JP4555486B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a lottery is executed by winning a start opening, and a result of the lottery is displayed to a player in a state of a variation pattern of symbols in a plurality of rows for a predetermined time and the symbol arrangement in which the variation pattern is stopped after the predetermined time. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a symbol variation display device for informing, and is capable of making a gaming state advantageous to a player when the lottery result is a win.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, in gaming machines, particularly pachinko machines, a lottery is made by detecting a pachinko ball that has won a start winning opening (special symbol start winning opening). There are pachinko machines that are opened a predetermined number of times to increase the winning rate of game balls and have a function that makes it advantageous for the player.
[0003]
In this type of pachinko machine, a display unit (usually a liquid crystal display screen) is installed at the center of the gauge board of the pachinko machine as an effect for notifying the player of the result of the lottery. The display unit is configured to display a symbol hit screen in a sequence when a symbol changing screen of a plurality of columns is configured (there is also a background screen) and the changing symbol stops. By seeing the symbol variation screen, the player is amazed whether it is a hit or miss, so that the player can have a sense of expectation.
[0004]
By the way, as an effect at the time of symbol determination expression on the symbol variation screen, especially as an effect to stop and determine the final symbol after reaching the predetermined position, the symbol is switched from continuous high speed rotation to frame advance variation, and then stopped. In general, after switching to slow rotation, a method of stopping is used.
[0005]
In addition, while swinging a plurality of symbols including a winning symbol vertically and horizontally, the symbol is specified by whether or not it stops at a predetermined position, and the winning symbol and the two symbols before and after it are interchanged. However, there may be irregular fluctuations such as determining the stop symbol at the end.
[0006]
The above symbol variation is produced only by the movement of one reel, and it is difficult to determine which symbol is the hit symbol without looking at the leftover when making the decision. Because it is only the movement of, visual surprise is poor.
[0007]
As an irregular design variation, the design is further replaced while being deformed by twisting, compressing, stretching, or the like. According to this, it is possible to give a visual surprise, but the amount of image data becomes enormous, making it difficult to handle with a limited amount of memory, and other adverse effects such as a reduction in processing speed. It can happen.
[0008]
For this reason, it has been proposed to divide a single winning symbol into a plurality of symbols, swing each of them randomly, and specify the symbols based on whether or not they are coupled to each other.
[0009]
However, it is difficult for each divided symbol to determine the original shape of the symbol itself, and the visibility of the symbol cannot be improved.
[0010]
In consideration of the above-mentioned facts, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine that can realize irregular symbol variation without increasing the amount of image data and can perform symbol variation with good visibility such as identification of a winning symbol. Is the purpose.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a lottery is executed by winning a start opening, and a lottery result is obtained from a variation pattern of a plurality of rows of symbols for a predetermined time and the symbol arrangement of the symbol pattern in which the variation pattern is stopped after the predetermined time. A game machine capable of providing a game state advantageous to the player when the result of the lottery is a win, comprising: A symbol duplicating means for duplicating at least the symbol that stops last, when the arrangement state of the symbol that is stopped by providing a time lag at the stop time is the reach state that is the winning sequence when the symbol is stopped. Display control means for variably displaying a plurality of the same symbols duplicated by the symbol duplicating means on at least a fluctuation trajectory having the same stop position, and each of the symbols duplicated by the symbol duplicating means A mask display means for masking and displaying, and a winning symbol for displaying a single non-masked symbol by stopping each duplicated winning symbol at a stop position and supplementing each mask region Stop control means, and the mask display means completely masks different areas of the plurality of symbols before the mask duplicated by the symbol duplication means, and each symbol after the mask is masked before the mask. It is characterized by maintaining an expression that can identify a design .
[0012]
According to the present invention, the symbol that stops last is duplicated by the symbol duplication unit that is in the reach state. The duplicated identical symbols are each masked by the mask display means.
[0013]
Each masked symbol is displayed in a variable manner on each variable locus, but the stop position is the same for each symbol.
[0014]
For this reason, when stop control is performed with respect to the variation of each symbol by the symbol stop control means, each symbol stops at the same stop position. Therefore, mask areas are compensated for each other, and a single unmasked (completed) symbol can be displayed.
[0015]
In this way, by performing masking by the mask display means, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of different symbols or to prepare a huge amount of data for deforming the symbols, and a limited memory range It is possible to realize unexpected symbol fluctuations and maintain a high visibility state.
[0017]
Since the masking areas by the mask display means are different areas between the symbols, each mask area can be compensated for by overlapping each other. Further, since the masked symbols can each represent the original symbols alone, the visibility is not impaired.
[0018]
In the present invention, the mask display means is constituted by a mask screen including vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, and lattice stripes that are totally transmissive and totally opaque.
[0019]
Masking by the mask display means is a totally transmissive and completely opaque mask screen, and the original design can be sufficiently expressed especially when the stripes are vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, and lattice stripes.
[0020]
Further, in the present invention, the mask display means changes the transparency of each symbol duplicated by the symbol duplicating means, and the transparency of the total transparency when each duplicated symbol stops at a predetermined stop position. It consists of a screen.
[0021]
The mask display means is a screen that transmits each symbol with a predetermined transmittance. By overlapping these, a transmission density equivalent to the total transmission can be obtained.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a game board 111 of a pachinko machine 110 according to the present embodiment. A region surrounded by the arc-shaped rail 112 in the game board 111 is a gauge portion 114 that is a game region.
[0023]
A plurality of nails 116 are driven into the gauge portion 114 over the entire surface, and the pachinko balls launched through the rails 112 bounce against the nails 116 and fall while being guided by the guide path formed by the nails 116. It has come to do. In addition to this nail 116, a windmill 118 is attached at a symmetrical position toward the gauge portion 114 so as to change the direction of the pachinko ball in an unexpected direction.
[0024]
Further, the gauge portion 114 is provided with a winning opening 120 at a plurality of positions, and when a pachinko ball enters the winning opening 120, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out to the player.
[0025]
Such a gauge portion 114 is a substantially symmetrical system, and an electric accessory unit 122 as a special symbol variation device is disposed in the center portion, and the display portion 124 is exposed. A special symbol start winning port 126 as a first start port for starting the electric accessory unit 122 is provided below the display unit 124.
[0026]
A special prize opening 128 is arranged further below the special symbol starting prize opening 126, and an opening / closing member 129 for opening and closing the special prize opening 128 is opened for a predetermined time in a so-called display state in the electric accessory unit 122. It is configured to win a large number of pachinko balls.
[0027]
In addition, the pachinko ball which won the special symbol start winning opening 126 is held for a maximum of four balls, and when the guidance of the lottery result by the electric accessory unit 122 is finished, the held portion is digested. ing. The number of the reserved balls is informed to the left and right of the display unit 124 in FIG. 1 of the electric accessory unit 122 by lighting / extinguishing states of the four special symbol holding lamps 200 (lighting is held).
[0028]
Further, the gauge unit 114 is provided with a normal symbol start winning port 130 as a second start port, and a normal symbol display unit 132 capable of displaying a one-digit number from 0 to 9. When a pachinko ball is won at the start winning opening 130, the display of the normal symbol display section 132 changes, and when the number per predetermined number is reached, the electric tulip 134 as a movable part provided at the special symbol starting winning opening 126 is opened for a predetermined time. It is supposed to be. By opening the electric tulip 134, the probability of winning the special symbol start winning opening 126 is physically increased.
[0029]
A panel 140 having a handle 136 as a launching device and a tray 138 for receiving a pachinko ball on the front side is provided below the gauge portion 114. The handle 136 is attached to a rotating shaft protruding from the inside of the panel 140, and is rotatable about the rotating shaft. That is, when the player holds and rotates the handle 136, the launching device is operated, and the firing strength is set based on the rotation angle. Note that a return biasing force is applied to the rotation, and the structure automatically returns to the original rotation position when the player releases his / her hand.
[0030]
FIG. 2 shows an outline of a control system for controlling the pachinko machine 110.
The control system is classified for each function such as the payout control board 152, the sound control board 154, the lamp control board 156, the launch control board 158, the symbol display control board 160, etc. with the main control board 150 as the center (hereinafter referred to as “the control system”). These are collectively referred to as the sub-control board 151).
[0031]
The main control board 150 and the sub control board 151 can also manage the operation status of the pachinko machine by connecting to the hall computer 208 on the pachinko shop side via the management control board 206.
[0032]
The main control board 150 stores a basic program relating to the game, and the other sub-control boards 151 execute independently based on the command signal from the main control board 150. That is, the main control board 150 basically outputs only a command and does not receive feedback of the result or the like.
[0033]
The payout control board 152 controls the number of payouts of pachinko balls, and the sound control board 154 controls the output of sound effects and the like from the speaker 162 provided in the pachinko machine 110. In addition, the lamp control board 156 controls turning on / off of the electric decoration member (game board side indicator lamp) 164 attached to the pachinko machine 110, and the launch control board 158 controls the launch of the pachinko ball by the player. .
[0034]
The symbol display control board 160 is connected to the display unit 124 via a display driver 166, and executes display that provides a predetermined effect based on a command signal from the main control board 150. The symbol display control board 160 also controls the normal symbol display unit 132.
[0035]
The main control board 150 includes a special symbol winning sensor 168 provided at the special symbol starting winning port 126, a normal symbol winning sensor 170 provided at the normal symbol starting winning port 130, and a winning sensor provided at each winning port 120. 172 and a special winning opening sensor 173 that detects a pachinko ball that has won the special winning opening 128 is connected. The special winning opening 128 is provided with a V zone for continuing the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening, and a V zone sensor 171 is also provided in this V zone.
[0036]
Also connected to the main control board 150 are a solenoid 174 for opening and closing the electric tulip 134, a solenoid 175 for opening and closing the opening / closing member 129 of the special prize opening 128, and a special symbol holding lamp 200.
[0037]
In addition, the main control board 150 draws special symbols and normal symbols, selects display contents on the display unit 124 based on the lottery result, and outputs a command signal to the symbol display control board 160. That is, in the symbol display control board 160, data of different display contents based on a plurality of types of command signals are stored in advance, and the data is selected based on the command signals and activated.
[0038]
Here, in the symbol display control board 160 of the present embodiment, when the display content based on the instruction of the main control board 150 is a reach display including a win, the final stop symbols after reach are duplicated, respectively. Masking is performed to perform unexpected variation effects. FIG. 3 shows a control block diagram for the variation effect by the masking.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 3, the variable symbol data capturing unit 210 captures data of the final stop symbol. In the symbol data, a predetermined number of symbol data set in advance is duplicated in the symbol data duplicating unit 212. In this embodiment, there is only one symbol data to be copied, and two symbol data are sent to the masking symbol generation unit 214 based on the original symbol data.
[0040]
A masking data memory 216 is connected to the masking symbol generation unit 214, and the same number of masking data as the number of symbol data is read.
[0041]
That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, horizontal stripe masks 220 and 222 are prepared for two symbols 216 and 218 of symbol data. Note that white of the masks 220 and 222 indicates total transmission, and black indicates total transmission. These masks 220 and 222 have a form in which black and white are reversed. For this reason, these two masks 220 and 222 mask different non-overlapping areas in the images 216 and 218 of each symbol data.
[0042]
On the other hand, masking with such masks 220 and 222 results in unfinished images 224 and 226, but the overall shape of the symbol remains almost the same, so visibility is not lowered.
[0043]
For this reason, when this symbol is a winning symbol, the player can quickly recognize this symbol and can give a sense of expectation to an effect until the symbol is stopped and fixed at a predetermined position.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality (two) of masking images 224 and 226 (see FIG. 4) generated by the masking symbol generation unit 214 are sent to the masking symbol variation control unit 228 and predetermined. Fluctuation control is executed.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, a variation is performed in which one moves from the top to the bottom of the screen of the display unit 124 and the other moves from the bottom to the top of the screen of the display unit 124 (see FIG. 5).
[0046]
Here, the stop position passage timing signal is input from the synchronization control section 230 to the masking symbol variation control section 228, and is controlled so as to pass the stop position at the same time. For this reason, when the unfinished symbols moving from the top and bottom of the screen come to the stop position, the areas masked with each other are compensated for, so that the complete symbol is displayed at the stop position.
[0047]
In addition, when the symbol is fixed, each symbol is controlled to stop at this stop position. However, when the fluctuation continues, the symbol that has moved from the top is continuously below the stop position. The symbol that has moved and moved from below is controlled so as to continuously move above the stop position.
[0048]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.
[0049]
First, when a pachinko ball is launched, it is guided by the rail 112 and falls while making unpredictable movement while abutting against the nail 116, the windmill 118, etc. of the gauge part 114. Here, when winning a prize at the winning opening 120, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out (prize balls). When the normal symbol start winning opening 130 is won, the normal symbol winning sensor 170 detects this.
[0050]
With this detection, the main control board 150 starts drawing a normal symbol. That is, a random number counter is used to draw numbers from 0 to 9 with a predetermined probability. As a result of the lottery, there is no change in the gaming state in particular when the game is out. On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a win (for example, a win number of 7 is drawn), the main control board 150 sets the electric tulip 134 provided in the special symbol start winning opening 126 to an open state. Energize the solenoid 174. Thereby, it can be set as the high probability state in which the pachinko ball is easy to enter the special symbol start winning opening.
[0051]
When a pachinko ball wins the special symbol start winning opening 126, the main control board 150 starts a big win lottery with a predetermined establishment using a random number counter. When winning / losing is determined as a result of this big hit lottery, a symbol variation pattern (symbol variation pattern) prepared in advance is selected (may be selected with a random number counter), and an effect including the symbol display control board 160 is included. A command signal is sent to the control board related to the.
[0052]
The symbol display control board 160 displays a symbol variation pattern on the display unit 124 via the display driver 166 based on the received command signal. In this symbol variation pattern, there are various effects such as hitting via reach, missed reach, and missed via reach, and the player can wait for the lottery result with a sense of expectation.
[0053]
Here, in the case of winning, the opening / closing member 129 of the special winning opening 128 is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, so that the probability of winning a pachinko ball becomes extremely large, and the player is in an advantageous state. Can do.
[0054]
If a pachinko ball wins the special symbol start winning opening 126 during the symbol variation display, the lottery is performed at that time, but the symbol variation display is waited until the currently displayed symbol variation display is finished. This is notified to the player when the hold lamp 200 is turned on.
[0055]
Here, in this embodiment, the effect of the player is given to the symbol variation at the time of the reach effect, and the player's joyfulness is enshrined. Hereinafter, according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the symbol variation control of the reach effect will be described.
[0056]
In step 300, it is determined whether or not it is a reach effect. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 302, the variation symbol data of the last column is captured, and the process proceeds to step 304.
[0057]
In step 304, a copy of the captured symbol data is generated. In the present embodiment, the number of symbol data to be copied is one, and a total of two identical symbol data including the original symbol data is generated.
[0058]
In the next step 306, masking data is read from the masking data memory 216. This masking data is read based on the number of copies (total number of symbol data), and in the present embodiment, two horizontal stripe masking data are read. The masking images 220 and 222 based on the two pieces of masking data have a pattern in which black and white are reversed as shown in FIG. White represents total transmission and black represents total transmission.
[0059]
In step 308, masking processing of each symbol data is executed based on the masking data. That is, in each symbol data, different regions that do not overlap are masked (see masking images 224 and 226 in FIG. 4).
[0060]
Next, in step 310, variation control is performed separately based on each masked symbol data. Here, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5B, the masked image 224 of one masked symbol data moves from the top to the bottom of the screen of the display unit 124. The other masked symbol data image 226 moves from the bottom to the top of the screen of the display unit 124.
[0061]
During the symbol variation, it is determined whether or not the stop position passage timing has been reached (step 312). If an affirmative determination is made, each masking image 224, 226 reaches a predetermined stop position (step 314). For this reason, the masked images 224 and 226 are masked with each other, and an image 216 (or 218) showing a complete design is obtained (see FIG. 5C).
[0062]
Note that when all the images arrive at this stop position, an accent may be given using the background image.
[0063]
In step 316, it is determined whether or not the symbol that has reached the stop position is the final stop symbol. If the determination is affirmative, the symbol is fixed. In the case of FIG. 5 (C), since it is a winning symbol, three symbols are aligned to be a winning symbol. On the other hand, if it is out of place, a negative determination is made in step 316, and the process returns to step 302 to execute the same control for the next variable symbol.
[0064]
According to the above embodiment, when dividing a symbol, it is possible to leave the shape of the symbol before the division, so that the visibility to the player is improved, and even if the symbol is changing, the symbol to be changed is It is possible to determine whether the symbol is a winning symbol.
[0065]
In addition, since each masked symbol can be a deformed symbol, it is not necessary to create new image data due to fluctuations, and memory data can be reduced.
[0066]
Furthermore, since the variation pattern is clearly different from the conventional symbol variation, it is possible to realize an effect that is surprising to the player.
[0067]
In this embodiment, two variable symbols are used, and areas that do not overlap each other are masked by the horizontal stripe masks 220 and 222. However, three variable symbols are generated (two duplicate symbols are generated). In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, three masks 232, 234 and 236 are required.
[0068]
The masking pattern is not limited to horizontal stripes, and may be vertical stripes, spotted masking images 238 and 240 shown in FIG. 8, and checkered masking images 242 and 244 shown in FIG.
[0069]
Furthermore, the fluctuation pattern is not limited to the vertical movement of the screen of the display unit 124, but may be a swing that combines left and right or up and down and left and right.
[0070]
In the above, the change pattern of the last column at the time of reach was targeted, but by using the above masking means to produce the non-deterministic expression that was expressed by shaking etc. that has been conventionally done, Memory data for rocking can be reduced.
[0071]
In addition, the masking image applied in this embodiment is a combination of all transmissive areas and all opacity areas. However, the masking image has a predetermined transparency and is overlapped with the original image. Thus, for example, two images having a transmittance of 50% -50% may be generated and varied. In this case, it is sufficient that the transmittance is 100% when they are overlapped, and various combinations such as 30% -70%, 20% -30% -50%, and the like are possible.
[0072]
Further, the number of copied images (or the number including the original image) for masking may be changed and synchronized with the hit probability. For example, you may make it have the visual alerting | reporting function that there are many copies, so that a hit probability is high.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that it is possible to realize irregular symbol variation without increasing the amount of image data, and to perform symbol variation with good visibility such as identification of a winning symbol. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing functions for copying and masking an image.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state of an image until masking is performed.
FIG. 5 is a front view of a display unit showing a display state of a masking image.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of masking image variation display control.
FIG. 7 is a front view showing a first modification of a masking image.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a second modification of the masking image.
FIG. 9 is a front view showing a third modification of the masking image.
[Explanation of symbols]
110 Pachinko machines (game machines)
114 Gauge unit 122 Electric accessory unit 124 Display unit 126 Special symbol start winning port 150 Main control board 160 Symbol display control board 168 Special symbol prize sensor 210 Fluctuating symbol data capturing unit 212 Symbol data duplicating unit 214 Masking symbol generating unit 216 218 Image 220, 222 Mask 224, 226 Masking image 228 Masking symbol variation control unit 230 Synchronization control unit

Claims (3)

The lottery is executed by winning the start opening, and the lottery result is notified to the player in the state of the variation pattern of the symbols in a plurality of columns for a predetermined time and the symbol arrangement in which the variation pattern is stopped after the predetermined time. A gaming machine comprising a display device and capable of making a gaming state advantageous to a player when the result of the lottery is a win,
A time lag is provided at the stop timing of the symbol variation pattern, and at least the last symbol to be stopped is duplicated when the symbol array that has been stopped leaving the column to be stopped last becomes the reach state that is the winning sequence. A pattern duplicating means,
Display control means for variably displaying a plurality of the same symbols duplicated by the symbol duplicating means on a fluctuation trajectory having at least the same stop position;
Mask display means for masking and displaying each of the symbols copied by the symbol duplicating means;
Each of the duplicated winning symbols is stopped at a stop position, and each of the mask areas is supplemented, thereby having a winning symbol stop control means for displaying a single unmasked symbol .
The mask display means completely masks different areas of a plurality of symbols before the mask copied by the symbol duplicating means, and each symbol after the mask maintains an expression that can identify the symbol before the mask. A gaming machine characterized by that . 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the mask display means is constituted by a mask screen including vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, and lattice stripes that are totally transmissive and totally opaque. The mask display means is configured by a screen having a transparency that changes the transparency of each of the symbols duplicated by the symbol duplicating means and is fully transmissive when each of the duplicated symbols stops at a predetermined stop position. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images