JP2009273913A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which has a variable display device variation-displayable in a plurality of discrimination information on a display part, drastically increases excitement and enjoyment, and suppresses uncomfortable feeling as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: An operation port 11 and a jackpot pocket 12 are set in a game board 8 of the Pachinko game machine 1, and a special symbol display device 20 with display part 20a is assembled in the center part of the game board 8. A variation-display area comprising a plurality of symbol streams 21-23 is set in the display part 20a and symbols are displayed in the area. Variation of symbols is executed on a display control board based on commands from a main board 50. A performance display area different from the variation display area is set in the display part 20a, and the variation display area is moved to another position while keeping its range when a predetermined condition is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information on a display unit.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine provided with a variable display device is known. Identification information is displayed on the display unit of the variable display device. More specifically, the identification information is variably displayed when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, and then is confirmed and stopped. When the identification information is confirmed and stopped in a specific manner, a special gaming state or the like advantageous to the player is generated.

  In such a gaming machine, there are those in which various effects are performed with respect to identification information that is variably displayed. Some of the effects may be displayed by enlarging or reducing the identification information or by deforming and displaying the identification information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-219993 A

  In general, the effects relating to the identification information as described above are often performed in order to increase the expectation for the player. However, if the effect is too high, the identification information may be uncomfortable for the player if the identification information is not displayed in a specific manner.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to dramatically improve interest in a gaming machine including a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information on a display unit. In addition, an object is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing discomfort as much as possible.

  Means effective for achieving the above object will be described below. In addition, the effect etc. are demonstrated as needed.

Means 1. A gaming machine including a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information in a variable display area provided in a display unit,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display area is moved to another position while substantially maintaining the range.

  According to the means 1, a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed in the variability display area provided in the display unit of the variable display device. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display area is moved to another position while the range is maintained. For this reason, the player is surprised and interested in the movement of the change position of the identification information. Further, when a change occurs in an area other than the variable display area as a result of this movement, the change is also surprising and interesting. Further, when the variable display area is moved, the range is substantially maintained. For this reason, it is possible to improve the interest without changing the display mode of the identification information, that is, without performing a relatively large effect on the identification information. Therefore, even if the result is not a desirable state for the player, the discomfort for the player is unlikely to increase. Note that “mainly maintaining the range” mainly refers to the fact that the size, area, shape, dimensions, etc., of the variable display area are not changed or almost unchanged (hereinafter, also in each means) The same).

Mean 2. A gaming machine including a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information in a variable display area provided in a display unit,
The display unit is provided with an effect display area different from the variable display area, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display area is moved to another position while substantially maintaining the range. A gaming machine characterized in that a new effect display area is provided at another position in accordance with the movement.

  According to the means 2, a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed in the variability display area provided in the display unit of the variable display device. The display unit is provided with an effect display area different from the variable display area, where effect display is performed. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display area is moved to another position while the range is maintained. For this reason, the player is surprised and interested in the movement of the change position of the identification information. Also, with this movement, a new effect display area is provided at another position, so that the effect performed here is also surprising and interesting. Further, when the variable display area is moved, the range is substantially maintained. For this reason, it is possible to improve the interest without changing the display mode of the identification information, that is, without performing a relatively large effect on the identification information. Therefore, even if the result is not a desirable state for the player, the discomfort for the player is unlikely to increase.

  Means 3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when the new effect display area is provided at another position, the effect display area provided so far is erased.

  According to the means 3, since the effect display area provided so far is erased and a new effect display area is provided at a different position, it is necessary to secure an area for a new effect display area separately. There is no. In addition, the variable display area and the effect display area can be provided to the maximum.

Means 4. A gaming machine including a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information in a variable display area provided in a display unit,
The display unit is provided with an effect display area different from the variable display area, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the direction of the effect display area is maintained while maintaining the range of the variable display area. A game machine comprising: display control means for moving the display so that the effect display area disappears, and providing a new effect display area at another position along with the movement.

  According to the means 4, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the display control means moves the variable display area in the direction of the effect display area so far while the range is maintained. For this reason, the player is surprised and interested in the movement of the change position of the identification information. In addition, with this movement, the previous effect display area disappears and a new effect display area is provided at another position, so that the effect performed here is also surprising and interesting. Further, when the variable display area is moved, the range is substantially maintained. For this reason, it is possible to improve the interest without changing the display mode of the identification information, that is, without performing a relatively large effect on the identification information. Therefore, even if the result is not a desirable state for the player, the discomfort for the player is unlikely to increase.

  Means 5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 4, wherein a first display object is displayed in the effect display area when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

  According to the means 5, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first display object is displayed in the effect display area, and an effect utilizing the first display object can be performed. In particular, when the first display object is always or almost always displayed, it is possible to perform various notices and the like even when the identification information is normally changed. It should be noted that “character” may be used instead of “display target” (the same applies to each means hereinafter).

  Means 6. 6. The game according to claim 5, wherein when the predetermined condition is satisfied, a second display object different from the first display object is displayed in the new effect display area. Machine.

  According to the means 6, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a second display object different from the first display object is displayed in the new effect display area. For this reason, the effect which utilized the 2nd display object can be performed in a new effect display area. In particular, when the predetermined condition is not easily established, the second display object itself has a rare value, and the player who can visually recognize the second display object has satisfaction only by the visual recognition. sell.

  Mean 7 The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first display object is displayed in the new effect display area.

  According to the means 7, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first display object is displayed in the new effect display area. For this reason, the effect which utilized the 1st display object in the new effect display area can be performed. In particular, when the predetermined condition is difficult to be established, a rare value is produced in the effect in the new effect display area of the first display target.

  Means 8. The means according to any one of means 2 to 7, wherein even when the new effect display area is provided, a display object can be displayed at a predetermined position in the changed display area after the movement. Gaming machine. Note that the display target displayed in this case may be a first display target or a second display target. Further, the predetermined position may be a position corresponding to the effect display area provided so far.

  According to the means 8, even when a new effect display area is provided, the display target is displayed at a predetermined position in the variable display area after the movement. In this case, it is possible to derive an effect intertwined with the effect in the effect display area (for example, when the display object is displayed there, the effect of the display object), and it is possible to further improve the interest.

  Means 9. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein the moving direction of the identification information is maintained when the moving display area is moved.

  According to the means 9, since the variation direction of the identification information is maintained during the movement of the variation display area, the sense of discomfort regarding the identification information is less likely to occur before and after the movement, and thus the above-described effects are easily achieved.

  Means 10. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 9, wherein the size of the identification information is maintained when the variable display area is moved.

  According to the means 10, since the size of the identification information is maintained during the movement of the variable display area, a sense of incongruity regarding the identification information does not easily occur before and after the movement, and as a result, the above-described effects are easily achieved.

  Means 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein an interval between the identification information is maintained when the variable display area is moved.

  According to the means 11, since the interval between the identification information is maintained during the movement of the variable display area, a sense of incongruity with respect to the identification information hardly occurs before and after the movement, and the above-described effects are easily achieved.

  Means 12. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 11, wherein no change is made to the variation mode of the identification information when the variation display area is moved.

  According to the means 12, since no change is made to the variation mode of the identification information when the variation display area is moved, it is difficult to cause a sense of incongruity regarding the variation of the identification information before and after the movement. Is easily played.

  Means 13. The means according to any one of means 1 to 12, wherein when the variable display area is moved, at least a background image displayed on the back side of the identification information is different from that of the background image. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 13, when the variable display area is moved, the background image displayed at least on the back side of the identification information is different from that of the background image. For this reason, it is easy to change the taste of the production before and after the movement, or to give a story to the production.

  Means 14. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 13, wherein the predetermined condition is established when a predetermined reach effect is performed.

  As in the case of the means 14, when a predetermined reach effect is performed, the movement of the variable display area is performed, so that it is possible to further enhance the interest in the reach state where the player is most excited. In addition, instead of or in addition to “when a predetermined reach effect is performed”, the means 14 may be “when a predetermined super reach effect is performed” or “a predetermined notice effect is performed”. It may be "when". Here, the “notice” only needs to be able to suggest that the predetermined gaming state is likely to occur due to the effect, or the effect that the occurrence rate of the predetermined gaming state is affected by the effect. Therefore, there is no problem even if the predetermined gaming state does not occur (suggestion).

  Means 15. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 14, wherein the variable display area is composed of a plurality of identification information strings.

  Means 16. The game machine according to any one of means 1 to 15, wherein a movement amount of the variable display area at the time of the movement is equal to or greater than a width of the identification information.

  As the means 16, the variable display area moves about the same as or more than the width of the identification information, so that the effect after the movement can be made more dynamic. In particular, when a new effect display area is provided with movement, the effect display area can be secured relatively large, and the above-described effects are more easily achieved. In each of the above means, “the variable display area may be provided at an eccentric position of the display unit both before and after movement”.

  Means 17. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 16, wherein when the return condition different from the predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display area is returned to the original position.

  According to the means 17, when the return condition is satisfied, the variable display area is returned to the original position. For this reason, the game can be sharpened.

  Means 18. 18. The gaming machine according to claim 17, wherein both the predetermined condition and the return condition are configured to be satisfied during one fluctuation display of identification information.

  According to the means 18, since the variable display area returns to the original position relatively quickly, the moving period becomes scarce and the fun is increased. In addition, since display control separated from another variation display may be performed, the control content is unlikely to be complicated.

  Means 19. 18. The gaming machine according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined condition and the return condition are configured to be satisfied across a plurality of variable displays of identification information.

  According to the means 19, the moving display is performed for a relatively long period of time compared to the case of the means 18. For this reason, it is possible to provide different game screens in a single gaming machine, which can bring freshness to the game. Furthermore, it is possible to compare with other gaming machines, and in this sense, the monotonous feeling can be eliminated.

  Means 20. The gaming machine according to any one of means 17 to 19, wherein the predetermined condition is established when a predetermined gaming state is established, and the return condition is established when the predetermined gaming state is terminated. The predetermined game state is switched to, for example, one of (1) a predetermined (super) reach state, (2) a normal mode and a special mode (for example, a high probability mode) more advantageous to the player. Special mode state (or normal mode state) in the gaming machine to be played, (3) the first mode state (or first mode) in the gaming machine that is switched to any one of the first mode and the second mode that are different from each other in the production mode 2 mode state).

  According to the means 20, whether or not a predetermined gaming state is established can be confirmed by the position of the variable display area at that time, and the thickness of the game is increased.

  Means 21. The game according to any one of means 1 to 20, wherein the background image displayed at least on the back side of the identification information is maintained and displayed without moving when the variable display area is moved. Machine.

  According to the means 21, the background image does not move even when the variable display area moves. For this reason, since there is no change in the background image, the production is unlikely to be a big one.

  Means 22. 21. The means according to any one of means 1 to 20, wherein at the time of movement of the variable display area, at least a background image displayed on the back side of the identification information is moved and displayed along with the movement. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 22, it is easy to receive an impression as if the identification information and the camera line of sight of the background image have changed, and a new background image is displayed, so that it is easy to have a fresh impression. Therefore, the interest is increased and the uncomfortable feeling is easily wiped out, and as a result, the interest is further improved.

Means 23. A gaming machine having a display unit capable of displaying a display image composed of a plurality of layers, and including a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbol images in the display unit,
The variable display device includes layer setting means for setting the plurality of layers,
Screen configuration information generating means for generating screen configuration information corresponding to the plurality of layers;
Range setting means for setting a display range to be displayed as each layer in the screen configuration information for each layer;
Image data storage means for storing various image data constituting the plurality of design images;
Image generation means for generating a display image based on the screen configuration information and the image data corresponding to the display range of each layer;
Setting position demarcating means for demarcating a setting position of a display range of a layer including the symbol image in the screen configuration information so that a variable display area in which the symbol image is variably displayed is set at a predetermined position of the display image; ,
Setting position displacement for displacing the setting position of the display range of the layer including the symbol image so that the setting position of the variable display area in the display image is displaced while substantially maintaining the area range when a predetermined condition is satisfied And a game machine.

  According to the means 23, a plurality of symbol images are variably displayed in the variability display area arranged in the display unit of the variable display device. The variable display area here means not only an area demarcated by a visible boundary line, but also a predetermined range area specified by a variable display of a plurality of symbol images. ing. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display area is moved to another position while the range is maintained. For this reason, the player is surprised and interested in the change position of the symbol image moving. Further, when a change occurs in an area other than the variable display area as a result of this movement, the change is also surprising and interesting. Further, when the variable display area is moved, the range is substantially maintained. For this reason, it is possible to improve the interest without changing the display mode of the symbol image, that is, without performing a relatively large effect on the symbol image. Therefore, even if the result is not a desirable state for the player, the discomfort for the player is unlikely to increase. Note that “mainly maintain the area range” mainly means that the size, area, shape, dimensions, etc., of the variable display area defined are not changed or hardly changed. The “predetermined position of the display image” may be an eccentric position of the display image.

Means 24. In the display image at least before the predetermined condition is satisfied, a first effect display area in which a first specific display object is displayed at a position that does not overlap or substantially does not overlap with the setting position of the variable display area is set. The setting position defining means defines a display range of a layer including the first specific display object,
In the display image after the predetermined condition is satisfied, a second effect display area in which a second specific display target is displayed is set at a position that does not overlap or substantially non-superimpose with the setting position of the variable display area. The setting position defining means defines a display range of a layer including the second specific display object,
The set position displacing means sets the display range of the layer including the specific display object with a displacement amount equivalent to the displacement amount of the displacement according to the displacement of the set position of the display range of the layer including the design image. The gaming machine according to claim 23, wherein the game machine is displaced.

  According to the means 24, before the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first specific display object is displayed at a position different from the variable display area. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the movement of the variable display area is adjusted. Thus, a second specific display object appears newly. As a result, display modes are diversified, and further improvement of interest can be achieved. The layer including the first specific display target and the layer including the second specific display target may be the same layer. Further, the first specific display target and the second specific display target may be the same or the same type of image (character or the like). Further, a position corresponding to the first effect display area deviates from the display range of the layer including the first specific display object in accordance with the displacement of the set position of the display range of the layer including the specific display object. You may make it displace to. That is, the first display target (first effect display area) may be erased from the display image.

Means 25. Variation pattern information storage means for storing a plurality of types of variation pattern information of the design image;
Fluctuation pattern information selection means for selecting predetermined fluctuation pattern information from the plurality of types of fluctuation pattern information based on establishment of a specific trigger condition;
25. The gaming machine according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the predetermined condition is established when the variation pattern information selected by the variation pattern selection means is specific variation pattern information.

  According to the means 25, when the display mode in the display unit is a specific variation pattern, the variation of the display mode can be further diversified and the thickness of the game can be increased by moving the variation display area. .

Means 26. Game setting switching means for switching between a first game setting and a second game setting;
When the first game setting is made, the predetermined condition is satisfied,
When the second game setting is made, the setting position displacement means returns the setting position of the display range of the layer including the symbol image to the setting position in the previous stage when the predetermined condition is satisfied. A gaming machine according to claim 23 or 24.

  According to the means 26, it can be confirmed what game setting is made according to the position of the variable display area at that time, and the thickness of the game is increased. As the game setting switching means, for example, a normal mode setting as a second game setting and a special mode (for example, high probability mode) setting as a first game setting that is more advantageous to the player are switched and set. And one that switches between a first mode setting as a first game setting and a second mode setting as a second game setting that are different from each other.

  Means 27. The setting position displacement means displaces the setting position of the display range of the layer including the symbol image so that the amount of displacement of the setting position of the variable display region in the display image is approximately equal to or greater than the width of the symbol image. A gaming machine according to any one of means 23 to 26, characterized in that:

  According to the means 27, the moving display area can be moved about the same as or more than the width of the symbol image, so that the effect after the movement can be made more dynamic. In particular, when a new effect display area is provided with movement, the effect display area can be secured relatively large, and the above-described effects are more easily achieved.

  Means 28. In any one of means 1 to 27, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine. Among other things, the basic configuration of a pachinko gaming machine has an operation handle that is provided with an operation handle, fires a game ball in a predetermined game area according to the operation of the handle, and the game ball is arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. In other words, the identification information that is variably displayed on the variable display device is determined and stopped after a predetermined time as a necessary condition. In addition, a special gaming state can be generated when the identification information is confirmed and stopped in a specific manner, and when the special gaming state occurs, the variable winning device arranged at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner. In other words, it is possible to win a game ball and be given a valuable value (including writing to a magnetic card as well as a premium ball) according to the number of winning balls.

  Means 29. In any one of means 1 to 27, the gaming machine is a revolving type gaming machine. Here, as the configuration of the spinning cylinder type game machine, “a discriminating information sequence consisting of a plurality of identification information (specifically, a reel and identification information is a symbol attached to the reel) is variably displayed (specifically Is provided with variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after the reel has been rotated), and the change of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the stop operation means When the change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of (for example, a stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses, the special gaming state advantageous to the player is obtained when the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. A spinning-type game machine provided with special game state generating means to be generated. In the case of a rotating type gaming machine, the variable display means including the reel or the like may be regarded as a variable display device, or provided separately from the reel and corresponding to the identification information (pseudo). A display device that can display identification information (for example, a liquid crystal display device) may be regarded as a variable display device. In this case, the variable display device is installed in a main body box that defines a gaming machine main body.

  Means 30. In any one of means 1 to 27, the gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused. In particular, the basic configuration of the merged gaming machine is “variable display of an identification information string (specifically, a reel and identification information is a symbol attached to the reel) consisting of a plurality of identification information”. The display is provided with variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after the rotation of the reel), and the change of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever). Special game advantageous to the player when the change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the means (for example, stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the confirmed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information A special game state generating means for generating a state, using a game ball as a game medium, and requiring a predetermined number of game balls to start the change of the identification information, and generating a special game state Saishi it becomes gaming machine "in which a is configured such that a number of game balls are paid out. In such a gaming machine, the variable display means including the reel or the like may be regarded as a variable display device, or provided separately from the reel and corresponding to the identification information (in pseudo correspondence). A display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) capable of displaying identification information may be regarded as the variable display device here.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the game machine provided with the variable display apparatus which can carry out the variable display of several identification information in a display part, a dramatic improvement can be aimed at.

It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine in one embodiment. It is a front view of the pachinko machine mainly showing a game board. It is a block diagram which shows electrical structures, such as a display control board. It is a block diagram which shows electrical structures, such as VDP. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display mode of the symbol at the time of the jackpot state occurrence in a display part, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display mode of the symbol at the time of the reach state in a display part. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the image display mode in case the "villain reach production" in a display part is performed. In another embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the image display mode in a display part. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a some layer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a display control process.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a “pachinko machine”) is embodied as a gaming machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 provided at the front thereof. The front frame 3 is mounted so as to be openable and closable at one side of the outer frame 2. A glass door frame 4 is provided on the front side of the front frame 3 so as to be freely opened and closed, and an upper plate 5 for storing a game ball B (see FIG. 2) below the glass door frame 4 is Similarly, lower trays 6 for storing the game balls B are provided at positions below the tray 5.

  A handle 7 as an operating means is provided on the side of the lower plate 6 on the front side of the front frame 3, and the handle 7 is connected to a game ball launching device (not shown). A game board 8 (see FIG. 2) is detachably mounted on the rear side of the front frame 3 (in the back of the glass door frame 4 and inside the outer frame 2). A game ball B is fired toward the top of the board 8. The game ball launcher is controlled by a launch control board 140 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, a speaker 9 is embedded in the front frame 3 (side the upper plate 5) for sounding various sound effects as the game progresses and for notifying the player of the game state by voice. . The speaker 9 is controlled by a sound control board 130 (see FIG. 3).

  Now, as shown in FIG. 2, the game board 8 is provided with an inner rail 10a and an outer rail 10b, and the game ball B launched by the game ball launching device is along the inner rail 10a and the outer rail 10b. To the upper part of the game board 8.

  At the lower part of the game board 8, there are provided an operation port 11 and a prize winning port 12. The operating port 11 includes a passage for the game ball B, and a blade 13 is supported at the entrance of the passage so as to be opened and closed. A seesaw 14 is provided in the back of the big prize opening 12, a V zone 15 is provided on the right side thereof, and a winning path 16 is provided on the left side (the right and left may be reversed). That is, when the game ball B wins the big winning opening 12, the game ball B is distributed by the seesaw 14 so as to roll to either the V zone 15 or the winning path 16, and either the V zone 15 or the winning path 16 is allocated. It is the structure which is derived | led-out through.

  A shutter 17 that opens and closes the big prize opening 12 is provided in front of the big prize opening 12. The shutter 17 is actuated by a large winning opening solenoid 18 provided on the side of the large winning opening 12. Specifically, when the big prize opening solenoid 18 is in an excited state, the shutter 17 tilts substantially horizontally and the big prize opening 12 is opened. In addition, when the special winning opening solenoid 18 is in a non-excited state, the shutter 17 is in a substantially vertical state, and the special winning opening 12 is closed.

  Furthermore, a seesaw solenoid 19 is provided at one side of the special winning opening 12. Normally, the seesaw solenoid 19 is in a non-excited state, and the seesaw 14 in this state is inclined toward the V zone 15. That is, the inclination is such that the game ball B passes through the V zone 15. Further, when the seesaw solenoid 19 is energized, the seesaw 14 is inclined so that the game ball B passes through the winning path 16. In the present embodiment, when at least one game ball B passes through the V zone 15 in the open state of the shutter 17, the seesaw solenoid 19 is in an excited state, and when the shutter 17 is closed, The seesaw solenoid 19 is configured to be in a non-excited state.

  A special symbol display device 20 as a variable display device is incorporated in the central portion of the game board 8. The special symbol display device 20 includes a display unit 20a composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a diagonal length of about 7 inches (about 17 cm), and can display a plurality of symbol rows. . In the present embodiment, as these symbol strings, there are three symbol strings (identification information strings) including a left symbol string 21, a middle symbol string 22, and a right symbol string 23 (see FIG. 5A). However, the number of symbol strings other than the three symbol strings may be displayed.

  Furthermore, in the display unit 20a of the special symbol display device 20, the symbol variation display (scroll variation display in the present embodiment) of each symbol row 21 to 23 is performed based on the winning of the game ball B to the operation port 11. It is configured to be performed. In addition, when a new game ball B wins the operating port 11 during this variation display, the corresponding variation display is performed after the end of the variation display performed at that time. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of variable displays to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, the maximum number of holds is set to four. However, the maximum number of times of holding is not limited to this.

  Above the display unit 20a, hold lamps 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicate the number of hold times of the variable display of symbols as described above are incorporated. The number of the holding lamps 24a to 24d is the same as the maximum holding number described above (four in this case). The hold lamps 24a to 24d are turned on every time the variable display is held, and are turned off when the variable display corresponding to the hold is executed.

  A normal symbol display device 31 is provided on the upper part of the special symbol display device 20. The normal symbol display device 31 has four holding lamps 32 made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a 7-segment display portion 33 made of LEDs which are normal symbol display portions. In addition, a pair of passing gates 34 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the special symbol display device 20, and the normal symbol display device 31 is activated when the game ball B passes through the passing gate 34. ing. The normal symbol display device 31 in the present embodiment variably displays numbers from “0” to “9” and causes the 7-segment display unit 33 to display segments. When the number stops at a predetermined value (“7” in the present embodiment), the blade 13 of the working port 11 is opened for a predetermined number of seconds. The normal symbol display device 31 can store up to four times the number of passes of the game ball B through the passage gate 34, and displays the number of holds on the hold lamp 32. Therefore, even when the game ball B passes through the passing gate 34 in a state where the four holding lamps 32 are lit, the game ball B is not counted. In addition, as long as the holding lamp 32 is lit, the normal symbol display device 31 operates as many times as the number of holdings even if the game ball B does not pass through the passing gate 34.

  Furthermore, other various production lamps and electrical decoration members (not shown) for enhancing the gaming effect are attached to a plurality of locations of the pachinko machine 1. The lighting state (light-off, lighting, blinking, etc.) of these effect lamps, illumination members, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as “lamps”) can be appropriately changed according to the progress of the game. These lamps are controlled by a lamp control board 120 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the game board 8 includes a through switch 40 for detecting the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 that changes in accordance with the player's operation, an operating port switch 41, a V zone switch 42, a count switch 43, and the like. Installed. The through switch 40 detects the passing of the game ball B through the passing gate 34, and the operating port switch 41 detects the winning of the gaming ball B into the operating port 11, and the V zone switch 42. Is for detecting a winning in the V zone 15 of the game ball B in the big winning opening 12, and the count switch 43 is for detecting a winning in the big winning opening 12 of the game ball B.

  In the present embodiment, the solenoids 18, 19, the special symbol display device 20 (display unit 20a), the holding lamps 24a-24d, the speaker 9, the normal symbol display device, based on the detection results of the switches 40-43. A control device (main board) 50 is provided to drive and control 31 (holding lamp 32 and 7-segment display unit 33), blades 13 and the like.

  The main board 50 is used for main control, and includes a read only memory (ROM), a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and the like. The ROM stores a predetermined control program and initial data in advance, and the CPU executes various arithmetic processes according to the ROM control program. The RAM temporarily stores the calculation results by the CPU in a symbol random number buffer, symbol random number area, stop symbol area, and the like. The main board 50 is mounted in a sealed state in a board box (not shown) on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The RAM also includes a random number counter for determining occurrence of a jackpot state as a special gaming state described later. The random number counter is updated by one count every 2 ms, for example, within a predetermined range (for example, “0” to “299”) by random number update processing. In the present embodiment, when the game ball B wins the operating port 11 and is detected by the operating port switch 41 (except for the maximum number of times of holding), the value of the random number counter is a predetermined value, for example, In the case of “7”, a big hit state is generated.

  The CPU, ROM and RAM are connected to each other via a bus line. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, the bus line is also connected to the interface 50a of the main board 50. The interface 50a is connected to the interface 61 of the display control board 110 and other devices via connectors and cables. It is connected. The interface 50a is connected to various sensors such as the operation port switch 41 via a connector and a cable. That is, the main board 50 receives a winning signal or the like from the operation port switch 41 or the like via the interface 50a, and also to the display control board 110 or other input / output devices (including other control boards) via the interface 50a. Various operation commands such as control data are output to control various actuators such as solenoids and control boards.

  Now, in the present embodiment, various display controls in the display unit 20a of the special symbol display device 20 are configured to be performed mainly on the display control substrate 110 of the special symbol display device 20, not the main substrate 50 that performs the main control. Has been. Note that the display control board 110 mainly constitutes the display control means in the present embodiment and is in a state of being incorporated in the special symbol display device 20.

  Further, in the present embodiment, lighting and blinking control of various (production) lamps is mainly performed in the lamp control board 120, and control of sound emitted from the speaker 9 is mainly performed in the sound control board 130. Done. Further, the launch control of the game ball B in the game ball launching apparatus is also performed on the launch control board 140 instead of the main board 50.

  Here, an electrical configuration of the display control board 110 or the like that mainly performs display control in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the display control board 110 has various game states (based on the interface 61 for sequentially receiving commands sent from the main board 50, the control program stored in the program ROM 62, and various information). CPU 63 for generating screen configuration information of a display image displayed in normal fluctuation, reach effect, jackpot notification, etc., work RAM 64 for temporarily storing processing results in CPU 63, and screen configuration information generated by CPU 63 And a VDP 67 that generates display images in various gaming states by taking out image data from the image data ROM 66 based on the screen configuration information stored in the video RAM 65 and writing the data in the screen configuration information. I have. The generated display image is output to the display unit (liquid crystal display) 20a.

  The interface 61 receives commands (commands) transmitted from the main board 50. These commands are stored in the command buffer area 64 a provided in the work RAM 64 by the CPU 63.

  The CPU 63 operates according to a control program stored in the program ROM 62. Specifically, the command is monitored, a task corresponding to the command is generated, and stored in the work RAM 64. By executing the task, screen configuration information of a display image displayed in various game states (normal fluctuation, reach production, jackpot notification, etc.) is generated in the work RAM 64, and this screen configuration information is written in the video RAM 65. The screen configuration information is generated for each vertical operation signal (VSYNC) of the display unit (liquid crystal display) 20a.

  The work RAM 64 includes the command buffer area 64a for storing commands from the main board 50, a task buffer area 64b for storing generated tasks, and image configuration information (in normal fluctuation or reach state). A sprite chain area 64c is set in which various types of information are stored in order to collectively write a design image instruction, its arrangement position, display priority order, and the like into the video RAM 65.

  The video RAM 65 is a memory that stores the image configuration information and the display image data generated by the VDP 67. The video RAM 65 is provided with a first frame memory 65a and a second frame memory 65b that are storage areas for storing display image data for one screen displayed on the display unit 20a. Information and display image data generated by the VDP 67 can be stored alternately.

  The image data ROM 66 is a memory for storing various image data such as symbols and background images displayed on the display unit 20a. The image data includes various kinds of information necessary for generating, for example, a design, a background image, and the like that define a shape, size, pattern, color scheme, color tone, and the like.

  The VDP 67 is an image data processor that performs image generation processing of a display image. That is, the VDP 67 reads the image data stored in the image data ROM 66 based on the image configuration information stored in the video RAM 65, and writes the information included in the image data in the image configuration information, thereby displaying the display unit. A display image that can be displayed on 20a is generated. Then, the generated display image is output to the display unit 20a.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the VDP 67 has an interface 67a for receiving various commands and data sent from the CPU 63, and an image stored in the video RAM 65 based on the various commands and data sent from the interface 67a. An image generation unit 67b that reads configuration information and generates a display image based on the image configuration information, and a palette RAM 67c that stores color information of the display image.

  The image generation unit 67b that receives various commands and data from the interface 67a reads the image configuration information stored in the first frame memory 65a or the second frame memory 65b of the video RAM 65. Based on the image configuration information, image data is read from the image data ROM 66, and various information included in the image data is written into the image configuration information. At the same time, color information corresponding to the image data is acquired from the palette RAM 67c and written into the image configuration information. As a result, a display image with a color scheme based on the color information is generated.

  At the same time, the image generation unit 67b reads display image data stored in the first frame memory 65a or the second frame memory 65b that has not been written, and outputs the read image data to the display unit (liquid crystal display) 20a. At this time, the display image data is output as RGB signals, and the color tone (color, saturation, luminance, contrast, etc.) is controlled based on the RGB signals and displayed on the display unit (liquid crystal display) 20a. Further, new image configuration information is written in the first frame memory 65a or the second frame memory 65b in which display image data is output and no data is stored. Note that the display image generated by the image generation unit 67b is composed of a plurality of layers for patterns and background images, and these are superimposed and generated as a display image for one screen.

  The palette RAM 67c holds a plurality of types of color palettes in which a plurality of types of color information is set, and gives a color palette according to the color information included in the image data to the image generation unit 67b. Here, giving a color palette means giving the storage address of the color palette stored in the palette RAM 67c to the image generation unit 67b, for example. Note that the color information is determined by a blending ratio obtained by combining basic color information of primary colors such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B).

  Here, in the display unit 20a of the special symbol display device 20, the configuration of the display image displayed during the gaming state and the like will be specifically described, and the jackpot state, the reach state, the disengaged state, etc. based on the display mode. explain.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the background image BG is displayed on the display unit 20 a of the special symbol display device 20, and the symbol columns 21 to 23 are displayed so as to be positioned in front of the background image BG. It is like that. Each of the symbol columns 21 to 23 includes a plurality of types and a plurality of symbols 70A to 70H and identification symbols 70I as identification information. Each of the symbols 70A to 70H, excluding the off symbol 70I, is composed of a combination of a picture of a kite and the numbers “1” to “8” (in the figure, the symbol 70A etc. Although not shown, for example, the symbol 70A is composed of a combination of a spear picture and a number “1” and a picture, and for example, the symbol 70B is a spear picture and a number “2”. It is composed of a combination of.) Of course, various patterns, only various characters, or a combination of numbers and characters and various patterns may be used as a pattern. These symbols 70 </ b> A to 70 </ b> H are arranged in ascending order for the left symbol row 21, and in descending order for the middle and right symbol rows 22 and 23 (the order is not particularly limited). These symbols 70A to 70H can be any of a jackpot symbol, a miss reach symbol, and a miss symbol as special game symbols (these will be described later).

  Further, the off symbol 70I is constituted by a “blade” mark, and is arranged between the symbols 70A to 70H. Furthermore, the off symbol 70I does not become a jackpot symbol as the name suggests, and can only be a off symbol.

  In each of the symbol rows 21 to 23, the symbols 70A to 70H and 70I to be displayed are displayed as if they move from the bottom to the top in a predetermined display area in principle. More specifically, the wrinkles are displayed as if they are rising. In addition, in each of the symbol columns 21 to 23, the arrangement order of the symbols 70A to 70I is randomly changed and displayed in a variable manner, the number of symbols 70A to 70I is increased or decreased as appropriate, and one symbol column, for example, the left symbol column 21 is displayed. A plurality of the same symbols, for example, the symbol 70A may be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the left / middle / right symbol rows 21 to 23 constitute a variable display area ZS. The variable display area ZS is normally set at a position (eccentric position) slightly shifted to the right side from the center in the width direction of the display unit 20a. In addition, the effect display area CS is set in a portion (left side of the left symbol row 21) different from the variable display area ZS in the display unit 20a. In the effect display area CS, a first character GC as a first display object usually having a suit and wearing a coat is displayed.

  As described above, the symbols 70A to 70I of the symbol rows 21 to 23 that are variably displayed are stopped and displayed (determined stop display) on the jackpot line of the display unit 20a after a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, one of the jackpot symbols, the missed reach symbol, and the missed symbol is selected, and then stopped and displayed on the jackpot line. The stop symbol is a symbol that is determined and displayed when each symbol row 21 to 23 stops symbol variation. In the present embodiment, the symbol variation is stopped in the order of the left symbol row 21, the right symbol row 23, and the middle symbol row 22.

  Next, the jackpot state as a special gaming state advantageous to the player will be described. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a screen when a big hit state occurs in the display unit 20a. As shown in the figure, the jackpot symbol is a symbol for generating a jackpot state as a special gaming state advantageous to the player after passing the reach gaming state (reach state) from the normal gaming state. Specifically, when the fluctuation of all the symbol rows 21 to 23 is stopped, the displayed combinations of symbols 70A to 70H are predetermined jackpot combinations, that is, symbols 70A to 70H of the same type are jackpots. There may be a combination of the same symbols 70A to 70H when arranged along the line. The symbol constituting this combination is the “big hit symbol”.

  In the present embodiment, a big hit line is constituted by upper, middle, and lower horizontal lines and two diagonal lines (referred to as five lines). When the jackpot combination is established, the special electric accessory is activated (the jackpot 4 is opened), and it is possible to obtain a jackpot state that is advantageous to the player, that is, to obtain more prize balls. (For example, in FIG. 5A, symbols “7”, “7”, and “7” 70G are stopped and displayed in a diagonal line that rises to the right).

  In this embodiment, once a big hit state occurs, after the grand prize opening 12 is opened, (1) 10 game balls B win the big prize opening 12, and (2) about 29.5 seconds have elapsed. When either one of the conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening 12 is closed. The opening / closing cycle of the big prize opening 12 is repeated a maximum of a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times: 16 rounds) on condition that the game ball B wins the V zone 15.

  The reach state means a state immediately before the jackpot (of course, the jackpot state may not be reached). As shown in FIG. 5B, in the reach state in the present embodiment, the symbol variation of the right symbol row 23 stops on the same jackpot line with the same type of symbols as the stop symbol of the left symbol row 21. Is included. In the figure, the case where the left and right symbol rows 21 and 23 are stopped and displayed as a “seven” symbol 70G on the central jackpot line, and the middle symbol row 22 is still changing.

  In the above reach state, the symbol variation of the middle symbol row 22 will eventually stop at the same kind of symbols (big hit symbol) as the stop symbols of both the left and right symbol rows 21 and 23 and will be in a big hit state Also included are those that stop at different types of symbols (this is referred to as “outgoing reach design”) and do not become a big hit state (hereinafter referred to as “outgoing reach state”). Furthermore, after the symbol variation of the middle symbol row 22 is temporarily stopped (it is not necessary to stop), the entire symbol row (or a part of the symbol rows) is changed, and then the symbols 70A to 70A of all the symbol rows 21 to 23 are changed. The case where 70H stops (also referred to as re-variation reach or full rotation reach) is also included.

  In the reach state, as the reach pattern, various reach patterns are set in addition to “normal reach” in which the symbols 70A to 70H in the middle symbol row 22 are simply scrolled in the same manner as in the normal variation. Among these reach patterns, reach patterns other than “normal reach” are so-called “super reach”. When the operation of “super reach” is started, the expected value (expected value for jackpot) at which a big hit state occurs is higher than in the case of “normal reach”. Also, in “super reach”, the jackpot expectation value may differ depending on each reach pattern. Further, a reach pattern called “special reach” or “premium reach” having a higher jackpot expectation value than “super reach” may be prepared.

  In the present embodiment, as “super reach”, for example, the first character GC swirls around, and “Matoi Reach” in which the symbols 70A to 70I of the heels are switched to the symbols, and the first character GC. A “villain reach” (this will be described later) for displaying another second character DC is set. In the present embodiment, after the reach state is once generated, after the effect display at the “normal reach” for a predetermined time is performed, the display mode is switched at a predetermined timing, and then each “super reach” is displayed. "Is now being performed. Of course, there may be a case where the production of “super reach” is suddenly performed.

  Next, the operation and effect of each control unit in the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above will be described.

  First, the control process when the main board 50 recognizes that the game ball B has won the operation port 11 based on the detection signal from the operation port switch 41 will be described.

  When the main board 50 detects that the game ball B has won the operation port 11, the main board 50 detects that the corresponding holding lamps 24a to 24d (for example, two holding lamps 24a and 24b until then). When the two hold lamps are turned on, the third hold lamp 24c) is turned on, and the value of the hold counter is incremented by "1". However, the case where all the holding lamps 24a to 24d are lit is excluded.

  The main board 50 stores the values of the counters such as the internal random number counter, the jackpot symbol counter, the miss reach symbol counter, the miss symbol counter, etc. in each random number area. Then, the corresponding holding lamps 24a to 24d are turned off at a predetermined timing, the value of the holding counter is decremented, and the symbol variation is executed based on the data stored in each area or the like.

  At this time, the main board 50 outputs (transmits) a command as a command to the lamp control board 120, the voice control board 130, and the like, in addition to the display control board 110 of the special symbol display device 20, in the case of the change. The command includes (1) time information indicating that the symbols 70A to 70I are fixedly displayed after a predetermined time from the start of variation, pattern information including variation patterns represented by each reach pattern, and (2) any symbol. Symbol information indicating whether to make a fixed display at 70A to 70I is included. Here, the symbol information includes jackpot symbols, missed reach symbols, missed symbols, which are determined based on the above-described internal random number counter, jackpot symbol counter, missed reach symbol counter, missed symbol counter, etc. It is.

  The command in the present embodiment has a 2-byte configuration, and is sequentially transmitted to the display control board 110 and the like sequentially. Of the command consisting of 2 bytes, the first byte is composed of keyword information indicating what information will be transmitted from now on. The latter one byte is composed of content information such as a pattern code corresponding to specific instruction content.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the first command transmitted is pattern information. In this case, the first byte is composed of keyword information indicating that pattern information (indicating time information and a variation pattern) is to be transmitted, and the second byte is pattern code information such as “00” and “01”. It is comprised by. Here, the pattern code information such as “00”, “01”, and the like is time information that suggests the content such as “10 seconds” or “30 seconds” as the symbol variation time. It consists of information suggesting a fluctuation pattern such as executing a fluctuation pattern (or any one of fluctuation pattern groups).

  Subsequently, the symbol information is transmitted. That is, in the case where the symbols of the three symbol sequences 21 to 23 are determined in the order of left → right → middle as in the present embodiment, first, the symbol information that is the second command transmitted following the pattern information. The first byte is composed of keyword information indicating that the symbol information of the left symbol sequence 21 will be transmitted from now on, and the second byte is composed of pattern code information suggesting a symbol to be confirmed and displayed. In addition, as the symbol information that is the third command to be transmitted, the first byte is composed of keyword information indicating that the symbol information in the right symbol row 23 will be transmitted from now on, and the second byte is a symbol that is confirmed and displayed. It consists of suggested pattern code information. In addition, as the symbol information to be transmitted fourth, the first byte is composed of keyword information indicating that the symbol information of the middle symbol sequence 22 will be transmitted from now on, and the second byte is the symbol to be confirmed and displayed. It consists of pattern code information that suggests. In this way, three pieces of display information related to the confirmed symbol are transmitted continuously. In other words, when the symbol changes once, data having a 2-byte structure is transmitted byte by byte, so that a total of 8 (1 × 2 + 3 × 2) data transmissions are performed.

  In the above embodiment, symbol information corresponding to each of the left, right, and middle symbol columns 21 to 23 is transmitted. For example, when eight symbols need to be confirmed and displayed, Even if the number of symbols is changed as appropriate, such as 1 × 2 + 8 × 2 = 18 times of data transmission, it can be applied.

  In the present embodiment, commands (a group of commands) are output not only to the display control board 110 but also to the lamp control board 120 and the voice control board 130 in synchronization ( In the strict sense, they need not be at the same time). Of course, it is desirable that the command output at this time corresponds to the command output to the display control board 110 (in some cases, it may not correspond). On the other hand, the display control board 110 that has received a group of commands related to symbol variation (a group of data sent during one symbol variation) sequentially generates display images to be displayed on the display unit 20a of the special symbol display device 20. To do.

  Further, the display control board 110 starts design variation based on the command and performs various effects based on the variation pattern until the variation is stopped. As the production, for example, reach production is mainly cited.

  That is, based on the pattern information among the above commands, the CPU 63 of the display control board 110 selects and determines a predetermined pattern from the above-described variation patterns with reference to the table, and produces an effect based on the determined pattern. Is executed for the number of seconds of the time data set separately from the start of the change to the final display. Thereafter, the CPU on the main board 50 side outputs a confirmation command to the display control board 110 at a timing corresponding to the predetermined time based on the timer that the main board 50 has.

  On the other hand, the CPU 63 of the display control board 110 displays the symbols 70A to 70I according to the symbol information in a fixed stop display after a predetermined time from the temporary stop (when the fluctuation based on the time information is completed). At this time, as a result, the symbols 70A to 70I are confirmed and displayed in synchronization with the outputted confirmation command. Similarly, the CPUs of the lamp control board 120 and the sound control board 130 also confirm and stop the lamp effect and the sound effect at the timing.

  In the present embodiment, with respect to the variation pattern, effects other than the reach effect are also controlled after being included in the variation pattern information in the same manner as described above. The effects other than the reach effect include effects such as re-variation, reach notice, super reach notice, jackpot notice, “background switching” peculiar to the present embodiment, in addition to the above-described slip change. It should be noted that the “notice” only needs to be able to suggest that the predetermined gaming state is likely to occur depending on the performance, or that the generation affects the occurrence rate of the predetermined gaming state. Thus, there may be a case where the predetermined gaming state does not occur (suggestion). Thus, in the present embodiment, main control is governed by the main board 50, and display control and the like are governed by the display control board 110 and the like based on commands from the main board 50. As a result, the burden on the main board 50 is reduced.

  Here, when the command output to the display control board 110 to perform the symbol variation includes information indicating that the “villain reach effect” is to be performed, the processing contents performed on the display control board 110 side Detailed description.

  In this case, first, the CPU 63 of the display control board 110 starts the variation of the symbols 70A to 70I of the symbol rows 21 to 23. At this time, the variation mode is almost the same as the normal variation. However, the tress of the first character GC possessed is switched from the strip-shaped one displayed until then to a hair-like one, or displayed as if the tress is being blown by the wind. For example, a display may be made as if the first character GC blinks, or an event to be performed in the future may be notified in advance.

  Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation, the symbol fluctuation speed of the left symbol row 21 is made slower than the fluctuation speed until then, and then stopped at predetermined symbols 70A to 70I. Subsequently, the symbol fluctuation speed of the right symbol row 22 is slowed down and stopped at predetermined symbols 70A to 70I as in the left symbol row 21 (for example, in FIG. The symbol 70I, the symbol “7” in the middle, and the symbol 70I in the lower row are stopped and displayed. In the right symbol column 23, the symbol 70I is removed in the upper row, the symbol “7G” is displayed in the middle row, and the symbol 70I is removed in the lower row. Is displayed stopped). In this way, the reach state is generated.

  Next, immediately after the reach state occurs, as shown in the figure, a display effect is performed such that the first character GC displayed in the effect display area CS performs a guts pose, and then for a predetermined time (several seconds). For several tens of seconds), the middle symbol row 22 continues to fluctuate. However, until this time, as in the case of normal fluctuation, the fluctuation display area ZS is arranged at a position slightly shifted to the right side from the center in the width direction of the display unit 20a, and the effect display area in which the first character GC is displayed. CS is arranged on the left side.

  Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, an area movement effect is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the background image BG is switched to the night scenery. At the same time, the first character GC displayed so far is erased, and the variable display area ZS is moved and displayed from the position slightly shifted to the right until then. That is, the left / middle / right symbol rows 21 to 23 are slid to the left. At this time, the symbols 70A to 70I in the symbol rows 21 to 23 are not deformed, reduced or enlarged, and the direction of change does not change. In other words, the slide display is performed in the same display mode as before (the range of the variable display area ZS is maintained, and the size, area, shape, dimensions, etc. defined by the variable display area ZS are hardly changed). ).

  At this time, although the variable display area ZS moves, the background image is maintained as it is without being moved and displayed. Of course, the background image may be moved with the movement of the variable display area ZS.

  With the movement display, the effect display area CS that has been arranged on the left side of the variable display area ZS until then disappears, and instead, the effect display area CS is newly arranged on the right side of the variable display area ZS. The Rukoto. However, the effect display area CS is arranged and displayed only when the “villain reach effect” is performed.

  Next, a second character DC having a roaring motif from the left side of the figure is displayed in the effect display area CS. Then, although not shown, the effect display is performed as if the second character DC performs a predetermined action, and thereafter the symbols 70A to 70I in the middle symbol row 22 are fixedly stopped and displayed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the “villain reach production” is performed (when a predetermined condition is satisfied), the range or the like (including the display mode or the like) of the variable display area ZS is maintained. It is moved in the direction of the effect display area CS until then. For this reason, the player feels surprise and fun when the changing positions of the symbols 70A to 70I move. In addition, with this movement, the effect display area CS until then disappears, and a new effect display area CS is provided on the right side, so that the effect by the second character DC performed here is also surprising and interesting. Further, when the variable display area ZS is moved, the range is substantially maintained. For this reason, it is possible to improve the interest without changing the display mode of the symbols 70A to 70I, that is, without performing a relatively large effect such as enlarging / reducing or deforming the symbols. Therefore, as a result, even if the final stop symbol is not displayed with the jackpot symbol, the discomfort for the player is unlikely to increase.

  In addition, in the new effect display area CS, a second character DC different from the first character GC is displayed, and an effect utilizing the second character DC can be performed. In particular, when the chance of performing a super reach production such as “villain reach production” is set to be relatively small, the second character DC itself has a rare value, and a player who can visually recognize the second character DC recognizes the visual recognition. You can be satisfied only with it. As a result, the interest can be further improved.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, display control processing in the display control board 110 will be described in more detail. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The CPU 63 constitutes a layer setting unit, a screen configuration information generating unit, a range setting unit, a setting position defining unit, and a setting position displacement unit in the present embodiment. The image data ROM 66 constitutes image data storage means in the present embodiment, and the VDP 67 constitutes image generation means in the present embodiment.

  The display image displayed on the display unit 20a is divided into a plurality of layers according to the display priority order. In the present embodiment, layers L1, L2, L3, and L4 (see FIG. 8) are set. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the layers L1 to L4. Various images are arranged on these layers L1 to L4, respectively, and the layers L1 to L4 are superimposed to be displayed as a one-screen display image. And the special symbol display apparatus 20 implement | achieves display modes, such as a variable display of a symbol image, by displaying a display image on the display part 20a sequentially for every vertical scanning signal (for example, every 1/60 second).

  Specifically, an image such as the background image BG is arranged in the first layer L1 having the lowest priority. In the second layer L2 having the second lowest priority, a character image such as the first character GC as the first specific display target is arranged. In the third layer L3 having the second highest priority, symbol images such as symbols 70A to 70I are arranged. In the fourth layer L4 having the highest priority, a character image such as the second character DC as the second specific display target is arranged. Then, by displaying the layers L1 to L4 in order from the lowest priority, a display image as shown in FIG. Here, the second layer L2 configures a layer including the first specific display object in the present embodiment, the third layer L3 configures a layer including the symbol image in the present embodiment, and the fourth layer L4 includes A layer including the second specific display object in the present embodiment is configured.

  In the present embodiment, the display ranges of the layers L1 to L4 on the display unit 20a are set in the screen configuration information for each of the layers L1 to L4 by the function of the “range setting unit”. For example, usually, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the variable display area ZS formed by the left, middle, and right symbol rows 21 to 23 is from the center in the width direction of the display unit 20a (display image). The setting position of the display range of the third layer L3 including the symbol images such as symbols 70A to 70I is displayed on the screen configuration by the function of “setting position demarcating means” so that the position is slightly shifted to the right side (eccentric position). Defined in information. At this time, the display unit 20a has a part different from the variable display area ZS (left side of the left symbol row 21), that is, at a position that does not overlap or substantially does not overlap with the set position of the variable display area ZS. The setting position of the display range of the second layer L2 including the first character GC is defined in the screen configuration information so that the effect display area CS as the first effect display area in which one character GC is displayed is set. The

  Next, the display control process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step U1, task generation processing is performed. Specifically, the CPU 63 stores the task buffer area 64b and the sprite chain in the work RAM 64 according to a control program in the program ROM 62 according to a control command generated every predetermined time based on its own timer, a command received from the main board 50, or the like. Region 64c is set. Further, the CPU 63 generates a parent task corresponding to the control command or the like in the task buffer area 64b, and executes a plurality of individual processing programs in the program ROM 62 by executing this parent task. Create child tasks. The task buffer area 64b and the sprite chain area 64c can be set in advance.

  In addition, a determination process for determining whether or not a change start command (change start instruction) is input from the main board 50 is performed before the generation of each task. Based on the determination result, when a variation start command is input, a symbol task to be described later for variation display is generated. Here, the processing of the main board 50 that outputs a change start command or the like will be described by taking the main board 50 as an aggregate of function realizing means without being restricted by the actual configuration of the main board 50 itself. That is, the various functions described below are functions realized under the control of the CPU, and the control program is based on the storage contents of the ROM (or RAM in some cases), and the necessary data at that time is stored in the RAM. Although temporarily stored and held, those program requirements and the like can be made by those skilled in the art and will not be described individually. When the winning of the game ball B to the operation port 11 is detected and the specific trigger condition is satisfied, the main board 50 is selected from the plurality of types of variation pattern information stored by the function of the “variation pattern information storage unit”. With the function of “pattern information selection means”, a process of selecting predetermined fluctuation pattern information based on the values of various counters is performed. Subsequently, the main substrate 50 outputs a variation start command (variation start instruction) regarding the variation start of the symbols 70A to 70I together with the selected variation pattern information to the display control substrate 110 by the function of the “variation control means”. After that, the main board 50 outputs a confirmation command (change completion instruction) to the display control board 110 at a predetermined timing based on the timer of the main board 50 by the function of the “variation control means”.

  The task buffer area 64b is an area in which a child task for controlling the variation of each symbol image displayed on the display unit 20a, the background image / character image, and the like is generated. For example, various addresses are set in the task buffer area 64b, and a parent task for performing a series of display controls is generated at a predetermined address among them. When the parent task is executed, for example, a background task for designating and arranging the background image BG, a symbol task for changing the symbols 70A to 70I (symbol images), and other images such as a character image of the first character GC, etc. A plurality of child tasks such as a character task for operating the are generated at a predetermined address. These child tasks are connected by a task chain, and are executed in the order connected by the task chain.

  Specifically, the parent task writes the start address of the processing program stored in the program ROM 62 in the child task. Furthermore, each child task is connected in a task chain in the order of execution. The task chain refers to associating a plurality of child tasks in a chain by writing the address of the next task to be executed at the end of the task to be executed. As a result, a plurality of programs stored in the program ROM 62 can be executed in a necessary order.

  Hereinafter, the execution of child tasks (background task, each symbol task, character task, etc.) will be described. First, the CPU 63 reads the address in the program ROM 62 written in, for example, the first child task for the first execution in the task buffer 64b, and executes the first program stored in the address. The execution result (screen configuration information) resulting from the execution of the first program is written into the first child task in the task buffer area 64b. Further, when the same first child task is executed next, in order to execute a different second program, the start address of the first program in the first child task is rewritten to the start address of the second program. . As a result, when the first task is executed next, the second program is executed, and the screen configuration information is written in the first task. Then, the start address and end address of the child task are written in the sprite chain area 64c.

  The sprite chain region 64c is for determining the priority order of images displayed on the display unit 20a. The sprite chain area 64c is divided into a plurality of task address areas in order from the lowest priority displayed on the display unit 20a so as to correspond to the layers L1 to L4. For example, a symbol image that is changed by a symbol task based on the task address area of the third layer L3 is displayed with priority over the background image BG based on the task address area of the first layer L1, that is, displayed on the front side of the display unit 20a. The In addition, the character image (second character DC or the like) of the character task based on the task address area of the fourth layer L4 is changed by the symbol task (symbols 70A to 70I) depending on the symbol task based on the task address area of the third layer L3. Etc.) is displayed on the front side. In each task address area, the head address and end address of the child task to be displayed in the priority order are written. As will be described later, the sprite chain area 64c is executed in order from the task address area having a lower priority in sprite transfer. That is, the screen configuration information in the child task written in the task address area with the lower priority is sent to the video RAM 65 in order. Then, the information executed for each child task is collectively sent to the video RAM 65, whereby screen configuration information for one screen to be displayed on the display unit 20a is generated in the video RAM 65. Various processes of each child task are performed for each vertical scanning signal in the display unit 20a.

  In step U2, background task execution processing is performed. When the background task is executed (the above-described child task is executed), the program in the program ROM 62 is executed. In the background task, together with the address in the image data ROM 66 in which the background image BG is stored, the display unit 20a The arrangement position of the background image BG with respect to is written. Then, the start address and the end address of the background task in the task buffer area 64b are written in the task address area of the sprite chain area 64c corresponding to the priority order. Therefore, when a background image BG switching process (for example, a process in which the background image BG is switched to a night scene) is performed, the background task BG is changed based on the parent task generated based on the variation pattern information. It will be done by execution.

  In step U3, a symbol task execution process is performed. In the symbol task, the address of the image data ROM 66 storing symbol images such as the symbols 70A to 70I and the screen configuration information of the arrangement position of the symbol image on the display unit 20a are written in the symbol task. Then, the head address and the final address of the symbol task in the task buffer area 64b are written in the task address area of the sprite chain area 64c corresponding to the priority order.

  In step U4, character task execution processing is performed. This process is performed based on the variation pattern information when, for example, the first character GC is displayed as a motion or when a new character image such as the second character DC appears. When the character task is executed (the child task described above is executed), the program in the program ROM 62 is executed, and the character data is stored in the image data ROM 66 in which the character image (second character DC or the like) is stored. The character image arrangement position with respect to the display unit 20a is written. Then, the start address and the end address of the character task in the task buffer area 64b are written in the task address area of the sprite chain area 64c corresponding to the priority order.

  In step U5, sprite transfer processing is performed. When the writing of the addresses of all tasks is completed, the CPU 63 displays various screens written from the first address to the last address written in each task address area in the order of low priority of the sprite chain area 64c. The configuration information is sequentially sent to the video RAM 65. The video RAM 65 sequentially stores the received screen configuration information. For example, when a plurality of images are generated on the same area plane, an image sent later is overwritten on an image sent earlier and stored as screen configuration information for one screen. .

  In step U6, an image generation process is performed. Based on the screen configuration information for one screen stored in the video RAM 65, the VDP 67 calls the corresponding image data from the image data ROM 66 and generates a display image for display on the display unit 20a.

  In step U7, output processing is performed. The VDP 67 outputs the generated display image to the display unit 20a. Then, this display image is displayed on the display unit 20a.

  In the present embodiment, when the variation pattern information is specific variation pattern information (information indicating that “villain reach production” is performed), the function of the “setting position displacement means” of the CPU 63 or the like is used. Based on the fluctuation pattern information, a task for moving the position of the fluctuation display area ZS, a task for moving and erasing the position of the effect display area CS where the first character GC is displayed, and the second character GC A task or the like for making a new effect display area CS appear and set as the second effect display area to be displayed is generated. These tasks are executed by being included and associated with the background task, the symbol task, and the character task, respectively.

  Specifically, when these tasks are executed, the setting position of the display range of the third layer L3 in the screen configuration information is displaced. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the setting position of the variable display area ZS in the display unit 20a (display image) is moved and displayed from the position slightly shifted to the right to the left while maintaining the area range substantially. (Displace). That is, the left / middle / right symbol rows 21 to 23 are slid to the left. At this time, the symbols 70A to 70I in the symbol rows 21 to 23 are not deformed, reduced or enlarged, and the direction of change does not change. In other words, the slide display is performed in the same display mode as before (the range of the variable display area ZS is maintained, and the size, area, shape, dimensions, etc. defined by the variable display area ZS are hardly changed). ).

  Further, according to the displacement of the set position of the display range of the third layer L3, the set position of the display range of the second layer L2 including the first character GC with a displacement amount equivalent to the displacement amount of the displacement, The set position of the display range of the fourth layer L4 including the second character DC is displaced. Then, the second character is located in a part of the display unit 20a different from the variable display area ZS (on the right side of the right symbol row 21), that is, at a position that does not overlap or substantially does not overlap with the set position of the variable display area ZS. The setting position of the display range of the second layer L2 is defined in the screen configuration information so that the effect display area CS in which DC is displayed is set. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, with the movement of the setting position of the variable display area ZS, the effect display area CS that has been arranged on the left side of the variable display area ZS until then disappears. Instead, the effect display area CS is newly arranged on the right side of the variable display area ZS, and the second character DC is displayed in the effect display area CS.

  As described above in detail, as in the first embodiment, when the “villain reach production” is performed (when the predetermined condition is satisfied), the variable display area ZS is displayed in the range or the like (display mode). Are maintained in the direction of the effect display area CS until then. For this reason, the player feels surprise and fun when the changing positions of the symbols 70A to 70I move. In addition, with this movement, the effect display area CS until then disappears, and a new effect display area CS is provided on the right side, so that the effect by the second character DC performed here is also surprising and interesting. Further, when the variable display area ZS is moved, the range is substantially maintained. For this reason, it is possible to improve the interest without changing the display mode of the symbols 70A to 70I, that is, without performing a relatively large effect such as enlarging / reducing or deforming the symbols. Therefore, as a result, even if the final stop symbol is not displayed with the jackpot symbol, the discomfort for the player is unlikely to increase.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, even when a new effect display area CS is provided, a predetermined position of the moved display area ZS after movement In addition, a predetermined display target (first character GC in the figure) may be displayed. In this case, an effect intertwined with the effect by the second character DC in the effect display area CS can be derived, and further enhancement of interest can be achieved. Of course, the display target displayed in this case may be the first character GC, the second character DC, or another character.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the second character DC is displayed in the new effect display area CS after movement, but instead of or in addition to this, a new effect display is displayed. The first character GC may be displayed in the area CS.

  (C) In the above embodiment, when the “villain reach production” is performed, the display control (movement of the variable display area ZS, etc.) is performed. In other cases, for example, another reach is performed. It may be performed when an effect, another super reach effect, or a predetermined notice effect is performed.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the variable display area ZS is embodied in the case where the variable display area ZS is configured by three symbol columns 21 to 23, but may be configured by two or less symbol sequences, You may be comprised by four or more symbol rows. Also, the stop order is not limited to that of the above embodiment.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the amount of movement of the variable display area ZS at the time of movement (the amount of displacement of the set position of the variable display area ZS) is substantially the same as the width of the symbols 70A to 70I. It may be less than that.

  (F) Instead of based on a command from the main board 50, the display control board 110 itself may perform the display control. Further, the display control may be performed only with the main substrate 50.

  (G) It may not be a 5-line type as in the above embodiment. For example, a so-called two-line type (for example, one having upper and lower horizontal jackpot lines) or three-line type (for example, one having upper, middle and lower horizontal jackpot lines) may be used. Further, it may be of one line type (for example, one having one jackpot line).

  (H) As the special symbol display device 13, in addition to the liquid crystal display described above, a CRT, a dot matrix, an LED, an electroluminescence (EL), a fluorescent display tube, or the like may be used.

  (I) The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a different type from the above embodiment. For example, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that is in a special gaming state under the condition that a game ball is awarded in a predetermined area after a jackpot symbol is displayed. In addition to pachinko machines, the present invention can also be implemented as various game machines such as alepatches, sparrow balls, slot machines, and game machines in which pachinko machines and slot machines are integrated. In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating a control lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and a symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating a stop button. Is. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, a variable ball display unit is provided which includes a variable display means for confirming and displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is variably displayed. The thing which is not equipped with is mentioned. In this case, after throwing a predetermined amount of game balls based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the variation of the symbol is started due to an operation of an operation lever, for example, due to an operation of a stop button or a predetermined amount As time passes, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and the jackpot state that is advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. A large amount of game balls are paid out.

  (J) Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, when the “villain reach production” is completed, the variable display area ZS is returned to the original position in preparation for the next variable display. On the other hand, when a separate return condition is satisfied, the variable display area ZS may be returned to the original position. That is, the movement of the variation display area ZS may be continued not only when movement and return are performed during one symbol variation, but also across multiple symbol variations. The condition for returning is when the game mode is switched (for example, when switching from the probability variation mode advantageous to the player to the normal mode, when switching from the mode where super reach is likely to occur to the normal mode (the probability of jackpot) And the case where a predetermined number of times of fluctuation display is performed, a predetermined super reach effect is performed, and the like. That is, a game setting switching means for switching between the first game setting such as the probability variation mode setting advantageous to the player and the mode setting in which super reach is likely to occur and the second game setting such as the normal mode setting. In the gaming machine provided with the above function (for example, the main board 50), the variable display area ZS may be moved and returned in accordance with the switching of the game setting. Here, when the first game setting is made, the variable display area ZS is moved, and when the second game setting is made, the “setting position displacement means” in the second embodiment. The setting position of the display range of the layer including the pattern image may be returned to the original setting position by the function or the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 8 ... Game board, 11 ... Operation opening, 12 ... Extra prize opening, 20 ... Special symbol display device as a variable display device, 20a ... Display part, 21 ... Left symbol row, 22 ... Middle symbol row, 23 ... Right symbol row, 50 ... Main board, 63 ... CPU of display control board, 70A to 70I ... Symbol as identification information, 110 ... Display control board, B ... Game ball, ZS ... Fluctuation display area, CS ... Production display Region, GC ... first character as first specific display object, DC ... second character as second specific display object, L1-L4 ... layer.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine including a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information in a variable display area provided in a display unit,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display area is moved to another position while substantially maintaining the range.

Images