JPH11114174A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it easy to see a piece of discriminative information being variably displayed on a variable display part other than variable display parts which meet the requirement for making the specific combination of pieces of discriminative information, if the displaying conditions of some of the plural variable display parts meet the requirement for making the specific combination of pieces of discriminative information, at the stage prior to the appearance of final results displayed on a variable display device. SOLUTION: A plurality of pattern display parts 3a, 3b, 3c in a variable display device 3 are put into variable displaying action and sequentially controlled to stop their variable displaying action at different stopping times. At the stage prior to the appearance of the final results displayed on the variable display device 3 in which the plurality of pattern display parts 3a, 3b, 3c have performed the variable displaying action, when the displaying conditions of some of the plurality of pattern display parts 3a, 3b, 3c meet the requirement for making the specific combination of pieces of discriminative information, the display area of the rattern display part in variable displaying action, other than the pattern display parts meeting the requirement, is enlarged, and as the display area of the symbol display part is enlarged, the display area of the other pattern display parts meeting the requirement are shrunk.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like, and more particularly to a variable gaming machine having a plurality of variable display sections capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a display device, which can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result of the variable display device is a combination of predetermined specific identification information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game machine of this type, a variable display device having a plurality of variable display portions capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, such as symbols, has been known from the related art. The variable display device is provided to be stopped after the variable display device is variably started, and when the display result of the variable display device becomes a combination of predetermined specific identification information (for example, 777), a game advantageous to the player is provided. Some were configured to be controllable in state. In this conventional gaming machine, after performing the variable display operation of the variable display section, the variable display operation can be stopped and controlled by changing the stop timing by elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the variable operation or a stop operation of the player. It is configured such that the display state of the variable display device is brought closer to the combination of the specific identification information step by step by stopping the plurality of variable display sections with a time difference, and the expectation of the player is gradually increased. To raise and provide great excitement.

[0003]

However, in this type of conventional gaming machine, the display result of the variable display device before the result of determination of the variable display device, such as when some of the plurality of variable display portions are still variably displaying, is determined. In the step, when the display mode of some of the variable display units among the plurality of variable display units satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information, the variable display other than the identification information that satisfies the establishment condition Although the player gazes at the identification information in the display with expectation, there is a disadvantage that the identification information in the variable display is difficult to see.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to set a part of a plurality of variable display units at a stage before a display result of a variable display device is determined. Is to make it easy to see the identification information being variably displayed on the variable display units other than the variable display unit that satisfies the establishment condition of the combination of the specific identification information.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device having a plurality of variable display portions capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and a display result of the variable display device is provided. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when a combination of predetermined specific identification information is obtained, and after performing a variable display operation on the plurality of variable display units, setting a stop time. Variable display control means capable of controlling the variable display operation to stop differently, and at the stage before the display result of the variable display device is determined after the plurality of variable display units perform the variable display operation, the plurality of variable display units When the display mode of some of the variable display units satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information, the variable display unit during variable display other than the variable display unit that satisfies the condition for establishment Display area Display area enlarging means for causing the display area of the variable display section to be variably displayed by the display area enlarging means to be enlarged, and the display area of the variable display section which satisfies the satisfaction condition is reduced. Means.

[0006]

According to the present invention, the operation is as follows. By the function of the variable display control means, after a plurality of variable display sections are variably displayed, the variable display operation can be controlled to stop by changing the stop timing. Further, by the function of the display area enlarging means, at a stage before the display result of the variable display device is determined after the plurality of variable display units perform the variable display operation, some of the variable display units among the plurality of variable display units are determined. When the display mode satisfies the condition for establishing a specific combination of identification information, the display area of the variable display unit during variable display other than the variable display unit that satisfies the condition is enlarged. Further, by the function of the display area reducing unit, the display area of the variable display unit that satisfies the establishment condition is reduced as the display area of the variable display unit during variable display is expanded by the display area expanding unit. As described above, in the stage before the display result of the variable display device is determined, the display mode of some of the variable display units among the plurality of variable display units satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information. That is,
When there is a possibility that a specific combination of identification information is established, the display area of the variable display unit during variable display other than the variable display unit that satisfies the establishment condition is enlarged, and with the enlargement. By reducing the display area of the variable display unit that satisfies the condition, the identification information during variable display on the variable display units other than the variable display unit that satisfies the condition is emphasized. as a result,
This makes it easier to see the identification information being variably displayed on the variable display units other than the variable display unit that satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information.

[0007]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine. A variable display device having a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying identification information is provided, and a gaming state advantageous to the player when a display result of the variable display device is a combination of predetermined specific identification information. Any gaming machine that can be controlled is included.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board surface of a pachinko game machine as an example of a ball game machine. When the player operates a hitting operation handle (not shown), pachinko balls stored in a hitting waiting gutter (not shown) are driven one by one into the game area 2 formed on the front surface of the game board 1. . In the game area 2, a variable display device 3 capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information is provided.
a, 10b, and 10c are provided. The pachinko balls that have won in the respective start winning prize openings 10a, 10b, 10c are respectively detected by the start winning prize ball detectors 11a, 11a.
b, 11c (11b and 11c are not shown). Based on the detection signal of the starting winning ball detector,
Each of the symbol display sections 3a, 3b, 3c of the variable display device 3 is variably started. Then, based on the elapse of the predetermined time, the left symbol display unit 3a first stops, and then the middle symbol display unit 3b
Stops, and finally, the right symbol display unit 3c stops, and the display result at the time of the stop is a predetermined identification information (for example, 7
77), the opening and closing plate of the variable winning ball device 4 is opened to set the first state advantageous to the player to a state where a predetermined game value can be given. If a pachinko ball wins in the start winning openings 10a to 10c during the variable display of the variable display device 3, the start winning is stored. After the variable display of the variable display device 3 is stopped, the variable display device 3 is again stored based on the storage. Is variably started. The upper limit of the starting winning memory is set to, for example, "4". The start prize storage count is displayed by the start storage LED 26.

On the other hand, the variable winning prize ball device 4 is in a second state which is disadvantageous for a player who cannot normally enter the opening 7 with the opening 7 closed by the opening / closing plate 5 because the opening 7 is closed. When the opening / closing plate 5 is opened, the pachinko ball enters a first state which is advantageous for the player who can win the opening 7. The first state of the variable winning prize ball device 4 ends when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of pachinko balls is won or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, whichever is earlier, and the variable state is changed. Winning ball device 4
Switches to the second state. On the other hand, a specific winning opening 8 is formed at a predetermined position in the opening 7, and when a pachinko ball that has won the variable winning ball device 4 wins the specific winning opening 8, the variable winning ball device 4 in the meantime. After the first state is completed, the open / close plate 5 is opened again, and the first state is repeatedly and continuously controlled. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times. The number of times the repetition continuation control is performed, that is, the number of times the opening / closing plate 5 is opened is displayed on the opening number display 25. Further, the number of winning balls that have won the variable winning ball device 4 is displayed by the winning number display 9. The number of times of the repetition continuation control and the number of winning balls that have won the variable winning ball device 4 may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 22. In the figure, reference numeral 6 denotes a solenoid for driving the opening and closing plate 5 to open and close.

The second state of the variable prize ball device 4 may be a state in which a ball can be won but a state in which it is difficult to win, instead of a state in which a ball cannot be won at all.

The variable display device 3 further includes a decorative LE.
D23 is provided and the winning opening 12 is formed. In this embodiment mode, an example in which a liquid crystal display device is used is shown; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and is an electric variable display device using a segment-shaped or matrix-shaped light-emitting diode, electroluminescence, or the like. Is also good. Further, the number of the symbol display sections 3a to 3c is not limited to three, but may be one, two, or four or more. Further, the variable display of the variable display device is stopped by a player's pressing operation of a stop button (not shown), or the predetermined time elapses or the player's pressing of the stop button, whichever is earlier, is performed. Stop control may be performed based on what has been performed.

The game area 2 further includes a windmill lamp 1
8, Winning holes 13, 14, Side ramp 17, Shoulder ramp 1
9 are provided. At the left and right of the variable winning ball device 4, an attacker lamp 21, an attacker LED 24, and a sleeve lamp 20 are provided. In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes a rail decoration lamp, and reference numeral 15 denotes an out port for collecting out balls.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are front views showing the entire variable display device 3. FIG. 2 shows a state where only the left symbol display section 3a is stopped, and FIG. 3 shows the left symbol display section 3a and the middle symbol. This shows a state where the display 3b is stopped and the right symbol display 3c is changing.

The variable display device 3 is provided with a mounting board 27 which has been subjected to a gold plating process, and the variable display device 3 is mounted on the board surface of the game board 1 by the mounting substrate 27. Symbols 3a, 3b, and 3c in the figure are respective symbol display portions displayed by the liquid crystal display 22, and the left symbol display portion 3a, the middle symbol display portion 3b, and the right symbol display are variably displayed on the liquid crystal display 22. A plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed by the unit 3c. Each of the symbol display portions 3a to 3c is variably displayed by a scroll display in which a plurality of types of symbols move downward from above, and after being variably displayed for a predetermined time, first, the left symbol display portion 3a stops. Then, the middle symbol display section 3b is controlled to stop, and finally the right symbol display section 3c is controlled to stop. FIG. 2 shows a state where only the left symbol display section 3a is controlled to stop. Each of these symbol display sections 3a, 3b, 3c constitutes a variable display section capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information.

The mode of the variable display of the variable display device 3 is not limited to scroll display.
At predetermined positions a to 3c (for example, the center position in the vertical direction), the currently displayed symbol is erased and the next symbol to be displayed is displayed, and the symbols are updated and displayed one after another.

In a state where the left symbol display section 3a and the middle symbol display section 3b are stopped, the variable display sections (3a, 3) which are stopped are stopped.
The display result of b) is a combination of specific identification information (for example, 7
When the satisfaction condition of (77) is satisfied (reach state), as shown in FIG. 3, the identification information being displayed variably (the identification information displayed on the right symbol display section 3c) is enlarged and displayed. . The enlarged identification information in the variable display is slowly displayed while blinking on the liquid crystal display 22, and is stopped after a predetermined time. During the variable display of the identification information being displayed in an enlarged manner, the identification information displayed on the left symbol display portion 3a and the middle symbol display portion 3b is reduced to the upper left corner as shown in FIG. It is displayed in a state where Thereby, the player does not have the inconvenience of forgetting the identification information of the variable display unit that has already stopped, and furthermore, the changing identification information that the player gazes at in the reach state is easy to see, and the player in the reach state is easy to see. Expectations can be further excitement. The enlarged display of the identification information during the variable display performed at the time of the reach may be displayed on a display for enlarged display provided separately from the liquid crystal display 22. Further, the left symbol and the middle symbol which are reduced and displayed in the upper left corner may not be displayed, or either one may be displayed.

As described above, various reasons can be given as a reason for obtaining the effect of making it easy to see the changing identification information watched by the player in the reach state, as shown in FIG. From the viewpoint of enlarged display and reduced display of the identification information in the reach state, the following reasons can be cited. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the reach state, the display area of the changing identification information watched by the player is enlarged, and the display area of the already stopped identification information is enlarged with the enlargement. One reason is that the identification information that is changing is emphasized by the reduction.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the structure and operation of the liquid crystal display 22. As shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display 22 includes a polarizing plate 27, a glass substrate 28, and a thin film transistor (TF).
T) 33a to 33c, pixel electrodes 29a to 29c, alignment film 30, liquid crystal layer 34, alignment film 35, counter electrode 36, glass substrate 37, color filters 38a to 38c, polarizing plate 39
Are arranged in layers, respectively. A backlight 61 (see FIG. 7) is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display 22, and the light projected from the backlight 61 is incident on the polarizing plate 27.

The polarizing plate 27 polarizes the light incident from the backlight 61 in the vertical direction as shown in the figure. The glass plate 28 is provided with a source bus line 31 and gate bus lines 32a, 32b, 32c. The gate bus lines 32a to 32c are for turning on desired thin film transistors (TFTs) 33a to 33c based on a signal from the gate driver 52D (see FIG. 7). The source bus lines 31 are thin-film transistors (TFTs) 33a to 33c that are turned on.
This is for applying a voltage only to a desired pixel electrode among the pixel electrodes 29a to 29c provided corresponding to. When a voltage is applied between the pixel electrodes 29a to 29c and the counter electrode 36 and a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 34 between them, the alignment film 35 is applied to the liquid crystal layer 3 to which the voltage is applied.
This is for making the liquid crystal molecules of No. 4 be in a certain alignment state. In FIG. 4, the liquid crystal layer 34 to which the voltage is applied is in an alignment state in which the vertical polarized light passes as it is, and the liquid crystal layer 34 to which no voltage is applied gradually converts the vertical polarized light into the horizontal polarized light. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned as described below.

The glass substrate 37 is provided with a red color filter 38a, a green color filter 38b, and a blue color filter 38c. As shown in the figure, the polarizing plate 39 is for passing only polarized light in the horizontal direction. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the light that has passed through the red color filter 38a and the green color filter 38b becomes visible to the player, and the blue color filter 3
The light that has passed through 8c is blocked by the polarizing plate 39 and becomes invisible to the player.

FIG. 5 shows the above-described red color filter R.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen arrangement state of a blue color filter G and a blue color filter B;

There are two types of screen arrangements, a digital arrangement (A) and a stripe arrangement (B).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine. The microcomputer 41 of the control circuit 40 has a function of controlling operations of various devices as described below. For this reason, the microcomputer 41 is composed of, for example, an LSI of several chips, and includes an MPU capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure.
42, a ROM 43 for storing operation program data of the MPU 42, and an R for writing and reading necessary data.
AM44.

Further, the microcomputer 41 receives an input signal, provides input data to the MPU 42, receives an output data from the MPU 42, and outputs it to the outside, a sound generator 46 for receiving sound data from the MPU 42, A power-on reset circuit 47 for supplying a reset pulse to the MPU 42 at power-on,
Clock generation circuit 4 for providing a clock signal to MPU 42
8, and the reset pulse is periodically (eg, every 2 msec) by dividing the clock signal from the clock generation circuit 48.
And a pulse frequency dividing circuit (periodic reset circuit) 49 for giving to the MPU 42, and an address decoding circuit 50 for decoding address data from the MPU 42.

The address decode circuit 50 decodes address data from the MPU 42,
44, an input / output circuit 45, and a sound generator 46.

In this embodiment, the ROM 43
Is programmed so that the program data for the MPU 42 stored therein can be changed if necessary.
OM is used. Then, the MPU 42 reads the ROM 4
In accordance with the program data stored in 3 and in response to the output of each control signal described below, control signals are given to various devices.

The microcomputer 41 receives the following signals as input signals.

First, a pachinko ball is activated starting winning opening 10a, 1
If the player wins 0b, 10c, the winning ball is detected by the starting winning ball detectors 11a, 11b, 11c, and the detection signal is given to the microcomputer 41 via the detection circuit 51. When the pachinko ball enters the variable winning ball device 4 and wins the specific winning area 8, the specific winning ball is detected by the specific winning ball detector 57, and the detection signal is sent to the microcomputer 41 via the detection circuit 51. Is input to The winning balls that have been won in the variable winning ball device 4 are all detected by the winning number detector 58, and the detection signal is input via the detection circuit 51.

The microcomputer 41 outputs the following control signals to various devices. First, a control signal for liquid crystal display is output to the liquid crystal display 22 via the LCD drive circuit 52. A solenoid excitation control signal is output to the solenoid 6 via the solenoid drive circuit 53. Various lamp display control signals are output to the decorative lamps 16 to 21 via the lamp drive circuit 54. Through the segment / LED driving circuit 55, the start winning prize memory display 26, the decorative LED2
Display control signals are output to 3, 24, the winning number display 9 and the opening number display 25, respectively. A control signal for generating sound is output to the speaker 59 via the amplifier 56. In addition,
Various circuits and devices of the control circuit 40 include a power supply circuit 60.
Supplies a predetermined DC voltage.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the circuit of the LCD drive circuit 52 and the liquid crystal display 22.

The LCD drive circuit 52 includes an LCD display control microcomputer 52A including a sub CPU, a controller 52B, a source driver 52C, and a gate driver 52D. In addition, the liquid crystal display 22
Includes a TFT liquid crystal panel 22. As will be described later, an LCD from the microcomputer 41 for controlling the game
A control signal for liquid crystal display is input to the display control microcomputer 52A. The LCD display control microcomputer 52A sends a TFT liquid crystal panel 22 to the controller 52B based on the input control signal.
Output digital data R, G, and B for specifying a display symbol and a color displayed by, inputting a clock signal as a reference for determining the timing of display control, and scanning the TFT liquid crystal panel 22. And outputs a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal.

The controller 52B controls the source driver 5 based on the input horizontal synchronizing signal and vertical synchronizing signal.
2C and outputs a control signal to the gate driver 52D.
The thin film transistors (TFTs) 33a to 33c (see FIG. 4) arranged on the FT liquid crystal panel 22 are operated. That is, the liquid crystal display system in the present embodiment employs a so-called active matrix drive system, in which the source driver 52C first specifies, for example, the source bus in the leftmost column, and then the gate driver 52D specifies the source bus. A plurality of gate buses are sequentially specified from the top to sequentially scan the TFT liquid crystal panel 22 in the row direction, and when the scanning in the row direction is completed, the next column is next specified by the source driver 52C. The scanning in the row direction in the next column is performed by the gate driver 52D, and the scanning is repeated a plurality of times to obtain the TFT liquid crystal panel 2.
2 on all thin film transistors (TFTs) 33a-3
Scan 3c. Then, during scanning, the source driver 52
Whether the voltage is applied to the pixel electrodes 29a to 29c connected to the thin film transistors (TFTs) 33a to 33c specified by C and the gate driver 52D is determined by the digital data R, G, and B input to the controller 52B. Is determined, and the specified pixel electrode 29 is determined.
When a voltage is applied to the thin film transistor (TFT) 33c, a voltage is applied from the gate driver 52D to the gate of the thin film transistor (TFT) corresponding to the pixel electrode 29c to turn on the thin film transistor (TFT) 33c.
A voltage is applied from the source driver 52C to the source of the thin film transistor (TFT) 33c in the state, and a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 29c connected to the drain of the thin film transistor (TFT) 33c. In the figure, reference numeral 61 denotes a backlight, which is a lamp power supply (inverter).
Is supplied. Further, the controller 5
2B, a voltage of 5 V from a power supply is applied to the gate driver 52D, etc., and 12 V is supplied from the power supply to the sources of the thin film transistors (TFTs) 33a to 33c via the source driver 52C.
A voltage of V is applied. As a result, the pixel electrodes 29a-2
A voltage of 12V is applied to 9c, and a voltage of 12V is applied to the liquid crystal layer 34 (see FIG. 4) between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode 36.

FIGS. 8 to 18 and 20 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of the main routine program, and FIGS. 9 to 18, FIGS. Is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

The main routine shown in FIG.
It is executed once every second. First, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, a stack set process is performed, and in S2, it is determined whether or not a RAM error has occurred. This determination is made by reading the contents of the predetermined address of the RAM 44 shown in FIG. 6 and checking whether or not the value is equal to the predetermined value. Immediately at the time of program runaway or immediately after power-on, the data stored in the RAM 44 is indefinite, so the answer to the determination is NO and the control proceeds to S3.
Proceed to. Since the initial data is written in S3, when the main routine is executed thereafter, the answer to the determination in S2 is YES, and the control directly proceeds to S4.

In S4, data is output from the input / output circuit 45, and a control signal is output to various circuits and devices shown in FIG. Next, proceed to S5,
A determination is made as to whether there is a count error. The 10 count error means that the winning number detector 58 or the specific winning ball detector 57 is disconnected or short-circuited or that a jam at the detection position of the detector occurs.
Specifically, when the outputs of the winning number detector 58 and the specific winning ball detector 57 are derived over a predetermined time (for example, 2.9 seconds) as a result of the check in S26 and S27 described later, it is determined that there is an error. Is done. If there is no 10 count error, the process proceeds to S6, where the process is performed, and the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if there is a 10-count error, the process proceeds directly to S7. In S7, a command set and a command output process are performed on the sub CPU of the LCD display control microcomputer 52A (see FIG. 7). Next, the process proceeds to S8, in which processing for inputting detection signals from the various detectors shown in FIG. 6 is performed, and the process proceeds to S9, in which the random 1 counter and the random 2 counter are updated. The random 1 counter and the random 2 counter are random counters for determining whether or not a large hit is to be generated based on the display result when the variable display device 3 is stopped. Is for the primary lottery, and the random 2 counter is for the secondary lottery. In other words, in the present embodiment, the primary lottery and the secondary lottery are performed at the time of losing determination, and it is determined that the big hit state is generated only when both the lottery results are the winning. .

Next, the process proceeds to S10, where it is determined whether or not the number of resets is zero or other than zero. The number of resets is determined by the reset signal input to the MPU 42 from the pulse dividing circuit 49 (see FIG. 6).
The number of times 2 has been reset is read out, and each time it is reset, it is incremented by 1 from "0" to reach "7". In that state, "1" is further added to become "0". The counter is incremented again from "0".
If the number of resets is "0", the process proceeds to S11, where sound data is output and the speaker 59 is output based on the data.
Produces a predetermined sound. On the other hand, if the number of resets is not "0", the process proceeds to S12, where processing of output data table selection and LED / lamp data set is performed.
The process of outputting the set data is performed in S13. Next, the process proceeds to S14, where a winning ball area storing process is performed, and then the process proceeds to S15, where a random 1 counter,
Processing for updating the count values of the random 2 counter and the random 3 counter is performed. In the process in S15, the renewal process is repeatedly performed using the remaining time after performing the processes from S1 to S14 using the reset time (2 msec), that is, the reset waiting time. Since the processing time of S1 to S14 varies depending on the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine, the reset waiting time becomes random accordingly, and the random 1 counter, random 2 counter,
The count value of the random 3 counter is also a random value. The random 3 counter is a counter for determining a hit stop symbol when a hit is determined and a type of a hit stop symbol when a loss is determined.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for the process processing shown in S6. S1
6, the value of the process flag is determined. This process flag is a flag necessary for controlling the pachinko gaming machine in a predetermined order, and is described later in S4.
7, S53, S52, S57, S63, S67, S6
9, S71, S73, S74, S77, and S78 are set to respective values. When the process flag is set to "0", the normal processing is performed in S17, and when the process flag is set to "1", S1 is performed.
The random 2 check by 8 is performed, and if it is set to "2", the big hit symbol setting process is performed by S19, and if it is set to "3", the process is S2.
Loss symbol set processing by 0 is performed, and "4-7"
If it is set to "10," each symbol stop process is performed in S21, and if it is set to "8, 9", the big hit check process in S22 is performed, and "10 to 10" is performed.
If it is set to "12", the during-opening process in S23 is performed, and if it is set to "13 to 15", the post-opening process in S24 is performed.

Next, a subroutine program for the switch input process shown in S8 will be described with reference to FIG.

At S25, a switch port input process is performed. With this processing, detection signals of various detectors are input to the MPU 42 via the input / output circuit 45 (see FIG. 6). Next, in S26, a 10-count switch error check process is performed, and in S27, a V-switch error check process is performed. This 10-count switch error check is the same as the error check of the winning number detector 58 described in S5. S27
Is also the same as the error check of the specific winning ball detector 57 described in S5. Then, in S28, it is determined whether there is an error as a result of the check in S26 and S27,
If there is an error, the subroutine program ends. If there is no error, the process proceeds to S29,
A determination is made as to whether the start switch is ON. In the present embodiment, the start switch is a start winning ball detector 11a, 11b, 1 shown in FIG.
There are three types, 1c, and three starting winning ball detectors 11a.
11c is checked first, and when the check is completed, the other winning ball detectors are sequentially checked.

First, a state in which the start winning ball detector 11a is checked will be described. In the state where the pachinko ball is not winning in the starting winning port 10a, since the detection signal from the starting winning ball detector 11a is not derived, the determination of NO is made in S29 and the process proceeds to S30, and the corresponding ON is performed.
The counter, that is, O corresponding to the starting winning ball detector 11a
The N counter is cleared and the process proceeds to S34. The ON counter is a counter which is incremented by "1" when the switch input subroutine program is executed every 2 msec and the determination of YES is continuously made in S29. If a pachinko ball wins in the start winning opening 10a and is detected by the start winning ball detector 11a, a detection pulse having a predetermined pulse width is derived, and a determination of YES is made in S29 by the number of times corresponding to the pulse width. Each time the ON counter is counted up. If the value of the ON counter reaches a predetermined value (for example, "3"), a determination of YES is made in S31, and a determination is made that a winning ball is detected. On the other hand, when the start winning ball detector 11a erroneously detects due to noise, even if the detection signal is instantaneously derived and YES is determined in S29, the next time the switch input subroutine is executed. Since the detection pulse from the start winning ball detector 11a has already fallen, the determination of NO is made in S29 and the ON counter is cleared in S30, and the ON counter is reset to a predetermined value (for example, "3"). ), The judgment of NO is made in S31, and the erroneous judgment of the starting winning ball due to the noise can be prevented.

If YES is determined in S31, the process proceeds to S32, in which it is determined whether or not the number of stored startups has reached a maximum (for example, 4). Proceeding to S33, a process of adding "1" to each of the start storage number and the start winning number is performed. On the other hand, if the starting storage number has already reached the maximum (for example, 4), it cannot be stored any more, so the determination of YES is made in S32, and the addition processing is not performed.
Proceed to 34. In S34, it is determined whether or not all the start checks have been completed. If so, the subroutine program ends as it is. If not, the process proceeds to S29, where the subroutine program has not ended. The starting switch, that is, the starting winning ball detector 11b is checked, and when the checking is completed, the starting winning ball detector 11c is further checked. The checking of the starting winning ball detectors 11b and 11c is performed in the same manner as the checking of the starting winning ball detector 11a described above.

Next, a subroutine program of the LED / lamp data set shown in S12 will be described with reference to FIG.

In S35, it is determined whether or not a 10-count error has occurred. This determination is the same as the determination described in S5. If there is a 10-count error, the process proceeds to S37, where data for an alarm is set, and data for turning off the solenoid 6 (see FIG. 1) is set. The data set in S37 is output in S4, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 59, and control at the time of abnormality such as switching control of the variable winning ball device 4 to the second state is performed.
On the other hand, if there is no 10 count error, the process proceeds to S36, and the LED / lamp data of the corresponding address is set according to the value of the process flag.

Next, a subroutine program of the winning storage area storing process shown in S14 will be described with reference to FIG. In S38, it is determined whether or not the starting winning number is "0". This start winning number is S3
The value is incremented by "1" by 3 and decremented by "1" by S40 described later. The start winning number is "0"
In the case of, the subroutine program is terminated as it is, but if it is not "0", the process proceeds to S39, and a process of storing the values of the random 1 counter and the random 2 counter in the corresponding areas of the winning storage area is performed.
The winning storage area has an area for storing the count value of the random 1 counter and an area for storing the count value of the random 2 counter, and corresponds to each of the starting winning numbers (for example, 1 to 4). And random 1
It is composed of a plurality of areas for storing the values of the counter and the random 2 counter. Next, the process proceeds to S40, in which the number of start winnings is reduced by "1", and the process returns to S38 again. And
The processes of S39 and S40 are repeatedly executed until the start winning number becomes “0”. As a result, the value of the random 1 counter and the value of the random 2 counter are stored in the respective storage areas for each start winning number. In the present embodiment, since three start winning prize ports 10a to 10c are provided, the three start prize balls that have won the start prize ports 10a to 10c are used as the respective start prize ball detectors 11.
When the numbers are simultaneously detected by a to 11c, the number of memorized start winnings is "3", and the number of times S39 and S40 are repeatedly executed is up to three times.

The subroutine program of the normal processing shown in S17 will be described with reference to FIG. In S41, it is determined whether or not there is a prize memory. If there is no prize memory in the prize storage area (see S39), the flow proceeds to S42, the primary lottery flag is set to "losing", and the subroutine program ends. I do. On the other hand, if there is a prize memory, the process proceeds to S43, where the count value of the random 1 counter stored in the area 1 of the prize memory area and the current count value of the random 1 counter are added, and the value of the addition result is a big hit. Is determined. The count value of the random counter based on the oldest winning prize ball is stored in the area 1 of the winning storage area, and picked up from the oldest count value and adds the value to the current random 1 counter value. To judge. Thus, the previously picked random 1
Since the value of the counter and the value of the currently picked-up random 1 counter are added to determine the hit or miss, the randomness is improved as compared with the case where the hit or miss is determined based on the value of one random 1 counter. There are advantages to Next, the process proceeds to S44, in which it is determined whether or not the result of the primary lottery determination in S43 is a hit. If it is determined that the hit is not a hit, the process proceeds to S45, the primary lottery flag is set to "out" and S47 is performed. Proceed to. On the other hand, if it is determined that a win has occurred, the process proceeds to S46, where the primary lottery flag is set to “hit”, and the process proceeds to S47. In S47, a process of setting the process flag to “1” is performed. As a result, next, the subroutine program of the random 2 check process shown in S18 is executed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the random 2 check process shown in S18.

At S48, the primary lottery flag is set to "hit"
It is determined whether or not "win" is set. If the "win" is not set, the process proceeds to S52, and if the "win" is set, the process proceeds to S49 and stored in the area 1 of the winning storage area. The value of the random 2 counter that has been set is determined, and it is determined in S50 whether or not the determination result of the secondary lottery is a hit. If it is determined that the result is not a hit, the primary lottery flag in S51 is set. A process of setting "outside" is performed, and a process of setting the process flag to "3" is performed in S52. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second lottery result has been won, the process proceeds to S53, where a process of setting the process flag to “2” is performed, and the process proceeds to S54.
Proceed to. In S54, a process of subtracting "1" from the start storage number is performed, and the process proceeds to S55 to perform a process of shifting the winning storage area. Specifically, the process of shifting the winning storage area is performed by deleting the value of the random counter stored in the area 1 and shifting the value of the random counter stored in the area 2 to the area 1 and storing the value. And
In this process, the value of the random counter stored in area 3 is shifted to area 2 and stored, and the value of the random counter stored in area 4 is shifted to area 3 and stored.

If the process flag is set to "2", that is, if it is determined that the result of the secondary lottery has been won, the big hit symbol set process shown in S19 is performed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the big hit symbol set shown in FIG. At S56, a process of setting the left symbol to the right symbol by adding the middle symbol and the right symbol to the count value for the left symbol of the three random counters is performed, and setting the big hit flag to "reach" and "big hit" at S57. Then, the process of setting the process flag to "4" and setting the left symbol stop waiting time in the process timer is performed.

Next, when the process flag is set to "3", that is, when it is determined that the result of the secondary lottery is out of place, the out of place symbol setting process shown in S20 is performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the lost symbol setting process shown in S20.

At S58, a lost symbol is set based on the count value of the three random counters. At S59, it is determined whether or not the set left symbol is equal to the middle symbol. If not, the flow proceeds to S63. On the other hand, if the left symbol is equal to the middle symbol, the process of setting the big hit flag to "reach" in S60 is performed, and the process proceeds to S61.
Then, it is determined whether the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are equal. If it is not equal, the process proceeds to S63. If the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol happen to be equal, the process proceeds to S61, and a process of adding "1" to the right symbol and forcibly shifting the right symbol is performed. . This processing is performed only when the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol happen to be equal to each other even though the result of the secondary lottery is determined to be incorrect, and a specific combination of identification information is established. It is forcibly shifted so as to forcibly become a combination of the missing symbols. In S63, a process of setting the process flag to "4" and setting a left symbol stop waiting time (for example, 5 seconds) to the process timer is performed.

Since the left symbol stop waiting time is set in the process timer in steps S57 and S63, NO is determined in step S64 described later during the stop waiting time, and the stop control of each symbol is not performed. The variable display device variably displays at least during the left symbol stop waiting time.

When the process flag is set to "4", each symbol stop process shown in S21 is performed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of each symbol stop process shown in S21.

At S64, it is determined whether or not the process timer has expired. If not, the subroutine process ends. On the other hand, if the process timer has expired, the process proceeds to S65, where a symbol stop sound is set, the set symbol stop sound is output in S4, and a symbol stop sound is output from the speaker 59. Next, the process proceeds to S66, where it is determined whether or not the process flag is "4". At this stage, since the process flag is "4", the process proceeds to S67 and the process flag is set to "5". Then, a process of setting a medium symbol stop waiting time (for example, 0.4 seconds) in the process timer is performed. As a result, first, the left symbol is stopped and controlled. next,
Even if the process flag is set to "5", S
21 are executed. In this case, since the middle symbol stop waiting time is set in the process timer, NO is determined in S64 until the middle symbol stop waiting time ends, and the stop control of the middle symbol is delayed. And when the middle symbol stop waiting time is over,
The symbol stop sound is set by S65 and S66
Is determined as NO, and a determination of YES is made at S68, and the process proceeds to S69. In S69, the process flag is set to "6", and the right symbol stop waiting time (for example, 0.4 seconds) is set in the process timer. Next, S70
Then, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is "reach". If not, the subroutine program is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if "reach" has been reached, the process proceeds to S71, where the process flag is set to "7", and the reach operation time (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) is set in the process timer. In this state, the middle symbol is stopped and controlled. Also, the process flag is “6”
, And when the process flag is set to "7", each symbol stop process shown in S21 is performed.

At this time, if the right symbol stop waiting time is set in the process timer in S61, the determination of NO is made in S64 until the right symbol stop waiting time ends, and the right symbol stop control is performed. Be delayed. on the other hand,
If the reach operation time is set in the process timer in S71, the determination of NO is made in S64 and the stop control of the right symbol is delayed until the reach operation time ends. Since the reach operation time is longer than the right symbol stop waiting time, the right symbol is variably displayed for a long time when the vehicle reaches the reach state. And when the process timer expires,
The processing in S65 is performed, and N is determined in S66.
The determination of O is made and the determination of NO is made in S68, and the process proceeds to S72 to determine whether or not the big hit flag is set to "big hit". If it is not set to "big hit", the process proceeds to S73, where the process flag is set to "8", and the process timer is set to the waiting time (for example, 1 second). On the other hand, if it is set to "big hit", the process proceeds to S74, where the process flag is set to "9" and the process timer is set to the time before the first opening (for example, 0.5 seconds). At this stage, the right symbol is stopped and controlled. In addition, when the process flag is set to “8” or when the process flag is set to “9”, S22
Big hit check processing is performed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the jackpot check process.

At S74, it is determined whether or not the process timer has expired. If the waiting time has been set at S73, NO is determined until the waiting time has expired. On the other hand, if the pre-opening time is set in S74, the determination in S75 is NO until the pre-opening time ends. When the waiting time is set, the variable display device is not started to change until the waiting time ends, so that the player is made aware of the fact that the waiting time has been set. be able to. On the other hand, if the time before the first opening is set, the variable winning ball device is not controlled to be opened until the time before the first opening ends, and the variable winning ball device is provided to the player by using the period. , And the player can make preparations for winning in the variable winning ball device for hit balls.

In both the case where the process flag is set to “8” and the case where the process flag is set to “9”, S2
The big hit check process shown in FIG. 2 is performed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for the big hit check shown in S22.

At S75, it is determined whether or not the program timer has expired. If the off-set waiting time set at S73 has expired, or if the pre-opening time set at S74 has expired, the process proceeds to S76. The process proceeds to determine whether or not the big hit flag is set to "big hit".
The process of setting the process flag to "0" by the process No. 7 is performed. As a result, next, the normal processing of S17 is performed. On the other hand, if the big hit flag is set to "big hit", the process proceeds to S78, the process flag is set to "10", the release time (for example, 30 seconds) is set in the process timer, and the release number counter is set to "1". "
Is performed. Since the opening time is set in the process timer in S78, the variable winning ball device 4 is controlled to be opened for a maximum of 30 seconds. The release number counter counts the winning balls that have been won in the variable winning ball device 4, and the release number counter is "11".
The variable winning ball device 4 is controlled to close at the stage when
State.

If the process flag is set to "10", the open process shown in S23 is performed. In the processing during opening, the process flag is set to "10" before the variable prize ball device 4 is opened and the pachinko ball that has entered therein enters the specific prize area 8 (see FIG. 1). When the pachinko ball has won the specific winning opening 8, the process flag is set to "11". As a result, after the first state of the variable prize ball device 4 ends, the variable prize ball device 4 is repeatedly and continuously controlled to the first state again. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times. When the repetition continuation control reaches the final number, the process flag is set to “12”, and the process flag is set to “12”. Even if the pachinko ball wins in the specific winning opening 8 in the state where it is in the state, the next repetition continuation control is not performed. Then, the control after the opening of the variable winning ball device 4 is performed in S24. When the pachinko ball has not won the specific winning opening 8 after the opening, the process flag is set to “13”, and when the pachinko ball has won the specific winning opening 8 after the opening, the process flag is “14”. In the case of the last repetition continuation control after opening, the process flag is set to "15".

FIG. 19 shows the types of data set in the sub CPU command area and the types of data stored in the sub CPU command input area.

At S7, a command is set to the sub CPU. This command is, as shown in FIG.
Sub CP provided on the microcomputer 41 side
It is temporarily stored in the U command area. The specific contents of the stored data are, as shown in FIG. 19, a header indicating the start of command output, a left stop symbol, a middle stop symbol, a right stop symbol, a process flag, a big hit displayed on the variable display device. A flag and an alarm flag. The left stop symbol, the middle stop symbol, and the right stop symbol are data for specifying the left, middle, and right symbols determined in FIG. 15 and FIG. The big hit flag is set to “reach” and “big hit” according to S57, and S6
In some cases, only “reach” is set according to 0. The alarm flag is set to the alarm A when the hit ball does not win at all even though the variable winning ball device 4 is opened, and the disconnection of the specific winning ball detector 57, short-circuit or detection of the specific winning ball is performed. The alarm B is set when a ball is jammed at the detection position of the device, and is set to the alarm C when the detection of the disconnection or short circuit of the winning number detector 58 or the ball is detected at the detecting position of the winning number detector. Each of these data is 1 every 2 msec.
The sub CPU command area is stored one by one in accordance with the sub CPU command set processing of S7 executed twice.
Therefore, all of these seven types of data are
It takes 28 msec to store in the command area. The sub CPU command output process shown in S7 is also executed once every 2 msec. If the command data transmitted first is 1F, the LCD display control microcomputer 52A determines that the command has started. The microcomputer 52A for LCD display control uses the next and subsequent command data as valid data.
Is stored in the sub CPU command input area provided in the subroutine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the display area switching process performed by the sub CPU included in the LCD drive circuit 52.

At S79, it is determined whether or not the process flag is "7". If the process flag is "7", that is, if the big hit flag is set to "reach" (S7)
0, S71), the process proceeds to S80, and the liquid crystal display 22
, A control for reducing the left symbol display area and the middle symbol display area and expanding the right symbol display area is performed, and a control for enlarging and displaying the identification information variably displayed by the right symbol is performed. As a result, during reach,
As shown in FIG. 3, the identification information being variably displayed is enlarged and displayed. By the steps S80, S52, and S22, the display result of the stopped variable display section satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information, when a part of the plurality of variable display sections is still variably displaying. In this case, an enlarged display means for enlarging and displaying the identification information being variably displayed is configured. S6, S17 to S22, S25 to S37, S41
80, the variable display device variably displays the variable display device, and based on the satisfaction of a predetermined variable display stop condition, a variable display control means capable of stopping and controlling the plurality of variable display portions at different stop times. It is configured. In addition,
At the time of a big hit, display control of the liquid crystal display 22 is performed according to the value of the process flag “10 to 15”. Also, 1
When a zero count error occurs, the type of the error and the method of canceling the error are displayed on the liquid crystal display 22. Further, in the present embodiment, the right symbol is enlarged after the left and middle symbols are stopped, but the middle and right symbols may be enlarged after the left symbol is stopped.

[0068]

[Specific example of means for solving the problem]

(1) A variable display device (variable display device 3) having a plurality of variable display units (symbol display units) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols) is provided by the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined combination of specific identification information (for example, 777), a gaming machine which can be controlled to a gaming state (big hit state) advantageous to the player is configured. ing. LCD display control microcomputer 52A shown in FIG.
Thus, variable display control means capable of performing a variable display operation on the plurality of variable display units and then controlling the stop of the variable display operation by changing the stop timing is configured. The LCD display control microcomputer 52A shown in FIG.
At a stage before the display result of the variable display device is determined after the plurality of variable display units perform the variable display operation, the display mode of some of the plurality of variable display units is changed to the specific identification. A display area enlarging means is configured to enlarge the display area of the variable display section during variable display other than the variable display section that satisfies the establishment condition of the combination of information (FIG. 3 and FIG. 2
0 S80). As the display area of the variable display section being variably displayed by the display area enlargement means is expanded by the LCD display control microcomputer 52A shown in FIG. A display area reducing means for reducing the display area is configured (see the display mode in FIG. 3 and S80 in FIG. 20).

[0069]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
With regard to, the following effects can be obtained. At a stage before the display result of the variable display device is determined, if the display mode of some of the variable display units among the plurality of variable display units satisfies a condition for establishing a combination of specific identification information, Gazing at the identification information during the variable display on the variable display unit other than the variable display unit that satisfies the condition, but the variable display during the variable display other than the variable display unit that satisfies the condition. Since the display area of the variable display section during variable display of the section is enlarged and the display area of the variable display section that satisfies the establishment condition is reduced with the enlargement, the variable area that satisfies the establishment condition is reduced. It is possible to make it easier for the player to see the identification information being variably displayed on the variable display unit other than the display unit. As a result, the player can surely taste the sense of expectation caused by approaching the combination of specific identification information in which the display state of the variable display device becomes a big hit step by step.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming area of a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is an overall front view of the variable display device.

FIG. 3 is an overall front view of the variable display device.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the liquid crystal display.

FIG. 5 is an array diagram showing a screen array of color filters.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for a liquid crystal display.

FIG. 8 is a main routine for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process processing subroutine program.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a switch input processing subroutine program.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for LED / lamp data set processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a winning storage area storing process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a normal processing subroutine program.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a random 2 counter check process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a big hit symbol setting process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a lost symbol setting process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of each symbol stop process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a jackpot check process.

FIG. 19 shows a sub CPU command area and a sub CPU.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating types of various data stored in a command input area.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a program of a display area switching process performed by a sub CPU.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 is a variable display device, 22 is a liquid crystal display (TFT liquid crystal panel), 3a, 3b and 3c are symbol display portions as an example of a variable display portion, 4 is a variable winning ball device, 41 is a microcomputer, and 52A is an LED display control. Microcomputer,
52B is a controller, 52C is a source driver, 52
D is a gate driver, 61 is a backlight, 34 is a liquid crystal layer, 27 and 39 are polarizing plates, 29a to 29c are pixel electrodes,
30 and 35 are alignment films, 36 is a counter electrode, and 33a to 33c.
Is a thin film transistor (TFT).

Claims (1)

[Claims] A variable display device having a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information is provided, and a display result of the variable display device is a combination of predetermined specific identification information. A variable display control capable of controlling the plurality of variable display portions to perform a variable display operation, and then controlling the variable display operation to stop by changing the stop timing after performing the variable display operation on the plurality of variable display portions. Means, at a stage before the display result of the variable display device is determined after the plurality of variable display units perform the variable display operation, the display mode of a part of the plurality of variable display units is A display area enlarging means for enlarging a display area of a variable display section during variable display other than the variable display section which satisfies the establishment condition of a combination of specific identification information, Area expansion A display area reducing unit configured to reduce a display area of the variable display unit that satisfies the above-described condition as the display area of the variable display unit during variable display is enlarged by the large means. Machine.