JP2009233410A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the discrimination of a new variation from re-variation by notifying players of the re-variation. <P>SOLUTION: As regards a game machine such as a Pachinko game machine, special figures are stopped once (step S76) after showing on a special pattern display device (display part) that a ready-for-win state takes place (S74). Thereafter, players or others are notified of the re-variation (or possibility of re-variation) (step S78a). For example, a chance meter appears on the foreground ahead of the special figures on a screen. A plurality of levels (for example, 10 levels) are set onto the chance meter and when the meter oscillates vertically and reaches a prescribed level (for example, highest level), the players are notified of incoming re-variation. Thereafter, when the meter reaches another prescribed level (YES: step S80), the re-variation of the special figures is started (step S82a). This enables the players to play their games with a clear recognition that any subsequent variation of the special figures is undoubtedly far from the re-variation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a display unit, and relates to a technique for changing again after a symbol is temporarily stopped.

In a pachinko machine that is one of the gaming machines, when a pachinko ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, a special symbol starts to change on a display unit (for example, a special symbol display). In general, a special symbol consists of three symbols: a left special symbol, a middle special symbol, and a right special symbol. A state in which two symbols out of the three symbols are stopped and the remaining one symbol matches a predetermined symbol is called a “reach”. Thereafter, the remaining one symbol (for example, the right special symbol) that has continued to fluctuate is stopped. At this time, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is an out-of-order symbol, re-variation is performed to vary all the special symbols again when the required condition is satisfied.

An example of a gaming machine that performs such re-variation is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-155991. According to the technology disclosed in the gazette, after stopping the remaining one of the symbols that have continued to fluctuate, the symbols that have been stopped so far (in the above example, left special symbol, middle special symbol) are re-variable. Was.

However, in any conventional gaming machine, all special symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed before re-variation, and the player is not notified of whether or not re-variation occurs. Therefore, even if the special symbol is re-varied, the player may not be able to determine whether it is a new variation or a re-variation. In particular, if the number of reserved balls (the number of game balls that won the 1st class starting port etc. while the special symbol is changing and displayed on the special symbol display) has reached the upper limit, it may be a new variation. It is difficult to determine whether it is a re-variation. The present invention has been made in view of these points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which re-change is notified in advance so that it is easy to determine whether it is a new change or a re-change.

Means 1 for solving the problem is as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) The “symbol” includes not only a special symbol but also all symbols that are displayed on the display unit in relation to the game, such as a normal symbol and a chance symbol. The number of symbols includes not only one but also a plurality.
(2) The “display unit” includes not only one symbol display but also a plurality of symbol displays. In the case of a plurality of symbols, there are a mode in which all symbols are displayed on one symbol display and a mode in which a plurality of symbols are distributed and displayed on a plurality of symbol displays.
(3) “Temporary stop” includes not only a mode of completely stopping, but also a mode of displaying a state of moving back and forth within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction. For example, a state in which the design slightly swings up and down is also applicable. The same applies to “stop”.
(4) “Notifying re-change” includes not only the player but also those related to the game hall. Moreover, the content to be notified includes not only re-variation but also possibility of re-variation. Furthermore, the notification time is arbitrary, may be before re-variation, may be simultaneous with re-variation, or may be after re-variation is started.
According to the means 1, since the re-change is notified, even if the symbol once stopped starts to change again, it is possible to easily determine whether it is a new change or a re-change.

Means 2 for solving the problem is as described in claim 2. Here, the terms described in claim 2 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) “Decorated design” is a design other than the design used to determine whether or not it is a hit, and includes characters, images (still images, moving images, videos, etc.), and the like.
(2) “Sound” includes not only music but also sound effects (chimes, buzzers, etc.) and voice.
According to the means 2, since the notification is made by the movement of the symbol, the movement and content of the decorative symbol, the blinking of the display body, the sound, etc., it can be recognized more reliably that the re-variation starts. Further, when the re-change is notified only by the movement of the symbol, it is not necessary to perform another display or the like, so that the data amount can be reduced and the necessary recording capacity can be kept low.

According to the present invention, since the re-change is notified, even if the symbol once stopped starts to change, it can be easily discriminated whether it is a new change or a re-change.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a pachinko machine. It is the front view which expanded and represented the compound apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a control part. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st type starting port process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows reach processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a flowchart which shows reach processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a flowchart which shows reach processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1] First, Embodiment 1 is an application of the present invention to a first-class pachinko machine, which will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, an example in which re-variation is notified by the movement of a decorative symbol and sound will be described. Here, FIG. 1 shows a front view of the appearance of the first type pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the combined apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. FIG. 4 shows the contents of the first type start port process, FIG. 5 shows the contents of the symbol fluctuation process, FIG. 6 shows the contents of the fluctuation display process, and FIG. 7 shows the contents of the reach process. 8 and 9 show examples of screen contents displayed on the special symbol display.

First, in FIG. 1, on the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10, a composite device 14, a first type starting port 30, a large winning port 34, a lower starting port 62, a general winning port, and the like are appropriately arranged. The first type starting port 30 has a starting port sensor 56, and when a pachinko ball wins, a prize ball (prize ball) is paid out in the same manner as a normal winning port. The middle gate 32 has a gate sensor 54 and does not pay out a prize ball even if a pachinko ball passes. The big prize opening 34 has a lid 66, and the lid 66 is opened and closed by a solenoid 50. The special winning opening 34 has a V zone 52, and the V zone 52 has a V zone sensor 48. If the pachinko ball wins the V zone 52 within the opening period of the big winning opening, the big hit game can be continued within the required number of times (for example, 16 times). As the above-mentioned large winning opening opening period, for example, 10 pachinko balls are won in the large winning opening 34 or 30 seconds have passed after opening, whichever comes first. Further, a lower start port 62 having a function equivalent to that of the first type start port 30 is disposed below the lid 66. The lower start port 62 has a start port sensor 60 having the same function as the start port sensor 56. Here, the start port sensors 56 and 60 detect pachinko balls that have won the respective start ports. The V zone sensor 48 detects a pachinko ball winning in the V zone 52. The gate sensor 54 detects the pachinko sphere that has passed through the middle gate 32. For the gate sensor 54, the start port sensors 56 and 60, and the V zone sensor 48, for example, proximity sensors, microswitches, optical sensors (light emitters and light receivers) or the like are used.

The composite apparatus 14 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a winning prize opening 14a, an ordinary symbol retaining ball lamp 20, a special symbol indicator 22, a special symbol retaining ball lamp 28, and the like. The winning prize opening 14a is one of general winning prize openings. The holding ball lamp 20 is a plurality of (for example, four) LEDs arranged in a horizontal pattern above the special symbol display 22 and indicates the number of pachinko balls that have passed through the middle gate 32 during the symbol variation of the normal symbol. indicate. The holding ball lamp 28 is a plurality of (for example, four) LEDs arranged in a substantially horizontal manner below the special symbol indicator 22, and the pachinko ball that won the first type starting port 30 during the symbol variation of the special symbol. The number of items is displayed. In addition, the composite device 14 includes a light emitting body such as a lamp, a decorative plate, and the like, and exhibits a decorative effect to entertain the eyes of the player.

 The special symbol display 22 corresponds to a display unit, for example, a liquid crystal display. The special symbol display 22 displays the special symbol, chance symbol, background symbol and the like shown in FIG. The special symbols include, for example, a left special symbol 72, a middle special symbol 74, and a right special symbol 76, which are used to determine whether or not a big hit. In the following description, when “special symbol” is simply referred to, it means three symbols: a left special symbol 72, a middle special symbol 74, and a right special symbol 76. The symbols used as special symbols include characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, etc.), symbols, figures, designs, and the like. The chance symbol (fourth symbol) includes, for example, a left chance symbol 70 and a right chance symbol 78, which are used to determine a privilege other than the bonus due to the jackpot (hereinafter referred to as “additional privilege”). The chance symbol changes a predetermined symbol in a plurality of colors. The predetermined pattern includes, for example, a figure in which two “☆” are surrounded by a line, and the plurality of colors include, for example, four colors of red, blue, yellow, and green. In the following description, when the term “chance symbol” is simply used, it means two symbols, a left chance symbol 70 and a right chance symbol 78. The chance symbol starts to fluctuate at an appropriate time after a big hit, for example, and then stops. That is, there are a mode in which the chance symbol is stopped almost simultaneously when the special symbol is completely stopped, a mode in which the chance symbol is stopped after the special symbol is completely stopped, and the like. Additional benefits include, for example, “probability fluctuation” that changes the probability of winning a jackpot with a special symbol or a normal symbol, “short time” to shorten the fluctuation period of a special symbol or a normal symbol, And so on. The background symbol is a symbol displayed as the background of the special symbol or the chance symbol, and includes, for example, a moving image (video, animation, etc.) and a still image. In addition to the liquid crystal display, the special symbol display 22 may be a display capable of displaying a special symbol such as a CRT, LED display, plasma display or the like.

Returning to FIG. 1, the game board surface 12 has one or a plurality of decorative gates, and in this example, has a left gate 57 and a right gate 24. Unlike the middle gate 32, the decoration gate does not have a gate sensor that detects the passage of a pachinko ball. The right gate 24 has a normal symbol display 26, while the left gate 57 does not have a normal symbol display. The normal symbol display 26 has one or a plurality of light emitters (in this example, two LEDs), and the light emitter is turned on / off as a normal symbol. The normal symbol starts blinking when a pachinko ball passes through the middle gate 32, for example, and then turns on or off for each light emitter. Then, the lid of the lower start port 62 is opened for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds) in accordance with the lighting or extinguishing mode of each light emitter (for example, when the right LED of the two LEDs is lit). The normal symbol display 26 may be another display capable of displaying normal symbols such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT, an LED display, a plasma display, or the like. In this case, for example, alphanumeric characters and symbols can be used as ordinary symbols. Furthermore, you may make it display a normal symbol and a special symbol on the same indicator (for example, special symbol indicator 22).

Other than the game board surface 12, a lower tray 40 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including award balls and rental balls, an ashtray 42 for storing cigarette butts, a speaker 44 for producing sound effects and music, etc. A touch sensor 38 for detecting whether or not the glass frame 18 is touched, a metal frame sensor 58 for detecting the opening of the glass frame 18, and the like are provided. The speaker 44 is provided inside an upper plate 46 that is a tray for receiving a prize ball, and the touch sensor 38 and the metal frame sensor 58 are provided at required positions. The lamps 16 use light emitters such as light bulbs and LEDs, and are not limited to the illustrated positions, and are disposed at appropriate positions according to the type of pachinko machine 10, game content, and the like.

Next, configurations and operations of the main control unit 100 and the display control unit 200 that realize a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 and the display control unit 200 are both provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 100 includes a CPU (processor) 110, a ROM 102, a RAM 104, an input processing circuit 106, an output processing circuit 108, a display control circuit 112, a communication control circuit 114, and the like. The CPU 110 controls the pachinko machine 10 by executing a game control program stored in the ROM 102. The game control program includes a program for realizing a first type start port process, a symbol variation process, a variation display process, a variation start process, a reach process and the like which will be described later. The ROM 102 uses an EPROM, but an EEPROM, a flash memory, or the like may be used. The RAM 104 stores various numbers of random numbers such as the number of balls to be held, random numbers RA for jackpot determination, special symbols at the time of stop, or input / output signals. A DRAM is used as the RAM 104, but a nonvolatile memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory may be used.

The input processing circuit 106 receives each signal sent from the gate sensor 54, the start port sensors 56, 60, the V zone sensor 48, or other sensors, and converts it into a data format that can be processed in the main control unit 100. Then, data and the like are sent to the CPU 110 and the RAM 104 via the bus 118. The output processing circuit 108 receives operation data sent from the CPU 110 via the bus 118 and operates various operation devices provided in the pachinko machine 10 such as the solenoid 50. The display control circuit 112 receives the display data sent from the CPU 110 via the bus 118, turns on / off the normal symbol display 26, and holds the number of reserved balls (for example, 0 ≦ retained ball) in the reserved ball lamps 20 and 28. The number of lamps corresponding to the number ≦ 4) is displayed, or the lamps 16 are appropriately turned on / off although not shown.

The communication control circuit 114 is a circuit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the display control unit 200, the frame control unit 300, or the hall computer 400 as necessary. The frame control unit 300 and the hall computer 400 are configured around a CPU as in the case of the main control unit 100, and since the configurations thereof are known, detailed description thereof will be omitted. All of the above components are coupled to each other by a bus 118.

 Here, the frame control unit 300 controls the launching of the pachinko balls and the payout of the prize balls necessary for performing the pachinko game, and outputs sound effects and music from the speaker 44, or the door opening by the metal frame sensor 58. The inspection is performed at a predetermined timing. The hall computer 400 is used to operate a hall (game room), and collectively controls devices and equipment such as pachinko machines, slot machines, rental machines, and lighting equipment.

Next, the display control unit 200 receives the display data sent from the main control unit 100 and performs a process of appropriately processing a symbol or image to be displayed and displaying it on the special symbol display 22. The display control unit 200 is also called a VDP (Video Display Processor), and is composed of a CPU 210, a ROM 202, a RAM 204, a communication control circuit 206, a display control circuit 212, and the like. The CPU 210 performs display control of the special symbol display 22 according to a display control program stored in the ROM 202. In addition to the display control program, the ROM 202 stores all display data necessary for playing pachinko games such as special symbols, a plurality of variation patterns, decorative symbols, and the like. The ROM 202 is generally an EPROM, but is not limited to this, and an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used. A DRAM is generally used for the RAM 204, but a nonvolatile memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory may be used. The RAM 204 stores various data and input / output signals. The communication control circuit 206 is a circuit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the main control unit 100. The display control circuit 212 receives display data sent from the CPU 210 via the bus 218, and controls the special symbol display 22 to process and display symbols and images. Each of the above components is coupled to the bus 218.

Next, a processing procedure for realizing the present invention in the pachinko machine 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to processing procedures shown in flowcharts in FIGS. The processing procedures shown in these figures are realized by the CPU 110 executing the game control program stored in the ROM 102 in the main controller 100 shown in FIG. 3 at an appropriate timing. In the case of simply saying “the number of reserved balls”, the number of pachinko balls won in the first type starting port 30 and the lower starting port 62 while the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 22 is changed. means. In addition, “adding” usually means increasing the number of reserved balls by one, but includes a case where it is increased by two or more as appropriate according to the gaming state or the like. On the other hand, “subtract” is the same as the case of addition except that the number of reserved balls is reduced. Furthermore, in order to simplify the explanation, the winning of the first type starting port 30 will be described since the winning of the first type starting port 30 and the winning of the lower starting port 62 operate similarly. Similarly, the description of the case where the special symbol starts to fluctuate and does not reach and is out of place will be omitted.

First, in the first type starting port process shown in FIG. 4, a pachinko ball winning determination with respect to the first type starting port 30 is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won the first type starting port 30 [step S10]. Specifically, in FIG. 3, if a detection signal output from the start port sensor 56 is received, it is determined that a prize is received (YES), and if no detection signal is received, it is determined that no prize is received (NO). Then, when the pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls has reached an upper limit value (for example, 4) [step S12]. If the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit (NO), the number of reserved balls is added [step S14]. Along with this addition, display data is output to the display control circuit 112, and the number of LEDs lit by the holding ball lamp 28 is changed. Thereafter, various random numbers are read and stored [step S16], and the first type start port process is terminated. If no pachinko ball has been won at the first type starting port 30 (NO in step S10) or if the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit (NO in step S12), nothing is done as it is. The first type start port process is terminated.

Here, the various random numbers include a jackpot determination random number RA, a jackpot symbol random number RB, a reach action random number RC, and a probability variation random number RD. The jackpot determining random number RA is a random number for determining whether or not the jackpot. The jackpot symbol random number RB is a random number for specifying a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 22 when the jackpot determination random number RA is determined to be a jackpot. The reach action random number RC is a random number for specifying the fluctuation pattern until the remaining special symbols are stopped after reaching the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22. The “reach state” means a state in which the other special symbols coincide with the jackpot symbol except for the remaining special symbols (for example, the right special symbol) that are still fluctuating. The random number RD for probability variation is a random number for determining whether or not to change the probability of winning a jackpot after the jackpot.

 Next, in the symbol variation process shown in FIG. 5, processing for varying and displaying the special symbol on the special symbol display 22 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is a positive number (number of held balls> 0) [step S20]. If the number of reserved balls is a positive number (YES), the jackpot determination random number RA stored in step S16 is read [step S22], and the number of reserved balls is subtracted in preparation for the next processing (step S24). Then, a variable display process is performed [step S26]. The specific processing contents of this variation display processing will be described with reference to FIG.

 In the variable display process shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not it is a “big hit” [step S40]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the jackpot determination random number RA read in step S22 matches the jackpot value. The jackpot value is usually one, but may be plural depending on the gaming state (for example, when the probability changes). If the jackpot is “YES” (YES), the jackpot symbol random number RB stored in step S16 of FIG. 4 is read [step S42], and the process proceeds to step S44 to start changing the special symbol. Based on the jackpot symbol random number RB, a symbol to be finally stopped and fixed (hereinafter referred to as “scheduled symbol”) is determined. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that it is “out of” (NO), the off symbol data is read from the RAM 104 in order to display the off symbol on the special symbol display 22 (step S60). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the missed symbol data includes a reach symbol [step S62]. The “reach symbol” is a symbol (left special symbol 72, middle special symbol 74) that is stopped and displayed when reaching reach. Step S62 is executed in such a manner that it eventually becomes “out of the way” but reaches halfway. If the reach symbol is included (YES), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if the reach symbol is not included (NO), the process proceeds to step S64.

Then, after starting to change the special symbol [step S44], the reach process is performed [step S46]. Here, specific processing contents of the reach processing will be described with reference to FIG. The reach process shown in FIG. 7 performs a special symbol variation process in the period from reaching reach until the symbol is stopped. Specifically, first, the reach action random number RC stored in step S16 of FIG. 4 is read [step S70], and the reach action is determined [step S72]. For example, a symbol relationship is obtained based on the symbol to be stopped and the reach symbol determined in step S42 in FIG. 6, and a symbol variation pattern is determined based on the symbol relationship and the reach action random number RC. The reach action is not limited to the pattern variation pattern, but operates on the pachinko machine 10 such as a decorative pattern displayed on the special symbol display 22, a blinking pattern of the lamps 16, a sound pattern emitted from the speaker 44, and the like. All embodiments may be used.

Based on the reach action determined in this way, the left special symbol 72 and the middle special symbol 74 are stopped, and the special symbol display 22 displays that the reach has been reached [step S74]. At the time of the display, a display for causing the player to recognize the reach may be performed together. The recognition display includes, for example, displaying a “reach” character, displaying a character, displaying a predetermined animation, or flashing the screen 22a several times. Then, the right special symbol 76 still changing is also stopped and the special symbol is temporarily stopped [step S76]. The special symbol once stopped is slightly swinging in the vertical direction of the screen 22a. Thereafter, the player is notified of re-change (or possibility of re-change) [step S78a]. For example, a chance meter appears on the screen 22a in the foreground side of the special symbol. A plurality of levels (for example, 10 levels) are set in the chance meter, and when the meter moves up and down and reaches a predetermined level (for example, the highest level), the player is notified that re-variation will be performed. A player watching the chance meter can play with the expectation that re-variation will take place. In addition, when a game attendant looks at the chance meter, the possibility of a big hit increases, so the necessary measures can be taken.

In this way, it is determined whether or not re-variation is performed [step S80]. When the meter reaches a predetermined level (YES), the special symbol is changed again [step S82a], and the reach process is terminated. However, if the meter does not reach the predetermined level (NO), the fact that it does not change again is displayed [step S84], and the reach process is terminated. For example, the screen 22a displays the word “sorry”, the state that the character is regretted, and the like. In this way, the player can play a game with a clear recognition that even if the special symbol subsequently fluctuates, it is not a re-fluctuation.

When the reach process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 6, and finally all special symbols are stopped [step S48]. By this stop, the player can know whether or not the big hit is caused by the current fluctuation. On the other hand, if the reach symbol is not reached in step S62 (NO), the special symbol starts to fluctuate in the same manner as in step S44 [step S64], variably displayed based on the variation pattern of the off symbol [step S66], and then the special symbol. [Step S48].

Then, it is determined whether or not there is a probability variation [step S50], and if it is a probability variation, a probability variation process is performed [step S52], and then the variation display process is terminated. Whether or not the probability variation is present is determined by checking whether or not the random number RD for probability variation stored in step S16 in FIG. 4 matches a predetermined value, or a special symbol and a chance symbol that are actually stopped and displayed on the screen 22a. Are displayed depending on whether or not are displayed in a predetermined combination. The predetermined combination is stored (recorded) in, for example, the ROM 202 of the display control unit 200, for example, when the special symbol is “777” and the chance symbol is blue. The predetermined combination may be changed according to a game state or the like as well as a certain combination. The specific processing content of the probability variation processing is the same as the already known processing, and thus description thereof is omitted. When the probability variation process is executed, the probability of winning a special jackpot and / or a normal symbol increases from the end of the current jackpot game until the next jackpot, and the special symbol and / or the normal symbol The fluctuation period is shortened. On the other hand, if it is not the probability fluctuation (NO in step S50), the fluctuation display process is terminated without doing anything.

Further, after the special symbol variation display process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 5 to determine whether or not the special symbol finally confirmed and displayed on the screen 22a of the special symbol display 22 matches the jackpot symbol [Step S28. ]. In step S40 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, but this determination is made based on the big hit determination random number RA read in step S22. However, when the variable display process of step S26 is being performed, the planned jackpot display may be out of display due to the influence of external noise or the like. Therefore, in order to prevent the confusion of the pachinko game, the special symbol displayed on the screen 22a is prioritized to determine whether or not it is a big hit. If the special symbol coincides with the winning symbol (YES), the jackpot processing is performed as “big jackpot” [step S30], and the symbol variation processing is terminated. The jackpot process is, for example, a process of opening the lid 66 of the big winning opening 34 for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds) and paying out a winning ball according to the number of winning pachinko balls. On the other hand, if the special symbol does not coincide with the winning symbol (NO), a detachment process is performed as “displacement” [step S32], and the symbol variation process is terminated. Note that the specific processing content of the misregistration processing is the same as the already known processing, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a mode in which re-change is notified on the screen 22a of the special symbol display 22 by executing the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 both show an example of the screen content displayed on the special symbol display 22, but the chance symbol is omitted for simplicity. First, when step S44 of FIG. 6 is executed, the special symbols (the left special symbol 72, the middle special symbol 74, and the right special symbol 76) start to change almost simultaneously. When step S46 in FIG. 6 and step S74 in FIG. 7 are executed, the left special symbol 72 and the middle special symbol 74 are stopped and reach as shown in FIG. 8A. In the example of FIG. 8A, the pattern is “7” in the horizontal direction and the pattern is “6” in the diagonal direction (ie, double reach). Thereafter, when step S76 in FIG. 7 is executed, the character 80 comes out as shown in FIG. 8B, and the right special symbol 76 is temporarily stopped. At this temporary stop, the right special symbol 76 swings slightly in the up and down direction. Then, step S78a in FIG. 7 is executed, and as shown in FIG. 8C, the chance meter 82 appears to move in the direction of arrow D2 (rightward on the screen), and the sound effect emitted from the speaker 44 changes. The chance meter 82 is turned on / off as the 10 levels “1, 2, 3,..., 9, GO” are counted up sequentially from 1 along the arrow D4 direction (right direction of the screen). The player who is watching the chance meter 82 can play the game while expecting that the level “GO” at which re-variation is performed is turned on.

If the level does not reach re-variation such as level “7” shown in FIG. 8D, step S84 in FIG. 7 is executed to display the word “sorry” on the screen 22a. At the same time, a voice “sorry” is also output from the speaker 44 to notify the player that it will not change again. The player who receives the notification in this way plays the game with the expectation that it will be a big hit by the next change in the special symbol. Further, even if the special symbol subsequently fluctuates, the player can clearly recognize that it is not a re-fluctuation and can play the game. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the level “GO” at which re-variation is performed is reached, step S82a in FIG. 7 is executed to re-variate the special symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, the chance meter 82 moves in the direction of the arrow D6 (right direction on the screen) and disappears, and the character 80 comes out again to display a specific special symbol (in this example, the right special symbol). 76) is changed again. At this time, the player plays the game with the expectation that it will be a big hit by re-variation. Thereafter, when the character 80 performs an action of stopping the special symbol being re-varied, the special symbol being re-variable is finally stopped. In this way, the stopped special symbol is determined, and in the example of FIG. 9C, the special symbol “777” is obtained, which is a big hit. In addition, when the special symbol is changed again, it is not always a big hit, and it may be lost. However, since there is a higher probability that the re-variation will be a big hit than the normal change, the expectation that the player expects the big hit will be improved by the re-variation.

According to the first embodiment, in response to claim 1 and reaching reach (if the required condition is satisfied; step S74 in FIG. 7), there is a possibility of a re-variation that the player may re-variate. Since the notification is made (step S78a in FIG. 7), even if the symbol such as the right special symbol 76 that has once stopped starts to fluctuate again, it becomes easy to determine whether it is a new variation or a re-variation. Further, in response to claim 2, since the notification is made by the movement of the character 80 and the chance meter 82 (the movement of the decorative pattern) (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the player is more sure of the possibility of re-variation or re-variation. Can be recognized.

 [Embodiment 2] Next, Embodiment 2 applies the present invention to a first type pachinko machine as in Embodiment 1, and will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which a special symbol is waved and re-change is notified. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of reach processing. FIGS. 11 to 13 show examples of the screen contents displayed on the special symbol display. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Since the configuration and processing procedure of the pachinko machine 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment in order to simplify the description. That is, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the contents of reach processing and the display contents of the special symbol display 22.

First, the contents of the reach process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the process (steps S70 to S76) from when the reach action random number RC is read until the special symbol is temporarily stopped (steps S70 to S76) is the same as in FIG. The chance symbols (the left chance symbol 70 and the right chance symbol 78) continue to fluctuate by changing the color.
After the special symbol is temporarily stopped, the player is notified of the change again [step S78b]. For example, the temporarily stopped special symbol (the left special symbol 72, the middle special symbol 74, the right special symbol 76) is made to resemble the wave motion and the wave motion is performed. A player who sees the special symbol waving in this way can play the game while expecting a re-change. In addition, when a game hall staff sees a special symbol that is waving, the possibility of a big hit increases, so the necessary measures can be taken. Thereafter, the special symbol is changed again [step S82b], and the reach process is terminated. In this example, the re-variation is surely performed when the special symbol performs a wave operation. For this reason, even a player who has seen a special symbol that has been temporarily stopped with a loss symbol can have a sense of expectation that will be a big hit due to re-variation.

Next, a mode in which re-change is notified on the screen 22a of the special symbol display 22 by executing step S78b in FIG. 10 (that is, a state where the special symbol waves) will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. In addition, the reference lines L shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 are shown in order to make it easy to understand how the symbols are shaking up and down, and are not displayed on the actual screen 22a. Further, as described above, the chance symbols (the left chance symbol 70 and the right chance symbol 78) continue to fluctuate by changing the color. First, as shown in FIG. 11A, the state immediately after the special symbol is temporarily stopped includes a left special symbol 72, a middle special symbol 74, and a right special symbol 76 arranged in a horizontal line. In the example of FIG. 11A, the special symbol “553” is arranged in a horizontal row at the center of the screen 22a. Here, the lower end of the special symbol “553” is set so that the reference line L passes, and the position of the special symbol at this time is referred to as a reference position. Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, the left special symbol 72 moves somewhat below the reference line L, and the middle special symbol 74 and the right special symbol 76 are temporarily stopped. At this time, not only the symbol “5” in the center of the left special symbol 72 but also the symbols “6” and “4” positioned above and below the same move somewhat downward. The same applies to the middle special symbol 74 and the right special symbol 76, and the symbols displayed on the screen 22a move in the same manner.

After that, as shown in FIG. 11 (C), the left special symbol 72 moves somewhat further below the reference line L, the middle special symbol 74 moves somewhat downward so as to follow the left special symbol 72, and the right The special symbol 76 is temporarily stopped. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11D, the left special symbol 72 moves somewhat upward, the middle special symbol 74 further moves downward, and the right special symbol 76 follows the middle special symbol 74. Move somewhat downward. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the left special symbol 72 moves further upward and returns to the reference position, the middle special symbol 74 moves somewhat upward and the right special symbol 76 further increases. Move down the minute. Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), the left special symbol 72 is now moved somewhat above the reference line L, as shown in FIG. 12 (C) → FIG. 12 (D) → FIG. 13 (A). The same movement is performed in a direction opposite to the direction moved downward from the reference line L. Finally, as shown in FIG. 13B, the left special symbol 72 temporarily stops and waits for the other special symbols to end. Further, the middle special symbol 74 moves in the same manner with a delay of one tempo so as to follow the left special symbol 72. Further, the right special symbol 76 performs the same movement so as to follow the middle special symbol 74 with a two-tempo delay from the left special symbol 72.

 By operating the special symbols as shown in FIG. 11A to FIG. 13B, it is possible to realize a state where the special symbols are waved. A player who has been notified of re-variation due to this special symbol wave recognizes that even if the special symbol starts to fluctuate immediately after it stops, it is not a new variation, and that re-fluctuation makes an advantageous gaming state. You can play as you expect.

In addition, you may move a special symbol in the aspect of (1)-(3) shown below. Even if these modes are performed, the player can be notified of the change again, and the player can easily recognize the change again.
(1) When a special symbol is waved, a sound of a wave is emitted from the speaker 44 or a chair on which a player sits is vibrated in a wave shape. This increases the sense of reality, so that the re-variation can be notified more effectively.
(2) The wave of the special symbol is not limited to the mode of shifting from the left side to the right side of the screen 22a as shown in FIGS. 11 (A) to 13 (B). Directionality does not ask | require like the aspect which moves to. In addition, the special design wave may be performed only once, but if the process from FIG. 11 (A) to FIG. 13 (B) is repeated a plurality of times, the player or the like will recognize the change more reliably. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a mode in which the entire screen 22a is waved, and only a symbol displayed on a part of the screen 22a (for example, the central portion) may be waved. Such a variety of waves may be used.
(3) The mode of notifying the player or the like of the re-variation by the special symbol display 22 (screen 22a) is not limited to the special symbol wave, and a special character appears or a special symbol other than the wave is displayed. It may be carried out in other manners such as making them. As an operation other than the wave, for example, there are a mode in which the special symbol is shaken like a ripple formed on the water surface when an object is thrown, a mode in which the special symbol is shaken so as to spread the ripple from a predetermined direction, and the like.

According to the second embodiment, corresponding to claim 1, when reaching reach (if the required condition is satisfied; step S74 in FIG. 10), the player or the like is always informed that re-variation is performed ( In step S78b) of FIG. 10, the player or the like can watch the moment of re-variation by paying attention to the special symbol. Thus, even if the symbols such as the right special symbol 76 once stopped are changed again, the player can easily determine whether the change is a new change or a re-change. When all the special symbols (left special symbol 72, middle special symbol 74, right special symbol 76) are temporarily stopped and the two symbols are the same symbol, the other symbols are changed again. Therefore, the player can play with the expectation of a big hit until the stop of all the special symbols is confirmed. Moreover, since it respond | corresponds to Claim 2 and it alert | reports by the wave motion (movement of a special symbol) of a special symbol (refer FIGS. 11-13), the player can recognize the re-change performed later more reliably. . Further, since the re-change is notified only when the re-change is surely performed, even a player who has seen the special symbol stopped by the off-line design can have a sense of expectation that becomes a big hit by the re-change.

[Embodiment 3] Next, Embodiment 3 applies the present invention to a first-class pachinko machine as in Embodiment 1, and will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which a specific change is moved to notify re-change. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of reach processing. FIGS. 15 to 17 show examples of screen contents displayed on the special symbol display, respectively, but the chance symbols are not shown for the sake of simplicity. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Since the configuration and processing procedure of the pachinko machine 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the third embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment in order to simplify the description. That is, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the contents of reach processing and the display contents of the special symbol display 22.

 First, the contents of the reach process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the process (steps S70 to S76) from when the reach action random number RC is read until the special symbol is temporarily stopped (steps S70 to S76) is the same as in FIG. After the special symbol is temporarily stopped, the player is notified of re-change (or possibility of re-change) [step S78c]. For example, a part or all of the special symbols that are re-variable with respect to the special symbols that have been stopped, or a part or all of the special symbols that may be re-variable are moved up and down. A player who sees the special symbol move up and down in this way can play the game while expecting that the special symbol will be changed again. In addition, when the game hall staff sees a special symbol that moves up and down, the possibility of a big hit increases, so the necessary measures can be taken.

In this way, it is determined whether or not re-variation is performed [step S80]. When re-variation is performed (YES), the special symbol moved up and down is re-varied [step S82c], and the reach process is terminated. However, if the meter has not reached the predetermined level and does not change again (NO), the reach process is terminated without doing anything. For this reason, even a player who has seen a special symbol that has been temporarily stopped with a loss symbol can have a sense of expectation that will be a big hit due to re-variation.

 Next, referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, a mode in which re-change is notified on the screen 22 a of the special symbol display 22 by executing step S <b> 78 c in FIG. explain. The chance symbols (the left chance symbol 70 and the right chance symbol 78) continue to fluctuate by changing the color. First, when step S44 of FIG. 6 is executed, the special symbols (the left special symbol 72, the middle special symbol 74, and the right special symbol 76) start to change almost simultaneously. Thereafter, when step S76 of FIG. 14 is executed, the left special symbol 72 is first stopped as shown in FIG. 15A, the middle special symbol 74 is stopped secondly as shown in FIG. Finally, the right special symbol 76 is stopped as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 15C, the left special symbol 72 and the right special symbol 76 are both reached with the symbol “1”.

Then, step S78c in FIG. 14 is executed, and the symbol is moved up and down with respect to the symbol to be re-varied (or possibly re-variable). In the example shown in the order of FIG. 15 (C) → FIG. 16 (A) → FIG. 16 (B) → FIG. 16 (C), the symbol “6” of the middle special symbol 74 is moved up and down. That is, when the symbol “6” in FIG. 15C is first moved in the direction of arrow D10 (upward in the drawing), the state shown in FIG. Then, when it is moved in the direction of arrow D12 (downward in the drawing) this time, the state shown in FIG. Furthermore, the symbol “6” is moved again in the direction of the arrow D14 (upward in the drawing) and returned to the original position as shown in FIG. The upper limit action of the special symbol shown in the order of FIG. 15 (C) → FIG. 16 (A) → FIG. 16 (B) → FIG. 16 (C) may be only once, but the player will change again by repeating multiple times. Can be recognized more reliably. Furthermore, step S82c of FIG. 14 is executed, and the special symbol moved up and down is re-varied. In the example of FIG. 17A, the middle special symbol 74 is changed again. Thereafter, the middle special symbol 74 is finally stopped to determine the stop of the symbol variation. By stopping the symbol fluctuation, the special symbol “111” of “big hit” as shown in the example of FIG. 17B or the special symbol “out of” as shown in the example of FIG. 121 ".

According to the third embodiment, in response to claim 1, if reach is reached (if the required condition is satisfied; step S <b> 74 in FIG. 14), the possibility of re-variation that the player may re-variate Is notified (step S78c in FIG. 7), it is possible to easily determine whether a new variation or a re-variation even if the symbol such as the right special symbol 76 that has once stopped begins to vary again. Moreover, since it respond | corresponds to Claim 2 and it alert | reports by the up-and-down operation (movement of a special symbol) of a special symbol (refer FIGS. 15-17), the player can recognize the re-change performed later more reliably. . That is, since the special symbol that has moved up and down at the time of notification changes again, the player can easily know which special symbol changes again. Furthermore, when the re-change is notified only by the movement of the symbol, there is no need to perform another display or the like, so that the amount of data can be reduced and the necessary storage capacity can be kept low.

[Other Embodiments] In the pachinko machine 10 (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, material, number, arrangement, operating conditions, etc. of other parts are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied can be implemented.
(1) In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, it is a gaming machine other than the first type pachinko machine (for example, the third type pachinko machine, slot machine, arrange ball machine, video game machine, etc.) having a display unit that displays the symbols in a variable manner. The present invention can be similarly applied to. Even in such a gaming machine, since the re-change is notified, even if the symbol once stopped starts to change, it is possible to easily determine whether it is a new change or a re-change.
(2) In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display 22. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the present invention may be similarly applied to a normal symbol displayed in a variable manner on the normal symbol display 26 as a display unit. Even in this form, the re-change is notified, so that it is possible to easily determine whether the change is a new change or a re-change even if the normal symbol once stopped starts to change.

(3) In each of the embodiments described above, the display mode of the special symbol displayed on the screen 22a is set to 3 rows and 3 columns, but may be performed in other display modes. As other display modes, the present invention relates to a display mode in which at least one of rows or columns is plural, such as 1 row 3 columns, 3 rows 1 column, 4 rows 4 columns, 1 row 4 columns, 4 rows 1 column, etc. Can be applied. Even if it is this form, since a change is alert | reported, even if the symbol once stopped starts to change, it can be easily discriminate | determined whether it is a new change or a change again.
(4) In each of the above embodiments, notification is made in the same manner regardless of the probability of re-variation (step S78a in FIG. 7, step S78b in FIG. 10, step S78c in FIG. 14). Instead of this form, the notification mode may be changed according to the probability of re-variation. In the example of the first embodiment, the character 80 appears when the probability of re-variation increases, and the character 80 does not appear when the probability decreases. Similarly, in the example of the second embodiment, the wave is accelerated when the probability of re-variation increases, and the wave is delayed when the probability decreases. In this way, the player can more accurately determine whether or not the change will occur again. This form can be applied not only to the probability of re-variation, but also to the probability of winning a jackpot, the probability of obtaining an additional privilege, and the like.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the variation mode (first mode) from when the symbol starts to change to when it is temporarily stopped and the variation mode (second mode) when re-variation is performed in the same mode. In the example of the first embodiment, the first aspect of the right special symbol 76 shown in FIG. 8A and the second aspect of the right special symbol 76 shown in FIG. 9B are the same aspect. Instead of this form, the first and second aspects may be different. For example, in the first mode, it is changed in the vertical direction, and in the second mode, it is changed in the oblique direction. In this way, even if the symbol once stopped starts to fluctuate again, the player or the like can easily identify whether it is a new fluctuation or a re-fluctuation by looking at the fluctuation mode.
(6) In each of the above embodiments, re-change (possibility of re-change) is notified after reaching. Instead of this form, re-change (possibility of re-change) may be notified before reach. In the example of the first embodiment, the character 80 appears before reaching, or the chance meter 82 appears. In this way, since the re-change is notified before reaching, even if the symbol once stopped starts to change, it is possible to easily determine whether it is a new change or a re-change. In addition, even if the player or the like is temporarily stopped at the symbol at the time of reach (or after the reach), the player can play with a sense of expectation that becomes a big hit by subsequent re-variation.

(7) In each of the above embodiments, the other symbols (for example, the right special symbol 76) are re-varied on the condition that the reach is achieved by the symbols once suspended (for example, the left special symbol 72, the middle special symbol 74). It was. Instead of this form, after stopping at an off-line symbol that indicates “out of”, when reaching the result of re-variation of at least one of the stopped symbols, the other symbols that have not been re-variable are re-variable You may let them. Even in this form, by notifying the player or the like of the re-change, it is possible to easily determine whether it is a new change or a re-change even if the stopped symbol starts to change. In addition, the player can maintain a sense of expectation that is a big hit by re-variation even after stopping. A specific example of this mode will be described with reference to FIG.
(7a) In the example shown in FIG. 18A, the result of stopping in the order of the left special symbol 72 → the right special symbol 76 → the middle special symbol 74 is shifted in the symbol “553”. However, if it is stopped in the order of the left special symbol 72 → the middle special symbol 74, it can reach the symbol “55”. Therefore, the right special symbol 76 is changed again as another symbol.
(7b) In the example shown in FIG. 18B, the result of stopping in the order of the left special symbol 72 → the right special symbol 76 → the middle special symbol 74 is shifted in the symbol “543”. At this time, if the result of stopping again by changing a certain symbol (for example, the right special symbol 76) becomes the same symbol as the other symbols (in this example, the left special symbol 72 and the middle special symbol 74), FIG. The reach state can be the same as in the example shown in FIG. Therefore, the other symbols that have not been changed (in this example, the middle special symbol 74) are changed again.
(7c) In the example shown in FIG. 18C, the left special symbol 72 and the right special symbol 76 are stopped after reaching the symbol “55”, and as a result, the symbol “535” is shifted. At this time, if the result of stopping again by changing a certain symbol (for example, the right special symbol 76) becomes the same symbol as the other symbols (in this example, the left special symbol 72 and the middle special symbol 74), FIG. The reach state can be the same as in the example shown in FIG. Therefore, the other symbols that have not been changed (the left special symbol 72 in this example) are changed again.

(Aspects of Other Inventions) The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments have not only the aspects of the invention described in the claims but also other aspects of the invention. Aspects of the present invention are listed below, and related explanations are given as necessary.

[Aspect 1] In a gaming machine having a display unit that temporarily stops after changing a symbol, and then changes and displays the symbol again, the first aspect that changes and displays the symbol, and the symbol is changed again. A gaming machine that is different from the second mode displayed.
[Related Description of Aspect 1] According to this aspect, the first aspect and the second aspect have different variations, so it is easy to determine whether a new variation or a re-variation even if the symbol once stopped begins to vary again. Can be determined.

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
14 Compound device 22 Special symbol display (display unit)
26 Normal symbol display 30 First type start port 32 Middle gate 34 Large winning port 56, 60 Start port sensor 62 Lower start port 100 Main control unit 102 ROM
104 RAM
110 CPU
114 Display Control Circuit 200 Display Control Unit 300 Frame Control Unit

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine having a display unit that displays symbols in a variable manner,
After changing the symbol and starting to display it, stop the symbol,
When the required conditions are met, re-change is reported and at least one symbol once stopped is re-changed,
A gaming machine that stops symbols that have changed again afterwards. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A gaming machine that notifies re-variation by any one of a movement of a symbol, a movement and content of a decorative symbol, blinking of a display object, a sound, or a combination of at least two of these.

Images