JP2010099487A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a player to play with the expectation of a privilege not only for a foreground symbol but also for a background symbol. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine such as a Pachinko machine is provided with: a game control part 2 for outputting a display command for commanding required display when a required condition is established and supplying the privilege to the player; and a display control part 4 capable of receiving the output display command and displaying the foreground symbol and the background symbol on a display part 6, etc. A normal symbol 6a is displayed for the foreground symbol and a special symbol 6b is displayed for the background symbol, on the display part 6. In the figure, though the fluctuating normal symbol 6a is stopped at a losing symbol, since the special symbol 6b is stopped at a jackpot symbol, "large winning" is achieved and the game control part 2 starts a large winning game. The player is supplied with a first privilege by the normal symbol 6a as the foreground symbol and is supplied with a second privilege by the special symbol 6b as the background symbol. Thus, the player plays with the expectation of the privilege for both the foreground symbol and the background symbol. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a display unit capable of displaying a foreground symbol and a background symbol.

Many pachinko machines, which are one type of gaming machine, include a display that can display a foreground symbol and a background symbol.
Foreground symbols are, for example, special symbols that change and stop.
The background symbol is a decorative symbol displayed on the background side of the foreground symbol, for example, a character or the like.
The special symbol as the foreground symbol is displayed in, for example, three variable areas on the left side, the middle side, and the right side.
The special symbol starts to fluctuate when a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area (for example, a start port or a gate), and then stops.
Variation of symbol group related to special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “symbol variation”).
) Is changed according to the change pattern from the start to the stop, and usually a plurality of display patterns are prepared in one pachinko machine.

Some conventional pachinko machines have a display that can display normal symbols in addition to the special symbols as the foreground symbols.
The special symbol displayed on the central part of the display of the pachinko machine started to change when the pachinko ball won the start opening, and then the jackpot game was played when it stopped at the jackpot symbol (for example, symbol “777”).
Similarly, the normal symbol displayed on the lower left of the display starts to change when the pachinko ball passes through the gate, and then stops when it hits the symbol (for example, symbol “7”). Was temporarily opened.

However, in the conventional pachinko machine, the special symbol and the normal symbol are simply displayed on the same display as the foreground symbols, and have no relationship.
Also, there is no relationship between the foreground design and the background design, and the player expects only the special design and the normal design among the foreground design.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is intended to enable a player to play with a sense of expectation that a player expects a privilege not only for foreground symbols but also for background symbols.

Means 1 for solving the problem is as described in claim 1.
Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows.
The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) The “first lottery” and the “second lottery” may be the same lottery or different lotteries.
(2) “Foreground symbols” includes all symbols that can be displayed on the display unit, and includes symbols used for lottery (specific symbols, special symbols, ordinary symbols, etc.).
For example, it is not limited to characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, kana, etc.), graphics, symbols, pictures, and the like, but also images such as landscapes, patterns, characters, and moving pictures such as animations, and videos.
Furthermore, only one type of design may be used, and a plurality of types of design may be arbitrarily combined.
(3) “Located rearward” means being in a position visually visible on the rear side.
For example, when multiple symbols are displayed in a superimposed manner, the rear symbol can be recognized, or when a three-dimensional space is displayed two-dimensionally by oblique projection method, perspective image method, etc. This is the case when the rear symbols can be recognized.
(4) The “background symbol” includes a predetermined symbol, and a symbol similar to the symbol used for the foreground symbol can be used except that the symbol is located behind the foreground symbol.
In the area where the foreground symbol is not displayed, the background symbol may be displayed in the same manner as the foreground symbol.
The number, type, display position, etc. of the symbols used for the foreground symbol and the background symbol may be substantially the same or different.
(5) The “display unit” may be all of the parts that can display the symbols for one display (or display device), or may be a part of the part.
Furthermore, you may comprise not only one display but a several display.
(6) “Stop” includes not only complete stop but also temporary stop.
In addition, the “stop” state includes not only the case of being stationary, but also the case of moving in an arbitrary distance range in an arbitrary direction around the reference position.
(7) “Bonus” means a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, for example, jackpot game, time saving (mode that shortens the variation period of the symbol group), probability variation (mode that changes the probability of jackpot), etc. There is.
The privilege may be fixed during the game, or may be changed at a certain timing.
Further, the relationship between the “first privilege” and the “second privilege” may be the same privilege or different privileges.

According to the means 1, the game control unit gives the player the first privilege when the foreground symbol that has been changed by the first lottery stops at the specific symbol, and the background symbol that has changed by the second lottery is the predetermined symbol. When stopped, the player is given a second privilege.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a privilege is expected not only for the foreground symbols but also for the background symbols.

Means 2 for solving the problem is as described in claim 2.
According to the said means 2, especially the 1st privilege and the 2nd privilege were made into the same kind.
Since the same kind of privilege is given to both the foreground symbol and the background symbol, the player can play with a sense of expectation expecting the privilege given by at least one of the symbols.
The means 3 for solving the problem is as described in claim 3.
According to the means 3, when the changing foreground symbol stops at a symbol other than the specific symbol, the background symbol changes after the stop, or when the changing background symbol stops at a symbol other than the predetermined symbol. After the stop, the foreground symbol change is stopped.
In this way, even if one of the foreground symbols and the background symbol stops and the privilege is not given, the player may be given a privilege when the other symbol stops.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation expecting a privilege given by at least one of the first privilege and the second privilege.

The means 4 for solving the problem is as described in claim 4.
According to the means 4, when the changing foreground symbol and background symbol are stopped by a combination of specific symbols, the game control unit gives a privilege to the player.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation expecting a privilege given by the combination of the foreground design and the background design.

The means 5 for solving the problem is as described in claim 5.
Here, the term “superimpose the foreground design and the background design” of claim 5 includes a case where almost all of the foreground design and the background design are superimposed, and a portion of the foreground design and the background design. There are cases.
The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.
According to the means 5, the foreground symbol and the background symbol are superimposed and displayed on the display unit.
At this time, whether or not the foreground symbol and the background symbol are each given a privilege can be determined by looking at the superimposed portion (region).
Therefore, the player can easily determine whether or not a privilege is given only by looking at the part.

 According to the present invention, a player can play with a sense of expectation that expects a privilege not only for the foreground symbols but also for the background symbols.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of this invention typically. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the 1st kind pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a main control board and a display control board. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the symbol fluctuation process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation display process for normal symbols. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation display process for special symbols. It is a flowchart which shows the content of privilege execution processing. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a command block. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a symbol display process. It is a figure which shows the example of an arrangement structure of a special symbol and a normal symbol. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a symbol display. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the symbol display following FIG. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the 1st kind pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a main control board and a display control board. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the 1st type starting port process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the symbol fluctuation process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation | variation display process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a special symbol indicator. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a special symbol indicator. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a special symbol indicator.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a first-class pachinko machine that is one of gaming machines, and the foreground symbol and the background symbol independently give the player a privilege. It is.
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, an explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 1 schematically showing the outline of the present invention.
The gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 outputs a display command for instructing a required display when a required condition is satisfied, and gives the player a privilege, or the display unit 6 receives the output display command and displays the foreground symbol. And a display control unit 4 that can display background symbols.
The foreground symbol is a normal symbol 6a, and the background symbol used behind the normal symbol 6a is a special symbol 6b.
In order to simplify the explanation, the normal symbol 6a is a symbol-only symbol and the special symbol 6b is a symbol-only symbol.
The “required condition” means a condition that can be appropriately set according to the type of gaming machine, the date and time, the gaming state, and the like.
For example, when the number of held balls reaches the upper limit (during so-called full tank) during high probabilities, time reductions, or when a game ball wins or passes a predetermined area, during a jackpot game, a certain period after the jackpot game ends This is applicable when the opening / closing member (a lid or blade of a prize opening, a movable wing piece such as a so-called tulip) is open.
The requirement may be fixed during the game or may be changed at a certain timing.

Foreground symbols and background symbols displayed on the display unit 6 by image editing performed by the display control unit 4 are as follows, for example.
That is, the normal symbol 6a and the special symbol 6b start to fluctuate and reach the reach of the symbol “5” on the upper horizontal line of the ordinary symbol 6a. "ing.
After that, reach is reached with a pattern composed of a dotted pattern of inverted triangles (that is, a shape of “▽”) on the middle horizontal line of the special symbol 6b, and finally it is “big hit” with the pattern of the pattern.
Note that when the symbol 6a is “lost”, the special symbol 6b is not necessarily “big hit”, but is often “missed”.
At this time, the game control unit 2 starts the jackpot game and gives the player the second privilege.
Similarly, when the normal symbol 6a is hit with a symbol “555”, for example, the game control unit 2 starts the winning game and gives the player the first privilege.
As described above, the player may be given the first privilege by the normal symbol 6a as the foreground symbol and may be given the second privilege by the special symbol 6b as the background symbol.
The first privilege and the second privilege may be the same type, size, etc., and at least one of them may be different.
Therefore, the player can play the game not only for the foreground symbols but also for the background symbols, that is, with a sense of expectation that expects benefits for both symbols.

Here, the following foreground symbols (ordinary symbols 6a) and background symbols (special symbols 6b) can also be realized.
Even in these modes, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a privilege may be obtained.
(1) Although the foreground symbol is the normal symbol 6a and the background symbol is the special symbol 6b, both the foreground symbol and the background symbol may be the special symbol 6b.
In this way, even if the special symbol 6b as the foreground symbol is shifted, the foreground symbol as the background symbol may be a big hit.
This is the same even when both the foreground symbol and the background symbol are the normal symbol 6a, or when the foreground symbol is the special symbol 6b and the background symbol is the normal symbol 6a.
Therefore, since the player is given two chances, the opportunity to obtain a bonus by jackpot or the like increases.
(2) When the combination of the foreground design and the background design is a combination of the specific design, the player may be given a privilege.
The foreground symbol and the background symbol at this time may be either the normal symbol 6a or the special symbol 6b.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a privilege may be obtained by a combination of the foreground design and the background design.
(3) When the foreground symbol and the background symbol are superimposed (that is, superimposed) and displayed, it can be easily determined whether or not the combination of the specific symbols is obtained by looking at the portion (or region) displayed superimposed.
Therefore, the player can easily determine whether or not a privilege is given only by looking at the part.
Further, when the foreground symbol and the background symbol are superimposed and displayed, the display area can be reduced, and consequently the display unit 6 can be reduced.
Furthermore, in a display area having a limited area (that is, a predetermined area), each symbol can be displayed large, or the number of symbols can be increased.

Next, an example in which the present invention is applied to a first-type pachinko machine equipped with a so-called third-type starter attacker will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 shows an external view of the pachinko machine 10 in a front view.
On the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10 shown in FIG. 2, as will be described later, a composite device 14 having a symbol display 22, a holding ball lamp 20, etc., and a symbol variation starting port 66 corresponding to the requirement for starting symbol variation. , A prize winning port 56 that can open and close a lid 72 by a solenoid 54, a normal electric accessory 62 that can open and close a movable wing piece (so-called tulip), a rotary body 26, a prize winning port 32 and the like as will be described later. 24. Other general winning holes, windmills, nails and the like are appropriately arranged.

The composite device 14 includes a holding ball lamp 20 that displays the number of pachinko balls that have passed through the symbol variation start port 66 during symbol variation, a symbol display 22 that can display the foreground symbol and the background symbol, and the like.
The holding ball lamp 20 has a plurality of light emitters (for example, four LEDs).
Hereinafter, the number that can be recognized by the display of the reserved ball lamp 20 is simply referred to as “the number of reserved balls”.
The symbol display 22 corresponding to the display unit 6 uses, for example, a liquid crystal display, and special symbols such as characters, symbols, symbols, patterns, figures, and images, normal symbols, decorative symbols, etc. are used as foreground symbols or background symbols. indicate.
The special symbol displayed on the symbol display 22 starts to fluctuate when a pachinko ball wins the symbol variation starting port 66 and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed.
Although a liquid crystal display is used as the symbol display 22, any display capable of displaying symbols such as a CRT, an LED display, a plasma display, or a rotary drum display may be used.
Further, although one symbol display 22 is also used for displaying special symbols, normal symbols, etc., it may be displayed by a separate display.

The symbol variation start port 66 includes a start port sensor 64 that detects a winning pachinko ball and outputs a detection signal.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10, when the pachinko ball wins the symbol variation start port 66, the necessary condition is satisfied.
In addition to the lid 72, the grand prize winning port 56 is a V zone sensor that allows the big hit gaming state to be continued within the required number of times (for example, 16 times) when the pachinko ball wins within the first opening period (for example, 20 seconds), It has an ordinary winning opening that simply pays out a prize ball.
In order to detect a winning pachinko ball, the V zone sensor has a V zone sensor 70, and the normal prize opening has a winning sensor 74.
The symbol variation starting port 66 pays out a winning ball in the same way as a normal winning port when a pachinko ball wins.

The ordinary electric accessory 62 includes a solenoid 60 that opens and closes the movable blade piece, a specific area sensor 58 that detects a winning pachinko ball and outputs a detection signal.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10, the fact that a pachinko ball wins the ordinary electric accessory 62 wins (or passes) a specific area.
The accessory device 24 is also called “a third type starter-attached attacker”, and includes a rotating body 26 having a recess capable of transporting a pachinko ball, a motor 28 that rotates the rotating body 26 at a substantially constant speed, and a rotating body 26. A winning sensor 30 that detects a pachinko ball that has been conveyed and wins and outputs a detection signal, a big winning port 32 that can open and close the lid 34 by a solenoid 76, a pachinko ball that has won a prize in the big winning port 32, and outputs a detection signal. A winning sensor 36 is included.
The concave portion provided in the rotating body 26 corresponds to a third type starting port, and the winning sensor 30 detects a pachinko ball that has won the third type starting port.
The rotating body 26 and the motor 28 may be directly connected or indirectly connected by a torque transmission member such as a gear or a link.
The motor 28 uses a servo motor, but other motors such as a pulse motor may be used.

Below the game board surface 12, an operation button 50 (operation unit) for a player to perform a required operation on the pachinko machine 10, a lower plate 46 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, and cigarette butts Etc., an ashtray 48 in which the player's hand is touching, a handle 42 provided with a touch sensor 44 for detecting whether or not the player's hand is touching, and a sound (sound effect, music, etc.) provided inside the upper plate 40 which is a tray for receiving a prize ball The speaker 52 etc. which give out are provided.
The glass frame 18 (also called “gold frame”).
) And the lamps 16 made of a light emitter disposed at an appropriate position in accordance with the game content of the pachinko machine 10 and the like.

Next, a main control board 100 that realizes a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10, a display control board 200 that receives a display command (for example, a command block) sent from the main control board 100 and displays a design on the design display 22. Will be described with reference to FIG.
The main control board 100 and the display control board 200 are provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, for example.
In FIG. 3, a main control board 100 corresponding to the game control unit 2 is configured around a CPU (processor) 110, a ROM 112 for storing a game control program and required game data (for example, jackpot value, etc.), various random numbers, data , RAM 114 for storing input / output signals, etc., input processing circuit 102 for receiving signals sent from various input devices and converting them into a data format that can be processed in the main control board 100, and operating data sent from the CPU 110 An output processing circuit 104 that operates various output devices, a display control circuit 106 that receives display data sent from the CPU 110 and displays various display bodies appropriately (including lighting and blinking), and a display control board 200 And a communication control circuit 116 for transmitting required data.
All of these components are coupled to each other by bus 118.

The CPU 110 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 112 to realize a game by the pachinko machine 10, and the game control program also includes a program for realizing a starting port process and the like described later.
The ROM 112 uses an EPROM and the RAM 114 uses a DRAM, but other types of memories may be used.
Other types of memory include EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, and the like.
As an input device that the input processing circuit 102 receives a detection signal or the like, for example, an operation button 50, a winning detection sensor (a start port sensor 64, a V zone sensor 70, a winning sensor 74, or the like), or another sensor (a frame opening sensor 38 or a touch). Sensor 44).
Examples of the output device from which the output processing circuit 104 outputs a signal include solenoids 54, 60, and 76.
Examples of the display body that is controlled by the display control circuit 106 include the lamps 16 and the holding ball lamp 20.
The communication control circuit 116 can send necessary data to a frame control board, a hall computer, etc. (not shown) as required.

Next, the display control board 200 corresponding to the display control unit 4 is configured around the CPU 210, and includes a display control program and required display data (for example, display information corresponding to a display command and a plurality of variation patterns including deviation variation patterns. ROM 202 for storing a plurality of reach patterns, RAM 204 for storing display commands, display information, input / output signals, etc., communication control circuit 206 for receiving data sent from the main control board 100, and storing required symbols And a character generator 212 that is generated in response to the command, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 214 that receives the display information sent from the CPU 210 and displays the processed symbol on the symbol display 22.
All of these components are coupled to each other by bus 208.

The CPU 210 executes a display control program stored in the ROM 202 and displays a symbol on the symbol display unit 22. The display control program also includes a program for realizing a symbol display process and the like which will be described later.
The ROM 202 uses an EPROM, and the RAM 204 uses a DRAM, but other types of memory may be used.
The communication control circuit 206 can send necessary data to a frame control board, a hall computer, etc. (not shown) as required.
The symbol data generated by the character generator 212 includes, for example, characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, etc.), symbols (special symbols, ordinary symbols, decorative symbols, etc.), still images, moving images (animations, etc.), and videos.
The VDP 214 having a VRAM, a palette RAM, etc. receives the display information, reads the design data generated by the character generator 212, performs image editing such as coloration designation and sprite processing, and develops the design data in the VRAM and palette RAM. Finally, a video signal, a synchronization signal, and the like are output to the symbol display 22.
At this time, the sprite function realized by executing the sprite processing can change not only the normal symbol as the foreground symbol but also the special symbol as the background symbol simultaneously or non-simultaneously.

It should be noted that the frame control board and other boards that receive command signals sent from the main control board 100 and control the operation of various devices are not related to the gist of the present invention, and thus are not shown and described.
Examples of the various devices include a launch device that launches pachinko balls when the handle 42 is operated, and a payout device that pays out pachinko balls for lending or winning balls.

In the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, a processing procedure performed by the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 in order to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 shows the contents of the start opening process, FIG. 5 shows the contents of the symbol variation process, FIG. 6 shows the contents of the normal symbol variation display process, FIG. 7 shows the contents of the special symbol variation display process, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the privilege execution process.
Of these processing procedures, the processing except the symbol display processing (for example, the start port processing and the symbol variation processing) is performed by the CPU 110 as an appropriate game control program stored in the ROM 112 in the main control board 100 shown in FIG. It is implemented by executing at a timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds).
The symbol display process is realized by the CPU 210 and the VDP 214 executing a program at an appropriate timing on the display control board 200.
In the following description, foreground symbols (for example, normal symbols) and background symbols (for example, special symbols) are both displayed on the symbol display 22 at an appropriate timing according to the gaming state and the like. .
In addition, “adding” usually means increasing the number of held balls by 1 or the like, but includes a case where it is increased by 2 or more as appropriate according to the gaming state or the like.
On the other hand, “subtract” is the same as the case of addition except that the number of reserved balls is reduced.

The starting port process shown in FIG. 4 realizes a pachinko ball winning determination with respect to the symbol variation starting port 66.
First, it is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won the symbol variation start port 66 [step S10].
Specifically, when a detection signal is received from the start port sensor 64 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is determined that a prize is received (YES), and when no detection signal is received, it is determined that no prize is received (NO).
If a pachinko ball wins the symbol variation starting port 66, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls has reached an upper limit value (for example, four in a full state) [step S12].
If the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit (NO), the number of reserved balls is added [step S14].
The LED of the holding ball lamp 20 is turned on according to the added number of holding balls.
Thereafter, various random numbers are read and stored [step S16], and the start port process is terminated.
If the pachinko ball has not won the symbol variation start port 66 (NO in step S10) or if the number of held balls has reached the upper limit (YES in step S12), the start port process is terminated. .

The various random numbers read in step S16 and stored in the RAM 114 include a random number related to a normal symbol and a random number related to a special symbol.
The random numbers related to the normal symbol include, for example, a hit determination random number RA used to determine whether or not it is a hit, or a normal symbol displayed on the symbol display 22 when the hit determination random number RA is determined to be a hit. There is a hit design random number RB that is used to specify the display pattern, a normal reach pattern random number RC that is used to specify a display pattern from when reaching the normal design until the fluctuation is stopped.
The random numbers related to the special symbol include, for example, a jackpot determining random number RD used for determining whether or not the jackpot is a big symbol, and a special symbol displayed on the symbol display 22 when the jackpot determining random number RD is determined to be a jackpot. Jackpot symbol random number RE used to identify the symbol, special reach pattern random number RF used to identify the display pattern from when reaching the special symbol until the fluctuation is stopped, probability variation is performed after the jackpot There is a random number RG for probability variation used for determining whether or not.

The symbol variation process shown in FIG. 5 realizes the symbol variation displayed on the symbol display 22.
First, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is a positive number (that is, the number of held balls> 0 is satisfied) [step S20].
When the number of held balls is a positive number (YES), the number of held balls is subtracted in preparation for the next processing [step S22].
At this time, the LED of the reserved ball lamp 20 is turned on according to the number of reserved balls subtracted.
Then, the normal symbol variation display process is executed [step S24].
The specific contents of the normal symbol variation display process will be described with reference to FIG.

The normal symbol variation display process shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the first lottery and realizes the display from the start of the variation of the normal symbol to the stop.
First, the winning determination random number RA stored in step S16 of FIG. 4 is read [step S40], and whether or not the winning determination random number RA matches with the winning value is determined (step S42). .
The winning value is one in the normal state, but an appropriate number may be increased or decreased depending on the gaming state (for example, probability fluctuation).
If “winning” (YES), the winning symbol random number RB stored in step S16 is read [step S44], and the normal symbol to be finally determined is determined based on the value of the winning symbol random number RB. To do.
Then, the variation of the special symbol and the normal symbol is started almost simultaneously [Step S46], and the reach process is executed after a while after the variation of the normal symbol is started [Step S48].
Note that the reach process for the normal symbol is performed based on the normal reach pattern random number RC, but the processing content is substantially the same as the content of the reach process for the special symbol described later, and therefore illustration and description thereof are omitted.
When the reach process is thus completed, the normal symbol variation display process is also terminated.

On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in step S42 (NO), the off symbol data for the normal symbol is read from the RAM 114 in order to display the off symbol on the symbol display 22 (step S50), and the reach symbol is displayed on the off symbol. [Step S52].
The reach symbol corresponds to a combination of the first symbol (for example, the left symbol) and the second symbol (for example, the right symbol), and many pachinko machines 10 use the same symbol (so-called doublet).
If a reach symbol is included (YES), the special symbol and the normal symbol are started to change almost simultaneously [Step S46]. Step S48].
When the reach process is thus completed, the normal symbol variation display process is also terminated.
If the reach symbol is not included in the determination in step S52 (NO), the variation of the special symbol and the normal symbol is started almost simultaneously as in step S46 [step S54], and after the normal symbol is removed and stopped at the symbol [step S56] ], The normal symbol variation display process is terminated.
In the above steps S46, S48, and S54, corresponding display commands are sent to the display control board 200 to realize normal symbol variation.

When the normal symbol variation display process is completed, the process returns to FIG.
In the pachinko machine 10 which is not easily affected by external noise or the like and has high reliability, it is determined whether or not it is “winning” based on the hit determination random number RA.
In addition, you may discriminate | determine whether it is a hit according to whether the normal symbol actually displayed on the symbol display 22 corresponds with the winning symbol as needed.
If “win” (YES), the ordinary privilege flag is turned on in preparation for a later-described ordinary privilege execution process [step S28], and then the special symbol variation display process is executed [step S30].
On the other hand, if the determination in step S26 is “out” (NO), the special symbol variation display process in step S30 is executed as it is.
Specific contents of the special symbol variation display process will be described with reference to FIG.

The special symbol variation display process shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the second lottery, and realizes display from the start of the variation of the special symbol to the stop thereof.
First, the jackpot determination random number RD stored in step S16 of FIG. 4 is read [step S60], and whether or not the jackpot determination random number RD matches the jackpot value is determined (step S62). .
The jackpot value is one in the normal state, but an appropriate number may be increased or decreased depending on the gaming state (for example, probability fluctuation).
If the jackpot symbol is YES (YES), the jackpot symbol random number RE stored in step S16 is read [step S64], and a special symbol to be finally determined is determined based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number RE. To do.
Then, a reach process is performed for the special symbol [step S66].
This reach process is the same as that of a general pachinko machine. For example, the reach process is performed based on the special reach pattern random number RF stored in step S16 in FIG. 4 and the special symbol to be finally determined determined in step S64. A reach pattern is determined according to a data table or the like.
Then, a display command is sent to the display control board 200 in accordance with the determined reach pattern to realize symbol variation after reach.

The reach pattern is a pattern for realizing display of symbol variation and animation (decorative symbol).
Among the symbol variations, there are normal variations in the manner in which the reel is rotated, forward / reverse variations in the manner in which the reel swings in an arbitrary direction around a predetermined position on the screen, and all symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol). There are all symbol variations that vary while synchronizing.
In addition, the variation pattern for realizing the symbol variation includes a variation speed, a variation direction, a stop timing, an order, and the like during the variation when the variation is performed in each of a plurality of variation regions.
The reach symbol combining the first symbol (for example, the left symbol) and the second symbol (for example, the right symbol) is displayed on the symbol display 22, but may be displayed only on the other indicator or both.
In this way, since the reach symbols and the like are also displayed on the display devices other than the symbol display device 22, it is easy to recognize what the reach symbols are.
When the reach symbol is displayed, the player may be notified that the reach has been reached.
For example, a character such as “reach” or a predetermined animation is displayed, a sound or a specific sound effect is output from the speaker 52, and the handle 42 touched by the player or the chair on which the player sits is vibrated.
In this way, the player can more reliably recognize that the reach has been reached.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S62 is “missing” (NO), after reading the symbol data for special symbol from the RAM 114 to display the symbol symbol on the symbol indicator 22 (step S80), the symbol symbol is displayed as the symbol symbol. It is determined whether or not a reach symbol is included [step S82].
The reach design is the same as the normal design except that the design is different.
If a reach symbol is included (YES), it will eventually become “out” but reach in the middle, so the process proceeds to step S66.
On the other hand, if the reach symbol is not included in the determination in step S82 (NO), it stops at the off symbol [step S84] and proceeds to step S70 described later.

When the reach process is finished, it is determined whether or not the probability changes [step S68].
Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the probability variation random number RG stored in step S16 in FIG. 4 matches a predetermined value.
If it is determined that there is a probability variation (YES), the probability variation process is executed [step S70], and then the variation display process is terminated.
Since the contents of the probability variation process are well known, illustration and description are omitted.
When the probability variation process is executed, the probability of stopping at the jackpot symbol after the change and the jackpot increases after the change from the end of the current jackpot game to the next jackpot, and the symbol variation period of the special symbol is shortened.
In addition, the probability that the winning symbol stops after hitting and the winning symbol increases, and the symbol changing period of the normal symbol is shortened.
On the other hand, when it is not determined that the variation is a probability (NO in step S68), the special symbol variation display process is terminated as it is.
In steps S66, S70, and S84, corresponding display commands are sent to the display control board 200 to realize symbol variation and the like.

When the special symbol variation display process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 5 again to determine whether or not the big win is obtained [step S32].
In the pachinko machine 10 which is not easily affected by external noise or the like and has high reliability, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is determined based on the jackpot determination random number RD.
In addition, you may discriminate | determine whether it is a big hit according to whether the special symbol actually displayed on the symbol display 22 corresponds with a big hit symbol as needed.
If it is “big hit” (YES), the special privilege flag is turned on to prepare for the special privilege execution process described later [step S34], and the symbol variation process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is “displaced” in the determination in step S32 (NO), the symbol variation process is terminated as it is.

Next, the contents of the process of giving a privilege to the player will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 8A, a process corresponding to a normal symbol is performed, and in FIG. 8B, a process corresponding to a special symbol is performed.

In the ordinary privilege execution process of FIG. 8A, first, it is determined whether the ordinary privilege flag is on or off [step S90].
This normal privilege flag is set to ON in step S28 of FIG.
If the normal privilege flag is on (YES), the normal privilege flag is turned off in preparation for the next and subsequent processes [step S92], and then the solenoid 60 is activated to move the movable blade piece of the ordinary electric accessory 62 for a predetermined period. It is opened only (for example, for 3 seconds) [Step S94].
Then, it is determined whether or not the pachinko ball has won (passed) a specific area of the ordinary electric accessory 62 within the predetermined period [step S96].
If the pachinko ball wins (passes) the specific area (YES), the winning right is generated and the winning process is performed [step S98].
In the winning process, the big winning opening is opened on condition that the third type starting opening is won.
For example, when a winning pachinko ball conveyed by the rotating body 26 of the accessory device 24 is detected by the winning sensor 30, it is determined that the third type starting port has been won.
Based on the determination, the lid 34 of the big winning opening 32 is opened for a second opening period (for example, 6 seconds), and is closed when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of pachinko balls are won even within the second opening period.
The opening / closing of the lid 34 of the special winning opening 32 is continued within the upper limit (for example, 16 times).
Since the winning ball is paid out according to the number of the pachinko balls won by the execution of the winning process, the player is given an opportunity to obtain a lot of winning balls.
After performing the hit process in this way, the normal privilege execution process is terminated.
Instead of opening the lid 34 of the big prize opening 32, the lid 72 of the big prize opening 56 may be opened only during the second opening period.
In this way, the player can obtain the same type of benefits for the normal symbol and the special symbol.
Here, if the normal privilege flag is OFF in the determination of step S90 (NO), the normal privilege execution process is terminated as it is.

In the special privilege execution process of FIG. 8B, it is first determined whether the special privilege flag is on or off [step S100].
This special privilege flag is set to ON in step S34 in FIG.
If the special privilege flag is on (YES), the special privilege flag is turned off in preparation for the next and subsequent processes (step S102), and a jackpot process is performed (step S104).
The jackpot process is performed so that, for example, the jackpot gaming state can be continued within the required number of times when the lid 72 of the jackpot 56 is opened only during the first opening period and the V zone is won within the period.
Since the winning balls are paid out according to the number of pachinko balls won by the execution of the jackpot processing, the player is given an opportunity to obtain many winning balls.
After performing the jackpot process in this way, the special privilege execution process is terminated.
If the special privilege flag is OFF in the determination in step S100 (NO), the special privilege execution process is terminated as it is.

Next, a configuration example of a command block corresponding to a display command sent from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200 and a symbol display process performed on the display control board 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
A command block 300 shown in FIG. 9A includes a normal symbol number 302 for specifying a normal symbol, a normal symbol display position 304 for specifying a position (coordinates) for displaying the normal symbol specified by the normal symbol number 302, and a special symbol. A special symbol number 306 for specifying a symbol, a special symbol display position 308 for specifying a position (coordinate) for displaying the special symbol specified by the special symbol number 306, and a decorative symbol number 310 for specifying a decorative symbol other than a special symbol or a normal symbol , An elapsed time 312 from the start of symbol variation, animation, and the like, a checksum 314 used to determine the validity of data (or an error correction code that can correct error data, etc.), and the like.

Unique numbers are assigned to the normal symbols and special symbols that can be displayed, and the symbols to be displayed are specified by the normal symbol number 302 and the special symbol number 306.
When a plurality of ordinary symbols are displayed almost simultaneously, a symbol number corresponding to the number may be specified.
For example, when three special symbols (left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol) are displayed almost at the same time, as shown in FIG. 9B, it is common to use the left symbol number 302a, middle symbol number 302b, right symbol number 302c, etc. The symbol number 302 is specified.
Further, when a plurality of normal symbols are displayed simultaneously, it is necessary to specify the symbol display position corresponding to the number.
In the example of FIG. 9C, the normal symbol display position 304 is specified by the left symbol display position 304a, the middle symbol display position 304b, the right symbol display position 304c, and the like.
Although the normal symbol is shown here, the same applies to the case where a special symbol is specified.
In addition, the decorative symbols to be displayed are assigned with unique numbers as in the case of the normal symbols or the like as necessary, and the decorative symbols to be displayed are specified by the decorative symbol number 310.
In order to make it easy to set the command block 300 when there are a lot of decorative symbols or to display them in combination, the decorative symbols are grouped and stored in the ROM 112, 202, etc., and a unique number is assigned to each group. Keep it.
And in the command block 300, the decoration design displayed by the number for every group is specified.

Next, a symbol display process in which the display control board 200 receiving the display command sent from the main control board 100 performs symbol editing and displays the symbols on the symbol display 22 will be described with reference to FIG.
It is assumed that the display command is stored in a reception buffer provided in the RAM 204 or the like shown in FIG. 3 by an interrupt program executed for each reception interrupt.
This reception buffer has a capacity that can store display commands, other received data, and the like.
In the symbol display process shown in FIG. 10, first, the CPU 210 reads the command block 300 as a display command stored in the reception buffer [step S <b> 110], acquires display data based on the read command block 300, and stores it in the RAM 204. [Step S112].
More specifically, the display data is acquired with reference to a data table or the like stored in the ROM 202 or the like that defines the relationship between the command block 300 and the display data.
This display data is a data element (parameter) for symbol editing, and corresponds to, for example, a reach pattern, a normal symbol number 302, a normal symbol display position 304, or the like.
Thereafter, the CPU 210 transmits the acquired display data to the VDP 214.

Upon receiving the display data from the CPU 210, the VDP 214 extracts data such as symbols from the character generator 212 based on the display data [Step S114], and performs symbol editing, sprite processing, and other symbol editing [Step S116]. Data is expanded on the VRAM or palette RAM [step S118].
Then, the developed data is converted into a symbol signal and output to the symbol display 22 [step S120].
In this way, the symbols and the like edited based on the display data can be displayed on the symbol display 22.
In addition, since the VDP 214 as hardware performs symbol editing, the foreground symbol and the background symbol can be displayed at high speed.

Next, an example in which normal symbols (foreground symbols) and special symbols (background symbols) are displayed on the symbol display 22 by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. .
This example shows a case where a special symbol becomes “big hit” after becoming “out of” in a normal symbol, and illustration and description of cases where both of them are “out of” occur frequently.
Further, the display area of the symbol display 22 is referred to as three fluctuation areas on the left side, the middle side, and the right side (hereinafter referred to as a left fluctuation area, a middle fluctuation area, and a right fluctuation area in order).
), And after starting symbol variation in each variation region, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped in three stages.
Furthermore, it is assumed that if the same pattern is aligned in a diagonal row, an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row after the change, it will be a “big hit” or “hit”.
In the following description, it is assumed that a special symbol and a normal symbol shown in FIG. 11 are used.
That is, as illustrated in FIG. 11 (A), the left symbol 80, the middle symbol 82, and the right symbol 84 as normal symbols are arranged in order from the numerical symbols “1” to “9”, and the left symbol 80 and the right symbol Reference numeral 84 denotes the same arrangement order, but only the middle symbol 82 is configured in the reverse arrangement order.
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the left symbol 90, the middle symbol 92, and the right symbol 94 as special symbols are configured by nine symbols having different patterns.
The types of symbols include patterns such as vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal lines (upper left to lower right, upper right to lower left), stars or snow, inverted triangles, lattices (vertical and horizontal, diagonal), and staircases as shown.

When the pachinko ball wins the symbol variation start port 66, as shown in FIG. 12A, the normal symbol and the special symbol start symbol variation almost simultaneously based on the variation pattern {step S46 in FIG. 6}.
Thereafter, when reaching the normal symbol, the left symbol 80 and the right symbol 84 are stopped as shown in FIG. 12B {step S48 in FIG. 6}.
In the example of FIG. 12B, the left symbol 80 and the right symbol 84 in the upper stage are both coincident with the numerical symbol “5”, and therefore the reach line 86 is displayed together with the characters “reach”.
Then, when the middle symbol 82 is finally stopped, as shown in FIG. 12C, the same symbol “5” is not arranged in the diagonal row, the upper row, the middle row, or the lower row, so that it depends on the normal symbol. The lottery result is “out of”.
During this time, the special symbol continues to fluctuate as shown in FIG. 13 (A), and after that, when reaching the special symbol, the left symbol 90 and the right symbol 94 are stopped as shown in FIG. 13 (B). Step S66}.
In the example of FIG. 13B, since the left symbol 90 and the right symbol 94 in the middle stage coincide with each other in a pattern composed of an inverted triangle pattern, the reach line 96 is displayed together with the characters “reach”.
Finally, the middle symbol 92 is stopped, and the same pattern is aligned in the horizontal row as shown in FIG. 13C, so that the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”.
At this time, in order to notify the player that the jackpot has been won, the symbol display 22 displays the message “Big Jack” as a message 98.
In this way, the big winning opening 56 is temporarily opened when a big hit is made, so that the player has an opportunity to win many prize balls by winning the pachinko balls.
Therefore, even if it deviates from the normal symbol (foreground symbol), there is a possibility that it will win the special symbol (background symbol), so the player can play with a sense of expectation that the special symbol may be able to obtain a privilege. .
In addition, the foreground symbol (ordinary symbol) is displayed using the character symbol shown in FIG. 11 (A), and the background symbol (special symbol) is displayed using the symbol pattern shown in FIG. 11 (B). The distinction between symbols is easy and does not make the player feel confusing.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Corresponding to claim 1, the main control board 100 (game control unit 2) is hit by a normal symbol (left symbol 80, middle symbol 82, right symbol 84; foreground symbol) changed by the first lottery. When it stops at (specific symbol) {step S26 in FIG. 5}, the lid 34 of the special winning opening 32 is opened (the first privilege is given to the player) {step S98 in FIG. 8 (A)}.
Further, when the special symbol (left symbol 90, middle symbol 92, right symbol 94; background symbol) fluctuating due to the second lottery stops at the big hit symbol (predetermined symbol), the main control board 100 {step S32 in FIG. 5} Then, the lid 72 of the special winning opening 56 is opened (a second privilege is given to the player) {step S104 in FIG. 8B}.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation not only for the normal symbols but also for the special symbols, that is, for both symbols.
(2) Corresponding to claim 2, in the first privilege with the normal symbol, the lid 72 of the big prize opening 56 is opened only for the second opening period, and in the second privilege with the special symbol, the lid 72 of the big prize mouth 56 is first. Opened only during the opening period.
In other words, the types of the first privilege and the second privilege are the same.
In this way, the same kind of privilege is given to both the foreground symbol and the background symbol, so that the player can play with a sense of expectation expecting the privilege given by at least one of the symbols.
(3) Corresponding to claim 3, when the fluctuating normal symbol is stopped at the off symbol (design other than the specific symbol), the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped after the stop {steps S24 and S30 in FIG. 5}.
In this way, even if one of the normal symbol and the special symbol stops and the privilege is not given, the player may be given a privilege when the other symbol stops.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation expecting a privilege given by at least one of the first privilege and the second privilege.
This is the same even when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped after the stop when the changing special symbol is stopped at the off symbol (a symbol other than the predetermined symbol).
(4) Corresponding to claim 5, the symbol display 22 is formed by superimposing the left symbol 80, the middle symbol 82, and the right symbol 84 as normal symbols, and the left symbol 90, middle symbol 92, and right symbol 94 as special symbols. Displayed on (display section) {see FIG. 13}.
At this time, whether or not the foreground symbol and the background symbol are each given a privilege can be determined by looking at the superimposed portion (region).
Therefore, the player can easily determine whether or not a privilege is given only by looking at the part.

In the first embodiment, a normal symbol is used as the foreground symbol and a special symbol is used as the background symbol.
It may replace with this form and may be implemented with the form shown below.
(1) A special symbol may be used as the foreground symbol, and a normal symbol may be used as the background symbol.
Even in this case, regardless of the special symbol, the player can play with a sense of expectation that the privilege may be obtained by the normal symbol.
(2) A special symbol may be used for both the foreground symbol and the background symbol.
In this case, corresponding to claim 2, there is a possibility that a privilege is given by the special symbol as the background symbol regardless of what happens to the special symbol as the foreground symbol.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a privilege may be obtained by a special symbol as a background symbol.
This is the same even when ordinary symbols are used for both foreground and background symbols.
(3) The foreground design and background design are not limited to the designs used in the first embodiment, but are graphics such as graphics, symbols, and patterns, videos such as still images and animations such as landscapes, patterns, and characters, or videos. Etc. may be used.
In this way, the display mode of the symbol display 22 is diversified and the expression is enriched, so that it becomes easy to attract the player.
The same applies to the second embodiment described later.
(4) Although the display unit 6 is configured with one symbol display 22, the display unit 6 may be configured with a plurality of displays.
In this case, the foreground design and the background design may be displayed on separate displays, or the same display may be performed on at least two or more displays.
When a symbol to be noticed is displayed on a specific display, the player can easily recognize the symbol, and when the same display is performed on a plurality of displays, the player can recognize with a convenient display.

[Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a first-class pachinko machine, which is one of gaming machines, in which a privilege is given to a player by a combination of a foreground symbol and a background symbol. is there.
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the appearance of a pachinko machine 500 that is a first type pachinko machine.
On the game board surface 502 of the pachinko machine 500 shown in FIG. 14, a gate 522 having a gate sensor 548 for detecting a pachinko ball passing therethrough, a simulated gate 514 imitating the gate 522 but not detecting the passage of the pachinko ball. 552, a first type starting port 520 having a starting port sensor 550 for detecting a winning pachinko ball, a large winning port 524 having a lid 564 opened and closed by a solenoid 544, a special symbol display 512 and a holding ball lamp as will be described later. In addition to the composite device 504 having 510, 518, etc., a general winning opening, a windmill, a nail and the like are appropriately arranged.

Of the simulated gates 514 and 552, the simulated gate 514 includes a normal symbol display 516 that displays the normal symbol while changing or stopping the normal symbol.
The normal symbol display 516 includes one or a plurality of light emitters (for example, a green LED and a red LED). When a pachinko ball passes through the gate 522, the fluctuation starts and stops after a predetermined time.
Specifically, the light emitter is turned on and off to change, and when a specific light emitter (for example, a red LED) stops in a lighted state or a lighted state, the lid of the lower start port 558 is closed for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds). Just open it.
In addition to the lid 564, the grand prize winning opening 524 is a V zone 546 that allows the big hit gaming state to be continued within the required number of times (for example, 16 times) if the pachinko ball wins within the grand prize opening opening period (for example, 20 seconds). , Just have a normal winning opening to pay out the winning ball.
In order to detect a winning pachinko ball, the V zone 546 has a V zone sensor 542, and the normal winning opening has a winning sensor 560.
A lower start port 558 having a start port sensor 556 for detecting a winning pachinko ball is provided below the big winning port 524.
The lower start port 558 has the same function as the first type start port 520.
Each of the first type starting port 520 and the lower starting port 558 pays out a winning ball in the same manner as a normal winning port when a pachinko ball wins.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine 500, when the pachinko ball wins the first type start port 520 and the lower start port 558, the necessary condition is satisfied.

The composite device 504 includes a special symbol display 512 that can display a foreground symbol and a background symbol, a holding ball lamp 510 that displays the number of pachinko balls that have passed through the gate 522 during the variation of the normal symbol, and a second symbol during the variation of the special symbol. A holding ball lamp 518 or the like for displaying the number of pachinko balls won in the first type starting port 520 or the lower starting port 558 is provided.
Hereinafter, the number that can be recognized by the display of the holding ball lamp 518 is referred to as “the number of holding balls”.

The special symbol display 512 corresponding to the display unit 6 uses, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays special symbols, decorative symbols, and the like including symbols such as characters, symbols, codes, graphics, and images.
The special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 512 starts to fluctuate when a pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 520 or the lower starting port 558 and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed.
Although a liquid crystal display is used as the special symbol display 512, any display capable of displaying symbols such as a CRT, LED display, plasma display, etc. may be used.
Further, although the normal symbol display 516 and the special symbol display 512 are separately used, the same display may be used for both.
Each of the holding ball lamps 510 and 518 includes a plurality of light emitters (for example, four LEDs).

Below the gaming board surface 502, an operation button 538 (operation unit) for a player to perform a required operation on the pachinko machine 500, a lower plate 534 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, and cigarette butts Etc., an ashtray 536 for placing the player, a handle 530 having a touch sensor 532 for detecting whether or not the player's hand is touching, and sound (sound effects, music, etc.) provided inside the upper plate 528 which is a receiving tray for the prize ball A speaker 540 for outputting
Further, the glass frame 508 (also referred to as “gold frame”).
) And the lamps 506 made of a light emitting body arranged at an appropriate position in accordance with the game content of the pachinko machine 500 and the like.
Furthermore, the upper plate 528 includes a ball lending switch 554 for instructing ball lending and a return switch 562 for instructing to return the prepaid card.

Next, with respect to the main control board 100 that realizes the pachinko game by the pachinko machine 500 and the display control board 200 that receives the display command sent from the main control board 100 and displays the symbols on the special symbol display 512, these The schematic configuration of is shown in FIG.
Since the configurations of the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
In relation to the first embodiment, the input / output device and the like are specifically different in the following points.
That is, in the main control board 100, as an input device for the input processing circuit 102 to receive a detection signal or the like, for example, an operation button 538, a winning detection sensor (gate sensor 548, start port sensors 550, 556, etc.) or other sensors (frame open) Sensor 526 and touch sensor 532).
An output device from which the output processing circuit 104 outputs a signal includes, for example, a solenoid 544.
Examples of display bodies that are controlled by the display control circuit 106 include lamps 506, holding ball lamps 510 and 518, a normal symbol display 516, and the like.
In addition, the display control board 200 that has received the display information sent from the CPU 210 outputs the symbol processed from the VDP 214 to the special symbol display 512.

In the pachinko machine 500 configured as described above, a processing procedure performed by the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 in order to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the first type start port process, FIG. 17 is the contents of the symbol variation process, and FIG. 18 is the contents of the variation display process.
These processes are realized by the CPU 110 executing the game control program stored in the ROM 112 in the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 3 at an appropriate timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds).
The configuration of the command block 300 and the symbol display processing executed on the display control board 200 are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted.
In the following description, a background symbol (for example, a privilege symbol) displayed on the special symbol indicator 512 is displayed with an appropriate symbol at an appropriate timing according to the gaming state or the like regardless of the foreground symbol (for example, the special symbol). Shall.
Also, since the first type start port 520 and the lower start port 558 function in the same manner, the first type start port 520 will be described as an example for the sake of simplicity.

The first type start port process shown in FIG. 16 realizes a pachinko ball winning determination with respect to the first type start port 520 in the same manner as the start port process shown in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won the first type starting port 520 [step S200].
Specifically, when a detection signal is received from the start port sensor 550 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES), and if no detection signal is received, it is determined that no prize has been won (NO).
If a pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 520, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit [step S202].
If the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit (NO), the number of reserved balls is added [step S204].
The LED of the holding ball lamp 518 is turned on according to the added number of holding balls.
Thereafter, various random numbers are read and stored [step S206], and the first type start port process is terminated.
In addition, when the pachinko ball has not won the first type start port 520 (NO in step S200), or when the number of held balls reaches the upper limit (YES in step S202), the first is performed without doing anything. The seed start port process is terminated.

The various random numbers read in step S206 and stored in the RAM 114 include, for example, a jackpot determination random number RH used for determining whether or not the jackpot is received, and a special symbol display when the jackpot determination random number RH is determined to be a jackpot. The foreground design random number RI used for specifying the foreground design displayed on the device 512, the background design random number RJ used for specifying the background design, and the reach design displayed on the special design display 512 There are a reach pattern random number RK used to specify a display pattern from when the change is stopped until the change is stopped, a probability change random number RL used to determine whether or not the probability change is performed after the big hit.

The symbol variation process shown in FIG. 17 realizes the symbol variation performed by the special symbol display 512, similarly to the symbol variation process shown in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is a positive number [step S210].
When the number of held balls is a positive number (YES), the jackpot determination random number RH stored in step S206 is read [step S212], and the number of held balls is subtracted in preparation for the next processing (step S214).
In accordance with the number of reserved balls thus subtracted, the LED of the reserved ball lamp 518 is turned on to execute a variation display process [step S216].
The specific contents of this variation display process will be described with reference to FIG.

The variation display process shown in FIG. 18 corresponds to the first lottery and the second lottery, and realizes display from the start to the stop of symbol variation.
First, it is determined whether or not it is a “big hit” [step S230].
Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the jackpot determination random number RH read in step S212 matches the jackpot value.
The number of jackpot values is the same as in the first embodiment.
If it is determined that the jackpot is “YES” (YES), the foreground design random number RI and the background design random number RJ stored in step S206 of FIG. 16 are read [step S232], and the foreground design random number RI and the background design random number are read. The symbol to be finally determined is determined according to the random number RJ.
Thereafter, the symbol variation is started almost simultaneously for the foreground symbol and the background symbol [step S234], and the reach process is executed after a while after the variation starts [step S236].
Since the specific contents of the reach process are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
When the reach process is thus completed, the process proceeds to step S238 described later.
On the other hand, when it is determined as “displacement” in step S230 (NO), in order to display the off symbol on the special symbol indicator 512, after the off symbol data is read from the RAM 114 [step S250], reach to the off symbol is reached. It is determined whether or not a symbol is included [step S252].
The reach design is the same as that of Embodiment 1 except that the design is different.
If it includes a reach symbol (YES), it will eventually become “out of”, but it will reach in the middle, so the process proceeds to step S234 described later.
If the reach symbol is not included (NO), the foreground symbol and the background symbol are started to change at almost the same time as in step S234 [step S254]. ], The process proceeds to step S238 described later.

When the reach process is finished, it is determined whether or not the probability changes [step S238].
Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the random number RL for probability variation stored in step S206 in FIG. 16 matches a predetermined value.
If it is determined that there is a probability variation (YES), the probability variation process is executed [step S240], and then the variation display process is terminated.
Since the contents of the probability variation processing are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
On the other hand, when it is not discriminated as a probability fluctuation in step S238 (NO), the fluctuation display process is terminated as it is.
The above steps S234, S236, S254, and S256 are implemented by sending corresponding display commands to the display control board 200, respectively.

When the variation display process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 17 to determine whether or not the game is a big hit [step S218].
In the pachinko machine 500 that is not easily affected by external noise or the like and has high reliability, it is determined whether or not it is a “big hit” based on the hit determination random number RH.
Note that, as necessary, whether or not a big hit is made may be determined based on whether or not the special symbol actually displayed on the special symbol display 512 matches the jackpot symbol.
If it is “big hit” (YES), after the big hit processing is executed [step S220], the symbol variation processing is terminated.
In the jackpot processing, for example, a jackpot game such as opening the lid 564 of the jackpot 524 for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds) and paying out a prize ball according to the number of winning pachinko balls is performed.
On the other hand, if the determination in step S218 is “out” (NO), the symbol variation process is terminated as it is.

Next, an example in which the foreground symbol and the background symbol are displayed on the special symbol display 512 by executing the processing shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.
This example is an example of a case where a combination of foreground and background symbols results in a “big hit”, and illustration and description of many “out of” cases are omitted.
For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that numerical symbols “1” to “9” are used as special symbols, and character symbols are used as privilege symbols.
Also, animations and the like displayed as decorative designs are omitted for the sake of simplicity of explanation and illustration.

When the pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 520, as shown in FIG. 19A, the special symbol and the bonus symbol start changing the symbol almost simultaneously based on the changing pattern {step S234 in FIG. 18}.
Thereafter, when reaching the special symbol, the left symbol 570 and the right symbol 574 are stopped as shown in FIG. 19B {step S236 in FIG. 18}.
In the example of FIG. 19 (B), the left symbol 570 and the right symbol 574 in the middle stage are identical in the numerical symbol “7”, and therefore the reach line 576 is displayed together with the characters “reach”.
Thereafter, the middle symbol 572 stops and the same symbol “7” is aligned in the middle horizontal row as shown in FIG. 19C, so that the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”.
During this time, the privilege symbol continues to fluctuate and then stops.
Here, as shown in FIG. 20A, the special symbol and the special symbol 578 (the left symbol 570, the middle symbol 572, the right symbol 574) and the special symbol 580 are in the foreground with respect to the special symbol indicator 512. And the background.
Therefore, when a player or the like sees the special symbol 578 and the privilege symbol 580 from the front of the special symbol indicator 512, it appears to be superimposed as shown in FIG.
In the example of FIG. 20B, the special symbol 578 and the privilege symbol 580 are overlapped with character symbols due to the illustrated relationship, but it is difficult to discriminate them. However, in the actual pachinko machine 500, the special symbol 578 and the privilege symbol 580 are difficult to distinguish. It can be easily distinguished by changing the color, pattern, etc.

Then, when the lottery result based on the special symbol is “big hit” and the bonus symbol is also displayed as “big hit”, the bonus of the bonus game is given to the player {step S220 in FIG. 17}.
Thus, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a privilege may be obtained by a combination of the foreground design and the background design.
Further, since the foreground symbol and the background symbol are superimposed and displayed on the special symbol display 512, the player can easily determine whether or not a privilege is given by looking at the superimposed and displayed portion.
When the lottery result based on the special symbol is “big hit” and the special symbol is displayed as “out of”, the bonus of the big bonus game is not given to the player.
On the other hand, even if the lottery result of the special symbol is “out”, if the bonus symbol is displayed with the word “big hit”, the bonus bonus game privilege is given to the player.
Further, when the character of the benefit symbol “probability big hit” is displayed, the player is given a benefit of probability variation.
Then, a bonus may be given to the player separately when the lottery result based on the special symbol is a “hit” and when the character “hit” is displayed as the bonus symbol.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Corresponding to claim 4, if the combination of the special symbol 578 (foreground symbol) and the special symbol symbol 580 (background symbol) stops after the change in the specific symbol combination, a privilege is given to the player {step S220 in FIG. 17} .
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a privilege may be obtained by a combination of the special symbol 578 and the privilege symbol 580.
(2) Corresponding to claim 5, the special symbol 578 and the special symbol 580 are superimposed and displayed on the special symbol display 512 (display unit) {see FIG. 20}.
At this time, whether or not the combination of the special symbol 578 and the special symbol 580 is a combination of the specific symbol can be understood by looking at the part (region) displayed in a superimposed manner.
Therefore, the player can easily determine whether or not a privilege is given only by looking at the part.

In the second embodiment, a special symbol is used as the foreground symbol, and a privilege symbol is used as the background symbol.
It may replace with this form and may be implemented with the form shown below.
(1) A bonus symbol may be used as the foreground symbol, and a special symbol may be used as the background symbol.
Even in this case, regardless of the special symbol, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a special symbol may be obtained.
(2) A special symbol may be used for both the foreground symbol and the background symbol.
In this case, corresponding to claim 2, there is a possibility that a privilege is given by a privilege symbol as a background symbol regardless of what happens to the privilege symbol as a foreground symbol.
Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation that the privilege may be acquired by the privilege symbol as the background symbol.
This is the same even when the privilege symbol is used for both the foreground symbol and the background symbol.

[Other Embodiments] In the pachinko machine 10,500 (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, arrangement, number, operating conditions, etc. of other parts are not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied can be implemented.
(1) In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10,500.
Instead of this form, it is a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a pachislot machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.), and has a display unit capable of displaying a foreground symbol and a background symbol. The present invention can also be applied to the same.
Even in the other gaming machines, the player can play with a sense of expectation that a privilege is expected not only for the foreground symbols but also for the background symbols.

(2) In the first embodiment, a normal symbol is used for the foreground symbol and a special symbol is used for the background symbol.
Similarly, in the second embodiment, a special symbol is used for the foreground symbol and a privilege symbol is used for the background symbol.
Instead of this form, the design used for the foreground design and / or the background design may be changed when a predetermined condition is satisfied or when the player's intention is detected.
The predetermined condition is established, for example, when a foreground symbol and / or a background symbol stops at a predetermined symbol after a change, or during a jackpot game, a pachinko ball in a predetermined region (such as the symbol variation start port 66 or the first type start port 520). This is the case when a prize is won / passed.
The means for detecting the player's intention is not limited to, for example, the operation buttons 50 and 538, but is not only a contact sensor (for example, a switch, a touch panel, a pressure sensor), but a non-contact sensor (for example, an optical sensor or an infrared sensor), Or a recognition system (speech recognition system, image recognition system, etc.) corresponds.
By changing the symbol used for the foreground symbol and the background symbol, the symbol with the expectation that the privilege may be obtained can be changed, so that the player's expectation also increases.

(3) In the first embodiment, the required condition is satisfied when the pachinko ball is won in the symbol variation starting port 66 in the pachinko machine 10 and in the first type starting port 520 or the lower starting port 558 in the second embodiment. {Step S10 in FIG. 4, Step S200 in FIG. 17}.
In place of (or in addition to) this form, when the probability is high, the time is short, or the number of reserved balls reaches the upper limit (so-called full), depending on the type of gaming machine, date and time, gaming state, etc. Required when a ball wins or passes through a predetermined area, during a jackpot game, or when the opening / closing member (moving wing piece such as a tulip or so-called tulip) is open for a certain period after the jackpot game ends. The condition may be satisfied.
This increases the chances of the background symbol changing and stopping, and also increases the player's expectation that a privilege may be obtained.

(4) In the first embodiment, in the pachinko machine 10, when a pachinko ball wins the symbol variation start port 66, the normal symbol variation display process corresponding to the first lottery {see FIG. 6} and the special symbol corresponding to the second lottery. The fluctuation display process {see FIG. 7} was executed.
Similarly, in the second embodiment, when a pachinko ball wins at the first type starting port 520 and the lower starting port 558, a variation display process {refer to FIG. 18} corresponding to the first lottery and the second lottery is executed.
Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the corresponding variable display process may be executed in accordance with the fulfillment of different required conditions (with different starting or passing gates or gates for winning or passing).
For example, in the first embodiment, a symbol variation start port separate from the symbol variation start port 66 is provided, and when a pachinko ball wins the symbol variation start port 66, a normal symbol variation display process is executed, and a separate symbol variation start port is executed. When the pachinko ball wins, special symbol variation display processing is executed.
Even in this case, the player can play with a sense of expectation that expects a privilege not only for the foreground symbols but also for the background symbols.

(5) In the first embodiment, a plurality of special symbols (left symbol 90, middle symbol 92, right symbol 94) are used as background symbols in the second embodiment, and in FIG. 20).
Instead of this form, one special symbol may be used in the first embodiment, and a plurality of privilege symbols may be used in the second embodiment.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the respective embodiments can be obtained.
This is the same even when the background symbol is other symbols (ordinary symbols, decorative symbols, etc.).
The same applies to the foreground symbol combined with the background symbol.

(6) In the second embodiment, when the combination of the special symbol 578 (foreground symbol) and the special symbol symbol 580 (background symbol) stops after the change, the special symbol 578 is given to the player {step S220 in FIG. 17 }.
That is, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the combination of symbols displayed before and after the second hierarchy becomes a combination of specific symbols, a privilege is given to the player.
Instead of this form, a privilege may be given to the player when a combination of symbols respectively displayed before and after a plurality of layers of three or more layers becomes a combination of specific symbols.
Furthermore, it is better to change the number of tiers according to the gaming state, or to change the size of the privilege according to the number of tiers.
In this way, variations in the combination of symbols spread.

(7) In the above embodiments, the foreground symbol and the background symbol are superimposed and displayed (see FIGS. 13 and 20), but the foreground symbol and the background symbol are alternately displayed or displayed side by side so as not to overlap. May be.
Even in these display modes, the player may easily recognize the foreground symbol and the background symbol and easily determine whether or not a privilege is given.
The same applies to the case of multiple hierarchies in (6) above.
Here, an example in which a normal symbol (foreground symbol) and a special symbol (background symbol) are displayed side by side without being superimposed will be described with reference to FIG. 21 using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.
In both FIG. 21 (A) and FIG. 21 (B), symbols are displayed on the symbol display 22 so that the perspective can be understood by the oblique projection method or the perspective image method.
In the example of FIG. 21 (A), the image of a character appreciating a picture is shown, and a normal symbol (left symbol 80, middle symbol 82, right symbol 84) imitating bears lined up in a row in the forward direction on the front side. ), And on the rear side, special symbols (left symbol 90, middle symbol 92, right symbol 94) simulating pictures hung on the wall are displayed.
The example of FIG. 21 (B) is an image of a car rally performed in magnificent nature, with normal symbols imitating cars lined up in a row on the front side and floating in the sky on the back side. A special symbol that imitates a cloud is displayed.
The normal symbol and the special symbol shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B can visually recognize the front and back of the symbol.
That is, the person who has seen the symbol display 22 recognizes the normal symbol located on the front side in the display area as the foreground symbol, and recognizes the special symbol located on the rear side as the background symbol.
In this way, by displaying a symbol by a perspective method, the foreground symbol and the background symbol can be identified.
Therefore, even if the normal symbol (foreground symbol) and the special symbol (background symbol) are displayed side by side without being superimposed, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

(8) In the above embodiment, the pachinko that performs symbol variation based on the symbol display pattern by repeating the procedure of transmitting data (for example, command block 300) for each screen from the main control substrate 100 to the display control substrate 200. The present invention was applied to the machine 10 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
Instead of this form, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that transmits symbol display pattern data from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200 only once every time symbol variation or the like is performed.
When the player operates the operation button 50, the main control board 100 transmits the symbol display pattern data once again to the display control board 200 to continue the symbol variation and the like.
That is, when the player operates the operation button 50, a new symbol change or the like is started.
In this case, the amount of data transmitted from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200 is significantly reduced from one screen to every symbol display pattern.
Therefore, the number of man-hours for designing the program necessary for the main control board 100 can be greatly reduced, and the cost of the pachinko machine can also be reduced.
In addition, since a new symbol variation or the like starts when desired by the player's intention, the expectation of expecting a privilege can be further maintained.

2 Game control unit 4 Display control unit 6 Display unit 10 Pachinko machine (game machine)
22 Symbol display (display unit)
64 Start port sensor 66 Symbol variation start port 80, 82, 84 Normal symbol (foreground symbol)
90, 92, 94 Special design (background design)
100 Main control board (game control unit)
200 Display control board (display control unit)
500 Pachinko machines (game machines)
512 Special symbol display (display unit)
520 First type start port 550, 556 Start port sensor 558 Lower start port 570, 572, 574 Special design (foreground design)
580 Bonus design (background design)

Claims (3)

The display unit that can display the foreground symbol used for the first lottery and the background symbol used behind the foreground symbol and used for the second lottery, and the foreground symbol that has fluctuated due to the first lottery stopped at the specific symbol Then, a gaming machine having a game control unit that gives the player a first privilege and gives the player the second privilege when the background symbol that has been changed by the second lottery stops at a predetermined symbol. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first privilege and the second privilege are of the same type. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the changing foreground symbol stops at a symbol other than the specific symbol, the background symbol stops changing after the stop or the changing background symbol is other than the predetermined symbol. A game machine that stops changing the foreground symbol after the stop when the symbol stops.

Images