JP2005245776A - Game machine and control method of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with game amusement wherein a player can enjoy a game in a jackpot state with an expectation on the result of revariation by realizing the image performance enhancing expectation to the result of the revariation in the jackpot state, and a control method of a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine having a variable display unit (an LCD 4) and an image performance display unit (an organic EL panel 50) and a stop pattern determining means determining a pattern when discriminating information is stopped and displayed in the LCD 4, has a revariation control means controlling the discriminating information in the LCD 4 in the revariation such as (temporarily stop at non probability variation → a special game state → variation display → final stop at a probability variation pattern or a non probability variation pattern), and an image performance control means performing control displaying an imaging performance relating the pattern stopping by the revariation control means in the organic EL panel 50 in the special game state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that shifts to a special gaming state that is advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is satisfied for identification information displayed on a variable display device provided on a gaming board of the gaming machine, and a method for controlling the gaming machine. In particular, in the special gaming state, by using a transparent image effect display device provided in front of the game board, an image effect relating to the re-variation is performed, thereby enhancing the expectation for the result of the re-variation. is there.

  Conventionally, there is a pachinko machine in which a variable display device (for example, a device that is displayed by an LCD or CRT) capable of variably displaying identification information consisting of a plurality of symbols (including characters) on a plurality of display areas on a game board surface is provided. is there. In such a pachinko machine, a variable display result of the identification information stopped and displayed on the variable display device (a combination of stop symbols) is a predetermined combination (for example, “7, 7, 6” or “2, 2, 2” or When it becomes “7, 7, 7” or the like, the big prize opening is opened under a predetermined condition, and a special gaming state (so-called jackpot state) advantageous to the player is entered.

  Here, in this type of pachinko machine, when the combination of the stop symbols is a specific symbol combination (for example, “7, 7, 7”, etc.), the normal gaming state after the end of the jackpot state The probability that a jackpot will be generated is improved compared to, and a transition is made to a probability fluctuation state that is more advantageous for the player.

  In addition, in this type of pachinko machine, after a combination of symbols (for example, “2, 2, 2”) suggesting the transition to the jackpot state is displayed on the variable display device and it is determined that the transition to the jackpot state is established, The identification information in the variable display device may be variably displayed (so-called re-variation) again (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In the midst of this re-variation, the player may determine that the combination of the stopped symbols after the re-variation becomes a combination of symbols (for example, “7, 7, 7”) that suggests a transition to the probability variation state. While holding a sense of expectation that it will not be performed, the process of displaying the variation of the identification information and the movement of the character appearing on the LCD will be watched.

  Thus, even if the combination of the stop symbols is a combination of symbols that does not suggest the transition to the probability variation state, the player may feel that the symbol may change to a symbol that suggests the transition to the probability variation state. The re-variation that can be held in is one of the important factors that change the interests of games.

JP 2000-135337 (paragraph number [0072]) JP 2001-129178 A (paragraph number [0230])

  However, in the above-described prior art, when the combination of the stop symbols displayed on the variable display device becomes a predetermined combination and re-change occurs before entering the jackpot state, the transition to the probability change state is suggested. There is a problem that it can only hold a feeling of expectation that it may change to a symbol for a short time during the re-variation, and consequently, the player has a strong curiosity and cannot enhance the interest of the game.

  On the other hand, even if the combination of the stop symbols displayed on the variable display device becomes a predetermined combination and enters the jackpot state and re-variation occurs after the jackpot state ends, the player is in the jackpot state Engulfed in the game of the game, consciousness of the results of the re-variation will be dilute, and as a result, in the jackpot state, the player may have a sense of expectation that it may change to a pattern that suggests the transition to the probability variation state There is a problem that can not be.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to realize an image effect that improves the expectation for the result of re-variation in the big hit state, which could not be expressed by a conventional gaming machine. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine full of gaming interests and a method for controlling the gaming machine, in which a game in a big hit state can be enjoyed while having a sense of expectation for the result of re-variation.

  In order to solve the problems as described above, the present invention has a variable display device provided in a game board and an image effect display device provided in front of the game board, and the identification information in the variable display device is In a gaming machine equipped with a stop symbol pattern determining means for determining a symbol pattern to be stopped and displayed, the identification information in the variable display device is set to “temporary stop with non-probable variable symbol → special game state → variable display again → probable variable symbol or not The re-variation control means for performing the most variable control of “main stop with probability variation design” and the control for causing the image effect display control device to display the image effect regarding the design pattern to be stopped by the re-variation control means in the special gaming state. And an image effect control means.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A variable display device that is provided on the game board and variably displays identification information, and a start winning area that triggers the start of variable display of identification information on the variable display device when a game ball wins; An image effect display device provided in front of the game board and partially or entirely transparent, and the game ball wins the start winning area, and the identification information variably displayed on the variable display device is stopped. In a gaming machine provided with a stop symbol pattern determining means for internally determining a symbol pattern to be displayed in advance, the symbol pattern determined internally by the stop symbol pattern determining means is a special gaming state advantageous for the player To a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and a probabilistic special symbol pattern that suggests both the transition to the probability change state and the transition to the probability variation state in which the probability of occurrence of the special game state is improved Re-variable control including a normal special symbol pattern that suggests only transition, causing the identification information temporarily stopped by the normal special symbol pattern to be variably displayed again, and to be permanently stopped by the normal special symbol pattern or the probability variation special symbol pattern And an image effect control means for controlling display of an image effect related to the symbol pattern to be stopped by the re-variation control means on the image effect display device.

  According to the present invention, a variable display device (for example, LCD) provided on a game board, a start winning area that triggers the start of variable display of identification information on the variable display device when a game ball wins, and a game board An image effect display device (for example, an organic EL panel) provided in front of the game, and when the game ball wins the start winning area and the identification information that is variably displayed on the variable display device is stopped and displayed In a gaming machine provided with a stop symbol pattern determining means that determines a pattern internally (electrically) in advance, the symbol pattern determined internally by the stop symbol pattern determining means includes a combination of so-called probability variation symbols (special game state) A combination of symbols that suggests a transition to a probability variation state after completion) and a so-called non-probable variation combination (to return to a normal gaming state after the end of a special gaming state) Combination of symbols suggesting to be performed), and the identification information in the variable display device is temporarily stopped by a combination of non-probable variation symbols, and then displayed in a variable manner, and then the non-probability variation symbol or combination of probabilistic variation symbols. Re-variation control means for performing the control to stop the game, and control for causing the image effect display device to display an image effect relating to the combination of symbols to be stopped by the re-variation control means during or before the special game state. And the image production control means for performing the game, the player is performed in the image production display device during or before or after the game in the special game state advantageous to the player, The image effect related to the combination of symbols that will be stopped due to re-variation will jump into the field of view.

  Therefore, the player can enjoy the jackpot game while having a sense of expectation for the result of re-variation before and after the jackpot state.

  In addition, since this image effect is performed in a transparent image effect display device provided entirely or partially in front of the game board, the consciousness for the jackpot game and the consciousness for the image effect are not dispersed. It is possible to provide a gaming machine with high gaming characteristics in which image production and special games are combined.

  Here, “the identification information is variably displayed again, and the main special symbol pattern or the probable variation special symbol pattern is finally stopped” is a mode in which the normal special symbol pattern changes to the normal special symbol pattern or the probable variation special symbol pattern. Shall be included. For example, the normal special symbol pattern may not be scroll-fluctuated, but the appearance form thereof may be changed to the appearance form of the probability variation special symbol pattern.

  In addition, the “image effect display device” may be transparent or semi-transparent, and may be of any type. For example, it may be a liquid crystal display panel in which a liquid crystal material is sandwiched between very thin plates, or a dot pattern composed of dots of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, such as an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. It is possible to display a symbol and to have a light-transmitting property. Further, the symbols displayed by the “image effect display device” may be single or plural, and the number and type (for example, characters, letters, numbers, background symbols, etc.) and display. Regardless of the mode (still image / moving image).

  Further, as the contents of the “image effect” performed by the image effect display device, for example, by displaying characters and characters such as “Is it changed to a probable change after the jackpot game! Can be increased uniformly.

  Further, the place where this “image effect” is performed may be any place as long as it is a transparent place of the image effect display device, and this image effect can be performed in a place that does not interfere with the display of the variable display device. . Thereby, the discomfort that the player has due to the overlap of the display of the variable display device and the image effect can be eliminated while preventing the consciousness of the big hit game and the image effect from being dispersed.

  (2) The re-variation control means causes the identification information temporarily stopped in the normal special symbol pattern to be variably displayed again after the special gaming state is finished, and the image effect control means is configured to display the identification information temporarily stopped in the special gaming state. (1) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein display control of the image effect is performed on the image effect display device.

  According to the present invention, the re-variation control means described above causes the identification information temporarily stopped with a combination of so-called non-probable variation symbols to be variably displayed after the end of the jackpot game, and the image effect control means during the jackpot game. Since display control of the above-described image effect is performed on the image effect display device, the player can enjoy the jackpot game while having a sense of expectation for the result of re-variation in the jackpot state.

  (3) (1) or (2), wherein the image effect control means associates the probability that the probability variation special symbol pattern is permanently stopped by the re-variation control means with the effect time of the image effect. Game machines.

  According to the present invention, the image production control means associates the probability that the combination of so-called probability variation symbols is permanently stopped by the revariation control means with the production time of the image production. It is possible to indirectly recognize the expected value (or its approximate value) at which the combination of symbols is stopped, and to enjoy the jackpot game while feeling the expectation for the result of re-variation.

  Here, “corresponding to the effect time of the image effect” means that the probability that the probability variation special symbol pattern is permanently stopped means that the probability that the probability variation special symbol pattern is permanently stopped depends on the length of the effect time of the image effect. To do.

  (4) The gaming machine according to (3), wherein the probability that the probability variation special symbol pattern is permanently stopped by the re-variation control means increases as the production time of the image effect increases.

  According to the present invention, the probability that the combination of so-called probability variation symbols will be permanently stopped by the above-described re-variation control means is configured to increase as the production time of the image effect becomes longer. It is possible to provide an amusement machine rich in entertainment that allows users to enjoy a big hit game while expecting a long-time image production.

  For example, the contents of the image effect made by the image effect display device include “how many mountains can you climb”, “how many enemies can be defeated”, “where can this train go?” By displaying letters and characters, it is possible to gradually increase the expectation for re-variation.

  (5) A variable display device provided on the game board for variably displaying the identification information, and a start winning area that triggers the start of variable display of the identification information in the variable display device when the game ball wins; An image effect display device provided in front of the game board and partially or entirely transparent, and the game ball wins the start winning area, and the identification information variably displayed on the variable display device is stopped. In a game machine control method including a stop symbol pattern determining step for internally determining a symbol pattern to be displayed in advance, the symbol pattern determined internally by the stop symbol pattern determining step is advantageous for the player. Profitable special symbol pattern that suggests both the transition to a special gaming state and the transition to a probability variation state that increases the probability of occurrence of the special gaming state, and an advantage for the player Re-variation control including a normal special symbol pattern that suggests only a transition to a special gaming state, wherein the identification information in the variable display device is variably displayed again, and is finally stopped at the normal special symbol pattern or the probability variation special symbol pattern A game machine control method comprising: a step, and an image effect control step of controlling display of an image effect related to the symbol pattern to be stopped by the re-variation control means on the image effect display device.

  According to the present invention, since the gaming machine of (1) can be appropriately controlled, it relates to a combination of symbols that is performed on the image effect display device for the player in the special gaming state and is stopped by re-variation. An image production can be provided, and as a result, a gaming machine capable of enjoying a jackpot game while having a sense of expectation for the result of re-variation can be provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, on the image effect display device provided in front of the game board, since the image effect related to the combination of symbols to be permanently stopped by re-variation is performed, the player is in the big hit state , You can enjoy the jackpot game while feeling the expectation for the result of re-variation. Further, since the player does not need to look away from the game board to visually recognize the image effect, it is possible to prevent the consciousness of the jackpot game and the consciousness of the image effect from being dispersed. It is possible to provide a gaming machine with high gaming characteristics.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Appearance structure of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body frame 2, a game board 3 incorporated in the main body frame 2, and an LCD 4 for notifying the jackpot lottery result substantially at the center of the game board 3. An upper plate 5 provided in front of the main body frame 2 and below the game board 3 and an operation handle 6 provided below the upper plate 5 are arranged.

  Below the LCD 4, there is provided a large winning opening 7 which is a variable winning opening that opens and closes a predetermined number of rounds when the jackpot is reached. In addition, a start winning opening 9 is provided between the LCD 4 and the big winning opening 7, and a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols) displayed on the LCD 4 when a game ball is inserted into the starting winning opening 9. Fluctuation display is started. Further, on the left and right sides of the start winning opening 9, normal winning openings 10, 11 are provided. Note that whether or not a game ball has entered the big prize opening 7, the starting prize opening 9, and the normal prize winning openings 10 and 11, respectively, is the big prize opening sensor 7a, the starting prize opening sensor 9a, and the normal prize opening sensors 10a and 11a. (See FIG. 4). The start winning opening 9 corresponds to an example of a start winning area.

  The game board 3 of the pachinko machine 1 includes a plurality of windmills 12 that change the traveling direction of the game balls, obstacle nails (not shown) such as heaven nails and armor nails, and a decorative lamp that enhances the fun of the game. A class (not shown) is provided. In the present embodiment, the LCD 4 is used as an example of a variable display device that notifies the lottery lottery result. However, for example, a CRT or a rotating drum may be used instead.

  Here, a front panel 13 made of synthetic resin or glass is provided in front of the game board 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. An organic EL panel 50 (not shown in FIG. 1) having light transmittance is provided as an example of an effect display device. Hereinafter, the details of the external configuration of the organic EL panel 50 will be described.

[Configuration of organic EL panel]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the organic EL panel 50 is disposed on the back surface of the front panel 13.

  In FIG. 2, a light-transmitting organic EL panel 50 having organic EL elements is disposed on the back surface (back surface) of the front panel 13, and the front panel 13 and the organic EL panel 50 are integrally fixed. Yes. A synthetic resin rear panel 51 is disposed on the back surface (back surface) of the organic EL panel 50 in order to sandwich the organic EL panel 50 with the front panel 13.

  Here, the organic EL organic EL panel 50 is composed of a transparent glass substrate 50b having a thickness of about several mm and a transparent thin-film EL element 50a fixed on the glass substrate 50b. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the organic EL panel 50.

  In FIG. 3, an EL element 50a fixed on a glass substrate 50b includes a light emitting layer (not shown) whose main component is a fluorescent material such as zinc sulfide, electrodes fixed on both surfaces thereof, and these electrodes. And an insulating layer covering the surface of the kind. More specifically, a large number of transparent scanning electrodes (for example, scanning electrodes 52) are formed in the left-right direction on the back surface of the light emitting layer, and a large number of transparent data electrodes in the vertical direction are formed on the front surface of the light emitting layer. (For example, the data electrode 53) is formed, and the surface of the scanning electrode and the surface of the data electrode are each covered with a transparent insulating layer. Note that the scan electrode and the data electrode are made of a transparent conductive film such as indium oxide.

  On the EL element 50a, intersections of a large number of scanning electrodes and a large number of data electrodes are arranged in a matrix shape having a large number of rows and a large number of columns. For example, when a voltage is applied to the intersection 54 via the scanning electrode 52 and the data electrode 53, the dot-like portion of the light emitting layer emits excitation light at the intersection 54. Therefore, for example, by applying a DC pulse to a specific data electrode and grounding a specific scan electrode at a predetermined timing, an arbitrary character string or pattern (including a variable display pattern) is displayed. It is possible to display with a dot pattern.

  That is, end portions of a large number of scan electrodes (for example, the scan electrode 52) are connected to the scan line driver 55, and end portions of a large number of data electrodes (for example, the data electrode 53) are connected to the data line driver 56, and ITO (indium tin oxide). However, by supplying a data signal to the data line driver 56 while supplying a synchronizing clock signal to the scanning line driver 55 and the data line driver 56, an arbitrary character string or It becomes possible to display the design as a dot pattern.

  Since the scanning line driver 55 and the data line driver 56 are generally opaque parts, they are mounted on a printed circuit board inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 and hinder the player from viewing the game board 3. Do not become.

[Electric configuration of pachinko machines]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  4, the main control circuit 20 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a central processing circuit (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) 21 that controls the central part of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and a pachinko gaming machine. ROM 22 for storing a program for controlling the flow of the entire game of the machine 1, a RAM 23 functioning as a work area for the CPU 21, and an I / O interface circuit 24 which is interposed between the CPU 21 and various sensors and exchanges communication data. And an I / O interface circuit 25 that is interposed between the CPU 21 and various circuits and exchanges communication data.

  When the game ball enters the big winning opening 7, the starting winning opening 9, and the normal winning openings 10, 11, the CPU 21 receives from the big winning opening sensor 7a, the starting winning opening sensor 9a, and the normal winning opening sensors 10a, 11a, respectively. A detection signal indicating that a game ball has been entered is received via the I / O interface circuit 24.

  The ROM 22 stores a program for controlling the flow of the entire game, a program for controlling the light emission / coloring operation of the decorative lamps, data on the holding ball, audio data on the BGM and sound effects, and the like. The RAM 23 functions as a working area of the CPU 21 as described above, and has a function of temporarily storing, for example, a jackpot flag used when determining whether or not to shift to jackpot.

  The lamp control circuit 26 supplies a control signal to light the decorative lamps based on an issuance / coloring instruction issued from the main control circuit 20 via the I / O interface circuit 25. The LCD drive control circuit 27 supplies a drive control signal to display predetermined identification information (designs and characters) on the LCD 4 based on an image display command issued from the main control circuit 20 via the I / O interface circuit 25. To do. The special prize opening solenoid drive control circuit 28 is based on a special prize opening / closing command issued from the main control circuit 20 via the I / O interface circuit 25, and the special prize opening 7 (the gate provided in the special prize opening 7). A drive control signal is supplied to the special winning opening solenoid 30 in order to open and close. The organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 displays a predetermined image (such as a character or a character) on the organic EL panel 50 based on an image display command issued from the main control circuit 20 via the I / O interface circuit 25. A drive control signal is supplied.

  Here, the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 will be described in detail. The organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 is composed of elements (not shown) such as a sub CPU, ROM or RAM. Then, based on a command from the CPU 21, image (character) data to be displayed on the organic EL panel 50 is generated, and a data signal related to the generated image data is given to the data line driver 56 of the organic EL panel 50. The organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 also scans the data line driver 56 and the scanning of the organic EL panel 50 in order to appropriately display an arbitrary character string or pattern as a dot pattern on the organic EL element 50a of the organic EL panel 50. A clock (synchronization) signal is given to the line driver 55 at a predetermined timing. As a result, a predetermined image (design) is displayed on the organic EL element 50a of the organic EL panel 50.

  The lamp control circuit 26, the LCD drive control circuit 27, the special prize opening solenoid drive control circuit 28, and the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 described above may be arranged on separate circuit boards, or one board. May be arranged together, or may be incorporated in the main control circuit 20.

[Information processing flow]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of information processing (game flow) in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the start winning port 9 through the start winning port sensor 9a (step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that no game ball has entered the start winning opening 9, the process in step S1 is repeated until a game ball enters.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1 that a game ball has entered the start winning opening 9, a stop symbol pattern determination decision is made (step S2). More specifically, the CPU 21 performs random lottery (for example, a random number generator from a random number generator) to internally determine a symbol pattern (combination of symbols to be stopped) when a symbol variably displayed on the LCD 4 is stopped and displayed. The random number value as the lottery result is compared with the data of the stop symbol pattern table stored in the ROM 22, for example. At this time, if the symbol pattern at this time is internally determined to be a jackpot in the normal symbol, a jackpot flag is stored in the RAM 23. In addition, if the symbol pattern at this time is internally determined to be a jackpot in the probability variation symbol, not only the jackpot flag but also the probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 23. Note that the two jackpot flags and the probability variation flag may be realized by one probability variation jackpot flag. Further, although not specifically mentioned here, it is possible to forcibly determine the big hit in the normal symbol by providing a predetermined limiter.

  Here, the ROM 22 storing a random number lottery program, a stop symbol pattern table, and the like, the CPU 21 that actually executes the random number lottery, and the RAM 23 functioning as a storage means for the working area and the jackpot flag / probability change flag at that time are the stop symbol. This corresponds to an example of pattern determination means.

  Next, stop mode determination processing is performed (step S3). More specifically, the CPU 21 performs a random number lottery (for example, extracts a random number from a random number generator) in order to internally determine a stop mode when a symbol variably displayed on the LCD 4 is stopped and displayed. The random number value as the lottery result is compared with the data in the stop mode table stored in the ROM 22, for example. As a result, it is determined whether to perform re-variation such as reach action, combined variation display of the three symbols, or no re-variation. Note that the stop mode data determined as a result of the random number lottery is temporarily stored in the RAM 23.

  Next, symbol variation is started (step S4). More specifically, the CPU 21 issues a symbol change command to the LCD 4 via the I / O interface circuit 25 to the LCD drive control circuit 27. Based on this command, the LCD drive control circuit 27 supplies a drive control signal to display the symbols on the LCD 4 in a variable manner. As a result, the symbols on the LCD 4 are variably displayed.

  Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not to shift to the big hit state depending on whether or not the big hit flag is stored in the RAM 23 (step S5). It is displayed (step S6).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the game is a big hit, the CPU 21 reads out the stop mode data stored in the RAM 23 in step S3, and determines whether or not to re-variate after the big hit game described later. (Step S7) If it is determined that re-variation is not performed, it is determined whether the jackpot is due to the normal symbol or the jackpot due to the probability variation symbol depending on whether or not the probability variation flag is stored by accessing the RAM 23. Then, one of the symbols is stopped and displayed (step S8). After that, you will enter the jackpot game as usual.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines in step S7 that re-variation will be performed, the LCD drive control circuit 27 is temporarily connected to the LCD drive control circuit 27 via the I / O interface circuit 25 in order to temporarily stop the jackpot symbol. A design temporary stop command is given to the LCD 4. Based on this command, the LCD drive control circuit 27 supplies a drive control signal to temporarily stop the symbols on the LCD 4 with a combination of normal jackpot symbols. As a result, the normal jackpot symbol is temporarily stopped on the LCD 4 (step S9).

  Next, the big hit state is entered (step S10). This big hit state is, for example, when a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game balls have entered the big winning opening 7 or when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed, whichever condition is earlier It will end. Further, if the predetermined condition is satisfied during the big hit state, the repeated continuation control for returning to the big hit state after returning to the normal state will be executed. (15 rounds).

  Next, the image effect process (step S11) is started. In general, this image effect processing is expected to be that a normal jackpot symbol may change to a symbol (so-called probabilistic jackpot symbol) that suggests a transition to a probability variation state due to re-variation after the jackpot state ends. Is a process in which the organic EL panel 50 performs an image effect for causing the player to hold the image, details of which will be described later.

  After the image effect process in step S11 ends, when the jackpot game ends (step S12), a re-variation process is performed (step S13). More specifically, the CPU 21 issues a symbol re-variation command to the LCD 4 via the I / O interface circuit 25 to the LCD drive control circuit 27 based on the stop mode data stored in the RAM 23 in step S3. Based on this command, the LCD drive control circuit 27 supplies a drive control signal for variably displaying the symbol (s) on the LCD 4 again. As a result, the symbols on the LCD 4 are variably displayed again.

  Next, the CPU 21 determines whether it is a big hit with a normal symbol or a big hit with a certain probability symbol depending on whether or not the probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 23 in the process of step S2 (step S14). When it is determined that the probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 23, the probability variation jackpot symbol is stopped (step S15). When it is determined that the probability variation flag is not stored in the RAM 23, the normal jackpot symbol is stopped. (Step S16). Here, when the processes of step S9, step S13, step S15, and step S16 are executed, the CPU 21 that issues a command for changing, temporarily stopping, and permanently stopping the symbols displayed on the LCD 4 is stored. The ROM 22 and the RAM 23 functioning as a working area correspond to an example of a re-variation control unit.

  Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated and a series of games is terminated. However, in the process of step S14, if it is determined that the probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 23, the probability variation state is entered in the next and subsequent games. become.

  Thus, according to the gaming machine in which the above-described game flow is executed, the player can enjoy the jackpot game while having a sense of expectation for the result of re-variation by the image effect on the organic EL panel 50. become.

[Image production processing]
The image effect process in step S11 described above will be described in detail below. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a character and a character “May change to a probable pattern ...?” Can be displayed in the center of the organic EL panel 50. More specifically, the CPU 21 issues an image effect command to the organic EL panel 50 via the I / O interface circuit 25 to the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29. Based on this command, the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 reads out the image data relating to the characters and characters “may change to a probable pattern ...?” From the ROM in its own circuit, and sends it to the organic EL panel 50. A drive control signal is supplied together with the image data. Thereby, the characters and characters shown in FIG. 6A are displayed on the organic EL panel 50, and the expectation for the result of re-variation can be enhanced. The organic EL panel 50 that actually displays an image effect, the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 that supplies various drive control signals to the organic EL panel 50, and the organic EL panel 50 that is present in the circuit. The ROM that stores the drive control program and the RAM that functions as a working area correspond to an example of an image effect control unit.

  Here, in FIG. 6A, the image effect is performed near the center of the organic EL panel 50. However, as shown in FIG. 6B, the corner of the organic EL panel 50, that is, the display on the LCD 4 is obstructed. It is good also as performing image production in the place which does not. This makes it easier for the player to visually recognize the game board 2, and dispels the discomfort that the player has due to the display on the LCD 4 and the image effect on the organic EL panel 50 overlapping.

  In FIG. 6 (a), an image effect by static characters and characters is performed to increase the expectation for the re-variation result. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, an image effect may be performed in which the probability that the probability variation jackpot symbol stops as a result of re-variation is associated with the effect time of the image effect, and the expectation for re-variation is increased step by step. The image effect that increases the sense of expectation for this re-variation stepwise will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of image effect processing in the gaming machine according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, first, the CPU 21 performs an effect pattern lottery process (step S21). More specifically, for example, the table shown in FIG. 8 is prepared in the ROM 22, and it is selected which rendering pattern of rendering patterns 1 to 5 is displayed by random lottery. Here, when the probability variation flag is not stored in the RAM 23 in the processing of step S2 described above (see FIG. 5) (that is, when only the flag indicating the normal jackpot is set), it is shown in the middle of the table of FIG. The production patterns 1 to 5 are selected with probability, and the probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 23 in the process of step S2 described above (see FIG. 5) (that is, the flag indicating the probability variation big hit is set). The effect patterns 1 to 5 are selected with the probability shown in the lower part of the table of FIG. As a result, when the production of the production pattern 1 is performed on the organic EL panel 50, the apparent expected value (probability) that becomes the probability variation state viewed from the player is 0%, and the production of the production pattern 2 is the organic EL. When it is made on the panel 50, the apparent expected value (probability) that becomes the probability variation state seen from the player is {5 / (5 + 30) × 100}%, and the effect of the effect pattern 3 is on the organic EL panel 50. If this is done, the apparent expected value (probability) that becomes the probability variation state seen by the player is {50 / (50 + 50) × 100}%, and the effect of the effect pattern 4 is made on the organic EL panel 50. The apparent expected value (probability) that becomes the probability variation state viewed from the player is {30 / (30 + 5) × 100}%, and when the effect of the effect pattern 5 is made on the organic EL panel 50, the game Seen from the person Apparent expectation that the rate variation state (probability) is 100%. The effect pattern 1 is an effect pattern in which only the effect image A is displayed, the effect pattern 2 is an effect pattern displayed in order of the effect image A → the effect image B, and the effect pattern 3 is the effect image A Effect image B is an effect pattern displayed in order of effect image C, and effect pattern 4 is an effect pattern displayed in order of effect image A → effect image B → effect image C → effect image D. Yes, effect pattern 5 is an effect pattern displayed in order of effect image A → effect image B → effect image C → effect image D → effect image E.

  Next, image display / update processing is performed (step S22). More specifically, first, the CPU 21 instructs the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 to display an effect image A on the organic EL panel 50. Based on this command, the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 reads an effect image corresponding to the effect image A from the ROM in its own circuit, and supplies a drive control signal to the organic EL panel 50 together with the image data.

  Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the repeated continuation control is performed (whether or not to proceed to the next round) (step S23). More specifically, as described above, whether or not the repeated continuation control is executed in the big hit state is determined based on signals from various sensors and the like. If it is determined that the repeated continuation control is not executed, the image effect processing subroutine ends at that stage, and for example, the effect image on the organic EL panel 50 is erased.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the repeated continuation control is to be executed, the process returns to step S22, and then the image is displayed to the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 to display the effect image B on the organic EL panel 50. Perform a display command. However, if the effect image displayed on the organic EL panel 50 matches the last effect image in the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern lottery process in step S21, the effect image is directly used as the organic EL panel 50. An image display command is issued to the organic EL panel drive control circuit 29 so as to display the image. Thus, under the condition that the effect image before the last effect image in the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern lottery process of step S21 is displayed (for example, the effect selected by the effect pattern lottery process of step S21) When the pattern is the production pattern 4 shown in FIG. 8, the production images A to D can be displayed on the organic EL panel 50), and each time the repeated continuation control is executed (round advances). The effect image A → the effect image B → the effect image C → the effect image D → the effect image E and the effect image E and the organic EL panel 50 are displayed step by step. As a result, the player can enjoy the jackpot game while having a sense of expectation for the result of re-variation. In addition, when the effect image changes in order of effect image A → effect image B → effect image C → effect image D → effect image E, only up to five rounds are displayed. For example, effect image A → The effect image A → the effect image B → the effect image B → the effect image C..., The same effect image may be displayed in different rounds, and more rounds may be displayed. Further, the effect image may not be the five patterns A to E, but may be 15 patterns so as to correspond to the general 15 rounds. Further, the effect image does not need to be a still image, and may be a moving image in which the character moves. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the process (step S21) that is the effect pattern lottery process is interposed, but may be omitted. Hereinafter, a specific example will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  When the jackpot state from step S10 to step S12 consists of 15 rounds in general, as shown in FIG. 9, a mountain and a character are displayed on the organic EL panel 50 from the 1st station to the 15th station ( FIG. 9A). Then, the character climbs the mountain step by step (FIG. 9 (a) → (b)), and performs an image effect that falls at the 13th station (FIG. 9 (c)).

  Here, for example, if it falls at the 8th stage (8th stage), the expected expected value (probability) that becomes a probability fluctuation state seen by the player is 30%, and if it falls at the 9th stage (9th stage), the game Expected expected value (probability) that becomes a probability variation state seen from the player is 40%, and an expected expectation value (probability) that becomes a probability variation state seen by the player when falling at the 10th station (10th stage) Is 50%, and if it falls at the 11th stage (11th stage), the expected expected value (probability) that becomes the probability fluctuation state seen by the player is 60%, and if it falls at the 12th stage (12th stage), the player The apparent expectation value (probability) that becomes the probability variation state seen from 70% is 70%, and the apparent expectation value (probability) that becomes the probability variation state seen by the player when falling at the 13th stage (13th stage) is 80%, when it falls at 14th stage (14th stage), it looks like the probability fluctuation state seen by the player The expected value (probability) is 90%, and when it falls at the 15th stage (15th stage), the apparent expected value (probability) that becomes the probability variation state seen by the player is set to be 100%. If this is done, it is possible to notify the player of an apparent expected value (80% in FIG. 9) that will result in a probability variation state. As a result, it is possible to provide an amusement machine rich in gaming that can increase the sense of expectation for the result of re-variation step by step, and that the feeling of excitement swells while enjoying the jackpot game.

  Further, as an example of an image effect that increases the expectation of re-variation step by step, for example, an effect as shown in FIG. 10 can be considered. That is, when the jackpot state from step S10 to step S12 consists of 15 rounds in general, as shown in FIG. 10, on the organic EL panel 50, the player (the character on the left in FIG. 10) and the enemy character (see FIG. 10 right characters) are displayed (FIG. 10A). Then, the player defeats enemy characters one after another (FIG. 10 (a) → (b)), and finally performs an image effect such that the 13th enemy character is killed (FIG. 10 (c)).

  Here, for example, an apparent expectation value (probability) that becomes a probability variation state seen from the player when eight players are killed is 30%, and an apparent expectation value that becomes a probability variation state seen from the players when nine players are killed (Probability) is 40%, the expected value (probability) that becomes a probability variation state seen from the player when 10 people are killed is 50%, and the appearance that the probability variation state is seen from the player when 11 people are killed Expected value (probability) is 60%, and if 12 people are killed, the expected expected value (probability) is 70%, and the expected expected value (probability) is 70%. The above expected value (probability) is 80%, and when 14 people are killed, the probability variation state seen from the player is 90%. The apparent expectation value (probability) is 90%, and when 15 people are killed, the probability variation state seen from the player is If you set the apparent expectation (probability) to be 100%, Apparent expectation that the rate variation state (probability) (70% because it is tilted 12 people in Figure 10) can be notified to the player. As a result, it is possible to provide an amusement machine rich in gaming that can increase the sense of expectation for the result of re-variation step by step, and that the feeling of excitement swells while enjoying the jackpot game. In the above-described embodiment, the image effect is performed during the jackpot game, and the re-variation is performed after the jackpot game processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and “image effect and re-variation → this stop”. May be performed before the jackpot game processing, or may be performed during the jackpot game processing.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention performs an image effect relating to a symbol pattern as a result of the re-variation on an image effect display device such as a transparent organic EL panel or a transparent liquid crystal display panel in a jackpot game. It is useful to be able to enjoy a jackpot game while having a sense of expectation for the result.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the organic EL panel is arrange | positioned at the back surface of the front panel. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the organic EL panel shown in FIG. 2. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow (game flow) of the information processing in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the image effect on an organic EL panel. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image effect process in the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is an example of the table used when selecting an effect pattern. It is an example of the image effect on an organic EL panel. It is an example of the image effect on an organic EL panel.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 2 Body frame 3 Game board 4 LCD
5 Upper plate 6 Operation handle 7 Grand prize opening 9 Start prize opening 10, 11 Regular prize opening 12 Windmill 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
50 Organic EL Panel 50a EL Element 50b Glass Substrate 52 Scan Electrode 53 Data Electrode 54 Intersection 55 Scan Line Driver 56 Data Line Driver

Claims (5)

A variable display device provided on the game board for variably displaying the identification information;
A start winning area that triggers the start of variable display of identification information in the variable display device by winning a game ball;
An image effect display device provided in front of the game board and partially or entirely transparent,
In a gaming machine comprising stop symbol pattern determining means for internally determining in advance a symbol pattern when a game ball wins the start winning area and the identification information that is variably displayed on the variable display device is stopped and displayed,
The symbol pattern determined internally by the stop symbol pattern determining means suggests both a transition to a special gaming state advantageous to the player and a transition to a probability variation state in which the probability of occurrence of the special gaming state is improved. Including a probabilistic special symbol pattern and a normal special symbol pattern that only suggests a transition to a special gaming state advantageous to the player,
Re-variation control means for causing the identification information temporarily stopped in the normal special symbol pattern to be variably displayed again, and to make a regular stop in the normal special symbol pattern or the probability variation special symbol pattern,
A game machine comprising: an image effect control means for controlling display of an image effect related to the symbol pattern to be stopped by the re-variation control means on the image effect display device. The re-variation control means causes the identification information temporarily stopped in the normal special symbol pattern to be variably displayed again after the special gaming state ends,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the image effect control means controls display of the image effect on the image effect display device in the special gaming state.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image effect control means associates the probability that the probability variation special symbol pattern is permanently stopped by the re-variation control means with the effect time of the image effect.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the probability that the probability variation special symbol pattern is finally stopped by the re-variation control means increases as the production time of the image effect increases. A variable display device that is provided on the game board and variably displays identification information, a start winning area that triggers a variable display of identification information on the variable display device when a game ball wins, and the game board And an image effect display device that is partially or entirely transparent,
A game machine control method including a stop symbol pattern determining step for internally determining a symbol pattern when a game ball wins the start winning area and the identification information variably displayed on the variable display device is displayed in a stop manner. In
The symbol pattern determined internally by the stop symbol pattern determination step suggests both a transition to a special gaming state advantageous to the player and a transition to a probability variation state in which the probability of occurrence of the special gaming state is improved. Including a probabilistic special symbol pattern and a normal special symbol pattern that only suggests a transition to a special gaming state advantageous to the player,
Re-variation control step in which the identification information in the variable display device is variably displayed again after being temporarily stopped in the normal special symbol pattern, and is finally stopped in the normal special symbol pattern or the probability-variable special symbol pattern,
A game machine control method, comprising: an image effect control step of controlling display of an image effect relating to a symbol pattern to be stopped by the re-variation control means in the special game state on the image effect display device.

Images