JP2002035353A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine where development man-hours are reduced. SOLUTION: A special pattern display device 101 is provided with: a board 400 loaded with a common device group which is a device group usable as it is in common among various machines; and a board 410 loaded with an uncommon device group which is the device group to be used by changing design corresponding to the machine type. A PLD 500 capable of controlling the operation of the present device by performing a prescribed signal processing is provided between both device groups.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of reducing the number of development steps.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The contents of operation control of pachinko machines in recent years have gradually become more complicated, and complicated operation control is performed on peripheral devices in order to perform various effective effects. For example, in a special symbol display device as an example of a peripheral device, a variation display effect at the time of a reach or a hit is performed in a complicated manner to entertain a player.

[0003]

However, the development man-hours for realizing such complicated operation control are increasing, and the reduction in the development man-hours has been called for. In, the product life cycle was short, and models were frequently changed, resulting in considerable development man-hours.

The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the number of development steps.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in a gaming machine, a main control means for performing overall control of a gaming operation is configured to control the operation of a plurality of types of peripheral devices. At least one of a plurality of types of peripheral devices
First, a common device group, which is a device group that can be used in common between models, and a non-common device group, which is a device group to be used by performing design change according to the model, are provided, and predetermined signal processing is performed. Thus, a signal processing means capable of controlling the operation of the own device is provided between the two device groups.

According to the present invention, the signal processing means is provided between the common device group and the non-common device group, and the signal processing means executes predetermined signal processing to control the operation of the peripheral device. Therefore, the model change can be dealt with only by changing the program of the non-common device group at the time of model change, so that the number of development steps is greatly reduced.

Further, the signal processing means is a means for mediating signal transmission and reception between a certain device included in the common device group and a certain device included in the non-common device group. By doing so, an interface function between the common device and the non-common device can be realized.

Further, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, if the signal processing means is formed by a PLD (programmable logic device), the number of development steps can be further reduced. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, if the common device group and the non-common device group are mounted on different boards, it is possible to cope with a model change only by replacing only the board on the non-common device group side. Become like

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. At a substantially central portion of the game board 10, there is a display area capable of displaying three symbols (left, middle, right).
In the display area, there is provided a special symbol display device 100 capable of variably displaying identification information independently composed of symbols and symbols, and a special symbol starting port 104 is provided immediately below. The normal symbol actuation gates 102, 102 are provided on both sides of the special symbol starting port 104.
Are arranged. Also, a pair of opening / closing members 120, 12
0 is provided so as to be openable and closable so as to form a special symbol starting port 104.

Further, below the special symbol opening 104, a special winning opening 106, a normal symbol display device 108, and an out opening 114 are arranged in this order, and further, both diagonally above the special symbol opening 104. Has a lamp display device 110,
110 is provided, and a lamp display device (more specifically, an LED device) is also provided near both side ends of the game board 10.
112, 112 are provided.

[0010] Then, a game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 104 and random number lottery is performed. When the random number selected is a big hit value, a variable display of at least one identification information is started in each display area. Thereafter, the display of a predetermined pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is performed by the special symbol display device 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed according to the predetermined pattern, so that a big hit game state advantageous to the player is achieved. In addition, when a specific hit among the big hits is obtained, the jackpot has a probability changing function in which the big hit probability increases from small to large, and the number of times of variable display is a predetermined number of times, for example, 50
It has a time reduction function that is advantageous to the player because the symbol variation time is reduced during the round.

When the ordinary symbol operation gate 102 detects the passing of the game ball, a random number lottery is performed. When the random number selected is a small hit value, the normal symbol display device 108
Is displayed in a predetermined pattern (for example, “7” or “3”), and thereafter, when the opening / closing member 120 is opened and the game ball wins the special symbol starting port 104, the random number is similarly displayed. When the lottery is performed and the random number selected is a big hit value, the variable display in the display area is started, and then the display of a predetermined display pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is performed by the special symbol display device 100. , Grand Prize Winner 1
06 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and a big hit state advantageous to the player is achieved. On the other hand, hit balls that are not won are discharged through the out port 114.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing only a main part of the gaming machine in which such gaming machine control is performed according to the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 is equipped with a microprocessor having a built-in CPU. The command data table stores various control commands including at least various commands for controlling the special symbol display device 100, which will be described later. An area 202, a ROM 201 for storing a control program or control data describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, and a RAM 203 for forming a work area are provided, forming an integrated one-chip microcomputer.

The main control unit 200 includes a special symbol start switch 304 provided inside the special symbol start port 104 through the input port 210 for detecting a winning of a game ball into the special symbol start port 104, a normal symbol operation gate. A normal symbol operation switch 306 provided inside the 102 and detecting a game ball passing through a gate, and a large winning opening switch 308 provided inside the large winning opening 106 and detecting a winning of the gaming ball in the large winning opening 106. The main control unit 200 is connected and can receive each detection signal.

The main control unit 200 has an output port 2
15, a special symbol display device 10 having a display area for displaying a special symbol or a character and capable of independently and variably displaying each of the left, middle, and right symbols and realized by an LCD or the like.
0, lamp display devices 110 and 11 for controlling lighting of lamps
2. A sound effect generator 116 for generating a sound effect, for example, 7
Ordinary symbol display device 108 realized by a segment display device, starting port operating solenoid 300 for opening / closing control of opening / closing member 120 for starting port, and special winning opening 106
The large winning opening actuation solenoid 302 for controlling the opening and closing of the wide opening / closing member is connected, and the main control unit 200 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

The main control unit 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands at a predetermined timing to the special symbol display device 100, and the special symbol display device 100 receives the command. Based on the command, the CPU in itself performs detailed display control without depending on the main control unit 200. Furthermore, a communication mode by one-way communication in which only a command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100 is adopted.

A power supply circuit 212 for supplying power and a reset circuit 213 for outputting a reset signal at predetermined time intervals are connected to the main control unit 200. A pulse signal generated by the periodic timer counter is input from the control unit 200, and a monitor signal for monitoring the current supply state from the power supply circuit 212 is input.

Now, as shown in FIG.
A command for display control sent from 0 to the special symbol display device 100 is an identifier for identifying the classification of the command and is 1-byte long digital information (MODE).
6 to 9 show an event (EVENT) which is one-byte digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed. FIGS. 6 to 9 show the command data table area 202 stored in the ROM 201. It shows a part of command data for display control.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the display control command includes “specifying a special symbol and specifying how long after the start of the change, how long the special symbol (identification information) is stopped. Command for instructing, "Command for specifying the stop symbol on the special symbol left", "Command for specifying the stop symbol in the special symbol", "Command for specifying the stop symbol for the special symbol right", "Special symbol There is a command to stop. These commands are always required no matter how the variation mode of the variable display changes in accordance with the game situation, and the main control unit 200 determines when the game situation is such that the symbol variation display is started. These five commands are transmitted to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing in one variable display control.

Therefore, since the special symbol display device 100 is responsible for fine display control such as the change of the symbol display speed, the program for the main control unit 200 is simplified, and the program is changed even if the display content is changed. The main control unit 200 can execute a command defining a time from the start of the variable display of the symbol to the stop thereof, and a command for designating the symbol. , The program is further simplified.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the special symbol display device 100. As shown in FIG. The special symbol display device 100 supplies power to a data receiving circuit 1140 (including a voltage converting circuit for converting a data level) for receiving a strobe signal and a command from the main control unit 200, and to the voltage converting circuit and the like. A power supply circuit 1160 and a CPU 1 that generates control data necessary for performing display control based on a received command and outputs the control data to an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060
020, a program ROM 1040 containing a program describing an operation procedure of the CPU 1020, and a RAM 1090 functioning as a work area and a buffer memory.
And image processing LSI (VDP) 1 for performing image development processing
060 and a video RAM 108 for temporarily storing image data developed by an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060.
0 and character ROM 1 storing data necessary for image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 to develop an image.
180, an LCD panel interface circuit 1100 for receiving and transmitting image data temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080, and an LCD panel for outputting a display image using the image data transmitted from the LCD panel interface circuit 1100. 1120.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the character RO
M1180 is a ROM title area, a ROM management information area, a character image data area storing actual character data, a pallet data area storing character color data, and a scenario data area storing information defining character movement. The character data is stored in the character image data area in a state where it is compressed by a specific compression method. Further, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of pairs of color numbers and color codes are stored.

The CPU of the special symbol display device 100
1020, the control data generated in response to the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 is transferred to the image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060, the image processing LSI (VD
P) 1060 decompresses the character data obtained from the character image data area, colors it with the color data obtained from the palette data area, and specifies the video RAM 108 specified by the information obtained from the scenario data area.
The temporarily stored data is temporarily stored at a position on the LCD panel 0, and the temporarily stored data is sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100.
By means of 20, various image displays including a change in the variable display speed are performed in detail.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the command transmission / reception timing. As previously mentioned,
The command consists of a 1-byte mode (MODE) and a 1-byte event (EVENT).
In this example, the main control unit 200 transmits mode (MODE) information at the first rising edge of the strobe signal (DUSTB) generated by itself at the time of a command change, and then transmits the two strobe signals (DUSTB). Event (EVENT) information is transmitted with the rise of the eyes. Then, in response to this, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device generates an interrupt when a strobe signal (DUSTB) is transmitted, receives a command by this interrupt processing, and stores the command in the RAM 1090.

Next, first, a normal control operation performed by the main control unit 200 or the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (a general flowchart of game control) and FIG.
Then, the characteristic display control of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15 to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the main control unit 200, and is executed from the first step by using a reset signal supplied from the reset circuit 213 every predetermined time (for example, every 4 msec) as a trigger.

First, when the power supply circuit 212 is activated by a power switch (not shown), the main control unit 200 is activated. It is determined whether or not the first processing has been performed since the power-on. Step S11
0). In the case of the first processing after turning on the power (Yes)
The process proceeds to step S200, but otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S200, a clearing process of the storage area is performed as initialization processing of the RAM 203, and then, in step S210, data for performing an initial control process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. On the other hand, in step S120, the count values of various random number generation loop counters (not shown) for large hit determination, small hit determination, and the like formed in the RAM 203 are incremented. Update the timer value of the timer.

Next, in step S140, a special symbol start switch 304, a normal symbol operation switch 306,
An input port process of reading and storing the detection signal output from the special winning opening switch 308 into a register (not shown) via the input port 203 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S150 to read and store the data read by the port input process. Switch check processing for grasping the condition.

Next, at step S160, each switch 3
A check is made to see if there is a disconnection or short-circuit in the lines 04, 306, 308, etc., and if any of these failures has occurred (Ye
s) The process proceeds to step S220, but otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S180 (step S180).
170).

In step S180, data necessary for display control of the ordinary symbol display device 107 is stored in the RAM.
203 and a command necessary for display control of the special symbol display device 100 (see FIGS. 6 to 9).
(Including the commands described in the above) are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the timer values of the various timers are reduced (step S190). In step S180, the main control unit 200 determines a command of a necessary mode and event according to the game control with reference to the command data table area 202, and stores digital information indicating the determined mode and event in the RAM 203 in a predetermined manner. Store in area.

Next, in step S195, the start-opening opening solenoid 300 and the special winning opening opening solenoid 302 are driven in order to control opening and closing of the special winning opening 106 and the opening / closing member 120 of the special symbol starting opening 104 in a predetermined pattern. Then, in step S220, a prize ball setting process for outputting control information for causing a prize ball payout device (not shown) to perform a payout operation is executed. Further, in steps S230, 240, and 250, a game (not shown) External information processing for outputting various game data to the machine management device, a display lamp control process for storing a command for lighting control of the lamp display devices 110 and 112 in accordance with a game state in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, sound effect generation Device 11
6 executes a sound effect process for storing a command for controlling the sound effect generation in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 in correspondence with the game state.

Next, in step S260, R
The data stored in the AM 203 is output to the corresponding device via the output port 215 (port output process), and the device that receives the data performs a control operation based on the data. Then, a strobe signal is first output to the special symbol display device 100, and the mode and event data stored in the RAM 203 in step S180 are transmitted as shown in FIG. Thus, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100 and received.

In step S270, the reset circuit 21
The reset standby process is executed until the reset signal is input from Step 3, and when the reset signal is input, the process shifts to Step S110 to continue the gaming machine control. Note that the reset standby process includes updating of the various random number generation counters described above.

Next, the operation of the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 receiving the command will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer,
Initialization of the RAM 1090, initialization of the RAM 1090 itself, and the like are performed, and in step S1102, it is determined whether a new command has been input. When it is determined that a new command for display control has been input, (Y
es) The process proceeds to step S1104, while otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S1110.

In step S1104, in the interrupt processing described with reference to FIG.
Copies the received command to the RAM 1090, and checks whether the command is normal or not. Next, CPU1
020 determines the start address of a processing table (not shown) in order to obtain a necessary command for performing fine display control independently of the main control unit 200. Then, in step S1108, the image processing LSI 1060 The data in the necessary area of the RAM 1090 is updated in order to output the data to the RAM 1090.

Next, in step S1110, RA
Based on the symbol control data set in M1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090, and the symbol display position is set. Then, in step S1112, the symbol speed control is performed. Necessary data is stored in the program ROM1
040, which is obtained from a speed table (not shown) built in, and set in the RAM 1090.
At 114, the symbol offset value is updated based on the speed data, and preparation is made for performing the symbol variation at the set speed.

Next, in step S1116, RA
Animation data is acquired from an animation processing table (not shown) storing the animation processing data set in M1090, and preparation for displaying a background image is performed.
Set in P output buffer, output enable flag is "1"
It is determined whether or not (step S1118).

If the output permission flag is not "1" (No), the process returns to step S1102 to repeat a series of processing, while the output permission flag is "1" (Ye
In step S1120, the data set in the VDP output buffer is transferred to the image processing LSI 106 in step S1120.
Output to 0. The image processing LSI 1060 acquires the data in the character ROM 1180 and develops the image in response to the data. The developed image data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080 and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100 to be sent to the LCD panel 1120. Is displayed. In this way, at the set display position on the special symbol display device 100, the symbol variation display at the set speed, the display of the background image, and the like are performed.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams of an example of the transmission timing of the command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100, and the transmission command. As can be understood from these drawings, the main control is described. When a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol starting port 104 is satisfied, the unit 200 first transmits a command for designating a symbol change and specifying a time from the start of the symbol change to the stop of the symbol change. (), A command for designating a left stop symbol is transmitted after a lapse of T1 time (), and a command for designating a middle stop symbol is transmitted after a lapse of T2 time (), and right after a lapse of T3 time A command for designating a stop symbol is transmitted (), and a command () for stopping all symbols is transmitted after a lapse of T time from the start of fluctuation, and further, these Before receiving the command, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 performs a series of variable display control by performing fine display control such as a change in the change speed before the time specified by elapses. After the elapse, the variable display control ends.

Next, an embodiment of a main part of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the special symbol display device 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen by comparison with the special symbol display device 100 shown in FIG. 3, the special symbol display device 101 of this embodiment is a substrate 400 on which a common device group, which is a device group that can be used in common among models, is mounted. And a board 410 on which a non-common device group, which is a device group to be used after making a design change in accordance with the model, so that the operation of the own device can be controlled by executing predetermined signal processing. PLD
500 is provided between both device groups.

As a common device group, CPU 1020,
Image processing LSI 1060, video RAM 1080, R
AM1090, LCD panel interface circuit 11
00, LCD panel 1120, data receiving circuit 1140
And a power supply circuit 1160 are mounted on the substrate 400.

As a non-common device group, a program ROM 1040 and a character ROM 1180
10 mounted. In addition, the video R
AM1080 may be mounted.

As shown in FIG. 16, an interface section 502 is formed on the PLD 502. The interface unit 502 includes a CPU 1020 in which a program ROM
When the program of 1040 is read and the program is executed, it functions as an interface for mediating transmission and reception of address signals and data signals between the CPU 1020 and the program ROM 1040.

Further, the common device group, the non-common device group, and the PLD00 may be provided on the same substrate. In this case, the program ROM 104 which is a non-common device group
0, the character ROM 1180, and the common device group so as to be functionally separated from each other.
It is desirable to arrange the character ROM 1180 and the character ROM 1180 collectively. It is more desirable to arrange the PLD 500 in a concentrated manner. Further, the substrate 410 on which the non-common device group is mounted may be provided outside the special symbol display device 101. Further, an output port may be mounted on the substrate 410 so that operation information relating to the display of the special symbol can be output to a test device (not shown) outside the gaming machine.

If the common device group and the non-common device group are electrically connected via the PLD 500, the PLD 500 may be mounted on one of the substrates 400 and 410, or may be an independent device. It may be mounted on a mounted substrate.

When the image processing LSI 1060 reads the image data in the character ROM 1180 and performs display control, the interface unit 502 controls the image processing LSI 1060.
It also functions as an interface that mediates when sending and receiving address signals and data signals between the SI 1060 and the character ROM 1180. Thus, the CPU 1020 can execute the program stored in the program ROM 1040, and the image processing LSI 1060 stores the character ROM 1
Since the display control is performed by using the image data stored in 180, the operation of the special symbol display device 101 is controlled by the interface unit 502 of the PLD 500.

FIG. 17 shows how pin specifications change when the ROM type is changed.
When the OM type is changed, the pin specifications are different even for the same pin number. Therefore, when changing the type of the program ROM in accordance with the model change, P
The design change is completed only by changing the interface unit 502 of the LD 500.

Moreover, this PLD (programmable logic device) is attached to a dedicated writer connected to a computer activated by the OS, and if input / output signals are defined on a computer screen so as to perform desired signal processing. Since the gate is automatically formed in the inside, the number of development steps is extremely small. Also,
A program for setting a gate may be stored in the program ROM 1040. Therefore, by using the PLD 500, the number of development steps can be further reduced.

Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention,
PLD 50 between the common device group and the non-common device group
0 is provided, and by performing predetermined signal processing, the operation of the special symbol display device 101 can be controlled.
When the model is changed, it is possible to cope with the change of the model side only by changing the program of the non-common device group and the like, and the development man-hour is greatly reduced.

Further, the signal processing means mediates a transmission / reception signal between a certain device included in the common device group and a certain device included in the non-common device group. An interface function between the common device and the non-common device can be realized. If the common device group and the non-common device group are mounted on different substrates 400 and 410, respectively, it is possible to cope with a model change only by exchanging only the substrate 410 on the non-common device group side. .

In this embodiment, a special symbol display device has been described as an example of a peripheral device. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other peripheral devices. Various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
There are various modifications and changes such as providing a function other than the above and forming an area for storing model information which is information unique to the model in the PLD 500.

In the above description, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a game machine. However, the present invention is applicable not only to pachislot machines and video game machines, but also to other game machines. Needless to say.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to cope with the model change only by changing the program of the non-common device group at the time of model change, so that the number of development steps is greatly reduced. Is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a game board 10;

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the gaming machine.

3 is a block diagram of the special symbol display device 100. FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a character ROM memory map and pallet data.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of command transmission and reception.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a command stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 10 is a general flowchart for explaining a game control operation of the gaming machine.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of CPU 1020 of special symbol display device 100. FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of a command.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a command transmission timing for symbol display.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining command transmission.

FIG. 15 is a special symbol display device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a PLD 500.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game board 100 Special symbol display device 102 Normal symbol operation gate 104 Special symbol start-up port 106 Big winning opening 108 Normal symbol display device 110 Lamp display device 112 Lamp display device 114 Out port 116 Sound effect generator 120 Opening / closing member 200 Main control unit 201 ROM 202 Command data table area 203 RAM 210 Input port 213 Reset circuit 212 Power supply circuit 215 Output port 300 Starting port operating solenoid 302 Large winning port operating solenoid 304 Special symbol starting switch 306 Normal symbol operating switch 308 Large winning port switch 400 Board 401 Substrate 500 PLD 502 Interface unit 1020 CPU 1040 Program ROM 1060 Image processing LSI 1080 Video RAM 1090 RAM 1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD panel 1140 Data receiving circuit 1160 Power supply circuit 1180 Character ROM

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine in which main control means for performing overall control of a gaming operation controls operation of a plurality of types of peripheral devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of peripheral devices is provided. By providing a common device group, which is a device group that can be used in common between models, and a non-common device group, which is a device group used by making a design change according to the model, and executing predetermined signal processing, A gaming machine, characterized in that signal processing means for controlling the operation of its own device are provided between both device groups. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing means is provided between a certain device included in the common device group and a certain device included in the non-common device group. A game machine characterized in that it is means for mediating transmission and reception of signals. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said signal processing means is formed by a PLD (programmable logic device). 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the common device group and the non-common device group are mounted on different substrates. A gaming machine characterized by: