JP2011045760A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance expectations felt by players for a special favor by changing picture display patterns to be shown on a display part based on players' intentional expression. <P>SOLUTION: With regards to a game machine such as a Pachinko game machine, when the intentional expression of a player depressing an indication button (intentional expression detection means) is detected, a detection signal is outputted. Then, receiving the detection signal through the main control board within a pattern variation period (required period), a display control board (picture display means) displays a plurality of screens (figures) on a special pattern display device (display part) switching them based on a ready for win pattern selected from among a plurality of those patterns (S92-S102). So, depending on the ready for win patterns changed (altered) according to the intentional expression made by the players, this can make the players believe that the special figures to be stopped may vary. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and relates to a technique for variously changing a symbol display pattern displayed on a display unit.

  Many of the pachinko machines that are one of the gaming machines start to fluctuate the symbol group in a plurality of fluctuation areas in the display device when a game ball wins or passes through a predetermined area (for example, a start port or a gate). For example, in the case of three variable areas, the symbol group starts to fluctuate in the left, middle, and right variable areas. Such an aspect of changing the symbol group is referred to as “symbol change”. In one pachinko machine, a plurality of symbol variation display patterns to be displayed on the display are prepared, and the symbol variation display pattern is determined according to a random number or the like. Then, after a while from the start of symbol variation, the variation of the symbol group is stopped and a special symbol is displayed. In the above example, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped and displayed as special symbols after variation in the left, middle, and right variation regions.

  Conventionally, when the symbol variation starts, for example, the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped first, and then the middle symbol is stopped. If the left symbol and the right symbol that were stopped first become the same symbol, a moving image such as a still image or animation is displayed as “reach”, or the variation rate of the symbol group changes in the middle fluctuation region. It was displayed like doing. A combination of the left symbol and the right symbol when reaching the reach is called “reach symbol”, and a display pattern such as symbol variation performed on the display after reaching the reach is called “reach pattern”.

  Some conventional pachinko machines are provided with a button for shortening a period (hereinafter referred to as “symbol variation period”) from when symbol variation starts to when it stops. If the player presses the button during the fluctuation, the symbol fluctuation period is shortened only for the symbol fluctuation, and the special symbol is stopped earlier than the normal symbol fluctuation. As a result, the number of symbol fluctuations that can be executed per unit time can be increased, and as a result, the chances for a big hit can be increased. The following patent document 1 can be mentioned to such a thing.

JP-A-6-134102

  However, in the conventional pachinko machine, when the button is pressed, the symbol variation period is simply shortened, and the symbol variation display pattern displayed on the display is not changed. Thus, even if the button is pressed, the display pattern of the symbol variation does not change, so even if the variation of the symbol group is stopped at an early stage, the expectation of the player who expects a privilege such as a big hit cannot be increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by changing the symbol display pattern displayed on the display unit based on the player's intention display, the player's expectation of benefits can be enhanced. With the goal.

Means 1 for solving the problem is as described in claim 1. Here, the following terms are interpreted as follows.
(1) “Design” is a special design consisting of characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji, etc.), symbols, signs, figures (characters, etc.), images, etc., ordinary designs, background designs, etc. It may be a moving image such as an animation.
(2) The “display unit” may be a single display (display device) or may be configured by a plurality of displays. The display may be a light emitting (coloring) display such as a liquid crystal display or the like, or a display such as a drum display or the like displaying a design on the display surface. Good. Further, it may be a full screen displayed on the display, or a partial screen (for example, a variable region) composed of one or a plurality of screens.
(3) The “symbol display pattern” is a pattern for displaying a symbol on the display unit in a substantially continuous or discontinuous manner. For example, a variation pattern, a reach pattern, or an animation for realizing the variation of the symbol group is applicable.
(4) The “recording unit” is a recording device or a recording medium, and includes all devices capable of recording a plurality of symbol display patterns. For example, a RAM, a ROM, a disk device, a disk (floppy (registered trademark), magneto-optical, or the like) is applicable.
(5) “Required period” includes a predetermined period and an indefinite period. The predetermined period further includes a fixed period and a specified period. The fixed period means a period that cannot be adjusted by setting or the like, and the designated period means a period whose length can be adjusted by setting or the like. The indefinite period means a period in which a required condition is satisfied, for example, a jackpot game period or a period in which an opening / closing member (a winning wing cover, a movable wing piece such as a blade or a tulip) is open.

  The configuration of the invention according to claim 1 is as follows. In other words, a display device is provided that can display a jackpot effect when a combination of specific symbols is established after reaching by one reach pattern selected from a plurality of preset reach patterns by variably displaying predetermined symbols. In a gaming machine, a plurality of types of reach patterns that can cause a big hit or loss are set for a plurality of stop modes in which the symbols to be stopped finally stop and become big hits or loses. Is a reach pattern storage means in which a plurality of types of jackpot appearance ratios are set and stored, and a jackpot determination means for extracting a jackpot determination random number based on a detection signal from the start port sensor and determining whether or not a jackpot is determined The reach pattern stored in the reach pattern storage means when the reach process is executed based on the determination result. Reach pattern random number determining means for determining a reach pattern random number for selecting an area; reach pattern determining means for determining a reach pattern based on the reach pattern random number determined by the reach pattern random number determining means; and the reach pattern Reach pattern display means for displaying the reach pattern determined by the determination means on the display device, and the reach pattern display means based on the player's operation while the predetermined reach pattern is displayed on the display device. An input means capable of changing the reach pattern displayed on the display device, and the jackpot determination random number is extracted again based on the operation of the input means, and the reach process is started based on the determination result of the jackpot determination means. The reach pattern random number determining means A reach pattern changing means for determining a reach pattern from the reach pattern storage means by the reach pattern determining means and displaying the determined reach pattern on the display device by the reach pattern display means. It is characterized by this.

  According to the present invention, the reach pattern to be displayed on the display device is changed based on the player's intention display, and since the displayed reach pattern has a plurality of types of jackpot appearance ratios, The expectation of the player who expects a privilege can be raised.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a main control board and a display control board. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the 1st type starting port process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the symbol fluctuation process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of reach processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of reach pattern display processing. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a command block. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a symbol display process. It is a time chart which shows the change after starting the fluctuation | variation of a symbol group until it stops. It is a flowchart which shows the content of reach processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern display process. It is a time chart which shows the change after starting the fluctuation | variation of a symbol group until it stops.

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko machine that is one of gaming machines, and shows an example in which a reach pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display is changed. The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the appearance of a pachinko machine 10 that is a first type pachinko machine. On the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, a gate 32 having a gate sensor 58 for detecting a pachinko ball passing therethrough, a first type starting port 30 having a starting port sensor 60 for detecting a winning pachinko ball, If the pachinko ball wins within the grand opening opening period (for example, 20 seconds), the large winning hole 34 having the V zone 56 that can continue the jackpot gaming state within the required number of times (for example, 16 times), as will be described later. In addition to the composite device 14 having the symbol display 22, the holding ball lamps 20, 28, etc., a general winning opening, a windmill, a nail and the like are appropriately arranged. The big prize opening 34 has a lid 74 that is opened and closed by a solenoid 54. A lower start port 68 having a start port sensor 66 for detecting a winning pachinko ball is provided below the large winning port 34. The lower start port 68 has the same function as the first type start port 30. The first type starting port 30 and the lower starting port 68 both pay out a prize ball in the same manner as a normal winning port when a pachinko ball wins.

  The composite device 14 displays a normal symbol display 24 that displays normal symbols while fluctuating or stopped, a special symbol display 22 that can display symbols, and the number of pachinko balls that have passed through the gate 32 during the normal symbol variation. The holding ball lamp 20 has a holding ball lamp 28 that displays the number of pachinko balls won in the first type starting port 30 and the lower starting port 68 while the special symbol is changing. Hereinafter, the number that can be recognized by the display of the holding ball lamp 28 is simply referred to as “the number of holding balls”. The normal symbol display 24 includes a plurality of light emitters 26 (for example, a green LED and a red LED). When a pachinko ball passes through the gate 32, the fluctuation starts and stops after a predetermined time. Specifically, the light emitter 26 is blinked or the like to change, and when the specific light emitter 26 (for example, red LED) stops in a lighting state or a light-off state, the lid of the lower start port 68 is closed for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds). Just open it.

The special symbol display 22 corresponding to the display unit uses, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays special symbols, background symbols and the like made up of characters, symbols, symbols, figures, images, and the like. The special symbol displayed on the special symbol indicator 22 starts to fluctuate when a pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30 or the lower starting port 68 and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, although the liquid crystal display was used as the special symbol display 22, any display capable of displaying a symbol such as a CRT, LED display, plasma display or the like may be used. Moreover, although the normal symbol display 24 and the special symbol display 22 are used separately, the same display may be used for both. Each of the holding ball lamps 20 and 28 includes a plurality of light emitters (for example, four LEDs).

  Below the game board surface 12, an instruction button 48 for a player to instruct a change of a symbol display pattern (variation pattern, reach pattern, etc.) by his / her intention display during a game, and a pachinko ball including a prize ball is temporarily stored. Provided inside the upper plate 38 which is a tray for receiving a prize ball, the ashtray 46 for putting a cigarette butt, a touch sensor 42 for detecting whether or not the player's hand is touching And a speaker 50 for producing sound (such as sound effects and music). Also provided are a frame opening sensor 36 for detecting the opening of the glass frame 18 and lamps 16 made of light emitters arranged at appropriate positions in accordance with game contents of the pachinko machine 10 and the like. Furthermore, the upper plate 38 is provided with a ball lending switch 64 for instructing ball lending and a return switch 72 for instructing the return of the prepaid card. The instruction button 48 corresponds to intention display detection means and outputs a detection signal.

  Next, in response to a main control board 100 that realizes a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 and a display command (corresponding to a detection signal, for example, a command block) sent from the main control board 100, the special symbol display 22 displays the symbol. Will be described with reference to FIG. 2 showing a schematic configuration thereof. The main control board 100 and the display control board 200 are provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, for example. In FIG. 2, a main control board 100 corresponding to privilege determination means and valid / invalid control means is mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 110, a ROM 112 for storing a game control program and required game data (for example, jackpot value), and the like. RAM 114 for storing random numbers, data, input / output signals, etc., input processing circuit 102 that receives signals sent from various input devices and converts them into a data format that can be processed in main control board 100, and sent from CPU 110 An output processing circuit 104 that operates various output devices in response to the operation data, a display control circuit 106 that displays various display bodies appropriately (including lighting and blinking) in response to display data sent from the CPU 110, and display control A communication control circuit 116 for transmitting necessary data to the substrate 200 is included. All of these components are coupled to each other by bus 118.

  The CPU 110 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 112 to realize a game by the pachinko machine 10, and the game control program includes a program for realizing a first-type start port process and the like described later. The ROM 112 uses an EPROM and the RAM 114 uses a DRAM, but other types of memories may be used. Such other types of memory include EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, and the like. As an input device for the input processing circuit 102 to receive a detection signal or the like, for example, an instruction button 48, start port sensors 60 and 66, a gate sensor 58, a winning sensor (V zone sensor 52 or the like) or other sensors (frame opening sensor 36, Touch sensor 42, etc.). As an output device from which the output processing circuit 104 outputs a signal, there is a solenoid 54, for example. Examples of the display body that is controlled by the display control circuit 106 include the lamps 16, the holding ball lamps 20 and 28, or the normal symbol display 24. The communication control circuit 116 can send necessary data to a frame control board, a hall computer, etc. (not shown) as required.

Next, the display control board 200 corresponding to the symbol display means is configured with the CPU 210 as the center, and a display control program and required display data (for example, display information corresponding to a display command, a plurality of variation patterns including a deviation variation pattern, ROM 202 for storing a plurality of reach patterns, etc., RAM 204 for storing display commands, display information, input / output signals, etc., communication control circuit 206 for receiving data sent from the main control board 100, storing required symbols The character generator 212 that is generated in response to the command, the display information sent from the CPU 210, and the VDP (Video
Display Processor) 214
Etc. All of these components are coupled to each other by bus 208.

  The CPU 210 executes a display control program stored in the ROM 202 and displays a symbol on the special symbol display 22, and the display control program includes a program for realizing a symbol display process and the like which will be described later. The ROM 202 corresponding to the recording unit uses an EPROM, and the RAM 204 uses a DRAM, but other types of memories may be used. Such other types of memory include EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, and the like. The communication control circuit 206 can send necessary data to a frame control board, a hall computer, etc. (not shown) as required. The symbol data generated by the character generator 212 includes, for example, characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, etc.), symbols (special symbols, ordinary symbols, background symbols, characters, etc.), still images, moving images (animation, etc.), images, and the like. The VDP 214 having a VRAM, a palette RAM, etc. receives the display information, reads the design data generated by the character generator 212, performs design editing such as color designation and sprite processing, and develops the design data in the VRAM and palette RAM. Finally, the video signal, the synchronization signal, etc. are output to the special symbol display 22.

  In the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, a processing procedure performed by the main control board 100 and the display control board 200 in order to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 shows the contents of the first type start port process, FIG. 4 shows the contents of the symbol variation process, FIG. 5 shows the contents of the variation display process, FIG. 6 shows the contents of the reach process, and FIG. The contents of the reach pattern display process are shown in FIG. 9, and the contents of the symbol display process are shown in a flowchart. Among these processing procedures, the first type start port process, the symbol variation process, the variation display process, the reach process, and the reach pattern display process are all game control programs stored in the ROM 112 in the main control board 100 shown in FIG. Is executed by the CPU 110 at an appropriate timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds). Further, the symbol display process is realized by the CPU 210 and the VDP 214 executing a program at an appropriate timing on the display control board 200. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the command block. In FIG. 10, the example of the pattern of the symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22 is shown. In the following description, “adding” usually means increasing the number of held balls by one, but includes a case where it is increased by two or more as appropriate according to the gaming state or the like. On the other hand, “subtract” is the same as the case of addition except that the number of reserved balls is reduced. Since the first type starting port 30 and the lower starting port 68 operate in the same manner, the first type starting port 30 will be described as an example in order to simplify the description.

  The first type starting port process shown in FIG. 3 realizes a pachinko ball winning determination with respect to the first type starting port 30. First, it is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won the first type starting port 30 [step S10]. Specifically, in FIG. 4, when a detection signal is received from the start port sensor 60, it is determined that a prize has been won (YES), and if no detection signal is received, it is determined that no prize has been won (NO). If a pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls has reached an upper limit (for example, 4) [step S12]. If the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit (NO), the number of reserved balls is added [step S14]. The LED of the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on according to the added number of holding balls. Thereafter, various random numbers are read and stored [step S16], and the first type start port process is terminated. In addition, when the pachinko ball has not won the first type start opening 30 (NO in step S10), or when the number of retained balls reaches the upper limit (YES in step S12), the first type start opening is left as it is. End the process.

Here, for example, various random numbers read in step S16 and stored in the RAM 114 include the following. That is, the jackpot determination random number RA used for determining whether or not the jackpot is determined, and the jackpot symbol (a combination of specific symbols) displayed on the special symbol display 22 when the jackpot determination random number RA is determined to be a jackpot. Random number RB for jackpot symbol used for identification, reach symbol displayed on special symbol display 22 (combination of predetermined symbols)
The reach pattern random number RC used to specify the display pattern from reaching the reach until the change is stopped according to the above, or the probability change used to determine whether the probability change is made after the big hit It is a random number RD. Here, “reach (reach state)” means that the other special symbols (the first symbol, the second symbol) are the same as the reach symbols except for the remaining special symbols (the third symbol) that are still fluctuating. Means the state.

  The symbol variation process shown in FIG. 4 realizes a display for varying or stopping the symbol group on the special symbol display 22. First, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is a positive number (that is, the number of held balls> 0 is satisfied) [step S20]. When the number of held balls is a positive number (YES), the jackpot determination random number RA stored in step S16 is read [step S22], and the number of held balls is subtracted for the next processing (step S24). The LED of the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on according to the subtracted holding ball number. Then, the variable display process is executed [step S26]. The specific contents of the fluctuation display process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The change display process shown in FIG. 5 realizes display from when the symbol group starts to change until it stops. First, it is determined whether or not it is a “big hit” [step S40]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the jackpot determination random number RA read in step S22 matches the jackpot value. The jackpot value is one in the normal state, but may be increased to a plurality depending on the gaming state (for example, probability fluctuation). If it is determined that the jackpot is “YES” (YES), the jackpot symbol random number RB stored in step S16 of FIG. 3 is read [step S42], and the process proceeds to step S44 described later to start changing the symbol group. In accordance with the value of the jackpot symbol random number RB, a symbol to be finally stopped and fixed (hereinafter referred to as “scheduled symbol to be stopped”) is determined. On the other hand, when it is determined as “displacement” in step S40 (NO), in order to display the off symbol on the special symbol display 22, after reading out the off symbol data from the RAM 114 [step S60], reach to the off symbol is reached. It is determined whether or not a symbol is included [step S62]. The reach symbol corresponds to a combination of the first symbol (for example, the left symbol) and the second symbol (for example, the right symbol), and in many pachinko machines 10, the same symbol (so-called doublet) is used. If a reach symbol is included (YES), it will eventually become “out of”, but reach will be reached midway, so the process proceeds to step S44 described later. If the reach symbol is not included (NO), the process proceeds to step S64 described later.

  After a display command is sent to the display control board 200 to start changing the symbol group [step S44], a reach process is executed [step S46]. The processing performed on the display control board 200 will be described later, and the specific contents of the reach processing will be described with reference to FIG. The reach process shown in FIG. 6 realizes a change based on reach display and reach pattern. First, the reach pattern random number RC stored in step S16 of FIG. 3 is read [step S70], and the reach pattern is determined [step S72]. The reach pattern corresponds to a symbol display pattern for displaying symbols on the special symbol display 22, and a plurality of reach patterns are stored in the ROM 202. The reach pattern is determined according to Table 1 shown below based on the scheduled stop symbol determined in step S42 (or step S60) of FIG. 5 and the reach pattern random number RC read in step S70, for example. Table 1 shows a setting example of the relationship between symbols and the reach pattern random number RC that can take any numerical value from 0 to 10. The symbol relationship is a symbol shift between the reach symbol and the third symbol (for example, the middle symbol). In consideration of the changing direction, 2 symbols before, 1 symbol before, 1 symbol before, 1 symbol after, 2 After the symbol, the symbol is divided into other symbols (for example, before three symbols or after three symbols). For example, if the reach symbol is “7” and the third symbol is “6”, the third symbol viewed from the reach symbol is “one symbol before”.

  In the example of Table 1, six reach patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, and ζ are set. Further, when focusing on the reach pattern ε, a large number is set when the symbol relationship is the same symbol, that is, a big hit, and a small number is set when the symbol relationship is lost. For this reason, when the reach pattern ε is displayed on the special symbol display 22, it is assumed that the player who has seen this is likely to be a big hit, so that the player is expected to expect a privilege.

  When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the setting of the position and the number of reach patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, ζ in Table 1 may be changed (changed). As the predetermined condition, for example, when a special symbol stops at a designated symbol (including a specific symbol and a combination of specific symbols, for example, “333”), or a condition according to the type, date, etc. of the pachinko machine 10 It may be changed appropriately. In this way, the player can maintain the expectation that will be a big hit until all of the special symbols are stopped. Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the number and type of symbols that vary in the variation region, the configuration of the symbol group, and the like may be changed. In this way, the reach pattern forms are diversified, and in some cases, the reach pattern having a high probability of winning is displayed. Therefore, the player can play with a sense of expectation that is a big hit as the reach pattern changes and diversifies. Further, the reach pattern determination method is not limited to the method of determining based on the symbol relationship and the reach pattern random number RC, but a method of determining based on the remainder obtained by dividing the reach pattern random number RC by a predetermined value, or a plurality of reach patterns (In the above example, the six reach patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, ζ) are determined in any order, such as in ascending order, reverse order, order based on any order, etc. There may be.

  After the reach pattern is determined, the variation of the symbol group is continued based on the variation pattern [Step S74], and then the reach symbol is displayed [Step S80]. The variation pattern is a pattern for realizing display of a variation mode (design variation of a special symbol) or an animation (background symbol) of a symbol group, and is determined using, for example, a random number or a data table. Among the variations of the symbol group, there are normal variations in the manner in which the reels rotate, forward / reverse variations in the manner in which the reel swings in the direction centered on the screen, all symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) ) Are synchronized while changing all symbols. In addition, the variation pattern that realizes the variation mode of the symbol group includes the variation speed and variation direction during the variation, the timing and order of stopping, and the like when the variation is performed in each of the plurality of variation regions. For example, if the order of symbols to be stopped is different if the variation pattern is different, a sense of expectation in which a reach, a big hit, or the like can be expected depending on the order of stoppage. Furthermore, although the reach symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 22, it may be displayed only on other indicators or both. In this way, since the reach symbol or the like is displayed on the display other than the special symbol indicator 22, it is easy to recognize what the reach symbol is. When displaying the reach symbol, the player may be notified that the reach has been reached. As the notification, for example, a character “reach” or a predetermined animation is displayed, a sound or a specific sound effect is output from the speaker 50, and the handle 40 touched by the player or the chair on which the player sits is vibrated. There are various aspects. In this way, the player can more reliably recognize that the reach has been reached.

  After the reach symbol is displayed, the instruction button 48 is activated and notified [step S82], and the reach pattern display process is executed [step S84]. When step S82 is executed, the instruction button 48 is activated effectively. For example, the validity is displayed as a symbol on the special symbol display 22 (notification means). In addition, you may alert | report in the aspect similar to the aspect which alert | reports to the player that the said reach has been reached. In this case, the speaker 50, the handle 40, the chair, etc. also correspond to the notification means. Here, specific contents of the reach pattern display processing will be described with reference to FIG. The reach pattern display process shown in FIG. 7 implements a mode in which the variation of the symbol group is continued based on the reach pattern. First, a part of the command block (hereinafter referred to as “block data”) corresponding to the reach pattern determined in step S72 of FIG. 6 is set [step S90]. Here, a configuration example of a command block corresponding to a display command sent from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A command block 300 shown in FIG. 8 (A) is a symbol display for specifying a symbol number 302 for specifying a special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display 22 and a position (coordinate) for displaying the special symbol specified by the symbol number 302. Position 304, animation number 306 specifying the variation mode and animation of the symbol group displayed on the special symbol display 22, and symbols constituting the variation mode and animation specified by the animation number 306 (for one screen) An animation timer 308 that identifies the data, a checksum 310 that is used to determine the validity of the data, and the like. In this example, symbol numbers 302, symbol display positions 304, animation numbers 306, etc. correspond to the block data.

  Each special symbol that can be displayed is given a unique number, and the special symbol to be displayed is specified by the symbol number 302. When a plurality of special symbols are displayed at the same time, a symbol number corresponding to the number may be specified. When three special symbols (ie, left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol) are displayed at the same time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), symbol numbers such as left symbol number 302a, middle symbol number 302b, right symbol number 302c, etc. 302 is specified. Further, when a plurality of special symbols are displayed simultaneously, it is necessary to specify the symbol display position corresponding to the number. In the above example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the symbol display position 304 is specified by the left symbol display position 304a, the middle symbol display position 304b, the right symbol display position 304c, and the like. Each animation that can be displayed is assigned a unique number, and the animation to be displayed is specified by the animation number 306. When there are a large number of animations, it is desirable to store the animations in groups and assign a unique number to each group in order to make it easy to set block data. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 8D, the animation number 306 is specified by the group number 306a, the animation identification number 306b, and the like.

  After setting the block data, another part of the command block 300 is set to display the current one screen [Step S92], and the command block 300 is sent to the display control board 200 [Step S94]. Then, the one screen is displayed on the special symbol display 22. Other parts of the command block 300 include an animation timer 308 and a checksum 310. For example, if steps S92 and S94 are executed 30 times per second on a substantially continuous screen, it is possible to realize a change in the design group, animation, etc. using the afterimage effect of human eyes. Then, it is determined whether or not the instruction button 48 has been pressed according to the player's intention display [step S96]. Since the instruction button 48 is not normally pressed (NO), as long as there are remaining screens, the above-described steps S92 and S94 are executed to display changes in the symbol group, animation, etc. on the special symbol display 22 [step S106].

On the other hand, when the player presses the instruction button 48 during the change (YES in step S96), the following processing is executed. That is, the reach pattern random number RC is read in the same manner as in step S16 shown in FIG. 3 (step S100), the reach pattern is determined in the same manner as in step S72 shown in FIG. 6, and the reach pattern is changed as a result (step S102). As long as there are remaining screens, the above steps S92 and S94 are executed to display changes in the symbol group, animation, etc. on the special symbol display 22 [step S106]. In step S102, it is necessary to reset the block data in the same manner as in step S90 in order to change the variation mode and animation of the symbol group displayed on the special symbol display 22 in accordance with the change of the reach pattern. In this way, each time the player presses the instruction button 48, the reach pattern displayed on the special symbol display 22 can be changed. Depending on the reach pattern thus changed (changed), it is possible to make the player think that the special symbol to be stopped changes. Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation of the player who expects a privilege such as jackpot. In the reach pattern process shown in FIG. 7, the reach pattern is controlled to be changed any number of times, but the reach pattern change may be controlled to be limited to a predetermined number of times (for example, once). In this way, the player presses the instruction button 48 with expectation and tension within the limited number of times in order to display a better reach pattern.

  In addition to the processes in steps S100 and S102, the following process may be executed at an arbitrary timing in an arbitrary model. First, when the player presses the instruction button 48 during a change (YES in step S96), the jackpot determination random number RA, the probability change random number RD, and the like are read and stored in the RAM 114 (step S98). As a result, the value stored in step S16 in FIG. 3 changes, so whether or not the jackpot will eventually become a big hit, whether or not the probability will change, etc. (step S28 in FIG. 4, step S48 in FIG. 5). Depending on the timing at which the player presses the instruction button 48, a jackpot or probability fluctuation may occur (addition of bonus), and the type of jackpot may change (change of bonus). Examples of changing the type of jackpot include a mode in which a jackpot with a small number of rounds changes to a jackpot with a large number of rounds, and vice versa. In this way, the player can press the instruction button 48 with a sense of expectation that the player expects a change in privilege (that is, an addition of a privilege and / or a privilege), as well as the pleasure of seeing a change in the changing symbol group. . The privilege to be added and / or the privilege to be changed are not limited to the jackpot game or the probability variation, but may be added / changed in the number of times and the probability variation, or may be arbitrarily combined with at least two privileges among the benefits described above.

  Second, when the player presses the instruction button 48 during the change (YES in step S96), after changing the reach pattern [step S102], the range to be displayed on the special symbol display 22 for the changed reach pattern is displayed. Determine [Step S104]. In the pachinko machine 10, the symbol variation period of the reach pattern is set to a certain period, the symbol variation period becomes a certain period due to time reduction, or the variation of the symbol group in the pattern variation period of the reach pattern determined in step S72 of FIG. There is something to do. In this case, if the changed reach pattern is displayed on the special symbol display 22 from the beginning to the end, the symbol variation period is expanded or contracted. Therefore, in order to end the change of the symbol group due to the changed reach pattern within the remaining symbol change period, the display range in the changed reach pattern is determined. Specifically, a range (start time and end time) that can be set in the animation timer 308 in the command block 300 shown in FIG. 8 is determined. If the symbol change period for the changed reach pattern is shorter than the remaining symbol change period, all or part of the changed reach pattern may be repeated or another reach pattern may be added. In this way, it is possible to change the symbol group while changing the reach pattern within the symbol change period. When the reach pattern display process is completed, the instruction button 48 is disabled and notified (step S86). After the change of the symbol group is further stopped (step S88), the reach process is terminated. When step S86 is executed, the instruction button 48 becomes invalid even if it is pressed. For example, the invalidity is displayed as a symbol on the special symbol display 22, or the invalidity is notified to the player or the like with the speaker 50, the handle 40, the chair, or the like. To do. In addition, the special symbol display 22 displays, for example, a middle symbol (third symbol) by the change stop in step S88.

  When the reach process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 5 to determine whether or not the probability changes [step S48]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the random number RD for probability variation stored in step S16 in FIG. 3 matches a predetermined value. If it is determined that there is a probability variation (YES), the probability variation process is executed [step S50], and then the variation display process is terminated. The contents of the probability variation process are well known and will not be described. When the probability variation process is executed, the probability of stopping at the jackpot symbol after the change and the jackpot increases after the change from the end of the current jackpot game to the next jackpot, and the symbol variation period of the special symbol is shortened. In addition, the probability that the winning symbol stops after hitting and the winning symbol increases, and the symbol changing period of the normal symbol is shortened. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the variation is a probability (NO in step S48), the variation display process is terminated as it is. Here, when it is not the reach symbol in step S62 (NO), the symbol group starts to fluctuate similarly to step S44 [step S64], and after the symbol group is changed based on the deviation variation pattern, it stops at the deviation symbol. [Step S66], the process proceeds to step S48. In the above steps S64 and S66, corresponding display commands (command block 300) are sent to the display control board 200 for implementation.

  When the variation display process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 4 to determine whether or not the special symbol finally confirmed and displayed on the special symbol display 22 matches the jackpot symbol [step S28]. In step S40 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, but this determination is made based on the big hit determination random number RA read in step S22. However, when the variable display process of step S26 is being performed, the planned jackpot display may be out of display due to the influence of external noise or the like. Therefore, in order to prevent the confusion of the pachinko game, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22 is prioritized to determine whether or not it is a big hit. Note that in the pachinko machine 10 that is not easily affected by external noise or the like and has high reliability, it may be determined in step S28 whether or not it is “big hit” based only on the big hit determination random number RA. In this way, the processing speed is improved. If the confirmed special symbol matches the jackpot symbol (YES), the jackpot processing is performed as “big jackpot” [step S30], and the symbol variation processing is terminated. In the jackpot processing, for example, a jackpot game such as opening the lid 74 of the jackpot 34 for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds) and paying out a prize ball according to the number of winning pachinko balls is performed. On the other hand, if the confirmed special symbol does not coincide with the jackpot symbol (NO), a “no-go” process is performed [step S32], and the symbol variation process is terminated. The contents of the detachment process are well known and will not be described.

  Next, see FIG. 9 for symbol display processing in which the display control board 200 that has received the display command (command block 300) sent from the main control board 100 performs symbol editing and displays the symbols on the special symbol display 22. While explaining. It is assumed that the command block 300 is stored in a reception buffer provided in the RAM 204 shown in FIG. 2 by an interrupt program executed for each reception interrupt. This reception buffer has a capacity that can store one or a plurality of command blocks 300 and other received data. In the symbol display process shown in FIG. 9, first, the CPU 210 reads the command block 300 stored in the reception buffer [step S110], acquires display data based on the read command block 300, and stores it in the RAM 204 [step S112]. More specifically, the relationship between the command block 300 and the display data is defined, and display data is acquired with reference to a data table stored in the ROM 202 or the like. This display data is a data element (parameter) for symbol editing, and corresponds to, for example, reach pattern or block data (symbol number 302, symbol display position 304, animation number 306), animation timer 308, or the like. The 210 that has acquired the display data acquired in this way transmits the display data to the VDP 214.

Upon receiving the display data from the CPU 210, the VDP 214 extracts data such as symbols from the character generator 212 based on the display data [Step S114], and performs symbol editing, sprite processing, and other symbol editing [Step S116]. Data is expanded on the VRAM or palette RAM [step S118]. Then, the developed data is converted into a symbol signal and output to the special symbol display 22 [step S120]. In this way, the symbols and the like edited based on the display data can be displayed on the special symbol display 22. Further, since the symbol editing is performed by the VDP 214 as hardware, the symbol can be displayed at high speed.

  Next, with respect to an example in which each process shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and FIG. 9 is executed and a symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 22, reference is made to FIG. explain. The example shown in FIG. 10 shows an example of a case of “big hit”, and illustration and description of many cases of “missing” are omitted.

  In FIG. 10, when the pachinko ball wins the start opening sensor 60 at time t10, the special symbol display 22 displays the variation of the symbol group based on the variation pattern (step S74 in FIG. 6). Thereafter, when reach is reached at time t12, the special symbol display 22 displays the variation of the symbol group based on the reach pattern (see FIG. 7). Cases 1, 3, and 4 are examples in which the reach pattern β is determined in step S72 of FIG. 6, and similarly, case 2 is an example in which the reach pattern ε is determined. In cases 1 and 2, the player does not press the instruction button 48. However, in cases 3 and 4, since the player has pressed the instruction button 48 at time t14, the reach pattern β is changed to the reach pattern ε. Continue to fluctuate. In this example, the symbol variation period Tb of the reach pattern β is shorter than the symbol variation period Te of the reach pattern ε. In case 1, the change of the symbol group is stopped at time t16 when the symbol variation period Tb has elapsed from time t12, and in case 2, the variation of the symbol group is stopped at time t18 after the symbol variation period Te has elapsed from time t12. Case 3 is a case where step S104 of FIG. 7 is not executed, and the change of the symbol group is stopped at time t20 when the symbol change period Tc has elapsed from time t14 when the player presses the instruction button 48. Therefore, the overall symbol variation period is extended. Case 4 is a case where the above-described step S104 is executed to make the symbol variation period constant, and the variation of the symbol group is stopped at time t16 as in case 1. Therefore, although the overall symbol variation period is constant, the symbol variation period of the reach pattern ε is shortened. In the example of FIG. 10, the instruction button 48 is pressed only once. However, when the instruction button 48 is pressed a plurality of times, each time the instruction button 48 is pressed, the reach pattern is normally changed to continue the variation of the symbol group. It should be noted that the reach pattern ε displayed after time t14 is a reach pattern that is likely to be a big hit as described above. Therefore, the player who sees the reach pattern ε has a higher expectation of receiving a privilege such as a jackpot.

  According to the first embodiment, corresponding to claim 1, a detection signal is output when the intention display of the player who has pressed the instruction button 48 (intention display detection means) is detected. The display control board 200 (symbol display means) that receives the detection signal via the main control board 100 within the symbol variation period (required period) has a plurality of reach patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, Based on the reach pattern selected from ζ (symbol display pattern), the symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 22 (display unit) {steps S92 to S102 in FIG. 7}. Therefore, when the player indicates the intention, the reach pattern changes, and the variation pattern of the symbol group displayed on the special symbol display 22 also changes. Depending on the reach pattern thus changed (changed), it is possible to make the player think that the special symbol to be stopped changes. Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation of the player who expects a privilege such as jackpot. Further, corresponding to claim 2, when the timing of receiving the detection signal within the symbol variation period is different, the reach pattern selected and displayed by the display control board 200 is also different {steps S100 and S102 in FIG. 7}. Depending on the timing, a reach pattern ε that is highly likely to receive a bonus due to a jackpot or the like may be displayed, which further increases the expectation of the player who expects the privilege.

Further, in accordance with claim 3, when the timing at which the player indicates the intention is changed by the instruction button 48, the main control board 100 (privilege determining means) gives the player a bonus along with the change of the reach pattern by the display control board 200. Is changed {step S98 in FIG. 7}. Therefore, the player can play the game with the expectation of expecting a change in the privilege as well as the enjoyment of viewing the changed reach pattern. And corresponding to claim 5, since the start of the “required period” is limited to reach reach {step S84 in FIG. 6}, after reaching the reach, when the player makes an intention display by the instruction button 48, The control board 200 displays at least the reach pattern {steps S92 and S102 in FIG. 7}. Therefore, since the reach pattern changes at least even after reaching, it is possible to increase the expectation of a player who expects to win a jackpot after reaching.

  <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a first-type pachinko machine as in Embodiment 1, and shows an example in which a variation pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display is changed. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the configuration and the like of the pachinko machine 10 are the same, in the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described in order to simplify the description. 11 to 13 that are the same as those shown in the first embodiment (FIGS. 6 and 7, etc.) are assigned the same reference numerals.

  The reach process of FIG. 11 is different from the reach process of FIG. 6 in the following points. That is, after the reach pattern is determined (step S72), the variation pattern random number RE is read [step S73], and the variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern random number RE and the like [step S75]. Similar to the reach pattern in the first embodiment, the variation pattern corresponds to a symbol display pattern for displaying a symbol on the special symbol display 22, and a plurality of variations are stored in the ROM 202. Similarly to the reach pattern determination method, the variation pattern determination method is performed based on, for example, the relationship between symbols and the variation pattern random number RE. Thereafter, the instruction button 48 is enabled and notified [step S76], and the variation pattern display process is executed [step S77]. When step S76 is executed, the instruction button 48 is activated effectively in the same manner as in step S82 of FIG. 6. For example, the validity is displayed as a symbol on the special symbol display 22, or the speaker 50, the handle 40, and the chair are displayed. Etc. to notify the player or the like of the validity. Here, the specific contents of the variation pattern display process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The variation pattern display process shown in FIG. 12 realizes a mode of continuing the variation of the symbol group based on the variation pattern. The variation pattern display process shown in FIG. 12 is different from the reach pattern display process shown in FIG. 7 in the following points. First, it is a variation pattern instead of a reach pattern. Second, the following processing is executed in place of steps S98 to S104 in FIG. That is, when the player presses the instruction button 48 during the fluctuation (YES in Step S96), the fluctuation pattern random number RE is read [Step S101], and the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern random number RE and the like. The change pattern is changed to [Step S103], and as long as there are remaining screens, Steps S92 and S94 are executed to display the change of the symbol group, the animation, etc. on the special symbol display 22 (Step S106). In step S103, it is necessary to reset the block data in the same manner as in step S90 in order to change the variation mode, animation, and the like of the symbol group displayed on the special symbol display 22 in accordance with the variation pattern. In this way, every time the player presses the instruction button 48, the variation pattern displayed on the special symbol display 22 can be changed. Depending on the variation pattern thus changed, it is possible to make the player think when reaching reach, and as a result, the expectation of the player who expects the privilege after reaching can be increased.

In addition to the processes in steps S101 and S103, if the player presses the instruction button 48 during the change (YES in step S96), the jackpot determination random number RA, the reach pattern random number RC, the probability change random number RD, etc. It may be read and stored in the RAM 114 [step S99]. As a result, the value stored in step S16 in FIG. 3 is changed, so whether or not the jackpot is finally reached, whether or not the probability is changed (step S28 in FIG. 4, step S48 in FIG. 5), and reach is changed. The reach pattern for changing the symbol group later changes (step S85 shown in FIG. 11). Depending on the timing at which the player presses the instruction button 48, the jackpot or the probability changes (addition of bonus), the type of jackpot changes (change of bonus), the reach pattern changes, or the like. In this way, the player can enjoy watching the changes in the symbol group, etc., and the instruction button with a sense of expectation to expect a change in privilege (that is, a privilege addition and / or privilege change), a reach pattern change, etc. 48 can be pressed. The privilege to be added and / or the privilege to be changed are not limited to the jackpot game or the probability variation, but may be added / changed in the number of times or the probability variation, or any combination of these at least two privileges. Further, in the variation pattern processing shown in FIG. 12, the variation pattern is controlled so that the variation pattern can be changed any number of times. However, the variation pattern change may be controlled so as to be limited to a predetermined number of times (for example, once). The same as in the first embodiment.

  When the variation pattern display process is completed, the instruction button 48 is disabled and notified [step S78], and the reach symbol is displayed (step S80). When step S78 is executed, the instruction button 48 becomes invalid even if it is pressed, as in step S86 of FIG. 6, for example, the invalidity is displayed as a symbol on the special symbol display 22, or the speaker 50, handle 40, chair, etc. The invalidity is notified to a player or the like. Then, the symbol group is changed based on the reach pattern determined in step S72 [step S85]. Since the method of changing the symbol group based on the reach pattern is well known, the description thereof is omitted. Thereafter, the variation of the symbol group is stopped (step S88), and the reach process is terminated. Note that after the reach symbol is displayed, the reach pattern display process in the first embodiment may be executed instead of step S85 (see step S84 and FIG. 7 shown in FIG. 6). By doing this, not only the variation pattern but also the reach pattern diversifies the variation and animation of the symbol group, so that the player can enjoy watching the special symbol display 22 and increase the expectation of expecting the privilege. it can.

  Next, for each of the examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, and FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. The example shown in FIG. 13 shows an example of the case of “reach”, and illustration and description of cases that do not become “reach” that occur frequently are omitted. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that six variation patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, and ζ are stored in the ROM 202, and the variation pattern determination method is the same as in the first embodiment. Based on the relationship and the variation pattern random number RE, it is performed according to Table 1 (that is, the reach pattern is determined as a variation pattern). In addition, the change of the symbol group is performed in each of the left, middle, and right change areas provided in the special symbol display 22.

  In FIG. 13, when the pachinko ball wins the start opening sensor 60 at time t30, the special symbol display 22 starts to change the symbol group based on the variation pattern (steps S92, S94, S106 in FIG. 12). Thereafter, reach is reached at time t38, and the special symbol display 22 changes the symbol group based on the reach pattern (step S85 in FIG. 11). Case 1 is an example in which the variation pattern α is first determined and changed to the variation pattern β by the instruction button 48 pressed by the player at time t34. Similarly, Case 2 is an example in which the variation pattern γ is first determined and changed to the variation pattern δ by the instruction button 48 pressed by the player at time t34. Here, an example of the relationship between the fluctuation pattern and the stop order is shown in Table 2 below.

  Focusing on the variation pattern β in the example of Table 2 above, the left symbol is first stopped in the left variation region, then the right symbol is stopped in the right variation region, and finally the middle symbol is stopped in the middle variation region. Similarly, paying attention to the variation pattern δ, the middle symbol is first stopped in the middle variation region, then the right symbol is stopped in the right variation region, and finally the left symbol is stopped in the left variation region. If the six variation patterns α, β, γ, δ, ε, and ζ are set to have different expectations for the benefits due to reach, jackpots, etc., a variation pattern in which the player can easily obtain the benefits is displayed. You can play while expecting.

  In case 1, the instruction button 48 is pressed in the middle of the variation of the symbol group performed based on the variation pattern α, and therefore the variation is stopped based on the variation pattern β. In this example, the left symbol first stops in the left fluctuation region at time t36, and then the right symbol stops in the right fluctuation region at time t38, thus reaching reach. Therefore, the variation of the symbol group based on the reach pattern is performed only in the middle fluctuation region. In case 2, the symbol group is varied based on the variation pattern γ, and the instruction button 48 is pressed after the middle symbol first stops in the middle variation region at time t32. In this example, the variation of the symbol group is continued based on the variation pattern δ for each of the right and left variation regions, and then the right symbol is stopped in the right variation region at time t38, and reach is reached. Therefore, the variation of the symbol group based on the reach pattern is performed only in the left variation region. As described above, the order of symbols to be stopped is different between case 1 and case 2, and even in the same case, the order of symbols to be stopped may be different depending on the changing pattern to be changed. If the degree of expectation for which a privilege is expected is set to be different, a stop mode is likely to be reached or a big hit depending on the stop order. Therefore, the expectation of the player who expects the privilege can be further enhanced. In the example of FIG. 13, the symbol variation period in which the symbol group varies based on the variation pattern shows one aspect of the times t30 to t38. However, as in the first embodiment, the symbol variation period may be different for each variation pattern. Good. Furthermore, the variation pattern is not limited to a mode in which symbols are stopped in order, but may include a mode in which a plurality of symbols are stopped simultaneously. In this way, the variation modes of the variation pattern are diversified, so that the player can be given more enjoyment of watching the special symbol display 22.

  According to the second embodiment, corresponding to claim 4, when the timing at which the player indicates the intention is changed by the instruction button 48, the order of the change areas where the symbols are stopped after the change is changed {see FIGS. 12 and 13 }. That is, the order of the symbols to be stopped changes, and the symbols are stopped in a fluctuation region in the order in which there is a high possibility of reaching depending on the timing. Therefore, the expectation of the player who expects the privilege is further increased. In relation to claims 1, 2, 3, and 5, the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained.

  <Other Embodiments> In the pachinko machine 10 (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, etc. of other parts are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied can be implemented.

  (1) In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. In place of this form, other gaming machines other than pachinko machines (for example, slot machines, pachislot machines, arrange ball machines, sparrow ball machines, video game machines, etc.) having a display unit capable of displaying symbols The present invention can be similarly applied to. Even when it is applied to other gaming machines, the symbol display pattern displayed on the display unit can be changed based on the player's intention display. Can be increased.

  (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to changes in the symbol group (special symbol variations), animations (background symbols) and the like displayed on the special symbol display 22 as the display unit. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, only the change of the symbol group (special symbol change), only the animation (background symbol), or other aspects of displaying the pattern in a substantially continuous or discontinuous manner You may apply this invention about. Furthermore, the present invention may also be applied to symbol group variations (ordinary symbol variations), animations, and the like performed by the normal symbol display 24. Even in these forms, since the symbol display pattern can be changed based on the player's intention display, it is possible to increase the expectation of the player who expects the privilege. In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to displays other than symbol group fluctuations and animations for determining whether or not the game is a big hit. In this case, the symbol displayed on the display device such as the special symbol display 22 is changed by the player indicating the intention display by the instruction button 48 (intention display detection means). You can get more fun than ever before.

  (3) In each of the above embodiments, the special symbol display 22 that emits light (colors) and displays the symbol is applied as the display unit. Instead of this form, a drum display or the like that displays a symbol represented on the display surface can be applied as the display unit. For example, the drum display has one or a plurality of rotating bodies having a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of symbols are appropriately arranged on the surface (that is, the display surface) of each rotating body. Then, fluctuations in the symbol group are realized by controlling the respective rotating bodies in the normal rotation, reverse rotation, forward / reverse rotation, rotation speed, and the like by a driving body such as a motor. Even in this form, the symbol display pattern to be displayed on the display unit can be changed based on the player's intention display, so that the player's expectation can be enhanced.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, the player can indicate his / her intention using the instruction button 48 (intention display detection means) within the symbol variation period. In place of (or in addition to) this form, there is an opportunity to show the player's intention by the instruction button 48 when a required condition is satisfied during a part of the symbol change period or a period other than the symbol change period. You may restrict. As a partial period of the symbol variation period, for example, a first period (from time t30 to t36 in case 1 in FIG. 13 and from time t30 to t32 in case 2) from when the symbol group starts to the first stop is This corresponds to the second period from when the symbol first stops until reaching the reach. The required conditions include, for example, during a big hit game or when an opening / closing member (such as a lid 74 of the big prize opening 34, a movable wing piece such as a wing or a tulip) is open. Since the first period, the second period, and the like vary depending on the variation pattern, the “required period” is an indefinite period. According to this mode, the player presses the instruction button 48 with thrill and expectation to obtain a better gaming state or privilege. Therefore, the game can be enjoyed more.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the player is notified of the state (valid / invalid) of the current instruction button 48 (intention display detection means) (steps S82 to S86 in FIG. 6, step S76 in FIG. 11). S78). Instead of this form, the period (time) until the instruction button 48 becomes valid / invalid may be notified in the following manner.
(5a) A mode of notifying the time until the instruction button 48 becomes valid. For example, the time until the special symbol display 22 becomes valid is displayed while counting up (or counting down). In this way, it is possible to know when the instruction button 48 is valid, so that the player or the like is ready to press the instruction button 48.
(5b) A mode of notifying the time until the instruction button 48 becomes invalid. For example, the special symbol display 22 displays the time until it becomes invalid while leveling up (or leveling down). In this way, it is possible to know when the instruction button 48 becomes invalid, so that the player or the like can make a timing for pressing the instruction button 48.

  (6) In the first embodiment, the symbol display pattern (reach pattern, variation pattern, animation, etc.) to be displayed based on the player's intention display is selected based on random numbers (step S72 in FIG. 6, FIG. 11). Step S75), the player is not notified of what symbol display pattern is to be obtained. It may replace with this form and you may alert | report the symbol display pattern selected by a player's intention display. For example, a unique symbol or the like is assigned to each of a plurality of symbol display patterns, and the assigned symbol or the like is notified to a player or the like by a notification means. More specifically, the unique symbol or the like is displayed on a display unit such as a special symbol display 22 or a 7-segment LED. When the symbol display pattern to be selected is changed by a random number or the like, the symbol display pattern to be notified is also changed. In this way, the player presses the instruction button 48 (intention display detection means) aiming at a symbol display pattern that is easy to be displayed when a big hit. Therefore, it is possible to play with the expectation of benefits such as jackpots.

  (7) In each of the above embodiments, the instruction button 48 is applied as the intention display detection means. Instead of this form, not only contact sensors (for example, switches, touch panels, pressure sensors, etc.) other than the instruction button 48 but also non-contact sensors (for example, optical sensors, infrared sensors, etc.) may be applied as the intention display detection means. . When the contact sensor is applied, the player's intention display can be reliably detected, and when the non-contact sensor is applied, the mechanical operation is eliminated, so that the failure can be reduced. In addition, a voice recognition system for recognizing a player's voice picked up by a microphone with the main control board 100 or the like to detect a player's intention display, or an image captured with a camera is recognized by the display control board 200 or the like. You may apply the image recognition system etc. which detect a player's intention display. Even with these intention indication detection means, the player's intention indication can be detected more reliably.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, the ROM 202 is applied as the recording unit. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, a RAM 204, a character generator 212, a ROM or RAM in a hall computer that can communicate through the main control board 100 or communication control circuits 116, 206, a flexible disk accessible by a disk device, and a hard disk , Disk media such as magneto-optical disks, prepaid cards accessible with a card device, cards such as IC cards and paper cards, or printed matter printed with characters and symbols accessible with a reader may be applied. . Even with such a recording apparatus or recording medium, a symbol, a plurality of symbol display patterns, and the like can be appropriately stored (recorded).

(9) In each of the above embodiments, by repeating the procedure of transmitting data for each screen (for example, command block 300) from the main control board 100 (privilege determining means) to the display control board 200 (symbol display means), The present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10 that performs symbol variation based on the symbol display pattern (see FIG. 7 and the like). Instead of this form, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that transmits symbol display pattern data from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200 only once every time symbol variation or the like is performed. If there is a player's intention indication by the instruction button 48 (intention indication detecting means), the symbol display pattern data is transmitted once again from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200, and the symbol variation and the like are continued. In other words, when a player's intention is displayed, a new symbol change is started. In this case, the amount of data transmitted from the main control board 100 to the display control board 200 is significantly reduced from one screen to every symbol display pattern. Therefore, the number of man-hours for designing the program necessary for the main control board 100 can be greatly reduced, and the cost of the pachinko machine can also be reduced. In addition, for the player, when the intention is displayed, a new symbol variation or the like starts, so that the expectation of expecting a privilege can be further maintained.

Other aspects of the invention

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment has not only the embodiment of the invention described in the claims but also other embodiments of the invention. Aspects of the present invention are listed below, and related explanations are given as necessary.

[Aspect 1] In the gaming machine according to claim 1, the valid / invalid control means for controlling the intention display detection means to be valid or invalid, and the state of the intention display detection means controlled by the valid / invalid control means are notified. A gaming machine having notification means.

[Related Description of Aspect 1] According to this aspect, since the notifying means notifies the state of the intention display detecting means controlled by the valid / invalid control means, the time when the player can display the intention becomes clear. Note that the “notification means” includes not only visual notification means such as a display, but also auditory notification means such as a speaker, and tactile notification means such as a vibration member. Includes all means of communicating information.

10 ... Pachinko machine (game machine)
12 ... Game board surface 14 ... Composite device 22 ... Special symbol display (display unit)
24 ... Normal symbol display 30 ... First type start port 32 ... Gate 48 ... Instruction button (intention display detection means)
58 ... Gate sensor 60, 66 ... Start port sensor 68 ... Lower start port 100 ... Main control board (privilege determining means)
200 ... display control board (design display means)
202 ... ROM (recording unit)
204 ... RAM
210 ... CPU
212 ... Character generator 214 ... VDP

Claims (1)

A gaming machine equipped with a display device capable of displaying a jackpot effect when a combination of specific symbols is established after reaching by one reach pattern selected from a plurality of preset reach patterns by variably displaying a predetermined symbol In
A plurality of types of reach patterns capable of generating a big hit and a loss of a big hit or a loss are set for a plurality of stop modes in which the symbols to be stopped finally stop and become a big hit or a loss. Reach pattern storage means in which the jackpot appearance ratio is set and stored,
A random number for jackpot determination is extracted based on the detection signal from the start port sensor, and is stored in the reach pattern storage means when the reach processing is executed based on the determination result of the jackpot determination means for determining whether or not the jackpot Reach pattern random number determining means for determining a reach pattern random number for selecting a reach pattern;
Reach pattern determining means for determining a reach pattern based on the reach pattern random number determined by the reach pattern random number determining means;
Reach pattern display means for displaying the reach pattern determined by the reach pattern determination means on the display device;
Input means capable of changing the reach pattern displayed on the display device based on the player's operation while the predetermined reach pattern is displayed on the display device by the reach pattern display means;
Based on the operation of the input unit, the jackpot determination random number is extracted again, and the reach process is started based on the determination result of the jackpot determination unit, and the reach pattern random number determination unit determines the reach pattern random number, Reach pattern changing means for determining a reach pattern from the reach pattern storage means by the reach pattern determining means and displaying the determined reach pattern on the display device by the reach pattern display means. Gaming machine.

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