JP5770532B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention displays a result of a lottery executed by winning a game ball at a start winning opening, an image effect including a change in a predetermined symbol sequence, and a symbol arrangement state stopped after the image effect. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with an informing means for informing by displaying on the screen.

  Conventionally, gaming machines, such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines, are provided with an LCD display unit, and an effect image is displayed on the LCD display unit as the game progresses, thereby exciting the game. In addition, the LCD display section informs important information in advance as the game progresses, and informs the result.

  For example, in a pachinko machine, a special symbol lottery is executed when a game ball wins a special symbol start winning opening provided on the game board surface. In the LCD display section, the result of the special symbol lottery is notified with effects.

  Some of these effects are called “pseudo-continuous effects”, for example. The pseudo-continuous effect generally refers to an effect in which a plurality of symbol sequences fluctuate and the symbol sequences fluctuate again after being temporarily stopped (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 describe table data for selecting a variation pattern type classified for each type of production operation of reach production after pseudo-continuous production, and reach production is performed after pseudo-continuous production. This is one of the so-called typical pseudo-continuous effects.

  Not only the pseudo-continuous effects described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, but also the pseudo-continuous effects include “every time a symbol string that is not a predetermined hit is temporarily stopped (for example, 1 to 3 times). "Effects" "For example, an intermediate symbol group with a special pattern for pseudo-ream, and an effect that re-varies when the pseudo-ream dedicated symbol is temporarily stopped", "an effect that re-varies when the special pattern for pseudo-ream stops after reaching", etc. There are various forms of production.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 describes “an effect in which a pseudo-dedicated symbol stops and re-varies during normal reach”. In Patent Document 3, when the left and right symbols are reach-displayed and then the big hit is not made, the middle symbol is changed and stopped a plurality of times.

  By the way, in the above-mentioned patent documents 1 to 3, the notification of how many times the pseudo-ream continues is generally expressed by a lamp effect, a color effect, or a story being continued. It's hard to understand instantly.

  In Cited Document 4, the roles 91 to 94 are used, and only the role 91 is rotated / lighted at the first re-variation of the pseudo-announcement, and the roles 91 and 92 are rotated / returned at the second re-change. Illuminated, and the components 91, 92, 93 rotate and light at the time of the third re-variation, and the features 91 to 94 rotate and light at the time of the fourth re-variation. According to the above, it is possible to make the player recognize the number of executions (continuous number of times) of the pseudo-announcement easily and reliably.

  However, in Patent Document 4, since it is not a direct notification, the number of pseudo-reams is still difficult to understand. For this reason, it is only necessary to simply display the number of times, but if an image that is not directly related to effects such as symbol variation being executed in the screen is displayed, if the variation symbol is a number, There is a possibility that the lottery result may be misunderstood.

JP 2011-30796 A JP 2011-31096 A JP 2008-29895 A JP 2010-88523 A

  In consideration of the above-mentioned facts, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of notifying misunderstandings or discomfort in lottery result notifications including effects such as symbol fluctuations on the display screen in an easy-to-understand manner. Is the purpose.

The present invention controls the progress of a normal game in which a lottery is executed by winning a game ball in a starting winning opening provided on the game board surface, and is provided on the game board surface when the lottery is won. A game progress control means for controlling the progress of a special game that allows a game ball to be won by opening a large winning opening that is closed during a game for a predetermined period, and a plurality of predetermined symbol sequences on the display unit Display the image effect including the variation of the symbol, and notify the result of the lottery according to the symbol arrangement state of each symbol sequence to be stopped thereafter, or the final of the symbol sequences before notifying the result of the lottery The notifying means for notifying the result of the lottery according to the symbol arrangement state of each symbol sequence that is stopped via the reach effect that leaves the stopped symbol sequence and temporarily stops with the winning symbol, and the symbol sequence that is notified by the notifying device Change A series of operations executed as a form of image production, in which the last stop symbol sequence is temporarily stopped and re-varied with a specific symbol, and a pseudo-continuous operation of executing a specific effect during the re-variation is repeated a predetermined number of times. And an effect execution control means for executing a pseudo-continuous effect to stop at the final stop symbol for notifying the result of the lottery, and the simulation when the effect execution control means executes the pseudo-continuous effect. When the screen of the display unit is partitioned according to the number of continuous operations and the state where the specific symbol is temporarily stopped is displayed in the partitioned screen, it overlaps at least with the screen of the display unit. A plurality of layered hierarchical screens are formed, the display contents are related to each other, and the lower layer side screen of the plurality of layered hierarchical screens is partitioned, and the specific design is temporarily displayed in the partitioned screens. Stopped It is characterized in that to display.
Further, in the present invention, every time the pseudo-continuous symbol is temporarily stopped on the upper layer side screen, the pseudo-continuous determination image on the lower layer side screen is edited to obtain a reduced pseudo-continuous determination image on the lower layer side screen. It is characterized in that the number of images is matched with the number of pseudo-continuous times.

  According to the present invention, when a game ball wins at the start winning opening, if the game ball is a win that is effective for the lottery, for example, the lottery is executed.

  When the result of this lottery is winning, a game ball can be won by opening a large winning opening that is provided on the game board surface and is closed during normal games for a predetermined period of time. You can get the right of special games. In other words, during the special game, more game balls can be received in a shorter period of time than during the normal game.

  Here, the result of the lottery is notified by the notification means. In other words, the effect execution control means controls the notifying means to display on the display device an image effect including a predetermined symbol sequence variation, and a symbol arrangement state stopped after the image effect. The player confirms winning / losing according to the symbol arrangement state to be finally stopped. In the process up to that point, various effects may be executed to give a sense of expectation of winning.

  As one of them, there is a pseudo-continuous effect form. This pseudo-continuous effect form is an effect that increases the expectation of winning as the number of changes in the symbol sequence and the effect image is repeated.

  The quasi-continuous effect form is a series of operations executed as a form of image effect including changes in the symbol sequence. The final stop symbol sequence is temporarily stopped and re-variable with a specific symbol, and the specific effect is executed during the re-variation. The pseudo continuous operation to be performed is repeated a predetermined number of times, and then stopped at the final stop symbol for informing the lottery result.

  Here, in the effect execution control means, the screen of the display unit is divided according to the number of times of the pseudo continuous operation when the pseudo continuous effect is executed, and the specific symbol is temporarily stopped in the partitioned screen Is displayed. As a result, the current number of pseudo-continuous operations can be recognized based on the number of sections of the screen.

  In the present invention, the effect execution control means forms a plurality of layered screens that are displayed so as to overlap each other at least on the screen of the display unit, and can individually control the display, and executes the pseudo-continuous effect. The display unit displays a state in which the specific symbol is temporarily stopped in the partitioned screen by dividing a relatively lower layer screen of the display unit according to the number of times of the pseudo continuous operation. It is characterized in that the variation of the symbol sequence for the next pseudo-continuous operation is continued on the relatively upper layer side screen.

  The effect execution control means stratifies at least the screen of the display unit, and relatively classifies the screen into a lower layer screen and an upper layer screen, and enables display control separately.

  In other words, the screen on the lower layer side of the display unit is divided according to the number of the pseudo continuous operations when the pseudo continuous effect is executed, and the state where the specific symbol is temporarily stopped is displayed in the partitioned screen. . On the other hand, the variation of the symbol sequence for the next pseudo-continuous operation is continued on the upper layer side screen of the display unit.

  Thereby, the present fluctuation can be emphasized, and confusion with the partitioned temporary stop state symbol can be avoided.

  In the present invention, the section of the display section is set in advance corresponding to the maximum number of pseudo-continuations.

  If there are areas that are pre-comparted and each time a specific symbol is displayed in each area, the player can perform an effect on the display unit with the expectation that all of the partitioned areas will be filled. As you see, you can establish a variety of gameplay.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the partition state of the display section is changed so as to always have a uniform partition area according to the number of pseudo-continuous operations.

  Since the number of divisions in advance is unknown, the player sees an area that increases every time a specific symbol is displayed on the display unit, so that a variety of game characteristics can be established.

  As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that the number of pseudo-continuous effects can be notified in an easy-to-understand manner without giving misunderstanding or discomfort to the lottery result notification including effects such as symbol fluctuations in the display screen. Have.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a front view of the game board concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the control system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram for symbol variation pattern execution control in the effect control unit according to the present embodiment. It is a timing chart of the pseudo-continuous production according to the present embodiment. It is an image figure of the hierarchy construction of the LCD display part which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol fluctuation pattern effect control routine which concerns on this Embodiment and contains the pseudo | simulation continuous effect in an effect control part. It is a front view which shows the flow of display control of the reduced pseudo continuous determination image which divides | segments the screen of an LCD display part in the case of the pseudo continuous production which concerns on this Embodiment, and alert | reports a pseudo continuous number of times visually. It is a front view which shows the modification (modification 1) of the division | segmentation form of the screen of the LCD display part in FIG. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a flow of display control of a reduced pseudo-continuation determination image that divides the screen of the LCD display unit and visually notifies the number of pseudo-continuations in the case of a pseudo-continuous effect according to Modification 2.

(Configuration of pachinko machine)
As shown in FIG. 1, a lower decoration 12 serving as a decorative panel is attached to the lower front portion of the pachinko machine 10.

  Further, a glass frame 16 equipped with a pair of glass plates 14 arranged in parallel to each other and at a predetermined interval in the depth direction is arranged on the upper part of the undergarment 12 of the pachinko machine 10. 1, the left end is pivotally supported in the state shown in FIG. On the back side of the glass frame 16, a detachable / replaceable game board 18 is set, and the game board 18 faces the glass plate 14 while being closed by the glass frame 16.

  An integrated dish 24 is disposed below the glass frame 16. A key hole 27 is provided at the right end of the integrated dish 24 in FIG. 1, and the glass frame 16 is opened when the key is inserted into the key hole 27 and turned to one of the left and right sides, and the integrated dish 24 is opened when turned to the other side. To do. The glass frame 16 may be opened when the turning angle is shallow, and the integrated dish 24 may be opened when the glass frame 16 is further turned in the same direction.

  The integrated plate 24 is provided with an upper plate portion 28 and a lower plate portion 30. An upper dish ball removal lever 34 is provided at the peripheral edge portion 32 forming the upper dish part 28, and by operating the upper dish ball removal lever 34, the game balls stored in the upper dish part 28 are moved to the lower dish part 28. 30 can be sent out. Further, the lower dish portion 30 is provided with a lower dish ball removal button 36. By operating the lower dish ball removal button 36, the game balls PB stored in the lower dish portion 30 are externally (for example, so-called "" It can be discharged into a dollar box ").

  A ball lending button 42 and a return button 44 are provided at the right end of FIG.

  A grip unit (launching handle) 26 for adjusting the firing force (flying distance) of the hit ball is attached to the lower right portion of the integrated dish 24, and an ashtray 46 is attached to the lower left portion.

  A saucer speaker 60U is disposed on the right side of the lower dish portion 30 of the integrated dish 24 in FIG.

  Here, an operation button 50 that can be operated by the player is provided on the peripheral edge portion 32 of the upper plate portion 28 in the integrated plate 24. This operation button 50 can be intervened in the effect image by operating during the operation effective period during the game, and is set according to each game specification.

  Around the glass plate 14 in the glass frame 16, an upper effect section that turns on, turns off, and blinks in accordance with the progress of the game in an arch shape to produce visual effects such as lighting and auditory effects such as sound. 52 is arranged. The lower end portion of the upper effect portion 52 is connected to the upper end portion of the lower effect portion 54 arranged in a substantially U shape around the integrated dish 24.

  As a result, the effect unit 56 is formed by the upper effect unit 52 and the lower effect unit 54 so as to surround the game board 18.

  The effect unit 56 has a predetermined design so that both the upper effect unit 52 and the lower effect unit 54 are covered with a substrate (not shown) on which an illumination member (light emitting element such as an LED or a lamp) is attached, and the substrate. A formed lens cover 58 is attached.

  The lens cover 58 is cut into a concavo-convex shape so as to divide an area where the illumination member is lit, and lighting control of the illumination member is performed for each of the divided areas (hereinafter referred to as “lens portion” as necessary). The The lighting member basically has a set of LEDs that are lit in three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). It can be lit. In addition, a triple display 62 is provided at each upper corner of the glass frame, and is applied to gaming state notification (including error notification and the like).

  Further, glass frame speakers 60C, 60L and 60R are built in the center and both ends of the area corresponding to about 1/3 of the upper arc of the glass frame 16 in the upper effect section 52, and sound is output simultaneously with illumination. To do.

  Hereinafter, the saucer speaker 60U and the glass frame speakers 60C, 60L, and 60R are collectively referred to as “speaker 60”.

(Game board configuration)
The game board 18 shown in FIG. 2 has a resin sheet-like cell attached to a plywood board serving as a substrate, and the surface of the cell is a board surface. An arc-shaped outer rail is provided near the outer peripheral edge of the board surface. 102 and the inner rail 104 are attached. In the circular area surrounded by the outer rail 102 and the inner rail 104, the game ball PB launched and driven from the launching device 165 (see FIG. 3) can be moved by its own weight fall, and this area is a game. This is a gaming area where

  Nails (not shown) and windmills 21 are scattered in the game area of the game board 18. In addition, a center accessory 105 is arranged almost in the center of the game area. The center accessory 105 includes a liquid crystal display unit (LCD display unit) 106 that displays images of various effects and the like.

  In the LCD display unit 106, for example, the symbol variation pattern effect is such that when the three symbol sequences change independently and finally the three symbol sequences stop at the same symbol, the winning of the special symbol lottery is notified. Is executed. Note that, among the three columns, the case where two columns stop at the same symbol first (temporary stop) and the remaining one column is changing is called “reach”.

  A stage 105 </ b> S is formed at the lower side of the center accessory 105. A game ball PB received by rebounding with a nail or the like, or a game ball PB received guided by a warp path (not shown) is sent to the stage 105S.

  The stage 105S is formed with an inclined surface, a protrusion, etc., and the movement of the game ball PB changes irregularly by the inclined surface, the protrusion, etc., and finally returns to the game board 18 from the lower side. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a passing gate 118 having a normal symbol lottery starting function is disposed on the left side of the center accessory 105 in FIG.

  In addition, a special symbol start winning port (A) 129 and a special symbol start winning port (B) 134 are arranged in a column at the lower part of the center accessory 105.

  The special symbol start winning opening (A) 129 is open at the top so that it can always win a prize, while the special symbol start winning opening (A) 129 is closed at the upper opening of the special symbol start winning opening (B) 134. ing.

  An electric tulip 136 is attached to the special symbol start winning opening (B) 134. The electric tulip 136 is configured to open and close by energization / non-energization of an electric chew solenoid 138 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the game board 18.

  Here, when the electric tulip 136 is in the open state, the pachinko ball PB can be received into the winning opening of the special symbol start winning opening (B) 134, and the pachinko ball PB can be won.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an attacker 112 is disposed at a lower part of the special symbol start winning opening (B) 134 and located near the lower end of the game area.

  The attacker 112 is provided with an opening / closing door 116. The opening / closing door 116 is opened or closed by energization / non-energization of the attacker solenoid 148 (see FIG. 3). That is, when the open / close door 116 is opened, the game ball PB dropped on the open / close door 116 is guided by the open / close door 116 and wins the attacker 112.

  Further, at the lowest position of the game area, there is provided an out port 124 through which the dislodged ball is discharged to the back side of the game board 18.

  Further, a plurality of general winning ports 120 (in the present embodiment, FIG. 2) are provided below the center role 105 and to the left and right of the special symbol starting winning port (A) 129 and the special symbol starting winning port (B) 134. , Two general winning ports 120A and 120B are provided on the left side of the attacker 112, and one general winning port 120C) is provided on the right side of the attacker 112. Note that the number of the general winning openings 120 is not limited to three, and the number may be determined by, for example, a design calculation such as a winning rate.

  In addition, a light emitting element 137 for lighting effects that produces a lighting effect by lighting on, turning off, and flashing according to the progress of the game on the center actor 105 and the peripheral edge of the board surface provided in the game area (see FIG. 3). Many are provided.

  Here, when the game ball PB wins the special symbol start winning opening (A) 129 or the special symbol start winning opening (B) 134, a special symbol lottery is executed, and when the special symbol lottery is won, the opening and closing of the attacker 112 is performed. The door 116 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, and this is repeated a predetermined number of times (predetermined rounds) (sometimes referred to as “special gaming state” or “big role processing”).

  Note that the winning / losing of the special symbol lottery is mainly notified in the symbol variation display effect of the LCD display unit 106, and during the symbol variation pattern effect or during the major role processing, the lottery result is suspended and sequentially We are going to inform you. In addition to the symbol variation display effect, an anthropomorphic character of an animal or the like is displayed, and a visual effect may be given to give the player a sense of expectation by implying that they have won the lottery. In that case, the player's interest is increased from the auditory sense by sound effects.

  In the present embodiment, a maximum of four for one special symbol starting prize opening (in this embodiment, two special symbol starting prize opening (A) 129 and special symbol starting prize opening (B) 134 are provided. Since it is a special symbol start winning opening, it will be 8). The number of reserved balls is not limited to this.

The number of reserved balls is arranged in the center accessory 105 at the lower right as viewed in FIG. 2 and is mainly notified by a reserved lamp which is a part of the game progress guide lamp unit 109 provided with a special figure display unit. A part of this is used for easy display to the player.
(Control system configuration)
Next, the control system of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control system of the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment is configured with a main control unit 150 as a center, and the main control unit 150 includes an effect control unit 152 and a payout control unit 154. And are connected. The main control unit 150 stores a basic program relating to games, and the operation of each unit is controlled based on a command signal from the main control unit 150.

  Information (start winning signal, jackpot signal, symbol determination signal) indicating the progress of the game is transmitted from the main control unit 150 to the hall computer (not shown) via the board external terminal 190.

  The main control unit 150 includes, as an input system, a pass gate sensor 118S that detects a game ball PB passing through the pass gate 118, and a special figure A start port sensor that detects a winning ball to the special symbol start winning port (A) 129. 129S, a special figure B start opening sensor 134S for detecting a winning ball to the special figure B starting winning opening 134, an attacker sensor 112S for detecting a winning ball to the attacker 112 that is opened in a special gaming state, a general winning opening 120A, General winning sensors 120AS, 120BS, and 120CS for detecting winning balls to 120B and 120C are connected.

  In addition, the main control unit 150 includes, as an output system, a guide lamp unit 109 for notifying game information when the lamp is lit, an electric chew solenoid 138 for opening and closing the electric tulip 136, and an opening and closing door 116 for the attacker 112. An attacker solenoid 148 is connected.

  An operation button 50 is connected to the effect control unit 152 as an input system. In addition, to the effect control unit 152, a light emitting element 137 for lighting effects and speakers 60 (glass frame speakers 60L, 60C, 60R, saucer speaker 60U) provided in various game parts of the game board 18 are connected as an output system. Has been.

  Furthermore, the LCD display unit 106 is connected to the effect control unit 152 via the symbol control unit 156.

  The payout control unit 154 is connected to a payout device 160 and a launch control unit 164, and the launch control unit 164 is connected to a launch device 165. The payout control unit 154 controls the payout operation and the stop operation of the payout device 160 provided in the pachinko machine 10, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls PB as prize balls or rental balls. In addition, the launch control unit 164 activates the launch device 165 by the operation of the grip unit 26 (see FIG. 1) by the player to start launch of the game ball PB and the launch force according to the operation amount of the grip unit 26. To control.

  Further, the payout control unit 154 transmits payout information to a hall computer (not shown) installed in the hall via the frame external terminal 191.

  A ball guide panel 200 is attached to the lower part of the center accessory 105 on the back side of the game board 18 (the side facing the player is the front side). As shown by a chain line in FIG. 2, the ball guide panel 200 has a winning port (special symbol starting winning port (A) 129, special symbol starting winning port (B) 134) concentrated in the lower part of the center actor 105. , General winning openings 120A, 120B, 120C).

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the result of the special symbol lottery is found in the main control unit 150, the effect control unit 152 is instructed to execute the effect of the symbol variation pattern. At this time, the main control unit 150 instructs the effect time of the symbol variation pattern. For this reason, the main control unit 150 and the effect control unit 152 are each independently controlled according to the time, for example, both without feeding back the processing status information from the effect control unit 152 to the main control unit 150 Are controlled in synchronization.

  The effect control unit 152 selects the symbol variation pattern type based on the instructed effect time, but basically, the variation of the three columns of symbols starts, and each column passes through various effect images. The symbol is determined (mainly stopped), and the possibility of reach, the reach type, and the like are selected based on the instructed performance time.

Conventionally, a symbol variation pattern effect, reach no effect, in addition to the usual effect of rendering with a reach, pseudo which to repeat one or more times to re-change after temporarily stopped by symbols or specific symbols indicating the off There is a pseudo-ream effect that displays the reach after executing the ream.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart relating to the pre-reach pseudo-continuous effect. In FIG. 5, the temporary stop of the two symbol rows out of the three symbol rows is displayed in a non-reach manner, and after the temporary stop operation of the final symbol. When the specific symbol is displayed, the first pseudo-variation (1st) is started, and then the pseudo-continuous variation is continued by displaying the specific symbol while maintaining the non-reach state. When the reach display is performed without continuing the quasi-continuous symbol, the reach effect is executed and the final symbol is stopped.

  In the case of this pre-reach quasi-continuous production, if the reach is developed in a state where the number of quasi-continuous is large (for example, three or more quasi-continuous), the expectation of winning the special symbol lottery increases. However, conversely, if the reach is developed in a state where the number of pseudo-reams is small (for example, one or two pseudo-reams), the expectation of winning the special symbol lottery is lowered.

  FIG. 4 shows functional blocks for symbol variation pattern execution control in effect control unit 152 according to the present embodiment. 4 are functionally classified and specialized in symbol variation pattern control, and the configuration of the effect control unit 152 is not limited.

  Information such as a command from the main control unit 150 is received by the command reception unit 250, and the command is analyzed.

  When the command receiving unit 250 analyzes that the lottery information is included, the lottery information is sent to the reachability determination unit 252.

  The reachability determination unit 252 determines whether reach is possible based on the lottery information. The reachability determination unit 252 is connected to the symbol variation pattern type determination unit 254, and the reachability information determined by the reachability determination unit 252 is transmitted together with the lottery information.

  The symbol variation pattern type determination unit 254 determines the symbol variation pattern type based on the accepted lottery information and reachability information.

  It should be noted that identification information is assigned to all types of symbol variation pattern types, and the symbol variation pattern type determination unit 254 selects identification information.

  The identification information determined (selected) by the symbol variation pattern type determination unit 254 is sent to the data collection unit 256.

  The data collection unit 256 is connected to the effect form information memory 258 and the symbol variation pattern editing unit 260. Data read instruction information is input from the data collection unit 256 to the effect form information memory 258, and various data are read based on the data read instruction information.

  The effect form information memory 258 is partitioned into a variable pattern type image data storage area 258A, an effect image data storage area 258B, a pseudo-continuous pattern data storage area 258C, a temporary stop pattern data storage area 258D, and a reach pattern type image data storage area 258E. Each data is stored. Necessary data is read from each of these storage areas based on the data read information and sent to the symbol variation pattern editing unit 260. The storage area is a representative area, and it is preferable that the effect form information memory 258 has a storage capacity enough to partition the storage area and increase the data storage area as necessary.

  The symbol variation pattern editing unit 260 receives editing instruction information from the data collection unit 256 and data necessary for image rendering from the rendering mode information memory 258.

  For this reason, in the symbol variation pattern editing unit 260, normal symbol variation, reach pattern, and pseudo-ream are selected as the image effect types. In the case of the pseudo-ream, the number of pseudo-reams is set and displayed on the LCD display unit 106. The symbol variation pattern data is edited.

  The edited symbol variation pattern data is sent to the symbol composition unit 262 and the pseudo continuous image editing unit 266. A display instruction unit 264 and a reach symbol image editing unit 266 are connected to the symbol composition unit 262.

  In the image composition unit 262, as shown in FIG. 6, the screen of the LCD display unit 106 is hierarchized, and a relatively upper screen 106U and a lower screen 106L are constructed. 6 is an image diagram of the hierarchized screens 106U and 106L, and the screens 106U and 106L of each layer do not physically exist.

  In the image composition unit 262, image data of the design variation pattern effect is assigned to the constructed upper screen 106U. Further, the lower screen 106L is adapted to notify the number of times of a pseudo-ream described later.

  The display instruction unit 264 outputs a display instruction to the symbol control unit 156 based on the symbol variation pattern information including the pseudo continuous operation transmitted from the image synthesis unit 262. This display instruction sends a display instruction command together with the image data to be displayed. For example, when all the image data is stored on the symbol control unit 156 side, the display instruction command and its image data are identified. The identification code may be sent out. As a result, the symbol control unit 156 controls the LCD display unit 106 to display the symbol variation pattern.

  On the other hand, based on the information from the symbol variation pattern editing unit 260, the pseudo-continuous image editing unit 266 wins the symbol sequence of two columns (for example, two columns of the left column and the right column) in the three columns. The pseudo continuous determination image 280 (still image) displayed on the LCD display unit 106 when the pseudo continuous symbol temporarily stops in the middle symbol sequence from the reach symbol temporarily stopped with the symbol is edited. For example, the reach symbol is the same symbol. For example, when the reach is “7”, the reach symbol is “7 * 7”. Note that “★” indicates a pseudo-continuous pattern.

  Here, in the pseudo continuous image editing unit 266, the count value stored in the pseudo continuous number counter 268 is matched with the area (size) of the screen 106L on the lower layer side of the LCD display unit 106 divided into ¼. By applying a reduced pseudo-continuation determination image 280S obtained by reducing the pseudo-continuation determination image 280 to ¼ according to the number, the number of pseudo-continuations is edited so as to be visually recognizable and sent to the image composition unit 262. To do.

  As a result, in the image composition unit 262, the image data of the symbol variation pattern effect is assigned to the upper screen 106U, and the image data of the reduced pseudo continuous determination image 280S for informing the number of times of the pseudo continuous is assigned to the lower screen 106L. .

  The pseudo continuous number counter 268 obtains the pseudo continuous symbol display information from the display instruction history of the symbol variation pattern from the display instruction unit 264. The pseudo-continuous counter 268 increments one count each time a pseudo-continuous symbol is displayed, and sends the pseudo-continuous number information to the pseudo-continuous image editing unit 266 every time this count is added. The pseudo continuous image editing unit 266 edits the reduced pseudo continuous image 280S by the number based on the pseudo continuous number information.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

  In the game using the pachinko machine 10, when the player operates the grip unit 26 (see FIG. 1), the ball is shot upward by the launching device 165 (see FIG. 3) one by one. As shown in FIG. 2, the launched game ball PB is driven into the game area of the game board 18 along the outer rail 102 and falls in the game area while changing the direction of hitting the game nail or the windmill 21. Then, the game ball PB reaching the lower end of the game area without winning a prize is collected into the pachinko machine 10 from the out port 124.

  Further, when the game ball PB wins a special symbol start winning opening (A) 129 and a special symbol start winning opening (B) 134 provided in the game area, or passes through the passing gate 118, it is based on the respective game specifications. Processing (for example, special symbol lottery, normal symbol lottery, etc.) is executed, and image display effects (for example, symbol variation pattern effects, etc.) on the LCD display unit 106, sound effects using the speaker 60, and the like are executed. . Although not shown in the drawing, when a prize is awarded to the general winning opening 120, a predetermined prize ball (payout) is executed.

(Outline of game specifications)
First, the game control centered on the lottery process in the main control unit 150 will be described.

  When the game ball PB wins the special symbol start winning opening (A) 129 or the special symbol start winning opening (B) 134, the main control unit 150 determines whether or not it is an effective start winning prize. The effective start winning is a game where the reserved balls are not full (for example, four for one start opening) and the special symbol starting winning opening (A) 129 or the special symbol starting winning opening (B) 134 is played. Saying that the ball PB has won a prize, and thereby, a lottery right is obtained. In the invalid starting prize, the right to draw is not given, but a predetermined number (about 3 to 5) of prize balls may be paid out.

  When the start winning is an effective start winning, the main control unit 150 acquires a random number for winning lottery according to the winning timing from a random number generating unit (not shown), and uses a pre-stored winning value. Read and compare both to determine whether the special symbol lottery is a hit or miss.

  If the current gaming state is in jackpot processing or symbol variation pattern production, in order to put the special symbol lottery right on hold, the holding number is incremented by one (+1), and the current gaming state is jackpot processing When it is not in the middle or when the symbol variation pattern production is no longer being performed, the special symbol lottery process is executed by subtracting the number of holdings by one.

  Based on the winning / losing of the special symbol lottery, the symbol variation pattern effect time is set, and a command including the special symbol lottery result and the symbol variation pattern time is sent to the effect control unit 152.

  The effect control unit 152 controls output system devices such as the LCD display unit 106 and the speaker 60 to notify the result of the special symbol lottery using the set effect time. For example, on the LCD display unit 106, a symbol variation pattern effect is executed.

  After this notification, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a win, a special game state (a big win process) is executed. In the normal gaming state, the closed attacker 112 is always opened and closed by a predetermined number of rounds (5R, 10R, 15R). The opening time of the attacker 112 is a maximum of 30 seconds. The attacker 112 is closed when a predetermined number (for example, 8 to 10) of game balls are won during the opening, and a predetermined closing time is set. , Go to the next round (open). Thereby, the player can receive a lot of prize balls in a short time.

  Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is found, the lottery information is sent from the main control unit 150 to the effect control unit 152, and the effect control unit 152 performs the symbol variation pattern based on the instructed effect time and the like. The seed will be selected. The design variation pattern production is basically a flow in which the design of 3 rows of symbols starts and the design of each row is confirmed (this stop) through various production images. The presence / absence of reach, reach type, etc. are selected based on the performance time. Note that the reach type generally indicates the difference in production, and a ratio (expected value, etc.) indicating the possibility of winning a special symbol lottery is set. Usually, the character or story that appears in the production Differences are also made in the production time. As a result, the reach is classified into a normal reach group, a super reach group, a premium reach group, etc. in order from the lowest expected value, and is selected according to each selection ratio based on the expected value.

In the present embodiment, in the symbol variation pattern effect as described above, the pseudo-continuous effect may be selected during the symbol variation before the three rows of symbols are determined. In this simulated continuous effect, a post-reach simulated continuous effect was set in addition to the pre-reach simulated continuous effect (see FIG. 5) .

  FIG. 7 shows a symbol variation pattern effect selection control routine in the effect control unit 152 including this pseudo-continuous effect.

  In step 300 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a command has been received from the main control unit 150. If a negative determination is made, this routine ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step 300, the process proceeds to step 302, where it is determined whether the accepted command is lottery information (effect time information, winning / losing information, etc.).

  If a negative determination is made in step 302, the process proceeds to step 304, and other processing is executed according to the analyzed command content, and this routine ends.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 302, the process proceeds to step 306 to perform a pseudo-continuous effect execution availability determination process.

  In this embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the pseudo-continuous performance can be executed is made dependent on the expected value. In other words, a setting table is prepared in which the pseudo-ream is not executed when the expected value is smaller than the predetermined value, and is executed when the expected value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and the determination is made based on the separately determined expected value.

  In addition, the type of pseudo-continuous (whether pre-reach pseudo-continuous effect or post-reach pseudo-continuous effect) and the number of pseudo-continuous effects are applied as the main selection factors for the effect time input from the main control unit 150 as a command. It should be noted that some candidates may be selected according to the production time, and further selected from among them based on a selection ratio table set separately, or may be determined by lottery.

  In the quasi-continuous effect execution availability determination process in step 306, whether or not the quasi-continuation execution is possible is determined as described above, and then in step 307, reachability determination processing is executed. That is, it is determined whether or not a reach effect is set in the symbol variation pattern effect, and then the process proceeds to step 308.

  In step 308, the determination result of whether or not the pseudo-ream is possible in step 306 is determined. That is, in step 308, it is determined whether or not the pseudo-continuous effect is executed. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 310, and the variation pattern type and effect image data are based on the effect time information and the winning / failing information. Is used to edit the normal symbol variation pattern effect image, and the process proceeds to step 320. In the case of reach, the reach pattern type is included.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 308, the process proceeds to step 312, the pseudo-continuous type and the number of pseudo-continuous times are selected based on the effect time, and the process proceeds to step 316.

  In step 316, based on the production time information and winning / failing information, the design variation pattern effect image including the pseudo continuous effect is edited using the variation pattern type, the effect image data, the pseudo continuous image data, and the like. Transition. In the case of reach, the reach pattern type is included.

  In step 320, the symbol variation pattern effect image data edited in any of step 310, step 316, or step 318 (or, if the image data is stored in the symbol control unit 156, the symbol variation pattern effect image data). Is sent to the symbol control unit 156. The symbol control unit 156 controls the LCD display unit 106 to display the edited symbol variation pattern effect image.

(Example of pseudo-continuous production)
The pseudo continuous effect is executed based on the timing chart shown in FIG. 5, and at this time, the LCD display unit 106 has an image as shown in FIG. 8. Further, in the present embodiment, the current number of times of pseudo-continuations can be recognized while viewing the pseudo-continuous effect image.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the number of pseudo-continuous determination images 280 (reduced pseudo-continuous determination images 280S) is increased every time the pseudo-continuous is repeated (changes again).

  As for the pseudo-continuous production, the design variation pattern production is started, and as shown in FIG. 8A, the left design sequence and the right design sequence are temporarily stopped at the “7” and “9” designs, respectively, and then the variation is continued. The specific symbol (pseudo-continuous symbol G) may be temporarily stopped as the middle symbol. At this time, the entire image (pseudo continuous determination image 280) displayed on the LCD display unit 106 including the symbol sequence (that is, “7-G-9”) is 1/4 of the entire image area of the LCD display unit 106. The image is reduced in size (reduced pseudo-continuous determination image 280S) and displayed on the lower screen 106L (see FIG. 6) (see FIG. 8B). This display means the start of the first pseudo continuous effect. The player can recognize that it is the first time of the pseudo-ream by viewing the reduced pseudo-ream determined image 280S.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, on the upper screen 106U (see FIG. 6), the next symbol variation pattern is started, and the pseudo continuous symbol G is temporarily stopped in the middle symbol row.

  At this time, the pseudo continuous determination image 280 is reduced to ¼ the size of the entire image area of the LCD display unit 106 (reduced pseudo continuous determination image 280S), and already on the lower screen 106L (see FIG. 6). It is displayed following the displayed reduced pseudo-continuous determination image 280S (see FIG. 8D). The display of the two pseudo-run determination images 280 means the start of the second pseudo-run effect. The player can recognize that it is the second time of the pseudo-ream by looking at the reduced pseudo-ream determined image 280S.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8E, on the upper screen 106U (see FIG. 6), the next symbol variation pattern is started, and the pseudo continuous symbol G is temporarily stopped in the middle symbol row.

  At this time, the pseudo continuous determination image 280 is reduced to ¼ the size of the entire image area of the LCD display unit 106 (reduced pseudo continuous determination image 280S), and already on the lower screen 106L (see FIG. 6). It is displayed following the two displayed reduced pseudo-continuous determination images 280S (see FIG. 8F). The display of the three pseudo-run determination images 280 means the start of the third pseudo-run effect. The player can recognize that it is the third time of the pseudo-ream by looking at the reduced pseudo-ream determined image 280S.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8G, reach symbols (here, “7 ↓ 7”) are displayed in the remaining ¼ area of the screen 106L on the lower layer side divided into four. “↓” indicates a change. That is, in this example, the reach is reached after three pseudo-continuations, and when the reach is confirmed, the lower screen 106L is erased, and the upper screen 106U indicates that the reach is the standard size. (See FIG. 8H), for example, it develops into super reach.
(Modification 1)
In this embodiment, every time a pseudo-run is determined, the reduced pseudo-run determination image 280S reduced to 1/4 of the size of the LCD display unit 106 is generated. However, the screen division size is 1/4. It is not limited to this, and it may be increased according to the number of pseudo-continuations.

  That is, at the first pseudo-ream, the screen of the LCD display unit 106 is divided into two, the reduced pseudo-ream determined image 280S (still image) is displayed in one area, and the symbol variation pattern is displayed in the other area. Is executed (see FIG. 9A). Next, at the second pseudo-ream, the screen of the LCD display unit 106 is divided into three, the reduced pseudo-ream determined image 280S (still image) is displayed in two areas, and the symbol variation pattern is executed in the remaining areas. (See FIG. 9B). At the time of the third pseudo-ream, the screen of the LCD display unit 106 is divided into four, the reduced pseudo-ream determined image 280 (still image) is displayed in three areas, and the symbol variation pattern is executed in the remaining areas ( (See FIG. 9C).

(Modification 2)
In the present embodiment, the quasi-reduced pseudo-continuation determination image 280S having a size of 1/4 of the screen of the LCD display unit 106 is sequentially applied to a 1/4 region obtained by dividing the lower screen 106L. As shown in FIG. 10, the LCD display unit 106 may not be provided with a hierarchy, but may be divided into ¼ areas in advance, and each of them may be independently executed in time series to perform a symbol variation effect including a pseudo-ream. .

  That is, in FIG. 10A, when the symbol variation pattern effect is simultaneously executed in the four regions 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D, and the region 106A in the upper left is temporarily stopped by the reach symbol, the processing proceeds to FIG. Transition and reach is confirmed. In this case, since the pseudo-ream is 0 times, the expected value of winning the special symbol lottery by reach production is the lowest. Note that there is a case where the detachment is fixed without reaching reach.

  On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 10A, when the middle symbol row temporarily stops at the pseudo-continuous symbol G in the upper left region 106A, the process proceeds to FIG. In this example, the upper right region 106B in FIG. 10C is the next target.

  When the upper right area 106B of the LCD display unit 106 is temporarily stopped by the reach design, the process proceeds to FIG. 10D and the reach is determined. In this case, since the pseudo-ream is once, the expected value of the special symbol lottery winning by the reach effect is slightly low (higher than “lowest” and lower than “highly high”). Note that there is a case where the detachment is fixed without reaching reach.

  On the other hand, in the upper right region 106B from the state of FIG. 10C, when the middle symbol sequence temporarily stops at the pseudo-continuous symbol G, the process proceeds to FIG. In this example, the lower left region 106C in FIG. 10E is the next target.

  When the lower left area of the LCD display unit 106 is temporarily stopped by the reach design, the process proceeds to FIG. 10F and the reach is determined. In this case, since the pseudo-ream is 2 times, the expected value of the special symbol lottery win by reach production is slightly higher (higher than “slightly low” and lower than “highest”). Note that there is a case where the detachment is fixed without reaching reach.

  On the other hand, from the state of FIG. 10E, when the middle symbol row temporarily stops at the pseudo-continuous symbol G in the lower left region 106C, the process proceeds to FIG. In this example, the lower right region 106D in FIG. 10G is the next target.

  In FIG. 10G, the maximum number of pseudo-reams is three, and the lower right region is either reach or miss, and there is no pseudo-ream. You may always reach.

  When the lower right area 106D of the LCD display unit 106 is temporarily stopped by the reach design, the process proceeds to FIG. 10 (H) and the reach is determined. In this case, since the pseudo-ream is 3 times, the expected value of winning the special symbol lottery by reach production is the highest.

  The expected value is determined by, for example, classifying a plurality of reach productions into several groups, and calculating statistically such as the probability of winning in the produced reach. If the reach effect is executed, the expected value of the first specific reach effect is 100 if it is always won. On the other hand, when the second specific reach effect is executed, the expected value of the second specific reach effect is 0 if it is always lost.

  As described above, in the pseudo continuous effect according to the present embodiment, after the last symbol re-variation and the temporary stop operation, the pseudo continuous variation is started when a specific symbol is displayed, and one or more re-variations are repeated. Execute. When this pseudo-continuous effect is repeated, the number of repetitions corresponds to the expected value of winning, so the number of pseudo-continuous plays an important factor in grasping the progress of the game in the future.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, paying attention to the temporary stop at the pseudo continuous determination symbol 280 first, the pseudo continuous determination image 280 to be temporarily stopped is stored, and the pseudo continuous symbol G is temporarily stopped. In addition, the image of the pseudo-continuous determination image 280 is reduced to ¼ the size of the display screen of the LCD display unit 106 (reduced pseudo-continuous determination image 280S) and assigned to the lower screen 106L. Thus, the player can always recognize the number of pseudo-reams visually, so that the progress of the future game can be grasped with a sense of expectation.

  In this embodiment, the pseudo-continuous operation executed before the reach is shown in a configuration in which the number of pseudo-continuous operations is visually intelligibly notified. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the pseudo-continuous operation is performed after the reach. is there. However, if the quasi-continuous determination image 280 remains as a reach state image (still image), it may be misunderstood that the determination of each reach is executed separately. For example, only the quasi-continuous pattern is extracted. Thus, it is preferable that the pseudo continuous determination image 280 be used.

PB game ball 10 Pachinko machine (game machine)
18 Game board 105 Center actor 106 LCD display (display device)
106A Upper left area 106B Upper right area 106C Lower left area 106D Lower right area 106L Lower layer screen 106U Upper layer screen 129 Special symbol start prize opening (A)
134 Special design starting prize opening (B)
150 Main control unit (game progress control means)
152 Production control unit (notification means, production execution control means)
154 Dispensing control unit 156 Symbol control unit 160 Dispensing device 164 Firing control unit 165 Firing device 250 Commandant accepting unit 252 Reachability determining unit 254 Symbol variation pattern type determining unit 256 Data collecting unit 258 Production mode information memory 258A Variation pattern type image data storage Area 258B Production image data storage area 258C Pseudo-continuous symbol data storage area 258D Temporary stop pattern data storage area 258E Reach pattern type image data storage area 260 Design variation pattern editing unit 262 Design synthesis unit 264 Display instruction unit (production execution control means)
266 Pseudo-continuous image editing unit 268 Pseudo-continuous counter 280 Pseudo-continuous determination image 280S Reduced pseudo-continuous determination image G Pseudo-continuous pattern

Claims (4)

Controls the progress of a normal game in which a lottery is executed by winning a game ball in a start winning opening provided on the game board surface, and is provided on the game board surface and closed during the normal game when the lottery is won. A game progress control means for controlling the progress of a special game that allows a game ball to be won by opening a large winning opening that is made for a predetermined period;
The display unit displays an image effect including changes in a plurality of predetermined symbol sequences, and informs the result of the lottery according to the symbol arrangement state of each symbol sequence to be stopped thereafter, or the result of the lottery Informing means for notifying the result of the lottery according to the symbol arrangement state of each symbol sequence that is stopped via a reach effect that leaves the final stop symbol sequence among the plurality of symbol sequences and temporarily stops with the winning symbol before notification ,
It is a series of operations executed as a form of image effect including the variation of the symbol sequence notified by the notification means, and the final stop symbol sequence is temporarily stopped and re-variable with a specific symbol and specified during the re-variation An effect execution control means for executing a pseudo-continuous effect for stopping at a final stop symbol for informing the lottery result after repeating the pseudo-continuous operation for performing the effect a predetermined number of times,
The production execution control means divides the screen of the display unit according to the number of the pseudo continuous operations when the pseudo continuous production is executed, and the specific symbol is temporarily stopped in the partitioned screen. to display the state you are,
Forming a plurality of layered hierarchical screens displayed at least overlapping each other on the screen of the display unit, the display contents are related to each other, and a lower layer side screen of the plurality of layered hierarchical screens is partitioned, A gaming machine , wherein a state in which the specific symbol is temporarily stopped is displayed in the displayed screen .   Each time the pseudo-continuous pattern is temporarily stopped on the upper layer screen, the pseudo-continuous determination image on the lower layer screen is edited to obtain the reduced pseudo-continuous determination image on the lower screen, thereby reducing the number of reduced pseudo-continuous determination images. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine matches the number of times.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the section of the display unit is set in advance corresponding to the maximum number of pseudo-continuations.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition state of the display unit is changed so as to always have a uniform partition area according to the number of times of pseudo-continuous operation.