JP2007054165A - Game machine, image controller, image control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve the economical variable display of a new decoration image suitable for a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a stop symbol decision part (402) for determining the combination of decoration symbols when the variation is stopped from the result of a lottery, a variation pattern decision part (403) which determines variation patterns of the decoration symbols to be variably displayed until the combination of the decoration symbols decided is stopped and displayed and an image generation part (405) which generates an image data for displaying the plurality of decoration symbols being switched from the variation patterns of the decoration symbols decided. The image generation part (405) switches the symbols in the second area after those in the first area are done in the switch from the preceding to following symbols in at least a pair of variation areas comprising the first and second areas preset for the decoration symbols. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball game machine.

Conventionally, a decorative design corresponding to the result of the lottery has been displayed on the display screen at the center of the gaming machine. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-337467 discloses a gaming machine using a decorative design that simulates a so-called slot machine (Patent Document 1). During the variable display, the decorative symbol is scrolled at high speed in the vertical direction as the rotary drum of the slot machine rotates, and stops at a certain combination of decorative symbols at the end of the variable display. In such a gaming machine, the fun of the slot machine is combined with the fun of the gaming machine itself by winning a game ball, so that the player's gambling feelings are raised, the player's mood is enhanced, and the game is enthusiastic. Was done.
JP 2004-337467 A (summary, FIG. 4 etc.)

  However, most conventional gaming machines simply scroll the decorative symbols, and there was no other variable display method.

  The player gradually gets bored as he continues to see the same display, even if the display should be fresh at first. In order to keep the player always addicted to the game and frequently go to the game hall, it is necessary to create a variable display of a new decoration image.

  However, on the other hand, if a large amount of image data is used for the fluctuating display of elaborate decorative symbols, a large memory capacity is required, leading to an increase in cost. For example, if a complicated three-dimensional image is to be displayed, the calculation load for three-dimensional coordinate calculation increases, so that not only a memory but also a high-speed calculation element is required.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine, an image control apparatus, a method thereof, and a program thereof that can economically realize a variable display of a new decoration image.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine that displays a graphic image corresponding to a result of a lottery performed based on a winning of a game ball at a start winning opening, and a result of the lottery A stop symbol determining unit for determining a symbol combination at the time of variation stop, and a variation pattern determining unit for determining a symbol variation pattern to be variably displayed before the symbol combination to be stopped and displayed. An image generation unit for generating image data for switching and displaying a plurality of symbols based on the symbol variation pattern. Then, the image generation unit is set in advance for the symbol, and in the at least one pair of variable regions including the first region and the second region, the symbol of the variable region is one symbol from the previous symbol which is one symbol. When switching to the rear symbol, the symbol of the second region is switched after the symbol of the first region is switched.

  In addition, the present invention is an image control device that can be applied to a gaming machine for switching and displaying a plurality of symbols, and for each of the symbols that are variably displayed, at least a pair of a first region and a second region. The variable region is preset, and the symbol of the variable region can be switched from the previous symbol which is one symbol to the rear symbol which is the other symbol, and for each variable region, Intermediate image data for displaying a partial still image data of a symbol stored for each of the first region and the second region, and an intermediate symbol indicating an intermediate stage of switching between the previous symbol and the subsequent symbol; And a combining unit that combines the still image data or the intermediate image data selected for each variation region as image data for symbol variation display. And when switching from a front symbol to a back symbol, after switching the symbol of a 1st area | region, the symbol of a 2nd area | region is switched.

  According to the above configuration, by determining the variation pattern, it is determined what symbol the symbol is to be switched to, and the image data for the image generation unit to switch from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol is determined. Generate one after another. Here, at least a pair of variable areas are set for the symbols, and after the symbols in the first area are switched among the variable areas, the symbols in the second area are switched. It can be visually recognized as if the design of one area is turned (fallen) to the second area side. For this reason, it is possible to perform a variable display in which symbols are switched like a so-called mechanical “patter clock”. Here, as for the symbols to be stored, if only the respective still image data is provided, only the image data essential for each symbol display is required. Therefore, visually unique symbol switching can be performed without increasing the image data. Moreover, it can be realized without the need for high-speed computation. Note that the symbols in the second region may be switched simultaneously with the symbols in the first region.

  Note that the “intermediate symbol” using the “intermediate image data” may or may not be displayed. That is, when the display switching speed is high, a visual effect like a “pattern clock” can be given even by switching only “still image data”.

  That is, in the present invention, for each of the symbols that are variably displayed, an image that stores partial still image data of the symbol so that it can be independently read out for each of the first and second regions for each variation region. A data storage unit is provided. Then, the image generation unit selectively reads out still image data of either the first region or the second region for each variable region from the image data storage unit, and generates image data.

  Here, in order to display an intermediate state between the previous symbol and the subsequent symbol, the image data storage unit displays each of the symbols to be variably displayed for each of the variable regions, for each of the first region and the second region. It is preferable that intermediate image data indicating an intermediate stage of switching between the front symbol and the rear symbol is stored. In this case, the image generation unit reads the intermediate image data and temporarily displays the intermediate symbol between the display of the previous symbol and the display of the subsequent symbol when switching the symbol of the fluctuation region from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol. The image data to be generated is generated.

Specifically, such a display is used when changing the design of the variable area from the previous design to the rear design.
1) Select the still image data of the previous symbol and generate image data for displaying the previous symbol,
2) Select intermediate image data to generate image data for displaying intermediate symbols in an intermediate stage,
3) This is realized by selecting still image data of the rear symbol and generating image data for displaying the rear symbol.

  According to this configuration, an intermediate symbol based on the intermediate image data between the previous symbol display and the subsequent symbol display is temporarily displayed for each variable area, enabling a more realistic “patter clock” -like switching to be expressed. It is. In particular, in a gaming machine, when performing an effect such that the speed of fluctuation is relatively slow, such as the timing before and after reach, it is possible to express natural symbol switching, which is preferable.

  In particular, it is preferable to provide intermediate image data indicating a plurality of intermediate stages as intermediate symbols. In this case, for each of the plurality of intermediate stages, image data for displaying intermediate symbols is generated by sequentially reading intermediate image data indicating the intermediate stage. This is because as the number of intermediate symbols increases, more natural switching can be expressed, and natural symbols can be switched even with slower switching.

  This “intermediate image data” may be stored in advance if there is a certain amount of non-volatile memory capacity such as ROM, but when the initial power is turned on, the image data of the previous symbol and the rear symbol The image data may be generated by coordinate calculation and stored in a volatile memory such as a RAM. If configured in this manner, at least the initial image data required is still image data alone, so the capacity of a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM can be suppressed.

  Further, if there is a certain margin in the calculation processing capability, intermediate image data may be generated by coordinate calculation at the time of variable display. With this configuration, the intermediate image data to be developed in the volatile memory such as RAM is sufficient for the intermediate image data of the previous symbol and the subsequent symbol to be switched, so the capacity of the volatile memory such as RAM is suppressed. Is possible.

  In particular, as a method of displaying an intermediate symbol, when the symbol of the first region is switched from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol, the first region is overwritten by overwriting the intermediate image data for the previous symbol on the still image data for the subsequent symbol. It is preferable that the image data for displaying the intermediate symbol for is generated. If it comprises in this way, since it will become an intermediate symbol visually recognized so that the front symbol may be in front during the change about the 1st field, the front symbol will turn over and the back symbol will appear from the back about the 1st field. Correct images are displayed.

  In addition, when switching the symbol of the second area from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol, the intermediate image for the second region is displayed by overwriting the still image data for the previous symbol with the intermediate image data for the subsequent symbol. It is preferable that the image data for generating is generated. With this configuration, since the second area becomes an intermediate symbol that is visually recognized as if the rear symbol is in front during the fluctuation, the rear symbol appears in front and the front symbol behind the second region. A hidden image is displayed.

  Therefore, by switching the second area continuously after the switching of the first area or simultaneously with the switching, on the first area side, the display board on which the previous symbol is written is turned up and turned up. The back image starts to appear from behind the board, and when the display board is turned up to the second area side, the back pattern starts to be seen from the back of the turned display board, and the image becomes as if the front image is hidden. When viewed, it is possible to display an image imitating the movement of a “flapping clock” such that “Pan” and the display board turn over from the first region to the second region.

  Similarly to the above, the present invention is an image control method for switching and displaying a plurality of symbols, and for each of the symbols that are variably displayed, there is at least a pair of variable regions including a first region and a second region. It is set in advance and is configured to be able to switch the symbol of the variable area from the previous symbol as one symbol to the subsequent symbol as another symbol, and for each variable region, the first region and A step of selecting either one of the partial still image data of the symbol stored in each of the second regions and intermediate image data indicating an intermediate stage of switching between the previous symbol and the subsequent symbol; And synthesizing the selected still image data or intermediate image data for each of them, and outputting them as image data for displaying the variation of the symbol, thereby switching from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol. In case, after switching the design of the first region, or to switch at the same time, to switch the pattern of the second region, characterized by.

  Here, the selecting step further includes 1) selecting still image data of the previous symbol and generating image data for displaying the previous symbol, and 2) selecting intermediate image data and There may be provided a step of generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol, and 3) a step of selecting still image data of the subsequent symbol and generating image data for displaying the subsequent symbol.

  Then, in the step 2), when the symbol of the first area is switched from the previous symbol to the rear symbol, the intermediate image data for the previous symbol is overwritten on the still image data for the rear symbol, thereby the first region. Control may be performed so as to generate image data for displaying an intermediate symbol.

  Further, in the step 2), when the symbol of the second area is switched from the previous symbol to the rear symbol, the intermediate image data for the rear symbol is overwritten on the still image data for the previous symbol, thereby changing the second region. Control may be performed so as to generate image data for displaying an intermediate symbol.

  The present invention is also a program for causing a computer to execute these image control methods. This program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The software program is installed or loaded into a memory in an information processing apparatus such as a business or home video game machine or a personal computer through various media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. can do. In this case, these video game machines and personal computers function as gaming devices that simulate the gaming machine of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, when the decorative symbol is switched from the previous symbol to the rear symbol, the symbol of the second region is switched after the symbol of the first region is switched or simultaneously with the switching. As a result, it is possible to display a new decorative pattern and display a new decorative pattern. This makes it possible to enhance the player's mood by displaying a novel decorative pattern and to provide a gaming machine that is enthusiastic about the game. can do. And since the memory capacity and calculation load increase for these symbols can be suppressed, it is more economical than the visual effect.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as an example of a gaming machine, a so-called first-class pachinko machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) will be described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other pachinko machines (second type, third type, etc.) as long as the model has an image display function.

(Definition)
Terms used in the present embodiment are defined as follows.
“Amusement machines”: Pachinko machines and slot machine machines that are installed in halls and are subject to customary laws (“Abbreviations for“ Regulations on customs business operations and business optimization ”).
“Game Ball”: A ball (pachinko ball) (rented ball) used in a gaming machine, by allowing a card reader to read a predetermined card, or by directly inserting coins into a ball rental machine , Provided.
“Prize ball”: A game ball to be paid out by winning.

“Winning”: A game ball enters the winning gate.
“Winning hole”: It is set to pay out a winning ball when a game ball enters. In this embodiment, it corresponds to a general winning hole 111 and a big winning hole 113.
“Start winning prize opening”: means a game that is set to start a lottery when a game ball enters, and is also called “chucker”. In the present embodiment, it corresponds to the start winning opening 112.

“Big prize opening”: An electric accessory that is released as a result of a jackpot, also called an “attacker”. In the present embodiment, the big prize opening 113 corresponds.
“Lottery”: “Lottery” or “losing” lottery results are output with a predetermined probability when a winning ball is entered when a game ball enters the start winning opening.

  “Big Bonus”: Refers to shifting to a special game as a result of lottery.

  “Leach”: A display state of a symbol that, based on a lottery result that has already been determined, becomes a “big hit” if one more symbols are arranged on the surface. For example, if one more number is arranged in the “decorative symbol”, the symbol “big hit” is displayed.

“Normal game”: A game that is played before a “big hit”.
“Special game”: A game state advantageous to the player.
“Special symbol”: A symbol for displaying the result of the lottery, and “Big jackpot” or “Lose” is displayed.

  “Decoration design”: A design for presenting a lottery result with an image having an impact on the player, and corresponds to a lottery result of “big hit” or “losing” displayed by “special design”. Usually, a decorative design is represented by a design such as a number or a symbol. A design such as individual numbers or symbols is simply referred to as a “decorative design”. In the gaming machine, a group of a series of decorative symbols (for example, 10 numbers “0” to “9”) is moved and displayed as a unit. This group of “decorative symbols” is called “a series of ornamental symbols”. In the gaming machine, one of the “series of decorative symbols” is selected. By displaying a combination of a plurality of the selected decorative symbols, “big hit” or “losing” is displayed. The combination of the decorative symbols expressed by the combination of the plurality of selected decorative symbols is referred to as “decorative symbol combination”.

“Normal symbol”: a symbol indicating whether or not a game ball is likely to win a normal electric accessory (so-called electric tulip) having a start winning opening.
“Variable display”: Displaying a normal symbol, a special symbol, or a decorative symbol while changing the symbol.

“Main stop”: A state in which the variation of each symbol is completely stopped in response to one winning.
“Temporary stop”: An unstable state in which each symbol is swung, deformed, stopped, enlarged / reduced, etc., until the actual stop.
“Holding number”: The cumulative number of game balls that have entered the winning slot, which is the number of waiting for a lottery due to winning. Usually an upper limit is set.

“Probability variation mode”: a probability variation mode, which is a mode in which a state in which the probability of becoming a “big hit” is higher than in a normal game is formed.
“Time-saving mode”: A mode in which a predetermined period or a period in which a unit game is executed, a lottery time based on a “special symbol” and a variation time of a lottery time based on a “normal symbol” are shortened.

(Structure of pachinko machine 100)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an external configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a pachinko machine (game machine) 100 includes a game board (gauge board) that constitutes a game board surface and a game machine frame that supports and fixes the game board.

  The game board includes a plurality of nails 101, windmills 102a and 102b, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a normal electric accessory 104, a center decorative part 105, a special symbol display device 106, an effect display device 107, a normal symbol display device 108, an outside A rail 110, an inner rail 109, and the like are provided as game parts. Further, the game board is provided with a general winning port 111, a starting winning port 112, a big winning port 113, and an out port 114.

  The inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 are for guiding the launched game balls to the game area 115.

  The nail 101 and the windmills 102 a and 102 b are provided at predetermined positions in the game area 115. For example, the game balls that enter the game area 115 and move from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1 are irregularly moved, or the game balls to the general prize opening 111, the start prize opening 112, and the big prize opening 113 are The winning frequency and the passing frequency of the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103 are adjusted.

  The special symbol display device 106 is provided on the side of the inner rail 109, and includes, for example, a 7-segment LED 116 that displays the special symbol and four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings to the starting winning port 112 of the game ball. It is prepared for.

  In this embodiment, the 7-segment LED 116 is caused to emit light based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112, and “3” and “7”, which are special symbols corresponding to “big hit”, and “losing”. After the corresponding special symbol “-” is displayed in a variable manner, one of these three types of special symbols is stopped and displayed based on the result of the lottery.

  The four LEDs 117 are for displaying the number of lottery results held based on the winning of the game balls at the start winning opening 112. Each time the game balls win the start winning opening 112, the light is sequentially emitted. When the fluctuation display starts, the lights are turned off sequentially. That is, the number of light emission of the four LEDs 117 corresponding to the upper limit value of the number of holdings is notified to the player of the current number of holdings of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112. As described above, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112 is set to four. Then, when the number of reserves is four and a game ball is won at the start winning opening 112, the number corresponding to winning at the start winning opening 112 without performing a lottery based on the winning of the game ball. Only to play the prize ball.

  The effect display device 107 is a display device for displaying an image including a decorative design, and is provided at a substantially central position of the game area 115 so that the player can easily recognize it, and displays related to various effects. A liquid crystal display device for performing the above is provided.

The display screen 118 is an area in which an image is provided to the player so as to be visually recognized on the liquid crystal display device provided in the effect display device 107. In the plurality of decorative symbol display areas 118a, 118b, and 118c provided in the display screen 118, any one of a set of decorative symbols is displayed. As a set of decorative designs, for example, “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, There are “9”, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”. During the decorative symbol variation period, the decorative symbols are displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c in the order determined by the gaming machine. At the end of the decorative symbol variation period, any one of “0” to “9” and “A” to “F” is stopped and displayed as decorative symbols. The combination of the decorative symbols at the time of the main stop in these three decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c indicates “big hit” or “lost”. On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “losing”, decorative symbols other than the combination of specific decorative symbols corresponding to “big hit” are stopped and displayed.
The decorative symbols are displayed by switching from one symbol to another during the change period. In particular, in this embodiment, these decorative symbols are used instead of the conventional decorative symbols that scroll in the vertical direction. Is switched from the front symbol to the rear symbol, an image simulating the mechanical number switching operation of a “patter clock” described later is displayed.

  The effect display device 107 displays not only image parts and decorative symbols, but also background images thereof, character images for giving the player a sense of expectation of transition to a reach state and “big hit”, and the like. To do. Further, the effect display device 107 may display the number of winnings of the game ball at the start winning opening 112 and notify the player of the current number of winnings at the starting winning opening 112.

  Below the effect display device 107, an ordinary electric accessory 104 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 104 opens and closes to guide the game ball to the start winning opening 112.

  A big prize opening 113 is formed below the ordinary electric accessory 104. The big prize opening 113 becomes a “hit” and when the game shifts to a special game, the big prize opening door 120 falls and opens. In the present embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed in a special game. More specifically, during a unit game, when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big prize opening 113, it may shift to the next unit game. As much as possible, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed. In the present embodiment, the specific area 121 is formed in the special winning opening 113, but the specific area 121 is not necessarily formed. In this case, when shifting to the special game, it is guaranteed that 15 unit games will be executed.

  The center decorative component 105 is a molded product including a translucent part, and is provided around the effect display device 107. The center decoration part 105 plays a role of protecting the effect display device 107 or decorating the pachinko machine 100. Further, in the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the game ball that has entered the through portion 105 a formed at the upper part of the center decorative part 105 passes through the center decorative part 105 and is placed below the center decorative part 105. A flow path is formed so as to move to the formed stage 105b.

  The normal symbol operation gate 103 is provided between the normal electric accessory 104 and the inner rail 109. For example, a game ball can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 103 from top to bottom. It is configured.

  The normal symbol display device 108 is provided at a position facing the normal symbol operation gate 103 through the normal electric accessory 104. For example, the 7-segment LED 122 for displaying the normal symbol and the normal symbol operation gate 103 for the game ball are provided. And four LEDs 123 that display the number of passages to. Here, the normal symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not the normal electric accessory 104 is to be released according to the result of a lottery performed with the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103 as a trigger.

  The normal symbol display device 108 causes the 7-segment LED 122 to emit light based on the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 103 and, for example, “7” and “−” as the normal symbols are alternately displayed in a variable manner. Either “7” or “−” is stopped and displayed. Then, when “7” is stopped and displayed, it is determined as “winning” and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is opened. On the other hand, when “−” is stopped and displayed, it is “lost”, and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is not opened.

  The four LEDs 123 indicate the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operating gate 103. The regular LEDs are sequentially lit each time the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 103, and the normal symbol variation display is displayed. Turns off sequentially when starting. That is, the number of passages of the normal symbol operation gate 103 is notified to the player by the number of light emission of the four LEDs 123.

  The general winning opening 111 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 103 and the inner rail 109. When a gaming ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out.

  The out port 114 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 115 and collects game balls that have not won any of the start winning port 112, the general winning port 111, and the big winning port 113. The collected game balls are released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100.

The gaming machine frame includes an outer frame 124, a front frame 125, a transparent plate 126, a door 127, and a ball tray unit 128.
The outer frame 124 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko machine 100 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 125 is a frame body aligned with the opening portion of the outer frame 124, and is attached to the outer frame 124 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The front frame 125 has a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. Furthermore, electrical decoration parts 130a to 130d such as game effect lamps that are turned on according to the state of the game are provided on the peripheral edge of the front frame 125.

  The transparent plate 126 is for protecting the game board, and is, for example, a transparent glass plate. A player plays a game through the transparent plate 126 while seeing through the game area 115 of the game board.

  The door 127 is for supporting the transparent plate 126, and is attached to the front frame 125 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The ball tray unit 128 is provided below the front frame 125. The ball tray 128a stores a certain amount of game balls (rental balls and prize balls), a mechanism for storing game balls, and fires the game balls. A mechanism for sending out the game ball to the mechanism for the above, a ball removal mechanism for extracting the stored game ball into a ball exit storage box (so-called dollar box), a firing handle 131, an operation switch 132, and the like.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a push button type is adopted as the ball removing mechanism. More specifically, when the player presses the bullet release button 128b, a part of the bottom surface of the ball tray 128a is opened, and the game ball stored in the ball tray 128a is released to the outside.

  The launch handle 131 is operated by the player when launching the game ball toward the game area 115. When the player rotates the launch handle 131, the game ball is guided toward the game area 115 by being guided by the inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 at a speed corresponding to the rotation angle.

The operation switch 132 is operated by the player, and a game effect is executed by reflecting the operation content. In the present embodiment, the operation switch 132 includes a push button and a cross key (not shown).
In addition, speakers 133 for reproducing and outputting sound effects are provided on both sides of the ball removal mechanism 128b.

(Outline of the game)
Here, an outline of the game in the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
First, in a state where the rented game balls are placed on the ball tray 128a, when the player turns the launch handle 131 in the clockwise direction toward FIG. 1, the game balls are directed toward the game area 115. Fired. The game ball that has entered the game area 115 collides with the nail 101 or the windmill 102 formed in the game area 115, and moves in the game area 115 from top to bottom while moving irregularly.

  At the start of the game, the decorative screen is not displayed on the display screen 118 of the effect display device 107, an image in which a predetermined character (object) moves around on the background image, and character information indicating the theme of this gaming machine Is displayed.

  When the game ball wins the start winning opening 112, a predetermined number of winning balls (four winning balls in the present embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a, and the special symbol display device 106 displays a variation display of the symbols. Be started. The lottery is started based on the winning. Corresponding to the start of the lottery, the decorative symbols are displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c of the display screen 118 so as to gradually emerge, and the variable display is started. That is, an image is displayed in which the decorative symbols are switched one after another like a “flapping clock”. When the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “losing”, a special symbol corresponding to “losing” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Then, in the decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c of the display screen 118, a “reach” effect is executed as necessary, and a predetermined combination of decorative images corresponding to “losing” is displayed in this stop, and then the standby Enter mode.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “big hit”, after executing the reach effect, a special symbol corresponding to “big win” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 in this stop. The Then, in the decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c of the display screen 118, a combination of predetermined decorative symbols corresponding to “big hit” is displayed, and thereafter, the game shifts to a special game.

In the special game, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. Each time a game ball wins the open big winning opening 113, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out. In this embodiment, when the grand prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or when a specific number of game balls are won in the grand prize opening 113, the grand prize opening door 120 is raised. Then, the big prize opening 113 is closed.
In the following description, when the specific number is 10, that is, either the big prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or ten game balls are won in the big prize opening 113. A description will be given by taking as an example a case where the grand prize opening door 120 is raised when the state is reached.

When the game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big winning opening 113 while the winning opening 113 is open, the big winning opening 113 is opened again. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning opening 113 is performed up to 15 times. That is, as described above, in the special game, a unit game in which the opening / closing of the special winning opening 113 is set as a set is performed 15 times at maximum.
In this way, when a special game is executed, a large amount of prize balls are paid out in a short period of time, and a great merit can be given to the player.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol display device 108 (7-segment LED 122) starts to display the normal symbol in a variable manner. Thereafter, when a predetermined normal symbol (“7” in the present embodiment) is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108, the normal electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation. When the ordinary electric combination 104 is opened, the game ball can win the start winning opening 112 without passing between nails (so-called life nails) above the start winning opening 112.

  Further, according to the result of the lottery executed based on the winning at the start winning opening 112, the mode is shifted to either the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game is executed. When shifting to the “probability change mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “7” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating the shift to the “probability change mode” to play the game. Inform the person. Further, when shifting to the “short time mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “3” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating that the transition to the “short time mode” is performed. , Inform the player.

  As described above, when the transition to the “probability change mode” is performed after the execution of the special game, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible until the next special game is started. Further, even when the mode is shifted to the “short time mode”, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible for a while after the execution of the special game.

  When a game ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of prize balls (four prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a. If the game ball has not won any winning opening, the game ball flows into the out opening 114.

(Description of system configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG.
Inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100, there are a main control board 201, a sub control board 202 connected to the main control board 201, a winning hole board 203, an LED drive board 204, a launch control board 205, a payout control board 206, A power receiving board 207, an electric decoration board 208, and the like are provided.

(Main control board 201)
The main control board 201 is provided with a main CPU 201a, ROM 201b, RAM 201c, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 201d, which are connected to each other via a bus 201e.

  The main CPU 201a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. And main CPU201a reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM201b, and controls the whole pachinko machine 100 based on these.

  The ROM 201b stores programs and data necessary for the main CPU 201a to perform processing shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 described later and other game controls. The RAM 201c is used as a work area when the main CPU 201a performs various controls and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 201d transmits and receives signals performed between the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206. Control the timing. However, between the main control board 201 and the sub control board 202, transmission of signals from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 is performed, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 202 to the main control board 201 is not performed. Not done. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

  In addition, the I / F circuit 201 d is supplied with predetermined power from the power supply device 209 disposed inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 via the power receiving board 207. With this power, the main control board 201 can perform various processes described later.

(Sub control board 202)
The sub control board 202 is provided with a sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image control processor 202d, image data ROM 202e, video RAM 202f, tone generator circuit 202g, amplifier 202h, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 202i. The sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image control processor 202d, tone generator circuit 202g, and I / F circuit 202i are connected to each other via a bus 202j. The image data ROM 202e and the video RAM 202f are connected to the image control processor 202d, and the amplifier 202h is connected to the sound source circuit 202g. Furthermore, an electrical decoration board 208 is connected to the I / F circuit 202i.

  The sub CPU 202a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 202a reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 202b, and controls the entire sub control board 202, in particular, controls the effects for the player.

  The ROM 202b stores programs and data necessary for the sub CPU 202a to execute processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, which will be described later, and other effects during the game. The RAM 202c is used as a work area when the sub CPU 202a performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The ROM 202b and the RAM 202c may be the same as the ROM 201b and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201, respectively, but it is preferable to use one having a larger capacity than these.

  The effect display device 107 includes a liquid crystal display device, and is connected to the image control processor 202d. The effect display device 107 displays the decorative symbols according to the present invention in the decorative symbol display areas 118 a to 118 c of the display screen 118.

  The image data ROM 202e stores image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 107. In particular, the image data ROM 202e stores still image data and intermediate image data necessary for displaying the decorative symbols according to the present invention for each variable region set for each decorative symbol.

  The video RAM 202f is a memory used when the image control processor 202d creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 107. The video RAM 202f can store a plurality of frame image data. The image data related to the decorative design read from the image data ROM 202e is developed in the individual frame image storage unit of the video RAM 202f for each decorative design. The image data developed in each frame image storage unit is displayed on the display screen 118 by the effect display device 107. Needless to say, the display screen 118 may be configured to include the effect display device 107 using, for example, a plasma display instead of the liquid crystal display device.

  The sound source circuit 202g is for generating an audio signal corresponding to the game effect, and is connected to the amplifier 202h. The sound based on the sound signal generated by the sound source circuit 202g is amplified by the amplifier 202h and output from the speaker 133.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a peripheral device for performance, in addition to the performance display device 107 and the speaker 133, an electrical decoration component 130 that is turned on or off according to the state of the game is provided. For example, as the illumination component 130, an illumination component (LED) that is lit when a reach state is formed, an illumination component (LED) that is lit during execution of a special game, and an illumination component that is lit during a prize ball ( LED).

  These effect peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game, and are controlled only by the sub-control board 202 and not by the main control board 201. .

  The I / F circuit 202 i performs timing control when receiving a signal from the main control board 201. Further, the I / F circuit 202i detects the operation of the operation switch 132 and transmits the detection signal to the sub CPU 202a. Thereby, the sub CPU 202a recognizes the operation content of the operation switch 132.

  The I / F circuit 202 i is supplied with predetermined power via the power receiving board 207 from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100. With this electric power, the sub-control board 202 can perform various processes described later.

(Electric board 208)
The above-mentioned electrical decoration part 130 is connected to the electrical decoration board 208, and the electric power supplied from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 is output to the electrical decoration part. Thereby, the electrical decoration component 130 performs lighting or light extinction.

(Prize opening board 203)
On the winning opening board 203, a start winning opening switch 210 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 112, a normal symbol operating gate switch 211 for detecting the passing of the gaming ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103, A general winning opening switch 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the winning opening 111, a large winning opening switch 213 that detects a winning of a gaming ball to the big winning opening 113, and a specification formed in the large winning opening 113 A specific area detection switch 214 that detects passage of a game ball to the area 121 is connected.

  Based on the signals transmitted from the start winning port switch 210, the normal symbol operating gate switch 211, the general winning port switch 212, the large winning port switch 213, and the specific area detecting switch 214, the winning port board 203 It identifies which region has passed and transmits a game ball passing signal indicating the identified result to the main control board 201.

  Further, the prize winning board 203 has an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 215 for opening the ordinary electric accessory 104, a prize winning solenoid 216 for opening the prize winning opening 113, and the prize winning opening 113. A specific area solenoid 217 for controlling the movement of the game ball is connected. Specifically, the specific area solenoid 217 makes it easy to pass the game ball to the specific area until the specific area detection switch 214 detects the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121, and enters the specific area 121. When the passage of the game ball is detected, the state where the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 becomes easy is released.

  The prize opening board 203 outputs a current for driving the ordinary electric combination 104 to the ordinary electric combination solenoid 215 when an ordinary electric combination release instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as will be described later. As a result, the ordinary electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation.

  In addition, when the prize winning hole opening instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the prize winning hole board 203 outputs a current for driving the big prize winning hole door 120 to the big prize winning hole solenoid 216. As a result, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. On the other hand, when a special winning opening closing instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the output of the current for driving the special winning opening door 120 is stopped. As a result, the grand prize opening door 120 stands and the special prize opening 113 is closed.

  Furthermore, when the game ball passes through the specific area 121, it is determined that the special game will be transferred to the next unit game, and when the specific area control instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the winning opening board 203 is specified. A current for releasing the state where the passing of the game ball to the area 121 becomes easy is output to the specific area solenoid 217. As described above, in this embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are continued in one special game.

(LED drive board 204)
A special symbol display device 106 and a normal symbol display device 108 are connected to the LED drive board 204. When a special symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as described later, the LED drive board 204 receives the 7-segment LED 116 disposed in the special symbol display device 106 based on the special symbol display instruction signal, The four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings are made to emit light. In addition, when the normal symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the LED drive board 204, based on the normal symbol display instruction signal, the 7-segment LED 122 disposed in the normal symbol display device 108, and the gate passage The four LEDs 123 for displaying the numbers are caused to emit light.

(Launch control board 205)
The launch control board 205 is connected to a launch handle 131 for launching a game ball into the game area 115. The launch control board 205 detects that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player, and transmits a launch operation detection signal indicating the detected result to the main control board 201. As a result, the main control board 201 recognizes that the firing handle 131 has been operated.

  The main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 when the game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a in a certain amount or more. Then, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is launched toward the game area 115.

  On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205. Thereby, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is not launched toward the game area 115.

(Discharge control board 206)
When the payout control board 206 receives a prize ball number signal transmitted from the main control board 201 as will be described later, the number of prize balls (game balls) corresponding to the prize ball number signal is paid out to the ball tray 128a. Thus, the dispensing device 218 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is controlled. Thereby, the payout device 218 pays out a winning ball (game ball) corresponding to the winning.

  The winning a prize board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply device 209 via the power receiving board 207.

(Power receiving board 207)
When the power switch 219 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is turned on, the power receiving board 207 is supplied with power from the power supply device 209, and the power is supplied to the main control board 201 and the sub-control as described above. This is distributed to the board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED driving board 204, the launch control board 205, the payout control board 206, and the decoration board 208.

Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 201 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201.
(Winning determination unit 301)
The winning determination unit 301 determines which region the game ball has passed based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning hole board 203. Specifically, based on the game ball passing signal, the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball is a start winning port 112, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a general winning port 111, a large winning port 113, and a specific area 121. Which of the above has been passed is determined.
The winning determination unit 301 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Payout instruction unit 303)
The payout instructing unit 303 transmits the award ball number signal indicating the number of winning balls to the payout control board 206 based on the result determined by the winning determination unit 301. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 (that the game ball has won the start winning port 112), the payout instructing unit 303 receives the award. The prize ball number signal indicating that the number of balls is “4” is transmitted to the payout control board 206.

  When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the general winning opening 111, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. Send. Further, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “15” to the payout control board 206. Send.

Thereby, the payout control board 206 controls the payout device 218 so that payout according to the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball number signal is made.
The payout instruction unit 303 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol lottery section 304)
The special symbol lottery unit 304 generates and acquires a random number ranging from “0” to “65535”, for example, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has won the start winning opening 112. For example, if no random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area in the RAM 202 c, the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 305.

On the other hand, when a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area, the acquired random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. In this embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the special symbol lottery unit 304 can be stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. Then, the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 305 and deletes the output random number from the special symbol random number storage region.
The special symbol lottery unit 304 is realized by using a main CPU 201a, a ROM 201b, and a RAM 202c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 305)
The winning determination unit 305 determines whether the random number output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” or “lost” based on the random number value output by the special symbol lottery unit 304. Further, when the “big hit” is true, it is determined whether to shift to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the “big hit”. These determinations are made using, for example, a lottery table.

  Then, if it corresponds to “big hit”, the bonus flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. Further, when the “accuracy change mode” is applicable, the probability change flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. On the other hand, in the case of “time reduction mode”, the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on.

  In the present embodiment, a lottery table that is different between the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” and the other cases (the case where the mode is shifted to the “short-time mode” and the normal game is played) is used. It is determined whether it corresponds to the above-mentioned “big hit” or “losing”.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, the probability variation lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode”, the case of shifting to the “time reduction mode”, and the case of performing a normal game There are two lottery tables, the normal lottery table to be used.

And, in the case of shifting to the “probability mode”, the probability of being a “big hit” is higher than the case of shifting to the “short-time mode” and the case of performing a normal game. The contents of the two lottery tables are set.
The winning determination unit 305 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol display instruction unit 306)
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines the special symbol variation display time in the special symbol display device 106 based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and determines the result determined by the winning determination unit 305. Based on this, the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 is determined.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on (in the case of shifting to the “probability variation mode” or the “time reduction mode”) is more than that in the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on The special symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when playing “games”.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “probability change mode”, “7” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. On the other hand, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “time reduction mode”, “3” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Further, in the case of “losing”, “−” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106.

The special symbol display instruction unit 306 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the special symbol variation display time, and the like, and the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the display pattern is displayed on the LED drive base. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Big prize opening opening instruction unit 307)
When the winning determination unit 305 determines that the lottery result by the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” by the winning determination unit 307 and the bonus flag in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on, The special winning opening release instruction signal is transmitted to the substrate 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened. After that, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 121 formed in the big prize opening 113 based on the result of the determination in the winning determination section 301, the special prize opening release instruction section 307 performs the specific area control. An instruction signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released.

  Thereafter, for example, when it is determined that ten game balls have passed through the prize winning opening 113, or when it has been determined that 29.5 seconds have elapsed since the prize winning opening 113 was opened, the prize winning opening releasing instruction unit 307 Then, a large winning opening closing signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

  When the big prize opening 113 is closed as described above, the big prize opening opening instructing unit 307 facilitates the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 while the big prize opening 113 is being opened. It is determined whether or not the state has been released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the special winning opening 113 is opened 15 times. . That is, it is determined whether or not 15 unit games have been consumed.

  As a result of these determinations, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is facilitated and all the unit games in the special game have not been digested, the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 The prize winning opening instruction signal is transmitted to the prize winning board 203 to shift to the next unit game, and the operation for opening and closing the prize winning opening 113 as described above is repeated until all the unit games are consumed. Do.

On the other hand, when all the rounds of the special game have been completed, the special game has ended, and the special winning opening 113 is not opened. Further, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121 while the special winning opening 113 is opened, it is a so-called “punk” state, and whether or not all unit games in the special game have been consumed. Regardless, the special game is forcibly terminated. Accordingly, in this case as well, the special winning opening 113 is not opened.
The special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol lottery section 309)
When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates and acquires a random number within a predetermined range. Then, when the normal symbol is not being displayed in the normal symbol display device 108 (that is, when it is not necessary to hold the normal symbol lottery result), the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 310. .

On the other hand, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less and the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the normal symbol display device 108, the obtained random number Are stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. As described above, in the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the normal symbol lottery unit 309 can be stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. . Then, the normal symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 310 and deletes the output random number from the normal symbol random number storage region.
The normal symbol lottery unit 309 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 310)
The winning determination unit 310 determines whether the random number output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 corresponds to “win” or “losing” based on the random number value output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309. This determination is performed using, for example, a lottery table.

  In the present embodiment, using the lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” and the case of performing a normal game, either “winning” or “losing” described above is used. Judgment is made as to whether this is the case.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, a special mode lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” and a normal lottery table used when a normal game is being performed. There are two lottery tables.

The two lottery tables are set so that the probability of “winning” is significantly higher in the case of shifting to “probability mode” or “short-time mode” than in the case of playing a normal game. Is set. As a result, the probability of winning a normal symbol when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” is increased. Therefore, when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”, the normal electric accessory 104 is released more frequently than when the normal game is played, and the ball is held as much as possible. The game can be progressed without being reduced.
The winning determination unit 310 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol display instruction unit 311)
The normal symbol display instructing unit 311 determines the normal symbol variation display time based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and the normal symbol based on the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310. A normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the display device 108 is determined. Then, a display pattern based on the determined stop symbol and the normal symbol variation display time is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The normal symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when they are not turned on (than when the normal game is played).

  If the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 310 is “winning”, for example, “7” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108. On the other hand, in the case of “losing”, for example, “−” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108.

Then, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the normal symbol variation display time, and the like, and sends the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312)
Based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, etc., the normal electric combination driving instruction unit 312 determines the operation mode of the normal electric combination 104, A normal electric accessory release instruction signal indicating the determined operation mode is transmitted.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The operation mode of the ordinary electric accessory 104, for example, the opening time is determined so that the game ball can be easily won at the start winning opening 112, compared with the case where they are not turned on (than when the normal game is performed). Like to do.

  Then, the ordinary electric accessory drive instructing unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the operation mode determined in this way to the prize opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal.

  Note that the normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 is realized by using the main CPU 201 a and the ROM 201 b provided on the main control board 201.

(Direction command generator 313)
The effect command generation unit 313 is the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 301, the result of determination by the winning determination unit 305 (special symbol lottery result), the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and the special symbol display. Based on the special symbol variation display time determined by the instruction unit 306, an effect command corresponding to the current game state is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202.
The production command generation unit 313 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 202 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the sub control board 202.
(Direction command analysis unit 401)
The effect command analysis unit 401 operates according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and analyzes the effect command transmitted from the main control board 201 (effect command generation unit 313). For example, when an effect command indicating the special symbol lottery result and the special symbol variation display time is input from the main control board 201, the flag storage unit 408 is referred to, the current game mode is acquired, and these information are obtained. Are output to the stop symbol determining unit 402 and the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 403.

In addition, when it is configured to change the variation pattern of the decorative design according to the player's operation, the operation signal of the operation switch 132 is acquired and the variation pattern information to be changed based on the operation signal is output. To do.
In addition, the process which the production | presentation command analysis part 401 performs is not limited to these, The process according to the content of the production | presentation command is performed suitably.
The effect command analysis unit 401 is realized by using a sub CPU 202a, a ROM 202b, and a RAM 202c provided on the sub control board 202.

(Stop symbol determination unit 402)
The stop symbol determining unit 402 determines a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the display screen 118 of the effect display device 107 on the basis of information such as a special symbol lottery result output from the effect command analyzing unit 401. To do.

Specifically, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the mode shifts to “probability change mode”, “111”, “333”, “555”, “777”, “999” ”,“ AAA ”,“ CCC ”, and“ EEE ”are determined as combinations of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed.
In addition, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the mode shifts to the “short time mode”, “000”, “222”, “444”, “666”, “888”, “ A combination of any one of “BBB”, “DDD”, and “FFF” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed.

  Further, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “losing”, the same decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 118a and 118c, and a decorative symbol different from 118a and the like is displayed in the decorative symbol display region 118b. The combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed is determined so as to be displayed.

The combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 107 may be determined by lottery, for example.
The stop symbol determination unit 402 is realized by using a sub CPU 202a and a RAM 202c provided on the sub control board 202.

(Decorated pattern determination unit 403)
The decorative symbol pattern determination unit 403 includes combination information of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the main stop determined by the stop symbol determination unit 402, the reach effect time, the probability change flag and the time reduction flag output from the effect command analysis unit 401, Based on the information such as the decorative symbol variation pattern selected up to the previous time, the variation pattern of the decorative symbol is selected from a plurality of preset decorative symbol variation patterns storage unit 404. Select.

  The reach production time is an extra time required to produce the reach when the reach is applied. As the decorative symbol variation pattern, a plurality of variation patterns related to the sequence of symbol transition from the variation display start to the main stop are set in a table. The decorative symbol pattern determining unit 403 outputs the variation pattern information of the selected decorative symbol together with variable display time length information determined based on information such as a probability variation flag, a time reduction flag, and a reach performance time. .

  The decorative pattern variation pattern information is stored in the ROM 202b. The stop symbol determination unit 402 is realized by using a sub CPU 202a and a RAM 202c provided on the sub control board 202.

(Image generation unit 405)
The image generation unit 405 decorates the decorative symbols in the order according to the variation pattern based on the combination of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol output from the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 403, the variation display time length, and the decoration symbol to be stopped and displayed in this stop. Image data for variable display for switching symbols one after another is generated and output to the effect display device 107.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the image generation unit 405 starts from the previous symbol that is one decorative symbol in at least a pair of variable regions including the first region and the second region that are set in advance for one decorative symbol. When switching to the rear design that is another decorative design, image control processing is performed such that the design of the second region is switched after or simultaneously with the switching of the design of the first region. It has become.

Further, in accordance with the state of the game output from the effect command analysis unit 401, image data for a special effect image indicating a special change is generated instead of the image data of the normal change that displays the decorative symbols. For example, when the information indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area 121 formed in the special winning opening 113 is output from the effect command analysis unit 401, the player is notified of this fact. Generate image data.
Needless to say, the image data generated by the image generation unit 405 is not limited to these.
The image generation unit 405 is realized by using an image control processor 202d, an image data ROM 202e, and a video RAM 202f provided on the sub control board 202.

(Voice generation unit 406)
The sound generation unit 406 generates sound data based on information output from the effect command analysis unit 401, the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 403, and the like, and outputs the sound data to the speaker 133.
For example, when decorative pattern variation pattern information is output from the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 403, it is made to correspond to the decorative symbols displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c in accordance with the progress degree of the variation pattern. Then, voice data that excites the expectation of “reach” or “big hit” is generated and output to the speaker 133.
Needless to say, the audio data generated by the audio generation unit 406 is not limited to these.
The sound generation unit 406 is realized by using the sub CPU 202a, the ROM 202b, the RAM 202c, and the sound source circuit 202g provided on the sub control board 202.

  The main control board 201 and the sub control board 202 may be provided with functions other than those described above. Also, the functions of the main control board 201 and the sub control board 202 are not limited to the above description, and may be implemented with various knitting.

Next, a functional configuration implemented by the image generation unit 405 will be described.
First, the image data necessary for the decorative display variation display in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 13 illustrates a decorative symbol (number “2”) in the stop display state (main stop or temporary stop).
As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, one decorative design is divided into three variable areas A, B, and C. Each variable region is further divided into a first region and a second region. The variable region A is divided into a first region A1 and a second region A2, the variable region B is divided into a first region B1 and a second region B2, and the variable region C is divided into a first region C1 and a second region C2. . Each of the first area and the second area is stopped and displayed with one still image data, and is variably displayed in combination with three intermediate image data.

  The still image data is image data for displaying an image in the stopped display state (the state shown in FIG. 13). When switching the decorative symbols, the decorative symbols displayed before in time are called “front symbols”, and the decorative symbols displayed afterward are called “rear symbols”. The intermediate image data is image data for displaying an intermediate symbol indicating an intermediate stage of switching between the previous symbol and the subsequent symbol.

  Hereinafter, in order to specify each image data, for example, “P (X) YZW” is described. This means W-th image data in the Z-th area in the fluctuation area Y for displaying the symbol “X”. For example, the image data “P (2) B12” means the second data in the first area of the variable area B for displaying the decorative design “2”.

  FIG. 14 shows the image data necessary for the variable display in which the symbols are switched between the decorative symbols “1” and “2” in the display area B. Still image data P (1) B10 and intermediate image data P (1) B11 to B13 are used for the first region of the decorative pattern “1”. For the second area of the decorative pattern “2”, intermediate image data P (2) B20 to B22 and still image data P (2) B23 are used.

  The image generation unit 405 of the present embodiment is configured to execute decorative display variation display using these series of image data. The first area and the second area in one variable area are paired, and as will be described later, a series of images closely related between the first area and the second area at the time of variable display. By displaying images based on data in order, a mechanical image imitating a so-called “patter clock” is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image generation unit 405.
As shown in FIG. 5, the image generation unit 405 includes an image data storage unit 501, a selection unit 502, a synthesis unit 503, and a frame image storage unit 504. This will be described in detail below.

(Image data storage unit 501)
The image data storage unit 504 stores image data that is a base for displaying the decorative symbols in the present embodiment. That is, the image data storage unit 504 stores still image data and intermediate image data for each of the first region and the second region in each variable region for each decorative design. For example, still image data P (1) A10 and intermediate image data P (1) A11-13 are stored for the first area A1 in the variable area A for the decorative pattern “1”, and the second area Still image data P (1) A23 and intermediate image data P (1) A20-22 are stored for A2. In the fluctuation area B, still image data P (1) B10 and intermediate image data P (1) B11 to 13 are stored for the first area B1, and still image data P ( 1) B23 and intermediate image data P (1) B20-22 are stored. In the variation area C, still image data P (1) C10 and intermediate image data P (1) C11-13 are stored for the first area C1, and still image data P ( 1) C23 and intermediate image data P (1) C20-22 are stored. These image data are also stored for the other decorative symbols “2” to “0” and “A” to “F”, respectively.

  These image data may be stored in advance in a bitmap format. In this case, the image data storage unit 501 corresponds to the image data ROM 202e. The intermediate image data is for displaying an image having a relatively small display area, and the capacity of the image data is not large. Therefore, the intermediate image data may be stored in advance as long as the ROM has sufficient capacity. .

  In addition, texture data and vertex position data (relative coordinate data, etc.) in each of the first area and the second area are stored in advance as image data, and actual image display is performed by a known image calculation process. The bitmap format image data may be generated. As texture data, for example, still image data can be applied as it is. Then, it is conceivable to perform affine transformation on still image data based on the vertex coordinate data. Specifically, the still image data P (1) B10 and P (2) B23 and the intermediate image data P (1) B11 to B13 and P (2) B20 to B22 in FIG. The vertex coordinates of the trapezoid figure which is an intermediate symbol as displayed are stored. The image generation unit 405 performs an affine transformation operation that allocates rectangular still image data to a trapezoidal figure surrounded by vertex coordinates, and performs intermediate image data P (1) B11 to B13, P (2) shown in FIG. ) B20 to B22 are generated.

  The timing for generating the intermediate image data may be when the gaming machine is turned on. This is a case where image data is generated at once for all the intermediate image data in the initial setting process performed when the power is turned on. It is preferable to apply when there is a margin in the capacity of the video RAM 202f. In this case, the image data storage unit 501 corresponds to the image data ROM 202e for texture data and vertex position data stored in advance, and corresponds to the video RAM 202f for intermediate image data generated after power-on.

  Further, the required intermediate image data may be generated every time the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner, that is, whenever an intermediate symbol is required. It is preferable to apply when there is a margin in the calculation processing speed of the image control processor 202d. In this case, the image data storage unit 501 corresponds to the image data ROM 202e for the texture data and the vertex position data stored in advance, and corresponds to the video RAM 202f for the intermediate image data generated each time.

(Selection means 502)
The selection unit 502 is configured to select and output any one of a total of four image data of still image data and intermediate image data corresponding to each region.
That is, if the decorative design is in the stop display state, still image data P (X) Y10 (X and Y are arbitrary) is selected for the first region, and still image data P (X) Y23 is selected for the second region. It is to be selected. In FIG. 5, image data indicated by hatching in the image data storage unit 501 corresponds to still image data selected in the stopped display state. In addition, when the decorative symbol is an intermediate stage in the middle of switching from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol, one of the intermediate image data P (X) Y11 to 13 for displaying the intermediate symbol is selected for the first region. For the second area, any one of the intermediate image data P (X) Y20 to 22 for displaying the intermediate symbol is selected.
Note that the selection unit 502 corresponds to the image control processor 202d operating under the control of the sub CPU 202a.

(Synthesis means 503)
The synthesizing unit 503 synthesizes still image data or intermediate image data selected for each variation area as image data for variation display of decorative symbols.

Specifically, the synthesizing unit 503 synthesizes image data for each region between the front symbol and the rear symbol. For the first region, priority is given to the image data of the previous symbol. That is, composite image data in which the image data of the previous symbol is overwritten with the image data of the previous symbol is generated. For the second area, priority is given to the image data of the subsequent symbols. That is, composite image data is generated by overwriting the image data of the subsequent symbol on the image data of the previous symbol. Generation of these composite image data is performed for each region and for each variable region, and the synthesis means 503 stores frame image data as image data of the entire decorative symbol in the middle of the transition from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol. Stored in the unit 504. That is, the first area of the fluctuation area A is stored as image data PA1, and the second area is stored as image data PA2. The first area of the fluctuation area B is stored as image data PB1, and the second area is stored as image data PB2. The first area of the fluctuation area C is stored as image data PC1, and the second area is stored as image data PC2.
The synthesizing unit 503 corresponds to the image control processor 202d that operates under the control of the sub CPU 202a. The frame image storage unit 504 corresponds to the video RAM 202f.

(Description of operation)
Next, an example of the processing operation in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Processing of main control board 201)
FIG. 6 is a main flowchart showing an example of processing operations in the main control board 201.
In step S1 of FIG. 6, when the power switch 219 is turned on, the main control board 201 performs a game ball launch process. A specific example of this game ball launching process will be described. First, after the launch operation detection signal indicating that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player is transmitted from the launch control board 205, the main control board 201, It is determined whether or not a certain amount of game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a.

  If the result of this determination is that a certain amount or more of game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 and the game balls are directed to the game area 115. A command indicating that it has been fired is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. Thereby, a game ball is launched into the game area 115 and an effect during the game is started.

  On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205, and the game balls cannot be launched into the game area 115. A command indicating this is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. In this case, even if the player operates the launch handle 131, the game ball is not fired toward the game area 115. In addition, the player is notified by turning on the illumination part 130 that a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a.

  Next, in step S2, the main control board 201 performs a general winning process. This general winning process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 wins the general winning opening 111. Details of the general winning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the main control board 201 performs normal symbol operation gate passage processing. This normal symbol operation gate passing process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 passes through the normal symbol operation gate. The normal symbol operation gate passing process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  Next, in step S4, the main control board 201 performs a start winning process. This start winning process is a process that is performed based on a winning of a game ball launched into the game area 115 to the start winning port 112. Details of the start winning process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  Next, in step S5, the main control board 201 performs a special game execution process. In this special game execution process, as a result of determining “big hit” by the winning determination unit 305, a predetermined symbol or effect image is displayed on the special symbol display device 106 and the effect display device 107, resulting in a “hit”. This is a process that is performed when a transition is made. Details of the special game execution process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, in the main control board 201, the game ball launching process, the general winning process, the normal symbol operation gate passing process, the starting winning process, and the special game executing process are repeatedly performed, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 below. Thus, in the present embodiment, each process is repeatedly executed while omitting unnecessary processes according to the state of the game.

(General winning process)
Next, the details of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce contradiction in the processing content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is other The same applies to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 7, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has won the general winning opening 111 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has won the general winning opening 111, the process proceeds to step S12, where the payout instruction unit 303 pays out the award ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4”. Transmit to the substrate 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a. In addition, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the general winning opening 111 has been won and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 202. Thereby, the sub-control board 202 informs the player that the general winning opening 111 has been won by, for example, lighting the electric decoration part 130. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the game ball has not won the general winning opening 111, it is not necessary to perform the process of step S12, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Normal symbol operation gate passing processing)
Next, details of the normal symbol operation gate passing process in step S3 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B.
In step S21 of FIG. 8A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the routine proceeds to step S22, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S23, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not the normal symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the normal symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S24, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 counts the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less. As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S25, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Since normal symbols cannot be displayed based on, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the normal symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S26, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. Determine. As a result of this determination, if random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S27, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S28, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area.

Next, in step S29, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 reads the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S30.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that no random number is stored, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 skips steps S27 to S29 and proceeds to step S30.

If it is determined in step S27 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Since the normal symbol based on cannot be displayed, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
When the normal symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S30, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 310.

  Next, in step S31, the winning determination unit 310 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifting to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, and the process proceeds to step S32, where the winning determination unit 310 The special mode lottery table used in the case of the “short time mode” or “probability change mode” is read.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the time-saving flag nor the probability variation flag is turned on, it is determined that the game is in the normal game, and the process proceeds to step S33. The winning determination unit 310 is used when the game is in the normal game. The normal lottery table to be extracted is extracted.

  As described above, when the lottery table is selected in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 8B, and the winning determination unit 310 selects the lottery result (random number) output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 in step S30. It is determined whether or not the lottery table corresponds to “winning”. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the normal symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S35, and the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 and the ordinary electric accessory driving instructing unit 312 refer to the flag storage unit 302, and It is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. That is, it is determined whether or not a transition is made to either the “time reduction mode” or the “probability change mode”. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S 36, when the transition to the “short time mode” is in progress, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in the “short time mode”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating “win” is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, when transitioning to the “probability change mode”, the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol change display time in the “probability change mode”, and then “wins”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating that the normal symbol is displayed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 37, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode in the “time reduction mode” or the “probability change mode” to the winning opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S38, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default during normal game. During the normal symbol variation display time, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed such that “7” indicating “winning” is stopped and displayed, and the normal symbol indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A display instruction signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 39, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode during the normal game to the prize opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the normal symbol lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S40, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to set the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag. Determine whether it is turned on. As a result of these determinations, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S41, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 During the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in “mode” or “probability change mode”, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed so that “−” indicating “losing” is stopped and displayed. The normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S40 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S42, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default normal in normal game. After the normal symbol is variably displayed during the symbol variation display time, a display pattern is formed so that “-” indicating “losing” is stopped, and the normal symbol display instruction indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S21 of FIG. 8A that the game ball has not passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the process proceeds to step S43, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 is provided with the normal symbol provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 proceeds to step S29 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S22, so the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Start-up winning process)
Next, details of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9A and 9B.
In step S61 of FIG. 9A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed the start winning port 112 based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning port substrate 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S62, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S63, the special symbol lottery unit 304 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S64, and the special symbol lottery section 304 determines whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the special symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S65, where the special symbol lottery section 304 counts the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less.

As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S66, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the bonus flag is not turned off (turned on), the special symbol lottery unit 304 proceeds to step S65 because the special game is being executed.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Therefore, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the special symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S67, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. Determine. If the result of this determination is that random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S68, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S69, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.

  Next, in step S70, the special symbol lottery unit 304 reads the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S71.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S67 that no random number is stored, the special symbol lottery unit 304 skips steps S68 to S70 and proceeds to step S71.

  If it is determined in step S68 that the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Since the special symbol based on the symbol cannot be displayed, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  When the special symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S71, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 305.

  Next, in step S72, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the probability variation flag is on, it is determined that the mode has been shifted to the “probability variation mode”, and the process proceeds to step S73. The winning determination unit 305 is used when the probability variation mode is in effect. The lottery table for probability variation to be extracted is extracted.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S74, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S75, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302. Add 1 to the number of time reductions. That is, the number of games in which the current game corresponds to the “short time mode” is counted.

Next, in step S76, the winning determination unit 305 extracts a normal lottery table to be used in the “time reduction mode”.
Next, in step S77, the winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the “time saving mode” has ended by digesting the prescribed number of games. If the result of this determination is that the prescribed number of games has been exhausted and the “time reduction mode” has ended, the process proceeds to step S78, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and turns off the time reduction flag.

  If it is determined in step S77 that the prescribed number of games has not been consumed, the “time reduction mode” is ongoing, and thus the processing in step S78 is omitted.

  If it is determined in step S74 that the time reduction flag is not turned on, the game is in a normal game, so the process proceeds to step S79, and the winning determination unit 305 selects a normal lottery table to be used during the normal game. Extract.

  As described above, when the lottery table is extracted in steps S73, S76, and S79, the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG. 9B. Determines whether or not it corresponds to “big hit” in the extracted lottery table. That is, it is determined whether or not a special symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the special symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S81, and the winning determination unit 305 further determines whether to shift to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game. Referring to the flag storage unit 302, the bonus flag is turned on and the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery is not won, the process of step S81 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S82.

  In step S82, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on, since either the “time reduction mode” or the “probability variation mode” is being executed, the process proceeds to step S83. The special symbol display instructing unit 306 forms a display pattern for the time reduction / probability change mode based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82, and sends the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board 204. Send. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, if the hourly flag or the probability variation flag is not turned on, it means that the game is in the normal game, so that the process proceeds to step S84, and the special symbol display instruction unit 306 is used for the normal game based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82. And the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  In step S <b> 85, the payout instructing unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.

  Next, in step S86, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S87. If the winning determination unit 305 determines in S81 to shift to the “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S88, where the flag storage unit Referring to 302, the probability variation flag is turned on.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S81 that the winning determination unit 305 shifts to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S89, and the flag storage unit 302 is referred to and the time reduction flag is turned on.

  In step S90, the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command based on the determination results in steps S80 and S82 and the stored contents of the flag storage unit 302, and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 02. Return to.

  If it is determined in step S61 in FIG. 9A that the game ball has not passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S91, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 is provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the design random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S70 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S62, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Special game execution process)
Next, the details of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S101 of FIG. 10, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is not turned on, there is no need to perform the processing after step S102 (since it does not shift to a special game), the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits the special winning opening opening instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened, and one round of the specific game consisting of 15 rounds starts.

Next, in step S <b> 103, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113 based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203.
If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the process proceeds to step S104, where the winning determination section 301 determines that the game ball is based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. It is determined whether or not the specific area 121 has been passed. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the specific area 121, the process proceeds to step S105, where the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203 and proceeds to step S106. move on. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed through the specific area 121, the process skips step S105 and proceeds to step S106.

  Next, in step S <b> 106, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 113 or the specific area 121, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game ball has passed the special winning opening 113 or the specific area 121 is displayed on the effect display device 107. Also, the payout instruction unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the prize ball number is “15” to the payout control board 206. Thereby, 15 prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.

  If it is determined in step S106 that the game ball has not won the big winning opening 113, the winning determination unit 301 skips steps S104 to S106 and proceeds to step S107.

  Next, in step S107, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not a predetermined time (29.5 seconds) has elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened. As a result of the determination, if the predetermined time has elapsed, it is the end of the unit game, so the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits a special winning opening closing signal to the winning opening board 203. To do. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

  Next, in step S <b> 109, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the state where it is easy to pass the game ball to the specific area 121 is released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the process proceeds to step S110, where the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 determines that all unit games in the special game (that is, It is determined whether or not (special game) has ended. If the result of this determination is that the special game has ended, the process proceeds to step S111, where the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command indicating the end of the special game and transmits it to the sub control board 202. Thereby, an image indicating the end of the special game is displayed on the effect display device 107.

Further, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.
In step S112, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302, turns off the bonus flag, and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S107 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened, the process proceeds to step S113, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 is transmitted from the winning determination unit 301. Based on the game ball passage signal, it is determined whether or not 10 or more game balls have passed through the big winning opening 113. If the result of this determination is that there are 10 or more game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113, it means that the unit game is over, so that the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening 113 is closed.
On the other hand, when the number of game balls that have passed through the big winning opening 113 is not ten or more, the unit game is continuing, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S110 that all unit games in the special game have not ended, the process proceeds to the next unit game, and thus the process proceeds to step S114, where the effect command generation unit 313 An effect command indicating progress to a game is generated and transmitted to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game has progressed to the next unit game is displayed on the effect display device 107. In addition, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203 and returns to the main flowchart of FIG. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.

  Needless to say, processes other than those shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 may be performed. For example, the timing at which the production command is generated and transmitted is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, and other production commands may be generated and transmitted.

(Processing operation of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operations in the normal game on the sub-control board 202.
In step S131 of FIG. 11, the effect command analysis unit 401 in the sub control board 202 determines whether or not an effect command has been received from the main control board 201. As a result of this determination, if an effect command is received, the process proceeds to step S132, and the effect command analysis unit 401 analyzes the received effect command.

  As a result of analyzing the effect command, if the received command is an effect command indicating the start of variation display of decorative symbols, the effect command analysis unit 401 refers to the flag storage unit 408 and sets the mode flag to “normal variation mode”. In addition, information such as a special symbol lottery result, a special symbol variation display time, a probability variation flag, or a time reduction flag is output to the stop symbol determination unit 402 and the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 403. As a result, the normal variation mode of the decorative symbols, that is, the variation display of the decorative symbols according to the present invention is started.

  On the other hand, when it is an effect command other than the above, the effect command analysis unit 401 instructs the image generation unit 409 to execute an effect for causing the effect display device 107 to display an image corresponding to the analysis result. .

  In addition, the effect command analysis unit 409 instructs the sound generation unit 410 to execute an effect of emitting sound corresponding to the result of analyzing the effect command. Thereby, the audio | voice production | generation part 410 produces | generates the audio | voice data corresponding to an effect, and makes it emit from the speaker 133. FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that an effect command has not been received, the effect command analysis unit 401 instructs the image generation unit 409 or the like to perform a stand-by effect. As a result, the image generation unit 409 generates image data for executing a stand-by effect and causes the effect display device 107 to display the image data.

(Decoration display processing)
Next, a decorative symbol display process according to the present invention will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
This process is executed when the effect command received by the effect command analysis unit 401 of the sub-control board 202 is an effect command indicating the start of variable symbol display.

  In step S141, based on the lottery result of the special symbol transferred from the effect command analysis unit 401, the state of the game indicated by the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag, the stop symbol determination unit 402 determines that the decorative symbol variation display has stopped this time. The combination of decorative symbols to be displayed is determined. For example, as described above, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the game shifts to the “probability change mode”, “111”, “333”, “555”, “777”, Any one combination of “999”, “AAA”, “CCC”, and “EEE” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in this stop. In addition, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the mode shifts to the “short time mode”, “000”, “222”, “444”, “666”, “888”, “ Any one combination of “BBB”, “DDD”, and “FFF” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in this stop. Further, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “losing”, the same decorative symbol is displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 118a and 118c, and a decorative symbol different from 118a or the like is displayed in the decorative symbol display region 118b. In this way, the combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in this stop is determined.

  Next, in step S142, the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 403 determines whether the mode is the “probability change mode”, the “time reduction mode”, or the other normal game mode based on the probability change flag or the time reduction flag. The variable display time length from the start of the variable display to the actual stop is calculated.

  Next, in step S143, the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 403 determines a decorative symbol variation pattern defined by the variation of the decorative symbol variation display time length. This variation pattern defines the order of decorative symbols to be displayed while switching to the decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c according to the variation display time length. When the result of the lottery is “big hit”, the sequence is set so that one of the combinations of the decorative symbols is the decorative symbol at the time of the main stop.

  Next, when the variable display is started in step S144, the process proceeds to step S145, and the image generation unit 405 starts from the currently displayed decorative symbol, that is, the previous symbol P (X) based on the decorative symbol variable pattern information. The next decorative symbol to be switched, that is, the rear symbol P (Y) is specified. The following steps are performed for each frame period.

  Next, in step S146, the image generation unit 405 identifies which of the change areas A to C is to be changed and displayed in the next frame period. Either one of the symbols in the change areas A to C may be changed, or the symbols in two or more change regions may be changed at the same time. That is, after changing the symbol of one variable region, the symbol of another variable region may be switched, or the symbols of a plurality of variable regions may be switched simultaneously or with a time difference.

  Next, at step 147, the selection means 502 outputs the image data of the first area for the specified variable area. That is, when the change area A is specified, the selection unit 502 outputs either the still image data P (X) A10 or the intermediate image data P (X) A11 to A13 as the image data. If the change area B is specified, either the still image data P (X) B10 or the intermediate image data P (X) B11 to B13 is output as the image data. When the fluctuation region C is specified, either the still image data P (X) C10 or the intermediate image data P (X) C11 to C13 is output as the image data.

  Next, at step 148, the selection unit 502 outputs the image data of the second area for the specified variable area. That is, when the change area A is specified, the selection unit 502 outputs either the still image data P (X) A23 or the intermediate image data P (X) A20 to A22 as the image data. If the fluctuation region B has been specified, either the still image data P (X) B23 or the intermediate image data P (X) B20 to B22 is output as the image data. If the change area C has been specified, either still image data P (X) C23 or intermediate image data P (X) C20 to C22 is output as image data.

  In the above steps S147 and S148, when the intermediate image data is generated for each frame period, the image generation unit 405 is based on the vertex coordinate data stored in the image data storage unit 501. Then, affine transformation or the like is applied to the still image data to generate and output intermediate image data.

  These partial image data may be output as they are, but it is preferable that the combining unit 503 combines the front symbol “1” and the rear symbol “2” and outputs the combined image. That is, in the first area, when the intermediate image data is selected as the previous symbol, the synthesizing unit 503 synthesizes the intermediate image data of the previous symbol with the still image data of the first region of the subsequent symbol, and before the rear symbol. The composite image data in which the previous symbol is displayed is output. In the second area, when the intermediate image data is selected as the rear symbol, the synthesizing unit 503 synthesizes the intermediate image data of the rear symbol with the still image data of the first region of the previous symbol, and the rear is in front of the previous symbol. Composite image data that displays a symbol is output.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S149, and the image generation unit 405 determines whether there is another variable region to be displayed in a variable manner. The first region is controlled so that three intermediate image data P (X) Y11 to 13 are sequentially output for each successive frame after the still image data P (X) Y10. The second region is controlled so that the three intermediate image data P (X) Y20 to 22 are output for each successive frame in order, and then the still image data P (X) Y23 is output. For the first region and the second region that are paired with each other in the same variable region, the second region is included in the next frame after the last intermediate image data (P (X) Y13) of the first region is output. The first intermediate image data (P (X) Y20) is controlled to be output. As long as all three variable regions are not completed, steps S146 to S148 are repeated.

  In step S149, if there is no other variation area, this means that the switching from the previous symbol to the rear symbol is complete, and the process proceeds to step S150.

  In step S150, if the two symbols including the decorative symbol for which switching to the subsequent symbol has been stopped, the process proceeds to step S151, and it is determined whether or not the so-called “reach” state is set. If the state is the “reach” state, in step S152, the image generation unit 405 generates image data for displaying a reach effect determined in advance according to the variation pattern, and the effect display device. It outputs to 107. On the other hand, if the two decorative symbols are stopped but not in the “reach” state, the process proceeds to step S153.

  In step S150, when two decorative symbols are not stopped, the process proceeds to step S153, and it is determined whether or not the variable display is stopped. As a result of the determination, if all the decorative symbols are still stopped and the combination of the decorative symbols determined by the stop symbol determining unit 402 is not displayed, it means that the display for switching to another decorative symbol remains. Therefore, steps S145 to S153 are repeated again, and the remaining variation display is performed.

  If it is determined in step S153 that all the decorative symbols have been stopped, the process proceeds to step S154, where it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery corresponds to “big hit”. If the result of the lottery corresponds to “big hit”, the combination of the decorative symbols displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 118a to 118c should also be in an array indicating “big hit”. move on.

  In step S <b> 155, the image generation unit 405 generates image data for displaying a predetermined jackpot effect and outputs the image data to the effect display device 107. As a result, an image showing the jackpot effect is displayed on the display screen 118. After the big hit effect, the image generation unit 405 shifts to a special game effect display corresponding to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode”.

  If the result of the special symbol lottery is not “big hit” when the actual stop is made in step S153, it is determined that the game is “lost”, and the image generation unit 405 executes the big hit effect. The process is terminated.

(Example)
Next, a display example of decorative symbols displayed in the present embodiment will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 13, an example of variation display when three variation regions A, B, and C are provided will be described. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the front symbol is “1” and the rear symbol is “2”. In particular, the image data in the case where the fluctuation region B is specified is illustrated.

  Focusing on the change area B, the design of the second area B2 is switched after the design of the first area B1 of the change area B indicated by diagonal lines is switched. That is, when switching from the previous symbol “1” to the subsequent symbol “2”, the still image data P (1) B10 and the intermediate image data P (1) B11 to B13 are used for the first region B1 of the variation region B. It is done. For the second region B2, intermediate image data P (2) B20-22 and still image P (2) B23 are used. For the first region, the still image data P (2) B10 of the first region B1 for the rear symbol “2” positioned on the back surface, and the second region for the previous symbol “1” positioned on the rear surface. The still image data P (1) B23 in the two areas B2 is synthesized by the synthesizing unit 503.

This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 shows a change in the combined decorative design in the variable region B at a total of eight timings from time t0 to t7. The time t0 is before the change display and is the design itself of the previous symbol “1”, and the time t7 is the end of the change display and is the design of the rear design “2”. “F” indicates a symbol that appears to be displayed in the foreground, and “B” indicates a symbol that appears to be displayed visually behind.

  At time t0, still image data P (1) B10 of the previous symbol “1” is output in the first region B1, and still image data P (1) B23 of the previous symbol “1” is output in the second region B2, and the subsequent symbol is output. Since “2” is not displayed, the synthesized image is the previous symbol “1” itself.

From time t1 to t6, the state of change display from the previous symbol “1” to the subsequent symbol “2” is in an intermediate state.
At time t1, in the first region B1, intermediate image data P (1) B11 indicating a slightly distorted intermediate state for the previous symbol “1” is output, and still image data of the first region B1 in the subsequent symbol “2”. P (2) is synthesized so as to be overwritten on B10. As a result, the composite image becomes an image as if the display area of the first area B1 for the front symbol “1” starts to fall and the first area B1 of the rear symbol “2” is visible from behind. There is no change in the second region B2.

At time t2, intermediate image data P (1) B12 indicating a further distorted intermediate state is output in the first region B1, and is synthesized with the rear symbol “2”. As a result, the first region of the front symbol “1” is further generated. An image as if the display board of B1 is tilted is displayed.
At time t3, this tendency further progresses, and an image is displayed as if the display board of the first area B1 of the previous symbol “1” was tilted.

  At time t4, for the first region B1, image data for the previous symbol “1” is not output, and only still image data P (2) B10 for the subsequent symbol “2” is output. On the other hand, the intermediate image data P (2) B20 indicating the most distorted intermediate state of the rear symbol “2” is output for the second region, and the still image data P (2) of the second region B2 of the previous symbol “1” is output. 2) Synthesized to be overwritten on B23. As a result, the composite image shows that the display board that has fallen from the first area B1 side with respect to the previous pattern “1” has fallen 90 degrees or more to the second area B2, and the rear of the fallen display board is behind the second area B2. The image is as if the symbol “2” has been seen.

At time t5, in the second region B2, the intermediate image data P (2) B21 of the rear symbol “2” indicating the intermediate state in which the distortion is relaxed is output and synthesized with the previous symbol “2”. An image as if the display board of the symbol “1” is tilted to the second area B2 side is displayed.
At time t6, this tendency further progresses, and an image is displayed in which the rear symbol “2” has almost hidden the previous symbol “1”.

  At time t7, in the second area B2, only the still image data P (2) B23 of the rear symbol “2” is displayed and the previous symbol “1” is not displayed. The back symbol “2” is itself.

  That is, as a result of a series of changes in the intermediate symbols from time t0 to time t7 as described above, the display board on the first area B1 side rotates around the axis SB and appears to have fallen into the second area B2. A production will be displayed. In other words, this is nothing but a simulation of the manner in which the dial of the mechanical “patter clock” changes on the image display.

  By similar image processing, an image in which the display board is tilted about the axis SA is displayed for the variation area A, and an image in which the display board is tilted about the axis SC is displayed for the variation area C. .

FIG. 16 shows a case where the variation display for each variation region is performed in order.
As shown at time T0 in FIG. 16, the change display is started from the change area A, and after the change display is completed, the change display is started in the change area B as shown at time T1. Then, after the change display in the change area B is completed, the change display in the change area C is started as shown at time T2. At time T3, the change display from the previous symbol “1” to the subsequent symbol “2” is finished.

  Note that it is not necessary to arrange the variable display in order for each variable region in this way, and by changing the type of intermediate image data to be output in each frame period, a plurality of variable regions can be simultaneously or with a predetermined time difference. It is possible to control the image so that the variable display proceeds at a later time.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing how the variable display implemented in the present embodiment is visually recognized. That is, in the present embodiment, an image that the display board is tilted down is displayed for each fluctuation region, so that the dial of the actual mechanical “patter clock” fluctuates as shown in FIG. An image as if observing is provided to the player.

  In the above embodiment, one decorative design is divided into three variable areas and displayed in a variable manner. However, the number of variable areas is not limited to this and may be smaller or larger.

FIG. 18 shows an example in which one variation area, that is, the entire decorative symbol is variably displayed.
In this embodiment, there is no concept of a variable region, and the whole is constituted only by a first region and a second region which are paired with each other. In this embodiment, in the first region, the intermediate image data P (1) 11-12 of the previous symbol “1” and the still image data P (2) 10 of the subsequent symbol “2” are synthesized. Further, in the second region, the intermediate image data P (2) 20-21 of the rear symbol “2” and the still image data P (1) 22 of the previous symbol “1” are combined.
At time T0, a symbol is displayed in which the intermediate image data P (1) 11 of the previous symbol “1” overwrites the still image data P (2) 10 of the subsequent symbol “2” in the first area. This trend further progresses, and the rear symbol “2” appears from behind.

At time T2, the display shifts from the variable display in the first area to the variable display in the second area, and the intermediate image data P (2) 20 of the rear symbol “2” is the still image data of the previous symbol “1” in the second region. A symbol overwriting P (1) 22 is displayed, and this tendency further progresses at time T3, so that almost all the rear symbols “2” can be seen.
Further, in the above embodiment, the display plate is displayed so as to fall from the upper side (first area side) to the lower side (second area side) around the rotation axis. An image that turns up from the side may be displayed. Further, by performing processing so that the order of display processing is reversed in the middle, an image may be displayed such that the display plate once tilted from the upper side to the lower side is returned again from the lower side to the upper side.

  Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, instead of rotating the display board in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 19, an image may be provided in which the display board rotates to the left and right.

  FIG. 19 shows a state in which one decorative design is divided into two variable areas A and B. In particular, in this embodiment, the axes S1 and S2 are set to be in the vertical direction, and still image data and intermediate image data for variable display also express a display board in which the door rotates in the left-right direction. It is set to a simple design.

At time T0 in FIG. 19, only the previous symbol “1” before the change display is shown.
At time T1, in both of the change areas A and B, the intermediate image data of the previous pattern “1” in the first area A1 is synthesized before the still image data of the subsequent pattern “2”, so that the change display changes. The image starting from both areas A and B is displayed as an image.

  At time T2, the fluctuation display of the fluctuation area A is finished, and the fluctuation image is displayed for the fluctuation area B by synthesizing the intermediate image data of the rear symbol “2” before the still image data of the previous symbol “2”. The image that is approaching the end is displayed.

  At time T3, in both the fluctuation areas A and B, the symbols based only on the still image data of the rear symbol “2” are displayed, and the variation display is finished and the symbols are switched. As described above, various modifications are possible depending on how the image data is provided.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the variation display of the decorative symbols, the variation display in which the symbols are switched like the so-called mechanical “patter clock” that has not existed conventionally is possible. Compared to the decorative symbol display by the vertical scroll display, it has become possible to raise the player's mood and easily engulf the game.

  In addition, if it is a gaming machine (image control device) capable of high-speed computation, it is possible to generate intermediate image data for variable display of the present invention using only still image data and vertex position data, and in RAM If there is a capacity, all the intermediate image data can be generated and temporarily stored at the beginning of power-on, so that the capacity of the image data stored in advance can be suppressed.

  In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, since the intermediate symbol based on the intermediate image data can be temporarily displayed, it is possible to express a “patter-patter clock” -like switching full of presence. In particular, it is preferable to express a natural symbol change when producing an effect such that the speed of fluctuation is relatively slow, such as the timing before and after reach.

(Other)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, intermediate image data is used, but it is also possible to display a change from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol using only still image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the design of the first area is changed from “1” to “2” at time T1, and the design of the second area is changed from “1” to “2” at time T2. "Pattern clock" can be visually simulated by a two-stage process of changing to "." In particular, when displaying a variable display at a high speed, the variable display can be naturally displayed even if the intermediate symbol indicating the intermediate state is omitted. For example, while the decorative symbol is switched at high speed immediately after the start of the variable display, such a variable display without using the intermediate image data is used, and the switching speed of the variable display is slow as in the case of reaching the reach state. In such a case, a combination is possible in which the intermediate image data is displayed as a variable display.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the pachinko machine was illustrated as a gaming machine, you may apply the decoration symbol display based on this invention to a slot machine. That is, since the slot machine is the same as the pachinko machine in the present embodiment in that the combination of decorative symbols is displayed in the image display area, the decorative symbol display method of the present invention can be applied.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, after the special game is executed, the mode is shifted to any one of the “probability change mode” and the “time reduction mode”, but this is not necessarily required. For example, in accordance with the special symbol that is stopped and displayed, after the special game is executed, the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode”, and only when the “probability change mode” is completed, the mode can be changed to the “time reduction mode”. In this case, the configuration does not shift to the “time reduction mode” unless the mode shifts to the “probability change mode”.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first type pachinko machine has been described as an example. However, the control mode of the ordinary electric accessory 104 described above is selected, and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is operated in the selected control manner. It can also be applied to pachinko machines other than first-class pachinko machines. For example, in a second-class pachinko machine, a special game is opened when a winning ball is opened at the start winning gate of the game ball and the game ball entering the opened large winning port passes a specific area (so-called V zone). Therefore, if the control mode of the ordinary electric accessory that guides the winning to the start winning opening is selected and the normal electric accessory is operated in the selected control mode, the same as the above-described embodiment The effect of can be obtained.

Front view showing an example of the external configuration of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment Block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the pachinko machine 100 Functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201 Functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the sub-control board 202 Functional block diagram showing details of a functional configuration of the image display unit 409 Main flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the main control board The flowchart explaining the detail of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. Flowchart explaining details of start winning process in step S4 of FIG. Flowchart explaining details of start winning process in step S4 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation in the normal game in the sub control board 202 Flowchart explaining details of decorative symbol image display method Setting explanatory diagram of variable region and first region and second region in decorative design of the present invention Example of image data that contributes to switching from previous symbol “1” to rear symbol “2” Explanatory drawing of image composition of variable display between front symbol “1” and rear symbol “2” Changes in decorative design when changing the variable area in order Visual schematic diagram of the “patter clock” implemented in the present invention Decorative pattern changes when there is one variable area Decorative pattern changes when the change of the change area is changed to the left and right Changes in decorative design when intermediate image data is not used

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 103 Normal symbol operation gate 106 Special symbol display device 107 Production display device 108 Normal symbol display device 112 Start winning opening 113 Grand winning opening 131 Launch handle 132 Operation switch 201 Main control board 203 Winning opening board 210 Start winning opening switch 215 Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 301 Prize determination unit 302 Flag storage unit 304 Special symbol lottery unit 305 Winning determination unit 306 Special symbol display instruction unit 309 Normal symbol lottery unit 310 Winning determination unit 311 Normal symbol display instruction unit 312 Normal electric accessory driving instruction Unit 313 effect command generation unit 401 effect command analysis unit 402 decoration symbol determination unit 403 decoration symbol pattern determination unit 405 image generation unit 406 audio generation unit

Claims (15)

A gaming machine that displays an image of a symbol corresponding to a result of a lottery performed based on a winning at a start winning opening of a game ball,
Based on the result of the lottery, a stop symbol determining unit that determines a combination of the symbols at the time of a variable stop,
A variation pattern determining unit that determines a variation pattern of the symbol to be variably displayed before the determined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed;
An image generation unit that generates image data for switching and displaying the plurality of symbols based on the determined variation pattern of the symbols,
The image generation unit
In the case where at least a pair of variable areas composed of a first area and a second area, which are preset for the symbol, the symbol of the variable area is switched from the previous symbol as one symbol to the subsequent symbol as another symbol. In addition, the gaming machine is characterized in that the symbol of the second area is switched after the symbol of the first area is switched. Image data that stores partial still image data of the symbol so that it can be read independently for each of the first and second regions for each of the variable regions for each of the symbols that are variably displayed. A storage unit,
The image generation unit selectively reads out the still image data of either the first region or the second region for each variation region from the image data storage unit, and generates the image data.
The gaming machine according to claim 1. In the image data storage unit, for each of the symbols that are variably displayed, an intermediate stage of switching between the front symbol and the rear symbol for each of the variable regions, for each of the first region and the second region, Intermediate image data indicating is stored,
The image generation unit
When switching the design of the variable area from the previous design to the rear design,
Reading the intermediate image data and generating the image data for temporarily displaying the intermediate symbol between the display of the previous symbol and the display of the rear symbol.
The gaming machine according to claim 2. The image generation unit
When switching the design of the first region from the previous design to the rear design,
Generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol for the first region by overwriting the intermediate image data for the previous symbol on the still image data for the rear symbol;
The gaming machine according to claim 3. The image generation unit
When switching the symbol of the second area from the previous symbol to the rear symbol,
Generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol for the second region by overwriting the intermediate image data for the subsequent symbol on the still image data for the previous symbol;
The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4. The image data storage unit stores intermediate image data indicating a plurality of intermediate stages as the intermediate symbol,
The image generation unit
For each of a plurality of intermediate stages, the image data for displaying the intermediate symbol is generated by sequentially reading intermediate image data indicating the intermediate stage.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5. An image control device for switching and displaying a plurality of symbols,
For each of the symbols to be displayed in a variable manner, at least a pair of variable regions consisting of a first region and a second region are preset, and the symbol of the variable region is changed from the previous symbol which is one symbol to another symbol. It is configured so that it can be switched to a later design,
For each of the variable areas, a partial still image data of the symbol stored for each of the first region and the second region, and an intermediate stage indicating an intermediate stage of switching between the front symbol and the rear symbol Selection means for selecting any of intermediate image data for displaying a design,
Synthesis means for synthesizing the still image data or the intermediate image data selected for each variation area as image data for variation display of the symbol,
An image control apparatus, wherein, when switching from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol, the symbol of the second region is switched after the symbol of the first region is switched. The selection means, when switching the design of the variable region from the previous design to the rear design,
1) Select the still image data of the previous design to generate image data for displaying the previous design,
2) selecting the intermediate image data to generate image data for displaying the intermediate symbol of the intermediate stage;
3) selecting the still image data of the rear symbol and generating image data for displaying the rear symbol;
The image control apparatus according to claim 7. The synthesis means includes
When switching the design of the first region from the previous design to the rear design,
Generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol for the first region by overwriting the intermediate image data for the previous symbol on the still image data for the rear symbol;
The image control apparatus according to claim 8. The synthesis means includes
When switching the symbol of the second area from the previous symbol to the rear symbol,
Generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol for the second region by overwriting the intermediate image data for the subsequent symbol on the still image data for the previous symbol;
The image control apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. An image control method for switching and displaying a plurality of symbols,
For each of the symbols to be displayed in a variable manner, at least a pair of variable regions consisting of a first region and a second region are preset, and the symbol of the variable region is changed from the previous symbol which is one symbol to another symbol. It is configured so that it can be switched to a later design,
For each of the variable areas, a partial still image data of the symbol stored for each of the first region and the second region, and an intermediate stage indicating an intermediate stage of switching between the front symbol and the rear symbol Selecting image data, and
Synthesizing the still image data or the intermediate image data selected for each variation area, and outputting as image data for symbol variation display,
An image control method characterized in that, when switching from the previous symbol to the subsequent symbol, the symbol of the second region is switched after or simultaneously with switching of the symbol of the first region. The selecting step further comprises:
1) selecting the still image data of the previous design and generating image data for displaying the previous design;
2) selecting the intermediate image data and generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol of the intermediate stage;
3) selecting the still image data of the rear symbol and generating image data for displaying the rear symbol;
The image control method according to claim 11, comprising: Step 2)
When switching the design of the first region from the previous design to the rear design,
Generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol for the first region by overwriting the intermediate image data for the previous symbol on the still image data for the subsequent symbol;
The image control method according to claim 12. Step 2)
When switching the symbol of the second area from the previous symbol to the rear symbol,
Generating image data for displaying the intermediate symbol for the second region by overwriting the intermediate image data for the subsequent symbol on the still image data for the previous symbol;
The image control method according to claim 12 or 13. The program for making a computer perform the image control method as described in any one of Claims 11 thru | or 14.

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