JP3938851B2 - Game machine symbol display control method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a lottery is executed by winning a start opening, and a result of the lottery is displayed to a player in a state of a variation pattern of symbols in a plurality of rows for a predetermined time and the symbol arrangement in which the variation pattern is stopped after the predetermined time. The present invention relates to a symbol display control method and apparatus for a gaming machine provided with a symbol variation display device for notification.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, in gaming machines, particularly pachinko machines, a lottery is made by detecting a pachinko ball that has won a start winning opening (special symbol start winning opening). There is a pachinko machine that has a function (big hit) that is released a predetermined number of times to increase the winning rate of game balls and to make it advantageous for the player.
[0003]
In this type of pachinko machine, a display unit (usually a liquid crystal display screen) is installed at the center of the gauge board of the pachinko machine as an effect for notifying the player of the result of the lottery. The display unit is configured to display a symbol hit screen in a sequence when a symbol changing screen of a plurality of columns is configured (there is also a background screen) and the changing symbol stops. By seeing the symbol variation screen, the player is amazed whether it is a hit or miss, so that the player can have a sense of expectation.
[0004]
Here, a scroll method is adopted for the variation of the symbols. That is, the symbols move up and down and left and right on the screen, and the symbols stopped at a predetermined position on the screen become the stopped symbols.
[0005]
Conventionally, a technique in which various variations are provided for this symbol variation has been proposed.
[0006]
First, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-140877 (hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 1) discloses that a three-dimensional effect is expressed by rotating a plane symbol around the Y axis. In this prior art 1, since the 2D symbol is rotated at the time of so-called reach production and only a three-dimensional effect is produced with respect to a single symbol, the overall variation is a conventional scroll, which is insufficient as a preference. Become.
[0007]
Next, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-156013 (hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 2) discloses that a three-dimensional effect and a sense of perspective are expressed by enlarging / reducing a plane pattern in a fluctuating direction. This prior art 2 is not suitable for high-speed fluctuations and lacks a sense of speed, so it is not suitable for symbol fluctuations.
[0008]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-156020 (hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 3) discloses that a polygon is applied in a 3D space and the depth is smoothly expressed between the background and the like. In the prior art 3, as in the prior art 1, only a representation using a polygon for a single symbol is used, and only a 3D standard function is used, and there is no novelty.
[0009]
Here, the prior art 1 to the prior art 3 are intended for so-called reach effects, and cannot be applied to normal symbol fluctuations themselves, and do not leave the area of scroll fluctuations.
[0010]
In addition, during this change, one of the effects is to change the symbol with respect to the normal variation pattern (replacement of the symbol), but the player feels uncomfortable because there is no connection before and after the replacement. Sometimes.
[0011]
The prior arts 1 to 3 cannot solve such problems.
[0012]
As one of the effects, the symbol may be changed with respect to the normal variation pattern during high-speed fluctuation (replacement of the symbol).
[0013]
In consideration of the above-mentioned facts, the present invention establishes a variation of a symbol different from a general variation such as scrolling, and a gaming machine capable of changing a symbol that is changing without causing a sense of incongruity. The object is to obtain a symbol display control method and apparatus.
[0016]
Further, in the first aspect, since the fluctuation is completely different from the conventional scroll fluctuation, and the symbol memory can be reduced as compared with the conventional one, an effect with a limited memory capacity (for example, a reach effect) can be achieved. The memory area can be expanded.
[0031]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a lottery is executed by winning a start opening, and a lottery result is obtained from a variation pattern of a plurality of rows of symbols for a predetermined time and the symbol arrangement of the symbol pattern in which the variation pattern is stopped after the predetermined time. A symbol display control device for a gaming machine provided with a symbol variation display device for informing a player in a state, wherein a storage means for preliminarily storing reference symbols that can be transformed into all symbols by cutting out a part thereof; a cut-away section cut based on a specified pattern a portion of the reference pattern stored in the storage means, a symbol of a truncated in the cut-away section, is rotated about the Y axis as a 3D pattern, predetermined varied in the variation pattern, and display the shape in fluctuation, high speed during variations during the symbol variation has a display control means for displaying to represent only the reference symbols spherical.
[0032]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reference symbol is stored in the storage means in advance. In the display control means, the symbol is changed in a predetermined fluctuation pattern. During the high speed fluctuation during the symbol change, the player can hardly recognize the individual symbols, so the reference symbol stored in the storage means. Express. Further, at the time of low speed fluctuation, a part of the reference symbol is cut out based on the designated symbol to express each symbol. Thereby, it can change without a sense of incongruity in any of the symbols before and after the symbol changes.
Furthermore, by rotating the symbol around the Y-axis, during high-speed variation during symbol variation, it is possible to display only the reference symbol as a sphere, thereby increasing the range of effects. it can. That is, when the rotation center is a line (rotation axis), the symbol rotates.
[0033]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the symbol is a numeral, the reference symbol stored in the storage means is the numeral 8, and the cutting means is the numeral 8 It is characterized by expressing the minimum number necessary for symbol variation by cutting out a part.
[0034]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the numeral 8 is stored in the storage means as a reference symbol. The number 8 can be easily expressed by cutting off some of the numbers. For example, if the left half is cut off, the number 3 can be obtained. In addition, for example, even if it is rotated about the Y axis, it is almost symmetrical and there is little change in the outer shape, so that it is easy to express the reference symbol at the time of high speed fluctuation.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a pachinko machine 110 according to the present embodiment. The pachinko machine 110 is configured by a rectangular frame 113 and is supported by a store-side base surface 115. The frame 113 is provided with a decorative plate 113A, a speaker 162, a key cylinder 113B, and the like.
[0036]
A transparent glass plate 110A is disposed on the inner front surface of the frame 113 in a state of being fitted into the glass frame 110B. A game board 111 is disposed in an inner area partitioned by the transparent glass plate 110A. In addition, an area surrounded by the arc-shaped rail 112 in the game board 111 is a gauge portion 114 that is a game area.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of nails 116 are driven over the entire surface of the gauge portion 114, and pachinko balls launched through the rails 112 bounce against the nails 116 or guide formed by the nails 116. It is going to fall while being guided by the road. In addition to this nail 116, a windmill 118 is attached at a symmetrical position toward the gauge portion 114 so as to change the direction of the pachinko ball in an unexpected direction.
[0038]
Further, the gauge portion 114 is provided with a winning opening 120 at a plurality of positions, and when a pachinko ball enters the winning opening 120, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out to the player.
[0039]
Such a gauge part 114 is a substantially symmetrical system, and an electric accessory unit 122 as a special symbol changing device is arranged in the center part, and its display part 124 (LCD panel) is exposed. . A special symbol start winning port 126 for starting the electric accessory unit 122 is provided below the display unit 124.
[0040]
A special prize opening 128 is arranged further below the special symbol starting prize opening 126, and an opening / closing member 129 for opening and closing the special prize opening 128 is opened for a predetermined time in a so-called display state in the electric accessory unit 122. It is configured to win a large number of pachinko balls.
[0041]
In addition, the pachinko ball which won the special symbol start winning opening 126 is held for a maximum of four balls, and when the guidance of the lottery result by the electric accessory unit 122 is finished, the held portion is digested. ing.
[0042]
In addition, the gauge part 114 is provided with a normal symbol start winning opening 130, and when a pachinko ball wins a prize in the normal symbol start winning opening 130, the display of the normal symbol display part (not shown) fluctuates and becomes a predetermined unit number. An electric tulip 134 as a movable part provided in the special symbol start winning opening 126 is opened for a predetermined time. By opening the electric tulip 134, the probability of winning the special symbol start winning opening 126 is physically increased.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 1, the lower part of the gauge part 114, that is, the lower part of the transparent glass plate 110A is a panel part 140, the upper panel 140A is provided with an upper plate 141, and the lower panel 140B is fired. A handle 136 as an operation unit of the apparatus and a lower plate 138 for receiving a pachinko ball falling from the upper plate 141 are provided. Note that an ashtray 143 is also provided on the lower panel 140B.
[0044]
The handle 136 is attached to a rotating shaft protruding from the inside of the panel 140, and is rotatable about the rotating shaft. That is, when the player holds and rotates the handle 136, the launching device is operated, and the firing strength is set based on the rotation angle. Note that a return biasing force is applied to the rotation, and the structure automatically returns to the original rotation position when the player releases his / her hand. A stop switch 137 is provided around the handle 136. The stop switch 137 has a function of stopping the launching device while maintaining the state where the handle 136 is rotated.
[0045]
FIG. 3 shows an outline of a control system for controlling the pachinko machine 110. The control system is classified for each function such as the payout control board 152, the sound control board 154, the lamp control board 156, the launch control board 158, the symbol display control board 160, etc. with the main control board 150 as the center (hereinafter referred to as “the control system”). These are collectively referred to as the sub-control board 151).
[0046]
The main control board 150 and the sub control board 151 can also manage the operation status of the pachinko machine by connecting to the hall computer 208 on the pachinko shop side via the management control board 206.
[0047]
The main control board 150 stores a basic program relating to the game, and the other sub-control boards 151 execute independently based on the command signal from the main control board 150. That is, the main control board 150 basically outputs only a command and does not receive feedback of the result or the like.
[0048]
The payout control board 152 controls the number of payouts of pachinko balls, and the sound control board 154 controls the output of sound effects and the like from the speaker 162 provided in the pachinko machine 110. In addition, the lamp control board 156 controls turning on / off of the electric decoration member (game board state display lamp) 164 attached to the pachinko machine 110, and the launch control board 158 controls the launch of the pachinko ball by the player. .
[0049]
The symbol display control board 160 is connected to the display unit 124 via a display driver 166, and executes display that provides a predetermined effect based on a command signal from the main control board 150. The symbol display control board 160 also controls the normal symbol display unit.
[0050]
The main control board 150 includes a special symbol winning sensor 168 provided at the special symbol starting winning port 126, a normal symbol winning sensor 170 provided at the normal symbol starting winning port 130, and a winning sensor provided at each winning port 120. 172 and a special winning opening sensor 173 that detects a pachinko ball that has won the special winning opening 128 is connected. The special winning opening 128 is provided with a V zone for continuing the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening, and a V zone sensor 171 is also provided in this V zone.
[0051]
Also connected to the main control board 150 are a solenoid 174 for opening and closing the electric tulip 134, a solenoid 175 for opening and closing the opening / closing member 129 of the special prize opening 128, and a special symbol holding lamp 200.
[0052]
In addition, the main control board 150 draws special symbols and normal symbols, selects display contents on the display unit 124 based on the lottery result, and outputs a command signal to the symbol display control board 160. That is, in the symbol display control board 160, data of different display contents based on a plurality of types of command signals are stored in advance, and the data is selected based on the command signals and activated.
[0053]
In the main control board 150, when the special symbol start winning hole 126 is won, a winning lottery is made, and when the winning is made, the big winning hole 128 is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, so that the pachinko ball The player is in an advantageous state that greatly increases the winning probability.
[0054]
Here, in the present embodiment, “1” to “15” of the numerical symbol 50 are applied as the special symbol. When the lottery result is a big hit, all three columns of numbers that are stopped and displayed on the display unit 124 are the same. As shown in FIG. 5, each numerical symbol 50 has a shape determined by using the numeral “8” (see FIG. 5A) as a motif as a reference symbol 52. These numerical symbols 50 are formed by cutting out a part of the reference symbol 52 (the numeral “8”) (the corresponding numeral is added at the end of the reference numeral 50 in FIGS. 5B to 5P). (Shown in parentheses).
[0055]
In other words, all the numerical symbols 50 apply a part of the reference symbol 52 in common, and this common portion is always in the display state.
[0056]
In FIG. 4, the special symbol (reference symbol 52 and numeric symbol 50) applied in the present embodiment including the reference symbol is stored, and the symbol display control board 160 that controls display on the display unit 124 is stored. A detailed block diagram is shown.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 4, the symbol display control board 160 includes a data receiving circuit 10 for receiving a strobe signal and a command from the main control board 150, a voltage conversion circuit 12 for converting a data level, and an external power supply circuit 13. And a power supply circuit 14 for supplying power to the voltage conversion circuit 12 and the like.
[0058]
The data receiving circuit 10 is connected to a CPU 18 that generates control data necessary for display control based on the received command and outputs the control data to the image processing LSI (VDP) 16. The CPU 18 is connected to a program ROM 20 containing a program describing an operation procedure in the CPU 18 and a RAM 22 functioning as a work area or a buffer memory.
[0059]
The image processing LSI (VDP) 16 that performs image development processing includes a video RAM 24 that temporarily stores image data developed by the image processing LSI (VDP) 16, and an image processing LSI (VDP) 16 that performs image development. A character ROM 26 that stores data necessary for this is connected.
[0060]
The image processing LSI (VDP) 16 is connected to an LCD panel interface circuit 28 for receiving and sending image data temporarily stored in the video RAM 24, and the LCD panel interface circuit 28 sends the image data. A display display unit (LCD panel) 124 is connected to display images using the image data.
[0061]
The character ROM 26 stores a 3D image data memory 30 and a 2D image data memory 32. The 3D image data memory 30 stores texture data 34 and object data 36. The 2D image data memory can also be used as texture data. The reference symbols and the symbols shown in FIG. 5 are stored in the character ROM 26.
[0062]
When the symbol variation on the display unit 124 is started by the control of the display control board 160, “8” as the reference symbol becomes a reference, and a part of the reference symbol is cut out based on a predetermined order. Each number is expressed.
[0063]
The operation of this embodiment will be described below.
[0064]
First, when a pachinko ball is launched, it is guided by the rail 112 and falls while making unpredictable movement while abutting against the nail 116, the windmill 118, etc. of the gauge part 114. Here, when winning a prize at the winning opening 120, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out (prize balls). When the normal symbol start winning opening 130 is won, the normal symbol winning sensor 170 detects this.
[0065]
With this detection, the main control board 150 starts drawing a normal symbol. That is, a random number counter is used to draw numbers from 0 to 9 with a predetermined probability. As a result of the lottery, there is no particular change in the gaming state in the case of losing. On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a win (for example, a win number of 7 is drawn), the main control board 150 sets the electric tulip 134 provided in the special symbol start winning opening 126 to an open state. Energize the solenoid 174. Thereby, it can be set as the high probability state in which the pachinko ball is easy to enter the special symbol start winning opening.
[0066]
When a pachinko ball wins the special symbol start winning opening 126, the main control board 150 starts a big win lottery with a predetermined probability using a random number counter. When winning / losing is determined as a result of the big hit lottery, a symbol variation pattern prepared in advance is selected (or may be selected by a random number counter), and a control board related to effects including the symbol display control board 160 is selected. Send command signal to.
[0067]
The symbol display control board 160 displays a symbol variation pattern on the display unit 124 via the display driver 166 based on the received command signal. In this symbol variation pattern, there are various effects such as hitting via reach, missed reach, and missed via reach, and the player can wait for the lottery result with a sense of expectation.
[0068]
Here, in the case of winning, the opening / closing member 129 of the special winning opening 128 is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, so that the probability of winning a pachinko ball becomes extremely large, and the player is in an advantageous state. Can do.
[0069]
If a pachinko ball wins the special symbol start winning opening 126 during the symbol variation display, the lottery is performed at that time, but the symbol variation display is waited until the currently displayed symbol variation display is finished. This is notified to the player when the hold lamp 200 is turned on.
[0070]
Here, according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the symbol variation control in the display unit 124 will be described.
[0071]
In step 200, an initialization process is executed. Then, in step 202, it is determined whether or not a new command is input from the main control board 150. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 204 to set an input command. Next, the RAM setting process is executed at step 206, and the routine proceeds to step 208. If a negative determination is made in step 202, the processing of steps 204 and 206 is not executed, and the routine proceeds to step 208.
[0072]
In steps 208, 210, 212, and 214, a speed data set process, a symbol update process, a reel data set process, and an animation data set process are executed, and the process proceeds to step 216.
[0073]
In step 216, it is determined whether the output permission flag is set. If the determination is affirmative, VDP data output processing is executed.
[0074]
As a more specific variation pattern of symbols displayed on the display unit 124 by this control, when expressed in ascending order and an equal difference permutation, from the state of “1” of the number symbol 50 shown in FIG. Through 5 (C) to FIG. 5 (O), up to “15” of the numerical symbol 50 of FIG. 5 (P) is repeated.
[0075]
At the beginning of the symbol variation, since it fluctuates at high speed, the reference symbol 52 (“8”) is almost displayed. On the other hand, at the time of low speed fluctuation before the stop, each symbol is switched smoothly because there are many common parts.
[0076]
Further, as one of the effects, there are cases where symbols are switched in an order other than the predetermined order. In this case, since all the symbols are based on the reference symbol 52, there is a connection regardless of the symbol before and after the symbol, and the player does not feel uncomfortable.
[0077]
According to the present embodiment, the numeral “8” is set in advance as the reference symbol 52, and a part of the shape expressing the numeral “8” is cut out to express the motif shape as each numeral. In this way, since each numerical symbol 50 is displayed as an afterimage during high-speed fluctuation, the reference symbol may be displayed as a result, and the amount of memory for symbol fluctuation can be reduced. For this reason, a limited amount of memory can be spent on reach production and the like, and variations in reach production can be increased. In addition, when it is rotating, it can only be seen as a reference number, so it can be expected to the end. In addition, changing the color raises double expectations.
[0078]
In the above-described embodiment, each symbol is expressed only by its shape, but each symbol may be color-coded. In particular, when only the number “8”, which is the reference symbol, is expressed during high-speed fluctuations, it appears to be stopped, so it is possible to make sure that it is changing by adding a color change to it. Can do.
[0079]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, gradation may be added to each symbol. With this gradation, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7C to 7E, a stereoscopic effect can be given. FIG. 7C shows a state in which the shape showing the number 1 changes to a shape showing the number 2 through high-speed fluctuation, and FIG. 7D shows a number from the shape showing the number 2 through high-speed fluctuation. 7 (E) shows a state of changing from a shape showing the number 3 to a shape showing the number 4 through high-speed fluctuation. The shape representing the number shown in FIG. 7 is different from the correlation between the number and the shape shown in FIG. 5, but the present invention is that all the symbols (shapes) have a common part. Therefore, the correlation between the number and the shape may be any combination by providing consistency among the models.
[0080]
In FIG. 7, by rotating the reference symbol around the Y axis for high-speed fluctuations (FIGS. 8A to 8F show intermittent images during rotation), FIG. 7C to FIG. As shown in Fig. 2, the symbol that is changing at high speed is two spheres stacked in the vertical direction, but the sphere can be expressed by giving gradation to this as well.
[0081]
In this way, by making the numbers appear to be rotating, it is possible to have an animation element and improve the hobby of the game.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 7B, the rotation axis of the reference symbol 52 is not limited to the Y axis, but may be rotated around the X axis or the Z axis. Moreover, you may make it rotate simultaneously centering on several axis | shafts.
[0083]
In the second modification, pseudo 3D is expressed by gradation, but a 3D image may be used.
[0084]
Furthermore, in FIG. 8, although described as an intermittent symbol at the time of rotation around the Y-axis, the front display shape of the reference symbol differs depending on the rotation angle at the time of the Y-axis rotation. May be expressed as different symbols.
[0085]
Further, the rotation axis is not fixed, and it is also possible to have a movement such that the rotation axis rotates around a point on the rotation axis. For example, in a state where the top is decelerating from the upright state (shaft rotation) and the rotation axis is gradually tilted, and the center is swung around the point where the core is in contact with the ground (the state where the tilt angle changes) It may be a series of fluctuations. Thereby, a three-dimensional effect can be expressed more.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that it is possible to establish a variation of a symbol different from a general variation such as scrolling, and to change the symbol being varied without causing a sense of incongruity. Have
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board surface of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram showing details of a symbol display control board according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing a form of a symbol displayed on the display unit according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a display control flowchart according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a front view showing a form of a symbol displayed on a display unit according to a modification.
8 is a front view showing an intermittent state during fluctuation in the pattern form of FIG. 7; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Data receiving circuit 12 Voltage conversion circuit 14 Power supply circuit 16 Image processing LSI (VDP)
18 CPU
20 Program ROM
22 RAM
24 video RAM
26 Character ROM
28 LCD panel interface 30 3D image data memory 32 2D image data memory 50 Number design 52 Reference design 110 Pachinko machine (game machine)
150 Main control board 152 Discharge control board 154 Audio control board 156 Lamp control board 158 Firing control board 160 Symbol display control board

Claims (2)

The lottery is executed by winning the start opening, and the lottery results are notified to the player in the state of the symbol variation pattern of a plurality of columns for a predetermined time and the symbol arrangement in which the variation pattern is stopped after the predetermined time. A symbol display control device for a gaming machine equipped with a display device,
  Storage means for storing in advance a reference symbol that can be transformed into all symbols by cutting out a part;
  A cutting means for cutting out a part of the reference symbol stored in the storage means based on the designated symbol;
  The pattern cut out by the cutting means is rotated around the Y axis as a 3D pattern, changed in a predetermined fluctuation pattern, and the shape being changed is displayed. Display control means for displaying only the reference symbol in a spherical shape,
A display control apparatus for a gaming machine having the above. The symbol is a numeral, and the reference symbol stored in the storage means is the numeral 8. The cutting means cuts a part of the numeral 8 to obtain the minimum number necessary for the fluctuation of the symbol. The symbol display control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:

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