JP2005168922A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine catching up a player in a game for a long period of time without get tired by giving the player a gain to an appearance of a ready-to-win performance picture. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is characterized in having a display device capable of variably displaying or stationarily displaying a plurality of special symbols; a variable display game executing means executing a variable display game; a ready-to-win performance picture data storage means storing a plurality of types of ready-to-win performance picture data; a ready-to-win performance selecting means selecting ready-to-win performance picture data to be displayed on the display device out of the plurality of types of ready-to-win performance picture data; a number of points storage means cumulatively storing the number of points granted according to the selected ready-to-win performance picture data; and a game state change means changing the setting to a game state advantageous for the player according to the number of points stored by the number of points storage means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

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

Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming device, in response to the game ball entering the starting device, a lottery to determine whether to win or lose is performed, and a variable display game is played on the display device. Then, when the combination of a plurality of special symbols whose stop state is determined in the variable display game matches the combination that is a big hit, a big hit state occurs, for example, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, etc. A predetermined benefit and / or advantageous state is provided to the player.

In such a pachinko gaming apparatus, on the display device, for example, after the variable display of three special symbols is started, one special symbol is stopped and displayed at “7”, and then the other special symbols are also “7”. When the stop state of these two special symbols is confirmed, the remaining special symbols are also stopped and displayed with “7”, and when the stop state is confirmed, a big hit state occurs. However, when the one special symbol whose stop state is fixed and the other special symbol are the same special symbol or the like, the reach state occurs. When this reach state occurs, the change display of the remaining special symbols shifts to a mode different from normal, and a reach effect image is displayed, giving the player a sense of expectation and urgency for the occurrence of the jackpot state. It is.

In the pachinko gaming apparatus as described above, the reach effect image data related to the reach effect image corresponds to the possibility of occurrence of a jackpot state in the reach state in which the reach effect image is displayed (hereinafter referred to as reliability). A plurality are stored. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation and a sense of urgency that vary depending on the reliability of the displayed reach effect image.

In addition, as a conventional pachinko gaming device, points are awarded when the timing at which a game ball enters the special winning device etc. during a special game state such as a big hit state is a predetermined timing, etc. A gaming machine (for example, see Patent Document 1) in which a setting change to an advantageous gaming state is performed accordingly is known. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the starter, or when the combination of special symbols whose stop state has been determined is a predetermined combination, points are awarded, and an advantageous gaming state is achieved according to the accumulated number of points. There is known a pachinko gaming apparatus (for example, see Patent Document 2) in which the setting is changed.
JP 2003-126409 A JP 2003-135727 A

However, as described above, the pachinko gaming devices described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 have a predetermined timing when the game ball enters the big winning device during the special gaming state, or in the starting device. When a game ball enters, or when the combination of special symbols with a fixed stop state is a predetermined combination, the player is given a profit, but when the reach state occurs, the player The profit was not granted.
For example, even if the reach effect image with high reliability is displayed, even if the reach is lost, no profit is given to the player. We can fully predict the situation where we are greatly discouraged and lose our willingness to continue playing.

In addition, although a plurality of reach effect images with different degrees of reliability in which a big hit state is generated are displayed, there is a problem that, when a game is played for a long time, these reach effect images are bored.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to give a player a benefit with respect to the appearance of reach effect images and to immerse himself in the game without feeling bored over a long period of time. Is to provide a simple gaming machine.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the following.
(1) There is provided a display device capable of displaying and stopping at least a plurality of special symbols.
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;
Reach effect image data storage means for storing a plurality of types of reach effect image data related to the reach effect image displayed in response to the occurrence of the reach state during the variable display game;
Reach effect selection means for selecting reach effect image data to be displayed on the display device from the plurality of types of reach effect image data stored in the reach effect image data storage means;
Point number storage means for cumulatively storing the number of points given according to the selected reach effect image data;
A gaming machine comprising: game state changing means for changing a setting to a gaming state advantageous to a player according to the number of points stored by the point number storage means.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) The gaming machine according to (1) above,
A point number reducing means for reducing the number of points stored in the point number storing means in response to the setting change to an advantageous gaming state being performed by the gaming state changing means. To do.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) The gaming machine according to (1) or (2) above,
It is characterized by comprising notification image display means for displaying a notification image for notifying the number of points stored in the point number storage means on the display device.

According to the invention of (1), regarding the display of the reach effect image, in addition to the expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot state in the reach state, an expectation for the point provision is given. As a result, the player can be immersed in the game for a long period of time.

In addition, for example, when a reach with high reliability is lost, the player is configured to be awarded many points, thereby suppressing the disappointment of the player for the loss of the reach and the player. Can be motivated to continue playing. As a result, the player can be immersed in the game for a long period of time.

According to the invention of (2), after the setting change to an advantageous gaming state is performed by the accumulated number of points, the number of points decreases, so the game is continued and the willingness to accumulate the number of points again Can be aroused. As a result, the player can be more immersed in the game.

According to the invention of (3), since the accumulated number of points is displayed on the display device, the number of points displayed on the display device is calculated from among a plurality of gaming machines installed in the game store. It can be used as an index for selecting one gaming machine that performs a game.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that gives a player a benefit with respect to the appearance of a reach effect image and can be immersed in the game without feeling bored over a long period of time.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a pachinko gaming apparatus according to the present invention.
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. An upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22 provided on the front surface of the frame 12 and a firing handle 26 provided on the right side of the lower plate 22 are arranged.

A plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are driven in 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. It is good. In addition, in this specification, 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.

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. The display device 32 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays a special symbol that is an identification information image.

A display device 52 is provided in the center of the upper portion of the display device 32. The display device 52 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment display, and a normal symbol as display information is variably displayed so as to repeat fluctuation and stop. On the left and right sides of the display device 32, ball passage detectors 55a and 55b are provided. When the ball passage detector 55a or 55b detects that a game ball has passed in the vicinity of the ball passage detector 55a or 55b, on the display device 52 described above, the normal symbol variation display is started, and after a predetermined time has passed, Stops the fluctuation display. This normal symbol is information including numbers and symbols, for example, numbers such as “0” to “9” and symbols such as “☆”. When the 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 port 44 described later. A current is supplied to (not shown), and the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven so that the game balls can easily enter the start opening 44, so that the start opening 44 is opened. When a predetermined time elapses after the start port 44 is opened, the movable piece is driven to close the start port 44 so that it is difficult for a game ball to enter.

Four holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided on the left and right sides of the display device 52 described above. Further, a general winning opening 50 is provided at the top of the display device 52. Also, a large winning opening 38 for a game ball is provided at the bottom of the game board 14. A shutter 40 is provided in the vicinity of the special winning opening 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.

General winning ports 54a and 54b are provided on both the left and right sides of the display device 32 described above. Furthermore, general winning ports 54c and 54d are provided on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the display device 32. In addition, special winning ports 56 a and 56 b are provided on the left and right ends of the game board 14, and special winning ports 56 c and 56 d are provided on the left and right sides of the big winning port 38.

In addition, a start port 44 is provided as an opportunity to start a later-described variable display game and shift a plurality of special symbols displayed on the display device 32 to the variable display state. A ball detection sensor 42 is provided in the above-described special winning opening 38, general winning openings 50, 54a to 54d, and special winning openings 56a to 56d, and when a game ball enters, that is, the game ball passes. When the ball detection sensor 42 detects this, a payout device 59 (not shown) pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the lower plate 22 according to the type of the winning opening. . The start port 44 is provided with a ball detection sensor 43. When the ball detection sensor 43 detects that a game ball has entered the start port 44, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the payout device 59. At the same time, a variable display game described later is started.

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 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, but it may be at a position where the player can see it. For example, the display device 32 may be provided at any position of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention.
The firing handle 26 described above is connected to the interface circuit group 62 of the control circuit 60, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to the CPU 66. 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 CPU 66. In addition, the above-described interface circuit group 62 is also connected to ball detection sensors 42 and 43 so that the game balls pass through the big prize opening 38, the general prize winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d, and the special prize winning openings 56a to 56d. When this occurs, the ball detection sensor 42 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62. The ball detection sensor 43 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62 when a game ball passing through the start port 44 is detected. 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. .

The input / output bus 64 is also connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 68 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 70. The ROM 68 stores a program that controls the flow of the entire game of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Further, the ROM 68 stores initial data for executing the program, a program for controlling the blinking operation pattern of the decoration lamp 36, a program for controlling the display on the display device 32, a variable display game on the display device 32, and the like. Sound data necessary for execution is also stored. The RAM 70 stores flags and variable values used in the above-described program.

Further, an interface circuit group 72 is also connected to the input / output bus 64. The interface circuit group 72 is connected to a speaker 46, a firing motor 28, solenoids 48 and 57, a payout device 59, a holding lamp 34 (34a to 34d), and a decoration lamp 36. The interface circuit group 72 is operated by the CPU 66. A drive signal and drive power for controlling each of the above-described apparatuses are supplied in accordance with processing.

The solenoid 48 is for driving the shutter 40 as described above to open and close, and the solenoid 57 is for driving the movable pieces 58a and 58b as described above. Further, the holding lamp 34 (34a to 34d) indicates the number of variable display games held. Further, the decoration lamp 36 blinks or lights up to indicate to the player when the game is a big hit or reach.

Further, a display control device 200 is also connected to the interface circuit group 72. The display control device 200 is connected to the display control device 200 based on a command (image display command) issued from the control circuit 60. A drive signal for driving the device 32 is generated.

Next, the display control apparatus 200 described above will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the display control apparatus 200.
The interface circuit group 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204, and a command issued from the control circuit 60 described above is supplied to the input / output bus 204 via the interface circuit group 202. The input / output bus 204 is configured to input / output data signals or address signals to / from the CPU 206.

A ROM 208 and a RAM 210 are also connected to the input / output bus 204 described above. The ROM 208 stores a display control program for generating a drive signal to be supplied to the display device 32 based on a command issued from the control circuit 60. On the other hand, the RAM 210 stores values of flags and variables used in the above-described program.

Further, an image data processor (VDP) 212 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The VDP 212 includes a circuit such as a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a pallet circuit, and is a processing device that can perform various processes for causing the display device 32 to display an image.

In the VDP 212 described above, a video RAM 214 for storing image data corresponding to a command issued from the control circuit 60, background image data relating to a background image, special symbol image data relating to a special symbol, and a character image relating to a character image. An image data ROM 216 is stored for storing image data such as data, and for storing a plurality of types of reach effect image data. This image data ROM 216 functions as a reach effect image data storage means.
Further, a drive circuit 218 that generates a drive signal for driving the display device 32 is also connected to the VDP 212.

The CPU 206 described above reads and executes the display control program stored in the ROM 208, and causes the video RAM 214 to store image data to be displayed on the display device 32 according to the command issued from the control circuit 60 by the VDP 212.

The image data stored in the video RAM 214 is supplied to the drive circuit 218 by the VDP 212. The drive circuit 218 converts the image data into a predetermined signal and supplies it to the display device 32. As a result, a screen image is displayed on the display device 32.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is activated, and the variables used in the CPU 66 or CPU 206 described above are initialized to predetermined values and are in steady operation.

FIG. 5 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, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S11). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above, the winning ports are general winning ports 50, 54a to 54d and special winning ports 56a to 56d. In step S11, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the winning opening, the payout device 59 is driven to execute a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls (step S12).

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port (step S13). This starting port is, for example, the starting port 44 in the example shown in FIG. In this step S13, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the starting port, the payout device 59 is driven to execute a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls (step S17). The random number is sampled and a variable display game to be described later is executed (step S14). At this time, a random number for determining the big hit or loss in the variable display game, a random number for determining the reach action, or the like is sampled.

Further, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the ball passage detector (step S15). This ball passage detector is, for example, the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b in the example shown in FIG. In step S15, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the ball passage detector, as described above, the display device 52 executes a process of variably displaying normal symbols (step S16). As described above, when the variably displayed normal symbol stops and becomes a predetermined symbol, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to open the start port 44, so that the start port 44 is opened. This makes it easier for game balls to enter.

Next, the variable display game that is called and executed in step S14 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing variable display game processing that is called and executed in step S14 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

When the variable display game is started, first, an internal lottery process based on a calculation process of the CPU 66 is executed (step S20). This internal lottery process is a process for predetermining a combination of special symbols when the stop display of all the special symbols that have been variably displayed is confirmed, and is performed based on the random number sampling result in step S14. In the variable display game, as will be described later, the special symbol variation display and the stop display are performed so that the special symbol combination determined by the internal lottery process is stopped and displayed.

Next, the CPU 66 transmits a special symbol variation start command to the display control device 200 (step S21). This command includes a command to generate a screen image including a special symbol.
Then, the display control device 200 that has received the command synthesizes the screen image including the special symbol, and displays the special symbol on the display device 32 in a manner that the special symbol is variably displayed.
Note that processing in the display control apparatus 200 will be described in detail later.

Next, the CPU 66 waits until a predetermined period elapses, and continues to display the special symbol variation (step S22). After that, based on the result of the internal lottery process in step S20, the left side of the three special symbols is left. A command for stopping and displaying the special symbol is transmitted to the display control device 200 (step S23).
The display control device 200 that has received the command displays on the display device 32 in a manner that the special symbol on the left side is variably displayed for a predetermined period, and then is displayed in a manner that is stopped and displayed based on the result of the internal lottery process. The

Next, based on the result of the internal lottery process in step S20, a command for stopping and displaying the right special symbol among the three special symbols is transmitted to the display control device 200 (step S24). The display control device 200 that has received the command displays on the display device 32 in a manner that the special symbol on the right side is variably displayed for a predetermined period, and then is stopped and displayed based on the result of the internal lottery process. The

Next, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a reach has occurred due to a combination of the left and right special symbols that have been stopped (step S25). For example, when the left and right special symbols that are stopped and displayed match, it is determined that reach has occurred.

If it is determined in step S25 that a reach has occurred, the CPU 66 determines a reach action corresponding to the random number sampled in step S14 based on the result of the internal lottery process by using the reach action determination table stored in the ROM 68 (step S30). ). At this time, the control circuit 60 functions as reach effect selecting means.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reach action determination table. Here, it is assumed that the jackpot probability is 1/200, and the probability that a reach will occur is 1/11. Of course, in the present invention, the table used for determining the reach action is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

In this reach action determination table, “reach action” is set according to the “random number extracted value” extracted within the range of 0 to 16383 for each result of the internal lottery process (“out” or “big hit”).

Each of N1 to N6 is a so-called normal reach reach action. The expected value (reliability) of the jackpot is 2.0 to 2.4%, which is lower than other reach actions described later. Each of S1 to S3 is a so-called super reach reach action. The expected value (reliability) of the jackpot is 18.8 to 20.6%, which is higher than normal reach. P1 and P2 are so-called premier reach reach actions. Since the expected value (reliability) of the jackpot is 100%, a jackpot game is always generated when a premier reach appears. Note that names such as normal reach, super reach, and premier reach are generally used, and there is no clear definition.

Points are set for each reach action. The point set for reach actions N1 to N4 is 1, the point set for N5 is 2, and the point set for N6 is 3. Further, the number of points set in the reach actions S1 to S2 is 10, and the number of points set in S3 is 20. The point set for reach action P1 is 80, and the point set for P2 is 100. In this way, different points are set according to the expected value (reliability) and appearance rate among the same type of reach actions.

In step S30 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 6, after selecting the reach action using the reach action determination table as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 66 selects the point (P) already stored in the RAM 70. The points set in the reached reach action are cumulatively added, and the added point (P) is stored in the RAM 70 (step S31). For example, when 10 points are already stored in the RAM 70 and the reach action is selected as a result of the selection of the reach action, the CPU 66 sets the reach action N1 to the point already stored in the RAM 70 (P = 10). 1 points set in the above are cumulatively added, and the points after addition (P = 11) are stored in the RAM 70.
At this time, the control circuit 60 functions as a point number storage means.

Next, the CPU 66 transmits a reach command corresponding to the selected reach action to the display control device 200 (step S26), and waits until a predetermined period elapses (step S27). This reach command includes, for example, data related to the type of reach such as normal reach and super reach as described above. When the display control device 200 receives the command, the display device 32 performs a reach action over a predetermined period.

If it is determined in step S25 that no reach has occurred, or if the process of step S27 is executed, then the CPU 66 stops displaying the special symbol at the center based on the result of the internal lottery process in step S20. A command to this effect is transmitted to the display control device 200 (step S28). The display control device 200 that has received the command displays on the display device 32 in such a manner that the central special symbol is displayed in a manner that it is variably displayed for a predetermined period, and then is stopped and displayed based on the result of the internal lottery process. The
The control circuit 60 and the display control device 200 that operates based on a command transmitted from the control circuit 60 when the processes of steps S20 to S28 and S30 to S31 described above are being executed are variable display game execution means. Function.

Next, it is determined whether or not the combination of a plurality of special symbols is a combination of occurrence of jackpot game (step S29). For example, when a combination of three special symbols is “7”-“7”-“7”, it is determined that a combination of a plurality of special symbols is a combination of occurrence of jackpot game.

When it is determined in step S29 that the combination of occurrence of jackpot game has been established, the CPU 66 performs jackpot game execution processing (step S32). The jackpot game is a game that provides a predetermined profit and / or advantageous state to the player. For example, after the big prize opening 38 is opened, 10 game balls are placed in the big prize opening 38. A game that can be played for a maximum of 10 rounds is performed, with one round being a game until entering or a predetermined period of time elapses. In step S32, the CPU 66 executes various processes for performing the above jackpot game. In addition, the display control device 200 performs processing for displaying various images for producing a big hit game on the display device 32.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the combination of occurrence of jackpot game has not been established, a plurality of special symbols are stopped and displayed until a predetermined period elapses (step S33).
After executing the process of step S32 or S33, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the point (P) stored in the RAM 70 has reached a predetermined value (L) (step S35).

If it is determined that the point (P) has not reached the predetermined value (L), this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when determining that the point (P) has reached the predetermined value (L), the CPU 66 performs a jackpot game execution process (step S32). Since the jackpot game execution process has already been described, the description thereof is omitted here.
At this time, the control circuit 60 functions as a game state changing means for changing the setting to a gaming state advantageous to the player according to the number of points stored in the point number storage means.

Thereafter, the CPU 66 subtracts a predetermined value (L) from the point (P) stored in the RAM 70, and stores the point (P) after the subtraction in the RAM 70 (step S36). At this time, the control circuit 60 functions as a point number reducing means.
Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated.

The display control device 200 performs a process of displaying a screen image on the display device 32 based on a command transmitted from the control circuit 60 in the subroutine shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine performed in the display control device 200 in order to generate a screen image to be displayed on the display device 32. This subroutine is a subroutine performed corresponding to the subroutine shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 206 of the display control device 200 determines whether or not a command transmitted from the CPU 66 of the control circuit 60 has been input (step S80). Examples of commands transmitted from the CPU 66 include a special symbol variation start command, a special symbol stop command, and a reach command in the subroutine shown in FIG. In the display control device 200, processing for generating a screen image to be displayed on the display device 32 is performed based on the received command.

If it is determined that a command has been input, the input command is set in the RAM 210 (step S81), and various data relating to the execution of the command are set in the RAM 210 (step S82).

If it is determined in step S80 that no command has been input, or if the process of step S82 is executed, the VDP 212 generates screen configuration information of the background image based on various data set in the RAM 210 ( Step S84). When the reach command is received in step S80, a background image necessary for displaying the selected reach action is selected in step S84, and screen configuration information of the background image is generated.

Next, the VDP 212 generates character image screen configuration information based on various data set in the RAM 210 (step S85).
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.
When a reach command is received in step S80, a character image necessary for displaying the selected reach action is selected in step S84, and screen configuration information of the character image is generated.

Next, the VDP 212 generates screen configuration information of the notification image based on various data set in the RAM 210 (step S91). The notification image is an image for notifying the number of points accumulated in the RAM 70.

Next, the VDP 212 generates screen configuration information of the special symbol image based on various data set in the RAM 210 (step S86).
At this time, for example, the head position of the screen configuration information is shifted by a predetermined amount of movement with respect to the same special symbol at a periodic interval (frame span) every 1/60 seconds or 1/30 seconds. In addition, by controlling each special symbol to be generated sequentially in a predetermined order, the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner.

Next, the VDP 212 synthesizes a screen image based on the generated screen configuration information (step S87). That is, the VDP 212 reads necessary image data from the image data ROM 216, and arranges each image data in a predetermined area of the video RAM 214 according to information regarding priority order, position, etc. displayed in the screen configuration information. The screen image data to be displayed on the screen 32 is synthesized. Then, when the composition of the screen image is completed, the output permission flag is turned ON.

Next, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the output permission flag is ON (step S88). If it is determined that the output permission flag is not ON, the process returns to step S80. On the other hand, if it is determined that the output permission flag is ON, screen image output processing is performed (step S89). That is, the CPU 206 instructs the VDP 212 to display the screen image data generated in the video RAM 214 on the display device 32, and the VDP 212 reads the screen image data generated in the video RAM 214 and receives the screen image data. The drive circuit 218 converts the screen image data into a predetermined signal and supplies it to the display device 32. As a result, the display device 32 that has received the predetermined signal displays a screen image. As a result, a notification image is displayed, and the player can grasp the cumulative number of points.

After performing the process of step S89, it is determined whether or not to end the display (step S90). If it is determined not to end the display, the process returns to step S80. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display is to be terminated, this subroutine is terminated.

In the above-described example, the case where the jackpot game is generated in response to the fact that the number of points stored in the RAM 70 has reached the predetermined value has been described. However, in the present invention, the game state changing means changes the setting according to the number of points. The gaming state after having performed (a gaming state advantageous to the player) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a short-time state, a probable change state, a state in which a premier reach occurs with a high probability. The time-saving state means a state in which the time required for the variable display game is shortened and the probability that the starting port (starting port 44 in the example shown in FIG. 2) is in the open state is increased. Further, the probability variation state is a state in which the probability that a jackpot game will occur is higher than the normal state.

Further, the gaming state advantageous to the player described above does not always have to be the same, and may be determined by lottery, for example. Further, it is possible to determine according to the number of points stored in the RAM 70 such that a time-short state occurs if the number of points is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and a probability variation state occurs if the number of points exceeds a predetermined value. .

In addition, a period (or number of times) in which a gaming state advantageous to the above-described player (for example, a jackpot game, a short-time state, a probability variation state, a state where a premier reach occurs with a high probability, etc.) is determined by lottery, for example. It is good also as determining according to the number of points memorize | stored in RAM70.

In the present invention, as described above, it is desirable to include point number reducing means for reducing the number of points stored in the RAM 70 in response to the setting change to an advantageous gaming state. This is because it is possible to arouse the willingness to continue the game and accumulate the number of points again, and to make the player more immersed in the game. In the above-described example, when the number of points stored in the RAM 70 has reached a predetermined value, a game state advantageous to the player (big hit game) is generated, and then the predetermined value is subtracted from the number of points. However, for example, after a game state advantageous to the player is generated, the number of points may be reset to zero. In addition, when the game state advantageous to the player is selected from a plurality of types and the setting is changed, the number of points to be subtracted may be changed according to the selected game state.

In the present invention, as described above, it is desirable to display a notification image for notifying the number of points on the display device 32. This is because the number of points displayed on the display device 32 can be used as an index for selecting one gaming machine that plays a game from among a plurality of gaming machines installed in the gaming store. Instead of displaying the notification image for notifying the number of points on the display device 32, the number of points may be notified by sound output from the speaker 46, and a display device other than the display device 32 (for example, an LED) The number of points may be displayed by a dot matrix display or a 7-segment display.

In addition, a reader that enables the game machine to input / output the number of points while allowing the number of points to be stored in a portable storage medium (for example, an IC card, a magnetic stripe card, etc.) / A writer may be provided. In this case, when a player who has played a game starts a new game with another gaming machine, the number of points accumulated up to that point is stored in the storage medium and stored in the storage medium. Since the number of points can be carried over to another new gaming machine, even if the gaming machine is changed and a game is played, the number of points accumulated so far is not lost. As a result, the player can fully enjoy the advantages obtained by the present invention while enjoying the game for a long time with various gaming machines.

As described above, the case where the present invention is applied to the pachinko gaming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and can be applied to a pachislot gaming apparatus or a slot machine other than the pachinko gaming apparatus. .

In the embodiment of the present invention, the identification information image that is variably displayed or stopped on the display device is configured as a special symbol, but is not limited to this, and is applied to a normal symbol. It may be applied to a variable display game with a decorative symbol that is displayed in a variable manner or stopped in conjunction with the display of a special symbol or a normal symbol.

1 is a front view schematically showing a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present invention. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing a game board 14 of the pachinko gaming apparatus 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a display control device 200 of the pachinko gaming apparatus 10. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for detecting a game ball executed in the control circuit 60 of the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing variable display game processing that is called and executed in step S14 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a reach action determination table. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine performed in the display control device 200 in order to generate a screen image to be displayed on the display unit of the display device 32.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko gaming device 14 Game board 32 Display device 38 Big prize opening 44 Start opening 60 Control circuits 66, 206 CPU
68, 208 ROM
70, 210 RAM
200 Display controller 212 VDP
214 Video RAM
216 Image data ROM

Claims (3)

Provided with a display device capable of displaying and stopping at least a plurality of special symbols.
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;
Reach effect image data storage means for storing a plurality of types of reach effect image data related to reach effect images displayed in response to occurrence of a reach state during the variable display game;
Reach effect selecting means for selecting reach effect image data to be displayed on the display device from the plurality of types of reach effect image data stored in the reach effect image data storage means;
Point number storage means for cumulatively storing the number of points given according to the selected reach effect image data;
A gaming machine comprising: game state changing means for changing a setting to a gaming state advantageous to a player according to the number of points stored by the point number storage means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a point number reducing unit that reduces the number of points stored in the point number storage unit in response to the setting change to an advantageous gaming state being performed by the gaming state changing unit. The gaming machine described. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising notification image display means for displaying a notification image for notifying the number of points stored in the point number storage means on the display device.

Images