JPH10155985A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance interest and fun to a game of a player by providing an image display control means with a spot light image display control means which makes a prescribed image display area in an image display area of a variable display unit, visually clear in comparison with the other image display area. SOLUTION: An image display shown in drawing a, is an image display indicating the contents of game, and an image display area 407 including an image showing an ordinary variable winning device, and an image display area 408 including a message image for urging the winning to the ordinary variable winning device, are displayed with the spot light at a central lower part of the image display area 406 showing a game machine. Then the image display area 407 is continuously displayed with zooming-up (enlargement) (drawing b). And an an image area 407a including an image showing the zoomed up ordinary variable winning device, and the image display area 409 including a message image explaining the contents of the ordinary variable display game are displayed at a center of a variable display part 4a with the spot light.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reach variable display game when a variable display device has a high possibility that a special result mode for generating a special game state advantageous to a player during a variable display game is increased. To a gaming machine capable of generating a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a starting area (including a starting gate), a variable display device capable of displaying a plurality of types of identification information in an image, a variable winning device, and the like are provided in a game area. The variable display (variable display) is started by the variable display device based on the player, and based on the fact that the stop display result mode has become a predetermined stop display mode (also called a jackpot symbol or a special stop display mode), A gaming machine capable of generating a jackpot (special gaming state) that is advantageous to the game machine is known.
As this type of gaming machine, besides a pachinko gaming machine, an arrangement ball gaming machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, a slot machine, a pachislot, and the like are known.

As a conventional pachinko gaming machine equipped with a variable display device, there are, for example, a first-type pachinko gaming machine called a so-called Seven machine, and a third type gaming machine called a so-called right item, a so-called general electric machine. There are other types of gaming machines called "variable prize machines" based on the result of the variable display game on the variable display device being in a predetermined stop display mode (first type, other type). Or, a right to open the variable prize device is generated (third type) to generate a jackpot state (special game state) that is advantageous to the player (easy to obtain game media).

[0004] The display performed by the variable display device includes, for example, a display of a stop symbol of a previous variable display game or a customer (player) in a state in which a starting condition (a winning in a starting opening or the like) is not established. And the like, and these displays are switched and displayed at a predetermined timing.

[0005] When the starting condition is satisfied, a variable display game is started on the variable display device. This variable display game is, for example, 15 of 0-9, A, B, C, D, and E.
A three-digit symbol display area capable of sequentially displaying symbols is provided, and a scroll state in which symbols in each symbol display area are sequentially displayed is displayed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the symbol in the three-digit symbol display area is changed to a left symbol. , A middle symbol, a right symbol, and the like in order to display a final stopped symbol. In this variable display game, in the process of sequentially stopping the three-digit symbol display area, the left symbol,
When the middle symbol stops, for example, "2, 2,-" (-
Indicates that there is a possibility of stopping a big hit (twisted eye) such as a scroll is still being scrolled), the symbol change in the final stop symbol area (for example, the right symbol in this case) is displayed in the slow scroll state ( A reach state in which the slow scrolling state is performed for a long time (for example, the entire pattern makes two or three rounds) is generated, and a big hit (for example, “2, 2,2 "
There was also game control to give the expectation of (the eyes).

[0006] If a big hit (for example, a slot of "2, 2, 2" or the like) occurs as a result of the variable display game,
For example, in the case of a first-type pachinko gaming machine, a variable winning device has been opened as a jackpot game.

Recently, a liquid crystal display device, a CRT display device, or the like is often provided as the variable display device. On the screen of these variable display devices, for example, in order to produce a reach state or a big hit state, for example, In addition to performing reach scroll display when a reach occurs, a character image or message image is displayed on the screen, and the character image performs an operation display that prompts the stop of the big hit design, thereby giving a sense of expectation of the big hit occurrence. Such game control is also performed.

[0008]

The display effect of the conventional variable display game performed by the variable display device is such that the scroll speed of the symbol is changed or the size of the symbol is reduced or enlarged. Was. Specifically, for example, when each symbol is stopped, the scroll speed is slowed down and stopped (or the speed is gradually increased at the start), or during the reach scroll, the last stopped symbol is scrolled. For a long time, or when the big hit symbol approaches the stop position, further perform a slow scroll or enlarge the final stop symbol.

[0009] However, the above-described conventional display effect is turned into a rut, and it cannot be said that the effect of making the variable display game interesting is sufficiently obtained. In addition, the above-described effect of scrolling is a display control that can be sufficiently performed by, for example, an LED display without using a CRT display or a liquid crystal display. It was not a display effect that fully exhibited the display function of the container.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and enhances the interest of the player in the game by displaying the effect of the game by making full use of the image display function of the variable display device capable of displaying images. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of doing so.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a variable display device capable of displaying a plurality of types of identification information in an image, and a variable display game using the variable display device. If the result is a special result mode, a special game state advantageous to the player can be generated, and the possibility of the special game state being increased in the process of obtaining the result of the variable display game increases. A game machine capable of generating a reach variable display game, comprising: an image display control means for performing image display control on the variable display device, wherein the image display control means comprises a predetermined image display area in an image display area of the variable display device. Is characterized by including spotlight image display control means for performing spotlight display control for making the image more visually clear than the other image display areas.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined image display area is made more visible than the other image display areas by the spotlight display control means included in the image display control means for performing the image display control of the variable display device. Since the spotlight display control that is clearer is performed, the image display area of interest can be displayed in a more emphasized manner. Can further enjoy the game.

[0013] Further, since the game area or the game content display can be displayed in spotlight, for example, during the game, it is possible to immediately recognize where the game is important, and even a beginner can display the game content or the game. The contents can be easily grasped.

Here, the game machine includes a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, a pachicon machine, an arrange ball game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a slot machine, a pachislot machine, and the like.

The identification information includes symbols such as figures, characters, symbols, characters, and the like, and visually recognizable marks (identification marks) such as colors.

The variable display device capable of displaying an image may be a single device such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (cathode ray tube) display device. A combination with a mechanical display device using a drum or the like may be used as long as the region includes an image displayable region.

The special result mode is a predetermined result mode in which a special game state is generated in a game on the variable display device. For example, in the first type of pachinko gaming machine, the game result mode of the variable display game by the variable display device is a special stop display result mode (for example, a pattern such as "1", "2", "3") May be determined arbitrarily in a zoro-eye or the like in which three are arranged.).

The special gaming state is a gaming state (a state in which a large number of gaming media can be easily obtained) that is particularly advantageous to the player as compared with a normal gaming state. For example, a special winning port in a first-type pachinko gaming machine. (Also referred to as a special variable prize winning device), the status of the right generation in the third type of pachinko machine,
Alternatively, there is a bonus game in a slot machine or the like, in which a general electric machine having a plurality of electric auditoriums continuously opens the electric auditorium.

The variable reach display game is a display game for decorating and notifying a state in which the possibility of becoming a special result mode is high. For example, a slow scroll of a final stop symbol, a variable display for a long time, The display includes decoration display of a character or the like, blinking of a decoration lamp, output of a decoration sound (including voice synthesis), and the like.

The predetermined image display area is an image display area for spotlight display, and may be arbitrarily determined.

The spotlight display control is, for example, a display control in which a predetermined image display area is left as it is and an image display area other than the predetermined image display area is shaded, or the other image display area is translucent image or opaque image. Display control or display control in which a brightness difference is provided between the predetermined image display area and the other image display areas to make the predetermined image display area visually clearer than the other image display areas. Any control may be used.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the spotlight image display control means performs spotlight display on at least a part of an image display area related to the reach variable display game. Features.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since at least a part of the image display area related to the variable reach display game is spotlighted by the spotlight image display control means, the image related to the variable reach display game is displayed. Since the region is emphasized, it is possible to further improve the effect of the effect at the time of the occurrence of the reach and the sense of expectation of the player for the occurrence of the special game state.

Also, for example, by suppressing the spotlight display area to a minimum (for example, only the last symbol stop area), the sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special game state at the time of the reach can be further increased. Therefore, the interest of the game is further improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the image display control means displays a predetermined character image in an image display area during the variable display game. And the spotlight image display control means performs spotlight display on an image display area including the predetermined character image.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined character image is displayed in the image display area during the variable display game by the image display control means, and the predetermined character image is displayed by the spotlight image display control means. Since the included image display area is displayed in spotlight, the character image can be emphasized by spotlight display, and the effect of image display can be further improved.

Further, for example, when a plurality of types of character images appear and the occurrence rate of the special game state changes depending on the type of the character image at the time of the reach, the character images are displayed in a spotlight manner. The type of reach at the time of the occurrence of the reach is clarified by the character image displayed in the spotlight, so that the sense of interest in the attainment and the expectation of the occurrence of the special game state at the time of the reach can be increased.

[0028]

Embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming board 1 is a so-called first-type pachinko gaming machine. In a gaming area 3 surrounded by guide rails 2 of the gaming board 1, a variable display device 4 for special symbols (special figures), a special variable prize. Device 5, normal symbol starting gates 6, 6, variable display device 7 for normal symbols (general symbols), general winning openings 4c, 8, 8,
.., A normal fluctuation winning device 9 also serving as a special figure starting port, a traveling direction changing member 10, 10,... Of a game ball called a windmill, a decorative lamp LED (Light Emitting Diode) 11, 11,.
, Etc. are provided.

The variable display device 4 is provided with, for example, a special figure variable display section 4a formed of a liquid crystal display device, and a plurality of symbols are variably displayed on the special figure variable display section 4a to enable a variable display game. It has become. , Etc. are provided above the variable display device 4, and below the general-purpose start gates 6, 6, general-purpose start-up memory displays 6a, 6a,. Has been established.

The normal variable winning device 9 has a pair of left and right opening and closing members 9a, 9a. The opening and closing members 9a, 9a always maintain a closed state at an interval such that one game ball can flow therein. However, if the result of the variable display game of the ordinary figure variable display device 7 is an advantageous result for the player, the game ball flows into the normal variable winning device 9 by opening in the shape of an inverted "C". It is designed to be changed to an easy state. The ordinary fluctuation winning device 9 also serves as a starting port of a special figure, and includes a special figure starting switch 9b therein.

In the general start gates 6, 6, general start switches 6b, 6b are provided.

The normal-size variable display device 7 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment type LED, and is designed to play a variable display game with a normal symbol.

The special variable winning device 5 has a large winning opening 5b which is opened and closed by an attacker type opening / closing door 5a. The opening / closing door 5a is rotatable in a direction in which its upper end side falls forward, and can be opened. When the result of the variable display game of the special figure is an advantageous result for the player, the special winning opening 5b is opened. It is open to the public. This special winning opening 5
b, a continuation switch 5d and a count switch 5
c is provided.

FIG. 2 shows an accessory control circuit 20 for controlling a game system installed on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine, and a variable display section 4 of a special figure under the control of the accessory control circuit 20.
FIG. 3 is a main control block diagram of a display control circuit 40 that controls the display of FIG.

The accessory control circuit 20 has a CPU (Centr
al Processing Unit) 21a, RAM (Random Access M)
emory) 21b and ROM (Read Only Memory) 21c
-Chip microcomputer 21, clock circuit 22, power supply circuit 23, I / O interface 2 provided with
4, a sound generator 25, an amplifier 26, and the like.

The I / O interface 24 is connected to a normal figure start switch 6b, 6b, a special figure start switch 9b, a count switch 5c, a continuation switch 5d, and a back side of the pachinko game machine through a low pass filter (not shown) and a buffer gate. An installed probability setting device 28 and the like are connected, and various output signals output from these devices are output to the one-chip microcomputer 21. The probability setting device 28 changes the setting of the jackpot occurrence probability of the variable display game in the special figure by a changeover switch or the like.

The I / O interface 24 receives a control signal output from the one-chip microcomputer 21 and outputs it through an output port (not shown) and a driver through the decorative lamp LEDs 11, 11,. 7, the normal fluctuation prize winning device 9, the special fluctuation prize winning device 5, the special figure start display 4b, and the general figure start display 6a, 6a.

The sound generator 25 has an amplifier 26
The speaker 27 is connected via the.

The one-chip microcomputer 2
A display control circuit 40 for controlling the display of the special symbol variable display device 4 is connected to 1 via the I / O interface 24.

The CPU 21a includes a control unit, an operation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and performs arithmetic control. In addition, the CPU 21a controls a large hit (special game state) of a special figure, a random number that determines a probability of occurrence per normal figure, and the like. Has also been generated. RA
M21b is a special figure start switch 9 as a special figure start signal.
b, a storage area for storing the ON signal of the general-purpose start switches 6b, 6b as the general-purpose start signal (memory for the general-purpose start), and a random number value generated by the CPU 21a (special-purpose start memory). Random number value per special figure related to occurrence of jackpot of variable display game of figure, random number value per common figure related to occurrence of variable display game of regular figure, reach generation related to generation of reach variable display game Storage area for storing random data, storage areas for temporarily storing various data, flags,
In addition, a work area for the CPU 21a is provided. ROM
In addition to the game control program and control data written in 21c, a normal probability and a high probability big hit determination value for determining the occurrence of a special figure big hit are written.

FIG. 3 shows a display control circuit 40 for controlling the display of the variable display section 4a under the control of the accessory control circuit 20.
FIG. 3 shows a main control block diagram of FIG.

The display control circuit 40 includes a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) 41, ROM (Read Only Memory)
42, RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and DMA
(Direct Memory Access) 44, clock 45, VDP
(Video Degital Processor) 46, Font ROM4
7. a gamma correction circuit 48 for performing gamma correction when converting an electric signal (input signal) of the VDP 46 into an optical signal (output signal);
An interface 49 and the like, and under the control of the accessory control circuit 20, a variable display unit (LC
D: Liquid Crystal Display) 4a performs variable display (display of a variable display game) based on identification information (for example, a symbol) and various information displays.

The CPU 41 includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like therein, and is connected to the accessory control circuit 20 and the interface (I / F) 4.
9 and controls the special figure variable display device 4 under the control of the accessory control circuit 20. The control data is sent to the VDP 46 in synchronization with the pulse from the clock 45. Further, an interrupt signal is transmitted to the CPU 41 from the accessory control circuit 20 or the VDP 46 at any time, whereby an interrupt process described later is performed.

The ROM 42 includes a display control program (including a display control program for a variable display game of various reach and a spotlight display control program) for the variable display section 4a and display control data (data of display symbols and display positions, Background and pattern color data, spotlight display data, etc.) are written.

The RAM 43 has a storage area for various data and C
A work area for the PU 41 is provided.

The DMA 44 exchanges display control data between each memory, the VDP 46, and the like directly without access to the CPU 41 in response to the display control signal from the one-chip microcomputer 21.

In the font ROM 47, for example, FIG.
The symbol data for a variable display game as shown in FIG. Also, in the font ROM 47, characters such as "Let's put a ball into this starting port" for explaining the game contents as shown in FIG. 16A are written.

Although not shown, the VDP 46 is provided with a sprite RAM, a palette RAM, a V-RAM, and the like, and performs the following image data control.

The VDP 46 receives a command signal from the CPU 41 and extracts design and background image data from the font ROM 47 for editing. Then, based on the color data included in the command signal, a color scheme is designated for the edited image data in a palette RAM (not shown), and then an image of a pattern, a character, or the like is edited in a sprite RAM (not shown). I do. At this time, FIG.
In the sprite processing in the flow of the display control processing of No. 3, display control is performed so that the hatched image for spotlight display is displayed with the highest priority. Specifically, the left symbol 401, the middle symbol 402, and the right symbol 40 shown in FIG.
3 is displayed on the variable display section 4a on which the symbol 3 is displayed.
An image editing process is performed to display the shaded image 405 in which the area excluding the circular area 404 including the symbol stop position is shaded with the highest priority (FIG. 15B). After the edited image data signal is corrected by the γ correction circuit 48,
It is transmitted to the variable display unit (LCD) 4a of the special figure variable display device 4 in synchronization with SYNC or H_SYNC.

The pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment is:
For example, the following game control and display control are performed by the accessory control circuit 20 and the display control circuit 40.

That is, normally, the display control circuit 40 controls the display of the special figure variable display unit 4a based on the command signal from the accessory control circuit 20, and the special figure variable display unit 4a
Then, for example, an image display such as the following call-in call-in display is performed.

FIG. 16 shows a variable display unit 4 to which the present invention is applied.
The example of the call-in display for customer approach of a is shown.

The screen display shown in FIG. 16A is an image display showing the contents of a game, and includes an image imitating a normal variable prize device in the lower center of an image display area 406 imitating a gaming machine. An image display area 407 and an image display area 408 including a message image of "Let's put a ball in this opening first" prompting a prize to the normal variable prize device are displayed in spotlight. Subsequently, the image display area 407 is zoomed up (enlarged) and displayed as an image (FIG. 16B).
In the center of the variable display section 4a, an image display area 4 including an image simulating the zoomed-up ordinary variable prize apparatus.
07a and an image display area 409 including a message image of "variable when 7 comes out" explaining the contents of the game variable display game are spotlighted. At this time, since the image display areas other than the spotlight image display area are shaded, the image display areas 407, 407a, 40
8 or 409 will be strongly recognized by the player, and the player will be able to more reliably grasp the game content.

In this state, the game ball struck into the game area 3 passes through the starting gates 6 and 6 of the general figure, and the detection signal from the general figure starting switches 6 b and 6 b plays a role through the I / O interface 24. When input to the object control circuit 20, a control signal is output from the accessory control circuit 20 to the general-purpose variable display device 7 via the I / O interface 24, and a general-purpose variable display game is performed.

In this variable display game, a symbol such as a number or a symbol is displayed on the display unit of the variable symbol display device 7, and after a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), a certain symbol is stopped. It is a game to be displayed, and whether or not it is a hit is determined based on the game result.

During this variable display game, the game ball passes through the start gates 6, 6 of the general figure and the general figure start switch 6
b, 6b are the I / O interface 24
Is input to the one-chip microcomputer 21 via the CPU, the number of times of detection of the passage is stored in the RAM 21b in the one-chip microcomputer 21 (usual start-up storage), and a display signal of the stored number is stored in the one-chip microcomputer. The output is output from the RAM 21b in the computer 21 to the general-purpose variable display device 7 via the I / O interface 24, and the variable-size display game for the general number corresponding to the stored number is sequentially performed.

As a result of the variable display game of the normal figure, if the hit stop display mode (for example, "7"), the normal figure wins and the normal variable prize winning device 9 is in a predetermined time (for example, "7").
(0.5 seconds) released. This makes it easier for game balls to win the normal variable winning device 9, and facilitates the start of the variable display game with special symbols.

Next, the special display variable display game will be described.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a symbol image used in a variable display game in the variable display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an image diagram of the variable display unit 4a showing an example of a result mode of the variable display game in the variable display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an image diagram of the variable display unit 4a showing a state in which the result of the variable display game in the variable display device according to the present invention is a jackpot.

FIG. 20 is an image diagram of the variable display section 4a showing the jackpot effect display at the time of occurrence of the jackpot shown in FIG.

When a game ball hit into the game area 3 wins the normal fluctuation winning device 9, the winning is detected by the special figure start switch 9b and stored in the RAM 21b (special figure start storage). An output signal is sent to the special figure variable display device 4 via the I / O interface 24 on the basis of the I / O interface 24, and in the special figure variable display unit 4a, for example, “1”, “2”, “3” shown in FIG. "," 4 "," 5 ",
"6", "7", "8", "9", "0" numeral pattern (numeric image), "Criminal" 410, "Dorobo" 411,
Policewoman 412, Police car 413, Nishijin Agency 41
The character pattern (character image) 4 is a left pattern 41
5,418, middle design 416,419, right design 417,4
A variable display game in which the game is circulated and stopped for a predetermined time on the game 20 is performed ((a) or (b) in FIG. 18). During the variable display game of the special symbol, when a game ball further wins in the normal variable winning device 9 and is detected by the special figure start switch 9b, the special figure variable display game by the winning is not processed. The number of times is stored in the RAM 21b, and the special figure start display 4b is turned on by the number corresponding to the unprocessed storage number. Then, after the variable display game is completed, the variable display games for the number of unprocessed games are sequentially performed, and each time the game is performed, the number of unprocessed storages in the RAM 21b is subtracted and the special figure start display 4b is displayed. Are sequentially turned off one by one, and RAM2
The process is continued until the unprocessed storage number of 1b becomes “0”.

In the special display variable display game, the left symbol (for example, image 415, image 418), the middle symbol (for example, image 416, image 419), and the right symbol (for example, images 417, 420) are stopped in order. In the process, a stop display mode that may cause a jackpot (for example,
"7,7,-" etc.) (reach mode)
This is converted into the reach display mode determined in the reach mode determination process (FIGS. 8 and 9) described later.

As a result of the variable display game of the special figure, when the stop symbol is in a special result mode (for example, “7, 7, 7” or the like shown in FIG. 19), a special game called a big hit is performed. A gaming state is generated.

At this time, an effect display of the occurrence of a big hit is made on the variable display section 4a. Specifically, FIG.
As shown in the figure, after the jackpot symbol display disappears and the central part is displayed in spotlight from a dark state, a "criminal" character 421 appears in the central part and a pose of hitting a handgun forward is made. Then, when hitting three handguns in succession, each time the gun is hit, “large” 422, “this” 423, “ri”
The characters 424 are sequentially turned on (FIG. 20 (b)). At this time, if the jackpot is based on the probability variation symbol, the character “Done! Probability variation” 425 is also turned on at the same time. Thereafter, the spotlight display disappears, and the character of "big hit" 426 is displayed as a three-dimensional image from a black background (FIG. 20 (c)).

During this big hit (special game state), the opening / closing door 5a of the special variable winning device 5 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 29.
The cycle of opening and closing is set as one round, and during each round, up to a predetermined round (for example, 16 rounds) on the condition that the game ball is detected by the continuous switch 5d in the continuous winning area in the special winning opening 5b. It is a game to be continued. However, during each round, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are won in the special winning opening 5b, the round is ended at that time. During each round, the number of winnings in the special winning opening 5b is detected by the count switch 5c, and
When a predetermined number is stored in the AM 21b, the opening / closing door 5a is closed, and the special game state of the round ends.

In addition, a stop display mode (for example, “3”, “7”, “criminal”) 410, “woman police” 412, “ When a jackpot occurs in a set of three specific symbols such as “Nishijin Agency” 414, that is, a probability variation symbol), after the end of the special game of the jackpot, the jackpot is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, twice). ) The probability of occurrence of a jackpot until it occurs is increased from the normal probability (1/400) to the high probability (1).
0/400) (probability fluctuation state).

In addition, various electronic sounds are emitted from the speaker 27 when a reach display mode occurs, a big hit occurs, a specific game occurs, and the like. Lights or blinks.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the variable display game control processing (general flow) performed by the accessory control circuit 20.

This control process is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, about 2 m) generated by the accessory one-chip microcomputer 21 based on the clock signal of the clock circuit 22 shown in FIG.
Based on the reset signal having s), processing of each sequence from start to end is performed.

This processing is started by the reset signal, and it is first determined in step S1 whether or not the power is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the power is to be turned on, a power-on process such as the above-described customer call-in display control is performed in step S2, and the sequence process ends as it is.

If the power is not turned on, a switch (SW) input process is performed in step S3, and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the process NO. According to the steps S5 to S
A branching process for performing the corresponding process out of 12 is performed.

As shown in the flow chart of the control process in FIG. 5, the order of the branch process is the usual process (step S
If there is a start memory based on the winning in the normal variable winning device 9 in 5), the variable processing is performed in that sequence (step S).
Processing No. 6) And the process proceeds to the fluctuation process (step S6) in the next sequence of the general flow (FIG. 4). This variation process (step S6) is a process of varying the display of the symbol on the variable display section 4a of the special figure at such a speed that it cannot be followed by eyes.

Following this fluctuation processing (step S6), fluctuation stop processing (step S7) is performed. In the variable stop process (step S7), when the variable display symbols displayed on the variable display unit 4a are composed of, for example, three variable display symbols of right, middle, and left, the stop display mode is performed step by step. Is controlled so that

In the variable stop processing (step S7), when the variable display symbols change to the stop display mode in order,
When two symbols that stop successively become the same symbol (for example, “1,1, −”, “3,3, −”, etc.), the stop symbol is reached via the reach stop process (step S8). The process proceeds to a determination process (step S9). In the case of a symbol other than the reach symbol, the stopped symbol determination processing is directly performed (step S9).
Move to

The reach stop process (step S8) is a process for performing a reach variable display game in accordance with the type of reach determined in the usual process (step S5). There are a plurality of types of reach, such as reach patterns A to D, for example, and the reach occurrence rate and the jackpot occurrence probability for each type are different. And, as the reach pattern in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot increases becomes higher, the decoration and the effect become more flashy and the execution time becomes longer, so that the player's expectation of the occurrence of the jackpot becomes higher.

As a result of the fluctuation stop processing (step S7), if the pattern is not a reach symbol, the next sequence is performed immediately. If the pattern is a reach symbol, the reach stop processing is performed (step S8).
Symbol determination processing in the next sequence after (step S
9) is performed. This stop symbol determination processing (step S
In 9), a stop symbol display process and a stop symbol determination process are performed to stop the last stop symbol and determine whether the result is a big hit. If the big hit symbol is stopped, a big hit process (step S11) is performed. NO. On the other hand, if it is a stop other than the big hit symbol, the process NO. Are changed in the next sequence of the general flow (FIG. 4). Is performed (step S10) or a jackpot process (step S11) according to.

As a result, when the departure process (step S10) is performed, the process returns to the ordinary process (step S5) of the general flow (FIG. 4) in the sequence following the departure process.

On the other hand, in the jackpot processing (step S11), the count winning (winning to the general winning area) in the special winning opening 5b of the special variable winning device 5 is checked, and the special winning opening 5 is checked.
Checking the winning in the continuous winning area (V zone winning area) in b, processing the count winning information data set, the continuous count information data set, and the probability variation information continuous counter information data set to be sent to the display control circuit 40 And so on.

If the continuation condition is satisfied in the jackpot process (step S11) and the continuation condition is not the last round (final cycle), the jackpot process (step S11) is repeated, but the last round or the continuation condition is not satisfied. In the case, the processing No. of the jackpot end processing (step S12).
And a jackpot ending process (step S12) is performed in the next sequence.

This big hit end processing (step S12)
At the end of the normal processing (step S5). And returns to the usual processing (step S5) in the next sequence of the general flow (FIG. 4).

The above step S performed in such an order
4, the normal processing (step S
5), fluctuation processing (Step S6), fluctuation stop processing (Step S7), reach stop processing (Step 8), stop symbol determination processing (Step S9), departure processing (Step 1)
0), the jackpot process (step S11) and the jackpot end process (step 12). And the process moves to the next step S13.

In step S13, the CPU 21a updates the random number (for example, 0 to 99) related to a special figure or a normal figure, and stores the updated random number in the RAM 21.
Then, a special figure to be memorized and updated in b, a normal figure random number updating process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, a reach generating random number (for example, 0-1)
4) and a reach mode determining random number (for example, 0 to 99) involved in determining the reach variable display game mode
A process is performed to update the random numbers stored in the RAM 21b in the RAM 21b, and the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, a special figure variable display game jackpot stop symbol (a result mode of generating a special game state) determined in a usual process (step S5) to be described later, an out-of-reach stop symbol (after the out-of-reach occurs, After performing the process of creating an unsuccessful symbol (result mode that does not generate a reach) or the process of creating a stop symbol of a normal-size variable display game, the process proceeds to step S16.

Thereafter, a display symbol editing process relating to editing of a display symbol of the variable display section 4a (step S16), and a data transfer process relating to various data transfer from the one-chip microcomputer 21 to the display control circuit 40 (step S16).
17) Output processing to various decorative lamps, LEDs, and the like (step S18), and end the processing of one sequence.

When the next reset signal from the clock circuit 22 is input to the one-chip microcomputer 21, the next sequence processing (the processing of steps S1 to S18) is performed.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the subroutine processing of the SW input processing (step S3) in the general flow of FIG.

When the SW (switch) input process is started, first, in step S21, the special figure start switch 9b
It is determined whether or not the input signal from is input to the CPU 21a. If the result of determination is that there is no input, this subroutine processing is terminated as it is, and the flow returns to the general flow (FIG. 4) in the next step.
Move to 22.

In step S22, it is determined whether or not the starting memory of the special figure in the RAM 21b is "4", that is, whether or not the starting memory has the maximum value. If the result of the determination is that the starting memory of the special figure is "4", the subroutine processing is terminated as it is, and the flow returns to the general flow (FIG. 4) in the next step, but the starting memory of the special figure is not "4". In this case, the process proceeds to step S23.

In the step S23, after the start memory in the RAM 21b is incremented by "1", the step S24 is executed.
Move to

In step S24, the special figure jackpot random numbers (for example, 0 to 99) stored in step S13 of the general flow (FIG. 4) are extracted from the RAM 21b.
Move to step S25.

In step S25, the reach generating random numbers (for example, 0 to 14) stored in step S14 of the general flow (FIG. 4) are extracted from the RAM 21b.
Move to step S26.

In step S26, the reach mode determination random numbers (for example, 0 to 99) stored in step S14 of the general flow (FIG. 4) are extracted from the RAM 21b, and the subroutine processing is terminated. Return to the general flow (FIG. 4).

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a subroutine of a normal process performed in step S5 of the general flow (FIG. 4).

When the ordinary process is started, first, in a step S31, it is determined whether or not there is a special figure start memory in the RAM 21b. As a result of the determination, if there is no special figure start memory, the subroutine processing is terminated as it is, and the flow returns to the general flow (FIG. 4) in the next step. Move to

In step S32, after the process of decrementing the start storage of the special figure in the RAM 21b by "1" is performed, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter in the RAM 21b is "0". If the result of the determination is that the probability variation counter is "0", then step S
Then, the process proceeds to step S36 after selecting the jackpot occurrence random number determination value at the time of normal probability from the ROM 21c, and if the probability variation counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S35, and the probability variation random number is read from the ROM 21c. After selecting the large jackpot occurrence random number determination value, the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S36, the random number judgment value selected in step S34 or step S35 and the step S in the subroutine processing of the SW input processing (step S3) are executed.
After performing the process of comparing with the special figure jackpot random number value extracted in 24, the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, it is determined whether or not the extracted special map jackpot random number is a winning value as a result of the comparison processing in step S36. If the result of the determination is that it is a winning value, the process proceeds to step S38 to perform a process of determining a big hit stop symbol, and then proceeds to step S43. If not, the process proceeds to step S39.

In step S39, a reach occurrence value is selected from the ROM 21c, and the value is compared with the reach generation random number extracted in step S25 in the subroutine process of the SW input process (step S3). The process moves to S40.

In step S40, it is determined whether or not the reach generation random number extracted as a result of the comparison processing in step S39 is a reach generation value. If the result of the determination is that the value is not the reach occurrence value, the flow proceeds to step S41 to determine a departure stop symbol (a defeated symbol without reach), and then proceeds to step S45. Is a reach occurrence value as a result of the determination, the process proceeds to step S42, and after determining the off-reach stop symbol, the process proceeds to step S43.

In step S43, a process of setting the reach flag in the RAM 21b to ON is performed.
Go to 44.

In step S44, after the reach mode determination processing (FIGS. 8 and 9) relating to the determination of the reach mode, which will be described later, is performed, the process proceeds to step S45.

In step S45, the processing of the sequence following the general flow (FIG. 4) is changed (step S45).
No. 6). After that, the subroutine processing is terminated, and the routine goes to the next step S13 of the general flow (FIG. 4).

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a subroutine process of the reach mode determination process performed in the subroutine process of the ordinary process of FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the A branch process of the reach mode determination process of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a table showing reach contents in each reach mode determined in the reach mode determination process shown in FIGS.

When the reach mode determination processing is performed, first, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination in step S37, which is normally being processed, is a hit value. If the result of the determination is that there is a jackpot, the flow proceeds to step S52. If not, the flow proceeds to step S61.

If the process proceeds to step S52, that is, if it is a jackpot, the SW input process (step S3)
Extracted in step S24 during the subroutine processing of
After fetching the reach mode determination random number (for example, 0 to 99) stored in M21B, the process proceeds to step S53.

In step S53, a process of sorting reach A to reach D (steps S54 to S57) is performed based on the extracted reach mode determination random value.

In the sorting process in step S53,
For example, if the reach mode determination random number is any one of 0 to 4, the process proceeds to step S54 to select reach A (the occurrence probability is set to 5%), and the reach mode determination random value is If it is any of 5 to 14, step S5
5, the reach B is selected (the occurrence probability is set to 10%). If the reach mode determination random number is any of 15 to 49, the process proceeds to step S56 to select the reach C. (The probability of occurrence is set to 35%), and if the reach mode determination random value is any of 50 to 99, the process proceeds to step S57 to select reach D (the probability of occurrence is 5).
0%).

In the reach A to D, for example, a game having contents as shown in FIG. 10 is performed. Specifically, when Reach A is performed, “Criminal Reach” is performed in which a “Criminal” character appears and a reach scroll is produced with a handgun or machine gun. When the reach B is performed, the “woman police” character appears, and the “woman police reach” in which the reach scroll is produced by handcuffs is performed. When the reach C is performed, a "drawing reach 1" is performed in which a "drawing" character appears and steals a missing symbol during scrolling, and the more hits, the greater the probability of hitting. If Reach D is performed, "Drobo"
The character appears in the spotlight display, scrolls the reach stop together with the symbol, and “Dobo Reach 2” in which the stop is spotlighted is performed. Details of the display contents of these reach variable games will be described later.

In step S58, a process for setting a flag in the RAM 21b corresponding to the reach pattern (one of steps S54 to S57) selected in step S53 is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S59.

In step S59, the reach time corresponding to the reach pattern (one of steps S54 to S57) selected in step S53 is set in the RAM 21b, and then the process proceeds to step S60.

In step S60, after performing the process of setting the reach pattern information to be transmitted to the display control circuit 40, the present subroutine process is terminated, and in the next step, the process proceeds to step S45 of the ordinary process of FIG.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S51, FIG.
If the process has proceeded to step S61 shown in FIG. 7, that is, if it is not a jackpot, the RAM 21
B. The reach mode determination random number stored in B (for example, 0 to 0).
After extracting 99), the process moves to step S62.

In step S62, a process of allocating reach A to reach D (steps S63 to S66) is performed based on the extracted reach mode determination random value.

The distribution process in step S62 is performed in the same manner as the distribution process in step S53. For example, if the reach mode determination random value is any of 0 to 49, the process proceeds to step S63 to reach A is selected (the probability of occurrence is set to 50%) and the random number for reach mode determination is 50
If it is any one of the above, the process proceeds to step S64, and reach B is selected (the occurrence probability is set to 35%).
If the reach mode determination random number is any of 85 to 94, the process proceeds to step S65 to select reach C (the occurrence probability is set to 10%), and the reach mode determination random value is 95 to 94%. If it is any of 99, step S
The process proceeds to 66, and reach D is selected (the occurrence probability is set to 5%). The game content of each reach pattern is the same as the content described above (game content of the reach pattern generated in steps S54 to S57).

By the distribution processing in steps S62 to S66 and the distribution processing in steps S53 to S57, the reliability (expected degree) of the occurrence of the jackpot in each reach is increased in the order of reach A, reach B, reach C, and reach D. Is set to

In step S67, a process for setting a flag in the RAM 21b corresponding to the reach pattern (any one of steps S63 to S66) selected in step S53 is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S68, the reach time corresponding to the reach pattern (one of steps S63 to S66) selected in step S62 is set in the RAM 21b, and then the flow shifts to step S69.

In step S69, after performing processing for setting reach pattern information to be transmitted to the display control circuit 40, the present subroutine processing is terminated, and in the next step, FIG.
Then, the routine goes to Step S45 of the usual processing.

Next, the contents of the display control data transmitted from the one-chip microcomputer 21 in the accessory control circuit 20 to the display control circuit 40 via the interface 28 when the reach is stopped will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. I do.

FIG. 11 is a table showing command data transmitted from the one-chip microcomputer 21 to the display control circuit 40 during the reach stop operation.

FIG. 12 is a table showing the data structure of the sub mode in the command data of FIG.

The command data of FIG. 11 is data relating to the reach stop determined by the accessory control circuit 20. This command data is "MOD" indicating the reach stop operation.
E ”section and 7 items (DATA to DATA)“ DAT ”
"A" part, and Check to check whether or not the command data has been correctly transmitted from the one-chip microcomputer 21 of the accessory control circuit 20 to the display control circuit 40.
It is composed of k Sum data.

The “MODE” part indicating the reach stop operation is:
As shown in the command data configuration chart of FIG. 11, the data is hexadecimal data (for example, “MODE” 05), and each data of the “DATA” portion is composed of 8-bit data. Design number of left design (DATA
), Stop position (DATA), symbol number of middle symbol (D
ATA) and the stop position (DATA), the symbol number of the right symbol (DATA), the stop position (DATA), and the sub-mode (DATA).

Here, in the sub-mode (DATA) data, as shown in FIG. 12, reach pattern data is written in bits "0" to "1". Specifically, for example, when the binary display is “00”, “reach A”
When the binary number is "01", "reach B" is used. When the binary number is "10", "reach C" is used. When the binary number is "11", "reach D" is used.

Then, the command data having the above-described configuration generated by the accessory control circuit 20 is sent from the one-chip microcomputer 21 to the display control circuit 40, and based on the command data, the display of the variable display section 4a is performed. The control is performed by the display control circuit 40 as described below.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a control processing procedure (general flow of display control) of the display control processing of the variable display section 4a performed by the display control circuit 40.

When this display control process is started, first,
In step R1, after performing initialization processing for initializing the RAM 43 of the display control circuit 40, setting I / O registers, registers in the system, and the like, the process proceeds to step R2.

In step R2, it is determined whether or not the image creation flag in the CPU 41 is on. If not, step R2 is repeated again. If it is on, the image creation flag is cleared in step R3. The process shifts to R4 to perform a mode-specific branching process (step R4).

This mode-dependent branch processing (step R4)
Is based on the mode data sent from the one-chip microcomputer 21 to the CPU 41 of the display control circuit 40 via the interface 49.
In this process, the display control program written in the ROM 42 is used to edit the configuration of the symbol display area that changes in response to the mode data, the background image, and the like.

After the mode-specific branching process (step R4) is completed, the screen display clearing process is performed in step R5, and then the process proceeds to the sprite process (step R6).

In the sprite processing (step R6), processing such as editing of sprite images of symbols and characters is performed. In particular, in the present invention, as described with reference to FIG. In order to make the display area a mesh image, a process of displaying the mesh image with the highest priority is performed.

After the end of the sprite processing (step R6), the flow returns to step R2.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an interrupt process performed during the general flow of the display control of FIG. 13 based on the interrupt signal input to the display control circuit 40.

This interrupt processing is performed by an interrupt signal (VD) input when the general flow of display control is being performed.
This is performed based on an image timing signal from P46, a reset signal from the accessory control circuit 20, and the like.

When this interrupt signal is started, it is determined in step R11 whether or not a V-BLANK interrupt has occurred. If the result of the determination is that the interrupt is not a V-BLANK interrupt, the flow shifts to step R12 to determine whether or not a communication interrupt is caused by a reset signal from the one-chip microcomputer 21. As a result of this determination, if it is not a communication interrupt, the interrupt processing is terminated as it is, and the display returns to the general flow of the display control of FIG. 13. If it is a communication interrupt, the reception processing is performed in step R15 and the interrupt processing is ended. Then, the process returns to the general flow of the display control of FIG.

This reception processing (step R15) is performed by the one-chip microcomputer 21 in the accessory control circuit 20.
This is a process of receiving a command signal (including a mode signal) transmitted from the controller in accordance with the timing of the strobe signal.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step R11, V−
If the interrupt is a BLANK interrupt, the image data transfer processing is performed in step R13, and then the CPU 41
An image creation flag setting process for setting the middle image creation flag is performed.

Image flag setting processing (step R14)
After the termination, the interrupt processing is terminated and the process returns to the general flow of the display control of FIG.

Next, the operation of the variable reach display game performed by the above-described game control and display control will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 21 to 24 show variable displays in which the reach A (FIG. 21), reach B (FIG. 22), reach C (FIG. 23), and reach D (FIG. 24) games are performed in the reach variable display game. It is an image figure showing an example of a display mode of part 4a.

When reach A is selected in the distribution process in step S53 or step S62 of the reach mode determination process in FIGS. 8 and 9, the variable display section 4a displays a game with reach content as shown in FIG. Is performed. Specifically, the reach mode (for example, "7, 7,-"
(-Indicates that it is still fluctuating)), a “criminal” character 427 appears. And "Aim for the hit!" 42
8 is displayed in a blinking manner, and a reach A game in which the “criminal” character 427 hits a pistol toward the symbol in the reach scroll starts. This reach A game is a big hit if a “criminal” character 427 hits six times during a reach scroll (for example, one to three laps) and hits a hit symbol (for example, “7”). It is a game. At this time, at the moment when the ball is hit, the aimed symbol flashes once, and then the background color of the symbol changes, for example, from green to yellow (FIG. 21A). And if you do not hit the symbol after hitting 6 shots,
The message image “429!” Appears, and the reach A game ends ((c) in FIG. 21). Also, if the “criminal” character 430 switches from a handgun to a machine gun during the game, the number of balls becomes infinite and 100
A game in which the player hits% is also performed ((b) of FIG. 21).

Further, step S53 or step S6
When reach B is selected in the sorting process of 2,
In the variable display section 4a, for example, a game having reach content as shown in FIG. 22 is performed. Specifically, in the reach mode (for example, "7, 7,-" (-indicates that the character is still fluctuating)), the "woman police" character 431 appears from the left end while turning handcuffs (see (a) of FIG. 22). )). And
The message “I'm arrested!” 432 is displayed, and the Reach B game starts. The reach B game is a game in which the "woman police" character 431 puts handcuffs on the symbol (for example, "6" 433) passing through the symbol stop position and pulls it back during the reach scroll (for example, one to three laps). Yes, if it is a winning symbol (for example, “7”), it becomes a big hit ((b) and (c) in FIG. 22).

Step S53 or step S6
When reach C is selected in the sorting process of 2,
In the variable display section 4a, for example, a game having reach content as shown in FIG. 23 is performed. Specifically, in the reach mode (for example, "7, 7,-" (-indicates that the character is still fluctuating)), the "drawing" character 434 appears from the left end ((a) in FIG. 23), and the reach C The game starts. The reach C game is a reach scroll (for example, 1 lap to 3 laps).
In the meantime, the “Dorobo” character 434 steals the lost symbol 435 passing through the symbol stop position, and
This is a game in which the probability of winning is increased by putting it in 36 ((b) and (c) in FIG. 23). If the symbol (for example, “7”) stops at the symbol stop position, A jackpot. At this time, when trying to put the stolen symbol 437 into the furoshiki 438, the stolen symbol 437
After disappearing, an operation is performed in which the cloth 439 expands and contracts. Then, when the losing pattern is determined, "Yabe!
The message "Run away" 440 is displayed and "Dorobo"
The character 441 disappears from the screen.

Step S53 or step S6
When reach D is selected in the sorting process of 2,
In the variable display section 4a, for example, a game having reach content as shown in FIG. 24 is performed. Specifically, in the reach mode (for example, “7, 7, −” (− indicates that the state is still fluctuating)), the “Drobo” character 442 appears from the left end,
Reach D game starts. The reach D game is, like the reach C game, a reach scroll (for example, 1 lap to 3 laps).
In the meantime, the “drawing” character 442 steals the lost symbol 443 passing through the symbol stop position, and
This is a game in which the probability of winning is increased by placing the character in the “44”.
Are displayed in spotlight 445, and the other image display areas are shaded to provide an inconspicuous image display 446 (FIG. 24 (a)). Therefore, the player pays attention to the spotlight display area, and the interest of the variable reach display game is enhanced. Then, the “Dorobo” character 447 hits the symbol 448
The action of hiding behind and scrolling together is performed.
At this time, the surrounding image display area including the stop position of the scrolling symbol (right symbol) is displayed as a spotlight 449 (FIG. 24B). And high-speed scrolling 1
After the circling, the operation in which the hidden hit symbol 448 of the “Drobo” character 447 moves up and down from the symbol stop position is repeated twice (FIG. 24C). After repeating this series of operations again, it finally stops at the symbol stop position. As a result, if it is a winning symbol (for example, “7”), it becomes a big hit.

According to the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the spot included in the image display control means for controlling the image display of the variable display device 4 provided in the display control circuit 40. By the light display control means,
A predetermined image display area (for example, the image display area 407 at the time of calling, or the image display area 4 during the variable reach display game)
49, etc., which are more conspicuous than other image display areas (for example, the image display area 406 at the time of the call-in or the image display area 446 during the reach variable display game). The region (for example, the variable reach display region) can be displayed in a more emphasized manner, so that the display content of the game is more interesting than before, and the player can further enjoy the game. .

In this case, since the game area or the game content display can be displayed in spotlight, for example, during the game, it is possible to immediately recognize where the game is important, and even a beginner can play the game content or the game. The displayed contents can be easily grasped.

Further, the display area relating to the variable reach display game is spotlighted on the image display surface by the spotlight image display control means, so that the display area relating to the variable reach display game is emphasized. Thus, it is possible to further improve the effect of the effect when the reach occurs and the player's expectation of the occurrence of the special game state.

In this case, for example, by suppressing the spotlight display area to a minimum (for example, only the last symbol stop area), it is possible to further increase the sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special game state at the time of the reach. As a result, the interest of the game is further improved.

A predetermined character image is displayed on the image display surface during the variable display game by the image display control means, and a display area including the predetermined character image is spotlighted by the spotlight image display control means. Therefore, the character image can be emphasized by the spotlight display, and the effect of the image display can be further improved.

In this case, for example, when a plurality of types of character images appear and the occurrence rate of the special game state changes depending on the type of the character image at the time of the reach,
By displaying the character image in the spotlight,
By clarifying what the character image is at the time of the reach, it is possible to increase the sense of interest in the attainment and the occurrence of a special game state at the time of the reach.

Even when the same character image appears, the reliability (expectation) of the occurrence of the special game state (big hit) can be made different by the spotlight display. Expectation can be improved.

Note that the gaming machines include pachinko gaming machines, pachi-con machines, arranged ball gaming machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, and the like, pachislot machines, slot machines, and the like.

The identification information includes symbols such as figures, characters, symbols and characters, and visually recognizable marks (identification marks) such as colors.

The variable display device capable of displaying an image may be a single device such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (cathode ray tube) display device. A combination with a mechanical display device using a drum or the like may be used as long as the region includes an image displayable region.

The special result mode is a predetermined result mode in which a special game state is generated in a game on the variable display device. For example, in the first type of pachinko gaming machine, the game result mode of the variable display game by the variable display device is a special stop display result mode (for example, a pattern such as "1", "2", "3") May be determined arbitrarily in a zoro-eye or the like in which three are arranged.).

[0165] The special gaming state refers to a gaming state (a state in which a large number of gaming media are easily obtained) that is particularly advantageous to the player as compared with a normal gaming state. For example, a special winning opening in a first-type pachinko gaming machine. (Also referred to as a special variable prize winning device), the status of the right generation in the third type of pachinko machine,
Alternatively, there is a bonus game in a slot machine or the like, in which a general electric machine having a plurality of electric auditoriums continuously opens the electric auditorium.

The reach variable display game is a display game for decorating and notifying a state in which the possibility of becoming a special result mode is high. For example, a slow scroll of a final stop symbol, a variable display for a long time, The display includes decoration display of a character or the like, blinking of a decoration lamp, output of a decoration sound (including voice synthesis), and the like.

The predetermined image display area is an image display area for spotlight display, and may be arbitrarily determined.

In this embodiment, the spotlight display is performed at the time of the call-in display, at the time of the occurrence of the big hit, and at the time of the variable reach display game. ).

In the above embodiment, the spotlight display control is performed by setting the predetermined image display area to the image as it is.
Although the display control to make the other image display area a shaded image is used, the display control to make the other image display area a translucent image or an opaque image, or the predetermined image display area and the other image display area Display control or the like with a brightness difference may be used, as long as the display control makes the predetermined image display area visually clearer than the other image display areas.

[0170]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the spotlight display control means included in the image display control means for controlling the image display of the variable display device causes the predetermined image display area to be larger than the other image display areas. Since the conspicuous spotlight display control is performed, the image display area of interest can be displayed in a more emphasized manner. You can enjoy the game.

Also, since the game area or the game content display can be displayed in spotlight, for example, during the game, it is possible to immediately recognize where the game is important, and even for beginners, the display related to the game content or the game is displayed. The contents can be easily grasped.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the image display area related to the variable reach display game is spotlighted by the spotlight image display control means, so that the image related to the variable reach display game is displayed. Since the region is emphasized, it is possible to further improve the effect of the effect at the time of the occurrence of the reach and the sense of expectation of the player for the occurrence of the special game state.

Further, for example, by suppressing the spotlight display area to a minimum (for example, only the last symbol stop area), the sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special game state at the time of the reach can be further increased. Therefore, the interest of the game is further improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined character image is displayed in the image display area during the variable display game by the image display control means, and the predetermined character image is displayed by the spotlight image display control means. Since the included image display area is displayed in spotlight, the character image can be emphasized by spotlight display, and the effect of image display can be further improved.

Further, for example, when a plurality of types of character images appear and the occurrence rate of the special game state changes depending on the type of the character image at the time of the reach, the character images are displayed in a spotlight manner. The type of reach at the time of the occurrence of the reach is clarified by the character image displayed in the spotlight, and the sense of interest in the attainment at the time of the reach and the occurrence of a special game state can be enhanced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an accessory control circuit 20 for controlling a gaming system installed on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine, and a display for controlling display of a main variable display section 4a under the control of the accessory control circuit 20. FIG. 3 is a main control block diagram of a control circuit 40.

FIG. 3 shows a variable display unit 4 under the control of the accessory control circuit 20.
FIG. 4 is a main control block diagram of a display control circuit 40 that controls display of a.

4 is a flowchart of a main game control process (general flow) performed by the accessory control circuit 20. FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a flow of control processing from step S5 to step S12 of the general flow in FIG. 4;

6 is a flowchart of a subroutine process of a SW input process (step S3) in the general flow of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a subroutine of an ordinary process performed in step S5 of the general flow (FIG. 4).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a subroutine process of a reach mode determination process performed in the subroutine process of the ordinary process of FIG. 7;

9 is a flowchart of a process branched at A in the subroutine process of the reach mode determination process of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a table showing reach contents in each reach mode determined in the reach mode determination process of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of command data transmitted from the one-chip microcomputer 21 to the display control circuit 40 during a reach stop operation.

FIG. 12 is a data configuration chart of a sub mode in the command data of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a control processing procedure (a general flow of display control) of a display control process of the variable display unit 4a performed by the display control circuit 40.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an interrupt process performed during the general flow of the display control of FIG. 6 based on an interrupt signal input to the display control circuit 40.

FIG. 15 is an image diagram of the variable display unit 4a showing a state in which a hatched image for spotlight display performed in sprite processing in the general flow of the display control of FIG. 12 is displayed.

FIG. 16 is an embodiment of a call-in display for attracting customers on the variable display section 4a to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a symbol image used in a variable display game in the variable display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an image diagram of a variable display section 4a showing an example of a result mode of a variable display game in the variable display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an image diagram of the variable display section 4a showing a state in which the result of the variable display game in the variable display device according to the present invention is a jackpot result mode.

20 is an image diagram of the variable display section 4a showing a jackpot effect display when a jackpot occurs shown in FIG. 18. FIG.

FIG. 21 is an image diagram showing an embodiment of a display mode of the variable display section 4a in which a reach A game is being performed in a variable reach display game.

FIG. 22 is an image diagram showing one embodiment of a display mode of the variable display section 4a in which the reach B game is being performed in the variable reach display game.

FIG. 23 is an image diagram showing one embodiment of a display mode of the variable display unit 4a in which the reach C game is being performed in the variable reach display game.

FIG. 24 is an image diagram showing one embodiment of a display mode of the variable display section 4a in which the reach D game is being performed in the variable reach display game.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming board (gaming machine) 4 Variable display device 20 Character control circuit (display control means) 40 Display control circuit (display control means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device capable of displaying a plurality of types of identification information in an image. When a result of a variable display game by the variable display device is a special result mode, a special game state advantageous to a player is provided. When the possibility of being in the special game state is increased in the process of obtaining the result of the variable display game, the image display control in the variable display device is performed in a gaming machine capable of generating the reach variable display game. Image display control means for performing spotlight display control for making a predetermined image display area in the image display area of the variable display device visually clearer than other image display areas. A gaming machine comprising image display control means. 2. The spotlight image display control means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the image display area related to the variable reach display game is displayed in spotlight. 3. The image display control means performs image display control for displaying a predetermined character image in an image display area during the variable display game, and the spotlight image display control means controls the predetermined character image. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein an image display area including a spot is displayed in a spotlight manner.