JP2005168917A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine reducing the fatigue of the eyes of a player playing a game for a long period of time by improving the visibility of special patterns. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a variable display game executing means executing a variable display game defining an interval from starting the variable display of a plurality of special symbols to determining a stationary state as a one-round game, and a retaining means receiving that a game ball enters in the starting device during playing the variable display game, and retaining the number of times of variable display games according to the number of game balls entering a starting device. The variable display game executing means is characterized in receiving that the number of times of the variable display games retained by the retaining means is changed, moving the plurality of special symbols displalyed in a single special pattern display area to another special pattern display area according to the number of times of the retained variable display games, and expanding the area of the special pattern display area displayed with the plurality of special symbols. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine, a lottery for determining whether to win or lose is performed in response to the game ball entering the starting device, and if the result of the lottery is a big hit, a display device In the variable display game performed in the above, after a plurality of special symbols are stopped and displayed in a winning combination, a big win state occurs, for example, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, An advantageous situation is provided.

In such a pachinko gaming apparatus, for example, as in the pachinko gaming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the result of the lottery performed in response to the game ball entering the starter is stored in the RAM or the like. When a variable display game is in progress on the display device, a hold lamp provided in the vicinity of the display device is turned on. The player is shown that the game has been put on hold. A plurality of hold lamps are usually provided, and the player can recognize the number of variable display games held by the number of the hold lamps lit.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-680

However, in a pachinko gaming apparatus that turns on the holding lamp when the variable display game is put on hold, a device such as a holding lamp or a control circuit for controlling lighting of the holding lamp is separately required. This was one of the causes of an increase in the number of parts related to the manufacture of the device.

Further, by providing the holding lamp on the game board, an area through which the game ball launched on the game board can pass and an area in which the obstacle nail can be implanted on the game board are limited. For this reason, there is a problem that diversity in the falling direction of the game balls cannot be provided, the movement of the game balls becomes monotonous, and the interest of the pachinko game itself is lost.

Therefore, the present inventor arranges a plurality of special figure display areas on the screen of the display device, which can display and stop displaying special symbols. A pachinko gaming apparatus that displays special symbols in a special figure display area has been studied. In such a pachinko gaming machine, the number of holds can be recognized from the position where the special symbol is displayed on the screen of the display device, so a hold lamp, a control circuit for controlling lighting of the hold lamp, etc. It is possible to provide a pachinko gaming apparatus in which can be omitted.

However, in the pachinko gaming machine as described above, the screen of the display device is divided into a plurality of parts and a special symbol is displayed in a part of the screen, so that the displayed special symbol becomes small and difficult to visually recognize. was there.
For example, in the case where the upper limit value of the number of holds is 4 and the screen of the display device is equally divided into five special figure display areas corresponding to the number of holds 0 to 4, like a normal pachinko gaming device, a special figure display Since the area of the area becomes one fifth of the area of the screen of the display device, the special symbol displayed in the special figure display area also becomes small and difficult to visually recognize. As a result, there is a problem that eyes are tired when watching a special symbol that is displayed in a variable manner or stopped for a long time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is a gaming machine capable of improving the visibility of special symbols and reducing eye fatigue of a player who plays a game for a long time. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the following.
(1) There is provided a display device in which a plurality of special figure display areas capable of at least a variation display and a stop display of a plurality of special symbols are arranged,
Variable display game execution means for executing a variable display game in which the period from when the variable display of the plurality of special symbols is started until the stop state is confirmed is one game;
During execution of the variable display game, in response to the game ball entering the starter provided on the game board, the number of the variable display game is suspended according to the number of game balls that have entered the starter. And holding means to
The variable display game executing means is displayed in one special figure display area in response to a change in the number of variable display games held by the holding means during execution of the variable display game. A plurality of special symbols are moved to the other special symbol display areas corresponding to the number of the variable display games held, and the area of the special symbol display area where the plurality of special symbols are displayed is expanded. A gaming machine characterized by that.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) Provided is a display device in which a plurality of special figure display areas capable of at least a variation display and a stop display of a plurality of special symbols are arranged,
Variable display game execution means for executing a variable display game in which the period from when the variable display of the plurality of special symbols is started until the stop state is confirmed is one game;
During execution of the variable display game, in response to the game ball entering the starter provided on the game board, the number of the variable display game is suspended according to the number of game balls that have entered the starter. And holding means to
The variable display game execution means starts the next variable display game in the special figure display area according to the number of the variable display games held at the end of the variable display game, and the plurality of special symbols. A game machine characterized by expanding the area of the special figure display area on which is displayed.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) The gaming machine according to (1) or (2) above,
The display device includes boundary image display means for displaying a boundary image for indicating a boundary between the special figure display area and another area.

According to the invention of (1), during the execution of the variable display game, the special symbol being variably displayed by the game ball entering the starting device corresponds to the number of the variable display game being held (the number of holds). Since the player moves to the special figure display area, the player can recognize the number of holds based on the position of the special figure display area where the special symbol is displayed. As a result, a device such as a holding lamp and a control circuit for controlling lighting of the holding lamp becomes unnecessary, and the number of parts related to the manufacture of the gaming machine can be reduced.

Further, since the area of the special symbol display area where the special symbol is displayed is enlarged, the special symbol can be displayed in a large size. As a result, the visibility of the special symbol is improved, and it is possible to reduce eye fatigue of a player who plays a game for a long time.

According to the invention of (2), after the variable display game is finished, the next variable display game is started in the special figure display area corresponding to the number of holds, so that the player displays the special symbol. The number of reservations can be recognized from the position of the special figure display area. As a result, a device such as a holding lamp and a control circuit for controlling lighting of the holding lamp becomes unnecessary, and the number of parts related to the manufacture of the gaming machine can be reduced.

Further, since the area of the special symbol display area where the special symbol is displayed is enlarged, the special symbol can be displayed in a large size. As a result, the visibility of the special symbol is improved, and it is possible to reduce eye fatigue of a player who plays a game for a long time.

According to the invention of (3), since the boundary between the special figure display area and another area can be recognized, the area of one special figure display area among the plurality of special figure display areas is greatly enlarged. Even if the displayed special symbol becomes large, the player can recognize the position of the special symbol display area and can recognize the number of holds.

[First Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the embodiment described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine is shown as a preferred example of the gaming machine of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main body frame 12, a game board 14 incorporated in the main body frame 12, a window frame 16 of the main body frame 12 provided on the front surface of the game board 14, and a main body below the window frame 16. A firing handle 26 provided on the front surface of the frame 12 is disposed.

In addition, a plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are driven into the front surface of the game board 14. The game board 14 is molded from a resin material, and a metal rod-like body is implanted in the resin material game board 14 so as to protrude in the forward direction of the game board 14 without being configured to drive nails. The present invention can also be applied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 (a pachinko machine) as described above. In the present invention, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is a concept including a pachinko machine.

Further, the launch handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12, and the player can advance the pachinko game by operating the launch handle 26. On the back side of the firing handle 26, a firing motor 28 is provided. When the launch handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player, power is supplied to the launch motor 28 and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially launched onto the game board 14. Here, although the launch motor 28 is used, a launching solenoid for launching a game ball can also be used.

The launched game ball is guided to a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper part of the game board 14. After that, the game ball is changed in its traveling direction by collision with the above-described obstacle nails. It falls toward the bottom of the board 14.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing the game board 14. In addition, the same code | symbol was attached | subjected to the component corresponding to the component shown in FIG. 1 mentioned above. FIG. 2 shows the above-described obstacle nail omitted.

A display device 32 is provided in the approximate center of the front surface of the game board 14. In the display device 32, five special figure display areas 33 (33a to 33e) are arranged so that the screen is vertically divided into five. Of these five special figure display areas 33, a boundary image 34a for indicating the boundary is displayed at a part including the boundary between the special figure display area 33a and the special figure display area 33b. Similarly, the part including the boundary between the special figure display area 33b and the special figure display area 33c, the part including the boundary between the special figure display area 33c and the special figure display area 33d, and the special figure display area 33d and the special figure display area 33d. Boundary images 34b to 34d are displayed at portions including the boundary with the figure display area 33e. In each of these special figure display areas 33, three special symbols arranged vertically are displayed in a variable manner or stopped. The five special figure display areas 33 correspond to the number of holds, which is the number of times that the variable display game is put on hold, and the special figure display areas 33a to 33e correspond to the hold numbers 0 to 4, respectively.
In FIG. 2, the special figure display area 33 a on which three special symbols are displayed is larger in area than the special figure display areas 33 b to 33 e.
In addition, the game board 14 is not provided with a hold lamp that is turned on when the variable display game is put on hold. In a normal pachinko gaming apparatus, a plurality of (for example, four) holding lamps are provided on the upper side of the display device 32, for example.

A display device 52 is provided in the upper center of the display device 32. The display device 52 is configured by, for example, a seven-segment display, and ball passage detectors 55a and 55b are provided on the left and right sides of the display device 32. When the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b detect that a game ball has passed in the vicinity thereof, the normal symbol variation display is started on the display device 52 described above, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol is displayed. Stops the fluctuation display of. When this normal symbol is displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “7” and stopped, a solenoid 57 for driving movable pieces 58a and 58b provided on both the left and right sides of a starting device 44 described later. A current is supplied to (not shown), and the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven so that the game ball can easily enter the starter 44, so that the starter 44 is opened. When a predetermined time elapses after the starter 44 is opened, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven so that the starter 44 is closed to make it difficult for a game ball to enter.

A general winning device 50 is provided above the display device 52. In addition, a game ball grand prize device 38 is provided at the bottom of the game board 14. A shutter 40 is provided in the vicinity of the big prize device 38 so as to be freely opened and closed. The shutter 40 is driven by a solenoid 48 (not shown) so as to be intermittently opened when a big hit state occurs.

Special winning devices 54a and 54b are provided on the left and right sides of the display device 32 described above. Further, special winning devices 54c and 54d are provided on both the left and right sides of the lower portion of the display device 32. Further, general winning devices 56 a and 56 b are provided at the left and right ends of the game board 14, and general winning devices 56 c and 56 d are provided on both the left and right sides of the big winning device 38.

Further, in the center below the display device 32, a starter device 44 having a ball detection sensor 42 that triggers the transition of the three special symbols displayed on the display device 32 when the variable display game is started. Is provided. When a game ball wins the above-mentioned big winning device 38, starting device 44, general winning device 50 and general winning devices 56a to 56d, and special winning devices 54a to 54d, the payout device 59 makes a selection according to the type of winning device. A predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the lower plate 22.

Furthermore, on both the left and right sides of the display device 32, rolling guide members 60a and 60b for guiding the path of the game ball in a predetermined direction are also provided. In addition, decorative lamps 36a and 36b are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side outside the game board 14.

In the display device 32 described above, a portion for displaying an image showing a variable display game or the like may be a liquid crystal display panel or a cathode ray tube. Further, in the above-described example, the display device 32 is provided at the approximate center of the front surface of the game board 14 of the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 that is a gaming machine, but the player can see it. The display device 32 may be provided at any position of the gaming machine as long as the position is correct.

As described above, the variable display game is executed in response to the game ball entering the starter device 44. However, when the game ball enters the starter device 44 during the execution of the variable display game. The variable display game to be started is put on hold, and the number of hold is increased by one.

For example, when the number of holdings is 0 and the variable display game is not played in any of the special figure display areas 33 among the five special figure display areas 33 (33a to 33e) of the display device 32, The special symbol displayed in the figure display area 33a is in a stopped state, and the area of the special figure display area 33a is larger than the special figure display areas 33b to 33e. When a game ball enters the starting device 44, the variable display game A is not held and is executed as it is, so the number of hold is 0, and the variable display game A starts in the special display area 33a. Is done.

If a game ball enters the starter 44 while the variable display game A is being executed, the variable display game B to be played in response to the game ball entering the starter 44 is put on hold. The hold count increases by 1 and becomes 1. Then, the three special symbols displayed in the special figure display area 33a move to the special figure display area 33b, which is the special figure display area corresponding to the number of holds 1, and the special symbols on which the three special symbols are displayed. The area of the figure display area 33b is enlarged. At this time, the area of the special figure display area 33a on which the three special symbols are displayed before the number of holds increases is reduced.

Further, when a game ball enters the starting device 44 while the variable display game A is being executed, the number of holdings is further increased by 1 to 2 and is displayed in the special figure display area 33b. The three special symbols move to the special symbol display area 33c, which is a special symbol display area corresponding to the number of holds 2, and the area of the special symbol display area 33c on which the three special symbols are displayed is enlarged.
In this way, each time a game ball enters the starter 44 while one variable display game is running, the special symbol moves to the special symbol display area on the right side, and the special symbol display in which the special symbol is displayed. The area of the region is enlarged. At this time, the area of the special figure display area 33b on which the three special symbols are displayed before the number of reservations increases is reduced.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG.

The firing handle 26 described above is connected to an interface circuit group 62 of the control circuit 60, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to an input / output bus 64. An angle signal indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle 26 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 62 and then supplied to the input / output bus 64. The input / output bus 64 is configured such that a data signal or an address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 66 which is an arithmetic processing unit. Further, the ball detection sensors 42 and 43 are also connected to the interface circuit group 62 described above, and the ball detection sensor 42 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62 when the game ball passes through the starting device 44. . The ball detection sensor 43 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62 when a game ball enters the winning device (the general winning device 50 or 56 or the special winning device 54).
Further, a ball passage detector 55 is also connected to the interface circuit group 62. When the ball passage detector 55 detects that a game ball has passed in the vicinity thereof, it supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62. .

A ROM 68 and a RAM 70 are also connected to the input / output bus 64 described above. The ROM 68 stores a control program that controls the flow of the entire game of the pachinko gaming machine. Further, the ROM 68 displays image data of a special symbol displayed as a variable display or stopped when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, character image data including moving objects displayed as an effect screen, and the display device 32. The background image data and the moving image video image data constituting the background, sound data used for the game, initial data for executing the control program, a program for controlling the blinking operation pattern of the decoration lamp 36, and the like are stored.

Furthermore, the ROM 68 stores a probability table necessary for performing a lottery to determine that a jackpot will be generated, a program for performing a lottery using the probability table, and the like. Further, a probability table necessary for performing the above-described normal symbol lottery, a program for performing a lottery using the probability table, and the like are stored.

The RAM 70 stores flags and variable values used in the above-described program. For example, new input data, calculation results by the CPU 66, accumulated reach data indicating a game history, accumulated fluctuation number, and accumulated jackpot number are stored.

Further, the RAM 70 stores lottery data corresponding to the lottery result of the lottery performed in response to the game ball entering the starting device 44 (see FIG. 2).
Further, the RAM 70 stores the number of holds m. When the variable display game is being executed, when a game ball enters the starter 44 and a lottery is performed, and the lottery result is newly stored in the RAM 70, the number of holds m stored in the RAM 70 is m = It is newly stored as m + 1.
In addition, after the variable display game is finished, when the lottery data stored in the RAM is read and the next variable display game is performed, the holding number m is newly stored as m = m−1. It is. An upper limit value (for example, 4) is set for the number m of holding, and when the number m of holding is the same value as the upper limit, even if a game ball enters the starter 44, the lottery It is not done and the number of holds m does not change.

The CPU 66 as a control unit performs arithmetic processing by calling and executing a predetermined program, and character image data, background image data, moving image video image data, special symbol image data, In addition, sound data is transmitted as electronic data and other controls are performed.

Further, the CPU 66 reads out the image data of the special symbol that is the identification information described above, and controls the display device 32 so that the special symbol is variably displayed, or a combination state of the special symbols that are the plurality of identification information. Is controlled to be stopped and displayed on the display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

Further, an interface circuit group 72 is also connected to the input / output bus 64. The interface circuit group 72 is connected to the display device 32, the display device 52, the speaker 46, the firing motor 28, the solenoids 48 and 57, the decoration lamp 36, and the payout device 59, and the interface circuit group 72 is connected to the CPU 66. A drive signal and drive power are supplied to control each of the above-described devices according to the result of the arithmetic processing.

The screen image of the display device 32 which is a display unit is composed of an identification image on which a special symbol is displayed and an effect image on which an effect screen is displayed. By the control of the CPU 66, these two images are superimposed and combined. , Display as one image.

The solenoid 48 is for opening and closing the shutter 40 as described above, and the solenoid 57 is for opening and closing the movable pieces 58 a and 58 b provided on both the left and right sides of the starter 44.
The decorative lamp 36 blinks or lights up to indicate to the player when the game is a big hit or reach.
The payout device 59 receives a predetermined number of game balls in the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22 according to the game situation (for example, a game ball has entered the winning device, etc.) according to a control signal from the CPU 66. It is something to be paid out.

Note that, in this specification, it is described that there is one arithmetic processing device included in the control unit. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is not necessary to have one arithmetic processing device included in the control unit. The control unit mainly displays, for example, an arithmetic processing device P that progresses the game mainly by controlling each part of the pachinko gaming device 10 and a command signal from the arithmetic processing device P. And an arithmetic processing unit Q that generates an image to be displayed on the unit. The number of ROMs and RAMs included in the control unit is not necessarily one.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is activated and the variables used in the CPU 66 described above are initialized to predetermined values and are in steady operation. Note that lottery data read to start one variable display game is referred to as one lottery data.

Next, an example of a subroutine executed in the above-described control circuit will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for detecting a game ball executed in the control circuit 60 described above. This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a control program for controlling the pachinko game of the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 that is executed in advance.

First, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the winning device (step S11). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above, the winning devices are the general winning device 50, the general winning devices 56a to 56d, and the special winning devices 54a to 54d. If it is determined in step S11 that a game ball has entered the winning device, a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls according to the type of the winning device is executed (step S12).

Next, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the starting device (step S13). This starting device is, for example, the starting device 44 in the example shown in FIG.
If it is determined in step S13 that a game ball has entered the starting device, the CPU 66 then executes a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls (step S14).

When the process of step S14 is executed, the CPU 66 next executes a lottery process (step S15). This lottery process is a process of performing a lottery to determine that one of the results of jackpot and loss is generated. That is, the CPU 66 sets a probability table used for the special lottery stored in the ROM 68 in the RAM 70 and samples a random number.

Note that the process of setting the probability table in the RAM 70 does not have to be performed every time the process of step S15 is executed, and may be always set in the RAM 70. In addition, by storing a plurality of probability tables used in the lottery in the ROM 68 and setting different probability tables in the RAM 70 as necessary, the probability of generating a jackpot and the probability of generating a loss are changed. Can do.

When the processing of step S15 is executed, the CPU 66 next determines whether or not the lottery is won (step S16). That is, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the lottery result corresponding to the numerical value obtained from the result of random number sampling in the probability table set in the RAM 70 corresponds to the jackpot.

When determining in step S16 that the lottery has been won, the CPU 66 stores the lottery data corresponding to the jackpot in the RAM 70 (step S18). At this time, a big hit has occurred.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the lottery has not been won (they have been lost), the CPU 66 stores the lottery data corresponding to the loss in the RAM 70 (step S17). At this time, a disconnection has occurred.

When the processing of step S17 or step S18 is executed, the CPU 66 next determines whether or not a big hit state has occurred (step S20).

If it is determined in step S20 that the big hit state has not occurred, the CPU 66 next determines whether or not the variable display game is being executed (step S21). Note that the fact that the variable display game is being executed means that the display device 32 is in a state before the special symbol stop state is determined after the special symbol variation display is started. That is, a game ball enters the starter 44 and a variable display game process routine described later is executed.

If it is determined in step S21 that the variable display game is not being executed, the CPU 66 next executes a variable display game described later (step S22). At this time, the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 in step S17 or step S18 is deleted when the internal lottery process is performed in step S200 described later.

If it is determined in step S21 that the variable display game is being executed, or if it is determined in step S20 described above that a jackpot state has occurred, the CPU 66 then holds the suspension stored in the RAM 70. 1 is added to the number m to obtain m = m + 1, and the result is newly stored in the RAM 70 (step S23).

When it is determined in step S13 described above that there is no game ball in the starting device, when the process of step S22 is executed, or when the process of step S23 is executed, the CPU 66 next selects the ball passage detector. It is determined whether or not the game ball has passed (step S24). This ball passage detector is, for example, the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b in the example shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S24 that the game ball has passed through the ball passage detector, the CPU 66 next displays the normal symbol on the display device 52 in a variably displayed manner as described above, and then the variably displayed normal symbol is displayed. Processing to stop display is executed (step S25).
If the process of step S25 is executed, or if it is determined in step S24 that the game ball has not passed through the ball passage detector, this subroutine is terminated.

As described with reference to FIG. 4, in the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, when one variable display game is being executed, the variable to be performed every time a game ball enters the starter 44. The display game is put on hold, and the number of hold is increased by one.
When the subroutine shown in FIG. 4 is executed, the control circuit 60 responds to the number of game balls that have entered the starter 44 in response to the game ball having entered the starter 44 during execution of the variable display game. It functions as a holding means for holding the variable display game of the same number of times.
In FIG. 4, the case where the upper limit value of the holding number m is not set has been described, but in the present invention, of course, as described above, the upper limit value of the holding number m is a predetermined value (for example, 4). May be set. When the upper limit value of the number of holds m is set to 4, before performing the process of step S15, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of holds m is 4 or more, and the number of holds m is 4 or more. If so, the lottery process in step S15 is not performed, and the processes from step S22 or S23 are omitted, and the process is executed from step S24.

Next, the variable display game process routine that is called and executed in S22 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
When this subroutine is called, the fixed screen displayed on the display device 32 is switched to the normal screen, and the variable display game is started.
The variable display game is a game simulating a game played in a slot machine. After displaying a plurality of special symbols as a plurality of identification information on the display device 32 and displaying them so as to fluctuate (variable display). This is a game in which these special symbols are displayed so as to stop sequentially (stop display) at a predetermined timing, from the start of the variable display of a plurality of special symbols until the stop state of the plurality of special symbols is confirmed. It is a one-time game.

It should be noted that the determination of the stop state of a plurality of special symbols means that, in one variable display game, one or more of a plurality of special symbols that have been stopped after a plurality of special symbols are stopped and displayed. This means that the stop state of a plurality of special symbols is maintained without performing so-called re-variation in which the special symbol variation display is started again.

Further, in the variable display game, when the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed matches a predetermined combination, a big hit state occurs, and a predetermined profit and / or advantageous state is provided to the player. .

For example, these 12 special symbols are sequentially displayed on the display device 32 as one set of 12 special symbols consisting of “1”, “2”,..., “12”, and the special symbols are displayed. Is displayed so that the special symbol itself changes. For example, on the display device 32, the symbol “1” is displayed so as to scroll from the top to the bottom of the display device 32, and then the special symbol “2” is displayed so as to be scrolled from the top to the bottom. Similarly, the symbol “3” is displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom. After the special symbol “1” to the special symbol “12” are displayed in this manner, the special symbol “1” is displayed so as to be scrolled again, and the same display is sequentially repeated.

By displaying the special symbol in this way on the display device 32, from “1” to “2”, from “2” to “3”, the special symbol is scrolled up to “12” so as to change sequentially. Then, “1” is displayed again. A mode in which the special symbol itself is sequentially changed while moving the position of one special symbol in this way is called variable display. A mode in which a special symbol is stopped and displayed is called stop display.

When displaying special symbols belonging to one set on the display device 32, the special symbols displayed are not limited to only one special symbol belonging to the set, and a plurality of, for example, two to three Special symbols may be displayed at the same time. For example, when the special symbol “5” is variably displayed on the display device 32, a part or the whole of the special symbol “4” is variably displayed below the special symbol “5”, and above the special symbol “5”. Alternatively, a part or the whole of the special symbol “6” may be displayed in a variable manner. The symbol set described above is a concept corresponding to the symbol set displayed on one reel used in the slot machine.

In the display device 32 shown in FIG. 2, the special symbols belonging to the three groups are displayed in the vertical direction in the special figure display area 33 corresponding to the number of holds among the special figure display areas 33 (33a to 33e). . By displaying the special symbols in this way, a plurality of special symbols are displayed in the special symbol display area 33 of the display device 32. In this case, three special symbols are variably displayed in the special figure display area 33 of the display device 32.

After variably displaying special symbols belonging to multiple groups, when all the special symbols that have been variably displayed are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, the combination of these special symbols matches the predetermined combination and is stopped and displayed. If the variable display game is won, the jackpot state occurs, and a predetermined profit and / or advantageous state is provided to the player.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when special symbols belonging to three groups are to be displayed in the special symbol display area 33 of the display device 32, the special symbol belonging to one group is stopped and displayed as “7”. When the special symbols belonging to other groups are also stopped and displayed at “7” and the special symbols belonging to the remaining groups are also stopped and displayed at “7”, the special symbol combination is a predetermined combination “7” − “ If the variable display game wins the jackpot in accordance with 7 ”-“ 7 ”, a jackpot state occurs, and a predetermined profit and / or advantageous state is provided to the player. When a big hit state occurs, current is supplied to the solenoid 48 described above to open the shutter 40 of the big prize device 38 provided on the front surface of the game board 14 so that the game ball can easily enter the big prize device 38. is there.

Further, when this variable display game is executed, an effect image such as a background image or a character image is displayed on the entire screen of the display device 32 including the special figure display area 33 in which no special symbol is displayed. . The above-described fixed screen refers to a screen displayed on the display device 32 when the variable display game is not executed and only the pachinko game is progressing in the pachinko game device 10.
In addition, the normal screen refers to the period from when the variable display game is started and the special symbol displayed on the display device 32 is variably displayed until the variable display game reaches a reach or a big hit. An effect image displayed on the display device 32 is referred to.

In this way, when the variable display game is executed, the special image is not displayed by displaying the effect image on the entire screen of the display device 32 including the special symbol display area where the special symbol is not displayed. The special figure display area can be effectively used without making it a useless space.

When the above-described variable display game is started, first, an internal lottery process based on a calculation process of the CPU 66 is executed (step S200). This internal lottery processing is performed in advance by combining special symbol combinations when special symbols in a plurality of groups that have been variably displayed have been stopped based on the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 in step S17 or step S18 described above. As will be described later, the CPU 66 performs the special symbol variation display and the stop display so that the special symbol stop state is determined by the combination of the special symbols determined by the internal lottery process. .

Next, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of holds has changed (step S222). In this step S222, the CPU 66, during the execution of the variable display game, has an increase in the holding number m due to the processing in step S23 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4, or the decrease in the holding number m due to the processing in step S224 described later. It is determined whether or not there was.

If it is determined in step S222 that the number of holds m has changed, the CPU 66 then sets a special figure display area corresponding to the number of holds m as a special figure display area for displaying special symbols (step S223). .

When the process of step S223 is executed, the CPU 66 next executes a process related to the enlargement / reduction of the area of the special figure display area (step S225). In this step S225, the CPU 66 enlarges the area of the special figure display area set as the special figure display area for displaying the special symbol in step S223 described above, and the special figure display area in which the special symbol is currently displayed. The process of reducing the area of is executed.
When the process of step S223 described above is executed to set the special figure display area, and the subsequent process of step S225 is executed to enlarge / reduce the area of the special figure display area, in step S204 described later, The screen configuration information of the special symbol is generated in the RAM 70 so that the special symbol image is arranged in the special symbol display region which is set as a special symbol display region for displaying the special symbol and whose area is enlarged. In addition, when the screen configuration information of the boundary image is generated in step S201, which will be described later, in accordance with the enlargement / reduction of the area of the special figure display area by the processing in steps S223 and S225, each boundary image ( The information regarding the position where the boundary images 34a to 34d) are displayed is changed.

When the process of step S225 is executed or when it is determined in step S222 that there is no change in the number of holds, the CPU 66 next selects a boundary image and generates screen configuration information of the selected boundary image in the RAM 70. (Step S201). In the process of step S201, the CPU 66 calls and executes a control program for selecting a position or the like at which the boundary image is displayed in accordance with the special figure display area enlarged or reduced in step S225 described above from the ROM 68. Next, the CPU 66 generates screen configuration information of the selected background image in the RAM 70 as needed based on the results obtained by the execution.

After executing the processing of step S201, the CPU 66 next selects a background image and generates screen configuration information of the selected background image in the RAM 70 (step S202). In the process of step S202, the CPU 66 calls and executes a control program for selecting a background image from the ROM 68 in accordance with the result of the internal lottery process and the progress of the variable display game. Next, the CPU 66 generates screen configuration information of the selected background image in the RAM 70 as needed based on the results obtained by the execution. The background image is not particularly limited, and is appropriately selected by the CPU based on the progress of the variable display game and the result of the internal lottery process.

When the process of step S202 is executed, the CPU 66 next selects a character image and generates screen configuration information of the selected character image in the RAM 70 (step S203). That is, the CPU 66 generates screen configuration information of the selected character image in the RAM 70 based on the execution result of the program.

At this time, for example, by controlling the head position of the character image to be shifted by a predetermined amount of movement at a constant interval (frame span) every 1/60 seconds, 1/30 seconds, or the like, It can be displayed with movement.
Note that an image showing a character is not necessarily displayed on the display device. Examples of the character image include an image showing a pig as shown in FIG.

After executing the process of step S203, the CPU 66 next selects a special symbol image, and generates screen configuration information of the selected special symbol image in the RAM 70 (step S204). That is, the CPU 66 generates screen configuration information of the selected special symbol image in the RAM 70 based on the execution result of the program. At this time, the screen configuration information is generated so that the special symbol image is arranged in the special symbol display area set in step S223 and enlarged in step S224.

The screen configuration information of the images constituting the special symbol is identified by the CPU 66 based on the above-mentioned program at a constant interval (frame span) such as 1/60 seconds or 1/30 seconds. By controlling the head position of the screen configuration information to be shifted by a predetermined movement amount and controlling the images to be special symbols to be sequentially generated in a predetermined order for the image having the special symbol having information, Special symbols can be displayed in a variable manner.

Furthermore, since the fluctuation speed of the special symbol can be controlled by adjusting the frame span, the reading position of the screen configuration information, etc., the special symbol can be controlled according to the story being developed in the background image. It is also possible to smooth the fluctuation of the background image and to fuse the background image with the special design.

The ROM 68 stores a plurality of pieces of image data having different shapes for the same special symbol, and is read from the CPU 66 and transmitted to the display device 32 as needed, so that the shape of the special symbol is changed over time during the variable display. It is also possible to display it as it changes.

Next, it is determined whether it is time to stop and display one special symbol (step S205). That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display a symbol belonging to one group among a plurality of, for example, three groups.
When it is determined that it is time to stop and display the special symbol, the CPU 66 selects a special symbol image in a mode in which one special symbol is stopped and displayed, and screen configuration information of the special symbol image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S1). S206).

Next, in steps S201 to S206, based on the screen configuration information generated in the RAM 70, the CPU 66 reads each image data corresponding to the screen configuration information from the ROM 68.
Thereafter, the image data is displayed on the display device 32 according to the priority order, position, and the like displayed in the screen configuration information, and then transmitted to the display device 32 and displayed (step S207).

The processes in steps S201 to S207 described above are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S208, which will be described later, that the stopped state of special symbols belonging to a plurality of groups has been determined. By repeatedly executing the process in this manner, the symbols can be displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined manner, and the character image can also be displayed so as to perform a predetermined action.

After executing the process of step S207, it is determined whether or not all the stopped states of the symbols belonging to the plurality of groups have been determined (step S208).
If it is determined that all the stop states of the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets are not fixed, the process returns to step S222. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the stop states of symbols belonging to a plurality of sets have been determined, it is determined whether or not the combination of special symbols whose stop states have been determined matches the combination of symbols that are jackpots (step S209).
When it is determined that the combination of the special symbols for which the stop state has been determined matches the symbol combination that will be the jackpot, the jackpot execution process described later is performed (step S210), and the jackpot state based on the jackpot is generated, and the player Providing a predetermined profit and / or advantageous state to

On the other hand, if it is determined that the combination of the special symbols for which the stop state has been determined does not match the symbol combination that will be the big hit, it is next determined whether or not the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 exists (step). S215). If it is determined that the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 does not exist, the suspended variable display game does not exist, and thus this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S215 that the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 is present, there is a variable display game that has been put on hold, so the oldest lottery data among the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 is read out. Processing is performed (step S216).

When the processing of step S215 is executed, next, 1 is subtracted from the holding number m stored in the RAM 70 to m = m−1, and the result is newly stored in the RAM 70 (step S224).
After executing the process of step S224, the CPU 66 returns the process to step S200. Thereafter, in step S200, the CPU 66 executes an internal lottery process based on the read lottery data, and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S201 to S208 based on the result of the internal lottery process.
When the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is executed, the control circuit 60 and the display device 32 function as variable display game execution means for executing a variable display game.
When the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is executed, the control circuit 60 and the display device 32 display a boundary image for displaying a boundary image for indicating a boundary between one special figure display area and another special figure display area. Functions as a means.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a jackpot execution processing routine that is called and executed in step S210 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
In the following description, 15 jackpot games are intermittently provided in the jackpot state. In addition, the jackpot game is a game in which one game is performed from when the winning device is opened until ten gaming balls enter the winning device or until a predetermined time elapses. To do. Furthermore, one big hit game is also called one round.

In this jackpot execution processing routine, first, n, which is the number of jackpot games, is set to n = 1 (step S301). That is, the CPU 66 stores n = 1 in a table (round number storage table) that stores the number of jackpot games provided in the RAM 70.

Next, it is determined whether or not it is time for the special winning device 38 to be in an open state (step S302).
When it is determined that it is the timing at which the above-mentioned winning device 38 is opened, the winning device 38 is opened (step S303).
That is, the CPU 66 supplies the drive signal to the solenoid 48 via the interface circuit group 72, thereby opening the special prize winning device 38. As a result, the player can put the game ball into the big prize device 38.
On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the timing when the special winning device 38 is in the open state, the process returns to step S302.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the grand prize winning device 38 (step S304). Whether or not the game ball has entered the big prize device 38 is determined, for example, by whether or not the game ball has been detected by a sensor provided in the big prize device 38.
When a game ball is detected by a sensor provided in the special winning device 38, a detection signal is supplied to the interface circuit group. Receiving this detection signal, the CPU 66 stores the number of game balls in a table (large prize device game ball storage table) that stores the number of game balls entered in the big prize device provided in the RAM 70 (step S305). In other words, a control signal is transmitted to the payout device 59 to drive the payout device 59, and a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls is executed (step S306).

When it is determined in step S304 that no game ball is in the big prize device 38, or when a process of paying out game balls is executed in step S306, a predetermined number of game balls are then given to the big prize device 38. Whether or not is entered is determined (step S307). That is, the CPU 66 compares the number of game balls stored in the big prize device game ball storage table with the predetermined number of game balls (10 balls) stored in another area of the RAM, and stores it in the big prize device 38. It is determined whether or not the number of game balls entered is a predetermined number (10 balls).

When it is determined that a predetermined number of game balls are not contained in the big winning device 38, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the big winning device 38 is opened (step S308). That is, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the elapsed time started in step S302 has reached a predetermined time.
If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the special winning device 38 is in the open state, the process returns to step S304.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S307 that a predetermined number of game balls have entered the big winning device 38, or when it is determined in step S308 that a predetermined time has elapsed, the big winning device 38 is closed (step S309). ).
In this way, the opening time of the big winning device 38 is determined by either the number of game balls that have entered the big winning device 38 or the time, and if a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning device 38. Even if the predetermined time is not reached, the big winning device 38 is closed. On the other hand, even if the number of game balls that have entered the big winning device 38 does not reach the predetermined value, if the predetermined time has passed, The device 38 is closed.
Further, the special winning device 38 is closed by supplying a drive signal to the solenoid 48 via the interface circuit group 72.

Next, 1 is added to n, which is the number of jackpot games, and n = n + 1 is set (step S310). That is, the CPU 66 stores the number of jackpot games in the round number storage table provided in the RAM 70 so that n = n + 1.
Then, it is determined whether or not the number n of jackpot games is 15 or less (step S311). That is, the CPU 66 first reads the number of jackpot games stored in the round number storage table, compares this number with the data of n = 15 stored in another area of the RAM, and determines the number of jackpot games n. It is determined whether or not n ≦ 15. When it is determined that the number of jackpot games n is n ≦ 15, the process returns to step S302. Therefore, in this subroutine, the big hit game is repeatedly performed until n exceeds 15.

When n, which is the number of jackpot games, exceeds 15, this subroutine is terminated.
In this subroutine, the maximum number of n is 15. However, n is not limited as long as it is a natural number, and may be larger or smaller than 15.
In addition, while the jackpot execution processing routine described above is being executed, the display device 32 displays an effect image for making the player recognize that a jackpot state has occurred and excite the game.

Next, screen images displayed on the display device 32 of the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the screen images shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, an effect image including an image showing four pigs as characters and an image showing a treasure chest is displayed. In addition, an image showing a mountain, a cloud, or the like is displayed as a background image. Further, a part including the boundary between the special figure display area 33a and the special figure display area 33b, a part including the boundary between the special figure display area 33b and the special figure display area 33c, the special figure display area 33c and the special figure display area 33d Boundary images 34a to 34d are respectively displayed in the portion including the boundary and the portion including the boundary between the special figure display area 33d and the special figure display area 33e.

The screen image shown in FIG. 7A is a screen image displayed when the number of holds is 0 and the variable display game is not being executed. In the special figure display area 33a located at the left end of the screen of the display device 32, three special symbols are vertically arranged and displayed in a stopped state. Moreover, the special figure display area 33a on which three special symbols are displayed has a larger area than the special figure display areas 33b to 33e.
When a game ball enters the starter 44 while the screen image shown in FIG. 7A is displayed, a variable display game is started, and as shown in FIG. Be started.
Thereafter, an effect image in which four pigs struggle to open the treasure chest is displayed.
At this time, the variable display game is started as it is after the game ball has entered the starting device 44, so the number of holds is zero.

When the variable display game is being executed and the special symbol is variably displayed in the special figure display area 33a, if the game ball enters the starter 44, the number of holds increases by one. 1 Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the special symbol in the variable display is moved to the special symbol display area 33b which is the special symbol display area corresponding to the number of holds 1, and the special symbol is displayed. The area of the display area 33b is enlarged, and the area of the special figure display area 33a on which the special symbol was displayed before the movement is further reduced.

Furthermore, when the special symbol is being variably displayed in the special figure display area 33b, when the game ball enters the starter 44 again, the number of holdings is further increased by 1 to 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (d), the special symbol that is variably displayed moves to the special symbol display area 33c that is a special symbol display area corresponding to the number of holds 2, and the special symbol on which the special symbol is displayed. The area of the display area 33c is enlarged, and further, the area of the special figure display area 33b on which the special symbol is displayed before the movement is reduced.
Thus, during the execution of one variable display game, each time a game ball enters the starter 44, the special symbol moves to the special symbol display area on the right side, and the special symbol is displayed. The area of the figure display area is enlarged, and further, the area of the special figure display area where the special symbol was displayed before the movement is reduced. Then, after the number of holds becomes 4, and the special symbol moves to the special symbol display area 33e on the right end, even if a game ball enters the starter 44, the reserved number does not increase, and the special symbol also displays the special symbol display area. It does not move from 33e.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, a special ball corresponding to the number of holds is obtained when a game ball enters the starting device during execution of the variable display game. Since the special symbol moves to the display area, the player can recognize the number of holds based on the position where the special symbol is displayed. As a result, devices such as a holding lamp and a control circuit for controlling lighting of the holding lamp become unnecessary, and the number of parts related to the manufacture of the pachinko gaming machine can be reduced.
Further, since the area of the special symbol display area where the special symbol is displayed is enlarged, the special symbol can be displayed in a large size. As a result, the visibility of the special symbol is improved, and it is possible to reduce eye fatigue of a player who plays a game for a long time.

Furthermore, in the present invention, as shown in the first embodiment, it is desirable to display a boundary image indicating the boundary between one special figure display area and another area. Even if the area of the special figure display area is greatly enlarged and the special symbol displayed is large, the position of the special figure display area can be recognized, and as a result, the number of pending can be recognized. Because it becomes.

In the first embodiment, during execution of the variable display game, the number of holds is increased by 1 each time a game ball enters the starter, and the special symbol is moved to the special figure display area corresponding to the increased number of holds and is variable. When the display game is finished and the next variable display game is started, the number of holdings is decreased by 1, and the special symbol is moved to the special figure display area corresponding to the reduced holding number, and stored in the RAM 70. The case where the special figure display area in which the identification information image is displayed is set with reference to the reserved number m has been described. However, in the present invention, the special figure display area in which the identification information image is displayed is not set with reference to the number of holds m stored in the RAM 70. For example, in FIG. Each time the ball enters the starting device, the special symbol is moved from the special symbol display area displaying the special symbol to the special symbol display area on the right side of the ball, the variable display game is ended, and the next variable display game is started. In this case, the special symbol may be moved from the special symbol display area displaying the special symbol to the special symbol display area on the left side of the special symbol display area.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, a case has been described in which when a game ball enters the starting device during the execution of the variable display game, the variation symbol moves to the special figure display area corresponding to the number of holds. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the pachinko gaming apparatus is configured to start the next variable display game in a special-purpose display area corresponding to the number of holds at the end of the variable display game.

The internal configuration of each device in the pachinko gaming device according to the second embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3) is substantially the same as that of the pachinko gaming device according to the first embodiment, and has already been described. Description is omitted. Also, the processing performed in the pachinko gaming device according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the pachinko gaming device according to the first embodiment except for the variable display game processing routine (see FIG. 5). A variable display game process routine that is called and executed in step S22 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4 by the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a variable display game process routine that is called and executed in step S22 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4 by the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same processes as those in the variable display game process routine according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the description of the processes in the steps denoted by the same reference numerals is omitted.

When the subroutine shown in FIG. 8 is executed, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 66 executes the process of step S200. After executing the process of step S200, the CPU 66 next executes the process of step S201. That is, unlike the case shown in FIG. 5, after executing the process of step S200, the process of step S201 is executed without determining whether or not the number of holds has changed.

After executing the process of step S201, the CPU 66 executes the processes of steps S202 to S207, and then executes the process of step S208. If it is determined in step S208 that all the stopped states of the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets have been confirmed, the CPU 66 returns the process to step S201, whereas if the CPU 66 determines that the stopped state has not been determined, Advances to step S209.

Then, the process proceeds in the order of steps S209 and S210, or after executing the process of step S209, the CPU 66 executes the process of step S215 and determines whether or not the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 exists. to decide.

If it is determined in step S215 that there is no lottery data stored in the RAM 70, this subroutine is terminated.
If it is determined in step S215 that the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 exists, the CPU 66 next executes the process of step S216 to read out the oldest lottery data among the lottery data stored in the RAM 70. Do.

When the process of step S215 is executed, the CPU 66 next subtracts 1 from the number of holds m stored in the RAM 70 to m = m−1, and newly stores the result in the RAM 70 (step S420).

When the process of step S420 is executed, the CPU 66 next sets a special figure display area corresponding to the number of holds m (step S421). In this step S421, the CPU 66 responds to the changed number of holds m by increasing the number of holds m by the process of step S23 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4 and decreasing the number of holds m by the process of step S420 described above. Set the special figure display area.

When the process of step S421 is executed, the CPU 66 next executes a process related to the enlargement / reduction of the arrival to the surface roughness of the special figure display area (step S422). In step S422, the CPU 66 expands the area of the special figure display area set as the special figure display area for displaying the special symbol in step S421 described above, and the special figure display area in which the special symbol is currently displayed. The process of reducing the area of is executed.
When the process of step S421 described above is executed to set the special figure display area, and the subsequent process of step S422 is executed to enlarge / reduce the area of the special figure display area, in step S204, the special symbol is displayed. The screen configuration information of the special symbol is generated in the RAM 70 so that the special symbol image is arranged in the special symbol display region in which the area is enlarged. Further, when the screen configuration information of the boundary image is generated in step S201 in accordance with the enlargement / reduction of the area of the special figure display area by the processing in steps S421 and S422, each boundary image (boundary image) in the screen configuration information is generated. 34a to 34d) are changed in information regarding the position where the information is displayed.

Next, screen images displayed on the display device 32 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the second embodiment, four special figure display areas 333 (333a to 333d) are arranged so that the screen of the display device 32 is vertically divided into four. These four special figure display areas 333 correspond to the number of holds 0 to 3, respectively.
In the screen images shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, an effect image including an image showing four pigs as characters and an image showing a treasure chest is displayed. In addition, an image showing a mountain, a cloud, or the like is displayed as a background image. Further, a part including the boundary between the special figure display area 333a and the special figure display area 333b, a part including the boundary between the special figure display area 333b and the special figure display area 333c, and the special figure display area 333c and the special figure display area. Boundary images 334a to 334c are displayed at portions including the boundary with 333d, respectively.

The screen image shown in FIG. 9A is a screen image displayed when the number of holds is 0 and the variable display game is not being executed. In the special figure display area 333a located at the left end of the screen of the display device 32, three special symbols are vertically arranged and displayed in a stopped state. Moreover, the special figure display area 333a in which three special symbols are displayed has a larger area than the special figure display areas 333b to 333d.
When a game ball enters the starting device 44 while the screen image shown in FIG. 9A is displayed, a variable display game is started, and as shown in FIG. Be started.
At this time, the variable display game is started as it is after the game ball has entered the starting device 44, so the number of holds is zero.

For example, when two game balls enter the starting device 44 during the execution of the variable display game, the number of holdings increases by two to 2, and the special symbol display area 333a has a special symbol as it is. Fluctuation display is performed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, in the special figure display area 333a, when the stop states of the three special symbols are confirmed, the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 is read out, and the number of holds is increased from 2. When the next variable display game is started after the variable display game is reduced to 1 and ended, a special symbol is displayed in the special figure display area 333b, which is a special figure display area corresponding to the number of holds 1, Is started, the area of the special symbol display area 333b where the special symbol is displayed is expanded, and the area of the special symbol display region 333a where the special symbol is displayed in the previous variable display game is It is reduced.

As described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, the next variable display game is started in the special figure display area corresponding to the number of holds at the end of the variable display game. Therefore, the player can recognize the number of holds based on the position where the special symbol is displayed. As a result, devices such as a holding lamp and a control circuit for controlling lighting of the holding lamp become unnecessary, and the number of parts related to the manufacture of the pachinko gaming machine can be reduced.
Further, since the area of the special symbol display area where the special symbol is displayed is enlarged, the special symbol can be displayed in a large size. As a result, the visibility of the special symbol is improved, and it is possible to reduce eye fatigue of a player who plays a game for a long time.

In the above-described example, the case where a plurality of special figure display areas are arranged so as to vertically divide the screen of the display device included in the gaming machine has been described. However, in the present invention, the special figure display area is displayed on the display device. There is no particular limitation on the method of disposing the display area. For example, the special figure display area may be disposed so that the screen of the display device is divided horizontally.

In the above-described example, the case where an effect image such as a background image or a character image is displayed in a special figure display area where no special symbol is displayed has been described. However, in the present invention, for example, a plurality of special figure displays are displayed. In addition to the area, a display area (effect image display area) for displaying the effect image is separately arranged on the display device, and only the effect image is displayed in the effect image display area, and the special figure display area Only a special symbol may be displayed in.

Further, in the present invention, the same number of display devices as the number of holdings are provided in the gaming machine, and a special figure display area may be arranged in each of the display devices.
Furthermore, in the present invention, for example, two display devices are provided in the gaming machine, three special figure display areas are arranged on one display device, and two special figure display areas are arranged on the other display device. It may be.

In the above-described example, the case where the game machine is not provided with the hold lamp has been described, but in the present invention, the game machine may be provided with the number of hold lamps corresponding to the number of the hold. In this way, even if the gaming machine is configured so that a special symbol is fixedly displayed on a specific part of the screen of the display device, for example, during a big hit state, etc. It becomes possible to recognize the number.

1 is a front view schematically showing a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing a game board of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows typically the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine which detects the game ball | bowl performed in the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a variable display game process routine that is called and executed in step S22 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot execution processing routine called and performed in step S210 of the subroutine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the screen image displayed on the display apparatus of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the variable display game processing routine performed in the pachinko game device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the screen image displayed on the display apparatus of the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko gaming machine 14 Game board 32 Display device 33 (33a-33e), 333 (333a-333d) Special figure display area 38 Big prize opening 44 Start opening 60 Control circuit 66 CPU
68 ROM
70 RAM

Claims (3)

There is provided a display device in which a plurality of special figure display areas capable of displaying and stopping at least a plurality of special symbols are displayed,
Variable display game executing means for executing a variable display game in which the period from when the variable display of the plurality of special symbols is started until the stop state is determined is one game;
During execution of the variable display game, in response to the game ball entering the starter provided on the game board, the number of the variable display game is put on hold according to the number of game balls entering the starter. And holding means to
The variable display game execution means is displayed in one special figure display area in response to a change in the number of variable display games held by the holding means during execution of the variable display game. A plurality of special symbols are moved to another special symbol display area according to the number of the variable display games held, and the area of the special symbol display area in which the plurality of special symbols are displayed is expanded. A gaming machine characterized by that. There is provided a display device in which a plurality of special figure display areas capable of displaying and stopping at least a plurality of special symbols are displayed,
Variable display game executing means for executing a variable display game in which the period from when the variable display of the plurality of special symbols is started until the stop state is determined is one game;
During execution of the variable display game, in response to the game ball entering the starter provided on the game board, the number of the variable display game is put on hold according to the number of game balls entering the starter. And holding means to
The variable display game executing means starts the next variable display game in the special figure display area according to the number of the variable display games held at the end of the variable display game, and also includes the plurality of special symbols. A game machine, wherein the area of the special figure display area in which is displayed is enlarged. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising boundary image display means for displaying a boundary image for indicating a boundary between the special figure display area and another area in the display device.

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