JP2003310951A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing variable display in a state where identification information to be established can be discriminated from the other identification information. <P>SOLUTION: In translucentizing processing, a GCL reads out each special pattern image data other than a pattern to be established of variably displayed special patterns and image data indicating a background image. Then, translucentizing processing is performed for each special pattern to produce each translucent image. A combined image formed by combining each translucent image on the front surface of the background image is produced, and is displayed on an LCD. This translucent processing is repeated, thereby sequentially opaquely displaying only the pattern to be established and translucent displaying the other special patterns. Therefore, variable display can be performed in a state where identification information to be established can be discriminated from the other identification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a variable display function for variably displaying predetermined identification information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines,
Whether or not variable display is performed by updating and displaying predetermined identification information (hereinafter, display symbol) on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), and whether a predetermined game value is given depending on the display result Many so-called variable display games that determine whether or not the game has been enjoyed are provided.

Some variable display games are played mainly by using the above-mentioned display device as an image display device (hereinafter, a special figure game). In the special figure game, the display symbol is updated and displayed along with the detection of the game ball passing through the predetermined area, and the stop symbol mode when the display symbol is completely stopped is the specific display mode. It is a game of "big hit". When the "big hit" occurs in the special drawing game, a special electric prized object called a special winning opening is operated to open the special winning opening door. As a result, the player is continuously provided with a state in which winning of the game ball is extremely easy for a certain period of time.

In such a gaming machine, in general, a predetermined character is made to appear on the variable display device, the character is changed, a lamp / LED is used, depending on the gaming state.
Various game effects are performed by blinking light-emitting bodies such as.

The following is a big hit in the special drawing game,
When the special winning opening door is opened, it is extremely easy for the player to win a game ball, which is called a specific game state. In order to be the specific game state, usually, the stop symbol mode of the display symbol displayed on the special symbol display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (generally, the display symbols are aligned with the same symbol) Is a condition.

As described above, in the special drawing game, the player pays the greatest attention to whether or not the stopped symbol mode becomes the "big hit" as the specific display mode. Therefore, until the stop symbol mode that can be determined whether or not to be a "big hit" is determined, various effect displays for increasing the amusement of the game such as different display symbol variation modes are performed. .

Further, not only the pachinko gaming machine but also a gaming machine such as a slot machine equipped with an image display device such as an LCD can obtain a "bonus game" equivalent to a "big hit" in the pachinko gaming machine. In the process of flag establishment, some LCDs use the LCD to perform the same effect display as a pachinko gaming machine. In the gaming machine that performs such an effect display, a "bonus game" is displayed when the effect is displayed.
In order to continue as much as possible the expectation that the flag will be established, a visual effect with a higher visual effect is required.

[0008]

By the way, until the stop symbol mode is determined, the display symbols are usually sequentially displayed in the display area of the display device, and after the variable display is performed in the display area, the display symbols disappear from the display area. The control is performed so as to allow it.
Therefore, when a plurality of display symbols are variably displayed in the display area and the definite display of the definite symbol is performed by stopping at a predetermined stop position, the mode of the definite symbol is compared with the normal variable display described above. It becomes difficult to identify the pattern that becomes. Therefore, it was not possible to accurately recognize which display symbol is to be the subject of the fixed symbol.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to perform variable display in a state in which the identification information to be determined can be discriminated from other identification information. Providing a gaming machine.

[0010]

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, a left-middle-right special symbol). When the game control means (for example, the game control means 33a including the CPU 33) determines that the player has a display device (for example, the variable display device 6) and hits a predetermined condition, it is transmitted from the game control means. Based on the game state instruction command, the effect control including the variable display control of the identification information in the variable display device is performed by the effect control means (for example, the effect control means 301a including the effect control CPU 101 and the GCL 81), and the identification information is changed. The variation display result is a big hit display mode on the activated line set in advance (for example, each symbol fixedly displayed on the activated line is the same symbol) State), and the gaming state is a specific gaming state advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot gaming state), in which the production control means is in the vicinity of the activated line while the identification information is being changed and displayed. Identification information at a position (for example, identification information that is located in the vicinity of the effective line and that reaches the effective line earliest as the variable display progresses. Specifically, for example,
Insert "6" of the symbol to be determined in the image G1. Also,
When the variable display progresses from the image G1 to become the image G2, the determination target symbol “7” is inserted. ) Is an opaque display (for example, a normal display that has not been processed to increase transparency)
And, together with the identification information other than the opaque identification information (for example, when the left middle right special symbol stops in turn, each symbol other than the symbol in the vicinity of the effective line in the special symbol to be stopped next) Specifically, for example, each of the middle symbols other than "6" of the symbol to be determined in the image G1 is inserted) and the transparency is increased to display semitransparently. That is, of the identification information that is displayed in a variable manner, only the identification information in the vicinity of the effective line is displayed in an opaque manner, and the other identification information is displayed in a semitransparent manner.

With this configuration, only the identification information which is the determination target in the vicinity of the effective line is displayed in an opaque manner among the identification information which is displayed in a variable manner and which is the stop target. The target identification information can be variably displayed in a state in which it can be identified from other identification information.

In this case, the effect control means increases the transparency as the identification information moves away from the activated line (see, for example, FIG. 1).
The transparency of each piece of identification information to be stopped may be made different by using the arithmetic expression shown in FIG. 5, and the transparency of the identification information may be gradually increased as the distance from the effective line increases. With this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp how close the predetermined stop position provided on the activated line and each piece of identification information are.

A plurality of pieces of variably displayed identification information are annularly arranged on a two-dimensional plane (for example,
(Arrangement shown in FIG. 13). With this configuration, the arrangement order of the identification information can be easily grasped.

A plurality of pieces of variably displayed identification information are annularly arranged in a three-dimensional space (for example, a space expressed as if there is depth by the perspective method) (for example, FIG. 14). (Arrangement shown in). With this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the arrangement order of the identification information, and it is possible to easily grasp the closeness between the predetermined stop position provided on the activated line and each piece of identification information. it can.

The gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention is established when a predetermined variation start condition (for example, a start switch 525 is operated in a state where a coin is inserted and a start lamp is lit). Of the identification information (for example, the symbols displayed on the symbol display reels 502a to 502c) displayed on the variable display device (for example, a device for displaying the symbol on the variable display device 502) by satisfying the condition The variation display of the identification information is started by starting the variation display and satisfying a predetermined variation stop condition (for example, a condition that is satisfied when the reel stop switches 526a to 526c are operated while the operation valid lamp is lit). Variable display control means (eg, CPU
(Game control means including 602), and on a preset effective line on an image display device (for example, image display device 540) based on a predetermined image display pattern determined when a predetermined variation start condition is satisfied. And a plurality of symbols (for example, a plurality of decorative symbols) symbol combination effect display (for example, the same display as the variable display of special symbols executed on a pachinko machine,
A gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 500) provided with an image display control unit (for example, a production control unit including a CPU for production control and GCL) for performing the same display as the production display by the symbol display reels 502a to 502c. Therefore, the image display control means, during the variable display of the symbols, the symbols in the vicinity of the effective line (for example, the symbols located in the vicinity of the effective line, the effective line by the progress of the symbol combination effect display) (The pattern that reaches the earliest) is made opaque, and the transparency of symbols other than the opaquely displayed symbols is increased to be semi-transparent.

With this configuration, since only the symbol which is the target of the fixed symbol in the vicinity of the activated line among the symbols displayed on the image display device is displayed in an opaque manner, the fixed symbol is targeted. It is possible to perform variable display in a state in which the symbol “” is distinguishable from other symbols.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The game machine according to the present embodiment is a game machine that plays a special figure game with an image display device (variable display device) such as an LCD, and a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type that lends a ball using a prepaid card. The first type pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the game machine to be applied is not limited to this, and can be applied to a game machine such as a slot machine equipped with an LCD, for example. Further, even if a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine has an image display device, for example, a game machine classified into the second type or the third type, a general electric-powered machine, or a pachi-computer. It may be a ball game machine with a probability setting function called. Furthermore, prepaid cards (in the future I
CR that lends a ball using a value medium including C coins)
It can be applied not only to a pachinko gaming machine, but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball by cash. That is, LC
Any form may be used as long as it is an amusement machine having an image display device such as D and capable of performing an effect display corresponding to a special figure game.

First, the overall structure of the CR type first type pachinko gaming machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine as seen from the front. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board 2 that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame 3 to which the gaming board 2 is detachably attached. A game area 4 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. A handle 5 for firing a hit ball is provided on the lower right side of the front side of the gaming machine 1.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 4, a variable display device 6 including a plurality of variable display portions for variably displaying symbols as identification information is provided. Variable display device 6
Is composed of LCD, "left", "middle", "right"
A symbol display area (variable display portion) for displaying the three special symbols is provided. In the symbol display area, an effective line for specifying whether or not the display result of the variable display is the big hit display mode is preset. It is specified whether or not it is a big hit display mode by the combination of the special symbols finally stopped on the activated line, and it is a big hit display mode when the special symbols are aligned with the same symbol on the activated line. Specified. Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether or not a big hit has occurred by checking the display mode on the activated line on the variable display device 6.

Further, the variable display device 6 has a start winning opening 7
Four special symbol starting memory display areas (hereinafter, starting memory display areas) 8 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have been entered, that is, the number of starting winning memories are provided. In the starting memory display area, a winning display is displayed corresponding to the effective starting winning when the number of starting winning memories is less than four. Specifically, the display that was normally blue is changed to red. In this example, since the symbol display area and the starting memory display area 8 are provided separately, it is possible to keep the number of starting winning prizes displayed even during variable display. It should be noted that the starting memory display area 8 may be provided in a part of the symbol display area, and in this case, the display of the number of winning memory for starting winning may be interrupted during the variable display. In addition, in this example, the starting memory display area 8 is provided in the variable display device 6, but a display device (special symbol starting memory display device) for displaying the number of starting winning memories is provided separately from the variable display device 6. It may be provided.

Below the variable display device 6, a starting winning opening 7 which also serves as an ordinary electric accessory 9 for opening and closing, and a solenoid or the like in a specific game state (big hit state) are opened. The special winning opening 10 is arranged vertically side by side, and a gate 13 is arranged on the left side of the starting winning opening 7. The special winning opening 10 is opened or closed by opening and closing the special winning opening door 11. When a game ball is won in the gate 13, the variable display whose display state changes in the normal symbol display device 14 is started. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display device 14, a normal symbol starting memory indicator 15 having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the number of ordinary symbol starting winning prizes is provided. Also, game board 2
In, a plurality of winning openings 16, 17, 18, 19 are provided.

Two speakers 20L and 20R for producing a sound effect are provided on the upper left and right sides of the gaming machine frame 3.
Further, a top frame lamp 21a, a left frame lamp 21b, and a right frame lamp 21c are provided on the outer periphery of the game area 4.
Further, although not shown, a decorative LED is installed around each structure (a special winning opening or the like) in the game area 4. The top frame lamp 21a, the left frame lamp 21b, the right frame lamp 21c, and the decorative LED are examples of light-emitting bodies provided in the game machine.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine viewed from the back side. As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the game machine, a performance control board 10 that controls the variable display device 6 and the like.
0, a game control board (main board) 30 on which a game control microcomputer or the like is mounted is installed. Further, a payout control board 40 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed. Further, a power supply board 150 and a firing control board 91 on which a power supply circuit for supplying a predetermined power supply voltage is mounted are provided. Furthermore, in order to output various kinds of information such as the number of prize balls and the number of lent balls to the outside of the gaming machine, the board external terminal board 50 having each terminal for outputting various information from the main board 30 to the outside of the gaming machine. And an external terminal substrate 51 for a frame provided with each of the terminals.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example centering on the game control section. The pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment mainly includes a power supply unit (power supply board) 15
0, a game control section (main board) 30, an input section 52, an output section 53, a production control section (production control board) 100, a payout control section (payout control board) 40, and a board external terminal board. 5
0 and a frame external terminal board 51.

The game control section 30 includes a ROM 31 for storing a program for controlling the game and the like, a RAM 32 used as a work memory, a CPU 33 for performing a control operation according to the program, and an I / O port section 34. In addition, CP
Since the U33 executes the control according to the program stored in the ROM 31, hereinafter, the CPU33 executing (or performing the process) means that the CPU33 executes the control according to the program. This means that CPUs mounted on boards other than the main board 30.
Is also the same. Although not shown, the game control unit 30 includes a switch circuit that receives a signal input from the input unit 52 and a solenoid circuit that outputs a drive signal toward the output unit 53. The game control unit 3
0 is various functions such as a function of generating various random numbers used in the game, a function of outputting a control command to the effect control unit 100 or the payout control unit 40, a function of outputting various information to the hall management computer, and the like. have.

The input section 52 is led to the rear surface of the game board 2 from the starting opening switch 7a for detecting a winning ball to the starting winning opening 7, the gate switch 13a for detecting a winning ball to the gate 13, and the large winning opening 10 One of the winning balls (V winning area)
Specific area switch 22 for detecting a winning ball that has entered, count switch 2 for detecting a winning ball from the special winning opening 10
3. It is composed of various detecting means such as winning hole switches 16a, 17a, 18a and 19a for detecting winning balls to the respective winning holes 16, 17, 18 and 19. Each of the above switches may be what is called a sensor. That is,
The name does not matter as long as it is detection means capable of performing various kinds of detection such as detection of a game ball.

The output unit 53 is used for switching the paths in the ordinary electric prize solenoid 9a for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 9, the special winning opening door solenoid 11a used for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 11, and the special winning opening 10. It is composed of various driving means such as the special winning opening induction plate solenoid 12a used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control unit 100
A display control unit 80 that controls the display of the variable display device 6, the normal symbol display device 14, and the like, and the speakers 20L and 20.
A sound control unit 70 that controls the sound such as R, and a lamp control unit 6 that controls the light emitters such as the top frame lamp 21a.
It has 0 and. The production control unit 100, the game control unit 3
Based on the control command from 0, the display control of the variable display device 6 that variably displays the special symbol and the normal symbol display device 14 that variably displays the normal symbol, the voice output control, and the lamp display control are executed.

The payout control section 40 has a function of renting out game balls and controlling payout of prize balls. Further, the board external terminal board 50 and the frame external terminal board 51 play a role of outputting various game-related information to the outside. Further, the power supply unit 150 is provided to supply a predetermined power supply voltage to each circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

Here, the state of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this example will be described. The game ball shot from the hit ball launching device enters the game area 4 through the hit ball rail,
After that, it comes down from the game area 4. Start hitting the ball 7
When it is detected by the entrance switch 7a, if the variable display of the symbol can be started, the variable display device 6 starts the variable display (variation) of the special symbol. If it is not in a state where variable display of symbols can be started, the number of memory for winning a prize for winning is increased by one.

The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 6 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. When the combination of special symbols on the activated line when stopped is the big hit display mode, the big hit game state is entered. Specifically, the special winning opening 10 is opened until a certain period of time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. When the hit ball enters the V winning area and is detected by the specific area switch 22 while the special winning opening 10 is open, the continuation right is generated and the special winning opening 10 is opened again. The continuation right can be generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

When the combination of the special symbols in the variable display device 6 at the time of stop is the combination of the big hit symbols (probability variation symbols) accompanied by the probability variation, the probability of becoming the big hit next increases. That is, the probability change state is a more advantageous state for the player (special game state).

The temporary stop timing of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device 6, the variation time, and the like are uniquely determined according to a variation pattern designation command described later. That is, the effect control unit 100 interlocks with the variation of the special symbol on the variable display device 6, the voice output from the speakers 20L and 20R, and the blinking display of the lamp / LED 21a and the like from the timing when the variation pattern command is received. To execute control.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the effect control board 100. The production control board 100 is a production control CPU that controls the display control unit 80, the sound control unit 70, the lamp control unit 60, and the control units 60, 70, 80.
101, program for controlling production and display / emission of light /
ROM 1 for storing various production patterns such as voice output
02 and a RAM 103 used as a work memory. Although not shown, the effect control board 1
00, a command receiving circuit used for receiving the effect control command is provided. In the production control board of.

The production control CPU 101 is a ROM 102.
It operates according to the program stored in and receives the effect control command from the main board 30. Then, the effect control CPU 101, according to the received effect control command,
Various controls such as display control of the variable display device 6, lighting / extinguishing control of the light emitter, sound output control, drive control of the movable effect device, and the like are performed.

Specifically, the display control of the variable display device 6 is performed by issuing a command according to the effect control command to GCL (Grap).
Hics Controller LSI) 81. The GCL 81 reads out necessary data from the CGROM 83 or the like. The CGROM 83 stores data indicating a character that is frequently used. CGRO
The frequently-used character stored in M83 is, for example, a person, an animal, or the like displayed on the variable display device 6.
Alternatively, it is an image composed of characters, figures or symbols.
Note that the character also includes a moving image and a still image that are actually taken. The GCL 81 generates image data to be displayed on the variable display device 6 according to the input data, and R
The (red), G (green), B (blue) signals and the sync signal are output to the variable display device 6. The variable display device 6 performs screen display by a dot matrix system using a large number of pixels, for example. In this example, each of the R, G, and B signals is represented by 8 bits. Therefore, the variable display device 6
According to an instruction from the GCL 81, each of R, G, and B has 256 gradations, and multicolor display of about 16.7 million colors can be performed. The number of bits of the R, G, B signals is 8
It may be a number of bits other than bits, and R, G,
The number of bits of the B signal may be different from each other.

In addition to the CGROM 83, the display control section 80 is provided with various storage media such as an SDRAM (VRAM) 84, a palette data buffer 85, and a CG data buffer 86. The SDRAM 84 stores data regarding a display image such as a frame buffer, character source data, and palette data described later. Further, the display control unit 80 is a display control unit 87 and a DAC 88 for outputting a signal to the variable display device 6, and a normal symbol drive circuit 8 for outputting a signal to the normal symbol display device 14.
2 and a video compression / decompression unit 8 that performs video compression processing and decompression processing.
9 and 9. The moving picture compression / decompression unit 89 uses the GC
Even for the configuration controlled by L81, the production control C
It may be configured to be controlled by the PU 101.

The GCL 81 has an attribute analysis unit 81.
a, a VRAM address generation unit 81b, a clipping unit 81c, and a semitransparent brightness modulation unit 81d. The attribute analysis unit 81a analyzes parameters used when drawing a character. Information for designating the drawing order of the image, the number of colors, the enlargement / reduction ratio, the palette number, the coordinates, etc. is set in this parameter.

The sound control section 70 is a voice IC 7 for generating a sound or a sound effect according to a control command from the game control section 30.
1, a voice ROM 72 for storing voice data, a low frequency amplifier circuit 73 for amplifying the voice signal and outputting it to the speakers 20L and 20R, and an output level of the voice signal output from the low frequency amplifier circuit 73. The digital volume 74 has a level corresponding to the set volume.

The lamp control unit 60 includes a lamp / LED 24
A lamp driving circuit 61 for outputting a signal to the gaming state decoration lamp 24a included in the lamp / LED 24
And an LED drive circuit 62 for outputting a signal to the gaming state decoration LED 24b included in.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 6
Is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 33 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 30. When the power of the gaming machine is turned on and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 33 starts the main processing after step S1. In the main process, the CPU 33 first makes necessary initial settings.

In the initial setting process, the CPU 33 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S
2) The stack pointer designated address is set in the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the built-in device register is initialized (step S4). After initializing CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) (step S5), the RAM is set to the accessible state (step S6).

CPU 33 used in this embodiment
Also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). The CTC is also provided with two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2,3 and two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.

CPU 3 used in this embodiment
3 has the following three types of maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 33 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that has made an interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) to the internal data bus of the CPU.
Therefore, the CPU 33 executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. Upon reset, the CPU 33 automatically enters the interrupt mode 0. Therefore, interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2
If it is desired to set to, it is necessary to perform processing for setting the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting processing.

Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted, the interrupt mode is always jumped to the address 0038 (h).

Interrupt mode 2: A mode in which an address composed of a value (1 byte) of a specific register (I register) of the CPU 33 and an interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output by the built-in device indicates an interrupt address. Is. That is, in the interrupt address, the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector.
This is the address shown in bytes. Therefore, the interrupt process can be installed at an arbitrary (albeit discontinuous) even address. Each built-in device has a function of sending an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set,
It becomes possible to easily process the interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to install the interrupt processing at an arbitrary position in the program. Furthermore, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 33 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S2 of the initial setting process.

Next, the CPU 33 confirms whether or not the clear switch provided in the gaming machine is on (step S7). When ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 33 executes normal initialization processing (step S10 to step S12). If the clear switch is not in the ON state, whether or not the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, processing when power supply is stopped such as addition of parity data) is performed when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Confirm (step S8). After confirming that such protection is not performed, C
The PU 33 executes an initialization process. Backup RAM
Whether or not there is backup data in the area is confirmed by, for example, the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

When it is confirmed that there is a backup, CPU3
3, the game state recovery processing for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control means to the state at the time of stopping the power supply (step S9). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) saved in the backup RAM area is set in the PC and the address is restored.

In the initialization processing, the CPU 33 first executes R
AM clear processing is performed (step S10). Further, a predetermined work area (for example, a random number counter for normal symbol determination, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer,
Special symbol process flag, payout command storage pointer,
A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a flag in the prize ball, a flag out of the ball, a payout stop flag, and the like for selectively performing a process according to the control state is performed. Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-board (production control board 100, payout control board 40) to the sub-board is executed (step S11). As an initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 6,
There is a payable state designation command indicating that the payable state is available.

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 33 is set so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied every 2 ms (step S12). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register).

Execution of initialization processing (steps S10 to S1)
When 2) is completed, the display random number updating process (step S14) and the initial value random number updating process (step S15) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S13), and when the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are completed, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S16). The display random number is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the variable display device 6, and the display random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random numbers. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value such as a counter (big hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit. In the game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, the initial value is set to the counter.

It should be noted that when the display random number updating process is executed, the interrupt is disabled. Since the display random number updating process is also executed in the timer interrupt process described later, it conflicts with the process in the timer interrupt process. This is to avoid it. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the process of step S14 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value may be impaired. is there. However, if the interrupt is disabled during the process of step S14, such an inconvenience does not occur.

When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 33
Performs the register save process (step S20), and then executes the game control process of steps S21 to S31 shown in FIG. In the game control process, first, the CPU 33, via the switch circuit 58, the gate switch 12
a, a starting opening switch 7a, a count switch 23, a winning opening switch 16a, etc.
The state determination is performed (switch processing: step S2
1).

Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each judgment random number such as a big hit judgment random number used for game control is performed (step S23).
The CPU 33 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (step S).
24).

In this example, a big hit determination random number used for determining whether or not to generate a big hit, a random number for deviating symbol determination used for determining a deviating symbol on the left, middle, and right of a special symbol, when generating a big hit. Random number for determining big hit symbols used when determining the combination of special symbols, random number for determining fluctuation patterns used for determining variation patterns of special symbols, normal Ordinary used for determining whether to generate a hit based on symbols Various random numbers such as a random number for determining a symbol, a random number for determining an initial value used for determining an initial value of each random number, and the like are prepared.

In step S23, the CPU 33 counts up (adds 1) the counter for generating the big hit determining random number, the big hit symbol determining random number, and the normal symbol hit determining random number. That is, those are judgment random numbers, and the other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers.

Further, the CPU 33 carries out special symbol process processing (step S25). In the special symbol process control, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state. Also, a normal symbol process process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 14 in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state.

Next, the CPU 33 performs a process of setting the effect control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the effect control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). In addition, the production control command regarding the normal design is set to the specified territory of RAM32, the processing which sends the production control command is done (normal design command control processing: step S28).

Further, the CPU 33, for example, provides big hit information, start information, and the like supplied to the hall management computer.
Information output processing for outputting data such as probability variation information is performed (step S29).

Further, the CPU 33 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S).
30). In order to open or close the variable winning ball device 9 or the opening / closing plate 11 and to switch the game ball passage in the special winning opening 10, the solenoid circuit provided in the main board 30 has a solenoid 9a in response to a drive command. , 11a, 12a
To drive.

The CPU 33 then uses the winning opening switch 1
Prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of 6a, 17a, 18a, and 19a is executed (step S3).
2). Specifically, the winning opening switches 16a, 17a, 1
The payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 40 in response to the winning detection based on the turning on of either 8a or 19a. The payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board 40 drives the ball payout device according to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls. After that, the contents of the register are restored (step S32), and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S33).

By the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is activated every 2 ms.
In this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process, but in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is executed in the main process. It may be executed.

In this embodiment, the symbols "1" to "12" are variably displayed (changed) on the variable display device 6 as the left symbol, the middle symbol and the right symbol. "1"
The symbols "0" to "12" are assigned the symbol numbers 0 to 11. In addition, a big hit occurs when the final stop symbols (determined symbols) on the variable display device 6 are complete.
Then, when the odd-numbered symbols are aligned, the probability is changed to a high-probability state (probability change state) in which the probability of occurrence of a big hit is improved.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a program for special symbol process processing executed by the CPU 33. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 8 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. CPU33, when performing the special symbol process processing,
After performing the variation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) and the winning confirmation process (step S311), any one of steps S301 to S309 is performed according to the internal state. The fluctuation reduction timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.

Winning confirmation processing (step S311): Wait for the starting winning opening 7 to be hit and the starting opening switch 7a to be turned on. When the starting opening switch 7a is turned on, if the number of memory for winning a prize for winning is not full (a state in which the maximum value in this embodiment has reached 4), the number of memory for starting a winning prize is incremented by 1 and used for determining a big hit. Extract each random number such as a random number. Then, they are stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the value of the number of memory for winning the winning prize. In addition, processing for transmitting a command for designating the start winning prize memory for designating the number of starting winning prize memory after addition is performed.

Special symbol normal processing (step S301):
It waits for a state where variable display of special symbols can be started (when the value of the special symbol process flag is the value indicating step S301). The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is the value indicating step S301 is a case where the symbol is not changed in the variable display device 6 and the jackpot game is not being performed. When the variable display of the special symbols can be started, the number of memory for winning the winning start is confirmed. If the number of stored winning awards is not 0, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

Stop symbol setting process (step S302):
The value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of memory of winning prizes for starting = 1 is read out, the value of the number of memory of starting winning prizes is decremented by 1, and the value of each random number value storage area is shifted. That is, the number of memory for winning start winnings = n (n = 2, 3, 4)
Each value stored in the random value storage area corresponding to
Stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of memory for winning winning winnings = n-1. Next, based on the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of stored winning awards = 1 (the value of the random number for jackpot judgment, etc.), it is judged whether to make a big hit, lose, reach, etc., and the judgment result The stop symbol of the left middle right symbol is determined based on the control state at the time of starting the variable display. When the process is completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.

Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S30)
3): The variation pattern of the symbol is determined based on the value of the stop symbol or the variation pattern determining random number determined in the stop symbol setting process. When the processing is completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S304.

All symbol variation process (step S304): The variable display device 6 is controlled to start varying all symbols. At this time, information (production control command) for instructing the left middle right final stop symbol and the variation mode (variation pattern) is transmitted to the production control board 100. Specifically, the game control means, when starting the variable display, transmits the effect control command for designating the variation pattern, and subsequently,
Send the production control command of left symbol designation, middle symbol designation, right symbol designation. When the process is completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305.

All symbol stop processing (step S305): When a predetermined time (time corresponding to the value set in the timer in step S304) elapses, all symbols are stopped to finally stop (fix) the left and right middle symbols. Send the directed control command. Based on the reception of this effect control command, all the symbols displayed on the variable display device 6 are stopped. Then, the game control means, when the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, updates the internal state (special symbol process flag) to move to step S306. Otherwise, the internal state is set to step S301.
Update to move to.

Pre-opening processing for the special winning opening (step S30
6): Start the control for opening the special winning opening. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the special winning opening door solenoid 11a is driven to open the special winning opening. Further, the process timer sets the execution time of the process during the opening of the special winning opening, and sets the big hit flag (a flag indicating that the big hit is in progress). When the processing is completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S307.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30
7): The control for sending out the effect control command data of the special winning opening round display to the effect control board 100, the processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, etc. are performed. When the final closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is set to step S308.
Update to move to.

Specific area effective time processing (step S30
8): Monitor whether the specific area switch 22 has passed,
The process of confirming the establishment of the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is performed.
When the conditions for continuation of the jackpot gaming state are satisfied, and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S306. When the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or when all rounds are finished, the internal state is set to step S.
Update to move to 309.

Big hit end processing (step S309): A big effect control command for instructing a display for notifying the player that the big hit game state has ended is transmitted. When the display period ends, the internal state is updated to shift to step S301.

In this example, information transmission such as an instruction from the game control means to each electric component control means is performed by a control command. The control command has, for example, a 2-byte structure, and the first byte represents MODE (command classification) and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The production control means mounted on the production control board 100 is I
Detecting that the NT signal (capture signal) has risen,
The interrupt process starts the process of capturing 1-byte data (MODE data), and the subsequent interrupt process starts the process of capturing 1-byte data (EXT data).

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU 101. In the main process, first, R
Initialization processing is performed for clearing the AM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 ms timer for determining the activation interval of effect control (step S701).
After that, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to the loop processing for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, C for production control
The PU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the interrupt processing process. In the main process, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101
The flag is cleared (step S703), and the following effect control processing is executed.

In this embodiment, the timer interrupt is 2 m.
It takes every s. That is, the effect control process is activated every 2 ms. In addition, in this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process, but the effect control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

In the effect control processing, the effect control CPU
101, first, analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the production control process processing,
A process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from the processes according to the control state. Then, a process of updating various random number counters used in the effect control board 100 is executed (step S706). Further, the effect control CPU 101 uses the game effect devices 25A, 25B,
In the case of performing the effect by 25C, the movable accessory control unit 100
A drive command is issued to a solenoid circuit (not shown) included in the device (step S707). Game production device 25A, 25B,
In order to operate 25C, a solenoid circuit (not shown) included in the movable accessory control unit 100 drives the solenoids 25a, 25b, 25c according to the drive command. afterwards,
The process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S702.

Here, reception of the effect control command from the main board 30 will be described. Although not shown, the effect control board 100 includes a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the main board 30. For example, a command receiving buffer in the ring buffer format that can store six 2-byte effect control commands is used. The effect control means is controlled based on the latest command stored in the storage area of the variation pattern and the like. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly respond to the instruction from the main board 30. The effect control CPU 101 is interrupted when the INT signal from the main board 30 is turned on, executes a process for receiving the effect control command, and stores the received effect control command in the command reception buffer.

Then, the content of the command stored in the received command buffer is converted into the command analysis process (step S
In step 704), processing such as setting a flag corresponding to the received command is performed. For example, if the received command in the command receiving buffer is a symbol designating command that designates the left middle right symbol, the data that can identify the designated symbol contained in the command is stored in the stop symbol storage area,
Set the corresponding valid flag. Further, for example, if the received command in the command reception buffer is a variation pattern command that specifies an effect pattern, data that can identify the variation pattern included in the command is stored in the variation pattern storage area, and the variation pattern reception flag is stored. Set.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the effect control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the production control process process, steps S800 to S800 are performed depending on the value of the display control process flag.
One of the processes in S806 is performed. In each process, the following process is executed.

Fluctuating pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not an effect control command (changing pattern command) capable of specifying the varying time is received. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag (fluctuation pattern reception flag) indicating that the fluctuation pattern command has been received is set. The fluctuation pattern reception flag is set when it is confirmed in the command analysis process that the effect control command designating the fluctuation pattern is received.
If the variation pattern reception flag is set, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the reach advance notice process.

Reach advance notice processing (step S801): Determines whether or not to perform a reach advance notice effect, and determines the contents of the reach advance notice effect when it is decided to give the reach advance notice. When determined, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the all symbol variation start process.

All symbol variation start processing (step S80
2): Control is performed so that the fluctuation of the left middle right pattern is started.
Then, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation process.

Process during symbol fluctuation (step S803): The switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed) forming the fluctuation pattern is controlled, and the end of the fluctuation time is monitored. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. When the process is completed, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process.

All symbol stop waiting setting process (step S80)
4): At the end of the variation time, if a production control command instructing to stop all the symbols is received, the variation of the symbols is stopped and the control for displaying the stopped symbol (determined symbol) is performed. Then, when the big hit display mode is set, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the big hit display process, and when the big hit display mode is set, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variable pattern command reception waiting process. To do.

Big hit display processing (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the probability variation big hit display or the normal big hit display is controlled. When the display period ends, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the big hit game process.

Big hit game processing (step S806):
Control the big hit game. For example, when the effect control command of the display before opening the special winning opening or the display when opening the special winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds and the like are performed. When the control during the big hit game is finished, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variable pattern command reception waiting process.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is composed of data in which a plurality of combinations of the process timer set value and the effect control execution table are collected. In each production control execution table, display control execution data in which each variation mode that constitutes a variation pattern of display control of the variable display production 9 and the like, and variation pattern of display control of lamps / LEDs and the like are configured, respectively. The lamp control execution data in which each variation mode is described and the sound control execution data in which each variation mode that constitutes the variation pattern of the voice output control of the speaker 27 and the like are described are included. Further, the process timer set value is set with the change time in the change mode. Performance control CPU1
Reference numeral 01 refers to the process data, and displays the symbols in a changing manner set in the effect control execution table only for the time set in the process timer set value, turns on / off the light emitter, and the speaker 27. Control to output audio from.

The process data shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 100, and is set in the variation pattern table selected as the use table in the all symbol variation start process (step S802). Variable display device 6, lamp / LE based on data
Control of D24 and speaker 20L, 20R is started,
In the symbol changing process (step S803), control according to the control execution data is sequentially executed. The process data is prepared for each variation pattern.

Next, the function of the GCL 81 mounted on the effect control board 100 will be described. GCL81 is
It has a function of executing various processes such as a translucency process in accordance with an instruction from the effect control CPU 101.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the translucency process executed by the GCL 81. In the translucent process, the GCL 81 firstly, from the CGROM 83, each special symbol that is being changed and is stopped next time in the effect for stopping the symbol (stop target symbol. For example, the final stop symbol in the reach effect.) Of these, the symbol that is displayed at the position that reaches the predetermined stop position earliest and is a definite symbol (a symbol that is determined as a stop symbol at the end of variable display) that is the determination target (hereinafter, "determined" Image showing each special symbol other than "target symbol" (hereinafter,
The "special symbol image" data is read out and expanded in the SDRAM 84 (step S201). In this example, for example, in the case of the reach display mode, in the variable display device 6, each special symbol used as the final stop symbol is displayed in an annular shape on the two-dimensional plane (see FIG. 13 (A)). ), A variable display in which each special symbol moves in the counterclockwise direction (the arrow direction shown in FIG. 13A) is displayed. "Fixed target symbol" means, among the special symbols that are variably displayed, the shortest distance to reach a predetermined stop position that is set in advance, and the special symbol that reaches the stop position earliest. To do. That is, the "fixed target symbol" is a special symbol that is located near the activated line and first reaches a predetermined stop position as the variable display progresses.

Further, the GCL 81 reads out the image data showing the background image from the CGROM 83 and outputs it to the SDRAM.
It expands to 84 (step S202). In this example, the background image is a monochrome image. Note that the background image does not have to be a single-color image, and may be, for example, a scene or an animal.

Next, the GCL 81 creates a translucent image of each special symbol by executing a translucency calculation process for each read special symbol (step S203). As the translucency calculation processing, in this example, for each pixel data (R, G, B data for specifying the display color of each pixel) in the special pattern image, a background image that overlaps at the same position when combined. The arithmetic processing for deriving the average value of each pixel data in the above is performed. Specifically, in translucency calculation processing,
As shown in FIG. 12, the value obtained by adding the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding background image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the special symbol image is divided by two. Each pixel data obtained by the translucency calculation processing is used as pixel data of a translucent image. For example, pixel data at a display position of a special symbol image is (R, G, B = 200, 15
0,150) and the pixel data of the background image at the same position is (R, G, B = 180,180,180), the pixel data of the translucent image at that position is (R, G, B). B = 190, 165, 165).

In this example, as the translucent calculation process, the process of deriving the average value is performed for simplification of description, but other calculation process may be performed.
In this case, for example, the color of the semi-transparent image may be closer to the color of the background image than the color of the special design image, or may be the color closer to the color of the special design image than the color of the background image. Such arithmetic processing may be performed. That is, the pixel data of the semi-transparent image is calculated based on an arithmetic expression such that the pixel data of the special symbol image and the pixel data of the background image are closer to the pixel data of the special symbol image than the average value. Alternatively, the calculation may be performed on the basis of an arithmetic expression having a value close to the pixel data of the background image.

Each translucent image based on the pixel data obtained by the arithmetic operation by the translucent arithmetic operation is, for example,
Each is a special pattern image whose color is close to the background color. That is, the image has a color close to the background color, and the background pattern is transparently displayed.

Then, the GCL 81 executes a process of creating a composite image by combining the semi-transparent images on the front surface of the background image and displaying the composite image on the variable display device 6 (step S20).
4). The composite image is, for example, as shown in FIG.
The image is such that each special symbol other than the finalized symbol is displayed in a semitransparent manner.

The above-mentioned semi-transparency processing is, for example,
It is called in the symbol variation process in the effect control process process described above. For example, it is called at a predetermined timing when the reach effect is started after the reach display mode is started, and thereafter, it is repeatedly called every predetermined period (for example, every 10 ms) until the variable display is ended. Every time it is repeatedly called, the translucent operation processing is executed for special symbols other than the final decision symbol at that time, so the translucent processing is repeatedly executed, and during the reach production execution period, fluctuations occur. Among the symbols being displayed, only the symbols to be determined are sequentially displayed as opaque (normal display with a transparency of 0%), and other special symbols are displayed semitransparently. That is, the symbol which has become the symbol to be determined is displayed in an opaque manner, and the other symbols including the symbol which has passed through the predetermined stop position and is no longer the symbol to be determined are displayed semitransparently.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display state of the variable display device 6 when the translucency process is being executed. Here, a case will be described as an example in which the reach effect is performed by performing a variable display in which the final stop symbol arranged in a ring on the two-dimensional plane moves in the counterclockwise direction after the reach display mode is set. .

In the reach effect, as shown in FIG. 13A, among the special symbols moving toward the predetermined stop position, the special symbol is closest to the stop position (the special symbol reaches the predetermined stop position). It means that the distance to the stop position is the shortest, and even if the distance from the stop position is apparently the shortest, it does not correspond to the “closest” here when the distance is moving away from the stop position.) Symbol to be confirmed (Fig. 13
In (A), only "6" is opaquely displayed, and other symbols ("1" to "5" and "7" to "1" in FIG. 13 (A).
2 ") is displayed semi-transparently. The "predetermined stop position" means a specific position in the display area of the variable display device 6 which is predetermined as a position at which the symbol, which is the definite symbol, of the symbols that are variably displayed is stopped.

When each special symbol is moved by the variable display and the symbol (for example, "6") which has been the fixed target symbol passes the predetermined stop position, the fixed target symbol is newly added to the predetermined stop position. Special symbols that have become similar symbols (for example,
Change to "7"). Then, as shown in FIG. 13 (B), only the new fixed target symbol (“7” in FIG. 13 (B)) closest to the predetermined stop position is displayed in an opaque manner, and other symbols (FIG. 13 (B)). Then, "1"-"6", "8"-
"12") will be displayed semi-transparently.

By repeating the above-mentioned processing, each special symbol is moved by the variable display and the special symbol displayed semi-transparently is changed every time the symbol to be confirmed is changed.

As described above, since only the special symbols which are the symbols to be confirmed are opaquely displayed among the special symbols which are variably displayed, a plurality of special symbols are displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 6. Even if it is displayed, the settlement target symbol can be easily distinguished from other symbols, and the settlement target symbol displayed on the display screen can be easily recognized.

Further, as described above, since the plurality of special symbols that are variably displayed are arranged in a ring shape on the two-dimensional plane, the arrangement order of the special symbols can be easily grasped.

In the above example, the special symbols to be variably displayed are displayed in a ring on the two-dimensional plane, but a plurality of special symbols are simultaneously displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 6. Any display format may be used as long as it is displayed, for example, it may be displayed in a ring shape in a three-dimensional space. In the case of displaying in a circle in the three-dimensional space, for example, as shown in FIG. 14 (A), each special symbol is arranged in a circle having a diameter of a straight line from the depth direction to the front direction, and the depth is increased. The display may be changed from the side to the upper side to the front side, and when passing through a predetermined stop position provided at the center on the front side, the variable display may be passed to the lower side to the depth side. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 14 (A), only the finalized symbol (for example, “6”) is displayed in an opaque manner. Then, each special symbol is moved by the variable display, and the symbol that has been the finalized symbol (for example, "6")
When the symbol passes the predetermined stop position, the symbol to be determined is newly changed to the special symbol (for example, "7") that is the symbol closest to the predetermined stop position. Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), only the new fixed target symbol (“7” in FIG. 14 (B)) closest to the predetermined stop position is opaquely displayed,
Other patterns (“1” to “6” in FIG. 14 (B),
"8" to "12") are displayed semi-transparently.

Thus, even if the plurality of special symbols that are displayed in a variable manner are arranged in a ring shape in the three-dimensional space, the arrangement order of the special symbols can be easily grasped. Further, the closer it is to the front side, the closer it is to the predetermined stop position, so it is possible to easily grasp the approaching condition (distance) between the predetermined stop position and each special symbol. .

Further, in the above example, the symbols other than the symbols to be determined are made semitransparent by the same transparency and are displayed semitransparently. However, if the transparency of each special symbol displayed semitransparently is different. You may allow it. in this case,
For example, the transparency may be increased as the distance from the predetermined stop position is increased, or the transparency may be increased as the order to reach the predetermined stop position is delayed. In the case of increasing the transparency as the distance from the predetermined stop position increases, for example, as the translucency calculation processing, as shown in FIG.
It suffices to use an arithmetic expression such as that shown in FIG. 3 to increase the value of “N” as the distance from the predetermined stop position increases.

In this translucent operation processing, for each target special symbol, for each pixel data in the special symbol image, an arithmetic processing using each pixel data in the background image having the same display position is performed. Be seen. Specifically, in the translucency calculation process, as shown in FIG. 15, the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding background image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the special symbol image is set to 7
Divide by and add the value indicated by the pixel data of the special symbol image to the value obtained by multiplying that value by N. Each pixel data obtained by this translucency calculation processing is used as pixel data of a translucent image. For example, the pixel data at a display position of a special symbol image is (R, G, B = 1
30, 150, 110), the pixel data of the background image at the same position is (R, G, B = 200, 220, 180)
And N = 5, the pixel data of the semi-transparent image at that position is (R, G, B = 180, 200,
160). If the solution is not an integer,
For example, it may be a nearby integer.

Note that "N" shown in FIG. 15 is a value for specifying the transparency of the semi-transparent image, and in this example, an integer from 1 to 6 so that the transparency can be varied in 6 steps. I am trying to take. If "N" is "0", the image is the same as the special symbol (transparency is 0%), and if "N" is "7", the image is the same as the background image (transparency is 100%). Image). In this example,
Since "N" takes "1" to "6" between "0" and "7", it is possible to obtain a six-stage translucent image located between the special pattern image and the background image. You can Specifically, in this example, FIG.
When "N" in the mathematical formula shown in 5 is changed from "1" to "6", the special pattern image gradually comes closer to the background image in the semi-transparent image obtained by the calculation result. In this example, the transparency is set to 6 levels, but it may be set to other multiple levels. In that case, the possible value of “N” is changed (1 to 10 may be set in 10 steps), and the value shown in FIG.
Change "7" of denominator shown in 5 (if there are 10 levels, "1"
It should be changed to "1").

The formula used for the translucency calculation process shown in FIG. 15 is a formula used when the value indicated by the pixel data of the special symbol image is smaller than the value indicated by the pixel data of the background image, and When the value indicated by the pixel data of the pattern image is larger than the value indicated by the pixel data of the background image, “+” in the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 15 is set to “−”, and the numerator of the portion represented by the fraction. It suffices to use a mathematical expression in which the respective terms of are replaced. That is,
The difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding special symbol image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the background image is divided by 7, and the value obtained by multiplying that value by N is subtracted from the value indicated by the pixel data of the special symbol image. You can do it like this.

As described above, as the translucent operation processing,
When the arithmetic expression as shown in FIG. 15 is used and the value of “N” is increased as the distance from the predetermined stop position is increased, for example, as shown in FIG. As the distance from the predetermined stop position increases, a semi-transparent image whose transparency is gradually increased is displayed. In FIG. 16 (A), the determination target symbol “6” is opaquely displayed, and “5” and “7” are translucent images created by executing the translucent operation processing with N = 1. Displayed, "4"
And “8” are displayed by the translucent image created by executing the translucent operation processing with N = 2,
"3" and "9" are displayed by a translucent image created by executing the translucent operation processing with N = 3, and "2" and "10" are translucent operation processing with N = 4 Is displayed by a semi-transparent image created by executing, and "1" and "11" are displayed by a semi-transparent image created by performing the translucent operation processing with N = 5, 12 "is displayed by the translucent image created by executing the translucent calculation processing with N = 6. Then, when the special symbol moves due to the variable display, as shown in, for example, FIG. 16 (B), the transparency gradually decreases as it moves toward the front side, and when the symbol becomes the finalized symbol, it is displayed in an opaque manner. The transparency gradually increases as it passes through a predetermined stop position and moves to the depth side.

As described above, if the transparency of the special symbol to be displayed opaque is gradually increased as the distance from the predetermined stop position increases, the difference between the transparency of the special symbols causes the predetermined stop position. It becomes possible to easily grasp the approaching state (distance away) with each special pattern. Even in the case where the special symbols are arranged in an annular shape on the two-dimensional plane, the transparency of the special symbol displayed as opaque may be gradually increased as the distance from the predetermined stop position increases.

Note that, in the other example described above, the translucency calculation processing is performed by using the mathematical formulas shown in FIG. 15, but other calculation processing may be performed. By using the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 15, as the value of N is increased, a semi-transparent image that linearly approaches the background image from the special symbol image can be obtained. You may make it use the mathematical formula which can obtain the semi-transparent image which approaches a background image curvilinearly from a pattern image.

In the above example, when the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner, only the special symbols that first reach the predetermined stop position are opaquely displayed, but in the variable display of the identification information other than the special symbols. Alternatively, only the identification information that first reaches a predetermined stop position may be displayed in an opaque manner. You may make it perform the same control.

As described above, only the identification information that is the confirmation target among the identification information that is variably displayed is displayed in an opaque manner, so that the identification information that is the confirmation target is changed from other identification information. The variable display can be performed in a state where it can be easily identified.

Further, as described above, when the transparency of the identification information to be displayed opaque is gradually increased as the distance from the predetermined stop position (distance) is increased, the predetermined stop position and each identification are identified. It becomes possible to easily grasp the approaching degree (distance from the information) with the information.

Furthermore, as described above, since the plurality of pieces of identification information that are variably displayed are arranged in a ring shape on the two-dimensional plane, the arrangement order of the identification information can be easily grasped. As described above, if the plurality of pieces of identification information that are variably displayed are arranged in a ring shape in the three-dimensional space, the arrangement order of the identification information can be easily grasped and a predetermined stop position can be obtained. With this, it is possible to easily grasp the approaching degree (distinguishing degree) between each of the identification information.

In the above-described embodiment, the reach effect is performed by using the synthetic image obtained by the translucency process. However, for example, a notice effect for giving advance notice of a reach or a big hit, a big hit game. In various effects such as a big hit effect executed during a big hit round in a state or a big hit round, the effect using the above-described composite image may be performed. Further, not only the final stop symbol, but also other symbols (for example, 3 to stop in the order of left, right, and middle)
In the case of a symbol, for the left symbol and the right symbol), an effect using a synthetic image by semi-transparency processing may be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are arranged in a ring on a two-dimensional plane and displayed in a counterclockwise direction is described. May be in another direction. For example, when a plurality of pieces of identification information are arranged in a ring on a two-dimensional plane, variable display in which the identification information moves in the clockwise direction may be displayed. Further, in the above-described embodiment, all the identification information that is the stop target is displayed in the display area, but a part of the identification information that is the stop target (for example, apart from the finalization target symbol) One or two or more symbols) which are present may not be displayed in the display area.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the game machine, the variable display device 6 having both the function as the variable display device for variably displaying the identification information and the function as the image display device for displaying the effect image is provided. Although the pachinko gaming machine provided is described, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine, and the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine provided with a variable display device and an image display device separately. it can. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is an example of another gaming machine will be described.

FIG. 17 shows a slot machine (slot machine) 5
It is the front view which looked at 00 from the front. As shown in FIG. 17, the slot machine 500 has a game panel 501 near the center.
Is detachably attached. Also, game panel 5
A variable display device 502 that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols is provided near the center of the front surface of 01. In this embodiment, the variable display device 502 has “left”,
There are three symbol display areas of "middle" and "right", and the symbol display reels 502 respectively corresponding to the symbol display areas.
a, 502b, 502c are provided.

Below the game panel 501, there is provided an operation table 520 in which various input switches for the player to perform various operations are arranged. Operation table 52
BET one coin on the back side of 0
BET switch 521 for betting, MAXBET switch 522 for betting coins by the maximum number of coins that can be played in one game (3 coins in this example), and settlement switch 5
23 and a coin slot 524 are provided. The coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 524 is detected by an insertion coin sensor (not shown).

A start switch 525 and a left reel stop switch 526 are provided on the front side of the operation table 520.
a, middle reel stop switch 526b, right reel stop switch 526c, and coin jam clearing switch 5
27 are provided. Lamps 528a and 528b are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 520, respectively. Below the operation table 520, a speaker 530 that outputs a sound effect or the like is provided.

On the upper part of the game panel 501, an image display device (LCD: which informs the player of a game method, a game state, etc.).
A liquid crystal display device) 540 is provided. For example, when a winning occurs, an image of the character performing a predetermined action is displayed on the image display device 540 to notify the player that a winning flag to be described later is set. In this example, the image display device 540 displays a composite screen by the translucency process. Further, two speakers 541L and 541R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right of the image display device 540.

The winning combinations generated by the slot machine 500 include a small winning combination, a replay winning combination, a big bonus winning combination, and a regular bonus winning combination. Slot machine 5
At 00, a random number is extracted at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, and it is determined whether or not the generation of a prize by any of the above winning combinations is permitted. The fact that winning is permitted is called "internal winning". When the internal winning is achieved, the winning flag indicating that is the slot machine 5
It is set inside 00. In the game in which the winning flag is set, the reels 502a to 502c are controlled so that the winning combination corresponding to the winning flag can be drawn. On the other hand, in the game in which the winning flag is not set, the reel 502 is set so that the winning is not generated.
a to 502c are controlled.

Next, the outline of the game provided by the slot machine will be described. For example, the coin slot 524
Coins are inserted from BET switch 521 or MAX
When the bet number is set by pressing the BET switch 522 or the like, the operation of the start switch 525 becomes valid. When the player operates the start switch 525, the symbol display reels 502a to 502c provided on the variable display device 502 start to rotate. Also, at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated,
When the regular bonus prize or the big bonus prize is internally won, for example, by displaying a screen in which a predetermined character is performing a predetermined motion on the image display device 540, the player or the like is notified that the internal bonus is won. Be informed.

When a predetermined time elapses after each of the symbol display reels 502a to 502c starts rotating, the operation of each reel stop switch 526a to 526c becomes effective. In this state, the player operates each reel stop switch 526a.
By pressing any one of to 526c, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped. In addition,
Without stopping each symbol display reel 502a-502c,
When left for a predetermined period or longer, each symbol display reel 50
2a-502c stop automatically.

All symbol display reels 502a to 502
At the time point c is stopped, the position is on the effective pay line determined according to the number of symbols in the three-stage symbols of the upper, middle, and lower symbol display reels 502a to 502c displayed on the variable display device 502. Whether or not a prize is won is determined by a combination of symbols to be displayed. When the number of multiplications is 1, only the pay line in the horizontal row in the middle row of the variable display device 502 is activated. When the number of multiplications is 2, the variable display device 5
The winning lines in the horizontal three rows in the upper row, the middle row, and the lower row in 02 are activated. When the number of multiplications is 3, the variable display device 50
A total of 5 winning lines, which are the horizontal 3 rows and the diagonally diagonal 2 rows, are the effective lines.

When a combination of symbols on the activated line becomes a specific display mode determined in advance and a winning occurs, a predetermined game effect is given by sound, light, display of the image display device 540, and the like. A game is started according to the occurrence of a prize.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a main board (game control board) 600 provided in the slot machine 500. FIG. 18 also shows the effect control board 630 and the reel unit 650. Although other boards such as a power board and a relay board are also connected to the main board 600, they are not shown in FIG. The main board 600 is a CPU 602 that performs a control operation according to a program, and a RAM 6 that is an example of a storage unit used as a work memory.
03, ROM 6 for storing game control programs, etc.
04 and an I / O port unit 605.

The reel unit 650 includes a reel motor 651, a reel lamp 652, and a reel sensor 653.
And are stored. The reel motor 651 is a motor for rotating each reel 502a to 502c.
The reel lamp 652 is provided inside each of the reels 502a to 502c, and is a lamp for illuminating a symbol visually recognized on the variable display device 502 from the inside of the reel among the symbols drawn on the reels 502a to 502c. . The reel sensor 653 is a sensor for detecting the rotation state, the number of rotations, and the like of each reel 502a to 502c.

In this embodiment, the effect control board 630.
The effect control means mounted on the display control display of the image display device 540 provided in the slot machine 500 and lighting control of the reel lamp 652. Image display device 540
Under the control of the effect control means, various information such as a variable display of the decorative pattern, a display for notifying the game state and the game method, and the like are displayed. In this example, the production control board 63
The production control means installed in 0 is C for production control.
PU, GCL, etc. are included. Therefore, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 is configured to be able to execute the translucent processing, as in the pachinko gaming machine described above. The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 is various game effect lamps 550, 551, 55 provided in the slot machine 500.
2, 553 lighting control, and sound output control of the speakers 501, 541L, 541R provided in the slot machine 500 are performed.

In this example, the effect control board 630 follows the effect pattern based on the control command received from the main board 600, and displays the image display device 540 and the game effect lamp 5.
50 and the like and the speaker 530 and the like are controlled. On the image display device 540, the decorative pattern is variably displayed according to a predetermined image display pattern (an example of an effect pattern). In the decorative display variable display effect, for example, a symbol combination effect display such as a special symbol variable display in a pachinko machine or a symbol combination effect such as a variable display of reels 502a to 502c is executed. Which effect pattern to use from a plurality of effect patterns provided in advance is determined by the CPU 602 at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, for example.

In the slot machine 500 described above, effects and the like using a synthetic image by the translucency process are performed. However, those effects are, for example, due to a regular bonus prize during a normal game period in which no prize is won. It may be executed during a period during which the regular bonus game is being played, a period during which a big bonus game with a big bonus prize is being played, or the like.

In this example, for example, by a translucency process or the like, a predetermined stop position is selected from among a plurality of decorative symbols (display symbols whose display results do not relate to determination of winning or the like) that are variably displayed on the image display device 540. The effect is such that only the final target symbol that arrives first is displayed opaque, and the other symbols are displayed semitransparently.

As described above, the present invention can be applied to the slot machine, and even when applied to the slot machine, the effects of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

Each of the above-mentioned gaming machines is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player when the display result of the variable display on the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode. The game value is, for example, that a variable winning ball device provided in a game area of a game machine is in an advantageous state for a player who easily wins a prize, or a right to be in an advantageous state for a player is generated. What to do
That is, the condition for paying out the prize game medium is easily established.

In the above-described embodiment, the "reach display state" means that the symbols other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left and right middle symbols) in the variable display device continue for a predetermined time. , Display state that is stopped, swinging, enlarged or reduced or deformed in a state that matches the specific display mode, or a plurality of symbols are changed in synchronization with the same symbol, or the positions of the display symbols are exchanged Then, it means a display state in which the possibility of a big hit continues before the final result is displayed. In addition, the production performed in the reach display state is called reach production. Further, the reach display state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach display mode.

The "specific game state" means a state that is advantageous to the player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the "specific game state" is, for example, a state in which the state of the variable winning ball device is advantageous for a player who is easy to win a prize (big hit gaming state), and a right to be an advantageous state for the player is generated. A state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state or a state in which the condition for paying out the prize game medium is easily established.

Further, the "special game state" means a state that is advantageous to the player who is prone to a big hit. Specifically, the "special gaming state" is, for example, a probability variation state in which the probability that the special symbol is a big hit symbol and the probability of aligning is a high probability state, a time saving state in which the number of changes of the ordinary symbol per unit time is increased, a variable winning ball device 9 is a high-probability state in which the probability of a big hit, such as the opening period and the number of times of opening, is increased. In the time saving state, since the number of times the variable winning ball device 9 is opened is increased, the number of winnings per unit time is increased, and the number of times the special symbol is variably displayed per unit time is increased. Can be said to have been raised. Similarly, in the extended extension state, the number of winnings per unit time is increased because the opening period and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 9 are increased, and the number of times the special symbol is variable displayed per unit time is increased. Therefore, it can be said that the probability of being a big hit is increased.

[0143]

As described above, according to the present invention, only the identification information which is the confirmation target in the vicinity of the effective line among the identification information that is displayed in a variable manner is displayed in an opaque manner. It is possible to variably display the identification information that is indicated in a state where it can be easily identified from other identification information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine seen from the front.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine viewed from the back side.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example centering on a game control unit.

It is the block diagram which shows the circuit constitution example of the production control board.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

It is the flowchart which shows the main processing which the production control CPU executes.

It is the flowchart which shows the production control process treatment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a translucent process.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a composite screen created by the translucency process.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another display state of the composite screen created by the translucency processing.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of mathematical formulas used in the translucency calculation process.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing still another display state of the composite screen created by the translucency processing.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the slot machine viewed from the front.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main board mounted on a slot machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine 6 Variable display (LCD) 30 Main board 33 CPU 60 Lamp control unit 70 sound control section 80 Display control unit 81 GCL 100 production control board 101 CPU for production control 500 slot machine 540 Image display device (LCD) 600 Main board 630 Production control board

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G09G 5/377 G09G 5/36 520M F term (reference) 2C088 AA35 AA36 EB55 5B050 AA10 BA08 BA18 EA19 EA24 FA02 FA17 5C082 AA06 AA21 BA02 BA12 BB42 CA11 CA56 DA42 DA51 MM10

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. When the game control means determines that a big hit is achieved by having a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, it is transmitted from the game control means. Based on the game state instruction command, the production control means performs the production control including the variable display control of the identification information in the variable display device, and the variation display result of the identification information is displayed as a big hit on the preset effective line. Along with the game state, the game state is a specific game state advantageous to the player, the production control means, during the variable display of the identification information, the identification information in the vicinity of the effective line A gaming machine characterized by being made opaque and displaying semi-transparently by increasing transparency of identification information other than the opaquely displayed identification information. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect control means increases the transparency as the identification information is separated from the activated line. 3. The plurality of pieces of identification information that are variably displayed are:
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machines are arranged in a ring shape on a two-dimensional plane. 4. The plurality of pieces of identification information that are variably displayed are:
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is arranged in a ring shape in a three-dimensional space. 5. A variation in which variation display of identification information displayed on a variable display device is started when a predetermined variation start condition is satisfied, and variation display of identification information is stopped when a predetermined variation stop condition is satisfied. An image display for performing a symbol combination effect display of a plurality of symbols on an activated line preset on the image display device based on a display control means and a predetermined image display pattern determined when a predetermined variation start condition is satisfied. A game machine comprising a control means, wherein the image display control means, while variably displaying the symbols, makes the symbols in the vicinity of the effective line opaque, and the symbols other than the opaquely displayed symbols. A gaming machine characterized by increasing the transparency of the display and displaying it semi-transparently.