JP2007050057A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can raise the playing volition of a game player by realizing variegated performance displays. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is equipped with a pattern CPU 311, an image display processor 330, a frame buffer 336, and a decorative pattern display device 16. In this case, the pattern CPU 311 designates sprite data which is required for the display of images. The image display processor 330 reads the sprite data and animated image data from a character ROM 340 conforming to the designation by the pattern CPU 311, and at the same time, forms picture drawing data based on the read sprite data and animated image data. The frame buffer 336 temporarily accumulates the formed picture drawing data. The decorative pattern display device 16 displays images based on the picture drawing data which is accumulated in the frame buffer 336. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays characters and the like.

As this type of gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine that performs a display immediately after power-on (hereinafter referred to as “power failure recovery in progress”) (for example, see Patent Document 1).
A known pachinko machine is equipped with a so-called video display processor (VDP), and this video display processor is recovering from a power failure when the power is turned on according to the display mode specified by the display control processor (CPU). For example, a message screen saying “The power outage is being processed. Please wait for a while” is displayed. Recognizing that a player who is in contact with such an indication that the power failure is being restored should not resume the game while the indication that the power failure is being restored, he wants to resume the game as soon as possible. Keep waiting for a while without resuming the game while restraining feelings.

In a known pachinko machine, the player starts playing when in a steady state, and the video display processor displays a character image based on the character data acquired from the character ROM as an effect display operation according to the progress of the game. Thus, a visual effect is given to the player in contact with the character image. The video display processor displays a video including a character image based on character data read from the character ROM as a material in accordance with an instruction from a display control processor (CPU).
JP 2002-18051 A (FIG. 9)

  In recent pachinko machines, in order to further enhance the visual effect, in addition to the display of a conventional sprite image (hereinafter referred to as “sprite”), such a character may be displayed together with a moving image. It is done. As a content to be displayed together with a sprite on such a moving image, for example, a mode in which a sprite such as a symbol is displayed in association with a video of a famous scene such as a movie can be considered.

  In general, a moving image is displayed as a moving image by continuously switching a series of frames divided into a plurality of frame images (hereinafter referred to as “frames”) by using a so-called V blank signal as a trigger. Although it is visually recognized, the amount of information of the moving image is large, and it is required to adopt a character ROM having a large capacity and quick access (short access time) for displaying the moving image. However, a large-capacity and quick-access character ROM is currently expensive and impractical. Therefore, in recent gaming machines, a method of displaying a moving image using an inexpensive character ROM having a large capacity and slow access (long access time) and two character RAMs having quick access can be considered.

  According to this method, the state of the two character RAMs is alternately switched between the developed state and the read state in response to the V blank signal. That is, in this method, while the next frame data is being developed from the character ROM in one character RAM, the developed frame data can be read from the other character RAM. For this reason, in this method, a series of frame data can be continuously read out while reducing the processing load on the CPU and VDP for reading, and can be displayed as a moving image including these series of frames.

  On the other hand, for sprite data such as symbols, a resident area is provided in each character RAM, and the same sprite data is constantly stored at the same address at the chip level. Thereby, since it is not necessary to develop the sprite data one by one as necessary, it is possible to further reduce the processing load on the CPU and VDP for reading.

  However, in this case, in order to constantly store the sprite data, the same sprite data is developed in each of the two character RAMs, so that it takes about twice the development time. Thus, if it takes a long time to expand the sprite data, it takes a while to display that the power failure is being restored, for example, when the power failure is restored. For this reason, since the player cannot visually recognize the screen display (the screen is black), the player becomes uneasy without knowing what to do.

  In particular, if a power failure occurs during a jackpot, the jackpot game resumes after the power is restored (power failure recovery) (continuous opening / closing operation of the big prize opening). Losing the opportunity to restart the game (game ball launching operation) because it is uneasy or not, the player feels great distrust and dissatisfaction that he cannot enjoy the benefits he should originally enjoy, and loses his willingness to play It can also be considered.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a technique capable of displaying on the display device that a power failure is being restored as soon as possible immediately after the power failure is restored.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine according to the present invention controls a gaming operation using a gaming medium, outputs a presentation command corresponding to the gaming operation, and performs the gaming operation according to the presentation command received from the gaming control unit. In a gaming machine including an effect control unit that controls a corresponding effect operation and a display device that executes a display operation under the control of the effect control unit, the effect control unit displays a material image necessary for the video. A non-volatile video memory for storing material image data to be used in advance, a display control processor for designating a display mode corresponding to the video to be displayed, and two volatile dynamic video memories capable of temporarily storing the material image data In response to the designation of the display control processor, the material image data is read from the nonvolatile video memory, and the two volatile dynamics are read out. According to the designation of the display control processor and the memory interface unit developed in the image memory, the material image data is read from the two volatile dynamic video memories via the memory interface unit. A video display processor for causing the display device to display the video composed of the material image based on the control device, and a control memory for storing a display control program and for storing a power failure recovery image data used for displaying that the power failure is being recovered. The video display processor includes a built-in memory in which the power failure recovery image data can be written, and the memory interface unit reads from the nonvolatile video memory at the time of power failure recovery based on an instruction from the display control processor Material image data from the two volatile dies The video display processor displays on the display device that the power failure is being restored based on the power failure restoration image data written from the control memory to the built-in memory during the development to the Mick video memory. It is characterized by. Here, “power failure recovery” means that the supply of power to the gaming machine of the present invention is started or restarted. In addition, the effect control unit separates the effect operation related to the display, instead of the form that controls the effect operation related to the display and the effect operation other than the effect operation related to the display alone. The display control unit provided separately may be configured to control only the rendering operation other than the rendering operation related to the display. In the following description, storing data in the volatile dynamic video memory is also referred to as “development”.

  First, generally, immediately after the power is turned on, initialization processing is executed for the volatile dynamic video memory, and the video display processor may not be able to read the material image data from the volatile dynamic video memory. Therefore, generally, immediately after the power is turned on, the video display processor cannot display the video composed of the material image based on the material image data on the display device.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even if the video display processor cannot read the material image data from the two volatile dynamic video memories immediately after the power is turned on, the video display processor The power failure recovery image data is read from the power failure recovery image data, and the display device displays that the power failure recovery is in progress based on the power failure recovery image data. In parallel with this, in the gaming machine of the present invention, while displaying that such a power failure recovery is in progress, the memory interface unit independently reads the material image data read from the nonvolatile video memory. Expanded to two volatile dynamic video memories.

  In this way, the player who has contacted the indication that the power failure is being restored will judge that the game should not be started immediately, and look forward to being able to start the game with confidence for a while. Waiting. In this way, while the player is waiting for the game, the two volatile dynamic video memories are completely expanded with the material image data necessary for displaying each video, and the video display processor always has two volatile dynamic video images. The material image data can be provided from the memory.

  That is, the gaming machine according to the present invention can secretly advance the preparation for the production display of the video composed of the material images while wiping out the player's anxiety immediately after the restoration of the power failure. For this reason, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the video display processor is faster than the case where the display device displays that it is immediately after the power failure recovery based on the material image data developed in the two volatile dynamic video memories. It is possible to display that the power failure has just been restored.

(Solution 2)
In the above solution 1, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the memory interface unit simultaneously develops the material image data read from the nonvolatile video memory in the two volatile dynamic video memories when the power failure is restored. Features.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the fact that the player has just recovered from the power failure is displayed by displaying that it is immediately after the recovery from the power failure, but the material image data read out from the nonvolatile video memory by the memory interface unit is dispelled. When the time for developing the video in two volatile dynamic video memories becomes longer, the time for the player to contact the display indicating that the power failure has just been restored becomes longer.

  When this happens, although initially good, the player gradually begins to feel bored with the indication that it is immediately after the restoration of the power failure, and this tiredness makes him feel bored. It is possible to invite.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the memory interface unit simultaneously develops the material image data read from the nonvolatile video memory into two volatile dynamic video memories in accordance with an instruction from the display control processor. The development time can be shortened as compared with the development in the other volatile dynamic video memory after the development in the dynamic video memory.

  For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display time indicating that the power failure has been recovered is shortened, and the time that the player is in contact with the display indicating that the power failure has been recovered is shortened. If it does in this way, the game machine of the present invention can reduce the influence which it has on a player's game will even if it displays immediately after a power failure recovery.

(Solution 3)
In the above solution 1 or 2, the gaming machine according to the present invention is such that the gaming control unit retains gaming state information regarding whether or not the gaming state at the time of power-off is a special gaming state advantageous to the player. A holding state, and a gaming state command transmission unit that transmits a gaming state command related to the gaming state information to the effect control unit at the time of power failure recovery, and the control memory includes the power failure recovery image data , The restart request image data used for displaying that the game should be restarted is stored, and when the power is restored, the display control processor stores the video display processor in the built-in memory based on an instruction from the display control processor. Based on the written power failure recovery image data, a message indicating that the power failure is being recovered is displayed on the display device, and then the game is executed based on the gaming state command. When it is determined that the state is the special gaming state, the resumption request image data is selected and read from the control memory, written to the internal memory of the video display processor, and the video display processor sends the resumption request to the internal memory. When the image data is written, the resume request image data is read from the built-in memory, and instead of displaying that the power failure is being restored, the fact that the game should be resumed based on the resume request image data It is displayed on a display device.

  Generally, in a gaming machine, a so-called backup function can be used even in the case of a momentary power failure in a special gaming state related to the player's interest or when the power is cut off during a special gaming state due to maintenance. The function at the time of power interruption is restored immediately after the power failure is restored.

  Therefore, even in a general gaming machine, if the player is in a special gaming state when the power is turned off, the player may want to resume the game as soon as possible. Although a general gaming machine does not display a screen on the display device immediately after the power failure is restored (black display), it is possible to launch a game ball. Therefore, the player can shoot the game ball, but the display on the display device is not normal, so the player is worried when the game should be resumed.

  Therefore, the game machine of the present invention displays on the display device that the game should be resumed after displaying that the power is restored immediately after the power failure is restored, instead of displaying that the power is turned on. I am letting. With such a configuration, the player can easily grasp the timing at which the game should be resumed even before the normal effect display is made. Therefore, the player can be satisfied that the player can grasp the suitable timing at which the game should be resumed although the effect display is not normal, and can surely enjoy the profit that can be enjoyed originally.

(Solution 4)
In the above solution 1 or 2, the gaming machine according to the present invention is such that the gaming control unit retains gaming state information regarding whether or not the gaming state at the time of power-off is a special gaming state advantageous to the player. A holding state, and a gaming state command transmission unit that transmits a gaming state command related to the gaming state information to the effect control unit at the time of power failure recovery, and the control memory includes the power failure recovery image data , The resumption request image data used for displaying that the game should be resumed is stored, and the display control processor has a gaming state other than the special gaming state based on the received gaming state command when the power failure is restored. If it is determined, the power failure recovery image data is selected and read from the control memory and written to the internal memory of the video display processor, while receiving When it is determined that the gaming state is the special gaming state based on the gaming state command, the restart request image data is selected and read from the control memory, and is written into the internal memory of the video display processor, and the video display processor Reads out the power failure recovery image data from the built-in memory when the power failure recovery image data is written to the built-in memory based on the instruction of the display control processor, and recovers from the power failure based on the power failure recovery image data When the restart request image data is written in the built-in memory while the display device displays a message indicating that the game is in progress, the resume request image data is read from the built-in memory and a game is played based on the resume request image data Is displayed on the display device.

  Although a general gaming machine does not display a screen on the display device immediately after the power failure is restored (black display), it is possible to launch a game ball. Therefore, the player can shoot the game ball, but the display on the display device is not normal, so the player is worried about whether or not to start the game. In particular, if the game is in a special game state when the power is cut off, the player may want to resume the game as soon as possible.

  Therefore, the gaming machine of the present invention displays a message indicating that the game should be resumed immediately after the power failure, when the power is cut off, so that the player who touched this display can immediately start playing and benefit. Can be surely enjoyed. On the other hand, if the gaming machine of the present invention is not in a special gaming state when the power is cut off immediately after the power failure is restored, a message indicating that the power is turned on is displayed so that the player who touched the display can feel at ease after that. The game can be started.

(Solution 5)
In the gaming machine according to any one of the above solutions 1 to 4, it is desirable that the gaming machine of the present invention is a ball-type gaming machine. Here, as the basic configuration of the ball-type game machine, the launching means for launching the game ball into the game area, and the winning detection means for detecting that the game ball launched into the game area has won the start winning opening; The symbol display means for starting the variable display of the symbol in response to the winning at the start winning opening and executing the internal lottery and displaying the stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result, and the stop symbol is a specific display In the case of the aspect, a special game state transition means for shifting to a special game state advantageous to the player is provided.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to promptly indicate that the power failure is being restored. Therefore, even immediately after the power failure is restored, the player can wait for the start of the game while giving a sense of security. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even after the power failure is restored, the player's willingness to enjoy profits can prevent a decrease in gaming motivation. In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to make a variety of displays such as symbol variation display, so-called reach effect display, effect display in a special game state, and the like.

(Solution 6)
In the gaming machine according to any one of the above solutions 1 to 4, it is desirable that the gaming machine of the present invention is a ball-type gaming machine. Here, as a basic configuration of the ball-type game machine, a launching means for launching the game ball into the game area, a winning detector for detecting that the game ball has won the start winning opening provided in the game area, and A winning device that opens and closes the movable piece in response to a winning at the start winning opening and accepts a game ball, and a game ball that is received by the winning device along with the opening and closing operation of the movable piece, Special game state transition means for transitioning to the special game state triggered by having passed through the specific area.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to promptly indicate that the power failure is being restored. Therefore, even immediately after the power failure is restored, the player can wait for the start of the game while giving a sense of security. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even after the power failure is restored, the player's willingness to enjoy profits can prevent a decrease in gaming motivation. In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it relates to an effect display that gives the player a sense of expectation that a game ball accepted by the winning device may pass through a specific area, an effect display in a special gaming state, etc. Can be a variety of things.

(Solution 7)
In the gaming machine according to any one of the above solutions 1 to 4, it is desirable that the gaming machine of the present invention is a revolving gaming machine. Here, as a basic configuration of the swing type gaming machine, starting and stopping are performed according to the player's operation in a state where a predetermined number of gaming values are multiplied for each game, and the display of the symbols is performed by the starting. While changing, a symbol display means for displaying a combination of a plurality of symbols at the time of stopping, a start operation means capable of accepting a start operation for starting the symbol display means, and a stop for stopping the symbol display means A game value that gives a player a number of game values according to the type of combination of symbols when a combination of a predetermined symbol is displayed when the symbol display unit is stopped when the stop operation unit can accept an operation. Providing means and special game state transition means for shifting to a special game state advantageous to the player when a combination of specific symbols is displayed when the symbol display means is stopped. To have. Note that the predetermined number of game values to be multiplied for each game may be one or more.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to promptly indicate that the power failure is being restored. Therefore, even immediately after the power failure is restored, the player can wait for the start of the game while giving a sense of security. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even after the power failure is restored, the player's willingness to enjoy profits can prevent a decrease in gaming motivation. In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to make a variety of effects such as an effect display that gives the player a sense of expectation that the game machine may shift to the special game state and an effect display in the special game state. it can.

(Solution 8)
In the gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 4, the gaming machine of the present invention may be applied to a revolving gaming machine that uses a game ball as a gaming medium. Here, as a basic configuration of the swing-type game machine, game value counting means that collects a predetermined number of game balls as game media to make one unit of game value, and the game value count for each game. The game is started and stopped in accordance with the player's operation with a predetermined number of game values multiplied by 1 unit by means, and the display of the symbols is changed by the start, while a plurality of symbols are displayed at the time of stoppage. Symbol display means for displaying in combination, start operation means capable of accepting a start operation for starting the symbol display means, stop operation means capable of accepting a stop operation for stopping the symbol display means, When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed when the symbol display means is stopped, the player is given a number of game balls corresponding to the number of game values corresponding to the type of symbol combination. A game value providing means, when said specific combination of symbols on the time of stopping the symbol display unit is displayed, and a special game state transition means for shifting to an advantageous special game state for the player. Note that the predetermined number of game values to be multiplied for each game may be one or more.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to promptly indicate that the power failure is being restored. Therefore, even immediately after the power failure is restored, the player can wait for the start of the game while giving a sense of security. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even after the power failure is restored, the player's willingness to enjoy profits can prevent a decrease in gaming motivation. In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the symbol display means is stopped, a combination of specific symbols is displayed so that the player can have a sense of expectation that the player may enter a special gaming state. It is also possible to make a variety of presentation displays in the special gaming state.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can display on the display device that the power failure is being recovered as soon as possible immediately after the power failure is recovered.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.
(1. First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration example of a pachinko machine 1 to which a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Hereinafter, a schematic configuration example of the pachinko machine 1 will be described first.

  In this pachinko machine 1, a base frame is attached to a wooden outer frame via a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed, and a front frame (glass frame 5) is attached to the base frame via a hinge mechanism. It can be opened and closed. In the present embodiment, the frame bodies such as the base frame and the front frame (glass frame 5) are collectively referred to as “main body frame 17”. Of these, the game board 2 is detachably fitted into the base frame. In the game board 2, a substantially circular game area is formed on the front surface thereof, and a number of guide nails (not shown) are driven in a predetermined gauge arrangement in the game area. A windmill (not shown), various winning ports 15 (start winning port, large winning port, general winning port, etc.), gate port 13, panel decoration lamp (no reference numeral), and the like are arranged as panel components. Each of the various winning openings 15 is provided with a winning detector (not shown in FIG. 1) for detecting the winning of a game ball. In addition, on the back surface of the game board 2, various boards and electronic components such as a main control board, a sub control board, and a symbol control board (not shown in FIG. 1) are mounted.

  In addition to a large number of frame lamps (such as frame decoration lamps 31) arranged in a decorative manner on the glass frame 5, an upper speaker 29 for performing sound output as the game progresses and a player can perform push operations as appropriate. A production button 10 or the like is provided. In addition, on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1, an upper plate 4 for containing a game ball is provided on the glass frame 5 side, and a lower plate 6 is provided on the base frame side. In addition, at the lower right corner position, a launching handle 8 operated by the player to sequentially launch the game balls stored in the upper plate 4 is provided on the base frame side. A lower speaker 29 is arranged inside the left side position of the upper plate 4. Note that a plurality of pachinko machines 1 are usually installed side by side on the island facility of the game arcade, and a card unit (in the case of a CR machine) is provided as a sand 12 between the machines.

  A ball stage 14a is formed at the lower edge of the center accessory 14, and when a game ball is guided on the ball stage 14a, the movement is changed while staying there temporarily. When the game ball to which movement is given in the ball stage 14a falls to the entrance of the ball guide path 14b formed in the ball stage 14a, the game ball is guided to the ball guide path 14b and provided directly below the prize detector ( A winning is detected by (not shown in FIG. 1).

  A special symbol display device 41 including, for example, four light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower right edge of the game board 2. This special symbol display device 41 is connected to a main control board, which will be described later, and repeatedly turns on or off in response to a start winning, and according to the result of an internal lottery (big hit lottery) executed on the main control board. It will be in the lit state or the extinguished state. Furthermore, a normal symbol display device 42 including, for example, two light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower right edge of the game board 2. The normal symbol display device 42 is also connected to the main control board, and is configured to change the lighting state over a predetermined period when the gate port 13 passes. Here, when the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 42 becomes a predetermined lighting state, for example, the electric tulip type start winning device (winning detection means) is put into an open state in which it is easy to win a predetermined time.

  Further, a decorative symbol display device 16 is arranged in the center accessory 14, and this decorative symbol display device 16 decoratively represents a lighting state or a non-lighting state by the special symbol display device 41. Is displayed. The display contents of the decorative symbol display device 16 change, for example, in response to a winning at the start winning opening, and an image or the like representing the variation of the decorative symbols is displayed depending on whether the special symbol display device 41 is turned on or off. Is done. This decoration symbol stops after it fluctuates over a certain period of time. At this time, if it becomes a predetermined stop pattern mode (for example, a display mode in which three of the same type of decorative symbols are arranged), it becomes a big hit, and the pachinko machine 1 has a special game. Transition to the state.

  When the special game state is entered, the display content on the decorative symbol display device 16 is switched to a round display with a big hit, and a round effect (such as counting the number of winning prizes or the number of continuous rounds) is executed. In addition, information indicating that a special game is being played (such as “probable change” or “short time”) may be displayed when a special game (such as “probability change” or “short time”) is entered. is there.

  Further, on the left and right sides of the lower edge portion of the center accessory 14 in the game board 2, for example, two special symbol holding lamps 43 each including a total of four light emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. The special symbol hold lamp 43 is connected to the main control board, and is configured to hold the start winning while the lighting state by the special symbol display device 41 as the symbol display means is changing and to display the hold status. ing. Specifically, each special symbol holding lamp 43 is provided with a light emitting area in the form of numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, for example. Arranged in order so as to represent “1” to “4” to the right. These four light emission areas represent the number of start memories (1 to 4) of special symbols according to the light emission (lighting) modes of “1” to “4”.

  Further, a normal symbol holding lamp 44 including, for example, two light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided at the lower edge of the game board 2. The normal symbol hold lamp 44 is connected to the main control board, and is configured to hold the passage of the gate port 13 while the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 42 is changing and to display the hold status. . Two big hit type display lamps 45 are arranged in the vicinity of the normal symbol holding lamp 44. At least one of these jackpot type display lamps 45 is turned on when the jackpot is reached, thereby displaying the type of jackpot. Further, on the back surface of the game board 2, a main control board, a sub control board, a display control board (decorative symbol control board 30 described later), etc., not shown in FIG.

(2. Electric configuration example of pachinko machine)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration example of the pachinko machine 1.
The main body frame 17 is provided with a payout control board 25 and a firing control board 47. On the other hand, on the back side of the game board 2, a main control board 3 (game control unit) and a sub control board 35 (production control unit) are provided in the upper part. Further, a decorative symbol control board 30 is provided at the back position of the decorative symbol display device 16 disposed in the center of the game board 2, and the decorative symbol control board 30 is connected to the decorative symbol display device 16. Yes.

  The main control board 3 is connected to a board such as the sub control board 35 and the payout control board 25. The payout control board 25 is also connected to the launch control board 47 and the prize ball payout device 21, and the sub control board 35 is also connected to a decorative design control board 30 that controls the display operation. The sub control board 35 may have a function of the decorative symbol control board 30.

  The sub control board 35 transmits an effect display command for controlling the effect display operation according to the progress of the game to the decorative symbol control board 30 during the game operation. The decorative symbol control board 30 receives the effect display command, and displays a character image corresponding to the progress of the game on the decorative symbol display device 16 provided almost at the center position of the game area. The sub-control board 35 controls lighting of the panel decoration lamp 12 and the frame decoration lamp 31 via the lamp relay board 32 and the lamp relay board 34.

  Here, it is implied that the character image may have a predetermined stop symbol pattern (for example, a display pattern in which three symbols of the same type are arranged), for example, a video related to a variable symbol display. It includes images related to implied productions. For example, the variation display pattern of reach production in which two symbols of the same kind are arranged in the middle of the variation display is the scene until all symbols start changing and one symbol stops, and then two symbols of the same kind are arranged. It consists of a combination of multiple scenes such as scenes (video). These scenes are continuously displayed in a predetermined order.

  Each scene includes at least one of a moving image and a sprite. For example, each scene is a video image with a scene of a movie as a background and a pattern superimposed as a sprite on the foreground. In the present embodiment, an image in which the display mode is dynamically changed is represented by continuously switching and displaying these frames one after another at a frame rate obtained by dividing the image by 60 frames per second. In the present embodiment, a moving image and a sprite used when creating this frame (frame) are hereinafter referred to as a scene material. In the present embodiment, sprites are mainly exemplified as the scene material except for portions that need to be touched particularly with respect to moving images.

  The illustrated variation display patterns of reach effects include a plurality of patterns according to the types of reach effects. Each scene is used by combining several scenes according to the variable display pattern to be displayed. Some scenes are used only once by each variable display pattern, and are used in common. There is also a scene.

Next, the speaker 29 is disposed, for example, on the upper part of the front frame (glass frame 5) of the pachinko machine 1 or on the base frame side of the upper plate 4. The speaker 29 outputs sound effects, sounds, etc. as the game progresses. It is supposed to be.
The main control board 3 includes electronic components such as a CPU 3a (hereinafter referred to as “main CPU”), a RAM 3b, a ROM 3c, an input / output interface, etc. (all not shown). A plurality of winning detectors 15a (winning detection means) are connected to the main control board 3, and the winning detector 15a has various winning ports 15 (start winning ports and big winning ports in the game area). , It is detected that there has been a ball entering a general winning opening, etc., and the detection signal is output to the main control board 3. Further, when a game ball passes through the gate port 13, the passage of the game ball is detected by the gate passage detector (gate switch) 13a, and a gate passage signal is generated.

  The main control board 3 is connected with a big prize opening solenoid 18, and when the big winning lottery becomes a big hit and shifts to a special game state, the special winning opening solenoid 18 is operated to open and close the big prize opening.

  Control of the game operation by the main control board 3 is performed, for example, by the main CPU 3a executing a predetermined control program (hereinafter referred to as “main control program”). The main CPU 3a generates a random number on the software in accordance with the execution of the main control program. When the main CPU 3a detects a winning at the start winning opening, the main CPU 3a acquires the random number as a trigger. At this time, the main CPU 3a determines whether or not the acquired random number value matches a predetermined hit value (lottery), and if it matches the predetermined hit value, the main CPU 3a An effect command for executing the effect operation in the form is output. Thereafter, the combination of symbols is actually displayed in a big hit mode on the decorative symbol display device 16, and a big hit state is obtained.

  On the other hand, if the acquired random number value does not match the predetermined hit value, the main CPU 3a outputs an effect command for executing the effect operation in a manner that is out of relation to the sub-control board 35. In response to the reception of the effect command, the effect display command is output to the decorative symbol control board 30 in order to display the combination of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 16 in a detachment manner. After this, the normal game continues. The main CPU 3a determines the lottery result and the variation pattern, and the main CPU 3a outputs commands related to the lottery result and the variation pattern to the sub-control board 35.

  The main CPU 3a has a backup function (game state holding unit) for holding information (hereinafter referred to as “game state information”) regarding whether or not the game state at the time of power-off is a special game state advantageous to the player. The main CPU 3a executes a process related to the progress of the game by a fixed-time timer interrupt process executed every 4 ms. In the first fixed-time timer interrupt process after power is restored, after confirming the stored game state information, a command including the game state information (hereinafter referred to as “game state command”) is transmitted in the command transmission process. ) Is transmitted to the sub-control board 35 (game state command transmission unit).

  The sub control board 35 includes electronic components such as a CPU 35a (hereinafter referred to as “sub CPU”), a RAM 35b, a ROM 35c, and an input interface. The sub-control board 35 has a command reception buffer (not shown), and stores the command received by the interrupt (such as a lottery result and a command relating to a variation pattern, a gaming state command) in the command reception buffer. The sub control board 35 acquires and analyzes the command stored in the command reception buffer. The sub-control board 35 outputs a sound from the speaker 29 based on the analysis result, turns on or off the panel decoration lamp 12 in a predetermined color via the lamp relay board 32, or passes the lamp relay board 34. Thus, the frame decoration lamp 31 is turned on or off in a predetermined color.

  In addition, the sub CPU 35a of the sub control board 35 determines an effect item that the main CPU does not determine, such as reach notice or reach effect. Then, the sub CPU 35 a transmits a command related to a visual performance operation from the analyzed command content to the decorative design control board 30. In the present embodiment, a command related to the rendering operation output from the sub control board 35 to the decorative design control board 30 is referred to as an “effect display command”. This effect display command includes information related to the effect item according to the content of the effect command (variation pattern command etc.) from the main control board 3, and this decorative symbol control board 30 receives the received effect display command and The effect display operation is controlled by the decorative symbol display device 16 based on the information related to the effect item. Further, the sub CPU 35a of the sub control board 35 performs processing related to effects such as output of control data for turning on and off a panel decoration lamp (not shown) by a fixed time timer interruption process executed every 2 ms. In addition, the fixed-time timer interrupt process is executed 8 times, and a command transmission process for the decorative symbol display device 16 is executed every 16 ms. The gaming state command received from the main control board 3 is transmitted to the decorative symbol control board 30 in a command transmission process executed every 16 ms.

  When the big win state is reached, the main control board 3 (the main CPU 3a) shifts to the special game state, thereby operating the big winning opening solenoid 18 to open and close the opening / closing door of the big winning opening in a predetermined pattern. A player can win a lot of prize balls by winning a game ball as an example of a game medium during the opening. In addition to the above, the control of the game operation by the main control board 3 has various contents, but since all are well known, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The payout control board 25 also includes a CPU 25a (hereinafter referred to as “payout CPU”), a RAM 25b, a ROM 25c, an input / output interface and the like (all not shown). In particular, the payout control board 25 is the main control board 3. Are connected so that bidirectional communication is possible. That is, between the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25, serial signal upper and lower lines Su, Sd and ACK signal transmission lines Au, Ad are laid in parallel therewith.

  For example, when a prize ball command for instructing the payout of a prize ball is transmitted from the main control board 3 in a serial format via the down line Sd, an ACK signal is received from the payout control board 25 that has received the command via the transmission line Au. To be sent to. Conversely, when a status command indicating the state of the payout control board 25 is transmitted from the payout control board 25 to the main control board 3 via the up line Su (for example, during the payout process), the main control board 3 that receives this command receives an ACK. The signal is transmitted to the dispensing control board 25 through the transmission line Ad.

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a prize ball payout device 21 in its main body frame 17, and the payout operation of the game ball by the prize ball payout device 21 is controlled by a payout control board 25. That is, the payout control board 25 receives the prize ball command from the main control board 3 and operates the payout motor 20 of the prize ball payout device 21 to perform the number of payout operations designated by the prize ball command. At this time, the number of prize balls actually paid out is detected one by one by the payout ball detector 22 and fed back to the payout control board 25. On the other hand, the rotation state (rotation angle) of the payout motor 20 is detected by the motor drive sensor 24 and fed back to the payout control board 25.

  In addition, in addition to the firing motor 49, a signal line from the firing handle 8 is connected to the firing control board 47. The firing handle 8 includes a touch detection unit 48 that detects the contact of a human body (player) and outputs a touch detection signal to the firing control board 47. The firing handle 8 has a built-in launch switch (not shown), and outputs an ON signal to the launch control board 47 when the launch handle 8 rotates. The launch control board 47 has a function of controlling the launch operation of the game ball when a card unit connection signal outputted by the card unit as the inter-bed sand 12 is inputted via the payout control board 25. Yes. The launch control board 47 permits the launch motor 49 to be driven only when the card unit connection signal, the touch detection signal, and the ON signal are received, thereby allowing the launch of the game ball.

  When the payout CPU 25a of the payout control board 25 detects a failure such as a ball bit, a broken ball, a full tank, or an abnormal connection between the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25, the payout control board 25 responds to the type of the failure. Error information is displayed. Specifically, the payout control board 25 is provided with a 7-segment LED 4a, and the 7-segment LED 4a displays, for example, an error number for each of the various types of failures.

  The payout control board 25 is provided with an operation switch 4b as an error canceling means, and the operation switch 4b is disposed at a position where it can be operated from the outside. The operation switch 4b is used as an opportunity for voice guidance of how to deal with each failure when such various failures occur, and for clearing error information (numerical display) displayed on the 7-segment LED 4a. It is done.

(3. Decorative design control board)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example in which the electrical configuration of the decorative design control board 30 is simplified.
3 includes a character ROM 340, a first character RAM 321, a second character RAM 322, a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “symbol CPU”) 311, a control ROM 325, a video display processor 330, and a memory interface. A control circuit 324 is provided.

  The decorative design control board 30 has a function of controlling the effect display operation based on the effect display command from the sub-control board 35. In the decorative symbol control board 30, the effect display operation is controlled by executing the symbol display control program (control program). The decorative design control board 30 develops sprite data read from the character ROM 340 to the character RAMs 321 and 322 via the memory interface control circuit 324 under the control of the design CPU 311, while the VDP 330 develops to the character RAMs 321 and 322. Drawing data is generated based on the completed sprite data. The decorative design control board 30 is connected to the decorative design display device 16 and is configured to output drawing data corresponding to an image to be displayed to the decorative design display device 16. Various circuits constituting the decorative design control board 30 are provided on a single board having, for example, six wiring layers. Each configuration will be specifically described below.

(3-1. Character ROM configuration example)
Here, the decorative design control board 30 is equipped with a character ROM 340, and a group of data (data necessary for video display) related to each scene constituting the variable display pattern is stored in the character ROM 340 in advance. . That is, the character ROM 340 includes moving image data and sprite data as materials necessary for displaying each scene. This moving image data includes a frame data group corresponding to each of a series of frames constituting the moving image.

  Here, the sprite data is stored in the character ROM 340 in a state where the data structure is compressed by a preset reversible compression method. On the other hand, the moving image data is stored in the character ROM 340 in a state where the data structure is compressed by a preset irreversible compression method. In the present embodiment, the compressed sprite data is referred to as “compressed sprite data”, and the compressed moving image data is referred to as “compressed moving image data”.

  Note that the sprite has a non-transparent area that does not visually transmit the moving image and a transmissive area that visually transmits the moving image as the background when superimposed on the moving image as the background. The sprite is displayed by distinguishing the non-transparent area and the transparent area by the area identification data.

(3-2. Configuration example of control ROM)
The decorative design control board 30 is provided with a control ROM 325, and this control ROM 325 is provided.
4, the symbol display control program, the expansion table, the power failure recovery image data TFD, and the restart request image data SYD are stored in a nonvolatile manner. This symbol display control program is executed by the symbol CPU 311. This expansion table is referred to by the symbol CPU 311 when displaying the above-mentioned variation display pattern, and manages the combination of scenes included in the variation display pattern and the display order of each scene. The symbol display control program may include the function of this development table.

  Specifically, this expansion table includes expansion information regarding the expansion destination (expansion destination address and the like) of sprite data necessary for scene display in the character RAMs 321 and 322, and scheduler data (display information) in addition to the expansion information. It is out. The scheduler data here is information such as the start address of sprite data to be used for display, the number of sheets to be displayed (the number of sheets in the vertical and horizontal directions), the identifier of the sprite (character number, etc.), and the priority order when superimposed. However, it includes display information in which drawing data used for drawing to be described later is stored in the display order. In the control ROM 325, either the form in which the expansion information is stored and stored in the scheduler data or the form in which the scheduler data and the expansion information exist in parallel may be used.

  The power failure recovery image data TFD is power recovery image data used for displaying that the power failure is being recovered (power recovery is being performed) when the power is turned on. The power failure recovery image data TFD is read by the symbol CPU 311 described later when the power is turned on, for example. Further, the game resumption image data SYD is power recovery image data used for, for example, displaying “Please fire a ball (game ball)” (display that game should be resumed) when the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the power failure recovery image data TFD and the restart request image data SYD are collectively referred to as “power recovery image data”, and sprites as image data such as characters and symbols used in the production operation. Data and moving image data (frame data) are used separately.

(3-3. Configuration example of symbol CPU)
Further, the symbol CPU 311 (Central Processing Unit) incorporates an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and a control ROM 325 is connected from the outside by a chip select signal line. In the present embodiment, a memory such as SRAM mounted on the symbol CPU 311 is referred to as “built-in memory”. The symbol CPU 311 is connected to the control ROM 325 by an address line and a data line (not shown). The control ROM 325 is a read-only memory that stores a symbol display control program for controlling the effect display operation.

  The symbol CPU 311 (display control processor) controls the operation of the VDP 330 based on the effect display command from the sub-control board 35 by the operation of the symbol display control program read from the control ROM 325 into the built-in memory. The symbol CPU 311 analyzes the effect display command received from the sub-control board 35 and controls the execution of the effect display operation according to the analysis result.

  Further, the symbol CPU 311 further refers to the contents of the expansion table, grasps the sprite (or moving image) used for displaying the scene for each type of scene, and specifies the sprite data used for displaying the sprite. The moving image data used for displaying the moving image is specified. Further, the symbol CPU 311 refers to the expansion table in the control ROM 325, acquires expansion information regarding where the sprite data (or moving image data) necessary for the scene display should be expanded at which position in the character RAMs 321 and 322, and will be described later. Command to the memory interface control circuit 324.

  Further, the symbol CPU 311 receives a desired power recovery from the power failure recovery image data TFD and the restart request image data SYD from the control ROM 325 before the memory interface control circuit 324 is in a steady state at the time of power recovery (power recovery). Select and read image data. Here, “before the steady state” indicates, for example, before the completion of development of sprite data or the like that should be developed first after power-on. Then, the symbol CPU 311 writes the recovered image data read from the control ROM 325 into a built-in memory (built-in RAM 335 described later) provided in the VDP 330.

  In this embodiment, while the memory interface control circuit 324 expands the sprite data read from the character ROM 340 to the character RAMs 321 and 322 when the power is restored based on an instruction from the symbol CPU 311, the VDP 330 The power recovery image is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 16 based on the power recovery image data written from the control ROM 325 to the built-in RAM 335.

  In this embodiment, when the power failure recovery image data TFD is written in the built-in RAM 335 of the VDP 330, the decorative symbol display device 16 indicates that the power failure recovery is in progress based on the power failure recovery image data TFD of the built-in RAM 335. To display. On the other hand, when the restart request image data SYD is written in the internal RAM 335 of the VDP 330, the VDP 330 displays on the decorative design display device 16 that the game should be restarted based on the restart request image data SYD of the internal RAM 335. .

(4. Configuration example of memory interface control circuit)
The memory interface control circuit 324 shown in FIG. 3 has a function of controlling an interface related to data transfer between the character ROM 340, the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322, and the VDP 330 under the control of the symbol CPU 311. In these character RAMs 321 and 322, for example, the same sprite data that is frequently used is developed in a memory space to which the same address is assigned at the chip level. Here, “the same address is given at the chip level” means that the memory spaces of these character RAMs 321 and 322 are identical to each other when the memory spaces of these character RAMs 321 and 322 are separately distinguished. It is shown that the address is attached. In this way, the VDP 330 cannot distinguish between the character RAMs 321 and 322 even if the character RAMs 321 and 322 are switched.

  The memory interface control circuit 324 includes a control register group 315a, an image expansion circuit 327, and a decompressed data memory controller 315. The memory interface control circuit 324 is connected to the character ROM 340, the symbol CPU 311, the VDP 330, and the character RAMs 321 and 322, respectively.

(4-1. Register configuration)
The control register group 315a is configured such that the symbol CPU 311 can write set values such as a transfer source address, a transfer destination address, and the number of transfer bytes.

(4-2. Configuration of Image Expansion Circuit)
The image decompression circuit 327 starts the decompression process for the compressed sprite data according to the set value written to the register group 315a by the symbol CPU 311. The image decompression circuit 327 starts decompression processing on the compressed moving image data according to the set value written in the register group 315a by the symbol CPU 311. The image decompression circuit 327 also reads out the compressed moving image data read start address of the character ROM 340 as the transfer source, the number of data to be read (number of bytes), and the character RAM 321 as the transfer destination according to the set value written in the control register group 315a. Alternatively, the write address of the decompressed data to the character RAM 322 can be recognized. In addition, the control register group 315a includes a status register that can confirm the decompression processing state and the other (execution, stoppage).

  Here, the symbol CPU 311 has a function of independently controlling the expansion operation regarding the moving image and the still image by the image expansion circuit 327. The image decompression circuit 327 has a sprite decompression unit, and the sprite decompression unit is configured for each designated area according to a preset sprite decompression method based on the writing to the control register group 315a by the symbol CPU 311. Reversibly compressed sprite data is individually decompressed into sprite data. Further, the image decompression circuit 327 has a moving image decompressing unit, and the moving image decompressing unit sets a moving image in which compressed lossy compressed image data is set in advance based on the writing by the design CPU 311. The moving image data is expanded according to the expansion method. When the image decompression circuit 327 is mounted in this way, a large amount of sprite data and moving image data can be compressed and stored in the character ROM 340 that is inexpensive but inexpensive to access.

  The image decompression circuit 327 performs control to read out compressed moving image data and compressed sprite data for displaying each scene included in the variable display pattern to be displayed from the character ROM 340 in accordance with the set value written in the control register group 315a. Do. Here, the symbol CPU 311 sets the type of the character ROM 340 to be connected to the control register group 315a, so that the memory interface control circuit 324 can employ various types of character ROMs.

(4-3. Expanded data memory controller)
The expanded data memory controller 315 switches between a writing state (also referred to as “developing state”) and a reading state in the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 according to the set value written to the register group 315a by the symbol CPU 311. Is specified. In the present embodiment, the expanded data memory controller 315 switches between the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 under the control of the symbol CPU 311. That is, in both the character RAMs 321 and 322, one character RAM 321 is in a writing state and the other character RAM 322 is in a reading state under the control of the symbol CPU 311. That is, the VDP 330 can read the written sprite data (or moving image data) from the other character RAM 322 while the sprite data (or moving image data) is being developed in the one character RAM 321.

  The expanded data memory controller 315 has a function of controlling the expansion and reading of sprite data and moving image data to and from the first character RAM 321 according to the set value written to the register group 315a by the symbol CPU 311. It has a function of controlling the expansion and reading of sprite data and moving image data to the character RAM 322.

(4-4. Configuration related to simultaneous access processing)
(4-4-1. Register group)
In the register group 315a, the symbol CPU 311 can further write a transfer source address, the number of transfer bytes, and a transfer destination address. The transfer source address indicates a transfer source address of sprite data (or moving image data) to be transferred from the character ROM 340 to the character RAMs 321 and 322. Here, the transfer destination address indicates a transfer destination address of sprite data (or moving image data) to be transferred from the character ROM 340 to the character RAMs 321 and 322. The number of transfer bytes indicates the number of bytes of sprite data (or moving image data) to be transferred from the character ROM 340 to the character RAMs 321 and 322. The moving image data can be transferred as frame data for each frame by setting the number of transfer bytes corresponding to each frame.

(4-4-2. Access control circuit)
Further, the expanded data memory controller 315 has a built-in access control circuit (not shown), and this access control circuit has a function of decoding a transfer destination address written in the register group 315a. In the following description, each numerical value when the transfer destination address is expressed in hexadecimal is expressed as “digit”, while each numerical value when this “digit” is expressed in binary is expressed as “bit”. To do. This access control circuit checks the most significant digit of the hexadecimal transfer destination address written in the register group 315a. For example, when the most significant digit is "1 (" 0001 "in binary number)", it will be described later. Perform concurrent access processing. That is, while the chip select signals of both character RAMs 321 and 322 are activated, this access control circuit executes simultaneous access processing when the most significant digit is “0 (binary number“ 0000 ”)”. I won't let you.

  This access control circuit further confirms the next lower digit when viewed from the most significant digit of the transfer destination address when simultaneous access processing should not be executed. Further, when the “next digit” is represented in binary number, the access control circuit should expand the first character RAM 321 when the second bit from the least significant bit is “0 (binary number)”. If there is, the chip select signal of the first character RAM 321 is activated. On the other hand, when the second bit from the least significant bit is “1 (binary number)”, this access control circuit assumes that the second character RAM 322 should be expanded and the chip select signal of the second character RAM 322 is activated. To.

(4-4-3. Simultaneous access)
When simultaneous access processing is to be executed, the expanded data memory controller 315 of the memory interface control circuit 324 connects the character ROM 340 and the first character RAM 321 and simultaneously connects the character ROM 340 and the second character RAM 322, and By making the chip select signals of both character RAMs 321 and 322 active, the character RAMs 321 and 322 can be accessed simultaneously.

  Then, when the expanded data memory controller 315 connects the character ROM 340 and the combination of the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 in this way, first, the transfer source address and transfer written in the register group 315a by the symbol CPU 311 Desired compressed sprite data (or compressed moving image data) is read according to the number of bytes. At this time, the decompressed data memory controller 315 decodes the transfer destination address written in the register group 315a and activates the chip select signal for both the character RAMs 321 and 322, so that the expanded sprite data (or moving image) is obtained. Data) is developed in the first character RAM 321, and at the same time, the sprite data (or moving image data) is developed in the second character RAM 322.

  The expanded data memory controller 315 executes the simultaneous access process at a specific time such as when the power is turned on, and switches between the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 at a normal time thereafter. In addition, the time of power-on here means that the supply of electric power is started or the supply of electric power is restarted.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a memory map showing a state in which the character RAMs 321 and 322 are accessed simultaneously. In this memory map, the memory space of the first character RAM 321 is represented as a first character RAM area C1E, and the memory space of the second character RAM 322 is represented as a second character RAM area C2E. The illustrated simultaneous access areas DA1E and DA2E are memory spaces to which addresses used for simultaneous access processing are assigned.

  In this memory map, the first character RAM area C1E includes a first chip select space CS0E indicated by addresses “0000 0000” to “01FF FFFF” and a second chip indicated by “0200 0000” to “03FF FFFF”. The select space CS1E is included. Further, in this memory map, the second character RAM area CS2E has the first chip select space CS0E indicated by addresses “0800 0000” to “09FF FFFF” and the second character RAM areas CS2E indicated by “0A00 0000” to “0BFF FFFF”. A two-chip select space CS1E is included.

  In this memory map, the simultaneous access area DA1E includes the first chip select space CS0E indicated by addresses “1000 0000” to “11FF FFFF” and the second chip indicated by “1200 0000” to “13F FFFF”. The select space CS1E is included. Further, in this memory map, the simultaneous access area DA2E includes a first chip select space CS0E indicated by addresses “1800 0000” to “19FF FFFF” and a second chip indicated by “1A00 0000” to “1BFF FFFF”. The select space CS1E is included. The first chip select space CS0E and the second chip select space CS1E each have a capacity of 256 Mbit.

  When the expansion destination address written in the register group 315a is to execute the simultaneous access processing as described above (for example, the first digit of the expansion destination address expressed in hexadecimal is “1”. ”), The built-in access control circuit decodes the written development destination address and activates the chip select for the character RAMs 321 and 322.

  Therefore, when the chip select becomes active at the same time, the expanded data memory controller 315 accesses (expands) the first character RAM area C1E as shown by the dotted arrow in the figure, and at the same time as shown by the dotted arrow in the figure. By accessing (developing) the second character RAM area C2E, the character RAMs 321 and 322 can be accessed simultaneously.

(4-5. Character RAM switching configuration)
The first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 shown in FIG. 3 are respectively in a writing state (development state) for temporarily storing moving image data and sprite data and a stored moving image under the control of the development data memory controller 315. The read state in which image data and sprite data are read is alternately switched so as to be opposite to each other.

  More specifically, during the period during which the first character RAM 321 is developed (hereinafter referred to as “first development period”), the moving image data and the sprite data are controlled to be read from the second character RAM 322. . On the other hand, during the period of development to the second character RAM 322 (hereinafter referred to as “second development period”), control is performed so as to be read from the first character RAM 321. In the present embodiment, the expanded data memory controller 315 controls the switching of the character RAMs 321 and 322 according to the setting by the symbol CPU 311. This expanded data memory controller 315 is triggered by a vertical synchronization signal (so-called V blank signal) that is an external signal output from the VDP 330 according to the setting by the symbol CPU 311. Control of the switching operation of the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 so as to be repeated repeatedly can be employed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the developed data memory controller 315 has the character RAMs 321 and 322 switched according to the control of the symbol CPU 311.

(4-6. Memory space management of character RAM)
Here, in this embodiment, when the VDP 330 is viewed through the memory interface control circuit 324, it looks as if the memory space of the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 is one. That is, the memory space of the first character RAM 321 and the memory space of the second character RAM 322 do not need to be distinguished when viewed from the VDP 330.

  While the same sprite data (material image data) is developed in the resident areas of the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322, moving image data (material image data) is framed outside these resident areas. Expanded alternately in units. That is, outside the resident areas of the character RAMs 321 and 322, frame data groups obtained by dividing moving image data used for displaying moving images in units of frames are alternately developed. Here, when the data size of the moving image data increases, the burden on the handling control increases. However, in the present embodiment, the sprite data that is frequently used is constantly expanded in the resident area, and the memory interface control circuit The processing capability of 324 (processing capability such as development) can be concentrated on the handling control of moving image data that is burdensome to handle.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 can temporarily store sprite data (or moving image data) necessary for displaying the combination of scenes used for the variable display pattern. It has a configuration. Here, before each scene is displayed in the character RAMs 321 and 322, sprite data necessary for displaying the scene is expanded from the character ROM 340 to the character RAMs 321 and 322. Further, from the first character RAMs 321 and 322, sprite data necessary for each combination of scenes is read out under the control of the development data memory controller 315. As an example of the variable display pattern, the symbol CPU 311 outputs an instruction corresponding to the variable display pattern to the VDP 330 according to the scheduler data. Then, the VDP 330 reads sprite data from the character RAMs 321 and 322 via the memory interface control circuit 324.

(4-7. Resident Area)
Here, in this embodiment, when displaying a plurality of variable display patterns, each scene is displayed. For sprite data that is frequently used, a part of the storage area (resident area) of the character RAMs 321 and 322 is used. It shall be resident. In the present embodiment, the symbol CPU 311 develops sprite data that is frequently used by partitioning the resident areas (resident areas) in the character RAMs 321 and 322. As described above, the VDP 330 does not need to distinguish between the resident area of the character RAM 321 and the resident area of the character RAM 322 when reading the sprite data.

  As described above, if the character RAMs 321 and 322 are provided with resident areas and the sprite data necessary for scene display is always developed, the memory interface control circuit 324 does not have to read frequently used sprite data from the character ROM 340 one by one. It will be over. The sprite data necessary for the scene display developed in the resident area includes, for example, sprite data used for displaying a symbol that is always displayed during symbol variation display. It should be noted that the timing of deployment may be expanded immediately after the power is turned on.

(5. Configuration example of VDP)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the video display processor (VDP) 330 shown in FIG.
The VDP 330 includes a CPU interface 383 (abbreviated as “CPU I / F” in the figure), a ROM interface 333 (abbreviated as “ROM I / F” in the figure), a bus 382, a VDP controller 331, a line buffer 336, and a color palette register 332c. , A sprite attribute register 332s, a background (abbreviated as “BG” in the figure) attribute register 332b, a built-in RAM 335 (built-in memory), and a DMA controller 384. The VDP 330 (video display processor) has a function of generating drawing data for displaying video on the decorative symbol display device 16 under the control of the symbol CPU 311. Hereinafter, the VDP 330 will be specifically described.

  First, the color palette register 332c, the sprite attribute register 332s, and the BG attribute register 332b are registers that the VDP controller 331 refers to when controlling the image display operation by the VDP controller 331, respectively. That is, the VDP controller 331 refers to the color palette register 332c, the sprite attribute register 332s, and the BG attribute register 332b based on an instruction from the symbol CPU 311 and displays a decorative symbol display via the line buffer 336 based on the drawing data. The display operation of the device 16 is controlled.

  Here, the symbol CPU 311 first writes the color palette data of the control ROM 325 into the color palette register 332c. Further, the symbol CPU 311 writes the sprite attribute data acquired from the scheduler data in the control ROM 325 to the sprite attribute register 332s and the background attribute data acquired from the scheduler data to the background attribute register 332b for drawing.

  The color palette register 332c is a register for previously storing color palette data for 256 palettes corresponding to each palette number represented by 0 to 255. One pallet is composed of, for example, 16 colors. That is, the color palette register 332c provides color palette data corresponding to the designated palette number when a palette number (for example, 0 to 255) is designated when the sprite is set.

  The sprite attribute register 332s is a register for setting information related to display of characters (sprites, moving images, etc.). The sprite attribute register 332s is a number (character number) for identifying a character to be displayed, coordinates for displaying the character corresponding to the character number, the number of characters constituting the character, and the color palette to be referred to at the time of display. Number etc. are written. One character is composed of 64 bits × 64 bits × 8 bits (256 colors) = 4 Kbytes, and each character is managed with a number from 0 to 65407.

  In the VDP 330, the head address corresponding to the character number specified when accessing the character RAMs 321 and 322 is managed. Further, in the VDP 330, addresses corresponding to the character numbers written in the sprite attribute register 332s are sequentially generated from the top address for the number of constituents × 4 Kbytes, and the characters are accessed (accessed) via the memory interface control circuit 324. Sprite data and the like are acquired from the RAMs 321 and 322.

  The BG attribute register 332b is a register for setting information relating to the display of the background, and the character number of the background character to be displayed, the color palette number referred to at the time of display, and the like are written therein. Note that the number of components is preferably fixed.

  The VDP controller 331 controls the image display operation, and acquires sprite data from the character RAMs 321 and 322 via the memory interface control circuit 324 under the control of the symbol CPU 311. Here, the VDP 330 has a built-in RAM 335. The built-in RAM 335 is a rewritable volatile memory, for example, SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

  In the built-in RAM 335, the restored image data read from the control ROM 325 by the symbol CPU 311 is written. The recovered image data written in the built-in RAM 335 is managed with character numbers represented by 65408 to 65535. When a character number of 65408 or higher is set in the sprite attribute register, the VDP controller 331 accesses the built-in RAM 335 and acquires designated power recovery image data.

  The VDP controller 331 then displays a power recovery image (indicating that a power failure is being recovered or based on the acquired power recovery image data (power failure recovery image data TFD or restart request image data SYD) in accordance with an instruction from the design CPU 311. Drawing data used for display of display indicating that the game should be resumed is output to the line buffer 336 line by line.

  The line buffer 336 has a function of accumulating drawing data generated by the VDP controller 331 in units of scanning lines (lines) of an image to be displayed, and a function of outputting the accumulated drawing data in units of scanning lines. Have. The VDP controller 331 also outputs a synchronization signal SYNC synchronized with the drawing data when outputting the drawing data.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the writing of the restored image data from the control ROM 325 to the built-in RAM 335 is executed under the control of the design CPU 311, for example, but instead is executed under the control of the DMA controller 384. Also good.

(6. Effect display processing)
The decorative symbol control board 30 of the pachinko machine 1 has the above-described configuration. Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a state in which the effect display process is executed by the operation of the symbol table control program will be described. First, the reset start process will be described.
(6-1. Example of reset start processing)
Next, an operation example in the reset start process after the power is turned on will be described.

  First, in the decorative symbol control board 30, when the symbol CPU 311 receives a so-called V blank signal output every 16 ms by the VDP 330, it executes a steady process. As typical processing included in the steady processing, the VDP 330 causes the decorative symbol display device 16 to display sprites based on sprite data read from the character RAMs 321 and 322 via the memory interface control circuit 324. A display process or a display process for causing the decorative symbol display device 16 to display a power recovery image based on the power recovery image data stored in the built-in RAM 335 can be exemplified.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic processing procedure after the reset start processing in the decorative design control board 30. FIG. 9 is a procedure showing in more detail the power failure recovery display instruction processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example. The reset start process shown in FIG. 7 represents a process example that is sequentially executed when the decorative symbol control board 30 is reset or newly powered on.

  First, boot processing is executed (step S10). In this boot process, after a reset start, the booted (booted) symbol display control program performs a minimum initialization such as a bus and a port, and then a loader (not shown) is started first, and this loader is stored in the control ROM 325. The program code included in the displayed symbol display control program is transferred (loaded) onto a built-in memory (not shown) of the symbol CPU 311.

(6-1-1. Initialization processing related to hardware)
Hereinafter, the symbol display control program operates on the internal memory of the symbol CPU 311 by executing the program code transferred in this way. First, initialization is performed on hardware such as the symbol CPU 311 of the decorative symbol control board 30. That is, the symbol display control program executes a minimum initialization such as a bus and a port during the boot process, and thereafter executes an initialization process for other hardware that has not been initialized by the boot process. More specifically, in the initialization process related to the hardware, first, various setting processes such as an interrupt of the symbol CPU 311 are executed (step S20).

  Next, in the initialization process related to the hardware, the initialization process of the VDP 330 is executed (step SS30). Further, in the initialization process regarding the hardware, the initialization process of the memory interface control circuit 324 is executed (step S40). In the initialization process of the memory interface control circuit 324, the set value of the control register group 315a included in the memory interface control circuit 324 is initialized.

(6-1-2. Hot / cold determination process)
Next, hot / cold determination processing is executed (step S50). In this hot / cold determination process, it is determined whether it is a hot start or a cold start. The symbol display control program tests the backup memory area managed by the checksum after reset. As a result of this test, if there is a reliable backup memory area, the symbol display control program is executed using the contents of the backup memory (hot start). Further, all work areas other than the backup target memory are filled with “0” (hereinafter referred to as “clear to 0”). Here, when there is no reliable memory area, the symbol display control program executes 0 clear of all work areas and stack areas of the internal memory of the symbol CPU 311 (cold start).

(6-1-3. Module initialization processing, etc.)
Next, in the module initialization process, initialization of each functional module included in the symbol display control program is executed (step S60). Specifically, this symbol display control program initializes a rendering module defined for performing a predetermined rendering display operation by software processing. This module initialization process may be performed separately for hot start and cold start.

(6-1-4. Display process at power failure recovery)
(6-1-4-1. Write designation process at power failure recovery)
When the power is restored (when the power is turned on), the symbol CPU 311 instructs to display that the power failure is being restored (step S70). Specifically, the symbol CPU 311 reads out the power failure recovery image data TFD used for displaying that the power failure is being recovered from the character ROM 340 (step S101 in FIG. 9) and writes it in the built-in RAM 335 of the VDP 330 (step S102). . Then, the symbol CPU 311 designates the character number of the restored image data written in the built-in RAM 335 and coordinate information to be displayed to the VDP 330 (step S103).

(6-1-4-2. Drawing process at power failure recovery)
Then, in the VDP 330, the VDP controller 331 reads out the power failure recovery image data TFD from the built-in RAM 335. At the same time, the VDP controller 331 generates drawing data used for display indicating that the power failure recovery is in progress based on the power failure recovery image data TFD, and outputs it to the line buffer 336 for each line (scanning line). ), The decorative symbol display device 16 displays that the power failure is being restored (power supply is being restored).

(6-1-4-3. Game restart request display process)
At this time, the symbol CPU 311 confirms whether or not the game state command output from the main control board 3 via the sub control board 35 exists in the reception buffer (step S104 in FIG. 9). If there is no gaming state command in the reception buffer, the symbol CPU 311 does not instruct the VDP 330 to change the display mode and continues displaying that the power failure is being recovered. On the other hand, when there is a gaming state command in the reception buffer, the symbol CPU 311 analyzes the gaming state command and determines whether the gaming state at power-off is a big hit state (special gaming state) or a normal gaming state. (Step S105).

  Here, when the game state at the time of power-off is the normal game state, the symbol CPU 311 does not instruct the VDP 330 to change the display mode and continues the display indicating that the power failure is being restored. On the other hand, when the gaming state at the time of power-off is a big hit state, the symbol CPU 311 designates the restart request image data SYD in the control ROM 325 and reads the restart request image data SYD from the control ROM 325 (step S106). Further, the symbol CPU 311 writes the restart request image data SYD in the built-in RAM 335 of the VDP 330 (step S107). Then, the symbol CPU 311 designates the character number of the restart request image data SYD written in the built-in RAM 335 and coordinate information to be displayed to the VDP 330 (step S108).

  Then, the VDP 330 reads the restart request image data SYD corresponding to this character number from the built-in RAM 335 according to the character number instructed by the design CPU 311 and the coordinate information to be displayed, and as an image based on the restart request image data SYD, for example, A message “Please fire a ball (game ball)” as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 16. In this way, the player does not miss the timing at which the game should be resumed, so that the player does not feel uneasy when starting or resuming the game.

(6-1-5. Expansion processing to resident area)
At the time of power recovery, the expanded data memory controller 315 of the memory interface control circuit 324 performs the simultaneous access described later based on the instruction of the symbol CPU 311 while the display indicating that the power failure recovery is being executed. By processing, for example, frequently used sprite data is simultaneously developed from the character ROM 340 to the resident areas of the character RAMs 321 and 322 (step S80 in FIG. 7). On the other hand, the expanded data memory controller 315 simultaneously expands, for example, infrequently used sprite data from the character ROM 340 to the outside of the resident areas of the character RAMs 321 and 322 by a simultaneous access process described later based on an instruction from the symbol CPU 311 (step S3). S80). Actually, an operation of writing the sprite data read from the character ROM 340 into the character RAMs 321 and 322 after being expanded by the image expansion circuit 327 is performed. In consideration of this flow, the description about the decompression process is omitted or simplified.

(6-1-6. Simultaneous access processing)
Specifically, in this simultaneous access processing, for example, frequently used sprite data (hereinafter referred to as “target sprite data”) is simultaneously developed (loaded) in the character RAMs 321 and 322.

  Specifically, in the simultaneous access process, first, the symbol CPU 311 writes the expansion source address and data size of the target sprite data in the character ROM 340 to the register group 315a of the memory interface control circuit 324, and the expansion destination address. For example, “1200 0000” is written in hexadecimal.

  Then, the expanded data memory controller 315 reads the target sprite data from the character ROM 340 based on the expanded source address and data size written in the register group 315a, and decodes the written transfer destination address. Specifically, the expanded data memory controller 315 is equipped with an access control circuit (not shown), and this access control circuit checks whether or not the most significant digit of the transfer destination address is “1”. At this time, when the most significant digit is “1”, the access control circuit executes the simultaneous access process, whereas when the most significant digit is “0”, the access control circuit does not execute the simultaneous access process.

  When the simultaneous access processing is to be executed, the decompressed data memory controller 315 first connects the character ROM 340 and the first character RAM 321 and simultaneously connects the character ROM 340 and the second character RAM 322. When the expanded data memory controller 315 connects the character ROM 340 and the combination of the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322 as described above, the expanded data memory controller 315 reads the target sprite data.

  At the same time, the expanded data memory controller 315 decodes the read sprite data by using the access control circuit to decode the transfer destination address written in the register group 315a, and activates the chip select signal for the character RAMs 321 and 322. At the same time that the character RAM 321 is expanded in the resident area, the character RAM 321 is expanded in the resident area of the second character RAM 322. That is, the memory interface control circuit 324 simultaneously develops the sprite data read from the character ROM 340 in both the character RAMs 321 and 322.

(6-1-7. Start of character RAM switching)
Next, the expanded data memory controller 315 starts switching so that the character ROM 340 and the VDP 330 are connected to different character RAMs 321 and 322, respectively. That is, the expanded data memory controller 315 switches the character RAMs 321 and 322 for each display switching period of a plurality of frame images according to the setting of the symbol CPU 311.

  When such switching is started, first, the memory interface control circuit 324 connects to the first character RAM 321 to expand the sprite data, and at the same time, the VDP 330 controls to read the sprite data from the second character RAM 322. When the switching is performed, the memory interface control circuit 324 is connected to the second character RAM 322 to expand the sprite data, and at the same time, the VDP 330 controls the sprite data to be readable from the first character RAM 321.

  Here, in the case where the next digit (the next digit on the lower side of the most significant digit) is represented by a binary number as described above, the access control circuit has two bits from the least significant bit. It is assumed that the first character RAM 321 should be accessed when the eye is “0 (binary number)”. On the other hand, it is assumed that the access control circuit should access the second character RAM 322 when the second bit from the least significant bit is “1 (binary number)” in the same case. Then, the expanded data memory controller 315 expands the target sprite data as it is in a memory space such as the character RAM 321 corresponding to the address designated as the transfer destination address.

  And the decorative design control board 30 performs a non-stationary process, while receiving V blank signal (step S90). Here, as the unsteady process, the display of a character image or the like can be switched for production according to the random value updated by the random number update.

(6-1-6. Steady processing)
Next, the symbol display control program executes a steady process every 16 ms, for example. This period of 16 ms is an output period of a vertical synchronization signal (so-called V blank signal) which is an external signal output from the VDP 330. That is, this steady process is a process executed when this V blank signal is input. As the steady process, for example, the design CPU 311 instructs the character RAMs 321 and 322 to develop the sprite data to be developed (development process shown in FIG. 9 described later), and a decorative symbol display device using a liquid crystal element. 16 includes drawing data generation processing (drawing processing shown in FIG. 11 described later) for generating drawing data for one frame to be output to 16.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, drawing data for one frame is output to the decorative symbol display device 16 every 16 ms, and, for example, a display mode in which a decorative symbol display mode is set in advance (for example, a variable display symbol) The control unit controls display of a variable display pattern (reach effect operation related to a reach effect) such as an implied effect operation that implies that it is likely that the same symbol is ready when the operation stops. This variable display pattern is a display related to the reach effect, and this reach effect display is visually constituted by a continuous display of combinations of several scenes that are a set of frames.

  The sub control board 35 transmits the effect display command to the decorative symbol control board 30 in the command transmission process included in the interrupt process every 16 ms based on the lottery result and the effect command from the main control board 3. In this decorative design control board 30, in order to control the effect display operation according to the received effect display command, the sprite data for displaying scenes included in several variable display patterns is compressed as the reach effect operation. The compressed sprite data prepared in advance in the character ROM 340. The sprite data is an example of material image data for displaying a scene for about several seconds to several tens of seconds, for example.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined in consideration of the interruption cycle of the sub-control board 35 that controls sound effects and the like, and the flickering of the display, in conjunction with the display effect (effect by the decorative symbol display device 16). Value. Usually, the frame rate of the decorative design display device 16 using a liquid crystal element is 1/60 Hz, about 16.7 ms. In this embodiment, the sub-control board 35 controls the sound effect by the speaker 29 and the like, lights and blinks decoration LEDs (panel decoration lamp 12, frame decoration lamp 31), gradation control, and drives a movable body by a stepping motor. Since control is performed, interrupt processing is executed at an interrupt processing cycle of 2 ms. Therefore, in the present embodiment, programming is performed so as to execute the effect command output process when the interrupt period of 2 ms is executed 8 times as the value closest to 16.7 ms, that is, 16 ms as the basic period. This matches the frame rate of the VDP 330 of the decorative design control board 30. Although this effect command is unilaterally output from the sub-control board 35, it is prevented that the effect control is largely deviated by at least matching the processing cycles.

(7. Effect display processing)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect display process executed by the decorative design control board 30, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the expansion process S300 shown in FIG.
First, the decorative design control board 30 checks whether or not a command (effect display command) indicating that the variable display pattern should be displayed is received from the sub control board 35 (step S201 in FIG. 10). If it has not been received, the effect display process is terminated. If it has been received, the symbol CPU 311 refers to the expansion table in the control ROM 325 (step S202) and is included in the variable display pattern corresponding to the effect display command. Each scene to be displayed and the display order of each scene are acquired.

(8. Deployment processing)
Next, the expansion process will be described (step S300).
(8-1. Compressed data acquisition process)
At this time, the symbol CPU 311 also acquires information such as an address related to material image data (sprite data and moving image data) used to display each scene. The address here means a position (place) in an address space storing material image data (hereinafter, mainly “sprite data”) in the storage area of the character ROM 340. In the character ROM 340, for example, a compressed sprite data group which is a material used for displaying a total of 10 scenes corresponding to the scenes SC1 to SC9 and the round display ROUND, for example, is stored in advance.

  The symbol CPU 311 first refers to a development table in the control ROM 325 in order to obtain a sprite data group used for displaying each scene included in the variation display pattern. The symbol CPU 311 recognizes in which address space in the character ROM 340 the desired compressed sprite data is stored in advance in the referenced expansion table, and sends an address indicating the address space to the memory interface control circuit 324. Specify.

  Specifically, the symbol CPU 311 writes a set value such as a read address in the control register group 315a. The decompressed data memory controller 315 reads the compressed sprite data (or compressed moving image data) from the character ROM 340 based on the transfer source address and the like written to the control register group 315a (step S301).

(8-2. Decompression processing)
After the symbol CPU 311 sets the transfer source address (address in the storage area of the character ROM 340), the number of bytes to be read and the transfer destination address (address in the storage area of the character RAMs 321 and 322), etc., for the register of the image expansion circuit 327 Then, a writing to the effect of instructing the start of expansion is performed. The image expansion circuit 327 reads the compressed sprite data from the character ROM 340 based on the written transfer source address. Then, the image expansion circuit 327 performs expansion processing on the compressed sprite data to generate sprite data (step S302). On the other hand, similarly, the image expansion circuit 327 generates moving image data by performing expansion processing on the compressed moving image data. In the following description, it is assumed that sprite data is mainly handled.

(8-3. Expansion processing)
The generated sprite data is delivered to the expanded data memory controller 315. The expanded data memory controller 315 executes expansion processing for sprite data, triggered by writing to the register group 315a from the symbol CPU 311 (step S303).

(8-3-1.2 Switching of two character RAMs)
The expanded data memory controller 315 executes switching and expansion (and reading) of the character RAMs 321 and 322 as transfer destinations triggered by writing from the symbol CPU 311 to the register group 315a.

  Specifically, the expanded data memory controller 315 expands the sprite data necessary for displaying the scene in one of the character RAMs 321 and 322, and the sprite data necessary for displaying the expanded scene from the other of the character RAMs 321 and 322. Switching control is performed to enable reading. In the present embodiment, the same sprite data is developed in the first character RAM 321 and the second character RAM 322, respectively.

  Specifically, the development data memory controller 315 develops sprite data necessary for scene display in the first character RAM 321 and switches the sprite data necessary for scene display from the second character RAM 322 so as to be readable. In the present embodiment, this period is referred to as a “first development period” (steps S303 and S304). On the other hand, the expanded data memory controller 315 expands the sprite data necessary for scene display in the second character RAM 322 and switches the sprite data necessary for scene display from the first character RAM 321 so that it can be read. In the present embodiment, this period is referred to as a “second development period” (steps S305 and S306).

(9. Display processing)
FIG. 11 is a control flowchart illustrating an example of a drawing process procedure. This drawing process is executed as part of the steady process every 16 ms.
(9-1. Specification of display mode)
First, the symbol CPU 311 designates a display mode for the VDP 330 (step S501). Specifically, the symbol CPU 311 designates this display mode based on the development information and scheduler data (display information) of the development table managed by the control ROM 325 in the display operation of the variable display pattern.

(9-2. Process for acquiring expanded data)
When the designation of the display mode is completed, the VDP 330 first stores the storage areas of the character RAMs 321 and 322 in which the sprite data to be included in the video displayed according to the display mode is expanded based on the instruction of the symbol CPU 311. The transfer destination address shown is set in the ROM interface (ROM I / F) 333 of the VDP 330, and the sprite data is read from the corresponding storage area in these character RAMs 321 and 322 (step S502). That is, the VDP 330 sequentially reads sprite data and the like from the resident areas of the character RAMs 321 and 322 via the memory interface control circuit 324 based on an instruction from the symbol CPU 311.

  Here, when the VDP 330 refers to the memory space of these character RAMs 321 and 322, it appears to be the same address at the chip level. For this reason, the VDP 330 can easily read sprite data (or moving image data) one after another by the same read control regardless of which of the character RAMs 321 and 322 is switched. The VDP controller 331 of the VDP 330 refers to the color palette data, sprite attribute data, and background attribute data, and draws the drawing data from the sprite data and moving image data acquired from the character RAMs 321 and 322 via the memory interface control circuit 324. Is generated.

  Here, for example, when one frame is displayed by overlapping a plurality of layers, at least one sprite can be arranged in each layer as necessary. Based on the generated drawing data, the VDP controller 331 stores a video signal for displaying one frame, for example, in one of the line buffers 336 adopting a so-called double buffer structure in units of scanning lines (lines). The VDP controller 331 simultaneously outputs the drawing data from the other side of the line buffer 336 that has accumulated the drawing data in units of scanning lines to the decorative symbol display device 16 in synchronization with the synchronization signal SYNC. On the other hand, in the decorative symbol display device 16, when drawing data is received from the VDP 330 while being synchronized with the synchronization signal SYNC as described above, it is displayed in units of scanning lines (lines) based on the drawing data. (Step S503)

  In this way, when the decorative symbol display device 16 receives the drawing data for one frame and continuously displays it successively in accordance with the frame rate, a scene is displayed in the display area of the decorative symbol display device 16. Is done.

  Further, the VDP 330 also acquires the sprite data developed in the character RAMs 321 and 322 during the display of the previous scene for the next scene, and continuously displays one scene. By displaying each scene on the decorative symbol display device 16 in this way, the display area of the decorative symbol display device 16 continuously displays these scenes as shown in FIGS. 12 (A) to 12 (C). Thus, a visually changing display pattern is displayed.

(10. Reference to usefulness according to the first embodiment)
(10-1. Reference to usefulness by display when power is restored)
First, generally, immediately after the power is turned on, the character RAMs 321 and 322 are initialized, and the VDP 330 may not be able to read the sprite data from the character RAMs 321 and 322. Therefore, generally, immediately after the power is turned on, the VDP 330 cannot display an image composed of sprites based on sprite data or the like on the decorative design control board 30.

  In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the VDP 330 cannot read sprite data or the like from the two character RAMs 321 and 322 immediately after the power is turned on, the VDP 330 reads the power failure recovery image data TFD from the control ROM 325. Based on the power failure recovery image data TFD, the decorative symbol display device 16 displays that the power failure is being recovered (power is being recovered). In parallel with this, in this embodiment, while displaying that such a power failure recovery is in progress, the memory interface control circuit 324 reads two sprite data read from the character ROM 340 independently. The character RAMs 321 and 322 are expanded.

  In this way, the player who has contacted the indication that the power failure is being restored will judge that the game should not be started immediately, and look forward to being able to start the game with confidence for a while. Waiting. As described above, while the player is waiting for the game, the sprite data necessary for displaying the video is completely developed in the two character RAMs 321 and 322, and the sprite data from the two character RAMs 321 and 322 is always stored in the VDP 330. Can be provided.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the preparation for the display of the image composed of the sprite or the like can be secretly proceeded while the player's anxiety is wiped out immediately after the restoration of the power failure. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, the VDP 330 is earlier than the case where the decorative symbol display device 16 displays the fact that it is immediately after the power failure recovery based on the sprite data or the like developed in the two character RAMs 321 and 322. In addition to being able to display that the power failure has just been restored, the processing for developing sprite data and the like on the two character RAMs 321 and 322 is advanced in parallel with the display processing to the effect that the power failure has just been restored. Thus, it is possible to shorten the time until the video is displayed based on the sprite data or the like.

  In this embodiment, since the memory interface control circuit 324 simultaneously develops the sprite data read from the character ROM 340 in the two character RAMs 321 and 322 when the power is restored, the following usefulness is exhibited. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the fact that the player has just recovered from the power failure is displayed to display the player's anxiety immediately after the recovery from the power failure, but the memory interface control circuit 324 stores the sprite data read from the character ROM 340, etc. When the time to develop in the two character RAMs 321 and 322 becomes longer, the time for the player to contact the display indicating that the power failure has just been restored becomes longer.

  When this happens, although initially good, the player gradually begins to feel bored with the indication that it is immediately after the restoration of the power failure, and this tiredness makes him feel bored. It is possible to invite.

  In the present embodiment, the memory interface control circuit 324 develops the sprite data read from the character ROM 340 simultaneously into the two character RAMs 321 and 322 according to the instruction of the symbol CPU 311. The expansion time can be shortened compared to the expansion to the character RAM.

  For this reason, according to the present embodiment, the display time indicating that the power failure has been recovered is shortened, and the time that the player is in contact with the display indicating that the power failure has been recovered is shortened. If it does in this way, according to this embodiment, even when displaying that it is immediately after a power failure recovery, the influence which it has on a player's game will can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 16 indicates that the symbol CPU 311 is recovering from a power failure based on the power failure recovery image data TFD written in the built-in RAM 335 based on an instruction from the symbol CPU 311 when the power is restored. When the game state is determined to be a big hit state based on the game state command, the restart request image data SYD is selected and read from the control ROM 325 and written to the built-in RAM 335 of the VDP 330.

  When the restart request image data SYD is written in the built-in RAM 335, the VDP 330 reads the restart request image data SYD from the built-in RAM 335, and replaces the display indicating that the power failure is being restored with the restart request image data SYD. The decorative symbol display device 16 displays that the game should be resumed based on the above.

  In general, in a pachinko machine, even in the case of a big hit state (special game state) related to the player's profit, even if a power failure occurs momentarily or a power is cut off during a big hit state due to maintenance, A so-called backup function restores the power-off state to the state immediately after the power failure.

  Therefore, even in a general pachinko machine, if the player is in a big hit state when the power is cut off, the player may want to resume the game as soon as possible. A general pachinko machine is not displayed on the screen by the decorative symbol display device 16 immediately after the power failure is restored (black display), but can play a game ball. Therefore, the player can shoot the game ball, but the display on the display device is not normal, so the player is worried when the game should be resumed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, immediately after the power failure is restored, the fact that it is immediately after the power failure is displayed, and further, instead of the display that the power is turned on, the decorative symbol display device 16 indicates that the game should be resumed. It is displayed. With such a configuration, the player can easily grasp the timing at which the game should be resumed even before the normal effect display is made. Therefore, the player can be satisfied that the player can grasp the suitable timing at which the game should be resumed although the effect display is not normal and can surely enjoy the profit that should be enjoyed.

(10-2. Reference to usefulness by simultaneous access processing)
In this embodiment, when power is turned on, sprite data is simultaneously developed in the resident areas of the two character RAMs 321 and 322. After the material image data is developed in one character RAM 321, the same sprite data is stored in the other character RAM 322. There is no need to follow the procedure of deploying. Thus, in this embodiment, since the same sprite data is simultaneously developed in the resident areas of the two character RAMs 321 and 322, compared to the case where the same sprite data is separately developed in the resident areas of these character RAMs 321 and 322. The time from the start of expanding the sprite data to the end of expansion (hereinafter referred to as “development time”) can be shortened.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sprite data can be developed in the resident areas of the two character RAMs 321 and 322 in a short development time when the power is turned on, so that the VDP 330 can store the two character RAMs 321 and 322 immediately after the power is turned on. Sprite data can be read from each resident area, and an image can be immediately displayed on the decorative design display device 16 using a sprite based on the read sprite data as a material.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, for example, by regularly expanding sprite data that is frequently used in the resident areas of the character RAMs 321 and 322, the memory interface control circuit 324, for example, is moving image data that is burdensome to handle. Can be devoted to developing the character RAM 321 and 322 outside the resident area. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, the memory interface control circuit 324 develops the moving image data that imposes a burden on the handling as much as the extra burden of developing the frequently used sprite data one by one is reduced. It will be possible to concentrate processing power and develop at higher speed. In addition, according to the present embodiment, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the power was turned on and after a steady state is reached, the symbol variation display, the so-called reach effect display, the effect display in the special game state, etc., immediately as necessary. Can be executed.

(11. Second embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the pachinko machine as the second embodiment of the present invention.
The pachinko machine as the second embodiment includes a decorative symbol control board (not shown) that has substantially the same configuration as the decorative symbol control board 30 in the pachinko machine 1 as the first embodiment and performs substantially the same operation. The description of the same configuration and operation will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described below. Note that, in the second embodiment, when the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment are described, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.

  In the pachinko machine 1 as the first embodiment, it is displayed that the game should be resumed after displaying that it is immediately after the power failure recovery when the power is turned on, but in the pachinko machine as the second embodiment, instead When the power is turned on in the normal gaming state when the power is turned off, the fact that the power is turned on is displayed.On the other hand, when the power is turned on in the special gaming state when the power is turned off, It is the structure which displays that it should resume.

  That is, the pachinko machine as the second embodiment is the same as the pachinko machine 1 as the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 13 in the entire series of processes related to the display of the power failure recovery image in the power failure recovery display instruction processing. The execution order of (Steps S101, S102, S103) differs depending on whether or not the power supply was cut off during the big hit as a result of analyzing the command.

  Specifically, a series of processing steps S101, S102, and S103 related to the display of the power failure recovery image is unconditionally executed when the power failure recovery display instruction processing is executed in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, it is executed only when the display instruction process at the time of power failure recovery is executed, and as a result of analyzing the received command, it is not a big hit.

  Then, if the pachinko machine as the second embodiment is in a big hit state (special game state) when the power is shut down, when the power is restored, the VDP 330 selects the restart request image data SYD in the internal RAM 335 according to the instruction of the symbol CPU 311. Then, based on the restart request image data SYD, the decorative symbol display device 16 displays that the game should be restarted (restart request image).

  On the other hand, when the pachinko machine as the second embodiment is in a big hit state (special game state) when the power is shut down, the VDP 330 selects the power failure recovery image data TFD in the built-in RAM 335 according to the instruction of the symbol CPU 311 when the power is restored. Then, based on this power failure recovery image data TFD, the decorative symbol display device 16 displays that the power failure recovery has just been recovered (power failure recovery image).

According to the second embodiment, substantially the same utility as that of the first embodiment can be exhibited, and in addition to this, the following utility can be exhibited.
First, in general pachinko machines, the screen display by the decorative symbol display device is not made immediately after the power failure recovery (black display), but it is possible to launch a game ball. Therefore, the player can shoot the game ball, but the display on the decorative symbol display device is not normal, so the player is worried about whether or not to start the game. In particular, if the game is in a special game state when the power is cut off, the player may want to resume the game as soon as possible.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, immediately after recovery from a power failure, if the game is in a special game state when the power is turned off, a message indicating that the game should be resumed is displayed, so that the player who touched this display can immediately start the game and profit. It can be surely enjoyed. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, immediately after the power failure is restored, if the game is not in a special gaming state when the power is turned off, a message indicating that the power is turned on is displayed so that the player who touched the display can play the game with peace of mind. Can be started.

(12. First application example)
A pachinko machine as a first application example includes a display control board (production control unit, display control unit) having substantially the same configuration and operation as that of the decorative symbol control board 30. Since the same configuration and operation as the machine 1 are performed, the description of the same configuration and operation will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described below. Note that, in the first application example, when the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment are described, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.

  This pachinko machine belongs to a so-called “feather” type. Pachinko machines are roughly composed of a main body frame and a game board, and a game board is detachably installed inside the main body frame. A substantially circular game area is formed on the front surface (board surface) of the game board. Note that the external configuration other than the game board is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  In the game area of the game board, a center accessory that is extremely eye-catching is arranged almost in the center, and this center accessory functions as a winning device. A normal winning opening is arranged on the left and right sides of the center role, and a pair of left and right one-time start ports and a two-time start port are arranged at the center. In addition, various ornamental bodies, decorative lamps, windmills, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided in the game area, but well-known components can be applied to these components. Therefore, the individual description is omitted here.

  The center accessory has a pair of left and right movable pieces (movable members), and these movable pieces can be displaced between a state opened in the left-right direction and a position closed toward the inside. When these movable pieces are in the open position, the large winning opening of the center accessory is opened. A large winning opening solenoid (not shown) is disposed behind the center character, and the pair of left and right movable pieces are driven by the large winning opening solenoid.

  Normally, when the center combination is not actuated, the movable piece is in the closed position, and therefore the special winning opening is closed. On the other hand, if a prize is won at the above-mentioned one-time start port or two-time start port during the game, the center accessory is activated. As a result, the pair of movable pieces move to the open position, and the big prize opening is opened for a predetermined time, thereby allowing the game ball to be won. The opening / closing operation of the movable piece is performed by the number of opening / closing times (one or two times) respectively assigned to the once-starting port and the twice-starting port.

  In the center role, there are provided big winning port count switches corresponding to the left and right big winning ports, respectively. A game ball that has won a prize winning opening is detected for passage by the corresponding prize winning count switch, that is, the number of winning prizes is counted. When the game ball is received in the center role in this way, the game ball rolls in the center role. A predetermined specific area (not shown) exists in the center combination, and when a game ball passes through the specific area, the game proceeds to a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

  In this special game state, for example, for a maximum of 15 rounds, the opening and closing operation (round operation) of the movable pieces provided on the left and right pairs of the center character is repeated to make the game ball acceptable in the center character and accepted. A prize ball corresponding to the number of game balls is given to the player. In this way, the player can enjoy more benefits in the special gaming state.

  According to the first application example, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved, and in addition to this, since it is possible to quickly indicate that the power failure is being restored, immediately after the power failure is restored. Even if it is, it is possible to make the player wait for the start of the game while giving a sense of security. Therefore, in the first application example, even after the power failure is restored, the player's willingness to enjoy profits can be prevented from lowering the game motivation. In addition, according to the first application example, there is no visual defect with respect to an effect display that causes the player to have an expectation that the game ball may pass through the specific area, an effect display in the special game state, and the like. A variety of presentations can be realized.

(13. Second application example)
Next, a configuration example of a slot machine to which a gaming machine as a second application example of the present invention is applied will be described.
A slot machine as a second application example includes a pachinko machine as the first embodiment in that it includes a display control board (production control unit, display control unit) having substantially the same configuration and operation as the decorative design control board 30 described above. Since the same configuration and operation as the machine 1 are performed, the description of the same configuration and operation will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described below. In the second application example, when the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment are described, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.

  This slot machine has a box-shaped housing, and is installed in an island facility or the like of a game arcade based on this housing. In the island facility, a plurality of slot machines are arranged in a row in the width direction, and usually a medal sand (not shown) is attached between the machines. When, for example, cash is inserted into the medal sand (the inter-sand sand), medals corresponding to the amount of money are lent out, and the player can use them to perform a slot machine game. Note that the game medium is not limited to medals or coins, but may be a mode using game balls, tokens, or the like. Alternatively, a mode in which a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-bed sand and the remaining frequency and medals are exchanged may be implemented.

  The housing of the slot machine has a front door on the front surface facing the player, and the front door can be opened forward with one side end (left side end in this example) as the center. A keyhole is formed in the front door, and the keyhole is configured such that the inserted dedicated key can be rotated left and right. Here, in this slot machine, when the dedicated key is turned to the right, the locked front door can be unlocked. Further, the front door has a glass plate (transparent plate) at the middle position thereof, and a rectangular display window is formed at the center thereof. This slot machine is equipped with three reels (left reel, middle reel, right reel) as an example of a mechanical symbol display device (symbol display means), and these reels are located at the back of the front door, that is, a housing. It is placed inside the body.

  A reel band is stretched around the outer periphery of each reel, and various symbols are attached to the surface. Although not shown in the figure, for example, the figure “7” or a specific alphabet (or its character string), a bell or other auspicious material, watermelon, apple Included are those designed with fruits and vegetables such as cherries, and those designed with characters, figures, symbols, etc. that characterize the type of slot machine.

  The slot machine can change or stop the display mode of symbols by rotating or stopping these reels. From the front of the slot machine, only a part of the reel is visible through the display window, and three symbols are effectively displayed for each reel when the reel is stopped.

  In the glass plate, display areas are formed on both sides of the display window, and various character information and symbol information are attached to the display areas in a predetermined arrangement. A lamp unit is disposed behind the glass plate, and information in this display area is lit and displayed by the lamp. For example, when a player first inserts medals through the medal insertion slot, the bet number is added according to the number of inserted medals. At this time, the medal line lamp corresponding to the bet number is lit up in the display area on the right side. When the bet number reaches the maximum (for example, 3 bets), the inserted medals are stored as credits, and the credit number is numerically displayed on the display unit.

  When the player operates the start lever (start operation means) with the medal line lamp lit up, the internal lottery (internal lottery) is executed, and the reels start to rotate all at once and the symbols change. Further, when the player operates a stop button (stop operation means), the reels corresponding to the right, middle, and left stop rotating, and the variation of symbols stops. Here, when the variation of symbols stops, display of a predetermined symbol combination is allowed in accordance with the result of the internal lottery.

  At this time, if a certain symbol combination (for example, a state in which specific symbol combinations are aligned in a row) is displayed on the activated line activated in the display window, a privilege is given to the player. As this privilege, for example, a medal can be paid out or a special game state (so-called big bonus game, regular bonus game, or assist time, challenge time, etc.) can be given, and the player executes a special game. This makes it possible to receive more medals.

  When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the active line by the gaming operation described above, the number of medals to be paid out according to the type of symbol combination displayed at that time is displayed on the display unit. Further, when a transition is made to a big bonus game or a regular bonus game, the number of remaining games is displayed on the display unit during the progress. The paid-out medals are stored as credits until the number of credits on the display unit is maximized, and medals exceeding the maximum number of credits are paid out to the tray through the payout opening. In addition, the player can release the medal storage (credit) by operating the credit check button, and can receive the payout of the medal stored until then.

  The slot machine of this embodiment has a liquid crystal display device (display device, display device) above the display window. This liquid crystal display device includes images for effects and various bonus games as the game progresses. The number of medals earned in is displayed. In addition, two speakers for outputting sound effects, BGM, voices, and the like accompanying the progress of the game are provided on the left and right of the payout opening. In addition, lamps are arranged at various locations on the front door, and these lamps can perform effects by light-emitting decoration according to the gaming state.

  FIG. 14 schematically shows configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like equipped in the slot machine 101. The slot machine 101 has a main control board 192 (game control unit) for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game. The main control board 192 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 212, a RAM 214, and an input / output interface 216. Etc. are implemented. The CPU 210 generates a random number for lottery by software such as a game control program and internally executes the lottery. Then, during the normal game, the CPU 210 collates the random value acquired on the software with the operation of the start lever 118 and the winning value, and determines whether or not the internal lottery is won.

  These operation buttons, to which the bet buttons 112, 114, 116, the start lever 118, the stop buttons 120, 122, 124, the storage settlement button 146, and the like are connected to the main control board 192, use a sensor (not shown). An operation by the player is detected, and the detected operation signal is output to the main control board 192. Specifically, the start lever 118 outputs an operation signal for starting the three reels to the main control board 192, and the stop buttons 120, 122, and 124 each output an operation signal for stopping the three reels. Output to 192.

  In addition, an error release sensor (not shown) is installed at the back of the keyhole, and this error release sensor has a function of detecting that the dedicated key is turned counterclockwise after being inserted into the keyhole. Upon detection, a reset signal is output to the main control board 192. On the other hand, when the front door is opened when the error release sensor is rotated clockwise and unlocked after the dedicated key is inserted into the key hole, the door opening sensor 232 provided behind the front door is opened. Thus, an open signal is output to the main control board. The door opening sensor 232 is installed adjacent to the error release sensor 200, and when the front door is opened, it can be detected that the front door is separated from the main body portion.

  The slot machine 101 accommodates other devices together with the main control board 192, and various signals are input from these devices to the main control board 192. The equipment includes a reel device (such as a left reel drive motor 188a, a middle reel drive motor 188b, and a right reel drive motor 188c) having the above three reels, and a hopper device 178.

  The reel device has a position sensor for detecting a reference position related to the rotation of each reel, and these position sensors (left reel position sensor 206a, middle reel position sensor 206b, right reel position corresponding to each reel, respectively). A detection signal (index signal) from the sensor 206c is input to the main control board 192. Further, an insertion sensor 204 and a lockout solenoid 202 are installed at the back of the medal insertion slot.

  Among these, the insertion sensor 204 detects a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot (not shown), and outputs this detection signal to the main control board 192. On the other hand, the lockout solenoid 202 plays a role of locking out (blocking) a passage of a medal selector disposed behind the medal slot inside the front door. The lockout solenoid 202 locks out the medal selector passage in a normal (non-actuated) state, but when activated, the lockout solenoid 202 opens this passage (lockout release) to make it possible to accept medal insertion. The inserted medal is detected by the insertion sensor 204. Conversely, when the lockout solenoid 202 is deactivated, the medal selector is locked out and no medal insertion is accepted, and even if the player inserts a medal, it is spit out and returned to the tray. In addition, since the function of the insertion sensor 204 is invalidated at this time, neither bet addition or credit addition by medal insertion is performed.

  The hopper device 178 has a payout sensor 198 that detects medals paid out in the payout port one by one, and a payout medal signal for each medal is input to the main control board 192 from the payout sensor 198. ing. In addition, a medal full tank sensor 186 is provided in a game medal auxiliary storage (not shown), and when the number of medals stored inside exceeds a predetermined number, it indicates that the number of medals exceeds a predetermined number. The detected signal can be output to the main control board 192, and an error display notifying the abnormality of the gaming machine is performed by the liquid crystal display unit 158 or the like, and the player or the like is notified.

  On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main control board 192 to the reel device including the reel drive motors 188a, 188b, and 188c for rotating the reels and the hopper device 178. That is, the main control board 192 outputs a drive pulse signal for controlling the start and stop of each reel drive motor 188a, 188b, 188c to the reel device and the hopper device 178. The hopper device 178 receives a drive signal from the main control board 192 in accordance with the type of symbol on which the combination is displayed, and in response to this, the hopper device 178 performs a medal payout operation.

  At this time, if the number of medals necessary for payout is insufficient in the hopper device 178 or if there are no medals at all, the number detection by the payout sensor 198 is delayed. In this state, when a predetermined time elapses (for example, for 3 seconds), the payout sensor 198 outputs a payout medal abnormality signal to the main control board 192. In response to this, the main control board 192 causes the error display unit 134, the liquid crystal display unit 158, and the like to display content that informs that an abnormality has occurred in the medal payout.

  The slot machine 101 includes a sub control board 194 (effect control unit and display control unit) in addition to the main control board 192. The sub control board 194 includes a CPU 218, a ROM 220, a RAM 222, an input / output interface 230, a sound source. An IC 228 and an audio amplifier 226 are mounted. The sub control board 194 receives various command signals from the main control board 192, controls the lighting, blinking and extinguishing of each of the lamps 160, 162, 164 and 166, and controls the operation of the speaker 156. Yes. The sub control board 194 is connected to a display control board 30z described later. The display control board 30z is connected with a liquid crystal display unit 158 that displays an image by the control. The function of the display control board 30z may be mounted on the sub control board 194. In this case, the display control board 30z is not connected to the sub control board 194, and the liquid crystal display unit 158 is directly connected.

  Further, an external terminal board 196 is connected to the main control board 192, and the slot machine 1 is connected to the hall computer 208 in the game hall (hall) via the external terminal board 196. The external terminal board 196 plays a role of relaying various signals (inserted medal signal, payout medal signal, game status, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 192 to the hall computer 208.

  In addition, a power supply unit 170 is accommodated in the slot machine 101, and the power supply unit 170 takes in power from an external power source and generates power necessary for the operation of the slot machine 101. The power generated here is supplied from the power supply unit 170 to each unit (the main control board 192, the sub control board 194, the display control board 30z, and the like).

  The power supply unit 170 also includes a setting key switch 172, a reset switch 174, and a power switch 176. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the slot machine 101, and can only be operated by opening the front door. Among these, the power switch 176 is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 101, and the setting key switch 172 is for setting a winning probability (for example, setting) using a lottery random number generated by software, for example. 1-6) for changing. The reset switch 174 is used to cancel an error that has occurred in the slot machine 101, and is also operated when changing the setting together with the setting key switch 172.

  Here, the display control board 30z has substantially the same function and the same function as the decorative symbol control board 30 in the first embodiment except that the content of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 158 is different. The liquid crystal display device 158 controls the display operation of video such as a character image. The display control board 30z is an effect display different from the variable display pattern such as the reach effect in the first embodiment, and displays an image in which several scenes are combined as an effect display accompanying the progress of the game. It has a function to make it.

  Similar to the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), the display control board 30z has a symbol CPU 311 (display control processor), two character RAMs 321 and 322 (volatile dynamic video memory), a control ROM 325 (control memory), a character A ROM 340 (nonvolatile video memory), a VDP (video display processor) 330, and a memory interface control circuit 324 (memory interface unit) are mounted.

  The display control board 30z may have a form in which the function is mounted on the sub-control board 194. That is, the sub-control board 194 may be provided with the symbol CPU 311, the character RAMs 321 and 322, the control ROM 325, the character ROM 340, the VDP 330 and the memory interface control circuit 324.

  In the slot machine 101, under the control of the design CPU 311 of the display control board 30z, the VDP 330 instructs the character image data (moving image data and sprite data) stored in the character ROM 340 to be read. The character image based is configured to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 158 (display device, display) (for example, FIGS. 12A to 12C).

  According to the second application example of the present invention, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as in the first embodiment except that the gaming machine is a swivel type gaming machine, and in addition to this, the power failure is being restored. Therefore, even after the power failure recovery, the player can wait for the start of the game while giving a sense of security. Therefore, in the second application example, the player's willingness to enjoy profits is prevented even after the power failure is restored, thereby preventing a decrease in gaming motivation. In addition, in the second application example, it is possible to make various display effects such as an effect display that gives the player a sense of expectation that a transition to the special game state may occur, an effect display in the special game state, and the like.

(14. Reference to other embodiments)
The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. In the following, other embodiments will be described with some examples. For example, the memory interface control circuit 324 develops sprite data or the like simultaneously in the two character RAMs 321 and 322 in the above embodiment, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to develop one character RAM at a time. Needless to say.

  Specific examples of the effect display include a reach effect display and a round display in a special game state. This reach effect display indicates to the player, etc., that the player is likely to win in the jackpot lottery triggered by the winning of a game ball, or may not win, but as if he will win a jackpot. It is a production display that is expected. In the above embodiment, the material image data (moving image data and sprite data) necessary for scene display stored in advance in the character ROM 340 is compressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, it may be possible to adopt a form that does not exist.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as a scene as an image, a mode is illustrated in which a moving image is used as a background and a sprite is displayed in the foreground. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a form in which at least one of a moving image and a sprite is displayed.

  In each of the above embodiments, display means (decorative symbol display device or the like) that performs a display operation using a liquid crystal element is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and display means using an EL (Electro Luminescence) element. Or you may apply to the display means using plasma.

  Each of the above embodiments can also be applied to a spinning-type game machine that uses a game ball as a game medium. A spinning-type gaming machine using a game ball has substantially the same configuration as a spinning-type gaming machine using medals and coins as a game medium and performs almost the same operation. It is different from a swing-type game machine using coins.

  In other words, a revolving type gaming machine that uses a game ball to play is equipped with a game value counting device (game value counting means) that collects a specified number of game balls as a game medium to make one unit of game value. The game value counting device is different in that it is multiplied by a predetermined number of game values made into one unit. Further, in a revolving type gaming machine that uses a game ball to play, a number of game balls corresponding to the number of game values according to the type of combination of displayed symbols are given to the player (game value giving means) The point is different. Note that there is one predetermined number of game values that can be played for each game in both a spinning-type gaming machine that uses medals and coins and a spinning-type gaming machine that uses gaming balls. However, there may be more than one.

  According to the spinning-type game machine that uses such a game ball to play, the same effect as the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be exhibited. Since it can be displayed quickly, it is possible to wait for the start of the game while giving the player a sense of security even immediately after recovery from the power failure. Therefore, in such a revolving game machine that uses such a game ball to play, the player's willingness to enjoy profits can be prevented even after the power failure has been restored, thereby preventing a decrease in gaming motivation. In addition, in such a spinning-type game machine that uses a game ball to play, an effect display that gives the player a sense of expectation that it may shift to a special game state, an effect display in a special game state, etc. Can be varied.

It is a front view which shows the structural example of the pachinko machine to which the game machine as 1st Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example which simplified and showed the electrical structure of the symbol control board. It is a figure which shows the example of the content stored in control ROM. It is a figure which shows an example of a memory map. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the VDP illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a reset start process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display at the time of a power failure recovery. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure which represented the display instruction | indication process at the time of the power failure recovery shown in FIG. 7 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of an effect display process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of an expansion | deployment process. It is an image figure which shows an example of a fluctuation display pattern. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the pachinko machine as 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed roughly the structure of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, an operation member, etc. with which the gaming machine as the 2nd application example of this invention is equipped.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
3 Main control board (game control unit)
16 Decorative design display device (display device, indicator)
30 decorative design control board (production control unit, display control unit)
30z display control board (production control unit, display control unit)
35 Sub-control board (production control unit)
101 slot machine (game machine)
158 Liquid crystal display (display device, display)
192 Main control board (game control unit)
194 Sub-control board (production control unit)
311 CPU (Display Control Processor)
315 Development data memory controller 315a Control register group 321 First character RAM (volatile dynamic video memory)
322 Second character RAM (volatile dynamic video memory)
324 Memory interface control circuit (memory interface part)
325 Control ROM (control memory)
327 Image expansion circuit 330 VDP (video display processor)
336 Line buffer (buffer)
340 Character ROM (nonvolatile video memory)

Claims (1)

A game control unit that controls a game operation using a game medium and outputs an effect command corresponding to the game operation;
In accordance with the effect command received from the game control unit, an effect control unit that controls the effect operation according to the game operation;
In a gaming machine comprising a display device that executes a display operation under the control of the effect control unit,
The production control unit
A non-volatile video memory for storing in advance material image data used for displaying material images necessary for video;
A display control processor for designating a display mode corresponding to the video to be displayed;
Two volatile dynamic video memories capable of temporarily storing the material image data;
A memory interface unit that reads material image data from the non-volatile video memory and develops it in the two volatile dynamic video memories according to the designation of the display control processor;
According to the designation of the display control processor, the material image data is read from the two volatile dynamic video memories via the memory interface unit, and the video constituted by the material image based on the material image data is A video display processor to be displayed on the display device;
A control memory that stores the display control program and stores the power failure recovery image data used for displaying that the power failure is being recovered;
Including
The video display processor includes a built-in memory in which the power failure recovery image data can be written,
While the memory interface unit expands the material image data read from the nonvolatile video memory to the two volatile dynamic video memories at the time of power failure recovery based on an instruction of the display control processor,
The game machine, wherein the video display processor displays on the display device that a power failure is being restored based on the power failure restoration image data written from the control memory to the built-in memory.

Images