a loop counter in which the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the total number of combinations of seconds is the maximum value of the counter, and each counter value corresponds to the combination of t1, t2, and t3 on a one-to-one basis (see FIG. 20). The fourth time-table counter TDC4 indicates that the time t1 required for the first single operation, the time t2 required for the second single operation, the time t3 required for the third single operation, and the time t4 required for the fourth single operation are each 5 This is a loop counter in which the maximum value of the counter is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the total number of combinations in which t1 + t2 + t3 + t4 ≦ 60 seconds in integer seconds of up to 45 seconds, and each counter value is a pair of t1, t2, t3, and t4. 1 (see FIG. 20). The fifth timetable counter TDC5 includes a time t1 required for the first single operation, a time t2 required for the second single operation, a time t3 required for the third single operation, a time t4 required for the fourth single operation, and a fifth time. Is a loop counter having a maximum value of a counter obtained by subtracting 1 from the total number of combinations in which t1 + t2 + t3 + t4 + t5 ≦ 60 seconds in which the time t5 required for the single operation is 5 to 40 seconds, and each counter value is t1, There is a one-to-one correspondence with the combination of t2, t3, t4, and t5 (see FIG. 20). Note that the remaining time when all the operations are completed before the lapse of 60 seconds continues to be changed and displayed.
[0059]
Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the display control device 90 has symbol counters DCL, DCM, DCR similar to the respective off symbol counters CL, CM, CR of the main control device 70. Among them, the symbol left counter DCL is a counter for determining the left symbol of the temporarily stopped symbol, the symbol counter DCM is a counter for determining the middle symbol of the temporarily stopped symbol, and the symbol right counter DCR is a symbol for the temporarily stopped symbol. It is a counter for determining the right symbol.
[0060]
As preparation for executing the pattern D, the CPU 91 of the display control device 90 reads a pattern D-related counter update processing program from the program ROM 93 every predetermined time (for example, every several msec) and executes it. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the pattern D-related counter updating process. When the pattern D-related counter updating process is started, the CPU 91 first updates the values of the first to fifth timetable counters TDC1 to TDC5 by 1 (step S500), and stores the value of each timetable counter in the work RAM 94. Is stored in the counter buffer (see FIG. 19) set in the predetermined area (step S502). Next, the symbol left counter DCL is incremented (step S504). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the symbol left counter DCL has a value of 0 (step S506). If the symbol left counter DCL has a value of 0, the symbol right counter DCR is incremented (step S508). Subsequently, it is determined whether the symbol right counter DCR has a value of 0 (step S510). If the symbol right counter DCR is a value of 0, the symbol counter DCM is incremented (step S512). When the symbol counters DCL, DCR, and DCM are all incremented, when the symbol left counter DCL is determined not to be the value 0 in step S506, or when the symbol right counter DCR is determined to be not the value 0 in step S510, The values of the symbol counters DCL, DCM, and DCR are stored in the symbol buffer (see FIG. 19) in the counter buffer of the work RAM 94 (step S514), and this routine ends. The symbol buffer of the counter buffer can store the first to fourth symbol counter set values as shown in FIG. 19, and the first time after the power is turned on, the pattern D related counter update processing is performed in the first pattern buffer. Stored in the symbol counter set value, stored in the second symbol counter set value for the second time, stored in the third symbol counter set value for the third time, and stored in the fourth symbol counter set value for the fourth time Then, each time the pattern D-related counter updating process is performed, the first to fourth symbol counter set values are sequentially updated. In the present embodiment, four symbol counter set values are provided. However, since a single operation of a maximum of five times is performed within a predetermined time, that is, within 60 seconds in the pattern D, a maximum of four temporary stop symbols are required. Because it becomes.
[0061]
Next, when the variation pattern command of the display command received from the main control device 70 is the pattern D, that is, any one of the patterns D11 to D55, the display controller 90 causes the CPU 91 to execute the pattern D corresponding processing program from the program ROM 93. Read and do this. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the pattern D corresponding process. When the pattern D corresponding processing is started, the CPU 91 first recognizes the number of single operations and the number of times of displaying a stopped symbol (step S600). That is, it recognizes which one of the variation pattern commands is the pattern D11 to the pattern D55. If the variation pattern command is the pattern D11, as shown in FIG. In the case of D12, the number of times of the single operation is two times and the number of times of displaying the stop symbol is the first time, and so on. Subsequently, in the first to fifth temporary stop symbol areas (see FIG. 19) of the pattern D storage area in the work RAM 94, the m-th temporary stop corresponding to the display number (m-th time) of the stop symbol is set. The stop symbol corresponding to the stop symbol command of the display command is stored in the symbol area (step S602). Subsequently, a time-table counter value corresponding to the number of single operations is read from the counter buffer, and the time required for each single operation is read according to the time-table counter value. An area is set (step S603). For example, if the number of single operations is two, the second timetable counter value is read, and the combination of times t1 and t2 required for each single operation according to the second timetable counter value is read with reference to the table of FIG. , Set them in the timetable area. Subsequently, the first to fifth symbol counter set values are sequentially read out from the symbol buffer and sequentially stored in a free area other than the m-th temporary stop symbol area in the pattern D storage area of FIG. 19 (step S604). Subsequently, based on the data stored in the pattern D storage area, display control of the special symbol display device 40 is performed, and a control signal is output to the voice control device 84 in accordance with the display to execute voice control. Or an on / off signal is output to a decorative lamp (not shown) to execute lamp control (step S606), and this routine ends.
[0062]
Next, a specific example of the pattern D will be described. Here, the display command is pattern D55, the stop symbols are "5", "5", and "5", and the fifth timetable counter value of the work RAM 94 is t1 = 5 seconds, t2 = 15 seconds, t3 = 10 seconds, This is a value corresponding to the combination of t4 = 10 seconds and t5 = 15 seconds, and the first to fourth symbol counter set values in the symbol buffer are “1,” “2,” “3,” “7,” “7,” and “7. , "3", "4", "1", "2", "2", and "2". First, in step S600 of FIG. 22, the display control device 90 recognizes that the number of single operations is five and the number of times of displaying the stopped symbol is fifth because the current variation pattern command is the pattern D55, and in step S602, The current stop symbols “5”, “5” and “5” are stored in the fifth temporary stop symbol area. In the next step S603, the fifth time-table counter value corresponding to the single operation 5 times is read out, and the corresponding data, ie, t1 = 5 seconds, t2 = 15 seconds, t3 = 10 seconds, t4 = 10 seconds, t5 = 15 seconds Is read and stored in the timetable area in the storage area for pattern D in FIG. In the subsequent step S604, four temporary stop symbols are required when the single operation is performed five times. Therefore, the first symbol counter set values "1", "2" and "3" are read out and stored in the pattern D storage area of FIG. , The second symbol counter set value “7”, “7”, “7” is stored in the second temporary stop symbol area, and the third symbol counter set value “3”. “4” and “1” are stored in the third temporary stop symbol area, and the fourth symbol counter set values “2”, “2” and “2” are stored in the fourth temporary stop symbol area. Then, in step S606, display control, voice control, and lamp control are performed based on the data in the pattern D storage area.
[0063]
The display control executed at this time will be described with reference to FIG. First, the temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404e of the special symbol display device 40 are displayed as blank, "60 seconds remaining" is displayed in the remaining time display area 406, and each symbol L, M, The variable display of R is started (see FIG. 23A). That is, the first single operation is started. Five seconds after the start of the variable display, "55 remaining" is displayed in the remaining time display area 406, and the first single operation is stopped in the main display area 402, and the first single operation in the pattern D storage area is temporarily stopped. "1", "2", and "3" stored in the temporary stop symbol area are displayed (see FIG. 23B). Thereafter, “1”, “2”, and “3” are displayed in the first temporarily stopped symbol display area 404a, and the variable display of each symbol L, M, and R is restarted in the main display area 402 (FIG. c)). That is, the second single operation is started. Fifteen seconds later, "40 seconds remaining" is displayed in the remaining time display area 406, and the second single operation is stopped in the main display area 402 and stored in the second temporary stop symbol area as a temporary stop symbol. "7", "7", and "7" are displayed (see FIG. 23D). Thereafter, “1”, “2”, “3”, “7”, “7” and “7” are displayed in a list in the first and second temporary stop symbol display areas 404a and 404b, respectively. The variable display of the symbols L, M, R is restarted (see FIG. 23 (e)). That is, the third single operation is started.
[0064]
Thereafter, after the single operation is repeated, when the fifth single operation is stopped, "5 seconds remaining" is displayed in the remaining time display area 406, and a fifth temporary stop symbol area is displayed in the main display area 402 as a temporary stop symbol. Is displayed (see FIG. 23 (f)). Thereafter, “1”, “2”, “3”, “7”, “7”, “7”, “3”, “4”, “1”, and “2” are respectively displayed in the first to fifth temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404e. "2""2","5""5""5" are displayed in a list, and the variable display of each symbol L, M, R is restarted in the main display area 402 (see FIG. 23 (g)). ). That is, the sixth single operation is started. Then, 60 seconds after the beginning, “0 seconds remaining” is displayed in the remaining time display area 406 and the main display area 402 disappears, and each temporary stop symbol is displayed in a list in each temporary stop symbol display area 404a to 404e, A decision frame 408 surrounding the outer frame of the first temporary stop symbol display area 404a with a thick line is displayed (see FIG. 23 (h)). Then, the decision frame 408 moves so as to sequentially surround the respective temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404e (see FIG. 23 (i)), and finally corresponds to the stop symbol command of the display command from the main control device 70. The decision frame 408 stops in the stopped symbol, that is, the fifth temporarily stopped symbol display area 404e (see FIG. 23 (j)), and the temporarily stopped symbols "5", "5", and "5" become enlarged stopped symbols. (See FIG. 22 (k)). Since the sixth single operation is started but not stopped, the number of single operations of the pattern D55 is five.
[0065]
The player playing the pachinko machine 20 on which such a pattern D is displayed becomes disappointed when the temporarily stopped symbol after the single operation is disengaged as shown in FIG. When the temporary stop symbol after the single operation is a big hit symbol as in d), the user feels happy. Then, when the decision frame 408 starts to move as shown in FIG. 23 (i), the big hit symbols (“7”, “7”, “7”) among the five temporarily stopped symbols displayed in a list in the temporarily stopped symbol display areas 404a to 404e are displayed. , "2""2""2","5""5""5"), and it is expected that the decision frame 408 will stop, and odd-numbered odd-variable symbols ("7") among the big hit symbols It is strongly expected that the decision frame 408 stops at “7” “7”, “5” “5” “5”). Also, for example, immediately before the state shown in FIG. 23 (f), the ratio of the big hit symbol in the first to fourth temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404d is 50%, whereas in FIG. Since the ratio is 60%, the player finally feels that the stopped symbol easily becomes a big hit symbol when the screen of FIG. 23 (f) is displayed. In addition, the player plays the game while expecting as many temporary hit symbols as temporary stop symbols as much as possible within a predetermined time of 60 seconds. On the other hand, if the big hit symbol comes out at the time when the first single action is stopped, after the variable display is restarted, the player expects the remaining time to be 0 seconds without stopping the variable display. While playing the game. As described above, when the pattern D is displayed, it is possible to play a game with a different interest from the conventional reach action.
[0066]
According to the pachinko machine 20 of the present embodiment described in detail above, in the pattern D, the player feels that the larger the ratio of the big hit symbol in the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list is, the more easily the stopped symbol becomes the big hit symbol. Therefore, the player plays the game while expecting as many temporary hit symbols as temporary stop symbols within a predetermined time, that is, within 60 seconds. Since such a variation pattern has not been known in the past, according to this gaming machine, it is possible to give the player a different interest than in the past when determining whether or not to enter an advantageous gaming state.
[0067]
Further, in the pattern D, a large hit symbol and a miss symbol are mixed in a plurality of temporary stop symbols displayed as a list as shown in FIGS. 23 (h) to (j). Play while expecting to be a stop symbol. In this respect, it is possible to give the player a different interest from the conventional art.
[0068]
Further, in the pattern D, the elapsed time from the start of the variable display is displayed as the "remaining time" on the special symbol display device 40 to notify the player's vision and the player can grasp how much time has elapsed. The player can play while playing, and as the remaining time approaches zero, the interest of the player increases.
[0069]
Furthermore, since the time-table counters TDC1 to TDC5 are updated every few ms and the time required for each single operation is determined according to the counter value, the time required for each single operation is determined at random. Further, the number of single operations in the pattern D is also randomly determined by the value of the variation pattern counter C4. Therefore, since the player does not know how many times the single action is performed or when one single action is stopped, the expectation that the player wants the player to stop early or do not stop as it is is likely to increase.
[0070]
In addition, during the period in which the single operation is being performed, the pachinko machine 20 performs the single operation in order to display the main display region 402 displaying the state of the single operation and the respective temporary stop symbol display regions 404a to 404e so as not to overlap. Even during the execution, the player can easily check all the temporary stop symbols up to that time.
[0071]
Further, when the fluctuation pattern command received from the main control device 70 is the pattern D, the display control device 90 itself determines the temporary stop symbol and executes the display control. Does not get heavy. In addition, since the display control device 90 also controls the lamp display and the sound generation, it is possible to appropriately control the lamp display and the sound generation in accordance with the display contents of the symbols.
[0072]
It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments at all, and various forms can be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
[0073]
For example, in the embodiment described above, the elapsed time from the start of the pattern D is displayed on the special symbol display device 40 to notify the player, but instead or in addition to this, a voice is output through the speaker 86. The elapsed time may be communicated to the player. Alternatively, a display plate may be provided other than the special symbol display device 40, and the elapsed time may be displayed on the display plate.
[0074]
In the above-described embodiment, the remaining time is reported at one-second intervals. However, the remaining time may be reported at several-second intervals. The notification may be made at intervals of one second by shortening the interval.
[0075]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display control device 90 randomly determines the time required for each single operation, but the main control device 70 may select and determine the time from a number of time lengths. In this case, even in the case of a single action, the time required for the single action is determined by selecting from a plurality of time lengths, so that it is difficult for the player to understand when the change stops in one change display. Therefore, similarly to the case where the time required for a single operation is randomly determined, an expectation that the player wants to stop early or not stop as it is is likely to increase.
[0076]
Further, in FIG. 23, the time when the predetermined time of 60 seconds elapses does not match the end of the variable display, but the time when the predetermined time elapses and the end of the variable display may match. At this time, “0 seconds remaining” is displayed on the screen where the fifth single operation is stopped, that is, the screen of FIG.
[0077]
In the above-described embodiment, the main display area 402 for displaying the state of the single operation and the temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404e are displayed so as not to overlap during the period in which the single operation is being executed. The display area 402 and a part of the temporary stop symbol display area may be displayed so as to overlap with each other, and the main display area 402 may be erased every time the single operation is stopped to display the entire temporary stop symbol display area. For example, the number of single operations is set to eight, and eight temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404h are displayed as shown in FIG. 24. During the period in which the single operation is being executed, the operation is shown in FIG. Thus, the temporary stop symbol display areas 404d to 404f are displayed so as to overlap with the main display area 402, and after the single operation is stopped, the temporary stop symbols "5", "5", and "5" are displayed in the main display area 402 ( Then, the main display area 402 is erased to display all the temporary stop symbol display areas 404a to 404h (see FIG. 24C). May be started (see FIG. 24D). In this way, while the pachinko machine 20 is executing the single operation, it may not be possible to confirm all the temporarily stopped symbols up to that time, but every time the single operation is stopped, the list of the temporarily stopped symbols is completely deleted. Since it is displayed (see FIG. 24 (c)), the player can confirm all of the temporarily stopped symbols at that time.
[0078]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 20 is illustrated, but the present invention may be applied to a slot machine, a fusion machine of a slot machine and a pachinko machine, and other game machines. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment viewed from the front.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a game board of a pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram mainly showing the configuration of a display control device 90;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a start winning process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a change start process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a fluctuation stop process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a counter update process.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a missing symbol counter updating process.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a counter buffer and various counters of the main control device.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a reserved ball storage area.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a display command.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a display command determination process.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a jackpot variation pattern command determination process.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an off-reach variation pattern command determination process.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a pattern D.
FIG. 18 is a table showing a relationship between a value of a variation pattern counter C4 and patterns D11 to D55.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a symbol buffer and various counters of the display control device.
FIG. 20 is a table showing a relationship between each timetable counter value and a time (t1 or the like) required for each single operation.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a pattern D-related counter update process.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a pattern D corresponding process.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a variation mode of a pattern D.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a variation mode of a pattern D.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference numeral 20: pachinko machine, 30: game board, 32: normal symbol display device, 40: special symbol display device, 41a to 41d: special symbol change holding lamp, 42: starting port, 44: special symbol starting port switch, 46: normal Motorized accessory, 50: large winning opening, 52: large winning opening driving device, 70: main control device, 84: audio control device, 90: display control device, 402: main display area, 404: temporary stop symbol display Area, 406: remaining time display area, C1: internal random number counter, C2: reach random number counter, C3: big hit symbol counter, C4: variable pattern counter, CL: missing symbol left counter, CM: missing symbol counter, CR: missing Symbol right counter, DCL: Symbol left counter, DCM: Symbol counter, DCR: Symbol right counter, L: Left symbol, M: Middle symbol, R: Right symbol.

Claims (1)

Symbol display means capable of variably displaying symbols,
When a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the symbol display means starts the variable display of the symbols, and the control is performed such that the stopped symbol after the end of the variable display is a required symbol to be in a game state advantageous to the player. In a gaming machine provided with means,
The control means includes:
As one of the fluctuation patterns of the symbol display means when the starting condition is satisfied, an operation of starting the fluctuation display by the symbol display means and then temporarily stopping to display a temporary stop symbol is a predetermined predetermined pattern. It has a pattern of performing at least once in time, displaying a list of temporarily stopped symbols obtained each time the variable display is once stopped, and determining a stopped symbol from the temporarily stopped symbols displayed in the list. Gaming machine.

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