JP6271490B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing various lotteries as to whether or not to give a gaming state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and displaying the lottery results.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine that executes a lottery to determine whether or not to cause a specific gaming state and displays the result of the lottery with identification information is known (see Patent Document 1).
In this gaming machine, when a lottery is executed, after the identification information is displayed in a variable manner, the identification information is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the lottery.

JP-A-8-229223

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the effect at the time of displaying the result of the lottery becomes monotonous, and there is a possibility that the interest of the game is lowered.

  An object of the present invention is to make various effects when displaying the results of the lottery and to improve the interest of the game.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention performs a first lottery for determining whether or not to cause a specific gaming state, and can display a result of the lottery on a display device. The display control means controls the display device, and the display control means executes a variation pattern that forms a reach state when it is determined to cause the specific gaming state by the first lottery. In the variation pattern that forms the reach state, variation display is started, and after the reach state is formed, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed at the same time, and in the variation pattern that forms the reach state, Background image switching control means for switching from the display of the first background image as the background image of the variable display to the display of the second background image as the background image of the reach state, and the stop display A background image restoration means for displaying the first background image again from the second background image as a background image, and it is further determined that the specific gaming state is caused by the first lottery In this case, a variation pattern that does not form the reach state can be executed, and in the variation pattern that does not form the reach state, after the display of variation is started, the reach state is not formed, and a plurality of symbols can be simultaneously displayed. The change pattern in which stop display is performed and the reach state is not formed is set to have a lower probability of execution than the change pattern that forms the reach state. In the change pattern that forms the reach state , the character image and while the second background image corresponding to the character image is displayed by selecting from among a plurality of types, it does not form the reach state In dynamic pattern, and wherein the character image is not displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make various effects when displaying the results of the lottery, and to improve the interest of the game.

2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a game board 10. FIG. It is a control block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a block block diagram of various lottery result display devices. It is explanatory drawing of a character ROM memory map and palette data. It is a timing chart which shows the timing of command transmission / reception. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in the command data table area | region 202. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in the command data table area | region 202. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in the command data table area | region 202. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in the command data table area | region 202. FIG. It is a general flowchart for demonstrating game control operation | movement of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating control operation of CPU1020 of the various lottery result display apparatuses 100. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of a command. It is a timing chart which shows the command transmission timing for a symbol display. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating command transmission. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display control of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the command transmission at the time of big hit. It is explanatory drawing of a character. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a display change. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a display change. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a display change. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display at the time of rush reach mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display at the time of big hit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display at the time of big hit. It is explanatory drawing of the random number 2400 for reach game mode entry determination.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine that performs display control by transmitting and receiving control commands will be described, and then the main operation of the present invention will be described to facilitate understanding of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. A lottery result display device 100 capable of displaying various lottery results indicating whether or not a game state advantageous to the player is given is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 10, and a special symbol is provided immediately below the lottery result display device 100. A start port 104 is disposed, and normal symbol operation gates 102 and 102 are disposed on both sides of the special symbol start port 104. Further, the pair of opening / closing members 120 and 120 are provided so as to be opened and closed apart so as to form the special symbol starting port 104. The lottery result display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can display special symbols, normal symbols, and probability variation determination symbols for displaying various lottery results on the same display screen. The feature is that the background images are different between the symbol variation and the probability variation determination symbol during display. The various lottery result display devices 100 can also display a character image in a specific gaming state, an error notification image in which an error has occurred, and the like.

Further, a special winning opening 106 and an out opening 114 are arranged in this order below the special symbol starting port 104, and lamp display devices 110 and 110 are arranged obliquely above both the special symbol starting port 104. In addition, lamp display devices (more specifically, LED devices) 112 and 112 are also provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the game board 10.
When a game ball is won at the special symbol starting port 104 and a random number lottery (first lottery) is performed, and the random number selected is a big hit value (a value causing a specific gaming state), it will be described later. In the special symbol display area 1800, the special symbol variation display is started, and then a predetermined pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed by the various lottery result display devices 100, and the big prize opening 106 is in the predetermined pattern. The open / close control is performed to achieve a big hit gaming state (specific gaming state) that is advantageous to the player. In addition, there are a plurality of probability that the jackpot value is selected by the random number lottery described above (probability that the predetermined pattern is displayed) when the probability is low (for example, 1/300) and when the probability is high (for example, 1/50). To do. This high probability is called a probability variation state or a probability variation state.

  The lottery (second lottery) result display of whether or not to cause this probability variation state is performed only when the special symbol becomes the predetermined pattern, and when the changing probability variation symbol becomes the predetermined pattern, For example, when a display effect in which a character having a probability variation pattern wins a battle against another character is performed, a probability variation state is generated during the period from the end of the specific game state until the next specific game state is generated. The

  In addition, when the normal symbol operation gate 102 detects the passing of the game ball, a random number lottery (third lottery) is performed, and when the random number drawn is a small hit value (a value that causes a semi-specific game state), A display such that the winning mark in the normal drawing display area 1810 of the various lottery result display devices 100 is filled with a specific color is performed, and thereafter, the opening / closing member 120 is in an open state (semi-specific game state) for a few seconds. Even when the special symbol starting port 104 wins, when the random number lottery is performed in the same manner and the random number selected is a jackpot value, the variable symbol display in the special symbol display area 1800, which will be described later, is started. The display pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed by the various lottery result display devices 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined pattern for the player. This is advantageous jackpots state. On the other hand, hitting balls that are not won are discharged through the out port 114. When the special symbol has a high probability, the small hit probability of the normal symbol is also improved.

  Then, in the open state where the game balls are likely to win the big winning opening 106, when the 10 game balls are won, the game balls passing through the V zone (not shown), which is the specific area, In some cases, the special winning opening 106 is closed once, and then the special winning opening 106 is opened again to make it easy to win a game ball. This is referred to as one round, and when the maximum of 16 rounds have been exhausted, the big hit operation control for making the big winning opening 106 advantageous to the player is ended.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing only the main part of the gaming machine in which gaming machine control is performed according to the progress of such a game. The main control unit 200 includes a microprocessor with a built-in CPU, and stores command data for storing various control commands including at least various commands for controlling various lottery result display devices 100, which will be described later. A table 201 and a ROM 201 for storing a control program describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, control data, and the like, and a RAM 203 in which a work area is formed are provided, and an integrated one-chip microcomputer.

  The main control unit 200 includes a special symbol start switch 304 that is provided inside the special symbol start port 104 and detects a winning of the game ball in the special symbol start port 104 via the input port 210, and the inside of the normal symbol operation gate 102. Are connected to a normal symbol operation switch 306 for detecting a game ball passing through the gate, and a big winning opening switch 308 for detecting a winning of the gaming ball in the big winning opening 106 provided in the special winning opening 106. The main control unit 200 can receive each detection signal. The V zone winning switch and the like are not shown.

  In addition, the main control unit 200 includes, via the output port 215, various lottery result display devices 100 realized by an LCD or the like, lamp display devices 110 and 112 that control lighting of the lamps, and a sound effect generator that generates sound effects. 116, a start opening solenoid 300 for controlling opening / closing of the opening opening / closing member 120, and a large winning opening operating solenoid 302 for controlling opening / closing of the wide opening / closing member of the large winning opening 106 are connected to the main control unit. 200 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device. The main control unit 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands to the various lottery result display devices 100 at a predetermined timing, and the various lottery result display devices 100 receive the received commands. Based on the above, the CPU in itself performs fine display control without depending on the main control unit 200. Furthermore, the communication form by the one-way communication which only transmits a command to the various lottery result display apparatuses 100 from the main control part 200 is taken.

  The main control unit 200 is connected to a power supply circuit 212 for supplying power and a reset circuit 213 that outputs a reset signal every predetermined time. Further, the main control unit 200 is connected to the reset circuit 213. A pulse signal generated by the periodic timer counter is input, and a monitor signal for monitoring the current supply status from the power supply circuit 212 is input.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 12, the display control command sent from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 100 is a mode (1 byte long digital information) that is an identifier for identifying the command classification. MODE) and an event (EVENT) which is 1-byte digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed. FIGS. 6 to 9 show a command data table area 202 stored in the ROM 201. A part of the display control command data is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, the display control commands include “a command for changing a special symbol and specifying a variation pattern (first command)”, “a stop symbol on the left of the special symbol. “Command to specify (second command)”, “Command to specify stop symbol in special symbol (second command)”, “Command to specify stop symbol to the right of special symbol (second command)”, “ There is a command (third command) for stopping the special symbol.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the main control unit 200 executes a fourth command (6) for designating a display pattern reflecting the lottery result by performing a probability variation lottery when the big hit value is lottery. Next to the command of 3 is transmitted. In the first command, (1) design variation pattern (including the one at the time of entering the reach game mode), (2) the character effect operation accompanying it, and (3) the background image to be displayed are designated. These (1) to (3) are collectively referred to as a variation pattern. The main control unit 200 sends these five commands (or six commands) to the various lottery result display devices 100 at a predetermined timing in one variation display control when the game situation is such that the symbol variation display is started. Send. Further, the main control unit 200 draws a normal symbol lottery and appropriately transmits a normal symbol winning selection display command for displaying the lottery result to various lottery result display devices 100.

  Therefore, since various types of lottery result display device 100 side is responsible for fine display control such as changes in symbol display speed, the program for main control unit 200 is simplified and the program is changed even if the display contents are changed. It is not necessary to construct a general-purpose program, and the main control unit 200 includes a command that defines the time from the start of symbol display to stop and a command for designating the symbol. Since it is only transmitted, the program is further simplified.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of various lottery result display devices 100. The various lottery result display devices 100 supply a power to the data receiving circuit 1140 (including a voltage converting circuit for converting the data level) for receiving a strobe signal and a command from the main control unit 200, and the voltage converting circuit. A power supply circuit 1160 to perform, a CPU 1020 (display control means) that generates control data necessary to perform display control based on the received command, and outputs the control data to the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060, and an operation procedure of the CPU 1020 A program ROM 1040 containing the described program, a RAM 1090 functioning as a work area or a buffer memory, an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 for performing image development processing, and image data developed by the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 Video RAM 1080 for temporary storage and image processing Character ROM 1180 storing data necessary for image development by LSI (VDP) 1060, LCD panel interface circuit 1100 for receiving and sending image data temporarily stored in video RAM 1080, and this LCD panel interface And an LCD panel 1120 for outputting a display image using the image data sent from the circuit 1100.

  Although not shown, the lottery result display device 100 has a lottery result display related signal as a signal indicating that each symbol is changing with respect to the display of information on the first, second, and third lottery, and various symbols. It is equipped with an output port and a signal line for outputting a signal indicating that has been confirmed, a signal indicating various types of symbols, an error signal such as command communication failure, etc. to the outside of the gaming machine. This makes it easier to check the game information and the game information.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the character ROM 1180 includes a ROM title area, a ROM management information area, a character image data area storing actual character data, a palette data area storing character color data, and a character data area. It has a scenario data area in which information defining movement is stored, and the character data is stored in the character image data area after being compressed by a specific compression method, and is further shown in FIG. As described above, in the palette data area, a plurality of types in which color numbers and color codes are paired are stored.

  In the character image data area, image data such as a character as shown in FIG. 17 and a plurality of backgrounds according to a plurality of gaming states described later are stored. In this gaming machine, for example, it is possible to enter any one of five reach game modes, and in each reach game mode, different characters appear and display effects. In the case of the reach game mode 1, the main character “Zeus” appears. This reach game mode 1 is set with a high probability of rushing at the time of symbol change in the big hit state among all reach game modes. The character appearing in this reach game mode 1 is referred to as a main character. Yes.

  The characters that appear in the reach game modes 2, 3, 4, and 5, which are other reach game modes, are “Poseidon”, “Medusa”, “Athena”, and “Hercules”, which are against the main character. Sub-characters. It goes without saying that the type of reach game mode and the type of characters to appear need not be limited to this example.

  More specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, whether or not the main control unit 200 enters the reach game mode using the reach game mode entry random number 2400 as shown in FIG. Determine. In the example shown below, it is a reach game mode entry determination when it is determined to be a win in the big hit lottery, and the lottery random values are “1-5”, “6-8”, “9-10”, “11-12”. ”,“ 13-14 ”,“ reach game mode 1 ”,“ reach game mode 1 ”,“ reach game mode 2 ”,“ reach game mode 3 ”,“ reach game mode 4 ”,“ reach ”, respectively. It is determined that the game mode 5 is entered, and it is determined that the reach game mode is not entered when the lottery random number value is “15-20”. In this way, when entering the reach game mode, a lottery is performed as to whether to enter any one of a plurality of preset reach game modes. Further, when it is determined that the big hit lottery is out, it is selected which reach game mode is selected in a lottery different from FIG. 24, or whether the reach game is not entered.

Note that the reach game mode is a symbol variation pattern that is performed when a reach is reached, that is, when one symbol is fluctuating in a state where two symbols are aligned with the same content, such as a character effect operation. It also improves the player's expectation. Also, this mode may be entered from a state where the two symbols are not aligned.
Then, when the CPU 1020 of the various lottery result display devices 100 gives the control data generated according to the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 to the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060, the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 The character data acquired from the character image data area is decompressed and colored with the color data acquired from the palette data area, and the image data is temporarily developed at the position on the video RAM 1080 specified by the information acquired from the scenario data area. By sending the temporarily stored data to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100, the LCD panel 1120 finely displays various images including a change in the variable display speed.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing command transmission / reception timing. As described above, the command consists of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and a 1-byte length event (EVENT). In this example, the main control unit 200 generates a strobe signal generated by itself when the command changes. Mode (MODE) information is transmitted in response to the first rise of (DUSTB), and event (EVENT) information is transmitted in response to the second rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB). In response to this, the CPU 1020 of the various lottery result display devices generates an interrupt when a strobe signal (DUSTB) is transmitted, receives a command by this interrupt processing, and stores it in the RAM 1090.

  Next, normal control operations performed by the main control unit 200 and the CPU 1020 of the various lottery result display devices 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (general flowchart of game control) and FIG. 11, and then FIG. The characteristic display control of the present invention will be described with reference to try to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. The series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the main control unit 200, but is executed from the top step using a reset signal supplied from the reset circuit 213 every predetermined time (for example, 4 msec) as a trigger.

  First, when the power supply circuit 212 is activated by a power switch (not shown), the main control unit 200 is activated, and it is determined whether or not the first process has been executed since the power was turned on (step S110). . In the case of the first process after the power is turned on (Yes), the process proceeds to Step S200. In other cases (No), the process proceeds to Step S120.

  In step S200, a storage area clearing process is executed as an initialization process of the RAM 203. Next, in step S210, data for performing an initial control process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. On the other hand, in step S120, the count value of various random number generation loop counters (not shown) for determining big hits, small hits, etc., which are formed in the RAM 203, is incremented. In step S130, various values used for game machine control are incremented. Update the timer value of the timer.

  Next, in step S140, input port processing for reading and storing the detection signals output from the special symbol start switch 304, the normal symbol operation switch 306, and the special prize opening switch 308 into a register in the terminal (not shown) via the input port 203 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S150, and a switch check process for grasping the data read and stored in the port input process is executed.

Next, in step S160, the switch 304, 306, 308, etc. is checked for disconnection or short circuit. If these faults have occurred (Yes), the process proceeds to step S220. In this case (No), the process proceeds to step S180 (step S170).
In step S180, commands necessary for display control of the various lottery result display devices 100 (including the commands described above with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9) are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the various timers are stored. The timer value is decreased (step S190). In step S180, the main control unit 200 determines a necessary mode and event command in accordance with the game control with reference to the command data table area 202, and sets digital information indicating the determined mode and event in the RAM 203. Store in the area.

  Next, in step S195, in order to control the opening / closing member 120 of the special winning opening 106 and the special symbol starting opening 104 in a predetermined pattern, the start opening operating solenoid 300 and the large winning opening operating solenoid 302 are driven and controlled. Next, in step S220, a prize ball setting process for outputting control information for causing a prize ball payout device (not shown) to perform a payout operation is executed. Further, in steps S230, 240, 250, a gaming machine management device (not shown) An external information processing for outputting various game data, a display light control process for storing the lamp display devices 110 and 112 in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and a sound effect generating device 116 for controlling the lighting of the lamp display devices 110 and 112 corresponding to the gaming state. A command for controlling sound effect generation corresponding to the gaming state is sent to a predetermined area of the RAM 203. Executing the sound effect processing to be stored in.

  Next, in step S260, the data stored in the RAM 203 in each process is output to the corresponding device via the output port 215 (port output processing), and the device that receives this performs a control operation based on this. Then, a strobe signal is first output to the various lottery result display devices 100, and the mode and event data stored in the RAM 203 in step S180 are transmitted as shown in FIG. Accordingly, for example, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 100 and received.

In step S270, a reset waiting process is executed until a reset signal is input from the reset circuit 213. If a reset signal is input, the process proceeds to step S110 to continue the gaming machine control. The reset waiting process includes updating the various random number generation counters described above.
Next, the operation of the CPU 1020 of the various lottery result display devices 100 that have received the command will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer, initializes the RAM 1090, initializes itself such as register clear, etc., and determines in step S1102 whether a new command has been input. If it is determined that a new command for display control has been input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1104; otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S1110.

  In step S1104, in the interrupt processing described with reference to FIG. 5, the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 is copied to the RAM 1090, and it is checked whether or not the command is normal. Next, the CPU 1020 determines the start address of a processing table (not shown) in order to obtain a necessary command for performing fine display control independently of the main control unit 200, and then in step S1108, the image In order to output to the processing LSI 1060, data in a necessary area of the RAM 1090 is updated.

  Next, in step S1110, based on the symbol control data set in the RAM 1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090 to set the symbol display position. In S1112, the data necessary for the symbol speed control is acquired from a speed table (not shown) built in the program ROM 1040 and set in the RAM 1090. Next, in step S1114, the symbol offset value is calculated based on the velocity data. Update and prepare to perform symbol variation at the set speed.

  Next, in step S1116, animation data is acquired from an animation processing table (not shown) in which animation processing data set in the RAM 1090 is stored, and preparation for displaying a background image is performed. The VDP output buffer is set to determine whether the output permission flag is “1” (step S1118).

  If the output permission flag is not “1” (No), the process returns to step S1102 to repeat the series of processes. On the other hand, if the output permission flag is “1” (Yes), in step S1120, VDP output is performed. The data set in the buffer is output to the image processing LSI 1060. In response to this, the image processing LSI 1060 acquires data in the character ROM 1180 and develops the image. The image developed data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080 and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100 to be sent to the LCD panel 1120. Is displayed. In this manner, symbol variation display, background image display, and the like are performed at the set speed at the set display position in the various lottery result display devices 100.

  In addition to these processes, an external information transmission process for transmitting a lottery result display related signal to the outside of the gaming machine is executed. The first display control process for displaying the information related to the lottery for determining whether or not the specific gaming state is caused by the operation of the CPU 1020 and the information for the lottery indicating whether or not to cause the semi-specific gaming state are displayed. Display control process 2 and a third display control process for displaying information on a lottery for determining whether or not to improve the possibility of causing at least one of the specific game state and the semi-specific game state, respectively. It is executed as appropriate. Since the lottery result display means has a single configuration in this way, there is no need to provide each display control means (display CPU) for each display content, so there is one display control system that represents the lottery result, Display control is simplified. In the present invention, two or more lottery result display control means may be provided.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are examples of transmission timings of commands transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 100, and are explanatory diagrams of transmission commands related to special symbol fluctuations, which can be understood by referring to these drawings. Thus, when a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol start port 104 is satisfied, the main control unit 200 first transmits a command for starting the symbol variation and designating the variation pattern. (1) A command for designating a left stop symbol is transmitted after the elapse of T1 (2), and a command for designating an intermediate stop symbol is transmitted after the elapse of T2 (3). After a lapse of time, a command for designating a right stop symbol is transmitted (4), and a command for halting all symbols after a lapse of T time from the start of fluctuation (5) is transmitted. Further, the CPU 1020 of the various lottery result display devices 100 that have received these commands performs (1) and performs detailed display control such as symbol speed changes with the specified variation pattern, and receives the third command. As described above, the variable display control is terminated.In the case of a big hit, the probability variation lottery is performed, so that the main control unit 200 displays various lottery result displays in order to designate a display pattern according to the lottery result. A fourth command (6) is transmitted to the device 100 (see FIG. 16), in addition to these commands, a command for changing a normal symbol, a command for designating a character image in a specific gaming state, and an error notification when an error occurs. There are commands for designating images.

(Main part of the present invention)
Now, referring to FIG. 15, which is a flowchart for explaining display control according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. A certain display control will be described. These processes can be realized by appropriately changing and setting the data in steps S1110 to 1116 in FIG. The CPU 1020 performs display control as described below.

In this example, display control at the time of big hit and display control at the time of small hit and off of small hit are assumed. First, it is assumed that the CPU 1020 has received a normal symbol winning selection command and a first command (refer to (1) in FIG. 14) for designating a winning display, and the variation pattern in the reach game mode is the first. It is assumed to be specified by the command.
In step S1500, in response to the received first command, the CPU 1020 displays the scroll fluctuation display of symbols in three columns of left, middle, and right in the special symbol display area 1800 of the horizontally long display area 1121 of the LCD panel 1120. Display control is executed such that the circle mark 1811 corresponding to the winning in the normal symbol display area 1810 at the lower right of the display area 1121 is filled with a specific color. This is shown in FIG. At this time, the CPU 1020 displays a background image 1830 in which a temple, a blue sky, and the like are displayed in the display area 1121.

The display area at this time is composed of areas that display special symbols and normal symbols. Due to this, there is no area for displaying probability variation determination symbols, so the size of the area that displays special symbols and normal symbols. And the player can easily see the lottery result as to whether or not to cause the specific game state and the semi-specific game state.
Since the variation pattern for the reach game mode is designated by the first command, the CPU 1020 causes one of the characters shown in FIG. FIG. 21A shows an example of the display mode. A character 2100 (medusa), which is a sub character, appears and is displayed with three symbols (in this case, “373”). The image 2120 is switched. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 21B, a character 2100 (Athena) as a sub character appears and is displayed with three symbols (in this case, “373”), and the background image is switched to the background image 2121. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 21C, the character 2112 (Zeus) as the main character appears and is displayed with three symbols (in this case, “373”), and these background images are displayed as background images. 2122.

  In addition, although not shown in FIG. 21, other characters (Poseidon, Hercules) shown in FIG. 17 appear and are displayed together with a design, and a variation for the reach game mode in which a background image peculiar to the character is displayed. There are also patterns. Then, the CPU 1020 once returns the background image for the reach game mode to the background image 1830 which is the previous background image when the reach game mode ends, that is, when all the symbols stop. As described above, the CPU 1020 includes the background image switching control unit and the background image restoration unit that change the background image in the reach game mode and restore the background image to the background image before the reach game mode when the reach game mode ends. ing. Although not shown in FIG. 21, an area for displaying a normal symbol is always secured even when the display in the reach game mode is performed.

Next, the CPU 1020 performs display control for stopping and displaying the special symbol designated by the second command in response to the received third command. In this case, a special symbol (“333”) stopped in the same display area as in FIG. 18 is displayed, and the background image is changed to the background image 1830. Thereby, the player can grasp that the specific gaming state has occurred.
Then, the CPU 1020 executes a big hit process. First, the CPU 1020 displays a screen for notifying the jackpot as shown in FIG. 22 in the display area 1121, and then, as shown in FIG. 23, a character (in this case, Athena) is introduced to characterize the character. The introduction information 2300 to be introduced is displayed. Such character appearance and display of the introduction information may be performed in such a way that any one character appears in order for each jackpot, or a plurality of characters are ordered in a predetermined order of appearance for each jackpot. You may make it appear in. In this way, since the feature of the character appearing in the reach game mode is displayed as introduction information at the time of the big hit, the player can have a familiarity with the game, and the player has the impression that the specific game state has been caused by the character action. To further improve interest in games.

  When the character appearance and the introduction information display thereof are finished, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 1020 displays the stop special symbol in the reduced special symbol display area 1801 located at the upper left of the display area 1121 ( “333”). At this time, since the CPU 1020 has also received the normal symbol winning selection command for designating the winning display, the circle mark 1812 for the winning in the normal symbol display area 1810 at the lower right of the display area 1121 is filled with a specific color. Execute display control. The normal symbol display area 1810 is the smallest in size compared to other symbol display areas, and is always secured during display control.

Next, since the main control unit 200 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to cause a probability variation state, the main control unit 200 transmits a fourth command for designating a display pattern corresponding to the probability variation lottery result, and the CPU 1020 transmits the fourth command. A command is received, and probability variation symbol display processing is performed in step S1504. An example of this will be described with reference to FIGS.
The CPU 1020 performs an action effect such that the main character “Zeus” and “Poseidon”, which is an example of a sub-character, battle each other in the widest probability variation lottery result display area 1820. At this time, the background image of the character is switched from the background image 1830 when the special symbol is changed to the background image 1840. At this time, the CPU 1020 may display a message such as “probability change state entry lottery” at a predetermined position of the background image 1840. Furthermore, if the sub-character “Poseidon” is eliminated from the probability variation lottery result display area 1820 and the main character “Zeus” remains, it is determined that “Zeus” has won, and after the specific gaming state is finished, the state is shifted to a probable change state. This is displayed as a message. Even during this process, the normal symbol display area 1810 is secured and the winning result is displayed.

  This makes it possible to clearly notify the player whether or not the probability variation state is caused by the message display after the symbol variation by the character, and during the specific gaming state, a predetermined image dedicated to the specific gaming state is displayed. Although the display is performed, the normal symbol display area is maintained as it is, so that the player can grasp the lottery result based on the normal symbol even in the specific game state.

  Therefore, according to this embodiment, the CPU 1020 displays a display area (1800) for displaying information related to the first lottery whether or not to cause the specific gaming state, and at least one of the specific gaming state and the quasi-specific gaming state. A display area group including a display area (1820) for displaying information related to the second lottery whether or not to improve the possibility of causing one is allowed to appear on the same display screen of various lottery result display devices 100. The background image 1830 and the background image 1840 are the background images displayed in the display areas 1800 and 1820 when the CPU 1020 displays information related to the first lottery and when information related to the second lottery is displayed. Therefore, it is easy for the player to grasp the game situation, and the production becomes various. In addition, when displaying information indicating that the first lottery is being performed, since the player has a plurality of background images in the reach game mode, the player can also grasp the game situation that the player has entered the reach game mode. It becomes easier and the expectation to the big hit is improved.

  Further, since the CPU 1020 causes a character to appear in the reach game mode that is entered with a certain probability when the first lottery is performed when the information related to the second lottery is displayed, the player can further understand the game situation. This makes it easier for the player to grasp that the lottery has relevance while having a plurality of game modes, so that interest in the game can be improved.

  Further, a display area (1810) for displaying information on the third lottery for determining whether or not the semi-specific gaming state is to be generated is included in the display area group, and the CPU 1020 causes the semi-specific gaming state to be generated. Since the lottery result indicating whether or not to be displayed is displayed in the corresponding display area (1810), information on a plurality of lotteries can be displayed on a single display device, so that the player's gaze position is concentrated in one place Can be made. It should be noted that the normal symbol display area 1810 is provided even during the display in the reach game mode (FIG. 21) or during the big hit notification, so that the size of the normal symbol display area 1801 is unchanged, and the normal symbol display having this unchanged size is provided. If the normal symbol is displayed in the area 1801, the lottery result of the normal symbol can always be confirmed.

(Other embodiments)
Next, another embodiment will be described. This embodiment is characterized in that a command that is a display command signal transmitted from the main control unit 200 to various lottery result display devices 100 is simplified. First, the main control unit 200 determines whether or not a specific game state (big hit state) is established when a game ball wins a special symbol start port 104, whether or not a semi-specific game state (small hit) is established, and Then, a random lottery is performed to determine whether or not the probability will change.

  The main control unit 200 transmits information (for example, 3-bit data) indicating the lottery result to the various lottery result display devices 100 as a command. Receiving this command, the various lottery result display devices 100 appropriately select a display pattern to perform display control according to the various lottery results. First, display control is performed in the special symbol display area 1800 to change the special symbol in the selected display pattern and stop the special symbol according to the lottery result after a predetermined time has elapsed, and in the normal symbol display area 1810. Displays the result of winning. Furthermore, the various lottery result display devices 100 display in a probability variation lottery result display area 1820 in a display pattern corresponding to the lottery result. That is, the display control shown in FIGS. 18 to 23 is performed as described above.

  As described above, the main control unit 200 only transmits information on the winning results of various lotteries, and the display pattern of each symbol (including the display pattern of the background image and the character image) and the stop symbol are determined by the main control unit 200. As long as the winning results of the lottery are not violated, the various lottery result display devices 100 can be arbitrarily selected, thereby reducing the control burden on the main control unit 200. Furthermore, since the command is simplified, there is an effect of reducing communication errors due to noise.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the main control unit 200 performs a probability variation lottery in a small hit state instead of or in conjunction with a jackpot state probability variation lottery so that the lottery result is also displayed on the same display screen, information on the second lottery For example, providing a plurality of background images for display.

  In this embodiment, the result of the probability variation symbol is displayed according to the action mode of the character. However, a numerical symbol may be used to indicate whether or not a predetermined pattern is obtained as in the special symbol. In addition, it goes without saying that numerical symbols may be used for ordinary symbols as well. For example, the CPU 1020 displays “37” or “73” in a two-digit symbol combination, and displays “33” or “ Display control may be performed such that “77” is displayed at the time of a small hit. Ordinary symbols may be displayed using a plurality of LEDs.

In addition, the state that improves the possibility of causing at least one of the specific gaming state and the quasi-specific gaming state is generated by improving the probability of winning. It is possible to improve the possibility of winning by shortening the time compared to the normal time, increasing the number of symbol starting memories from the normal time, and further increasing the opening time of the opening / closing member due to the quasi-specific gaming state. It is also possible to employ a combination of these. In addition, the time for lottery display of whether or not to improve the possibility of causing at least one of the specific game state and the semi-specific game state is not limited to this, and during the specific game state, immediately before the start of the specific game state, the specific It may be performed regardless of the occurrence of the gaming state.
In the above description, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied not only to a pachislot machine but also to other gaming machines capable of producing display effects.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game board 100 Various lottery result display apparatus 102 Normal symbol operation gate 104 Special symbol start port 106 Grand prize opening 108 Normal symbol display device 110 Lamp display device 112 Lamp display device 114 Out port 116 Sound effect generator 120 Opening and closing member 200 Main control Unit 201 ROM 202 Command data table area 203 RAM 210 Input port 213 Reset circuit 212 Power supply circuit 215 Output port 300 Start opening solenoid 302 Large winning opening operating solenoid 304 Special symbol starting switch 306 Normal symbol operating switch 308 Large winning opening switch 1020 CPU 1040 Program ROM
1060 LSI for image processing 1080 Video RAM
1090 RAM
1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD panel 1140 Data receiving circuit 1160 Power supply circuit 1180 Character ROM

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine capable of performing a first lottery to determine whether or not to cause a specific gaming state and displaying the result of the lottery on a display device,
Comprising display control means for controlling the display device;
The display control means includes
When it is determined to cause the specific gaming state by the first lottery, a variation pattern that forms a reach state can be executed, and in the variation pattern that forms the reach state, variation display is started, After the reach state is formed, a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed at the same time.
In the variation pattern forming the reach state, background image switching control means for switching from the display of the first background image as the background image of the variation display to the display of the second background image as the background image of the reach state;
Background image restoration means for displaying again the first background image from the second background image as the background image of the stop display;
Have
Furthermore, when it is determined that the specific gaming state is caused by the first lottery, a variation pattern that does not form the reach state can also be executed. In the variation pattern that does not form the reach state, a variation display is performed. After being started, the reach state is not formed, and a plurality of symbols are stopped and displayed at the same time.
The variation pattern that does not form the reach state is set to have a lower probability of execution than the variation pattern that forms the reach state,
In the variation pattern forming the reach state , a character image and a second background image corresponding to the character image are selected and displayed from a plurality of types, while in the variation pattern not forming the reach state , the character A gaming machine characterized in that no image is displayed .

Images