JP2002165985A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To present the notification relative to that, whose lottery result a game player really wants to grasp, while reducing the control burden of a main CPU(central processing unit). SOLUTION: When the main control part 200 transmits a command for displaying a big win state lottery result to the CPU 1020, and when the main control part transmits a command for displaying a probability fluctuation state lottery result and various lottery results, it transmits a command for controlling the operation of a sound effect generating device 116 to the CPU 1020. On the contrary, when it transmits a command for displaying a small win state lottery result to the CPU 1020, the main control part does not transmit a command for controlling the operation of the sound effect generating device 116 to the CPU 1020 and suppress the notification presentation of a sub lottery result having a meaning of a small win state so as to arouse the attention of a player to a main lottery result.

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 performing various lotteries to determine whether or not to provide a game state advantageous to a player, and displaying a result of the lottery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional display control techniques include the following. For example, the gaming machine described in JP-A-8-229223 is designed to play a game using a special symbol (including a probability variation determining symbol) and a normal symbol, and the special symbol and the normal symbol are used. A separate display device is provided for display. Then, a main CPU (main control means) for generally controlling the game operation directly controls the display of the normal symbols, and the notification effect control by displaying various sound effects and lamps for decoration. And, in the conventional gaming machine, since the announcement effect was performed for each lottery result, for those who want to grasp the result especially for the player or those who are not particular about grasping the lottery result A uniform informational production was performed.

[0003]

Therefore, a display device for displaying a special symbol and a normal symbol is separately provided, and the main CPU or the display CPU controls the display of each symbol by using the display device. Since the main CPU also performs the notification effects such as the sound effect effects and the lamp lighting effects, the control load of the main CPU is increased, and the number of inspection man-hours at the inspection organization is large. In addition, since the player was uniformly informed about what he or she wanted to know especially about the result or what he was not particular about the lottery result, the player was not informed about the lottery. .

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and it is intended that a player truly wants to grasp the lottery result while reducing the control load of the main control means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that performs a notification effect on a game machine.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of performing various lotteries to determine whether or not to provide a game state advantageous to a player and displaying the lottery results. A first display control means for performing control for displaying a lottery result as to whether or not to generate a specific game state, and a second display for performing control to display a lottery result as to whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state. Control means, and third display control means for performing a control for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to improve the possibility of generating at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state, It comprises a plurality of lottery result display control means, and further comprises, apart from the lottery result display control means, a notification effect control means for controlling the operation of the notification effect device, and the notification effect control means comprises a semi-specific game. Spawn state Determining whether to drawing result was such that characterized in that so as not to perform the operation control of the notification effect equipment for being displayed.

In the present invention, the notification effect corresponding to the case where the lottery result of the quasi-specific game state is displayed is not performed. Therefore, only the notification effect for the lottery result that the player wants to grasp most is performed, and the expectation of the player can be improved, and further, the notification effect is refrained for the sub-lottery result having a small hit meaning. Therefore, a player who indirectly determines whether or not to generate a specific game state and whether or not to improve the possibility of generating at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state. Can draw the player's attention to the main lottery result, which has the highest game value among the lotteries in which the player is most interested, that is, the advantageous game state given to the player. Further, since only the notification effect for the required lottery result is performed, the control load on the main CPU is reduced.

In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the game machine further comprises a main control means for controlling the whole game operation, wherein the main control means comprises:
When transmitting a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to generate a specific game state to the lottery result display control means, and generating at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state When transmitting a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to improve the possibility to the lottery result display control means, transmitting a command for controlling the operation of the information production apparatus to the information production control means. On the other hand, when transmitting a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to generate a quasi-specific gaming state to the lottery result display control means, a command for controlling the operation of the notification effect producing device, A gaming machine characterized in that it is not transmitted to the notification effect control means is provided.

Further, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, there is provided main control means for overall controlling the game operation, wherein the main control means comprises:
A command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether to generate a specific game state, a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether to generate a quasi-specific game state, and a specific game state and a quasi-specific game Means for transmitting a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to improve the possibility of at least one of the states to occur, to the lottery result display control means, wherein the lottery result display control means A command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to generate a gaming state, and a lottery result for determining whether to improve the possibility of generating at least one of the specific gaming state and the quasi-specific gaming state. When a command for displaying is received, the display control corresponding to the received command is performed, and the operation of the information production device is controlled. On the other hand, when a command for displaying a lottery result of whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state is received, display control corresponding to the received command is performed. It is also preferable that the gaming machine does not transmit a command for controlling the operation of the notification effect device to the notification effect control means.

The display of various lottery results in the present invention refers to which of a plurality of operation modes the gaming machine has been in after a series of operations have been performed (for example, whether the game machine has hit or missed). ) Is notified to the player, whereby the player can identify the operation mode of the gaming machine. More specifically, for example, it is predetermined that a three-digit numerical symbol fluctuates, a hit occurs when the same symbol is displayed together and stopped, and a stop occurs when the same symbol is not displayed and stopped. This means that each symbol fluctuates, and information to enable discrimination of a hit or a miss by a stop display thereafter is reported. In addition, naturally, it is also included to notify information that can determine whether a character has won or lost depending on whether the character has won or lost due to a race, a fight, or the like between the characters. Further, the display device that performs this display may be a liquid crystal display device or an electrical display device such as an LED, or a configuration in which a notification is provided by a display using a drum or the like driven using an electric drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. But good.

In this control operation, the control procedure is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and
This can be realized by a computer reading and executing the control procedure recorded on the recording medium. Examples of such a recording medium include a semiconductor recording medium such as a ROM and a semiconductor IC, an optical recording medium such as a DVDROM and a CDROM, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, and a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine that performs display control by transmitting and receiving control commands will be described, and then the main operations of the present invention will be described to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. As shown in FIG. At a substantially central portion of the game board 10, various lottery result display devices 100 for displaying various lottery results are provided, and a special symbol starting port 104 is provided directly below the device. On both sides of the starting port 104, usually symbol operation gates 102, 102 are provided. Further, a pair of opening / closing members 120 are provided so as to be openable and closable so as to form a special symbol starting port 104. Then, various lottery result display devices 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Can display the special lottery results of the special symbol, the ordinary symbol, and the probability variation determining symbol on the same display screen, and the display control is performed by the CPU provided on the various lottery result display device 100 side.
It is characterized in that the notification effect is performed on the lottery result by the special symbol and the probability variation determination symbol while the notification effect is not performed on the lottery result by the normal symbol. In addition, the lottery result display device 100 can display a character image in a specific game state, an error notification image in which an error has occurred, and the like.

A special winning opening 106 and an outgoing opening 114 are arranged below the special symbol starting opening 104 in this order, and a lamp display device 110 is provided diagonally above both sides of the special symbol starting opening 104. , 110 are provided, and lamps (LEDs) are also provided near both side ends of the game board 10.
Display devices (an example of a notification effect device) 112, 112 are provided.

Then, when a game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 104 and random number lottery is performed, and when the random number selected is a big hit value, the special symbol display area 1800 described later displays a special symbol change display. After the start, a predetermined pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed by the various lottery result display devices 100, and the special winning opening 1
06 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined pattern, so that a jackpot game state (specific game state) advantageous to the player is achieved. In addition, there are a plurality of probabilities that the jackpot value is selected by the random number lottery described above (probability of displaying the predetermined pattern) when the probability is low (for example, 1/300) and when it is high (for example, 1/50). I do. This high probability state is called a probability variation state or a probability variation state. A pattern such as a character is used to display a lottery process or a lottery result indicating whether or not the state is the probable change state.

[0015] The display of the result of the lottery as to whether or not to cause the probability variation state is performed only when the special symbol has the predetermined pattern. When a display effect in which the character having the variable design has won the other character in the fighting is performed, the probability fluctuation state is generated during the period from the end of the specific game state to the next generation of the specific game state.

When the normal symbol operation gate 102 detects the passing of the game ball, a random number lottery is performed, and when the random number selected is a small hit value, various lottery result display devices 1 are displayed.
00 is displayed in such a manner that the winning mark in the ordinary figure display area 1810 is painted in a specific color, and thereafter, the opening / closing member 120 is opened for only a few seconds (semi-specific game state), and the game ball is in a special symbol starting port. In the case of winning the prize, a random number lottery is similarly performed, and when the random number selected is a big hit value, a special symbol display area 1800 described later
, The display of a predetermined display pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is performed by the various lottery result display devices 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in the predetermined pattern, so that the player It becomes an advantageous big hit state. On the other hand, hit balls that are not won are discharged through the out port 114. When the big hit probability of the special symbol is improved, the small hit probability of the ordinary symbol is also improved.

In the open state where the game balls easily enter the large winning opening 106, when 10 game balls are won, the game balls pass through a V zone (not shown) which is a specific area. If there is a game ball, the special winning opening 106 is closed once, and then the special winning opening 106 is opened again to facilitate the winning of the game ball. This is called one round, and when a maximum of 16 rounds have been completed, the big hit operation control for setting the special winning opening 106 in an advantageous state for the player is ended.

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 includes a microprocessor having a built-in CPU, and stores command data for storing various control commands including at least various commands for controlling the various lottery result display devices 100, which will be described later. A table 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 the 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 V zone winning switch and the like are not shown.

The main control unit 200 has an output port 2
15 are connected to various peripheral devices. Specifically, various lottery result display devices 10 realized by an LCD or the like.
0, lamp display devices 110 and 11 for controlling lighting of lamps
2. A sound effect generating device 116 for generating a sound effect, a starting port operating solenoid 300 for controlling opening / closing of the opening / closing member 120 for the starting port, and a large prize for controlling opening / closing of a wide opening / closing member of the large prize port 106. The mouth actuation solenoid 302 and the like are connected, and the main control unit 200 can transmit a control command for controlling each device. The main control unit 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands to the various lottery result display devices 100 at a predetermined timing.
Is based on the received command, and the internal CPU performs fine display control without depending on the main control unit 200. Further, a communication mode by one-way communication in which only a command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 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.
The command for display control sent from 0 to the various lottery result display devices 100 is a mode (MOD) which is an identifier for identifying the classification of the command and is 1-byte digital information.
E) and an event (EVENT) which is 1-byte digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed. 6 to 9 and FIGS. 15 to 18 show R
Command data table area 2 stored in OM201
02 is a part of the command data for display control and notification effect control on the display device 02. The commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are commands relating to display control of special symbol lottery results, the commands shown in FIG. 15 are commands relating to display control of ordinary symbol lottery results, and the commands shown in FIG. 16 are display control of probability variation determination symbol lottery results. 17 and the command shown in FIG. 17 are sound effect generators 116 corresponding to the special symbol lottery result display.
18 is a command related to the sound effect output control of the sound effect generator 116 corresponding to the display of the probability variation determination symbol lottery result.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the special symbol lottery display control command includes a command for changing the special symbol and designating a variation pattern (first command).
Command), a command for designating a stop symbol on the special symbol left (second command), a command for designating a stop symbol in the special symbol (second command), a stop symbol on the right of the special symbol Command (second command) ”,“ command for stopping special symbol (third command)
Command)].

As shown in FIG. 15, the display control command for the normal symbol lottery result designates the start of change and its change time, and also designates a hit or miss display. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the display control command for the probability variable symbol lottery result is a command for designating the start of variation and for designating any display pattern according to a hit or a miss.

As shown in FIG. 17, the command for controlling the sound effect output with respect to the special symbol lottery result display is a command for performing a notification effect with the sound effect output corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of the designated special symbol. It has become. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the command for controlling the sound effect output with respect to the display of the probability variation determination symbol lottery result is a command for performing a notification effect with a sound effect output corresponding to the designated special symbol display pattern. ing. Although not shown, command data for designating a decorative lamp and LED display is also provided as a notification effect corresponding to the designated special symbol variation pattern and the designated probability variation determined symbol display pattern.

As shown in FIG. 21A, the main control unit 20
In the case of 0, a probability variation determination lottery is performed when a jackpot value is selected, and a fourth command () for designating a display pattern reflecting the lottery result is transmitted next to the third command. Note that the first command is a command including designating a design variation pattern and an effect operation of a character accompanying the design variation, a background image to be displayed, and the like, and these are collectively referred to as a variation pattern. The main control unit 200 transmits these five commands (or six commands) to the various lottery result display devices 100 at a predetermined timing in one variation display control when a game situation that causes the symbol variation display is started. Send. Further, as shown in FIG. 21C, the main control unit 200 performs a lottery in a normal symbol and sends a normal symbol display control command for displaying the lottery result to the various lottery result display devices 100 at an appropriate timing. Send.

[0027] Therefore, since various kinds of lottery result display device 100 perform fine display control such as the change of the display speed of the symbol, the program for the main control unit 200 is simplified, and the program can be changed even if the display content is changed. Since there is no need to make any changes and a general-purpose program can be constructed, the control burden on the main control unit 200 is reduced.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the lottery result display device 100. Various lottery result display devices 100
A data receiving circuit 1140 (including a voltage conversion circuit for converting a data level) for receiving a strobe signal or command from the main control unit 200, a power supply circuit 1160 for supplying power to the voltage conversion circuit and the like, A CPU 1020 (display control means) for generating control data necessary for performing display control based on a command and outputting the control data to an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060, and a program R containing a program describing an operation procedure of the CPU 1020
An OM 1040, a RAM 1090 functioning as a work area and a buffer memory, an image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 for performing image expansion processing, and an image processing LSI
(VDP) 1060, a video RAM 1080 for temporarily storing the developed image data, and an image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060 stores character ROM 1180 storing data necessary for image development, and video RAM 10
An LCD panel interface circuit 1100 for receiving and transmitting image data temporarily stored in the memory 80;
An LC that outputs a display image using the image data transmitted from the LCD panel interface circuit 1100
It has a D panel 1120 and an output port 1300 for outputting a lighting control command and a sound effect output control command to the lamp display device 110 (112) and the sound effect generator 116.

Although not shown, the lottery result display device 100 displays, as the lottery result display related signal, a signal indicating that various symbols are changing, a signal indicating that various symbols have been determined, and a signal indicating that various symbols have been determined. Equipped with an output port and signal line for outputting a signal indicating the type, an error signal indicating that an error such as a command transmission failure is occurring, etc. to the outside of the gaming machine, thereby facilitating inspection by an inspection organization. At the same time, it becomes easy to grasp game information.

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 character image data area stores image data of characters and the like as shown in FIG. In this gaming machine, for example, it is possible to enter any one of the five reach game modes, and in each of the reach game modes, a different character appears and makes a display effect. In the case of the reach game mode 1, the main character "Zeus" appears. The reach game mode 1 is one in which the probability of entering the most at the time of a symbol change in the case of a big hit state is set to be the highest among all the reach game modes, and a character appearing in the reach game mode 1 is referred to as a main character. I have.

Characters appearing in reach game modes 2, 3, 4, and 5, which are other reach game modes, are "Poseidon", "Medusa", "Athena", and "Hercules". A sub-character is formed for the character. It goes without saying that the type of the reach game mode and the type of the character to appear need not be limited to this example. This character also appears when displaying the third lottery result.

Then, C of various lottery result display devices 100
The PU 1020 converts the control data generated in response to the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 into an image processing LSI.
(VDP) 1060, the image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060 decompresses the character data obtained from the character image data area, colors it with the color data obtained from the pallet data area, and specifies the video RAM 10 specified by the information obtained from the scenario data area.
Temporarily store the data with the image expanded at the position on 80,
By sending the temporarily stored data to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100, the LCD panel 1
By means of 120, 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 various lottery result display devices sets the strobe signal (DUST signal).
When B) is transmitted, an interrupt is generated, and a command is received by this interrupt processing and stored in the RAM 1090.

Next, first, a normal control operation performed by the CPU 1020 of the main control unit 200 and the various lottery result display devices 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (a general flowchart of game control) and FIG. The display control characteristic of the present invention will be described with reference to 19 and the like 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 process has been performed after the power was turned on (see FIG. 1). 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 a storage area is executed 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 probability variation determination, formed in the RAM 203, are incremented. Update the timer values of various timers used for control.

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, in 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).

Then, in step S180, commands necessary for display control of the various lottery result display devices 100 (including the commands described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, 15 and 16) are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. Then, the timer values of the various timers are reduced (step S190).
Note that in step S180, the main control unit 200
A command of a mode and an event required according to the game control is determined with reference to the command data table area 202,
Digital information indicating the determined mode and event is stored in RAM
203 is stored in a predetermined area.

Next, in step S195, the starting port operating solenoid 300 and the special winning port operating solenoid 302 are driven to control the opening and closing of the special winning opening 106 and the opening and 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, first, a strobe signal is output to the various lottery result display devices 100, and in step S180, the RAM 20
The data of the mode and the event stored in No. 3 are transmitted as shown in FIG. As a result, for example, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 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 lottery result display device 100 that has received the command will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer, initializes the RAM 1090, initializes itself such as clearing registers, and the like. In step S1102, the CPU 1020 determines whether a new command has been input. If it is determined that a new command for display control has been input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1104, 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 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 ROM
It is obtained from a speed table (not shown) built in the 1040, set in the RAM 1090, and then proceeds to step S
At 1114, the symbol offset value is updated based on the speed data, and preparations are made for performing symbol fluctuation 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 flow returns to step S1102 to repeat a series of processes, 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.
0, and then outputs a symbol display control signal to the outside of the gaming machine in step S1122. LSI for image processing
1060 acquires the data of the character ROM 1180 according to the processing in step S1120 and develops the image,
The image-developed data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080, and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100, where an image is displayed on the LCD panel 1120. Thus, various lottery result display devices 1
At the set display position at 00, symbol variation display at a set speed, display of a background image, and the like are performed.
In addition to these processes, an external information transmission process of transmitting a lottery result display related signal to the outside of the gaming machine is also executed.

By the operation of the CPU 1020, the first display control processing for displaying the result of the lottery as to whether or not to generate the specific game state and the result of the lottery as to whether or not to generate the quasi-specific game state are displayed. A second display control process,
Third display control processing for displaying a lottery result as to whether or not to improve the possibility of causing at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state to occur is appropriately executed as needed. Since the lottery result display control means has a single configuration as described above, there is no need to provide a display control means (display CPU) for each display content. Is simplified. In the present invention, a plurality of lottery result display control means may be provided.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are explanatory diagrams of an example of the transmission timing of the command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 100, and the transmission command. When a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol starting port 104 is satisfied, the control unit 200 first transmits a command for starting symbol variation and specifying a variation pattern (), 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 a right stop symbol is designated after a lapse of T3 time. (), And after a lapse of T time from the start of the fluctuation, a command () for stopping all the symbols is transmitted. CPU1020 various lottery result display device 100 which has received the de receives the, perform a series of variable display control in the specified change pattern by performing a fine display control such as changing speed change,
Upon receiving the third command, the variable display control ends. As described above, when the jackpot value is determined by lottery, a probable variable lottery is performed. In order to specify a display pattern in accordance with the lottery result, the main control unit 200 transmits the fourth lottery result display device 100 to the fourth type. Is transmitted (see FIG. 16). Although not shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the main control unit 200 transmits a normal symbol display control command at an appropriate timing.

(Main Parts of the Present Invention) (First Embodiment) FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining display control according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 and FIG. 2 are explanatory diagrams showing how the display changes.
4, display control, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. These processes are performed in step S in FIG.
This can be realized by appropriately changing the setting of the data in 1101 to 1116. The CPU 1020 performs display control as described below.

In the following description of the embodiment, the notification effect by the sound effect generator 116 will be described as an example.
The present invention can be similarly applied to a case where other peripheral devices for notification effects such as the lamp display device 110 (112) are adopted (or used in combination).

As shown in FIG. 20, the sound effect generator 11
6 is a CPU 2000 and an R which records a control program.
OM 2010 and RAM 2020 serving as a work area
, A voice synthesis LSI 2030, and a speaker 2040. Then, the CPU 2000 performs the voice synthesis LS in a driving manner according to the received command for the sound effect output control.
When the drive of the I2030 is controlled, the sound effect in the sound effect output pattern specified by the received sound effect output control command is output from the speaker 2040.

First, the CPU 1020 executes a normal symbol lottery result display command and a first command (see FIG. 14).
Is received. In step S1900, CPU 1020 responds to the received first command by displaying horizontally-long display area 112 on LCD panel 1120.
In the special symbol display area 1800, scroll variation display of symbols is started in three columns of left, middle, and right, and the normal symbol display area 1 in the lower right of the display area 1121 is displayed.
Display control is performed such that the circle marks 1811 and 1812 in 810 alternately blink. This is shown in FIG.

Next, the CPU 1020 proceeds to step S19.
At 02, display control is performed to receive the second command and the third command, and stop and display the special symbol specified by the second command in response to the third command. In this case, a special symbol ("333") stopped in the same display area as in FIG. 23 is displayed. Thereby, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined.

At the time of this series of variable display, as shown in FIG. 21B, the main control unit 200 transmits the first command via the output port 215 and then transmits the first command. A command for sound effect output control corresponding to the designated fluctuation pattern is transmitted to the sound effect generator 116.

The CPU 2000 of the sound effect generator 116 having received the sound effect output control command causes the speech synthesis L to be driven in a driving manner corresponding to the received sound effect output control command.
Since the SI 2030 is drive-controlled, the sound effect in the sound effect output pattern specified by the received sound effect output control command is output from the speaker 2040. Thus,
A notification effect on the special symbol lottery result is performed.

Then, in step S1904, C
The PU 1020 determines whether the determined symbol has become the aforementioned predetermined pattern from the received second command or the like, that is,
It is determined whether or not the three-digit special symbol is completed. If not (No), the process ends. On the other hand, if they are (Yes), the process moves to step S1906.

Next, in step S1906, the CP
U1020 responds to the third command by
Is displayed as a stop symbol. In this case, as shown in FIG. 24, a special stop symbol is displayed in a reduced special symbol display area 1801 located at the upper left of the display area 1121. Display the symbol ("33
3 "). At this time, since the CPU 1020 has previously received the normal symbol lottery result display command for designating the defeated display, the CPU 1020 displays the circle mark 1812 for the defeated in the normal symbol display area 1810 at the lower right of the display area 1121 in the specific color. Execute display control such as filling with. The size of the ordinary symbol display area 1810 is the smallest as compared with the other symbol display areas, and is always secured during the display control. Note that the CPU 1020 does not perform the notification effect on the small hit lottery result.

Further, since the main control unit 200 is performing a lottery to determine whether or not to cause a probability variation state, the CPU 1020 transmits a fourth command for designating a display pattern in accordance with the result of the probability variation lottery, and the CPU 1020 transmits the fourth command. 4 is received.

Next, since the fourth command (see FIG. 16) for designating the display pattern corresponding to the probability variation lottery result in the main control unit 200 has been received first, step S1 is performed.
At 908, a probability variation symbol display process is performed. Fig. 2 shows an example.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21B, the main control unit 200 transmits a sound effect output control command to the sound effect generator 116 via the output port 215 in response to the transmission of the fourth command. I do. Upon receiving this, the CPU 2000 of the sound effect generating device 116 drives the sound synthesis LSI 203 in a driving manner according to the received sound effect output control command.
Since the drive control of 0 is performed, the sound effect in the sound effect output pattern specified by the received sound effect output control command is output from the speaker 2040. In this way, a notification effect on the probability variation determination symbol lottery result is performed.

Now, the CPU 1020 displays the main character “Zeus” and an example of the sub-character “Poseidon” in the widest probability variation lottery result display area 182.
Performs an action effect that causes a match within 0. Then, the sub-character “Poseidon” is erased from the probability variation lottery result display area 1820, and if the main character “Zeus” remains, it is determined that “Zeus” has won, and the game shifts to the probability change state after the end of the specific game state. This is displayed as a message. In addition, even during this processing, the normal symbol display area 1810 is secured and the winning result is displayed.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the main control unit 200 causes the various lottery result display devices 100 to display a lottery result indicating whether or not a big hit state (specific game state) is to be generated. Command to the CPU 1020
(Display control means), and a big hit state (specific game state) and a small hit state (semi-specific game state)
When a command for displaying the lottery result on the various lottery result display device 100 to the CPU 1020 to determine whether or not to improve the possibility of generating at least one of them is transmitted to the CPU 1020, the sound effect generation as the information production device is performed. While a command for controlling the operation of the device 116 is transmitted to the CPU 2000, a command for causing the various lottery result display devices 100 to display a lottery result indicating whether or not a small hit state (semi-specific game state) is to be generated is displayed on the CPU 1020. In this case, a command for controlling the operation of the sound effect generator 116 is not transmitted to the CPU 2000, so that a notification effect is not provided for a sub-lottery result having a small hit meaning. In particular, a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a specific game state, and a small number of specific game states and quasi-specific game states The lottery that the player is most interested in, whether or not to increase the possibility of raising one, that is, the main lottery result with a high game value in the advantageous game state given to the player Can draw the attention of the elderly.

The CPU 1020 operates as the main control unit 200
Display control command from the CPU 20 and performs display control according to the received display control command.
00 receives a sound effect output control command (notification control command) from the main control unit 200, and performs a sound effect output control (notification control) according to the received sound effect output control command (notification control command). Is performed (reference A in FIG. 20).
), The control system on the peripheral device side is further systematized, inspection and the like can be easily performed, and the control load of the main control unit 200 can be reduced. In addition, since the control capacity of the main control unit 200, which is concerned about fraud that intentionally improves the lottery probability or the like, is reduced, the inspection amount can be reduced and the fraud can be easily detected by the inspection organization.

(Second Embodiment) This embodiment is similar to FIG.
As shown by the symbol B in FIG. 20 and FIG. 20, the CPU 1020 of the lottery result display device 100 is characterized by transmitting a sound effect output control command to the sound effect generator 116. That is, the CPU of the lottery result display device 100 shown in FIG.
Output processing of a command for sound effect output control is added to the operation of 1020. In addition, the command data table for the notification effect control as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 is configured to be stored in the program ROM 1040 of the lottery result display device 100.

First, the CPU 1020 executes the normal symbol lottery result display command and the first command (see FIG. 14).
Is received. In step S1900, CPU 1020 responds to the received first command by displaying horizontally-long display area 112 on LCD panel 1120.
In the special symbol display area 1800, scroll variation display of symbols is started in three columns of left, middle, and right, and the normal symbol display area 1 in the lower right of the display area 1121 is displayed.
Display control is performed such that the circle marks 1811 and 1812 in 810 alternately blink. This is shown in FIG.

Next, the CPU 1020 proceeds to step S19.
At 02, display control is performed to receive the second command and the third command, and stop and display the special symbol specified by the second command in response to the third command. In this case, a special symbol ("333") stopped in the same display area as in FIG. 23 is displayed. Then, during a series of fluctuation display, CPU 1020 transmits a command for sound effect output control corresponding to the fluctuation pattern specified by the first command to effect sound generator 116 via output port 1300.

The CPU 2000 of the sound effect generator 116 having received the sound effect output control command causes the voice synthesis L to be driven in a driving manner corresponding to the received sound effect output control command.
Since the SI 2030 is drive-controlled, the sound effect in the sound effect output pattern specified by the received sound effect output control command is output from the speaker 2040. Thus,
A notification effect on the special symbol lottery result is performed.

Then, in step S1904, C
The PU 1020 determines from the received second command or the like whether the determined symbol has the predetermined pattern described above,
It is determined whether or not the special symbols of the digits are completed. If not (No), the process ends. On the other hand, if they are (Yes), the process moves to step S1906.

Next, in step S1906, the CP
U1020 responds to the third command received by
Is displayed as a stop symbol. In this case, as shown in FIG. 24, a special stop symbol is displayed in a reduced special symbol display area 1801 located at the upper left of the display area 1121. Display the symbol ("33
3 "). At this time, since the CPU 1020 has previously received the normal symbol lottery result display command for designating the defeated display, the CPU 1020 displays the circle mark 1812 for the defeated in the normal symbol display area 1810 at the lower right of the display area 1121 in the specific color. Executes display control such as filling with. The size of the ordinary symbol display area 1810 is the smallest as compared with the other symbol display areas, and is always secured during the display control. Note that the CPU 1020 does not perform the notification effect on the small hit lottery result.

Further, since the main control unit 200 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to cause a probability fluctuation state, the main controller 200 transmits a fourth command for designating a display pattern according to the result of the probability fluctuation lottery, and the CPU 1020 transmits the fourth command. 4 is received.

Next, since the fourth command (see FIG. 16) for designating the display pattern according to the probability variation lottery result in the main control unit 200 has been received first, step S1 is performed.
At 908, a probability variation symbol display process is performed. Fig. 2 shows an example.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21B, the CPU 1020 transmits a sound effect output control command to the sound effect generator 116 via the output port 1300 in response to the transmission of the fourth command. Upon receiving this, the CPU 2000 of the sound effect generating device 116 operates the voice synthesis LSI 20 in a driving manner corresponding to the received sound effect output control command.
Since the drive of the sound effect control unit 30 is controlled, the sound effect in the sound effect output pattern specified by the received sound effect output control command is output from the speaker 2040. In this way, a notification effect on the probability variation determination symbol lottery result is performed.

Then, as described above, the sub character "Poseidon" disappears from the probability variation lottery result display area 1820, and if the main character "Zeus" remains, "Zeus" wins. , And this is displayed in a message. In addition,
Even during this processing, the normal symbol display area 1810 is secured and the winning result is displayed.

Therefore, the main control unit 200 controls the various lottery result display devices 100 to display a lottery result indicating whether or not a big hit state (specific game state) is generated, a small hit state (semi-specific game state). ), A command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to cause the various lottery result display devices 100, and at least one of a big hit state (specific game state) and a small hit state (semi-specific game state). Is transmitted to the CPU 1020 (display control means) for displaying the lottery result on the various lottery result display devices 100 as to whether or not to improve the possibility of occurrence of the event.

Then, the CPU 1020 displays a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not a big hit state (specific game state) is to be generated on the various lottery result display devices 100, and a big hit state (specific game state) and a small hit state (specific game state). When a command for displaying a lottery result on various lottery result display devices 100 as to whether or not the possibility of raising at least one of the winning states (quasi-specific game state) is received, this command is received. The CPU 2 performs a display control corresponding to the received command and transmits a command for controlling the operation of the sound effect generating device 116 as the information production device.
000 (sub-control means), on the other hand, when a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to generate a small hit state (semi-specific game state) on the various lottery result display devices 100 is received, The display control corresponding to the received command is performed, but the command for controlling the operation of the sound effect generator 116 is not transmitted to the CPU 2000. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the sub lottery result having a small hitting meaning is also obtained. Since the production of the notification is refrained, indirectly, a lottery on whether or not to cause a specific game state, and,
Among lotteries in which the player is most interested in a lottery of whether or not to improve the possibility of generating at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state, that is, an advantageous game state given to the player However, it is possible to draw the player's attention to the main lottery result having a high game value.

Furthermore, control synchronization between the two CPUs can be easily achieved, and the control load on the main control unit 200 can be further reduced.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the normal symbol is displayed, the notification effect is not performed, so that the jackpot or the probability fluctuation that the player wants to grasp most is determined. Only the notification effect for the lottery result is performed, and the expectation of the player can be improved.

(Other Embodiments) Next, other embodiments will be described. This embodiment is characterized in that a command that is a display command signal transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the various lottery result display devices 100 is simplified. First, the main control unit 200
Is whether or not a specific game state (big hit state) is established when a game ball wins in the special symbol starting port 104, whether or not a quasi-specific game state (small hit) is established, and whether the probability is changed. A random number lottery is performed.

Then, the main controller 200 transmits information (for example, 3-bit data) indicating the lottery result to the various lottery result display devices 100 as a command. The various lottery result display devices 100 that have received this command appropriately select a display pattern to perform display control according to the various lottery results. First, display control is performed in the special symbol display area 1800 to change the special symbol in the selected display pattern and stop the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the normal symbol is displayed in the ordinary symbol display area 1810. Display the winning result of. In addition, the various lottery result display device 100 displays the probability variation lottery result display area 182.
Display is performed in a display pattern according to the lottery result within 0. That is, the display control shown in FIGS. 19 and 23 to 25 is performed as described above. In this case, the transmission of the notification effect command to the sound effect generating device 116 or the like may be performed by either the main control unit 200 or the various lottery result display devices 100. Don't do it.

As described above, the main control unit 200 only transmits the information of the winning result of various lotteries, and controls the display pattern of each symbol (including the background image, the display pattern of the character image, etc.) and the stop symbol. Various lottery result display devices 100 as long as they do not contradict the result of the lottery
Can be arbitrarily selected, so that the control load on the main control unit 200 is reduced. Further, since the command is simplified, a communication error due to noise can be reduced.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the main control unit 200 performs the probability change lottery in the small hit state instead of or together with the probability change lottery in the big hit state, and displays the result of the lottery on the same display screen. The other devices other than 116, for example, the lamp display device 110 (112), etc., and simultaneously perform two or more types of notification effects such as simultaneous use of sound effect output control and lamp lighting control; And the like.

When the two or more types of notification effects are to be performed simultaneously, for example, the CPU 1020 outputs the sound effect output control signal to the sound effect generator 116 and the lamp display device 110 (112) via the output port 1300, respectively. The command and the lamp lighting control command may be transmitted simultaneously or with a slight time difference. of course,
The command transmission to both of them may be performed by the main control unit 200.

In the above-described embodiment, various lottery results are displayed on one display device.
As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 1020 on the peripheral device side performs a special symbol display liquid crystal device 26 for controlling the display of the special symbol.
00, the general symbol display LED 2610 for performing the display control of the ordinary symbol and the probable variable display EL device 2620 for performing the display control of the probable symbol are collectively driven and controlled, so that these symbols are collectively displayed. It is also conceivable to adopt such a configuration as to perform the above. Of course, any one of various lottery results may be displayed by using a mechanism that rotates the drum or another rotating body by controlling the driving of the motor. Instead of displaying various lottery results by one CPU, for example, one CPU controls display of a special symbol and a normal symbol, and another CPU controls display of a probability variation determining symbol. The symbol display control using the CPU may be performed.

In the present embodiment, the result of the probability variation symbol is displayed in accordance with the mode of movement of the character. However, whether or not a predetermined pattern is displayed using a numeric symbol like a special symbol is displayed. good. It goes without saying that a normal symbol may use a numeric symbol as well. In addition, the state that improves the possibility of generating at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state is generated by improving the probability of winning. It is also possible to improve the possibility of hitting by shortening the number of symbols from the normal time, increasing the number of symbol start storages from the normal time, and further increasing the opening time of the opening / closing member in the semi-specific game state. Alternatively, a combination of these may be employed. Furthermore, the timing of randomly selecting whether to improve the possibility of generating at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state is not limited to this. It may be performed irrespective of the occurrence of the gaming state.

In the above description, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is applicable not only to a pachislot machine but also to other gaming machines having a display unit capable of performing display effects. Needless to say.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention,
While reducing the control burden of the main control means, it is possible to obtain an effect that a notification effect can be performed for a player who truly wants to grasp the lottery result.

[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.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a lottery result display device 100.

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.

FIG. 11 shows a CPU 102 of the lottery result display device 100.
7 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation of a zero.

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

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

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

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating display control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a block diagram of the sound effect generator 116. FIG.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of command transmission.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a character.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing how the display changes.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing how the display changes.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing how the display changes.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game board 100 Various lottery result display devices 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 opening operating solenoid 304 special symbol starting switch 306 ordinary symbol operating switch 308 large winning opening switch 1020 CPU 1040 Program ROM 1060 Image processing LSI 1080 Video RAM 1090 RAM 1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD panel 140 data receiving circuit 1160 supply circuit 1180 character ROM 1300 output ports

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A lottery is performed to determine whether or not a game state advantageous to a player is to be provided, and a lottery result is displayed in a gaming machine capable of displaying the result of the lottery whether or not a specific game state is to be generated. First display control means for performing control, second display control means for performing control for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state, and at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state. And a third display control means for performing control for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to increase the possibility of causing one of the lottery results, as a single or a plurality of lottery result display control means, further comprising: In addition to the display control means, the control apparatus further includes a notification effect control means for controlling the operation of the notification effect device. The notification effect control means controls whether or not a lottery result indicating whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state is displayed. Informational performance A gaming machine characterized in that the operation control of the exit device is not performed. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: main control means for controlling a game operation as a whole, wherein the main control means displays a lottery result indicating whether or not a specific game state is to be generated. A command for causing the lottery result display control means to be transmitted, and for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to improve the possibility of causing at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state to occur. When transmitting the command to the lottery result display control means, the command for controlling the operation of the notification effect display device is transmitted to the notification effect control means, but indicates whether to generate a quasi-specific game state. When transmitting a command for displaying a lottery result to the lottery result display control means, a command for controlling the operation of the notification effect device is transmitted to the notification effect control. It was not transmitted to the stage, a game machine, characterized in that. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: main control means for controlling a game operation as a whole, wherein said main control means displays a lottery result indicating whether or not a specific game state is to be generated. And a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to generate a quasi-specific game state, and to improve the possibility of generating at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state. A means for transmitting a command to display the result of the lottery to the lottery result display control means, wherein the lottery result display control means displays a lottery result indicating whether or not to cause a specific game state. And a command for displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not to improve the possibility of causing at least one of the specific game state and the quasi-specific game state to occur. In the case of receiving the command, the display control corresponding to the received command is performed, and a command for controlling the operation of the notification effect device is transmitted to the notification effect control means. When a command for displaying the result of the lottery is received, display control corresponding to the received command is performed, but a command for controlling the operation of the notification effect device is transmitted to the notification effect control means. A gaming machine characterized by not transmitting.