JP4445278B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, and more specifically, based on the fact that a variable display start condition is satisfied after a variable display execution condition is satisfied, a plurality of types of identification information that can be individually identified The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a variable display device that variably displays and is controlled to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display becomes a predetermined specific display result.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, variable display is performed by updating or scrolling predetermined identification information (hereinafter referred to as display symbols) on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD). There are a number of games that are enhanced by a so-called variable display game that determines whether to give a predetermined game value based on the display result.

  For example, in a special game played as one of the variable display games, a display graphic is variably displayed based on detection of a game ball passing through a start winning opening (the execution condition of variable display is established). In this game, when the variable display is completely stopped, the stop symbol form is a specific display form determined in advance. In this special figure game, when a “hit” is made, a special electric accessory called a big prize opening or an attacker is opened, and a state in which a game ball can be won extremely easily is provided to a player for a certain period of time. . Such a state is referred to as a “specific game state” or a “hit game state”.

As a gaming machine for increasing the player's expectation in such a variable display game such as a special figure game, for example, an instruction button is provided within a required period from the start of variable display of display symbols to the end of the variable display. It has been proposed to change the variable display pattern of a display symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied by being pressed or the like, and perform variable display or animation display of the display symbol as long as there are remaining screens (for example, patents) Reference 1).
JP 2001-17658 A

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since a variable display pattern of a display pattern is changed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a screen display due to switching of the variable display pattern may be unnatural depending on the timing when the condition is satisfied. As a result, there is a possibility that the player may feel uncomfortable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a gaming machine capable of improving the interest of the game by making it possible to change the variable display mode of the display symbols without giving the player a sense of incongruity. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application is based on the fact that a variable display start condition is satisfied (for example, the previous variable display and the big hit gaming state in the variable display device 4 have been completed). In addition, a variable display device (for example, variable display device 4) that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) that can each be identified is provided, and a display result of variable display is determined in advance as a specific display result (for example, a figure As in the jackpot combination of symbols shown in FIG. 18 (F), FIG. 19 (H), etc., a display result in which the display symbols are the same symbol or a predetermined symbol combination, or one predetermined symbol is displayed. A game machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that is controlled to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player when the display result is included, and controls the progress of the game Game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11) and display control means (for example, display control) for performing display control of the variable display device based on a control signal from the game control means. CPU 112 and VDP 115 mounted on the substrate 12, and the game control means transmits a control signal for controlling the display by the variable display device to the display control means (for example, the CPU 103 performs step). A portion for executing the command control processing of S17) and a variable for determining a variable display time when variable display of identification information for which the variable display start condition is satisfied is executed when the variable display start condition is satisfied. Display time determination means (for example, a portion where the CPU 103 executes the variable display time setting process in step S113) And the signal transmitting means has a function of transmitting a variable display time control signal (for example, a variable display start command) indicating information specifying the variable display time of the identification information determined by the variable display time determining means. The display control means includes a signal receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the game control means (for example, a part where the CPU 112 executes the command receiving process shown in FIG. 7), and the variable information display time for the identification information. Data storage means (for example, ROM 113) for storing display control information indicating a display mode to be displayed on the variable display device, and variable display data indicating the plurality of display control information in time series corresponding to the variable display time; The variable display device is displayed based on the display control information indicated by the variable display data stored in the data storage means. Variable display control means for controlling (for example, a portion where the CPU 112 executes display control process processing, etc.), and the variable display control means includes the identification information specified by the variable display time control signal received by the signal receiving means. Corresponding to the variable display time, variable display data selection means (for example, a portion where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S203) for selecting one of a plurality of types of variable display data stored in the data storage means; The variable display time control signal received by the signal receiving means from the variable display data selected by the variable display data selecting means to variable display data having a variable display form different from the variable display form by the variable display data. Variable display data that determines whether to change within the variable display time of the specified identification information When the determination to change the variable display data is made by the further determination means (for example, the part where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S205) and the variable display data change determination means, the change timing of the variable display data is set. When the determination to change the variable display data is made by the change timing determination means for determining (for example, the part where the CPU 112 executes the processing of steps S208 and S209) and the variable display data change determination means, the variable display The variable display data selection unit after change (for example, the CPU 112 performs step S211) that selects any one of a plurality of types of variable display data stored in the data storage unit as the variable display data used by the variable display control unit after the data change. And the signal reception) Based on the variable display time of the identification information specified by the variable display time control signal received by the stage and the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means, selected by the variable display data selection means after change The control information selection unit after change (for example, the part where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S212) that selects any one of the plurality of display control information indicated by the variable display data, and the variable display data selection unit Based on the variable display data, the switching image generation means (for example, VDP115) generates a switching image using the image displayed on the variable display device at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means. The CPU 112 executes the process according to step S261. Etc.), and when the change display data determined by the change timing determination means has been reached, the switching image generated by the switching image generation means is displayed on the variable display device, The variable display data used by the variable display control means is changed to the variable display data selected by the variable display data selection means after change, and the display mode is indicated by the display control information selected by the control information selection means after change. Change display control means (for example, a portion where the CPU 112 executes the display process during change in step S240).

  3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the change display control means pauses the variable display at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means (for example, FIG. 21 (B), As shown in FIGS. 22 (C) and 23 (E), the switching image generated by the switching image generating means is displayed on the variable display device in a state in which no special symbol is displayed (for example, the CPU 112 in step S239). In the pattern change start process, the variable display of the special symbol is paused by executing the process of step S254, and then the changing display process of step S240 is executed).

  4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the game control means includes a numerical data updating means (for example, a random number circuit 104) for updating predetermined numerical data, and variable display that triggers the start of the variable display. The numerical data extraction means for extracting the numerical data updated by the numerical data update means when the execution condition (for example, determined as Yes in step S100 by winning the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6) is satisfied. (For example, the part where the CPU 103 executes the winning process in step S101) and whether or not the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means matches predetermined determination value data indicating that the specific display result is obtained. Pre-determining means for determining (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes the jackpot determining process in step S111), When the variable display start condition is satisfied, the signal transmission means transmits a variable display result instruction signal (for example, a variable display start command or a special symbol designation) indicating a display result of variable display based on a result of determination by the prior determination means. Command), and the change timing determination unit is configured to display the variable display result indicated by the variable display result instruction signal received by the signal reception unit when the specific display result is the specific display result. The change timing of the variable display data is determined to be late at a higher rate than when it is not the specific display result (for example, the CPU 112 executes either the process of step S208 or step S209 according to the determination result of step S207). By determining the execution timing of pattern change with the selection probability as shown in FIG. .

  5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the variable display control means includes image data storage means (for example, CGROM 116) for storing image data for executing variable display based on variable display data, and the image data storage. Based on the image data reading means (for example, the data decompression unit 160, the data reproduction unit 161, etc.) for reading the image data from the means, and the image data read from the image data storage means by the image data reading means, the variable display data Display image generating means (for example, the image data processing unit 163) that generates a display image corresponding to the display mode shown in FIG. 5 and by sequentially displaying the display image generated by the display image generating means on the variable display device. Image display means for performing image playback (for example, the image playback unit 164), and the display The image generation means includes the switching image generation means, and the switching image generation means is provided in the variable display device by image reproduction by the image reproduction means at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means. The change display control includes image data conversion means (for example, an image data conversion processing unit 170) that generates the switching image by performing predetermined conversion processing on image data for generating a displayed display image. The means causes the variable display device to display the switching image when the variable display data change timing determined by the change timing determination means is reached, and causes the variable display device to display an image (for example, CPU 112). According to the processing of step S261 by the VDP 115, the image data conversion processing unit 1 Switching image generated by 0, the image reproduction unit 164, such as a point to be displayed on the variable display device 4).

  6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the image data conversion means generates a plurality of fade-out images whose transparency has been increased stepwise from the image data read by the image data reading means. Generating means (for example, a portion where the VDP 115 executes processing according to step S302 in the CPU 112), and the change display control means uses the change timing determination means to output each fade-out image generated by the fade-out image generation means. At the determined change timing of the variable display data, the display image displayed on the variable display device by the image reproduction by the image reproduction means is sequentially shifted to a fade-out image having a higher transparency, and finally Fade-out images with the highest transparency By shown, fade-out processing means for performing a fade-out process to eliminate the stepwise image (e.g. CPU112 portions such as to perform the fade-out process shown in FIG. 14).

  The present invention has the following effects.

According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, when the variable display data change determining means determines that the variable display data is to be changed, at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determining means, The change display control unit causes the variable display device to display the switching image generated by the switching image generation unit using the image displayed on the variable display device. Thereafter, the changed display control means causes the variable display to be executed in the display mode indicated by the display control information selected by the changed control information selecting means shown in the variable display data selected by the changed variable display data selecting means. .
This makes it possible to perform a natural switching display process without depending on the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determining means, and to improve the interest of the game without giving the player a sense of incongruity.
Further, variable display data change determining means for determining whether or not to change variable display data, change timing determining means for determining change timing of variable display data, and variable display used by variable display control means after changing variable display data The post-change variable display data selecting means for selecting data, the post-change control information selecting means for selecting display control information, and the switching image generating means for generating a switching image are different from the game control means for controlling the progress of the game. Included in the means. Therefore, it is possible to perform natural switching display processing while reducing the control burden on the game control means, and to improve the interest of the game without giving the player a sense of incongruity.
Further, after the change control information selection means, based on the variable display time of the identification information and the change timing of the variable display data, from a plurality of display control information shown in the variable display data selected by the variable display data selection means after change Since one of them is selected, it is not necessary to prepare many different variable display data according to the timing when the variable display data is changed, and the storage capacity necessary for storing the variable display data can be suppressed.

In the gaming machine according to claim 2, the variable display is temporarily stopped at the change timing of the variable display data.
As a result, it is possible to increase the player's expectation by giving unexpectedness to the variable display operation of the identification information, and to easily show the player or the like that the variable display mode of the identification information is changed. it can.

In the gaming machine according to claim 3, when the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result, the change timing of the variable display data is determined to be late at a higher rate than when the specific display result is not obtained. The
Accordingly, the possibility that the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result can be predicted to some extent according to the timing when the variable display data is changed, and the player's expectation for the display result of the variable display can be increased. it can.

In the gaming machine according to claim 4, an image for generating a display image displayed on the variable display device by image reproduction by the image reproduction means at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means. A switching image is generated by performing predetermined conversion processing on the data.
As a result, the switching image can be generated using the existing image data used in the image reproduction before the variable display data is changed, so that a natural switching display process can be performed without increasing the data amount of the image data. It is possible to reduce the storage capacity necessary for storing the data.

In the gaming machine according to claim 5, the display image displayed on the variable display device is transmitted stepwise from the display image displayed by the image reproduction unit at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination unit. By sequentially shifting to a plurality of fade-out images that have been increased in frequency, it becomes possible to execute a fade-out process for erasing the images in stages.
As a result, the fade-out process can be executed using the existing image data used for image reproduction before the variable display data is changed, and the image can be erased step by step, thereby increasing the data amount of the image data. Therefore, natural switching display processing can be performed, and the storage capacity necessary for data storage can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine in the present embodiment is a gaming machine that performs a special game with a display device such as an LCD, etc., such as a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type first pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card. It is. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using a prepaid card, but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using cash. That is, as long as it is a gaming machine that can variably display a display symbol as identification information, it may have any form.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A variable display device 4 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information that can be individually identified is provided at a substantially central position of the game area.

  The variable display device 4 is composed of, for example, an LCD or the like, and is composed of numbers, characters, patterns, etc. in a variable display game (special game) in which a game ball is awarded to the normal variable winning ball device 6 as an execution condition. Special symbols that function as a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified are displayed on a variable display section serving as a plurality of display areas so as to be variably displayed. In the special symbol game performed by the variable display device 4, after a specific time has elapsed after starting the variable symbol special symbol display, the variable symbol display result of the special symbol on each variable display unit is derived and displayed in a predetermined order, and the final symbol symbol is displayed. (Final stop symbol) is stopped and displayed. The pachinko gaming machine 1 enters the specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) when the combination of the fixed symbols (stopped symbol mode) has a predetermined specific display result (big hit). In this big hit game state, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened for a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. Receives a game ball falling on the surface of the game board 2 and then closes it. The opening cycle can be repeated up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 16 times).

  In this embodiment, three variable display portions of left, middle, and right are provided as display areas in the variable display device 4, and nine types of symbols “1” to “9” are special in each variable display portion. It is assumed that the symbol is displayed in a variable displayable manner. For example, in each of the left, middle, and right variable display sections, when variable display of a special symbol is started during a special symbol game, switching display or scroll display is performed from the smallest number shown by the symbol to the larger one. When the special symbol “9” is displayed, the special symbol “1” is then displayed. In such a special symbol game by the variable display device 4, after the variable symbol special display is started, the same special symbol is stopped and displayed as a final display result in the left, middle, and right variable display portions and confirmed. Sometimes, the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes a big hit gaming state.

  Under the variable display device 4, an ordinary variable winning ball device (start winning port) 6 is disposed. On the lower side of the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6, a special variable winning ball apparatus (large winning opening) 7 and a normal symbol display 40 are arranged. Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. .

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted with a main board 11 and a display control board 12 as shown in FIG. The main board 11 and the display control board 12 are arranged at appropriate positions on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and, for example, eight signal lines of display control signals CD0 to CD7 are wired between the two boards. Further, a signal line for a display control INT signal for transmitting / receiving a strobe signal is also wired between the main board 11 and the display control board 12. In addition, various control boards such as a power supply board, a sound control board, a lamp control board, a payout control board, and an information terminal board are arranged on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The display control board 12 may constitute one board together with the voice control board, the lamp control board, etc., or may be provided independently of these boards. The main board 11 is also connected to wiring from each winning opening switch 70 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the normal winning prize ball device 6, the special variable winning ball device 7, and other winning holes.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 mainly has a function for setting random numbers used in a special game, a function for inputting a signal from a switch or the like arranged at a predetermined position, and a sub-side control comprising a display control board 12 and a payout control board. Each board has a function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, and a function of outputting various types of information to a hall management computer. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 is a display control command transmitted as an electrical signal using, for example, display control signals CD0 to CD7.

  The display control command has, for example, a 2-byte configuration. The first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). As this display control command, for example, a variable display start command, a special symbol designation command, a special symbol confirmation command, and the like are prepared in advance.

  The variable display start command is a command for instructing to start the variable display of the special symbol in the variable display device 4, and the display control board 12 side corresponds to the EXT data included in the variable display start command. It is possible to specify the total variable display time of the special symbol, the determination result of whether or not the display result of variable display is a big hit, the determination result of whether or not to reach, and the like. Here, the total variable display time of the special symbol is determined by deriving and displaying the variable symbol display result of the special symbol from the time when the special symbol variable display starts (variable display start time) in one special symbol game. This is the elapsed time until the symbol is stopped and displayed. Thus, the variable display start command includes information indicating the total variable display time of the special symbol in the special figure game.

  Here, the reach is a display mode in which variable display is performed for a symbol that has not yet been derived and displayed (referred to as a reach variation symbol) when the symbol that has been derived and displayed constitutes a part of the jackpot combination, or This is a display mode in which all or some of the symbols are synchronously variably displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol. Specifically, on a combination effective line that has not been stopped yet when a special symbol constituting a predetermined jackpot combination is stopped on some variable display portions on a predetermined combination effective line. The display mode in which variable display is performed in the variable display section (for example, the left, middle and right variable display sections provided in the display area are part of the jackpot symbol in the left and middle variable display sections. (For example, a display mode in which the variable display section on the right is still displaying a variable display in a state where “7” is displayed in a stopped state), or all or some of the special symbols of the variable display section on the active line are displayed. Display mode in which all or part of the jackpot symbol is configured and displayed in a variable manner (for example, in which state the variable display is performed on all of the left, middle, and right variable display portions provided in the display area. Even if is displayed, the same special symbol Tsu variable display in it have aspect is a display mode) that it has been made.

  The special symbol designation command is a command for designating a special symbol as a confirmed symbol which is derived and displayed on each of the left, middle and right variable display units in the variable display device 4 and becomes a variable display result in the special symbol game. The special symbol confirmation command is a command for instructing the end of variable symbol special display.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 107, and the like. The game control microcomputer 100 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and is controlled according to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 used as a work memory, and the program. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that performs operations, a random number circuit 104 that generates random numbers independently of the CPU 103, and an I / O (Input / Output) port 105 are included. The switch circuit 107 takes in the detection signal from each winning opening switch 70 and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 100.

  The random number circuit 104 counts numerical data as various random numbers used for controlling the progress of the game. As a specific example, the CPU 103 sets the random number generation operation by the random number circuit 104 and updates the numerical data periodically (or irregularly) according to a predetermined procedure, etc. The numerical data used as the random number for use, the random number for determining the variable display time, and the like are controlled to be countable. The jackpot determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is put into a jackpot gaming state by generating a jackpot, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “299”. The fixed symbol determining random number is a display random number used for determining a fixed symbol of a special symbol in the special symbol game. The variable display time determining random number is a display random number used for determining the total variable display time of the special symbol in the special figure game. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, random numbers other than the above may be used.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 stores various data tables used for controlling the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores a plurality of determination tables and determination tables prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations and determinations. This determination table includes a jackpot determination table for determining whether or not the variable display result of the special figure game by the variable display device 4 is a jackpot. Further, the determination table includes a variable display time determination table for determining the total variable display time of special symbols in the special game by the variable display device 4.

  In the RAM 102, numerical data indicating the value of the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the special game for which the start condition is not satisfied even if the execution condition is satisfied is stored in a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). A special figure storage area is provided for storing until it reaches. In the special figure hold storage area, the hold numbers and the numerical data indicating the value of the random number for jackpot determination extracted by the winning are stored in association with each other in the order of winning to the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6. .

  In addition, the RAM 102 is used to set a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared according to the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and signals transmitted from the winning port switches 70 via the switch circuit 107. A game control flag setting area, a game control timer setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of timer values used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like may be provided. Note that the circuit used for flag setting and timer may be constituted by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 102.

  In the game control flag setting area, for example, a special symbol process flag, a big hit flag, and the like are provided. The special symbol process flag indicates which process should be selected / executed in the special symbol process (FIG. 6) described later. The big hit flag is set to the on state when it is determined that the variable display result in the special figure game is a big hit when the special display game by the variable display device 4 is started. On the other hand, when the big hit gaming state is finished, the big hit flag is cleared and turned off.

  The display control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11 and controls the display operation and the like in the variable display device 4. For example, the display control board 12 causes the variable display device 4 to perform switching display of images based on the display control command transmitted from the main board 11, so that the variable display of special symbols in the special figure game and the big hit gaming state are performed. It is possible to produce various effects such as displaying the number of rounds.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the display control board 12. The display control board 12 includes an oscillation circuit 110, a reset circuit 111, a CPU 112 for display control, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 115, a CGROM 116, and a VRAM (Video RAM) 117. ing.

  In the display control board 12, various random numbers are counted in order to control the presentation effect on the variable display device 4. As a specific example, the CPU 112 sets a random number generation operation by a predetermined random number generation circuit mounted on the display control board 12 and updates numerical data regularly (or irregularly) according to a predetermined procedure. Thus, numerical data used as a variable display data determination random number, a change determination random number, a change timing determination random number, or the like is controlled to be countable. The variable display data determination random number is selected based on the total variable display time of the special symbol designated by the variable display start command received from the main board 11 and selects variable display data indicating the variable symbol display mode of the special symbol in the special symbol game. A random number used to determine.

  The random number for change determination is variable display data selected and determined based on a variable display start command received from the main board 11 for variable display data used for controlling the variable display mode of special symbols in a special figure game. In order to determine whether or not to change to another variable display data showing a variable display mode different from the variable display mode of the special symbol indicated by the variable display data within the variable symbol display time of the special symbol in the special symbol game It is a random number used for. The change timing determination random number is determined from among the change timings of the variable display data determined in advance as a plurality of types of elapsed time from the start timing of the special figure game, for example, when it is determined to change the variable display data. It is a random number used to select and decide either.

  The oscillation circuit 110 outputs a reference clock signal to the CPU 112 and the VDP 115, and the reset circuit 111 outputs a reset signal for resetting the CPU 112 and the VDP 115. When the CPU 112 receives a display control command from the main board 11, the CPU 112 reads out control data for effect control from the ROM 113 while using the RAM 114 as a work area. Further, the CPU 112 sends a drawing command to the VDP 115 based on the read control data.

  The ROM 113 is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 112, fixed parameters, and the like. The ROM 113 stores a plurality of types of variable display data used for controlling the variable display mode of special symbols in the special game by the variable display device 4. For example, each variable display data is configured to include a combination of a plurality of variable display time timer values and display control data, which are serially written in time series, and an end code. The variable display speed, display position, size, display color, background image and display of the special symbol on the variable display device 4 corresponding to the elapsed time since the start (or the remaining variable display time of the special symbol in the special symbol game) The display period in the state is set in advance.

  The plurality of display control data included in each variable display data is configured as display control information including, for example, read control information for specifying a read position of image data in the CGROM 116. Here, as the reading position of the image data in the CGROM 116, for example, a storage address of the image data, a file name for storing the image data, an identification number assigned to each stream when the image data is a stream type moving image data, etc. Should be specified. The CPU 112 refers to the variable display data stored in the ROM 113 to set the image reproduction period (reproduction position) corresponding to the timer value in the variable display time timer provided in the display control timer setting area of the RAM 114. The display mode of the image on the variable display device 4 can be controlled by sending a drawing command to the VDP 115.

  The RAM 114 is a semiconductor memory used as a work area by the CPU 112. In the RAM 114, a display control flag setting area for setting a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared according to the display state of the variable display device 4, the display control command from the main board 11, and the like, and the variable display device 4 A display control timer setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of timer values may be provided in order to measure various times used for the display control. Note that the circuit used for flag setting and timer may be constituted by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 114.

  In the display control flag setting area, for example, a display control process flag, a valid flag, a variable display start flag, a variable display data change flag, a display flag being changed, and the like are provided. The display control process flag indicates which process should be selected / executed in the display control process process (FIG. 8) described later. The valid flag is set to an on state when a special symbol designation command is received from the main board 11. The variable display start flag is set to an on state when a variable display start command is received from the main board 11.

  The variable display data change flag is set to the on state when the CPU 112 determines to change the variable display data based on the value of the change determination random number or the like. The changing display flag is set to an on state when a changing display using a predetermined image (a switching image to be described later) is started when changing the variable display data in the special figure game. When is finished, it is cleared and turned off.

  In the display control timer setting area, for example, a variable display time timer, a change timing detection timer, a changing display timer, and the like are provided. The variable display time timer is a down counter for measuring the variable display time of the special symbol, which is the execution time of the special figure game, on the display control board 12 on the sub side. The change timing detection timer measures the elapsed time from the start timing of the special figure game when changing the variable display data indicating the variable display mode of the special symbol by performing the change display during execution of the special figure game. This is for detecting the change timing of the variable display data. The in-change display timer is for measuring the elapsed time from the time when the change timing of the variable display data is reached during execution of the special figure game, and enabling the end timing of the in-change display to be specified.

  The VDP 115 has a display control function and a high-speed drawing function for performing image display, and executes image processing according to a drawing command from the CPU 112. Further, it has a two-dimensional address space independent of the CPU 112, and the VRAM 117 is mapped there. For example, the VDP 115 generates image data according to the data read from the CGROM 116 and develops it on the VRAM 117. Then, R (red), G (green), B (blue) signals and a synchronization signal are output to the variable display device 4. As an example, each of the R, G, and B signals is represented by 8 bits, and the variable display device 4 synthesizes each of R, G, and B in 256 gradations according to an instruction from the VDP 115, and synthesizes them to obtain a large number of about 16.7 million colors. Color display can be performed. Note that the number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be other than 8 bits, and the number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be different from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the VDP 115 includes a data decompression unit 160, a data reproduction unit 161, an operation control unit 162, an image data processing unit 163, and an image reproduction unit 164. The data decompression unit 160 reads and decompresses image data stored in the CGROM 116 in a compressed state. The data reproduction unit 161 is for sequentially supplying the image data expanded by the data expansion unit 160 to the image data processing unit 163.

  The operation control unit 162 is for controlling the operation of each part of the VDP 115 based on a drawing command from the CPU 112 and the like. The image data processing unit 163 is for executing data processing for causing the variable display device 4 to display various images such as moving images, still images, and character images. The image data processing unit 163 includes an image data conversion processing unit 170. For example, the image data conversion processing unit 170 performs a predetermined data conversion process on the image data developed on the VRAM 117 during the execution of the special figure game, thereby displaying the changing display performed when the variable display data is changed. Thus, a switching image to be displayed on the variable display device 4 can be generated. The image reproducing unit 164 reads the image data expanded in a predetermined area of the VRAM 117 and sequentially supplies the image data to the variable display device 4 so that the images generated based on the image data are sequentially displayed on the variable display device 4. It is for performing image reproduction.

  The CGROM 116 is for storing various image data for displaying images on the variable display device 4. For example, the CGROM 116 stores character image data frequently used among images displayed on the variable display device 4, specifically, a person, an animal, a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like in advance. A VRAM 117 is a frame buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP 115.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when the power supply voltage is supplied, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined game control main process. In this game control main process, the operation of each part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is initialized and predetermined initial settings are performed. By executing such a game control main process, the CPU 103 is set to generate a timer interrupt periodically (for example, every 2 milliseconds).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control interrupt process executed every time a timer interrupt occurs. In this example, when a timer interrupt occurs in the CPU 103, first, a predetermined switch process is executed to determine the state of the detection signal input from each winning port switch 70 via the switch circuit 107 (step S11). ). Subsequently, by executing predetermined error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and if necessary, a warning can be generated according to the diagnosis result (step S12). Thereafter, a determination random number update process (step S13) for updating the determination random number counted by the random number circuit 104 and a display random number update process (step S14) for updating the display random number are sequentially executed. The Note that when the random number circuit 104 can update the numerical data that becomes the random number value without a command from the CPU 103, the processing of step S13 and step S14 may not be executed.

  Next, the CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing (step S15). In the special symbol process, various processes are selected and executed in order to control the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a predetermined procedure. Subsequent to the special symbol process, the normal symbol display 40 can control the display operation (for example, 7-segment LED and lamp lighting and blinking) to enable normal symbol variable display (such as lighting and blinking display). The normal symbol process for performing the process is executed (step S16). Further, the CPU 103 transmits a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the display control board 12 by executing a predetermined command control process, and instructs an operation control according to the gaming state. (Step S17). Further, by executing predetermined information output processing, the contents of the storage area for various output data are output to each output port included in the I / O port 105 (step S18). In this information output process, a command for outputting jackpot information, start-up information, probability variation information, etc. to the hall management computer is also transmitted from the main board 11 to a predetermined information terminal board.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 executes predetermined solenoid output processing to control the tilting of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6 and open / close the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball device 7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Control is performed (step S19). Thereafter, by executing predetermined prize ball processing, the number of prize balls can be set based on the detection signal input from each prize opening switch 70, and a payout control command can be output to a predetermined payout control board. (Step S20).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process executed in step S15. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first inputs whether or not a game ball has won the normal variable winning ball device 6 from, for example, a starting ball detection switch included in each winning hole switch 70 via the switch circuit 107. The determination is made by checking the detected signal or the like (step S100). When the game ball is won and the detection signal from the start ball detection switch is turned on (step S100; Yes), the winning process is executed (step S101), and the game ball is not won (step S100). S100; No), the winning process is skipped.

  In the winning process in step S101, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memories in the special figure reserved storage area of the RAM 102 is equal to or greater than an upper limit value (eg, “4”). At this time, if the value of the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the upper limit value of the hold number is stored in the special figure hold storage area, it is determined that the hold storage number is greater than or equal to the upper limit value. If the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, the start of the special figure game by this winning is invalid and nothing is performed. On the other hand, when the reserved memory number is less than the upper limit value, it is determined that the variable display execution condition in the special figure game is satisfied, and 1 is added to the reserved memory number, and the value of the jackpot determining random number acquired from the random number circuit 104 Is set at the head of the empty entry in the special figure storage area.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes the following processes of steps S110 to S118 corresponding to the value of the special symbol process flag that is updated according to the gaming state.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”, the CPU 103 performs “special symbol normal processing” including processing for determining whether or not to start the special symbol game based on the data stored in the special symbol storage area. "Is executed (step S110). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “1”, the CPU 103 executes a “hit determination process” including a process for determining whether or not the variable display result in the special figure game for which the start condition is satisfied is determined to be a big hit. (Step S111). When it is determined in this big hit determination process that the variable display result is a big hit, the big hit flag is set to an on state, and when it is determined to be lost, the big hit flag is cleared and an off state is set. Become.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”, the CPU 103 executes “determined symbol setting process” for setting a fixed symbol derived and displayed as a variable symbol display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game (step S112). ). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”, the CPU 103 executes “variable display time setting process” for setting the total variable display time during which the special symbol is variably displayed in the special symbol game (step S3). S113). In this variable display time setting process, the determination result of whether or not the big hit flag is turned on as the execution result of the big hit determination process described above, and the determination whether or not to reach when the confirmed symbol is a combination of loses Based on the result or the like, any one of a plurality of predetermined total variable display times is selected and determined as the total variable display time of the special symbol in the current special game in which the start condition is satisfied.

  Thus, for example, control data is set in a predetermined command transmission table in accordance with the fixed symbol set in the fixed symbol setting process in step S112 or the total variable display time of the special symbol set in step S113. Then, a variable display start command and a special symbol designation command are set to be transmittable from the main board 11 to the display control board 12. Thereafter, by executing the command control process of step S17 shown in FIG.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is “4”, the CPU 103 executes “variable display control processing” including processing for measuring the variable symbol display time of the special symbol in the special symbol game by the variable display device 4 (step S114). ). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “5”, the CPU 103 performs “variable display stop” including processing for instructing the display control board 12 to decelerate and stop the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 4. Time processing "is executed (step S115). In this variable display stop process, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “6” when the variable display result in the special symbol game is a big hit. On the other hand, when the variable display result is lost, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “0”.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is “6”, “preliminary winning opening pre-processing” for performing an initialization process for the big hit operation is executed (step S116). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “7”, various processes related to the big hit operation and “a big prize opening opening process” for checking the opening time of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 per time are executed (steps). S117). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “8”, it is determined whether or not the big hit operation is finished. "End processing" is executed (step S118).

  Next, processing of the special game on the display control board 12 will be described. In the display control board 12, the CPU 112 detects, for example, the occurrence of a timer interrupt every 33 milliseconds by determining whether or not the timer interrupt flag provided in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114 is turned on, for example. Thus, the command reception process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the display control process process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 are executed. The period at which the timer interrupt is generated in the CPU 112 is not limited to 33 milliseconds, and can be arbitrarily set according to various processes executed by the CPU 112.

  In the command reception process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, various processes corresponding to the types of display control commands received by the display control board 12 from the main board 11 are executed. When the display control INT signal is turned on, the display control command from the main board 11 is fetched into the display control board 12 side by the CPU 112 executing a predetermined interrupt process, for example, and stored in the RAM 114 or the like. What is necessary is just to hold | maintain the reception order of a command so that identification is possible in the predetermined reception command buffer etc. which were provided beforehand.

  In the command reception process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 112 first checks whether there is a display control command received from the main board 11 (step S121). When it is confirmed that there is a received command (step S121; Yes), it is determined whether or not the command is a special symbol designation command (step S122).

  When it is determined in step S122 that the command is a special symbol designation command (step S122; Yes), for example, the EXT data of the command is stored in a fixed symbol storage area for special symbols provided in the RAM 114 in advance. Then, the symbol number of the special symbol is stored (step S123). At this time, the valid flag provided in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114 is set to the on state (step S124). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S122 that the command is not a special symbol designation command (step S122; No), it is determined whether or not the received command is a variable display start command (step S125).

  When it is determined in step S125 that the command is a variable display start command (step S125; Yes), for example, the EXT data of the command is stored in a variable display setting storage area provided in advance in the RAM 114. Information such as the total variable display time of the designated special symbol is saved (step S126). At this time, the variable display start flag provided in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114 is set to the on state (step S127).

  On the other hand, when the received command is another display control command (step S125; No), the command reception flag corresponding to the display control command received in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114 is set to the on state. (Step S128), the process returns to step S121. When the setting corresponding to all the received commands is completed in this way (step S121; No), the command receiving process is terminated.

  Subsequently, in the display control process processing shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 112 executes the following processing of steps S150 to S155 corresponding to the value of the display control process flag provided in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114. To do.

  When the value of the display control process flag is “0”, “variable” including processing for determining whether or not a variable display start command for instructing start of variable display of special symbols in the special figure game is received from the main board 11 or the like. "Display start command reception waiting process" is executed (step S150). When the value of the display control process flag is “1”, the display operation of the variable display device 4 is set in order to produce various display effects including special symbol variable display in the special game. Process "is executed (step S151). FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the display control setting process executed in this embodiment.

  In the display control setting process shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 112 first specifies the variable display time (total variable display time) of the special symbol designated by the variable display start command sent from the main board 11 (step S201). For example, the CPU 112 can specify the variable display time of the special symbol by reading the information stored in the variable display setting storage area provided in the RAM 114. Subsequently, the CPU 112 sets a timer initial value corresponding to the variable display time specified in step S201 in the variable display time timer provided in the display control timer setting area (step S202), and the special display by the variable display device 4 is set. The variable display time of special symbols in the game can be measured.

  After executing step S202, the CPU 112 selects variable display data corresponding to the variable display time specified in step S201 from among the variable display data stored in the ROM 113 (step S203). For example, the ROM 113 stores in advance a variable display data determination table at the start that stores setting data for associating a plurality of types of variable display data with a variable display data determination random number for each variable display time of the special symbol. . The CPU 112 extracts numerical data serving as variable display data determination random numbers from the random number generation circuit, and refers to the start variable display data determination table corresponding to the variable display time specified in step S201, thereby extracting the extracted variable. The variable display data corresponding to the value of the display data determining random number can be selected and determined. Further, when only one variable display data can be specified according to the variable display time of the special symbol designated by the variable display start command, it is stored in the ROM 113 without extracting the value of the variable display data determining random number. The variable display data corresponding to the variable display time of the special symbol may be selected and determined from the plurality of types of variable display data.

  Subsequently, the CPU 112 extracts numerical data serving as change determination random numbers from the random number generation circuit (step S204), and, for example, refers to the change determination table stored in advance in the ROM 113, and is selected and determined in step S203. It is determined whether or not to change the variable display mode of the special symbol by changing the variable display data to another variable display data within the variable display time of the special symbol in the special symbol game by the variable display device 4. (Step S205). In other words, the change to the variable display data showing the variable display mode different from the variable display mode of the special symbol shown by the variable display data selected and determined in step S203 is changed to the special symbol in the special game by the variable display device 4. It is determined whether to execute within the display time. The change determination table stores setting data that associates, for example, the value of the random number for change determination with the determination result of whether to change the variable display data. When it is determined that the variable display data is not changed, the process proceeds to step S213.

  When it is determined that the variable display data is to be changed (step S205; Yes), the CPU 112 sets the variable display data change flag provided in the display control flag setting area to the on state (step S206). It is determined whether the variable display result in this special figure game is a big hit or a loss (step S207). Here, the variable display result in this special figure game can be specified by the CPU 112 by the combination of the fixed display designated by the variable display start command or the special symbol designation command sent from the main board 11.

  The CPU 112 determines the change timing of the variable display data, for example, by referring to a timing determination table stored in advance in the ROM 113 according to the determination result in step S207. As a more specific example, the CPU 112 first extracts numerical data serving as a change timing determination random number from a random number generation circuit. Then, when the variable display result in the special figure game is a big hit (step S207; Yes), the big hit time timing determination table stored in advance in the ROM 113 corresponding to the big hit in the special figure game is referred to. The change timing of the variable display data corresponding to the extracted change timing determination random number is determined as the change start timing (step S208). Further, when the variable display result in the special figure game is lost (step S207; No), the timing determination table for lost time stored in advance in the ROM 113 in correspondence with the case where the special figure game is lost is referred to. The change timing of the variable display data corresponding to the extracted change timing determination random number value is determined (step S209).

  Here, the timing determination table stores setting data for associating a plurality of types of change timings that can be set to the change start timing of the variable display data and the random number for determining the change timing. In the determination table and the timing determination table for loss, the assignment of random values for each change timing is different. For example, in the timing determination table for losing time, more random numbers are assigned at a change timing with a short elapsed time compared to a change timing with a long elapsed time from the start of variable display of special symbols in a special figure game. . On the other hand, in the timing determination table for big hits, more random numbers are assigned to the change timing with a long elapsed time than the change timing with a short elapsed time from the start of variable display of special symbols in the special figure game. It has been. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to set so that the big hit reliability increases as the change timing of the variable display data is delayed. Here, the jackpot reliability indicates the ratio at which the variable display result is a jackpot when the variable display data is changed at each change timing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, as an example, when the variable symbol display time of the special symbol is 20 seconds, the elapsed time from the variable symbol display start time of the special symbol is 2.5 seconds, 7 seconds as the variable display data change timing. A total of three timings of 5 seconds or 12.5 seconds are provided in advance. In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the variable display result is lost, it is determined whether to change the variable display data only when the display mode in the special game is reach. The jackpot probability that indicates the probability that the variable display result in each special figure game will be a jackpot is 1/300, and the reach appearance rate that indicates the probability that a reach will appear (here, the reach rate of reach that results in a loss) The jackpot reliability is calculated on the assumption that is 1/10. Note that the probability that the variable display data is determined to be changed in step S205 is the same regardless of whether the variable display result is lost or a big hit.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the probability that the variable display result will be a big hit after the variable display data is changed at a timing of 2.5 seconds from the time when the special symbol variable display start time in the special figure game is 2.5 seconds. The probability of winning a jackpot after the variable display data is changed after 7.5 seconds has elapsed is 1/21, and the probability of winning a jackpot after the variable display data is changed after 12.5 seconds has elapsed is 2/7. It is. Such a jackpot reliability setting can be arbitrarily changed according to the assignment of random values in the timing determination table.

  After determining the change start timing of the variable display data in either step S208 or S209, the CPU 112 sets the timer initial value corresponding to the determined change start timing of the variable display data in the change timing detection timer. (Step S210), it is possible to measure the elapsed time from the start of the variable display of the special symbol in the special figure game until the change start timing of the variable display data is reached. Subsequently, the CPU 112 selects and determines the variable display data indicating the variable display mode of the special symbol executed after the change of the variable display data from the plural types of variable display data stored in the ROM 113 (step S211). . For example, the ROM 113 stores in advance a changed variable display data determination table that associates a plurality of types of variable display data with variable display data determination random numbers according to predetermined setting data. Here, a plurality of types of variable display data determination tables after change may be provided corresponding to the remaining variable display time after completion of changing the variable display data.

  The variable display data associated with the variable display data determination random number in the variable display data determination table after the change is the total of the special symbols that are the same as or longer than the remaining variable display time after the change of the variable display data is completed. Any variable display data prepared in the ROM 113 or the like corresponding to the variable display time may be used. For example, the post-change variable display data determination table provided corresponding to the case where the remaining variable display time after completion of the change of the variable display data is 10 seconds corresponds to a special game with a total variable display time of 10 seconds. The variable display data provided for the variable display data and the random value for determining the variable display data may be associated with each other, or the variable display data provided for the special game with a total variable display time of 20 seconds and the variable display data. The display data determination random number value may be associated with each other, or more variable display data including the variable display data may be associated with the variable display data determination random number value. Further, a plurality of types of post-change variable display data determination tables may be provided corresponding to the variable display data selected and determined in step S203.

  The CPU 112 specifies the remaining variable display time after completion of the change of the variable display data based on the change start timing of the variable display data determined in either step S208 or S209. For example, the CPU 112 waits until the display during change using the switching image performed during the change of the variable display data after reaching the change start timing of the variable display data after the variable display start timing of the special symbol in the special figure game. The time required is determined as the switching end elapsed time. Subsequently, the remaining variable display time after completion of the change of the variable display data is specified by subtracting the above-described switching end elapsed time from the total variable display time of the special symbol. Then, the CPU 112 extracts numerical data serving as variable display data determination random numbers from the random number generation circuit, and refers to the post-change variable display data determination table corresponding to the remaining variable display time after completion of the change of the specified variable display data. By doing so, it is possible to select and determine the changed variable display data corresponding to the extracted variable display data determining random number value.

  The CPU 112 that has determined the variable display data after the change in step S211 determines the total variable display time of the special symbol designated by the variable display start command sent from the main board 11 and one of steps S208 and S209. Based on the change timing of the variable display data, the display control data for specifying the display mode after the change of the variable display data is selected from the plurality of display control data included in the variable display data after the change (step S212). ). For example, the CPU 112 obtains the remaining variable display time after completion of the change of the variable display data in the same manner as when the variable display data after the change is selected and determined in step S211. Of the plurality of display control data included in the variable display data determined in step S211, the remaining variable display time after the completion of the change of the variable display data is traced back from the time when the variable display of the special symbol is completed. The display control data provided corresponding to the timing is selected and determined as the first display control data for designating the variable display mode of the special symbol after the change of the variable display data is completed. That is, in step S212, the CPU 112 determines a display start position of display control data in the changed variable display data. The reading start position of the display control data determined at this time may be, for example, the storage address of the display control data in the ROM 113, the file name in which the display control data is stored, or the display control data in the variable display data. It may be an identification number assigned to.

  Thereafter, in step S213, the CPU 112 updates the value of the display control process flag to “2” which is a value corresponding to the special symbol variable display in-process, and ends the display control setting process.

  In the display control process processing shown in FIG. 8, when the value of the display control process flag is “2”, “special symbol variable display processing” is executed to control the display operation of the variable display device 4 during variable symbol special display. (Step S152). FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol variable display process executed in this embodiment.

  In the special symbol variable display processing shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 112 first subtracts 1 from the timer value of the variable display time timer (step S231). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the variable display data change flag is on (step S232). If the variable display data change flag is on (step S232; Yes), 1 is subtracted from the timer value of the change timing detection timer. (Step S233). Then, it is determined whether or not the change timing of the variable display data has been reached by determining whether or not the timer value of the change timing detection timer has become “0” (step S234).

  When it is determined in step S232 that the variable display data change flag is off (step S232; No), it is determined whether or not the changing display flag is on (step S235). Here, the in-change display flag is set to an on state in step S253 (FIG. 12) of the change start process described later, and is cleared to an off state in step S264 of the in-change display process. When it is determined in step S234 that the variable display data change timing has not been reached (step S234; No), or when it is determined in step S235 that the changing display flag is off (step S235; No). For example, referring to the variable display data stored in the ROM 113 based on the timer value of the variable display time timer and sending a drawing command corresponding to the read display control data to the VDP 115, etc. Display setting is performed (step S236).

  Subsequent to step S236, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the variable display time timer has timed out by determining whether or not the timer value of the variable display time timer is “0” (step S237). If it is determined that a timeout has occurred (step S237; Yes), the value of the display control process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the special symbol stop waiting process (step S238).

  When it is determined in step S234 that the change timing of the variable display data has been reached (step S234; Yes), the change start process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is executed (step S239).

  In the change start process shown in FIG. 12, first, the CPU 112 clears the variable display data change flag to turn it off (step S251), and then performs a display operation using a switching image performed when changing the variable display data. By setting the timer initial value corresponding to the time required for the change display timer (step S252), it is possible to measure the elapsed time from the start of the variable display data change display until the change display ends. To do.

  Subsequently, after the CPU 112 sets the changing display flag to the ON state (step S253), for example, a predetermined drawing command is sent to the VDP 115, for example, to suspend the variable symbol special display in the special figure game. (Step S254). Thereafter, for example, setting processing for starting display during change performed when variable display data is changed, such as reading out data indicating parameters or the like used for display during change from the ROM 113 to the RAM 114 (step S255). Then, the change start processing is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S235 of the special symbol variable display process shown in FIG. 11 that the changing display flag is ON (step S235; Yes), the changing display process shown in the flowchart of FIG. It is executed (step S240).

  In the changing display process shown in FIG. 13, first, the CPU 112 sends a drawing command based on a predetermined data conversion process to the VDP 115 (step S261), and generates a switching image used for changing display of variable display data. Instruct. In the VDP 115, image data is read from the CGROM 116 by the data decompression unit 160 and the data reproduction unit 161 in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 112. The read image data is developed in a predetermined area on the VRAM 117 by the image data processing unit 163, and the image reproduction unit 164 sequentially supplies the image data read from the VRAM 117 to the variable display device 4, thereby performing image reproduction. . When receiving a drawing command by a predetermined data conversion process from the CPU 112, the image data processing unit 163 performs a predetermined data conversion process on the image data expanded on the VRAM 117 by the image data conversion processing unit 170, and expands it on the VRAM 117. Try again. Thus, a switching image is generated using the image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data, and the image reproduction unit 164 displays the switching image on the variable display device 4 to reproduce the image. Let it be done.

  Subsequent to step S261, the CPU 112 subtracts 1 from the timer value of the changing display timer (step S262), and determines whether or not the subtracted timer value has become “0”, thereby ending the changing display. It is determined whether or not the timing has been reached (step S263). If the end timing of the display during change has not been reached (step S263; No), the display processing during change ends.

  On the other hand, when the end timing of the changing display is reached (step S263; Yes), the changing display flag is cleared and turned off (step S264). Thereafter, the CPU 112 sends a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 115, and the like, among the plurality of display control data included in the changed variable display data, the display control data selected in step S212 in FIG. Accordingly, the variable symbol special display is started (step S265). When the special symbol variable display processing shown in FIG. 11 is further executed after the processing of step S265 is performed before the special game is finished, the changed variable display data is referred to in step S236. By reading the display control data corresponding to the timer value of the variable display time timer, the special symbol variable display is executed in the display mode indicated by the display control data included in the changed variable display data. Become.

  FIG. 14 shows a fade-out display in which the image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 is gradually disappeared at the change timing of the variable display data as an example of the display during change performed when changing the variable display data. 7 is a flowchart showing a fade-out process executed by a CPU 112 to perform

  In the fade-out process shown in FIG. 14, for example, when the CPU 112 executes the process of step S <b> 255 in the change start process shown in FIG. 12, the initial value “ 32 "is set (step S301). Each time the CPU 112 executes the changing display process shown in FIG. 13, the processes of steps S302 to S304 are executed. At this time, in response to the drawing command by the translucent process being sent from the CPU 112 to the VDP 115 (step S302), the VDP 115 executes the translucent operation process by the image data conversion processing unit 170 and develops it on the VRAM 117. The converted image data is subjected to data conversion to create a fade-out image to be a switching image. In this embodiment, a calculation as shown in FIG. 15 is performed as a translucent calculation process for creating a fade-out image. Note that the source image in the calculation shown in FIG. 15 is an image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data.

  In the semi-transparency calculation process, a calculation process for gradually increasing the transparency of the source image is performed for each pixel data (R, G, B data for specifying the display color of each pixel) in the source image. Each pixel data obtained by the translucent operation process is used as pixel data of a fade-out image. If the calculation result does not become an integer, it may be made an integer by performing processing such as truncating after the decimal point.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the value of the parameter N has become “0” (step S303). When the value is other than “0” (step S303; No), the value of the parameter N is decremented by 1 (step S303). S304). Then, by returning to step S302, it becomes possible to generate a fade-out image with further enhanced transparency in response to the next display process during change being executed by the CPU 112. On the other hand, when the value of the parameter N is “0” (step S303; Yes), the fade-out process is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state example of the variable display device 4 when the fade-out process is executed. In the case of performing the changing display using the fade-out image as the switching image, for example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the display of the special symbol is erased and the variable symbol special display is temporarily stopped. As shown in (B) and FIG. 16 (C), the display is shifted to the display of a fade-out image in which the image displayed at the change timing of the variable display data gradually becomes difficult to visually recognize. Finally, as shown in FIG. 16D, the image displayed at the change timing of the variable display data as a fade-out image becomes completely transparent.

  When the image displayed at the change timing of the variable display data disappears and the fade-out display is completed as shown in FIG. 16D, the CPU 112 corresponds to the processing in step S265 of FIG. Then, the variable symbol variable display is started in accordance with the display control data used first after the change among the variable display data previously determined in step S212 in FIG. As described above, by generating the fade-out image as the switching image using the image displayed on the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data, the data amount of the image data stored in the CGROM 116 is increased. Without fading out.

  In the display control process shown in FIG. 8, when the value of the display control process flag is “3”, a special symbol confirmation command is received from the main board 11 to stop and display the confirmed symbol. Process "is executed (step S153). When the value of the display control process flag is “4”, the “hit display process” for controlling the display operation in the variable display device 4 in accordance with the big hit operation is executed (step S154). When the value of the display control process flag is “5”, a “big hit end display process” for controlling the display operation of the variable display device 4 is executed to notify that the big hit gaming state has ended (step S155).

  Hereinafter, a display control example for controlling variable display of special symbols in the variable display device 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a variable display pattern executed as a variable symbol variable display based on the variable display data stored in the ROM 113. In this embodiment, corresponding to the case where the total variable display time of the special symbol in the special figure game is 20 seconds, the variable display pattern A composed of process a to process h as shown in FIG. The ROM 113 stores variable display data that specifies the variable display mode of the special symbol. In this embodiment, the variable display pattern B composed of process A to process L as shown in FIG. 17B corresponds to the case where the total variable display time of the special symbol in the special figure game is 30 seconds. The ROM 113 stores variable display data that specifies the variable display mode of special symbols according to the above. Note that the processes a to h and the processes A to L shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B all control the variable symbol variable display for 2.5 seconds.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol variable display mode according to the variable display pattern A shown in FIG. In the variable display of the special symbol by the variable display pattern A, first, as the process a and the process b, as shown in FIG. 18A, three variable display areas of left, middle, and right provided in the variable display device 4 In 41a, 41b, and 41c, the special symbols that have been displayed in a stopped state are accelerated and displayed at a constant speed when a predetermined variable display speed is reached. In process a and process b, a background image showing a mountain landscape as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, as process c, the special symbols variably displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are displayed in a reduced size, and an image showing a volcano erupting as shown in FIG. 18B is displayed. . Thereafter, as a process d, as shown in FIG. 18 (C), a special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c. When the same type of special symbol (for example, a special symbol indicating “7”) is derived and displayed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c, the process e is variable as shown in FIG. 18D. The special symbols displayed in the display areas 41a to 41c are moved downward, and a character image indicating that the reach has been reached is displayed.

  As process f to process h following process e, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (E), the symbols are scrolled in a state where the special symbols derived and displayed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c are not fixed. A temporary stop display is performed in such a manner as to alternately swing in the forward direction and the reverse direction, and a special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the middle variable display area 41b. Thereafter, in response to receiving the special symbol confirmation command from the main board 11, as shown in FIG. 18 (F), the special symbols that are temporarily stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are stopped and displayed. As a result, the fixed symbol as a variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game is displayed.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol variable display mode according to the variable display pattern B shown in FIG. In the variable display of the special symbol by the variable display pattern B, first, as shown in FIG. When a predetermined variable display speed is reached, a constant speed is displayed. In Process A to Process C, a background image showing a starry sky as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, as the process D, the special symbols variably displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are moved and displayed downward, and an image showing a meteor passing as shown in FIG. 19B is displayed. Is done. Thereafter, as process E, as shown in FIG. 19C, a special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the left variable display area 41a, and as process F, as shown in FIG. In the area 41c, a special symbol deceleration stop display is performed. When the same type of special symbol (for example, a special symbol indicating “7”) is derived and displayed in the left variable display region 41a and the right variable display region 41c, as process G, as shown in FIG. The special symbols displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are moved downward and a character image indicating that the reach has been reached is displayed.

  As the process H to process K following the process G, for example, as shown in FIG. 19F, the special symbols temporarily displayed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c are enlarged and displayed as process L. As shown in FIG. 19G, a special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the middle variable display area 41b. Thereafter, in response to the reception of the special symbol confirmation command from the main board 11, the special symbols that have been temporarily stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are stopped and displayed, as shown in FIG. As described above, the fixed symbol as the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game is displayed.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of display control in the case where it is determined that the variable display data is to be changed within the variable display time of the special symbol in the special figure game (step S205 in FIG. 9; Yes). In each of the display control examples shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the total variable display time of the special symbol is determined to be 20 seconds in response to the establishment of the special symbol game start condition (step S113 in FIG. 6). In response to the variable display start command sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12, variable display data for performing variable display of special symbols according to the variable display pattern A is selected ( Step S203 in FIG. 9). In the display control examples shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the time required for the display during change using the switching image performed when changing the variable display data is 2.5 seconds. To do.

  In the display control example shown in FIG. 20A, it is determined that the change timing of the variable display data is 2.5 seconds after the special symbol variable display start time (step S208 or step S209). As the variable display data, variable display data for designating a variable display mode of a special symbol according to the variable display pattern B is selected (step S211). In this case, the remaining variable display time of the special symbol is 15 seconds at the time when the changing display performed when changing the variable display data is completed. Therefore, the CPU 112 goes back 15 seconds from the end point of the variable display among the variable display data corresponding to the variable display pattern B as the display control data for designating the variable display mode of the special symbol after the variable display data is changed. Display control data provided corresponding to the process G indicating the variable symbol display mode of the special symbol at the timing is selected (step S212).

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variable display state of a special symbol in the display control example illustrated in FIG. In the special symbol variable display based on the display control shown in FIG. 20 (A), as shown in FIG. 21 (A), the special symbol stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c is accelerated as the process a first. Is displayed. Thereafter, it is determined by the CPU 112 that the change timing of the variable display data has been reached (step S234 in FIG. 11; Yes), and the change start processing (step S239) is executed, for example, the special symbol in the variable display device 4 The special symbol variable display is temporarily stopped (step S254 in FIG. 12). At this time, in the display area of the variable display device 4, the background image reproduced by the VDP 115 based on the display control data provided corresponding to the process a among the variable display data corresponding to the variable display pattern A, etc. Is displayed.

  In this way, when the changing display accompanying the change of the variable display data is started (step S255), the changing display process (step S240) is executed each time the special symbol variable display process shown in FIG. 11 is executed. (Step S235; Yes). In this in-change display process, the VDP 115 responds to a drawing command by the data conversion process sent from the CPU 112 (step S261 in FIG. 13), and the image data converted on the VRAM 117 by the image data conversion processing unit 170 is predetermined. Data conversion is performed. Thus, using the image displayed on the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data, for example, a fade-out image as shown in FIG. 21B is generated, and the display area of the variable display device 4 is used as the switching image. Is displayed.

  After this, when the changing display is finished (step S263; Yes), by starting the variable display of the special symbol by the display control data selected in the above step S212 (step S265), as the process G, As shown in FIG. 21C, a character image indicating reach is displayed together with a special symbol in the variable display areas 41a to 41c. Subsequently, as processes H to K, as shown in FIG. 21D, the special symbols temporarily stopped and displayed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c are enlarged and displayed as process L. As shown in (E), a special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the middle variable display area 41b. Then, in response to receiving the special symbol confirmation command from the main board 11, as shown in FIG. 21 (F), the special symbols that have been temporarily stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are stopped and displayed.

  In the display control example shown in FIG. 20B, it is determined that the change timing of the variable display data is 7.5 seconds after the special symbol variable display start time (step S208 or step S209 in FIG. 9). As the variable display data after the change, the variable display data that designates the variable display mode of the special symbol according to the variable display pattern B is selected (step S211). In this case, the remaining variable display time of the special symbol is 10 seconds at the time when the changing display performed when changing the variable display data is completed. Therefore, the CPU 112 goes back 10 seconds from the end point of the variable display among the variable display data corresponding to the variable display pattern B as the display control data for designating the variable display mode of the special symbol after the variable display data is changed. The display control data provided corresponding to the process I indicating the variable display mode of the special symbol at the timing is selected (step S212).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variable symbol display mode of special symbols in the display control example illustrated in FIG. In the special symbol variable display based on the display control example shown in FIG. 20B, first, the process a and the process b were stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c as shown in FIG. 22A. Special symbols are accelerated and displayed. Subsequently, as process c, the special symbols variably displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are reduced and displayed as shown in FIG. 22B. Thereafter, the CPU 112 determines that the change timing of the variable display data has been reached (step S234 in FIG. 11; Yes), and the change start time process (step S239) is executed, whereby the special symbol in the variable display device 4 is displayed. The special symbol variable display is temporarily stopped, for example, by deleting the display (step S254 in FIG. 12). At this time, in the display area of the variable display device 4, the background image reproduced by the VDP 115 based on the display control data provided corresponding to the process c among the variable display data corresponding to the variable display pattern A, etc. Is displayed.

  In this way, when the changing display accompanying the change of the variable display data is started (step S255), the changing display process (step S240) is executed each time the special symbol variable display process shown in FIG. 11 is executed. (Step S235; Yes). Thereby, for example, a fade-out image as shown in FIG. 22C is generated by using the image displayed on the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data, and the display of the variable display device 4 is displayed as the switching image. Displayed in the area.

  Thereafter, when the changing display is finished (step S263 in FIG. 13; Yes), by starting the variable display of the special symbol by the display control data selected in step S212 (step S265), the processes I to As a process K, as shown in FIG. 22D, the same kind of special symbols temporarily displayed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c are enlarged and displayed. Subsequently, as a process L, as shown in FIG. 22 (E), when the special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the middle variable display area 41b and the special symbol confirmation command is received from the main board 11, FIG. 22 (F). As shown, the special symbols that have been temporarily stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are stopped and displayed.

  In the display control example shown in FIG. 20 (C), it is determined that the change timing of the variable display data is 12.5 seconds after the special symbol variable display start time (step S208 or step S209 in FIG. 9). As the variable display data after the change, variable display data that specifies the variable display mode of the special symbol according to the variable display pattern B is selected (step S211). In this case, the remaining variable display time of the special symbol is 5 seconds at the time when the changing display performed when changing the variable display data ends. Therefore, the CPU 112 goes back 5 seconds from the end of the variable display among the variable display data corresponding to the variable display pattern B as the display control data for designating the variable display mode of the special symbol after the variable display data is changed. Display control data provided corresponding to the process K indicating the variable display mode of the special symbol at the timing is selected (step S212).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a special symbol variable display mode in the display control example illustrated in FIG. In the special symbol variable display based on the display control example shown in FIG. 20C, first, the process a and the process b were stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c as shown in FIG. 23A. Special symbols are accelerated and displayed. Subsequently, as process c, the special symbols variably displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are reduced and displayed as shown in FIG. 23B. Then, as a process d, as shown in FIG. 23C, a special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c, and in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c. When special symbols of the same type are derived and displayed, a character image indicating reach is displayed as process e as shown in FIG. 23 (D).

  Thereafter, it is determined by the CPU 112 that the change timing of the variable display data has been reached (step S234 in FIG. 11; Yes), and the change start time process (step S239) is executed, whereby the special symbol in the variable display device 4 is displayed. The special symbol variable display is temporarily stopped, for example, by erasing it (step S254 in FIG. 12). At this time, in the display area of the variable display device 4, the background image reproduced by the VDP 115 based on the display control data provided corresponding to the process e among the variable display data corresponding to the variable display pattern A, A character image or the like is displayed.

  In this way, when the changing display accompanying the change of the variable display data is started (step S255), the changing display process (step S240) is executed each time the special symbol variable display process shown in FIG. 11 is executed. (Step S235; Yes). Thereby, using the image displayed on the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data, for example, a fade-out image as shown in FIG. Displayed in the area.

  When the in-change display is finished (step S263 in FIG. 13; Yes), by starting the variable display of the special symbol based on the display control data selected in step S212 (step S265), as process K, FIG. As shown in (F), the same type of special symbols temporarily displayed in the left variable display area 41a and the right variable display area 41c are enlarged and displayed. Subsequently, as process L, as shown in FIG. 23 (G), when the special symbol deceleration stop display is performed in the middle variable display area 41b and the special symbol confirmation command is received from the main board 11, FIG. 23 (H). As shown, the special symbols that have been temporarily stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 41a to 41c are stopped and displayed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the CPU 112 determines to change the variable display data in step S205 of FIG. 9, the data conversion sent from the CPU 112 to the VDP 115 in step S261 of FIG. A switching image using the image displayed on the variable display device 4 is generated at the change timing of the variable display data determined in step S208 or step S209 according to the drawing command by the processing. Then, after the switching image is displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 and the changing display is performed, the CPU 112 executes the process of step S265 of FIG. 13 to select it in step S212 of FIG. In the variable display mode specified by the display control data, the variable symbol special display is started. As a result, natural switching display processing can be performed without depending on the change timing of the variable display data determined in step S208 or step S209 in FIG. be able to.

  Further, the processing in step S205 in FIG. 9 for determining whether or not to change the variable display data, the processing in steps S208 and S209 in FIG. 9 for determining the change timing of the variable display data, and the variable display data are used after the change. The process of step S211 in FIG. 9 for selecting the variable display data to be performed, the process of step S212 in FIG. 9 for selecting the display control data for designating the variable display mode of the special symbol after the change of the variable display data, and the switching image are generated. 13 is executed by the CPU 112 mounted on the display control board 12 which is a sub-side board provided separately from the main board 11 which is the main side board. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to perform natural switching display processing while reducing the control burden on the main board 11 side, and to improve the interest of the game without giving the player a sense of incongruity.

  Furthermore, in step S212 of FIG. 9, after the variable display data is changed based on the total variable display time of the special symbol in the special figure game and the change timing of the variable display data determined in step S208 or step S209. Display control data for specifying the variable display mode of the special symbol is selected. As described above, since the data to be used can be selected according to the change timing of the variable display data from among the plurality of display control data included in the variable display data, the variable varies depending on the change timing of the variable display data. There is no need to prepare a lot of display data. For example, the variable display data used in special figure games in which the variable display data is not changed is diverted, and the variable symbol data is displayed after the variable display data is changed. Can be controlled. Thereby, the storage capacity required for storing the variable display data can be suppressed.

  When the variable display data change timing is reached, the CPU 112 temporarily stops the variable display of the special symbol in step S254 of FIG. Thereby, it is possible to increase the player's expectation by making the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol in the special symbol game unexpected. In addition, it is possible to easily show the player or the like that the variable display mode of the special symbol is changed by changing the variable display data.

  In step S208 and step S209 in FIG. 9, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, by determining the change timing of the variable display data using a timing determination table in which the assignment of random numbers to each change timing is different from each other. It is possible to set so that the big hit reliability increases as the change timing of the variable display data is delayed. That is, when the variable display result in the special figure game is a big hit, the change timing of the variable display data is determined to be late at a higher rate than when the game is lost. Thereby, it is possible to predict to some extent the possibility that the variable display result in the special figure game will be a big hit according to the timing when the variable display data is changed, and the player's expectation on the display result can be enhanced.

  The VDP 115 performs predetermined data conversion processing on the image data developed on the VRAM 117 by the image data conversion processing unit 170 in response to receiving a drawing command for data conversion processing from the CPU 112. That is, the image data conversion processing unit 170 performs predetermined data conversion processing on image data for generating a display image displayed on the variable display device 4 by image reproduction by the image reproduction unit 164 at the change timing of the variable display data. Apply. A switching image is generated by such data conversion processing, and, for example, in accordance with the fade-out processing shown in FIG. As a result, the switching image can be generated using the existing image data used in the image reproduction before the change of the variable display data, so that a natural switching display process can be performed without increasing the data amount of the image data. The storage capacity required for data storage can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible.

  In the above embodiment, when the change timing of the variable display data is reached, the CPU 112 executes the changing display process shown in FIG. 13 and sends a drawing command by a predetermined data conversion process to the VDP 115 in step S261. Thus, a switching image is generated using the image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 at the change timing, and the changing display is performed. Then, when the changing display is finished, the special symbol variable display is started in the variable display mode designated by the display control data selected in step S212 of FIG. 9 in accordance with the process of step S265 in the CPU 112. Like that. However, when the special symbol variable display is started in accordance with the process of step S265 in the CPU 112, the player may be given an impression that the special symbol variable display suddenly starts, which may cause a sense of discomfort.

  Therefore, in the changing display for changing the variable display data based on the display control data selected by the CPU 112 in step S212, it is first displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 when the changing display is finished. Display using an image may be performed. For example, each pixel data in the image data specified by the display control data selected in step S212 is set as the source image in the calculation as shown in FIG. 15, and each time the changing display process shown in FIG. 13 is executed. The value of the parameter N may be increased by 1 until it reaches “32” from “0”. Thereby, the faded-in display in which the first image displayed after the display during the change is displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 with the transparency gradually decreasing from the state of being completely transparent can be performed. it can. In addition, the image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data and the display area of the variable display device 4 when the display during change for changing the variable display data is finished. Using the first displayed image, an intermediate color of both images corresponding to a predetermined parameter value is generated for each pixel data, and the parameter value is updated each time the changing display process shown in FIG. 13 is executed. The image obtained in this way may be displayed. As a result, the image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 is gradually disappeared at the change timing of the variable display data, and at the same time, the first image displayed after the end of the display during the change appears stepwise. It becomes possible to make it.

  The changing display performed when changing the variable display data is not limited to the fade-out process shown in FIG. 14, and an image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 is generated at the change timing of the variable display data. Any image data that can be used for the change display can be generated by performing various data conversion processes on the image data to be used. As a specific example, by dividing the display area of the variable display device 4 into a predetermined number of sections and averaging the display colors in the images displayed at the change timing of the variable display data for each section, Mosaic processing may be performed on the image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data, and the image may be displayed as a changing display when changing the variable display data. In addition, image data for generating an image displayed in the display area of the variable display device 4 at the change timing of the variable display data, or an image for generating an image displayed first after the display during change is completed. The data may be subjected to data conversion processing using a predetermined mapping function to generate a switching image, and display during change may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, when the CPU 112 executes the process of step S254 in FIG. 12, the display of the special symbol on the variable display device 4 is erased, and the variable symbol special display in the special symbol game is temporarily stopped. explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the special symbol variable display in the special symbol game may be temporarily stopped by temporarily displaying the special symbol during the variable display. Then, during the change display when changing the variable display data, the special symbol that has been temporarily stopped may be displayed as it is, or it may disappear once as a switching image together with the background image and the like, and according to the processing of step S265 in the CPU 112 You may make it start variable display after making it display again. Alternatively, for example, by performing translucent processing on image data corresponding to the special symbol that is stopped and displayed to increase transparency, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is held in a state where it can be visually recognized to some extent, and variable display After performing the change display when changing the data, the transparency of the image showing the special symbol may be lowered to return to the normal display state, and then the variable display may be started.

  In the above embodiment, the variable after the change is made in step S212 of the display control setting process (FIG. 9) executed when the CPU 112 mounted on the display control board 12 receives the variable display start command from the main board 11. In the above description, the display control data for specifying the variable display mode of the special symbol after the change of the variable display data is selected from the plurality of display control data included in the display data. However, the timing for selecting the display control data for designating the variable display mode of the special symbol after the change of the variable display data can be arbitrarily changed before the change of the variable display data is completed. When the determination to end the changing display is made in step S263 of the changing display process shown in FIG. 2, the total variable display time of the special symbol designated in advance by the variable display start command and any of steps S208 and S209 Display control data for designating the variable display mode of the special symbol after the change of the variable display data may be selected based on the change timing of the variable display data determined by the above. When display control data is selected when the display during change is terminated in this way, the remaining variable display time of the special symbol is specified from the timer value of the variable display time timer, and the changed data selected in step S211. Display control data corresponding to the remaining variable display time of the special symbol may be selected from among the plurality of display control data included in the variable display data.

  In the above embodiment, the variable display data indicating the special symbol variable display mode such as the variable symbol display speed, the display position, the size, and the display color, and the background image are stored in the ROM 113 as the variable display data. Explained as being. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The variable display data and the display control data are separately stored in the ROM 113, and the display position of the display control data in the ROM 113 (for example, the storage in the ROM 113) is stored in the variable display data. Data specifying an address, file name, data identification number, etc.) may be included. That is, the variable display data only needs to indicate a plurality of display control data in time series corresponding to the progress (variable display) of the special figure game. Further, the display control data is not limited to data indicating both the variable display mode of the special symbol and the background image, and may indicate either one.

  The apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 1, the block configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the flowchart configurations shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, and FIGS. 11 to 14 are arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. And modifications are possible. In addition, the display modes shown in FIGS. 16, 18, 19, and 21 to 23 are shown as an example, and when changing the variable display data, the changing display using the switching image can be performed. If there is, it may be arbitrarily changed. Further, the selection probability when determining the change timing of the variable display data shown in FIG. 10 is also shown as an example, and can be arbitrarily changed according to various settings in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of winning balls, and encloses game balls and gives points in response to detection of winning balls. It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a detachable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration example in a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions in a display control board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of VDP. It is a flowchart which shows a game control interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control setting process. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection probability at the time of determining the change timing of variable display data. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol variable display process. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of a change start. It is a flowchart which shows a display process during a change. It is a flowchart which shows a fade-out process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a translucent arithmetic expression. It is a figure which shows an example of a fade-out display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variable display pattern A and the variable display pattern B. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display mode according to the variable display pattern A. It is a figure which shows the display mode according to the variable display pattern B. FIG. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of a display control in a special figure game. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a special figure game. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a special figure game. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a special figure game.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4 ... Variable display device 6 ... Normal variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 11 ... Main board 12 ... Display control board 40 ... Normal symbol display 70 ... Each prize opening switch 100 ... Microcomputer 101, 113 for game control ROM
102, 114 ... RAM
103, 112 ... CPU
104 ... I / O port 107 ... Switch circuit 110 ... Oscillator circuit 111 ... Reset circuit 115 ... VDP
116 ... CGROM
117 ... VRAM
160 ... Data decompression unit 161 ... Data reproduction unit 162 ... Operation control unit 163 ... Image data processing unit 164 ... Image reproduction unit 170 ... Image data conversion processing unit

Claims (5)

When a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified is provided based on the establishment of the variable display start condition, and the display result of the variable display is a predetermined specific display result In addition, a gaming machine controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Display control means for performing display control of the variable display device based on a control signal from the game control means,
The game control means includes
Signal transmission means for transmitting a control signal for controlling display by the variable display device to the display control means;
Variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time for executing variable display of identification information for which the variable display start condition is satisfied when the variable display start condition is satisfied;
The signal transmission means has a function of transmitting a variable display time control signal indicating information designating a variable display time of the identification information determined by the variable display time determination means;
The display control means includes
Signal receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the game control means;
Data for storing display control information indicating a display mode to be displayed on the variable display device during a variable display time of identification information, and variable display data indicating a plurality of the display control information in time series corresponding to the variable display time Storage means;
Variable display control means for controlling display of the variable display device based on the display control information indicated by the variable display data stored in the data storage means,
The variable display control means includes
Variable display for selecting one of a plurality of types of variable display data stored in the data storage unit in correspondence with the variable display time of the identification information specified by the variable display time control signal received by the signal receiving unit Data selection means;
The variable display time control signal received by the signal receiving means from the variable display data selected by the variable display data selecting means to variable display data having a variable display form different from the variable display form by the variable display data. Variable display data change determination means for determining whether or not to change within the variable display time of the specified identification information;
A change timing determining means for determining a change timing of the variable display data when it is determined by the variable display data change determining means to change the variable display data;
When the variable display data change determining means determines that the variable display data is to be changed, the variable display data is stored in the data storage means as variable display data used by the variable display control means after the variable display data is changed. A post-change variable display data selection means for selecting one of a plurality of types of variable display data,
Based on the variable display time of the identification information specified by the variable display time control signal received by the signal receiving means and the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determining means, the variable display data after change is selected. A post-change control information selection means for selecting one of a plurality of display control information indicated in the variable display data selected by the means;
Based on the variable display data selected by the variable display data selection means, the switching image is displayed using the image displayed on the variable display device at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means. Switching image generation means for generating,
When the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means has been reached, the variable display control means uses the switching image generated by the switching image generation means after being displayed on the variable display device. Changing the variable display data to the variable display data selected by the changed variable display data selecting means, and executing the variable display in the display mode indicated by the display control information selected by the changed control information selecting means Including display control means,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The change display control means, at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means, displays the switching image generated by the switching image generation means in a state where variable display is temporarily stopped in the variable display device. Display,
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The game control means includes
Numerical data updating means for updating predetermined numerical data;
Numerical data extraction means for extracting numerical data to be updated by the numerical data update means when a variable display execution condition that triggers establishment of the variable display start condition;
Pre-determining means for determining whether or not the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extracting means matches predetermined determination value data indicating that the specific display result is obtained,
The signal transmission means has a function of transmitting a variable display result instruction signal indicating a display result of variable display based on a result of determination by the prior determination means when the variable display start condition is satisfied,
The change timing determining means has a higher rate when the display result of the variable display indicated by the variable display result instruction signal received by the signal receiving means is the specific display result than when the display result is not the specific display result. Then, the change timing of the variable display data is determined to be late,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The variable display control means includes
Image data storage means for storing image data for executing variable display based on the variable display data;
Image data reading means for reading image data from the image data storage means;
Display image generation means for generating a display image corresponding to the display mode indicated by the variable display data based on the image data read from the image data storage means by the image data reading means;
Image reproducing means for reproducing an image by sequentially displaying the display image generated by the display image generating means on the variable display device,
The display image generation means includes the switching image generation means,
The switching image generating means generates image data for generating a display image displayed on the variable display device by image reproduction by the image reproducing means at the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determining means. Including image data conversion means for generating the switching image by performing a predetermined conversion process on
The change display control means performs image reproduction by causing the image display means to display the switching image on the variable display device when the change timing of the variable display data determined by the change timing determination means is reached. ,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3. The image data conversion means includes fade-out image generation means for generating a plurality of fade-out images whose transparency has been increased stepwise from the image data read by the image data reading means,
The change display control means is configured to reproduce each fade-out image generated by the fade-out image generation means by image reproduction by the image reproduction means at a change timing of variable display data determined by the change timing determination means. The display image displayed on the screen is sequentially shifted to a fade-out image with higher transparency, and finally the fade-out image with the highest transparency is displayed, so that the image disappears step by step. Including fade-out processing means for executing fade-out processing;
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein:

Images