JP2003325888A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which loads to a main control part are reduced to effectively utilize limited throughput to facilitate programming by simplifying processing contents of the main control part, further, an examination application is lightened and a period therefor is shortened as well. <P>SOLUTION: A processing program describing display control contents for every image display mode is formed into a module as an element module and only command data specifying the element module are transmitted from a transmitting side control part (the main control part, for example) to a receiving side control part (a special pattern control part, for example). Then, a main portion of processing for activating the element module to perform image display control is substantially charged by the receiving side control part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a so-called fever machine, a feather, a property, or an arrangement ball, and a game machine such as a coin-type game machine such as a slot machine. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with an image display means such as a variable display device for confirming and displaying a specific symbol after changing the symbol when winning a prize.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In ball-ball game machines that have become popular recently,
For example, the following is known as a fever machine. That is, when the display state of the variable display device becomes a specific one, for example, the variable display of the symbols to be displayed on the three display units is performed, and the left symbol display unit and the right symbol display unit are sequentially determined (stopped). In the case of the reach state (the state where the two symbols are aligned), when the medium symbol is decided, the symbol combination becomes a big hit state if it becomes a specific combination such as "7, 7, 7". In this big hit state, the special winning opening of the specific winning opening is opened. The special winning opening is closed once a predetermined number of game balls have won or a predetermined time has passed, but if the game balls pass through a specific area formed in the special winning opening during the opening. Open it again and perform this opening and closing operation, for example,
Repeat up to 16 times. This allows the player to receive a large amount of prize balls.

Here, in the conventional game machine, the control unit is divided into a main control unit and a sub-control unit, and in the symbol display processing, the type and display of the symbol are displayed to the sub-control unit which controls the operation of the symbol display device. The processing is performed in such a manner that the pattern control data for specifying the position etc. is transmitted one by one at regular time intervals (for example, an interrupt reset cycle of 2 ms). According to this method, even if a temporary abnormality occurs due to the occurrence of noise or the like, the program execution is restarted by the reset interrupt, so that the control can be restored in a short time, and the game continuation and the display recognition are less likely to be hindered. There are advantages.

[0004]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, the main control section integrally controls the various equipments provided in the gaming machine. For example, the detection and grasp of the gaming state, Determination process and hold process of the display mode of the symbol,
Furthermore, it is necessary to collectively perform processing (or processing instructions) of parts other than the design such as voice output and lamp control. In such a situation, if the main control unit is also made to perform all the transfer processing of the symbol control data necessary for the moving image-like pattern change processing to the sub control unit, the processing contents on the main control unit side become complicated. However, programming and debugging work take time and effort, and the probability of error occurrence increases. Also, since the processing load on the main control unit is significantly increased,
For example, the processing capacity of a commonly used 8-bit microprocessor or the like will soon reach its limit, and for example, in order to reduce the processing load, it is inevitable to take measures such as simplifying the pattern control mode or reducing the types of selectable modes. It leads to troubles such as being distracted.

On the other hand, another problem that causes a great deal of trouble to the engineers involved in the gaming machine is as follows. In other words, when developing / commercializing a new model of a gaming machine and selling it, the model concerned must have passed the certification of a specific organization (third party certification body). There is. Such a certification system
It was mainly established for the purpose of preventing fraudulent acts and excessive gambling, but since a large amount of money will be substantially moved through the game, the content of the test will be strict,
To apply for the certification, you must submit a huge amount of documentation that clearly describes the specifications of the gaming machine. Also, regarding the processing program content, a detailed program list, functional explanation, etc. are required on the main control unit side. As a result, when the processing contents of the main control unit become complicated as described above, a considerable number of pages must be divided into the disclosed portion of the program in the above-mentioned explanation document, and the applicant who prepares the document must also explain the contents of the document. This also puts a heavy burden on the side of the examiner who is considering.
It should also be noted that it takes a long time to pass the certification, which delays the commercialization of new models.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the load on the main control unit and effectively use the limited processing capacity, and to simplify the processing contents of the main control unit to facilitate programming, Furthermore, it is to provide a game machine that can contribute to the weight reduction and the shortening of the time for application for the certification.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention displays a plurality of special symbols, which are a plurality of image display modes, while sequentially varying in a predetermined direction. After that, an image display unit as a variable display unit for selectively confirming and displaying any one of the plurality of symbols, and a plurality of display control program modules describing the display control content of each image display mode, Display control program module storage means for storing in the form of an element module associated with the mode command for specifying the image display mode, and display mode determination for determining the display mode to be performed by the image display means according to the game state. Means and command transmitting means for transmitting a mode command corresponding to the determined display mode to the outside, and until the start of the next element module An allowable timer value is set in the timer memory, the timer value is set to start the next element module immediately after the execution of the element module is completed, and after the aspect command corresponding to the element module is transmitted, Only by monitoring the timer value, if the time is up, the transmission side control unit that unilaterally transmits the next mode command, the command receiving unit that receives the mode command from the command transmitting unit, and the command receiving unit, When a common command classified into a plurality of display mode groups each including one or a plurality of image display modes and determined to be used in a one-to-one correspondence with the display mode groups is received, the received common command An image table for selecting a predetermined one of a plurality of image display modes included in the display mode group corresponding to And aspect selection means,
Image display control means for reading the display control program module corresponding to the selected image display mode from the display control program module storage means and causing the image display means to perform the display mode described by the program. A side control unit, wherein the transmission side control unit, when transmitting the common command to the reception side control unit, transmits the same common command a plurality of times at fixed time intervals. To do.

The transmission side control unit is a main C that controls the operation of the entire gaming machine by issuing control commands to each unit of the gaming machine.
It can be a main control unit mainly composed of PU.

According to the above configuration, the processing program describing the display control contents for each image display mode is modularized, and the program module is transferred from the transmission side control unit (for example, main control unit) side to the reception side control unit. Only aspect commands that specify Then, the main part of the process of activating the program module and controlling the image display is substantially in the form of the reception side control unit. As a result, the problems of the conventional gaming machine are solved in the following manner. Since the role of the sending side control unit in image display processing is only to send the mode command to the receiving side control unit, the processing contents on the sending side control unit side are greatly simplified, and the time required for programming and debugging work etc. Can be significantly shortened. Moreover, the probability of occurrence of an error or the like is reduced.

Since the processing load of the transmission side control unit is reduced, for example, even if it is configured by an 8-bit microprocessor or the like, an extra capacity is generated, and the control mode of symbols can be diversified. As a result, it is possible to make the display more exciting. Although the load on the receiving-side control unit increases by the amount of image display processing, no problem occurs if the receiving-side control unit is dedicated to display control and is used in a manner in which other processing is not performed as much as possible. Rather, in the conventional configuration, the image processing load on the main control unit side corresponding to the transmission side control unit is large,
The processing load of the sub control unit corresponding to the receiving side control unit is too light,
As a result, it can be said that the hardware resources including the two control units were not always effectively utilized.

When the transmission side control unit becomes the main control unit, the amount of preparation of the verification application documents to be submitted to the third party inspection organization can be reduced by simplifying the processing contents on the main control unit side. . In addition, by facilitating inspection by a third-party inspection organization, we can win the approval of the new model in a short period of time,
As a result, it also contributes to the promotion of its practical application.

In the above-mentioned gaming machine mode, the contents of each element display operation when the display mode to be performed by the image display means is grasped as a higher order display operation represented by a combination of several element display operations The element display program module (element module) to be described can be stored in the display control program module storage means in a form associated with the element command for specifying each element module (and thus the element display operation). In this case, the display mode determining means determines the display mode to be performed by the image display means in the form of the upper display operation, and the command transmitting means determines the element commands of the plurality of element display operations constituting the upper display operation, The data may be transmitted to the reception side control unit collectively or sequentially in a predetermined number of units. According to this configuration, the upper display operation is decomposed into the element display operation,
By preparing a program that describes each element display operation in the form of an element module, a complicated image display mode can be easily realized by combining element commands.

The higher order display operation may include, for example, a plurality of element display operations (sequential execution type element display operation group) in which a time-series execution order is determined, and the command transmission means uses the sequential execution type elements. The element command for individually specifying each element display operation in the display operation group may be transmitted to the reception side control unit in a form in which the execution order of the element display operations can be specified. For example, by grasping the motion of a complicated moving image such as a character or a changing special pattern as a higher-level display motion consisting of a combination of some element display motions, the combination of corresponding element commands and the execution order thereof can be determined. It can be easily realized by specifying. As a method for specifying the execution order, there is a method in which element commands are sequentially transferred to the reception side control section in the execution order, and the reception side control section side activates the corresponding element modules in the order in which the element commands are received. In addition, the element commands are arranged in the order of execution (or the execution order is specified by another data), and the data of a plurality of element commands are collectively transferred to the receiving side control unit (for example, block transfer). Good. The receiving-side control unit sequentially reads, for example, a data group (for example, a data block) of element commands arranged in the execution order from the execution head side, and sequentially activates the corresponding element modules.

The command sending means sends to the receiving side control unit an element command for individually specifying each element display operation in the sequential execution type element display operation group at a timing reflecting the execution timing of each element display operation. It may be transmitted sequentially. In this case, in the reception side control unit, if the image display control means sequentially activates the corresponding display control program module at a timing reflecting the reception timing of the element command by the command reception means, the transmission timing of the element command According to the above, the activation timing of the element module, that is, the execution timing of the element display operation can be freely adjusted and set.

In the above-mentioned gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of display areas each functioning as image display means are formed on the display screen of one display device, and different images are displayed on the display areas. The display control program module storage means stores a display control program module that describes a plurality of image display modes for each display area in association with a mode command that specifies the display area and the display mode. In the transmission side control unit, the display mode determination means determines the display mode for each display area according to the game state, and the command transmission means corresponds to the determined display mode for each display area. While the command is transmitted to the reception side control unit, the image display control unit in the reception side control unit is configured to display each display area received by the command reception unit. Reads the display control program module corresponding to the mode command, the image at their program module describing display form, can be configured as one that displays the synthesis as appearing on a predetermined display area on each screen.

As a result, when a plurality of display areas are formed on the same screen and images in different modes are displayed, the processing on the transmission side control section side is changed from the mode command for each display area to the reception side control section. It can be simplified to send to. Specifically, as a display area, after displaying a plurality of special symbols while sequentially changing in a predetermined direction, a plurality of special symbol display areas for confirming and displaying one of the plurality of symbols, and those A background image display area for displaying a background image of a special symbol displayed in the special symbol display area can be set.

Next, the display control program module
Image type identification data that identifies the image type used in each frame when displaying an image (for example, a moving image) in a predetermined display mode, and display position data that similarly identifies the image display position for each frame. It is possible to control the process of sequentially outputting the image control data including at least the following in accordance with the frame display order. In this case, the receiving-side control unit sequentially activates and executes the command interface unit that receives the mode command and the display control program module specified by the mode command from the command interface unit, thereby sequentially transmitting the image control data in the frame order. Receiving the CPU that outputs the image control data and the image control data from the receiving CPU, reads the image data specified by the image type specifying data from the image data storage unit, and displays the image data based on the image data. An image processing LSI unit that generates an image signal of an image to be displayed and outputs the image signal so that the image is displayed at the position specified by the display position data, and receives the image signal and displays the image on the screen of the display device. And a display interface unit for displaying on. By adopting an inexpensive general-purpose microprocessor of about 8 bits as the receiving CPU, the receiving CPU processes the receiving of the mode command and the output of the image control data accompanying the execution of the corresponding display control program module. Even so, the processing capability is sufficient to cover this, and the image processing L
By combining with SI, the receiving side control unit can be constructed at low cost. However, if a higher performance CPU can be used as the receiving CPU, the functions of the image processing LSI can be integrated into the receiving CPU and the image processing LSI unit can be omitted.

For example, a color display device may be used as the image display means to display a color image. Further, since the color image data has a very large data size, it is possible to use compressed image data, which is expanded and used each time. In this case, the image processing LSI reads out the compressed image data attached to the image processing LSI from the dedicated ROM and decompresses it.
It is possible to employ one that develops on the AM and outputs the RGB signal of each pixel (or a composite signal equivalent thereto) based on the image data after the development. Examples of commercially available image processing LSIs include MP manufactured by ROHM Co.
AD501 can be used.

The receiving CPU executes the display control program module start-up processing associated with the reception of the mode command and the image control data transfer processing to the image processing LSI section. The former is the first interrupt from the transmitting side control section. By receiving the signal,
The latter can be executed by interrupt processing by receiving the second interrupt signal from the image processing LSI unit. In this case, when the first interrupt signal and the second interrupt signal conflict with each other, the interrupt arbitration circuit that arbitrates the processing by the first interrupt signal is prioritized so that the image processing LS
It can be provided separately from the part I.

The significance of providing such an interrupt arbitration circuit is as follows, for example. That is, in most cases, a general image processing LSI unit operates by receiving an interrupt request from the CPU unit and receiving an access signal from the CPU unit that receives the interrupt request. Here, for example, there are two CPUs, a transmission-side control unit and a reception-side control unit that operates depending on the transmission-side control unit, and the reception-side control unit that receives a command from the transmission-side control unit accesses the image processing LSI unit. In consideration of the situation, the image processing LSI unit issues an interrupt request to the receiving side control unit in order to prompt the transfer of the image control data necessary for continuing its own operation, and on the other hand, commands the processing of a new image display mode. In order to do so, the transmission side control unit issues an interrupt request to the reception side control unit. In the present invention, an interrupt request is issued to send the mode command to the receiving side control unit. As a result, a case occurs in which the interrupt request from the image processing LSI unit and the interrupt request from the transmitter control unit compete with each other in the receiving control unit. In this case, if the interrupt request from the transmission side control unit is ignored, the reception of the mode command governing the higher-level image display processing is interrupted, and the image display means may operate unnaturally, which may be distracting. Therefore, arbitration is required to prioritize the interrupt request from the transmission side control unit over the interrupt request from the image processing LSI unit.

In a general image processing LSI section, an arbitration circuit for interrupt processing may be incorporated in consideration of the above situation. In this case, the interrupt request signal issued from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit is also distributed to the interruption arbitration circuit built in the image processing LSI unit. Then, the interrupt arbitration circuit receives the interrupt request from the image processing LSI unit side to the receiving side control unit until the transmitting side control unit in the receiving side control unit completes the interrupt processing by the command. Hold it for a while.

By the way, in the above-mentioned game machine verification, the electric circuit board of the game machine is a device such as an IC or LSI in order to make it easier to track the operation from the outside in order to prevent fraud prevention. The use of integrated circuits, whose functions are completely clarified, is obligatory. However, in the above-described method, the interrupt arbitration circuit incorporated in the image processing LSI becomes a kind of black box, which makes it difficult to find out if the circuit board is tampered with, etc. There is a problem that the above-mentioned test fails and there is a delay in putting a new model to practical use. Therefore, when the first control signal from the transmission control section and the second control signal from the image processing LSI section compete with the control section on the reception side, priority is given to processing by the first control signal. By providing the interrupt arbitration circuit that arbitrates the interrupt arbitration circuit separately from the image processing LSI unit, it is possible to avoid the black box of the interrupt arbitration circuit as described above. In this case, if an image processing LSI unit provided with an interrupt arbitration circuit is used, the interrupt arbitration circuit is not intentionally used, and an external interrupt arbitration circuit is provided separately. .

Next, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the transmission side control unit transmits an initial screen display command as a mode command to the reception side control unit by detecting the power-on of the game machine, and the reception side control unit. However, in response to this initial screen display command, the initial screen display program module is activated to cause the image display means to display the initial screen. For example, when the transmission side control unit is the main control unit, the transmission side control unit must perform a considerable amount of processing for initializing each unit of the game machine when the game machine is started. Since the processing load for is reduced, troubles such as initialization failure can be made less likely to occur.

Further, when an error occurs in the gaming machine, the transmission side control unit transmits an error screen display command as a mode command to the reception side control unit, and the reception side control unit receives this error screen display command. Then, the error screen display program module can be activated to cause the image display means to display the error screen. In the case where the image display means is configured as a variable display section for displaying a plurality of special symbols while sequentially changing them in a predetermined direction, and one of the plurality of symbols is fixedly displayed, the receiving side control section Can be configured to display an error screen on the variable display section after the symbol variation on the variable display section is confirmed.

For example, as described above, when forming variable display areas of three special symbols as a variable display section on one screen of a liquid crystal display device or the like, the variable display areas are cleared to be displayed on the screen. An error screen can be displayed (the initial screen described above can be displayed as well). here,
When a communication error related to data transmission from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit occurs during the variable display of the special symbol, the player immediately clears the screen and displays the communication error screen. There is a possibility that you may have a strong distrust, saying, "That might have been a hit." Therefore, as described above, if the communication error screen is displayed after the symbol variation in the variable display section is finished, the player can see the confirmation result of the variation display, and such distrust is eliminated. , More fair games are possible.

As a concrete method, the transmission side control unit
All mode commands (for example, the element command) necessary for a series of display operations from the start of the variation of the special symbol to the confirmation in the variable display section (this can also be regarded as the above-mentioned upper display operation) The error screen display command may be transmitted after the transmission of is completed. In either the transmission side control unit or the reception side control unit, at the time of starting the upper display operation, a processing time for the display operation is set by a timer, and after the time is up, an element module for displaying an error screen is activated. May be.

Further, as an error type, there is an error (hereinafter, referred to as a non-communication system error) other than the above communication error that occurs in the data transmission from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit. The non-communication system error is, for example, an error caused by at least one of disconnection or short circuit (short circuit) and ball clogging of the count detection switch, the count detection and specific area passage detection switch (error 1), and the count detection switch. And an error (error 2) caused by either the count detection or the movement of the specific area passage detection switch (no count error).
Since these non-communication system errors do not occur due to the data transmission from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit as described above, the display of each special symbol can be normally performed on the variable display unit. . Therefore, while the display of each special symbol is continued, a non-communication error notifying unit for notifying the occurrence of a non-communication error can be provided to the variable display unit or the notifying unit provided separately from the variable display unit. When notifying using the variable display part, "Error 1" is displayed on the display screen.
And / or the display pattern of "error 2" can be superimposed (displayed) or an error can be displayed in a display area set separately from the special symbol display area. Also, without using this error screen itself,
It is also possible to make the display screen a little dark and / or to overlay a small error display, or to light an error lamp to notify the error. Further, in addition to the display, it is possible to give an error notification by voice.

The non-communication error notification means performs the non-communication system error notification processing (for example, error display such as "error 1" and / or "error 2") until the cause of the error is removed (for example, a ball Until the clogging is cleared)
It is possible to continue the processing and cancel the notification if the cause of the error is removed.

Next, in the above-mentioned gaming machine of the present invention, a common command commonly used for a plurality of image display modes is defined, and the receiving side control section receives the common command as the mode command. In this case, it has an image display mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined one from among a plurality of image display modes corresponding to the received common command, and the image display control means changes the selected image display mode to the selected image display mode. The corresponding display control program module can be read from the display control program module storage means and configured to cause the image display means to perform the display mode described by the program.

In this method, a common command, which is a common mode command, is defined for a plurality of image display modes in the receiving side control section. In this case, when it is desired to execute any one of the plurality of image display modes, the transmission control unit transmits the common command regardless of which specific image display mode is finally executed. And
The image display mode to be finally executed is voluntarily selected by the receiving side control unit which has received the common command.
In other words, the image display mode is determined by the transmission side control unit and the reception side control unit, so to speak. Even when there are many image display modes, the use of the common command can significantly reduce the number of commands transmitted from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit, which in turn improves the processing speed and the storage capacity of commands. Can contribute to reduction.

In this case, the plurality of image display modes are each 1
Alternatively, the common commands are classified into a plurality of display mode groups including a plurality of image display modes, and the common commands are determined in a one-to-one correspondence with the display mode groups, and the image display mode selecting means corresponds to the received common command. When a plurality of image display modes are included in the display mode group, a predetermined one of the plurality of image display modes can be selected. That is, if a plurality of image display modes are categorized as display mode groups for each type of display mode and a common command is associated with each group, the reception control side determines the content of the common command to be received. Recognizes the type of image display mode instructed to execute
You can figure it out. For example, by using the recognition result, it becomes possible for the receiving side control unit side to perform voluntary and fine display control (or gaming machine operation control other than display) according to the type of image display mode. .

In the above gaming machine, a plurality of special symbols are displayed on the display screen of one display device as the image display means while being sequentially changed in a predetermined direction, and then among the plurality of special symbols. It is possible to configure so that three or more special symbol display areas for definitely displaying one of the above and a background display area for displaying a background image in the background area of the special symbol are formed. In this case, the image display mode is represented by a combination of the display mode of the special symbol in the special symbol display area and the display mode of the background image in the background display area. The display mode group specified by the common command may include at least one of a special symbol display mode and a background image display mode, and the receiving side control unit receives the image display mode selecting means. From the special symbol display mode and the background image display mode included in the display mode group corresponding to the common command, a predetermined one is selected, and the image display control means controls the selected special symbol display mode and background image. The display modes may be combined and output on the display screen.

In this way, the receiving side control unit realizes various display modes by selecting at least one of the display mode of the special symbol and the display mode of the background image from a plurality of types and combining them with each other. To be done. Further, in response to this, since the common command is only transmitted from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit, the transmission side control unit changes from the reception side control unit to the reception side control unit in spite of diversified display modes. The command transmission mode can be kept simple, and the processing load on the main control unit can be further reduced.

In the above arrangement, the basic type of image display mode is determined by what is selected as the display mode group and by what is transmitted as the common command. This is very effective from the viewpoint of reducing the number of transmitted commands, but on the other hand, if the commands could not be transmitted accurately due to the influence of noise, etc., the effect on the entire image control is reduced by the amount of reduction in the number of commands. growing. Therefore, for a particularly important common command, it can be said that it is effective to consider a data structure that makes it easy to identify the influence of noise or the like. For example, assuming that the data of the common command becomes abnormal in the receiving side control unit (for example, normal reception of the data of the common command becomes impossible due to the influence of disturbance such as noise), the common command includes An identification unit for identifying normal reception and a mode specifying unit for specifying a display mode group can be included. In this case, the receiving-side control unit is configured to have an identification unit reading unit that reads the data content of the identification unit, and an identification unit that identifies whether or not the reception of the common command was normal based on the read content. can do.

When the data content of the mode command changes due to the influence of noise, the receiving side control unit recognizes this as a command having a content different from the originally intended one, and causes a problem such as malfunction. There is a problem of being directly connected to. Therefore, in particular, if the common command, which is the basic part of the image display mode, includes the identification unit for identifying the normal reception as described above, the change in the content of the identification unit causes the influence of noise generation. It is possible to easily discriminate whether or not there has been, and it is possible to prevent malfunction in advance.

Next, in the gaming machine of the present invention, in order to cause the image display means to execute a series of display modes, a plurality of time-sequential execution orders are set from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit. When the aspect command is sequentially transmitted, the reception side control unit includes an aspect command reception analysis unit that analyzes the reception status of a series of sequentially transmitted aspect commands, and image display control and It is possible to provide output means for performing a predetermined output for controlling the operation of the gaming machine other than the image display control. In this way, by managing and analyzing the reception status of a series of mode commands, it is possible to easily find and recognize the inconsistent display control flow due to command misrecognition due to noise occurrence, for example. By receiving this and performing the necessary control output, the normal flow of image display control can be easily maintained even when noise or the like occurs. Further, if a contradiction occurs in the flow of display control, it may interfere with game machine operation control other than image display control (for example, control of display lamps, output of sound effects, etc.). A normal control flow can be maintained by performing necessary control output for game machine operation control other than image display control.

In this case, a reception mode command storage means for storing a series of mode commands transmitted sequentially is provided,
It can be configured to analyze the stored contents of a series of mode commands in the reception mode command storage means. That is, in the receiving side control unit, if not only the mode command sent from the transmission side control unit is simply received and executed but also a series of mode commands is stored and accumulated,
By analyzing the stored content, it becomes possible to grasp the reception status (or reception timing) of the mode command in association with the flow of the image display processing.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned gaming machine of the present invention can be configured as follows. That is, in order to cause the image display means to execute a series of display modes, in the case where a plurality of mode commands in which a time-series execution order is determined are sequentially transmitted from the transmission side control unit to the reception side control unit, The reception side control unit receives command reception time measuring means for measuring the reception time of a specific mode command and the measured reception time when the measured reception time is not within a predetermined time range. And a control prohibiting means for prohibiting the image display control by the mode command.

In the normal flow of display control, transmission (or reception) of mode commands transmitted in time series
The timing is almost constant, and it is unlikely that a large disturbance will occur. However, if a signal derived from noise or the like is generated at a timing other than the original timing, this may be erroneously recognized as a ghost command by the receiving side control unit, and normal image display control may be impossible. Therefore, if a range is set for the reception time of the mode command and the command is received outside the defined time range, the received mode command is not used (that is, the image display control is prohibited). , The probability of command misrecognition due to noise or the like is reduced, and a normal flow of image display control can be easily maintained.

Further, in the receiving side control unit, a limit required time setting means for setting a predetermined limit required time for execution of a series of display modes, and reception of all the plurality of mode commands within the limit required time. It is also possible to provide completion determining means for determining whether or not it has been performed, and termination control means for forcibly ending the series of display modes when it is determined that the reception is not completed within the required time limit. With this configuration, when executing a predetermined series of display modes, the receiving side control unit limits the command reception period by the form of the limit required time, and reception of all mode commands is completed within that period. If not, the execution of the series of display modes is forcibly terminated. For example, even when the transmission of the mode command is disturbed due to the influence of noise or other disturbance, it is possible to keep the influence within the limit time set above, and thus the flow of the image display control is stagnant. Without this, smooth execution is possible.

Next, in the above-mentioned first configuration of the present invention, in addition to the display mode control to be performed by the image display means by the receiving side control section, a lamp lighting mechanism and a voice output mechanism provided in the gaming machine are provided. It can be configured to control the operation of at least one of them (hereinafter, when these two mechanisms are collectively referred to as an auxiliary mechanism). Further, the second configuration of the gaming machine of the present invention determines an image display means for selectively performing any of a plurality of image display modes and a display mode to be performed by the image display means in accordance with the game state. At least functioning as a display mode determining unit, and at least functioning as an image display control unit that causes the image display unit to perform the display mode determined by the display mode determining unit in response to an instruction from the transmitting side control unit. In addition to the display mode control to be performed by the image display means, the reception side control section also controls the operation of at least one of a lamp lighting mechanism and a voice output mechanism provided in the gaming machine. It is characterized by being a thing.

According to the above configuration, the receiving side control unit is basically a control unit for displaying a symbol such as a special symbol, and by receiving an instruction from the transmitting side control unit, the symbol in an appropriate mode. Display control. By the way, in the conventional game machine, with the start of the variation of the special symbol and the occurrence of the reach state or the big hit state, the effect is carried out by the lamp lighting and the sound effect output, but the lamp lighting mechanism and the sound output mechanism are used. The operation of was controlled such that a frame control unit and the like completely different from the control unit for displaying the special symbol separately received an instruction from the transmission side control unit (for example, the main control unit). However, the signal communication between the frame control unit and the symbol display control unit is less likely to be recognized in the certification because it complicates the signal transmission form, so basically the symbol display control and the lamp lighting or There is a background in which the control of the audio output must be dependent on the instruction by the individual one-way communication from the transmission side control unit. As a result, the lamp lighting or voice output control unit cannot directly grasp the progress of the symbol control,
It becomes very difficult to link these with each other. However, by letting the receiving side control unit which is in charge of the symbol control also be in charge of the lamp display or the voice output control, the progress of the symbol control becomes extremely easy to grasp, and the control of the lamp display or the voice output associated therewith (for example, image display means). The control for activating at least one of the lamp lighting mechanism and the sound output mechanism can be smoothly performed in synchronization with the execution of the display mode. It is also possible to reduce the processing load of the frame control unit that was responsible for lamp control and voice output control.

Further, in the above-mentioned first configuration of the present invention, the transmission side control unit is at least the lamp lighting mechanism corresponding to the operation timing of the lamp lighting mechanism and / or the voice output mechanism provided in the gaming machine. And / or it may be configured to transmit an auxiliary mechanism operation notification signal that serves to notify the operation status of the audio output mechanism to the reception side control unit. Further, a third configuration of the present invention is an image display means for selectively performing one of a plurality of image display modes, and a display mode for determining a display mode to be performed by the image display means according to a game state. A transmission side control unit that functions at least as a determination unit, and a reception side that at least functions as an image display control unit that causes the image display unit to perform the display mode determined by the display mode determination unit in response to an instruction from the transmission side control unit. The control unit, the transmission side control unit, in response to the operation timing of the lamp lighting mechanism and / or voice output mechanism provided in the gaming machine, at least the operation status of the lamp lighting mechanism and / or voice output mechanism. It is characterized in that an auxiliary mechanism actuation notification signal which plays a role of notifying is transmitted to the receiving side control section.

As described above, in the conventional game machine, the operation of the lamp lighting mechanism and the voice output mechanism is performed by the transmission side control unit (for example, the main control unit), which is different from the special symbol display control unit. It was controlled by receiving a separate instruction from. In other words, the receiving side control unit that controls the symbol cannot directly grasp the progress of the lamp lighting or the voice output, so it can be said that it was very difficult to link these with each other. . However, in the above configuration, the transmission side control unit such as the main control unit plays a role of notifying the operating status of the lamp lighting mechanism and / or the voice output mechanism provided in the gaming machine in response to the operating timing of the mechanism. Since the auxiliary mechanism operation notification signal that fulfills the above condition is transmitted to the receiving side control unit, the receiving side control unit can easily grasp the progress of the lamp display or the control of the audio output by referring to this, for example, the display by the image display means. The control for operating the lamp lighting mechanism or the voice output mechanism can be smoothly performed in synchronization with the execution of the mode.

For example, when a transmitting side control section sends an auxiliary mechanism operation command to the control section (for example, a frame control section) which directly controls the operation of the lamp lighting mechanism and / or the voice output mechanism, It is easy to send a command with the same content as this as an auxiliary mechanism operation notification signal to the receiving side control unit, and it is easy to handle quick processing, but a signal with a content different from the auxiliary mechanism operation command is sent. A method of transmitting as a notification signal may be used. When the receiving side control unit itself is a control unit that directly controls the operation of the lamp lighting mechanism and / or the voice output mechanism, the lamp lighting mechanism and / or the voice output mechanism from the transmitting side control unit to the receiving side control unit. It can be seen that the operation command signal of is an auxiliary mechanism operation notification signal.

[0046]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. Here, as a game machine, a first-class pachinko machine (ball game machine) of a so-called fever machine type is taken as an example, and its structure is shown in FIG.
~ It demonstrates with reference to FIG. Explaining the surface structure of the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, a glass frame 2 having a glass plate fitted on the back side is pivotally attached to a middle frame 3 so as to be openable and closable, and can be opened and closed by a locking device 5. Middle frame 3 is main frame 4
It is mounted on the shaft so that it can be opened and closed. Below the middle frame 3, an upper plate 6 and a lower plate 7 are arranged. The upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 are respectively provided with discharge ports 6a and 7a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1.

The upper plate 6 is provided with, for example, a speaker surface 8 in which a plurality of long holes are formed, and a speaker 9 for producing a sound effect according to a game state is mounted on the back side thereof. On the other hand, on the back side of the lower plate 7, there is provided a launch handle 11 for operating a launcher unit 117 (see FIG. 5) for launching a game ball supplied from the upper dish 6 to the game area 25 (see FIG. 2). Has been. This firing handle 11 has
A touch switch 11a for detecting that the player is touching is mounted, and a firing stop switch 11b for temporarily instructing the firing stop is arranged near the firing handle. On the other hand, frame decoration lamps 12, 13, 14, 15 are provided at the upper end of the glass frame 2, and a frame decoration lamp substrate 16 is installed corresponding to these. The award ball display LED 17 and the award ball display LED board 18 are provided in the middle frame 3 on the upper left side thereof, and the stop display LE is provided on the upper right side.
A D19 and a stop display LED board 20 are provided. A volume switch board 21 is provided on the left rear side of the speaker surface 8. Further, a prepaid card unit 22 is mounted on the left side of the pachinko machine 1.

Next, the structure of the game board 24 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the center of the game area 25 of the game board 24,
A center accessory 26 having a large frame is provided.
This center accessory 26 is a normal symbol display device 27 at the center of the upper part, and a left passage entrance 28 and a right passage entrance 2 on both sides thereof.
9, the left normal symbol actuation gate 30 and the right ordinary symbol actuation gate 31 are provided on both left and right sides. At the opening of the center accessory 26, a special symbol display device 33 including a liquid crystal display (for example, a size of about 10 inches) as image display means is provided. And
On the display screen of the special symbol display device 33, the left symbol display area 34, the middle symbol display area 35, and the right symbol display area 3
6 (special symbol display area or variable display area) are formed side by side in this order in the arrangement direction set in the horizontal direction (normal time).

Each of the display areas 34 to 36 is oriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to their arrangement direction, in this case, the symbol variation direction is set in the vertical direction, and a plurality of symbols, three symbols in this embodiment, are arranged and displayed in that direction. At the same time, the plurality of arranged symbols are variably displayed along the symbol variation direction. FIG. 40 shows an example of a special design, which is a decorative number of "0" to "9" and a total of 15 types of designs of "Urashima", "Otohime", "Odoriko", "turtle" and "Tamatebo". Are scroll-displayed in the order shown by the arrow in the figure. Further, as shown in FIG. 43, the background portion of each of the display areas 34 to 36 is the background image display area 255 of the background image 260.

Returning to FIG. 2, a left passage outlet 37 and a right passage outlet 38 are provided on both left and right lower sides of the center accessory 26, while the lower central portion of the center accessory 26 serves as a condition device. A big winning device 40 also called an operating attacker is provided. This big winning device 40, in the center of the upper part of the special symbol display device 33 is a starting winning opening for the first type (ordinary electric accessory) 41, below that specific region opening and closing shutter 42, specific region 43, specific It has a region 44 outside the region and a special winning opening 45. Further, a lower left winning opening 46 and a lower right winning opening 47 are provided on the left and right thereof, while a left winning opening 48 is provided on the upper left and right of the big winning device 40.
And a right winning opening 49 are provided. Further, in the lower area of the big winning device 40, the out mouth 50 and the out ornament 5
1 and a back ball prevention member 52 are provided. On the other hand,
Outer rail 53, inner rail 54, which forms the game area 25,
The foul ball prevention member 55 and the return rubber 56 are also the game board 24.
It is provided in.

Next, various substrates (for LEDs or lamps) located on the game board 24 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
Here, on the inner side of the center accessory 26, a normal symbol display device substrate 59 having a special symbol hold display LED 57 and a normal symbol hold display LED 58, and a display frame upper left lamp 60.
A display frame upper left lamp board 61, a display frame upper right lamp board 63 having a display frame upper right lamp 62, a display frame left LED board 65 having a display frame left LED 64, and a display having a display frame right LED 66. A frame right LED board 67 is provided. Further, on the inner side of the big winning device 40, a lower left winning opening LED board 69 having a lower left winning opening LED 68,
Further, a lower right winning opening LED board 71 having a lower right winning opening LED 70 is also provided. Further, a left winning opening LED board 73 having a left winning opening LED 72 is provided inside the left winning opening 48, and a right winning opening LED substrate 73 is provided inside the right winning opening 49.
A right winning opening LED substrate 75 including 74 is provided.

Next, the ball path on the back side of the game board 24 and the power distribution of switches and the like will be described with reference to FIG. The center board of the game board 24 has a through hole 76 for attaching a center accessory.
A right winning opening mounting through hole 77 and a left winning opening mounting through hole 78 are provided on the left and right lower sides thereof, and a large winning opening mounting through hole 79 is provided on the lower side thereof. Further, on the left and right of the back side of the center accessory 26, a right ordinary symbol actuation gate passage detection switch 80 and a left ordinary symbol actuation gate passage detection switch 81 are provided. On the other hand, a first-type starting opening (normal electric accessory) solenoid 82 is provided in the center upper part on the back side of the special winning device 40, and a first-type starting opening (normal electric accessory) is provided below it.
The winning detection switch 83, a big winning opening solenoid 84 and a specific area opening / closing solenoid 85 on the left and right of the back side of the big winning apparatus 40, a count detection switch 86 on the right side of the big winning opening solenoid 84, and further opening and closing the specific area. Count detection and specific area passage detection switches 87 are provided on the left side of the solenoid 85, respectively. On the other hand, game board 24
A safe ball collecting trough 88 and an out ball collecting trough 89 are provided below the back side of the winning ball discharging solenoid 90 and winning ball detecting lever 91 at the lower end of the safe ball collecting trough 88.
And a winning ball detection switch 92 is provided. In addition,
Of these, safe ball set gutter 88, out ball set gutter 89
Etc. are formed or attached to the mechanism panel 102 described later.

The back side structure of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the middle frame 3 is supported by the main body frame 4 by a hinge 100 so as to be openable and closable. A game board 24 is detachably fixed to the back surface of the middle frame 3. And
A mechanism board 102 is detachably fixed to the middle frame 3 by a hinge 101. On the upper left side of the hinge 101, a prize ball tank 104 equipped with a tank ball detection switch 103 and a tank rail 105 are attached. At the right end of the tank rail 105, the punching lever 1
06 is a supply ball exhaustion detection switch 107 on the downstream side.
However, a prize ball payout device 108 is further provided on the downstream side.

Subsequently, a distribution unit 109 is provided on the downstream side of the prize ball payout device 108. Further, on the lower side of the tank rail 105, the back cover 110 storing the special symbol display device 33 is provided, and on the lower side of the back cover 110, the main control unit 140.
(The main substrate is provided inside). On the left side of the main controller 140, the launcher controller 5
13 (in which the launcher control board 113 (FIG. 6) is provided) is located.
Is provided with a touch sensitivity adjustment knob 114 and a ball jump strength adjustment knob 115. In addition, the launcher control unit 51
A firing control group relay section 116 is arranged in the vicinity of 3. On the lower left side of the mechanism board 102, the launcher unit 11
On the right side of FIG. 7, a frame control unit 150 including a frame status indicator 118 (a frame control board is provided inside) is provided. The frame status indicator 118 displays, for example, a 7-segment LED, such as a supply ball clogging, a lower pan full, main power supply voltage abnormality, firing stop, main board communication abnormality, prize ball motor abnormality, and the like.

On the other hand, at the upper right end of the mechanism board 102, a fuse box 120, a power switch 121, a power terminal board 122 and a jackpot, a launcher control, a ball breaking, a door opening, a prize ball, a ball lending game machine, etc. An external connection terminal board 423 provided with a frame external connection terminal is provided. A connection cable 124 extends upward from the frame controller 150 (frame control board) and is connected to the prepaid card unit 22 having a power cable 125. Also, mechanical board 1
A lower plate ball passage member 126 is provided on the lower side of 02.

Next, the electronic control unit 130 of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6 will be described. Electronic control unit 13
0 is configured to include a main control unit 140 including a main board, a frame control unit 150 including a frame control board, and a special symbol control unit 160 that communicates with the main control unit 140. The main controller 140 includes a CPU 141 (main CPU: a display mode determining unit and a command transmitting unit) and a RAM 14.
2, ROM 143 (mode command storage means, upper display operation program storage means) and input / output interface 1
44 are connected to each other by a bus 145,
The CPU 141 controls the entire operation of the pachinko machine 1 by using the RAM 142 as a work area by the control program 201 stored in the ROM 143. Further, the main control unit 140 forms a game win / loss determination means mainly by the CPU 141 by the win determination program 203 stored in the ROM 143.

Further, in the ROM 143, the special symbol processing module 2 as a higher order display operation program module
05 is stored. Each of these special symbol processing modules 205, when grasping a series of moving image display patterns to be displayed on the special symbol display device 33 according to the game state, as a higher-order display operation represented by a combination of some element display operations. The element commands (mode commands) corresponding to the respective element display operations are arranged in a form that reflects the display area and the execution order of the symbols or images related to each element display operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 48, data of element commands used by the special symbol processing module 205 (hereinafter referred to as command data) 207, and timing data representing the execution time T of the element display operation corresponding to each element command. Similarly, 209 is also stored in the ROM 143. Details will be described later.

Next, on the relay board 523, the touch switch 11a, the firing stop switch 11b, the right ordinary symbol operation gate passage detection switch 80, the left ordinary symbol operation gate passage detection switch 81, the count detection switch 86, the count detection and identification. The area passage detection switch 87, the volume switch 93, the tank out-of-ball detection switch 103, the supply-out-of-refill detection switch 107, etc. are connected, and the output terminal of the relay board 523 is the input / output interface 144.
(Input / output circuit). Further, the first-class starting opening (normal electric accessory) winning detection switch 83 and winning ball detection switch 92 are also connected to the input / output interface 144. Note that the relay board 523 in FIG. 6 is not necessarily configured by one board, and here, for example, various relay boards distributed and arranged in each part of the pachinko machine 1 are integrated and shown in one block. ing.

The frame control unit 150 is configured to include an arithmetic circuit similar to that of the main control unit 140, and the CPU 15 which is the main control unit.
1 and a ROM 153 storing the control program thereof, and a RAM 152 providing a work memory area of the control program by the CPU 151. Here, the frame decoration lamp board 16 and various LED boards 18, 20, 65, 67, 6 are provided via an input / output interface (not shown).
9, 71, 73, 75, various lamp boards 61, 63, volume switch board 21, ordinary symbol display device board 59, various solenoids 82, 84, 85, winning ball discharge solenoid 9
0, sound generator 94, prize ball payout device 108,
The launcher control board 113 and the like are connected. On the other hand, the power supply terminal board 122 and the special symbol control unit 160 are connected to the input / output interface 144 of the main control unit 140.

The outline of the data transmission system from the main control unit 140 to the frame control unit 150 is as follows. First, data is transmitted from the main controller 140 to the frame controller 150 in a one-way format. The prize ball movement is performed in the following order. First, in the main controller 140, the player detects the count detection switch 86, the count detection and specific area passage detection switch 87.
If it passes, the number of 15 award balls is incremented by 1, and if it passes through the first type starting opening (normal electric auditors) winning detection switch 83, the number of 6 award balls is incremented by 1. Next, the winning ball detection switch 92 transmits a winning ball detection signal to the main control unit 140. Then, the main controller 140, the winning ball detection switch 9
When the winning ball detection signal from 2 is received, the frame control unit 150
The prize ball number data is transmitted to.

15 prize balls 15 if the number of prize balls is not 0
If the number of prize balls is 6 and the number of prize balls is 0, it is 6
The data of the number of prize balls is sent. In other cases, for example, when the passage of a game ball is detected at the lower left and right winning openings 46, 47 and the left and right winning openings 48, 49, 10 prize ball number data is sent. Sending prize ball number data is
The process is repeated until the winning ball detection signal is turned off. Then, the frame control unit 150 receives the prize ball number data from the main control unit 140 and operates the prize ball payout device 108.
Further, the frame control unit 150 turns on and off the winning ball discharge solenoid 90 (discharging one winning ball) to turn off the winning ball detection signal.

Next, FIG. 7 shows the electrical construction of the special symbol control section 160. Special symbol control unit 160, C
PU161 (reception side CPU, image display control means), RA
An M162, a ROM 163 (display control program module storage means), a command interface section 164, an image processing LSI section 303, and a bus 1 interconnecting them.
66, CG-ROM used by the image processing LSI unit 303
A / RAM unit 168, a liquid crystal interface unit (display interface) 307 that receives an output signal from the image processing LSI unit 303, and the like.

The ROM 163 stores a higher-level control program 211 that controls the overall flow of image display control processing by the CPU 161, and an element module 212 corresponding to each command data described above. 10 to FIG.
It is an example of a relationship between command data and element modules. As shown in FIG. 43, the command data and the element module include a display mode of the special symbol 250 in the left symbol display area 34, a display mode of the special symbol 250 in the middle symbol display area 35, and a special symbol 250 in the right symbol display area 36. And the display mode of the background image 260 are prepared. Figures 10-12
Is an example of the command data 207 and the element module 212 related to each display mode of the left symbol display area 34 (excluding “80H + 00H”), the right symbol display area 36, and the middle symbol display area 35, and FIG. Area 255
Examples of the command data 207 and the element module 212 relating to the display mode (excluding “AEH + 01H to 03H”) are shown.

In this embodiment, the command data 207 is configured as 2-byte data, the upper two digits are the classification command 207a for specifying the rough type (group) of the display mode, and the lower two digits are It is a module designation command 207b that identifies each display mode belonging to that type. The same classification command 207a is not given to different display areas, and as a result, the classification command 207a also specifies the type of display area.

The classification command 207a is, for example, A
6H is “10100110” in the binary bit display, A
7H is "10100111", A8H is "101010"
Codes such as "00" in which "0" and "1" are alternately arranged, where "1" is 4 or more and not continuously arranged, are artificially selected. When the influence of noise is generated at the time of command transmission, a noise signal is easily mixed in the form of H level, and as a result, the command is apt to change to a sequence of "1". Therefore, as described above, if the number of consecutive "1" s in the classification command is limited to 3, for example, the effect of noise mixing can be identified immediately, and the execution of the command that is inaccurate due to noise It is possible to prevent a negative condition such as a display error. The number of consecutive "1" s in the classification command is preferably 2 or less. Further, since such a command format can be used for identifying an abnormality as described above, there is an advantage that it is easy to find a wiring mistake, for example, at the stage of manufacturing inspection.

The contents of the element module 212 corresponding to each command data 207 will be described below. Each element module 212 is stored in the ROM 163 of FIG.
It is stored in the area specified by the storage index corresponding to the element command. For example, in FIG. 10, the command data 207 in which the classification command 207a is “A0H” designates the symbol replacement display mode in the left symbol display area 34, and the corresponding element module 212 is as shown in FIG. , At a predetermined position in the display screen 233, in place of the current special symbol 250,
The contents of the image display processing for replacing and displaying the specified special symbol 250 are described. In this case, when the next element module 212 is activated, the special symbol 250 to be newly replaced is displayed in the display area.

On the other hand, the classification command 207a is "A2H".
The command data 207, which designates the variable display mode of the left symbol, corresponds to the corresponding element module 212.
41 describes a kind of processing for displaying a kind of moving image in which the special symbol 250 is scroll-displayed in a predetermined direction in a predetermined display area in the display screen 233, as shown in FIG. As specific processing contents, for example, on the screen 233 of the special symbol 250 to be displayed, the display position in the vertical direction (a reference position on the screen (for example, an upper edge position or a central position), a position of interest in the symbol (for example, an upper position) Displacement amount y to the edge position or the central position (here, y = 0 to 1)
27)), the value at the display time of each moving image frame can be specified in four stages of specified fluctuation speed (for example, ultra-low speed fluctuation, low speed fluctuation, medium speed fluctuation, and high speed fluctuation). Or) based on the fluctuation direction and sequentially transfers the calculated value to the image processing LSI unit 303 side. The content of the element module 212 of the right symbol shown in FIG. 11 or the element module 212 of the middle symbol shown in FIG. 12 is basically the same as that of the left symbol.

In this embodiment, it is possible not only to change the changing speed and the changing direction of the symbol but also to specify various special changing modes. For example, in FIG.
Example 2 of the example shows an example of a mode that is selected and executed with a predetermined probability from the time when the symbol variation starts (Example 1) to the time when all the symbols are fixed (Example 3). The upper and lower symbols in the symbol display areas 34 and 36 disappear, and the left and right fixed symbols are reduced (here, the reduced display command (A in FIG. 10).
20A, A80A) in FIG. 11) is used). In addition, when the element module for the fluctuation fluctuation of the middle symbol of A504 of FIG. 12 is used, the middle symbol display area 35 moves to the left and right as indicated by the arrow, as shown in Examples 4 to 6 of FIG.
In this case, in the processing of the corresponding element module 212,
In addition to the calculation of the display position in the vertical direction on the screen 233 of the special symbol 250 at each time, the calculation of the display position in the horizontal direction due to the fluctuation fluctuation is added.

Also, a semi-transparent variation of the middle pattern (eg A50
When the element module of 5) is used, the process of making the pattern semi-transparent is performed. For example, as in Examples 7 and 8 of FIG. 46, the transparency of the middle symbol display area 35 is gradually increased, and the middle symbol display area 35 once becomes semitransparent. After this, the transparency is lowered and the middle pattern is displayed again clearly. Then, the operations of Examples 7 and 8 are repeated. In addition, as shown in FIG. 43, the process of translucency makes the special pattern 250 the background image 2
When combined with 60, a pixel that maintains the output of the background image 260 and a pixel that maintains the output of the special symbol 250,
This can be realized by mixing them in a ratio according to the transparency or by superimposing the transparentized image on the background image 260 with priority. Note that this function is incorporated in the image processing LSI unit 303 (FIG. 7) in this embodiment,
By specifying the transparency value in the element module, the image transparency process is executed in the LSI. Also,
As in A501 of FIG. 12, when the element symbol suspension element is used, the intermediate symbol is suspended as in Example 9 of FIG.

Next, the background image command data 207 and the element module 212 shown in FIG. 13 are still images (for example, “sea floor”, “coast”, or “Ryugu”) that are the base of the background. 260 is an element module 2 for displaying a "seabed" still image)
12 (classification command is “AAH” here) and an element module 212 (classification command here is “ABH”) of a moving image character that is pasted and synthesized on this still image. For example, in FIG. 47, the still background image 2 of the "sea floor"
In FIG. 60, an example in which the moving image character 261 of “mermaid” is pasted and combined is shown. The moving image character 261 is
It is represented by a combination of a fixed part 262 that does not perform a motion as a moving image and a motion part 263 that performs a unique motion independently of the motion on the screen, except for the motion on the screen by designating the display position. The image data is composed of a set of still image data of the fixed portion 262 and data of each frame of the operation portion 263.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the circuit configuration of the special symbol control unit 160, and the CPU 161, the RAM 162 and the ROM 163 are integrated as the CPU unit 301. A command interface unit 164 is connected to the CPU unit 301 via a data bus 601 (8 bits). Further, the image processing LSI unit 303 includes a bank switching bus 604 (3 bits) and an address bus 60.
3 (16 bits) and the data bus 602 (8 bits). On the other hand, this image processing LSI unit 3
03 includes a CG-ROM / RAM section 168, a ROM address bus 605 (32 bits), and a data bus 60.
6 (19 bits), RAM address bus 607 (16
Bit) and the same data bus 608 (9 bits). Also, the liquid crystal interface unit 307
Are connected to the RGB image signal output ports of the image processing LSI unit 303 via buses 609 to 611 (5 bits each). Further, the oscillating unit 311 causes the image processing L
The SI unit 303 and the liquid crystal interface unit 307 are connected via a clock signal control line, and the reset unit 313 is connected to the image processing LSI unit 303 via a reset signal control line.

Although the connection form of each control line is as shown in the figure, since it is very complicated to assign a code to all of them, the whole control line is generically referred to by the reference numeral 612 and detailed connection is made. Regarding the relationship, only the necessary parts are illustrated and not described. The meaning of each symbol of the main control lines appearing in the drawings is as follows. (CPU unit 301) CBK: Program ROM bank switching signal (to save the CPU address space). RD: Read signal. WR: Write signal. MREQ: Memory request signal. IORQ: A signal that requests an I / O space other than the memory. Therefore, the IORQ of the image processing LSI unit 303 becomes the access signal. M1: A signal when the CPU 161 is reading a program (including the element module 212 as shown in FIG. 7) from the ROM 163. INT: interrupt signal. BUSREQ: Bus request signal (CP) when data is exchanged between external devices without going through the CPU 161.
Temporarily disconnect U). BUSACK: The same bus acknowledge signal. CLEAR: Reset signal. CPUCLK: Clock pulse signal. CPCEB: A signal that becomes valid when the ROM 163 is read. CWCEB: An access signal to the RAM 162 of the CPU 161.

(Liquid crystal interface unit 307) R
X, GX, BX (5 bits each): Red (R), green (G) and blue (B) image signals. HSYNC, VSYNC: Horizontal sync signal and vertical sync signal for the special symbol display device 33. EDCKI: A signal for notifying the timing to the image processing LSI unit 303.

(Image processing LSI unit 303) RD: CG
A data bus of the RAM section 430 (FIG. 7) of the ROM / RAM section 168. RA: Address bus of ROM section 431 (FIG. 7). COCEB: Access signal for the ROM section 431. CAS0: Column address strobe signal of RAM section 430. CAS1: Column address strobe signal of RAM section 430. (This is because the RAM section 430 is composed of two DRAMs having a common row address as shown in FIG. 27.) RAS: Row address strobe signal of the RAM section 430. DWR: Write signal to the RAM section 430. DOE: Read permission signal of RAM section 430.

FIG. 15 shows the command interface unit 1.
64 is a circuit example. Reference numeral 401 is a connector for connecting to the main control unit 140, and from the main control unit 140 side through this connector 401, the data of the element command according to the display mode of the image (or pattern) is the strobe signal STB. Along with this, it is transmitted in 8-bit units. Noise is removed from each bit by the resistor 402 and the capacitor 403, the voltage is adjusted by the resistor 404, and then the data is supplied to the CPU unit 301 via the data bus 601 via the one-way buffer 405 (TC74HC 541AF). The strobe signal STB is similarly supplied to the CPU section 301 (C
On the PU unit 301 side, an inverter 406 is provided to make the rising edge of the strobe signal STB valid.

FIG. 16 is a circuit example of the CPU section 301. The CPU unit 301 controls the CPU 161 (Z84C0020FEC) via the address bus 603 and the data bus 602 so that the RAM 162 (TC55257DFL-70L) and the ROM 163 (M27C1).
001-10F1) is connected. Reference numeral 315 is a power supply unit. The CPU 161 is an 8-bit gate IC (TC7
4HC540AF) receives command data via 408,
The corresponding element module is activated according to the command, and necessary image control data is passed to the image processing LSI unit 303 according to the execution content. In addition, in order to clearly show the type and terminals of each element in FIG. 16, enlarged division views are shown in FIGS. 17 to 21. The connection relationship between drawings is shown in FIG.
The connection index (alphabet with numbers) in the pointer selectively illustrated by P is shown. In addition, the connection destination of the control line is represented by a terminal symbol of the element that is the connection destination (indicated in parentheses is the symbol attached to the connection destination element). This is the same for the enlarged division diagrams other than the CPU unit 301 described below.

As shown in FIG. 19, the interrupt arbitration circuit 414
Is composed of D-type flip-flop circuits (hereinafter referred to as D latches) 418 and 421, a two-input decoder 417, peripheral gates 415, 416 and 419, and an inverter 420 (low (L) is active). This is for the CPU 161 (reception side control unit)
When the first interrupt signal from the main control unit 140 (transmission side control unit) and the second interrupt signal from the image processing LSI unit 303 compete with each other, the processing by the first interrupt signal is prioritized. To arbitrate. The outline of the operation is as follows.

First, the strobe signal (first interrupt signal) STB for command data transmission from the main controller 140 is D
It is input to the clock terminal (3) of the latch 418. On the other hand, the D input (2) of the D latch 418 is H, and when the strobe signal STB rises, the output (5) of the D latch 418 becomes H and (6) becomes L (that is, the first interrupt signal Output (6) becomes active). this house,
The output of (6) is input to one terminal (5) of the gate 415. The other terminal (4) of the gate 415 is
An interrupt signal / INT (second interrupt signal) from the image processing LSI unit 303 is input. In this case, if either the first interrupt signal from the main control unit 140 or the second interrupt signal from the image processing LSI unit 303 is L, the interrupt output of the gate 415 becomes L. This output is input to the INT terminal of the CPU 161.

For example, an interrupt signal from the main controller 140 is input to the INT terminal of the CPU 161, and when this is recognized, the output of the M1 terminal of the CPU 161 falls to L. The L output of the M1 terminal is inverted by the inverter 420 and
It is input to the clock terminal of the latch 421. D latch 4
21 receives the rising edge and holds the output of (9) at H. This H output is input to the port A (2) of the decoder 417. The decoder 417 has an input A
It is a 2-bit input in which (2) is the lower order and input B (3) is the higher order. When AB = 00, only the output Y0, when AB = 01, the same Y1 only, and when AB = 10, the same Y2 only, AB = Only the same Y3 at 11 is selectively set to L (however, Y
3 is not used).

Here, the output L from the M1 terminal of the CPU 161 is input to B (3) of the decoder 417. Therefore, Y1 (5) becomes L. In this case, Y0 and Y2 are H
As it is, the output of the gate 416 connected to this becomes H. The output of the gate 416 invalidates the IORQ of the image processing LSI unit 303, that is, the access signal. As a result, the image processing LSI unit 3 from the CPU 161
Access to 03 is suspended, and a standby state is set. On the other hand,
The Y1 L output of the decoder 417 is supplied to the gate 419 (CPU
161 and the reset output of 161)
It is input to the reset terminal (1) of the latch 418. As a result, the latch state of (5) L output of the D latch 418 by the first interrupt signal (strobe signal) STB is cleared. However, since the L output of this (5) is input to the D latch 421 and the output (9) latches and holds the L output, as a result, the L output of Y1 of the decoder 417 does not change, and Processing by the one interrupt signal STB continues. However, this process ends, and CPU1
When the output of the M1 terminal of 61 becomes H, it is L-inverted and input to the clock terminal (11) of the D latch 421, and the D latch 421 releases the latch of the output of (9). As a result, the input to the decoder 417 becomes AB = 00, and the output Y0 becomes L. In response to this, the gate 416 outputs an access signal to the image processing LSI unit 303. That is, the image processing LSI unit 303 becomes ready to execute interrupt processing.

Next, the circuit 422 (FIG. 21) uses the inverter 425 for inverting the memory request signal MREQ, the 2-input AND gate 424, the output from the gate 424 as the D input, and the clock signal from the CPU 161 as the clock input. The D latch 423 and In addition, this D
The negative output (6) of the latch 423 is the WAI of the CPU 161.
It is input to the T terminal. In this embodiment, the ROM 16
The one-time access time of 3 (time from the input of the address signal to the data output) is the clock pulse cycle of the CPU 161 (the clock frequency is about 12 MHz, for example).
Since it is shorter than the above, a WAIT signal for one clock pulse is generated by the D latch 423, and a read cycle of the ROM 163 with two clocks as one cycle is realized. In addition, R
If the OM 163 having a short access time is used, the circuit 422 becomes unnecessary.

On the other hand, a specific address space (hereinafter referred to as a command address) is allocated to the 8-bit gate IC 408 for the command data read by the CPU 161, and the CPU 161 sends the first interrupt signal STB. By receiving this, this command address is output. In the 8-bit gate IC 408, the inputs G1 and G2 become L when the command address is output, and the data from the main control unit 140 side is made to flow. Here, the lower 8 bits are used as bits for identifying the command address.
Bits are specified, and these are input to the NAND gate 412. All inputs of the NAND gate 412 are H when the input address is a command address.
Therefore, the input of the bit to be 0 (H) is inverted by the inverter 413 (or all inputs L may be made to correspond by using a NOR gate).
Therefore, the output of the NAND gate 412 becomes L only when the command address is input. This output is the CPU 161.
Read signal RD of the decoder 411 (of the same kind as the decoder 417) and the terminals of A and B, and its Y0 output is G1 of the 8-bit gate IC 408,
It is input to G2. In this embodiment, an address whose lower 2 bytes are FE is used as a command address.

Next, FIGS. 22 to 26 are circuit examples of the image processing LSI unit 303 (FIG. 22 is an overall view, FIGS. 23 to 26 are enlarged enlarged views), and FIGS. 27 to 31 are CG-ROM / RA.
Circuit example of the M section 168 (FIG. 27 is an overall view, FIG. 28 to FIG. 31)
Is an enlarged view). Image processing LSI unit 303 (MPAD5
01) is the element module 212 (see FIG. 7) in the CPU unit 301.
Image control data sent from the CPU unit 301 side, that is, image type identification data (for example, a code of image data) that identifies the type of image to be used for each frame, Based on the image control data including the display position data (for example, the displacement amount y in FIG. 41) on the display screen 233 (FIG. 41 etc.), C
By using the image data stored in the G-ROM / RAM unit 168, an image signal to be output to the special symbol display device 33, that is, a signal of luminance and brightness for each RGB component of each pixel is generated and output. is there. In addition, this image processing LS
The I303 incorporates an interrupt arbitration circuit having CM [1] to CM [7] in FIG. 24 as input / output ports, but this is not used in this embodiment.

From the CPU section 301 to the image processing LSI
The transfer mode of the image control data to the side of the unit 303 is as follows. That is, the CPU unit 301 sets the image control data of the image to be displayed at every predetermined time in the RAM 162 according to the description content of the element module. On the other hand, the image processing LSI unit 303 requests the CPU unit 301 side to transfer image control data by an interrupt signal at a timing synchronized with the frame period of the special symbol display device 33. Upon receiving this, the CPU unit 301 reads out the image control data stored in the RAM 162 at that time by interrupt processing and outputs it to the image processing LSI unit 303 side. For the image element whose display position is always fixed, the display position may use the default value on the LSI side and the transfer of the display position data may be omitted.

As described above, the CP from the main control unit 140 side
When the command data is transferred to the U unit 301, the interrupt processing request from the image processing LSI unit 303 to the CPU unit 301 is temporarily ignored, and the transfer process of the image control data is delayed by that amount. . However, the time required to transfer the command data is short, for example, about several tens of μs, and the switching interval of the image frames, for example, the blank scanning period inserted after the vertical synchronizing signal (for example, 1.
This can be absorbed by utilizing (for about 5 milliseconds), and a defect in image display hardly occurs.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27, a CG-ROM
The / RAM unit 168 includes a ROM unit 431 and a RAM unit 430. In this embodiment, since image display is performed in color, it is necessary to handle color image data having a large size. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the image data is stored in the ROM.
It is stored in the unit 431 in the form of compressed image data, and R
The AM unit 430 is used as an expansion area of compressed image data by the image processing LSI unit 303. The RAM unit 430 is also used as a combined area of the image of the special symbol and the background image described above.

As shown in FIG. 27, the ROM section 431 (LH5
S8P) uses two ROMs, each of which can be read in parallel by a 16-bit data bus. Data 2
Although it is possible to freely allocate to one ROM, one image data can
It is conceivable that the reading speed is improved by the parallel reading process by dividing the data into two pieces and storing the divided pieces in two ROMs. On the other hand, the RAM section 430 also has two DRAMs (HM5
14269DLJ-7), but in this embodiment, it is an alternate access form by one 16-bit data bus. In this case, for example, one RAM may be used for compression and expansion, and the other RAM may be used for image composition. The RAM unit 430 has a large capacity 1
Of course, it may be configured with one RAM, but on the other hand, by connecting an independent bus to each of the two (or more) RAMs, it is possible to improve the speed by parallel reading and writing processes. It is also possible to plan.

Next, FIGS. 32 to 39 show circuit examples of the liquid crystal interface section 307 (FIG. 32 is an overall view, and FIGS. 33 to 39 are divided enlarged views). This circuit receives the RGB output of the image processing LSI unit 303 and controls pixel output to the special symbol display device 33, but the basic configuration is the same as that of a known image display interface. RX, GX, B from the image processing LSI unit 303
The image signal of X is a gate IC, and here, each image signal of 5 bits is two 8-bit gate ICs 466 and 467.
Each time the dot clock (generated by the oscillating unit 311 in FIG. 14) is received by 1G and 2G respectively, the image signal is output to the frame memories (RAM) 460 and 461 as color data of a predetermined pixel. To do. On the other hand,
The frame memories 460 and 461 receive the address of the corresponding dot (pixel) from the dot address generation circuit 440 and write the color data from the 8-bit gate ICs 466 and 467 in the area of that address.

The dot address generation circuit 440 includes four D latches 441 to 444 and three hexadecimal counters 44.
9-451 and surrounding gates 445-448, 452
455 is used to receive the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC and the dot clock CLK and generate pixel address data. The horizontal address position can be specified by measuring the count number of CLK after receiving the HSYNC, and the vertical address position can be specified from the number of HSYNC reception. The hexadecimal counters 449 to 451 output the address data to the frame memories 460 and 461.

In this way, the color data of the pixels for one frame, that is, the image output data is accumulated in the frame memories 460 and 461, and the latch circuit 46 for holding the output when the data is written to the frame memories 460 and 461.
2 and 463 are output to the connector 471 every time the vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC is received. A special symbol display device 33 composed of a liquid crystal display is connected to the connector 471 and outputs an image based on the image output data. Note that reference numerals 464 and 465 indicate connectors 47.
1 to the dot clock supplied to the special symbol display device 33 side through 1, is an inverter constituting a Schmitt trigger unit. Reference numeral 468 is a power supply circuit, reference numeral 469,
470 is a connector connected to the special symbol display device 33. In addition to various power supply lines, connectors 469 and 470 include a data enable line (DE) and a brightness designation line (BR).
THL) is connected. The signal EDCKI output from the gate 455 is a dot clock signal returned to the image processing LSI unit 303 in order to give the transmission timing of the RX, GX, and BX image signals. Upon receiving this signal, the image processing LSI unit 303 causes the HSYNC and V
Set the output timing of SYNC.

The operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described below. In the main control unit 140, the detection results of the first-type starting opening (normal electric accessory) winning detection switch 83, the count detection switch 86, the count detection and the specific area passage detection switch 87, and the like as shown in FIG. Using the obtained value of random numbers, etc., the state of waiting for customers who are not playing games, the state where games are played but there is no start prize (variation preparation state), the state where there is a start prize, and special games The state and the like are determined. Further, when the start winning is detected, the winning / non-winning judgment is performed based on the random number value, and the data for the display control such as the change or confirmation of the special symbol is created based on the judgment result. The various lamps such as the frame decoration lamp board 16 and the sound generator 94 are connected to the main control unit 14.
By the frame control unit 150 which received an instruction from 0, the special symbol fluctuation / determination mode, the presence or absence of the reach occurrence, the reach mode (full rotation, frame advance, reverse movement, symbol expansion / contraction, etc.), special game, and , The game mode (probability change, time saving, etc.) and the like. That is, the operation of the lamp, the LED (that is, the lamp lighting mechanism), the speaker (the sound output mechanism), and the like connected to them is controlled by the frame control unit 150 that receives the operation command from the main control unit 140. Become.

Next, the main controller 140 and the special symbol controller 1
Of the various jobs executed at 60, the main job will be described. First, the main job executed by the main control unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG. This is executed by the CPU 141 based on a program stored in the ROM 143 of the main control unit 140 at a predetermined reset cycle (for example, about every 2 milliseconds). First, after setting the stack pointer to a predetermined address of the RAM 142 (S10), it is determined whether the initialization is completed (S2).
0). If the initialization is not completed (S20: NO),
If the initialization job is executed (S190) and is completed (S20: YES), the jobs from the LED job (S30) to the switch job (S70) are executed.

In the LED job (S30), the data (command) for displaying the normal symbol and the normal symbol operation holding sphere number, the data for displaying the special symbol operation holding sphere number (command), etc. are output. Constant speed random number job (S40)
Then, the random number memory for determining whether or not the special symbol is valid and the general-purpose counter memory (not shown) of the RAM 142 are updated. In the non-constant speed random number job (S50), the normal random symbol random memory (not shown) is updated. The general-purpose counter memory (not shown) is, for example, "0" to "255" for each user reset.
It is used to create the value of and execute command jobs, music creation jobs, and decoration jobs. Further, in the voice creation job (S60), data (command) related to music and voice is created, and in the switch job (S70),
Various detection switches are read. That is, various signals such as a firing stop detection signal, a touch detection signal, a volume detection signal, a count detection signal, a specific area passage detection signal, and a normal symbol actuation gate detection signal are taken into the main control unit 140 via the external connection terminal board 423. And again
From the first type starting opening (normal electric accessory) winning detection switch 83, the first type starting opening winning detection signal, winning ball detection switch 92
The winning ball detection signals are respectively fetched from.

Further, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the count detection switch 86 or the count detection / specific area passage detection switch 87 (S80), and if there is no abnormality (S8).
Jobs from the special symbol main job (S90) to the voice job (S110) are executed. Also,
If there is an abnormality (ball clogging, disconnection, etc.) (S80: N
O), the error job (S130) is executed.

In the special symbol main job (S90), a job of data necessary for the main control unit 140 and the special symbol control unit 160 to operate in cooperation with each other is performed. Further, in the normal symbol main job (S100), the data for displaying the normal symbol and the normal symbol operation holding sphere number is created. In the voice job (S110), voice data (command) corresponding to the game state is output and sent to the frame control unit 140. Furthermore, although the steps are not explicitly shown, in the lamp control job, various lamps and LEDs according to the gaming state
The lighting control data (command) is output and sent to the frame control unit 140. It should be noted that these voice commands and lamp lighting control commands are processed so as to be transmitted to the special symbol control unit 160 as auxiliary mechanism operation notification signals in response to transmission to the frame control unit 140. You can As a result, in the special symbol control unit 160, by referring to the reception timing of these commands, it is possible to accurately grasp the control progress status of voice output and lamp lighting, and synchronize the display control of the special symbol with voice output or lamp lighting. It will be easy to do.

Thereafter, it is determined again whether or not the count detection switch 86 or the count detection and specific area passage detection switch 87 has an abnormality (S120). If there is no abnormality (S120: YES), the state of each flag is changed. It is set in the backup memory (S140) and the prize ball signal job (S
150), the information signal job (S160), the command job (S170), and the remaining time job (S180). If there is something wrong with each switch (S1
20: NO), the error job (S130) is executed.

In the prize ball signal job (S150), data relating to the payout of prize balls is created and output, and in the information signal job (S160), data necessary for outputting information to another control unit is created. . Furthermore, in the command job (S170), the input and output of commands for special symbol management are performed, and in the remaining time job (S180), the non-uniform random number is called and the general-purpose random number memory (not shown) is updated. Be seen.

By the way, whether or not the winning or winning at the time of winning the start prize and the determination of the display pattern of the special symbol accompanied with the winning or winning are carried out naturally, so to speak, by repeatedly executing the main job every reset cycle. , Main controller 14
FIG. 50 is a summary of the contents of the job performed by 0 as a whole in an easy-to-understand manner in terms of work flow. The flow will be described below (note that various memories used in this job are formed in the RAM 142 of FIG. 6, and representative ones are summarized in FIG. 8). First, in T1, it is confirmed whether or not there is a start winning, and if YES, T
In 2, the reserved number N stored in the special symbol reserved number memory (FIG. 8) is incremented by 1. If the number N of holdings exceeds a certain value ("4" in this embodiment), the starting winning is invalid and the process skips to T6. On the other hand, if the number of reservations is within a certain value, a special symbol validity determination random number (hereinafter, also referred to as a determination random number) is generated at T4 (even if generated by program execution, a predetermined random number generation circuit is used to hardware. Whether or not it is generated), the read determination random number value is stored at T5 in a special symbol validity determination random number memory (hereinafter, also referred to as determination random number memory) (FIG. 8). This memory stores the read determination random number values in a shift memory format in the order of time series of winning a prize.

Next, at T6, the stored value of the oldest leading judgment random number is read from the judgment random number memory. And T7
The big hit number is read out from the big hit number memory (FIG. 8) and compared with the above judgment random number at T8. If both match, the big hit is judged, and if they do not match, the miss judgment is made. If it is a big hit, go to T9,
A big hit symbol determination random number is generated, and this is read and the random number value is stored in the big hit symbol determination random number memory (FIG. 8) (T10). Further, the determination result of the big hit (“1” in this embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory of FIG. The special symbol designated by this big hit symbol determination random number, in the left symbol display area 34, the middle symbol display area 35 and the right symbol display area 36 of FIG. 2, after undergoing a predetermined variable display state, in a predetermined array pattern The special symbol display device 33 is displayed in an aligned form.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the character is out of the range, T8 to T
Then, the process proceeds to step 12, and it is determined by random numbers whether or not to perform the miss reach job. That is, at T12, a reach job determination random number (FIG. 8) is generated and read, and on the other hand, at T13.
The read out the reach number stored in the reach number memory (FIG. 8). If both of them match at T14, it is an out-reach job, and if they do not match, it is a normally-off job.

In the case of the detach reach job, the process proceeds to T15,
Two special symbols to be aligned in the left symbol display area 34 and the right symbol display area 36 are determined using a jackpot symbol determination random number (may be generated separately) (T1
5, T16). Further, in T17, the out-of-center symbol is similarly determined by a random number, and the random number value determined in T18 is stored in the out-of-center symbol number memory (FIG. 8). Also, at T19,
FIG. 8 shows the determination result of the out-reach (“2” in this embodiment).
It stores in the judgment result memory of. On the other hand, in the case of the normal deviation job, the process proceeds to T20, the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol are determined by random numbers, and the determined random number values are stored in the corresponding number memories (FIG. 8) (T20 to T2).
5). Further, at T26, the normal out-of-range determination result (“3” in this embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory of FIG.

FIG. 51 shows the general flow of a special symbol display control job. In S901, as shown in FIG. 2, the variation of each special symbol 250 in the left symbol display area 34, the right symbol display area 36, and the middle symbol display area 35 is started. Next, in S902, the determination result for each winning obtained in the job of FIG. 50 is read from the determination result memory of FIG. In the case of a big hit determination (“1”) (S903: Y
ES), the process proceeds to S913 to S915, the big hit symbol number is read from the big hit number memory in FIG. 8, and the reach job is performed to become the symbol fixed job. On the other hand, in the case of the out-reach determination (“2”) (S904: YES), S910 to S910.
It advances to S912, the big hit design number (that is, the number of the left design and the right design which should be aligned) and the design number which is out of contact is shown in FIG.
Read out from each memory, and similarly, after reaching a reach job, it becomes a symbol determination job. In the reach job, a display mode peculiar to the reach is executed, such as changing the changing speed of the special symbol or displaying a background image dedicated to the reach. On the other hand, in the case of the normal disengagement determination (“3”) (S905: YES), the process proceeds to S906 to S909,
Each number of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol is read from each memory of FIG. 8, and stopped (determined) at the timing shifted from each other in the order of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol.

Now, as shown in FIG. 7, the main controller 140
Is connected to the special symbol control unit 160 by a bus 169, the main control unit 140 determines the game state based on the outputs of the various detection switches described above, and also determines whether or not the game state is based on the game state. The data for performing the symbol display pattern image display control corresponding to the determination content is created as a set of the command data described above and transmitted to the special symbol control unit 160. This data creation process is performed by selecting and executing a necessary one of the special symbol processing modules 205 (see FIG. 9).

FIG. 52 conceptually shows the linked operation status in the image display processing between the main control section 140 and the special symbol control section 160. That is, along with the periodical execution of the main job (FIG. 49), the data of the necessary element command is set in the command memory (formed in the RAM 142 of FIG. 6) on the side of the main controller 140. At this time, as shown in FIG. 48, the timer value allowed until the next activation of the element module is set in the timer memory (formed in the RAM 142 of FIG. 6). This can have the following pattern. This will be described with reference to FIG. 53 (in the figure,-, etc. represent execution start times of the respective element modules).

First, in the pattern shown in A, when the intervals TA1, TA2, ... Between the execution start times of the respective element modules are independently set regardless of the required execution time T1, T2 ,. B is a case where the next element module is started immediately after the execution of the element module is completed. As a result, in B, the execution start time intervals of the element modules adjacent in time series correspond to the execution required times T1 and T2 of the element modules. Of course, these patterns of A and B can be mixed like C. As shown in S801 to S807 of FIG.
In the case of A, for example, in the special symbol processing module 205, timing data TA reflecting TA1, TA2, ... Is written in the program, and when the command data is read, the timing data TA is set as a timer value. Yes (S802 → S803 flow). On the other hand, in the case of B, as shown in FIG. 48, the timing data T corresponding to this command is read out and set as a timer value (S802 → S804 flow). After that, the timer value is decremented by 1, and when the time is up, the operation of reading the next command data is repeated (S805 to S807).

Returning to FIG. 52, the command data read on the main controller 140 side is transferred to the special symbol controller 160. This is stored in the command memory formed in the RAM 162 of the special symbol control unit 160, and the corresponding element module is activated. When the execution of the element module is completed, it waits until the next command is received, and when the command is received, the same processing is repeated thereafter.
However, as described above, a plurality of command data may be collectively received from the main control unit 140 side and sequentially read and executed. In any case, even if the execution of the element module is completed on the special symbol control unit 160 side,
No request to send the next command to the main controller 140 is issued. The main control unit 140 only monitors the timer after the command is transmitted, and when the time is up, the next command is unilaterally transmitted.

Incidentally, FIG. 55 is a left symbol, a middle symbol, a right symbol, a background image, and a character to be attached to this, from the start of the variation of the special symbol of the special symbol display device 33 until the symbol is fixed. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram showing an example of command transmission relating to display mode control of the image of FIG. This is an example of a case where a display accompanied by a reach operation is performed, and (1) to (30) in the figure are command data from the main control unit 140 to the special symbol control unit 160 (see FIGS. 10 to 13). The transmission timing of is shown.

The horizontal axis of FIG. 55 is a time axis, and the transmission timing of each command is arranged and displayed in chronological order.
In addition, the time interval of transmission of each set command is set to T1.
It is represented by T14. Commands separated by the time intervals T1 to T14 are transmitted in reset cycles different from each other. On the other hand, a set of a plurality of command transmission timings displayed close to each other without clearly indicating the time interval (for example, (1) to (3), (4) and (5), or (15) to (18)) Indicates that a plurality of command data is transmitted during one reset cycle.
The time interval from the transmission of one command data to the next transmission is at least about 10 μs,
In addition, since it is necessary to secure execution time for processes other than command transmission during a limited one reset cycle, in the present embodiment, the maximum number of command data to be transmitted during one reset cycle is a predetermined number, Here, the number is limited to four.

Next, each transmission timing (1) in FIG.
(30) will be described. The command data used at each transmission timing (1) to (30) is shown in FIG.
0 to FIG. 13 are indicated by corresponding parenthesized numbers. First, at the timings of (1), (2), and (3), low-speed fluctuation commands for the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are transmitted. In (4), a mermaid character appears,
In (5), the command data for changing the background to "Ryugu" is transmitted, and in (6) to (8), the high-speed fluctuation commands for the left, middle, and right symbols are transmitted. Further, in (9), the replacement of the left symbol to "1", (10) the low speed fluctuation of the left symbol, (11) the command data of the replacement of the right symbol to "1" is transmitted, and (12) Low speed fluctuation of the right pattern,
In (13) and (14), the command data of the ultra-low speed fluctuation of the left and right symbols is transmitted.

Further, (15) is the fluctuation fluctuation of the left pattern, (1
6) is the replacement of the middle symbol to "1", (17) is the middle symbol low speed fluctuation, and (18) is the timing of command transmission of the right symbol fluctuation fluctuation, (19) is the Otohime character appearance, (20) ) Is a middle symbol middle speed change, (21) is a middle symbol reduced display, (22) is moved to the right of the Otohime character, and
(23) shows the timing of transmission of the command of the medium symbol high speed fluctuation. Furthermore, (24) moves to the left of the Otohime character, (25) moves to the right of the mermaid character, and (2
6) is the timing of the command transmission of the replacement to the middle symbol "2", (27) is the stop (confirmation) at the left symbol "1", (28) is the stop at the right symbol "1" , (29) is the stop at the middle symbol "1", and (30) is the timing of the command transmission for erasing the mermaid character.

Now, in the case of A of FIG. 53, for example, in the special symbol processing module 205, TA1, T1
Instead of writing the timing data TA reflecting A2 ... In the program, as shown in FIG. 48, the timing data TA is associated with, for example, command data (mode command), for example, a special symbol control unit. 160
Alternatively, the timing data TA may be stored in the ROM 163 (implementing a timing data storage means), and when the command data is read, the timing data TA may be read and set as a timer value.

Also, in the case of B of FIG. 53, the special symbol control unit 160 stores the timing data TA.
Sometimes it is more convenient to keep it. For example, for at least a part of a plurality of aspect commands, timing data for defining an allowable reception time allowed from the reception of the aspect command to the reception of another aspect command is stored. This is a case in which a timing data storage unit is provided and whether or not the measured reception time falls within the time range is determined by referring to the timing data. FIG. 58 shows an example of the flow of processing in the special symbol control unit 160 (reception side control unit) in that case.

First, the first command is received at D1,
The timing data corresponding to the command received at D2 is read. Then, the timer routine is started at D3, and the timer variable T is set until the next command is received at D4.
Continue counting up x (stored in RAM 162 (FIG. 7)). D6 when receiving the next command
Then, the value of the timer variable Tx at that time is read.
At D7, the value of this timer variable Tx is the upper limit value Tm.
If it is not within the time range having ax and the lower limit value Tmin, it is determined to be abnormal, the process proceeds to D10, and the received command is ignored (or invalidated) (after that, the timer variable Tx is reset, Repeat the processing from D3 onward). On the other hand, in D7, when the value of the timer variable Tx is within the above time range, it is determined to be normal,
At D8, the program module corresponding to the command is activated, and the processes after D2 are repeated until reception of all commands is completed. In addition, when a command for voice output or a command for lamp lighting control is sent from the main control unit 140 to the special symbol control unit 160 as an auxiliary mechanism operation notification signal, the reception timing and the reception timing of the special command display control mode command By comparing and referring to and, by appropriately adjusting the operation execution timing of the display mode designated by the mode command in accordance with the sound output or the lamp lighting, it is possible to easily achieve the synchronous control of both.

Hereinafter, the control mode of the special symbol control unit 160 at the time of turning on the power of the pachinko machine 1 and when an error occurs will be described. First, when the power is turned on, the main controller 140 in FIG. 6 receives a power-on signal from the power terminal board 122. And the special symbol control unit 1
The initial screen display command IC shown in FIG. The special symbol control unit 160 receives the initial screen display command IC and activates the initial screen display program module (here, the element module of “variation waiting display”). Thereby, the special symbol display device 33
In the display screen 233 of FIG. 56, for example, as shown in FIG.
d is displayed. The demo display screens 270a to 270d are moving image screens, and are designed to display image images related to the special symbol 250. In this example, a ball box is opened on the beach (270a), and smoke is generated from the ball box to cover the entire screen (270b, c). It is expected that Urashima, who became a grandfather, will appear after smoke has disappeared, but the title screen of the pachinko machine 1 has come to appear unexpectedly (270d). In addition,
After the screen state of 270d is held for a while, 270
Returning to the screen of a, the same display is repeated until a prize is won.

When an error occurs in the pachinko machine 1, this error is detected by the error job S130 in the main job shown in FIG. 49, and the error screen display command EC (depending on the type of error) shown in FIG. Select any one of the plurality of commands) to the special symbol control unit 160
Send to. For example, the type of this error is the main control unit 14
If the communication error occurs when the command data is transmitted from 0 (transmission side control unit) to the special symbol control unit 160 (reception side control unit), the special symbol control unit 160 receives this error screen display command EC. The corresponding error screen display element module is activated, and the communication error screen shown in any of FIGS. 57 (a) and (b) is selectively displayed on the display screen 233 of the special symbol display device 33. If (b) is selected, the image related to the initial screen, here "Ji-san's Urashima", which was expected to appear on the initial screen, eats up the person who appears due to an unexpected situation of communication error. It has been devised to soften the minds of users who were forced to interrupt their game due to communication errors. In addition, when the command transmission from the main control unit 140 to the special symbol control unit 160 is interrupted for a certain period of time before receiving the end command, the special symbol control unit 160 side independently generates a communication error. It is also possible to determine that the communication error has occurred.

In this case, care must be taken in setting the display timing of the communication error screen. For example, if the screen suddenly switches during the change of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 33, and the communication error screen as shown in FIGS. 57 (a) and 57 (b) appears and the operation of the pachinko machine 1 is stopped, This is because the player may feel distrust.

In this case, in the special symbol display device 33 shown in FIG. 2, three special symbol display areas 3 on the left, middle and right
After 4 to 36 have stopped fluctuating, that is, after the special symbol is confirmed, the special symbol display areas 34 to 36 are cleared, and the communication error screens shown in FIGS. 57 (a) and 57 (b) are displayed. If so, the user knows the occurrence of the communication error after confirming the confirmation of the symbol, so that the feeling is somewhat eased. As a specific method, the main controller 140
However, a series of display operations from the start to the stop of the variation of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 33 is defined as the upper display operation, and after the transmission of all the element commands necessary for the upper display operation is completed, A method of transmitting an error screen display command to the symbol control unit 160 can be exemplified. Also,
In either the main control unit 140 or the special symbol control unit 160, the processing time of the display operation is set by a timer at the start of the upper display operation, and after the time is up, the element module for displaying the error screen may be activated. Good.

Incidentally, it is desirable to be able to confirm in some form whether or not the symbol decided after the occurrence of the communication error was a hit. If this cannot be confirmed, the pachinko machine 1 stops functioning after the user hits it,
Moreover, it is possible to give the impression that the hit facts are annihilated. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a player who appears to be a hit but appears to be a hit may appear. Specifically, the method of turning on the hit indicator by referring to the contents of the judgment result memory described above, the screen state immediately before the communication error screen display is saved in the emergency memory, and this is re-executed by the switch operation etc. Clear the confirmation screen by displaying it or keeping the confirmation screen as it is without using the communication error screen itself (so-called freeze state), darkening the confirmation screen a little, and / or overlapping small communication error displays. A method of notifying a communication error without doing so can be considered.

The error type in the pachinko machine 1 includes error 1 or error 2 which is a non-communication system error, in addition to the above-described communication error mode. Among these, the error 1 is an error of disconnection or short circuit (short circuit) and ball clogging of the count detection switch 86, the count detection and specific area passage detection switch 87, and as a method of recovering the error 1, the count detection switch 86, The count detection and the specific area passage detection switch 87 are replaced or the ball clogging is removed, and if there is no other abnormality, the system automatically returns. Also, the error 2 is the count detection switch 86.
And movement of the count detection and specific area passage detection switch 87 (no count error). As a method of recovering this error 2, after confirming the movement of the count detection switch 86 and count detection and specific area passage detection switch 87, etc. , One game ball is won in the count detection switch 86, and if there is no other abnormality, it automatically returns.

The display patterns of "error 1" and / or "error 2" displayed on the display screen 233 are "error 1" and error screen 28 shown in the error screen 280c.
Not only the message "Error 2" shown in 0e is displayed independently, but, for example, as shown in the error screen 280d, a dancer is displayed in "Error 1", and the error screen 280 is displayed.
As shown in f, "Otohime" appears in "Error 2", and by displaying an error message together with the character in the same way as the communication error display described above, it is possible for a user whose game is interrupted by an unexpected situation called an error. It is designed to soften the mind as much as possible. Furthermore, these non-communication system errors such as error 1 and error 2 occur in data transmission from the main control unit 140 (transmission side control unit) to the special symbol control unit 160 (reception side control unit) as described above. Since there is not, the display screen 2 of the special symbol display device 33
While continuing the variable display of the special symbol in 33 (that is, without clearing the display screen of the special symbol), an error display may be separately performed. For example, FIG. 57 (c)
Alternatively, the display pattern of "error 1" or "error 2" shown in (e) can be superimposed (displayed) on the display pattern of the special symbol shown in FIG. Further, an error display may be displayed on a separately provided display unit, or an error notification may be performed by lighting a lamp or outputting a voice.

The error display (or notification) can be displayed continuously until the cause of the error is removed, and the display (or notification) state can be canceled while the cause of the error is removed. . For example,
RAM 1 of the main control unit 140 upon detection of an error occurrence state
The error flag formed in 42 is turned on, and the error flag is turned off when the detection state of the error occurrence is released. Then, with the execution of the error job in the main job, this error flag should be accessed regularly. If the flag is on, an error is displayed, and if the flag is off, the error display is canceled. To do.

Next, the system of command data (mode command) transmitted from the main control unit 140 (transmission side control unit) to the special symbol control unit 160 (reception side control unit) is limited to that of the above embodiment. Of course, the aspect command according to another system may be used instead. The example will be described below.

First, in this example, a common command commonly used for a plurality of image display modes is defined. Here, the common command is as shown in FIG.
For individually designating various fluctuation patterns consisting of a combination of a special pattern and a background image (see FIG. 13, etc.), it is defined as 1-byte data such as 40H, 41H. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 62, one or more image display modes (in the figure,
“Displayed as“ special symbol movement ”or“ character movement ”) is supported, and the special symbol control unit 160
When the above common command is received as command data, a predetermined one is selected and used when a plurality of image display modes correspond to the received common command. In this case, the display control program module corresponding to the selected image display mode is launched, and the special symbol display device 33 is displayed in the corresponding image display mode.
The image is displayed in (FIG. 1 etc.).

The image display mode shown in FIG. 62 or 63 is classified into a plurality of display mode groups each including one or a plurality of fluctuation patterns, and FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, each display mode group has a variation pattern 1
They are organized as ~ 39. These variation patterns are roughly classified into a variation pattern when the jackpot (winning) in the gaming machine (FIG. 65) and a variation pattern when the game machine is out (non-winning) (FIG. 64). As shown in FIG. 43, the special symbol display device 33 as the image display means,
After displaying a plurality of special symbols while sequentially changing in a predetermined direction, a plurality of special symbol display areas (variable display parts) 34 to 36 (3 in this case) for stopping and displaying one of the plurality of symbols ), And at the time of winning, the special symbols of a specific combination are fixedly displayed on the variable display portions 34 to 36. The plurality of image display modes are the winning display mode and the plurality of variable display sections 34 to 3.
Reach where some of two or more of 6 (here, right symbol and left symbol) confirm and display special symbols that make up the winning combination, and the rest (here medium symbol) is in a fluctuating state. Through the state, three types of out-reach display mode in which the special symbol of the variable display section 35 of the variable state is finally decided so as to be non-winning, and normal out-of-range display mode not via the reach state The image display modes are classified such that they belong to different variation patterns (display mode groups).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 64 and FIG. 65, the reduction of the special symbol variation time depending on the presence / absence of the jackpot determination, the presence / absence of the out-reach, the variation of the jackpot probability (that is, high probability / low probability). Whether there is a special symbol fluctuation time according to the number of undigested (remaining) number of start pending numbers,
Kind of production at the time of reach (Do you advance frames of special symbols,
Other effects), and the number of gaps of the symbol numbers of the right symbol and the middle symbol at the time of reach or big hit, etc., the classification of the variation pattern is further subdivided. Then, a common command as shown in FIG. 59 is added to each of these fluctuation patterns.

In any case, the image display mode at the time of a big hit and the image display mode at the time of a big hit are classified such that at least they belong to different variation patterns (display mode groups). That is, by referring to the content of the common command that specifies each variation pattern, it is possible to identify whether the image display mode to be displayed is at least the winning display mode or the non-winning display mode. As will be described later, by using this, it is possible to easily identify whether or not there is a contradiction between the variation pattern defined by the common command and the type of the definite symbol specified.

As shown in FIGS. 62 and 63, the variation pattern (display mode group) specified by each common command is a special symbol display mode (operation mode of the special symbol),
Each includes one or more background image display modes (typically represented by character motions here). The special symbol control unit 160 performs random number acquisition and selects one of the predetermined symbols from the special symbol display mode and the background image display mode included in the variation pattern corresponding to the received common command. . As shown in FIG. 66, for each variation pattern, a special symbol motion control module APnm (n, m = 1, 2, ...) And a background (character) image motion control module BPnm (n) related to the special symbol display mode. , M
= 1, 2, ..., And is a random value Rn (n = 1, 2,
..) are stored in the ROM 163 of FIG. Each of these modules constitutes the element module described above. Then, the special symbol display mode and the background image display mode based on the execution of the selected module are combined as shown in, for example, FIG. 43 and output on the display screen 233.

As is clear from the above description, the common command in this embodiment functions as a special symbol variation pattern defining command which defines the variation pattern of the special symbols in the variable display portions 34 to 36. On the other hand, the mode command used in this embodiment is, in addition to the common command described above, a fixed symbol that defines the type of a special symbol to be stopped and displayed when the fluctuation is fixed, as shown in FIGS. 60 (a) to (c). Specified command (here, "00H", "20H",
It is given as 1-byte data such as "10H")
As shown in FIG. 61, including a special symbol determination command (here, 1-byte data of “30H”) for instructing individually or collectively the symbol fluctuation stop in each of the variable display sections 34 to 36 is included. There is. Upon receipt of these fixed symbol defining command and special symbol fixed command, the fixed symbol defining module and the symbol finalizing module, which are element modules, are activated. That is, these two commands can be regarded as forming an element command like the common command described above.

As shown in FIG. 71, by receiving the common command (special symbol variation pattern defining command), the corresponding special symbol operation control module (special symbol variation program module) is activated. Then, by receiving the special symbol confirmation command, the special symbol (right, middle, left) that is variably displayed on each of the variable display sections 34 to 36 based on the execution of the special symbol operation control module is a special symbol confirmation command. By the confirmed symbol defining command received in advance, the symbols of the types defined by them are confirmed and displayed. That is, the display mode from the start of variation of the special symbol to the stop / confirmation can be defined by only three types of mode commands. Further, as will be described later, it is possible to easily recognize the consistency between the types of variation patterns defined by the common command (for example, jackpot, out-reach, normal out) and the types of definite symbols. The special symbol confirmation command is the number corresponding to each special symbol (in this case,
Only three) may be individually transmitted.

In this embodiment, the number of mode commands to be used is further reduced by further advancing and adopting the following display control modes. That is, as shown in FIG. 72, from the start of the variation of the special symbol, if the predetermined period defined for each variable display unit in the special symbol operation control module elapses, the symbol defined by the definite symbol definition command Temporarily confirm the fluctuation by changing (the timing of fluctuation / temporary confirmation transition is set in the program), and then receive the special symbol confirmation command to collectively confirm the special symbols of each variable display section. And

In this process, the temporary decision is made before the special symbol decision command is received. Therefore, even if the symbol seems to have been decided apparently, it appears to be in the variable mode state in the program process. Becomes In this tentatively confirmed state, like the main confirmed state, the image position of the symbol may be completely held / stopped, or it is possible for the player to identify the symbol type to be confirmed / held. The display may be different from that in the finalized state (for example, a state in which slight fluctuation fluctuations or transparency processing is added to the design image). In addition, a symbol (for example, a medium symbol) to be finally changed and stopped may be directly fixed and stopped from the changed state, or may be temporarily moved to the final fixed state after being temporarily fixed.

According to the above method, even when a plurality of changing special symbols are sequentially stopped with a time lag, the special symbol control unit 160 introduces the provisional decision process to deal with each special symbol. Then, there is no need to transmit the special symbol confirmation command, and the number of transmission commands can be reduced.

In FIG. 59, the common command is constructed as 1-byte data having consecutive numbers, and the entire command is
It is supposed to function as a mode specifying unit that specifies the variation pattern (display mode group). However,
Assuming that normal reception of common command data is impossible due to the influence of disturbance such as noise, the common command includes a mode specifying unit for specifying a display mode group,
An identification unit for identifying normal reception can be included.

FIG. 73 shows an example thereof. For example, when a 4-bit identification code is considered as the identification unit as shown in FIG. 9A, A: “0011” and B: “1111”.
If the upper two bits of the A type code are changed to "1" due to the influence of noise, if the two are permitted as the identification code, it will be completely indistinguishable from the B code and the command will be erroneously recognized. It is inevitable to be connected to. In this case, the identification code (identification code) is set so that the bit length is at least 3 bits or more, and among the bit states of "0" or "1", those appearing at the time of noise generation are not continuously included in 3 bits or more. It is convenient to set part) in order to avoid such a problem.

For example, as an example of a 1-byte identification code in which "1" s of 3 bits or more are not consecutive, "55H" (bits of "0" and "1" are alternately arranged) as shown in (b). If you think about it, there are four "0" when noise occurs.
If even one of the bits changes to "1", a continuation of "1" of 3 or more prohibited bits occurs, so that the presence or absence of noise can be easily identified.

For example, even if a large variety of display modes are possible by adopting a large-sized liquid crystal display device or the like, the player can correctly control the display of a special symbol indicating information about a big hit or a miss. Most important. And, in order to be able to identify the big hit and the deviation, the display mode group (variation mode) related to the special symbol is usually present in plural as described above. In this case, as shown in FIG. 73 (c), the common command corresponding to the display mode groups includes an identification unit having common contents, and the mode specifying unit assigns numbers to the plurality of display mode groups. It is desirable that they are provided in a continuous form. In addition, here, the case where both the identification unit and the mode specification unit are configured as 1-byte data is shown.

For example, when receiving the common command, it is possible to identify whether or not the influence of noise has been received in the flow as shown in FIG. First, when transmitting a common command from the main control unit (transmission side control unit) 140 to the special symbol control unit (reception side control unit) 160, FIG.
As shown in, the same common command is transmitted a plurality of times (twice in this embodiment) at regular time intervals. This is because at least one of them can avoid the influence of noise by repeating the transmission a plurality of times. The common command transmitted a plurality of times may be stored in, for example, separate areas in the RAM 162 (FIG. 7), or the common area may be shared so that the second command overwrites the first command. May be. In this case, the received common command is normally read only the first time (G101), and only when the content of the noise identification code is out of regulation at this time, the second time reading is performed (G103 → G104). ). If the content of the noise identification code is out of regulation even in the second time, an error display is displayed (G107). The special symbol control unit 160 may perform read access to the reception port of the common command signal a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals while the common command signal is continuously output from the main control unit 140.

Next, the CP of the special symbol control unit 160 of FIG.
U161 is an analysis means for analyzing whether or not the type of the definite symbol defined by the definite symbol defining command is inconsistent with the content of the winning / non-defining defined by the special symbol variation pattern defining command by the upper control program 211. , And functions as command correction means for correcting the fixed symbol defining command so that the contradiction is resolved.

Further, the CPU 161 receives the common command by the upper control program 211, and then, regarding the specific mode command, here, the definite symbol defining command,
The reception time is measured, and when the measured reception time is not within the predetermined time range, the image display control by the received mode command is prohibited, that is, the definite symbol rule received outside the time range. Control is made to ignore the command. Furthermore, a series of display modes from receiving the common command to determining the symbol, here, a predetermined limit required time is set for the execution of the operation of the special symbol of FIG. 71, and all the command data of FIG. ,
When it is determined that the reception is not completed within the above limit required time, it also functions to forcibly end the series of display modes. All of the above processes are performed in order to avoid the influence of noise abnormality or the like on the received command.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 67, the predetermined area 16 in the RAM 162 of the special symbol control section 160.
2M, common command received from the main control unit 140,
Areas for storing definite symbol defining commands for each of the special symbols on the left, right, and inside are formed (reception mode command storage means). In addition, the first timer variable Ty for measuring the elapsed time after receiving the common command, the value T0 of the total required timing that is the limit required time, and the first for measuring the reception time of the fixed symbol defining command The two timer variable Tx and the target value of the fixed symbol defining command reception timing Ts are also stored in the area 162M. In addition,
Acceptable range of fixed symbol prescribed command reception time (lower limit: T
min and the upper limit value Tmax) are appropriately set based on the timing Ts. Here, Ts is 16 milliseconds, and Tmin and Tmax are set to Ts ± 0.2 milliseconds. Note that this forced termination is performed at the end of the low speed fluctuation in this embodiment. As a result, it is possible to show the player a display mode in which continuity is maintained and no discomfort is felt. In this case, a judgment or adjustment routine is provided so that a stop display different from the result of the lottery is not displayed (for example, if the result of the lottery is out of sync, the winning display is not displayed or vice versa). It is desirable to set it. Further, as a concrete method for ignoring the definite symbol specifying command received outside the time range, for example, C
A general method such as disabling the INT terminal of the PU unit 301 by software can be adopted.

The value T0 of all required timings is shown in FIG.
As described by enclosing with a broken line in 2, it is described in the special symbol operation module. Note that the interval time between individual commands may be individually described, as in one operation mode of the variation pattern 2. in this case,
The total of these interval times can be used as the value T0 of all required timings.

A concrete processing example will be described below with reference to FIG.
~ It demonstrates using the flowchart of FIG. Fig. 68
Is a flow of a command timing management job in the special symbol control unit 160 for executing the display mode shown in FIG. 71, and receives a common command from the main control unit 140 in G1. G2 receives this and performs a job for determining the display mode.

FIG. 69 shows the flow of the display mode determining job. In G31, random number acquisition for determining the special symbol display mode and the background image display mode of FIG. 66 is performed.
In G32, the special symbol operation module APnm and the background image operation module BPnm corresponding to the acquired random number value are activated. In FIG. 66, the same modules APnm and BPnm correspond to a plurality of different random number values, and according to the number of random number values corresponding to the same module,
The probability that the module will be selected is fixed. In G33, as shown in FIG. 43, the special symbol image and the background image by the launched modules APnm and BPnm are combined and output.

Returning to FIG. 68, all required timing data T0 are read at G3, and the first timer routine is started at G4. Further, in G5, the fixed symbol defining command reception timing is set to Ts. Then G7 to G1
3 is a routine for determining whether or not the reception time of the symbol specifying command for each special symbol is within the specified time range [Tmin, Tmax]. This processing is basically the same as the processing of FIG. In G6, the symbol position NI
By (I = 1, 2, 3), the right symbol, left symbol, and middle symbol are designated for processing, and the processes from G7 to G13 are executed for each symbol. In G7, the second timer routine is started, and the count-up of the timer is continued until the fixed symbol defining command is received. If the definite symbol definition command is received, the value of the second timer variable Tx at that time is read in G10, and it is determined in G11 whether it is within the time range [Tmin, Tmax]. If it fits, the number of the definite symbol corresponding to the definite symbol definition command (a number for identification is given to each of the 15 types of special symbols shown in FIG. 40) is set. On the other hand, if not, the received command is ignored and the second timer routine is reset. G14 and G15 are steps for confirming whether or not the processing for all the symbols is completed because of the change of the symbols to be processed and the escape from the loop.

Although it is the time range [Tmin, Tmax], for example, only Tmax may be managed (timeover management), or conversely, it is conceivable that the situation of timeover is unlikely to occur only by the influence of noise. Therefore, in this case, only Tmin may be managed.

For all of the special symbols, if the reception time confirmation processing of the above-mentioned fixed symbol defining command is completed, the process proceeds to G16, and it is checked whether or not the special symbol fixed command is received. If it has not been received, the first timer variable Ty is read in G17, and if all the required timing T0 is exceeded in G18, the processing is forced to end. On the other hand, if it is not over, the process proceeds to G19 to move to the command correction process.

In any case, the common command, the definite symbol defining command and the special symbol definite command are sequentially transmitted in a form in which the time-series execution order is determined,
The special symbol control unit 160, which is the receiving side control unit, analyzes the reception status of the series of mode commands that are sequentially transmitted in the form of reception time confirmation or management of all required timings T0. Then, according to the analysis result, it can be seen that the output for issuing the command to ignore the command or to forcibly terminate the job is performed.

FIG. 70 shows the details of the command correction processing. First, in G50, the already received common command is read from the memory area M162 (FIG. 67), and the display mode instructed by the common command is identified. As already described with reference to FIGS. 64 and 65, the types of variation patterns are different depending on the big hit, the out-reach, and the normal outage, and different common commands are given to the respective variation patterns. If you analyze the contents, the above 3
It is possible to easily identify which of the display modes of the types has been instructed. On the other hand, the memory area 162M (FIG. 66)
By referring to the contents of the fixed symbol defining command of each special symbol stored in, it is possible to identify in which symbol the stop / confirmation is instructed. Then, if there is a contradiction between the two discrimination results, the fixed symbol defining command is corrected (corrected). That is, here, the stored contents of the common command and the fixed symbol defining command are analyzed from the viewpoint of the consistency / contradiction of the above identification results, and the output is made in the form of a command correction command according to the analyzed contents.

Specifically, first, when it is discriminated that there is a normal deviation, the flow is from G51 to G62. In this case, in G62, the two symbols to be fixed first, here the types of the left and right symbols, are confirmed by the stored contents of the fixed symbol defining command. Then, if they coincide with each other, the same display mode as the jackpot or the out-reach is displayed, which causes a contradiction. Therefore, the process proceeds to G63, and the command is corrected so that the left and right symbols do not match. Various modification methods are conceivable. For example, one (for example, left) symbol may be fixed and the other (for example, right) symbol may be shifted by a predetermined number (for example, 1).

In the case of the out-reach, G52 to G5
It becomes the flow after 8. Here, on the contrary, if there is a mismatch between the left and right symbols, it is inconsistent as in the normal deviation mode, so this is confirmed in G58. If they do not match, the command is corrected so that the left and right symbols match. Again, various correction methods are conceivable. For example, one design may be fixed and the other design may be matched with it. Next, in G60, it is confirmed whether or not the finally fixed symbol (here, the medium symbol) matches the left and right symbols. If they match, it becomes the same as the big hit state and it conflicts. Therefore, in G61, the command is corrected so that it does not match. In this case, for example, leave the commands for the left and right symbols as they are,
It is conceivable to shift the command of the medium symbol by a predetermined number (for example, the first).

In the above process, for example, when the commands for the left and right symbols are modified, the modification result may accidentally coincide with the middle symbol. In this case, the command modification process for the middle symbol I try to survive. However, as another method, the middle symbol command is also referred to from the beginning, and the command that matches the middle symbol among the left and right symbol commands is the other command of the left and right symbols and the middle symbol command. It is also possible to modify so that they do not match.

On the other hand, in the case of a big hit, G53 to G5
It becomes the flow after 4. In this case as well, if the left and right symbols are inconsistent, the situation is the same as the normal disengagement mode, and thus conflicts. Therefore, this is confirmed in G54. If they do not match, the command is corrected so that the left and right symbols match. Next, in G60, it is confirmed whether or not the finally fixed symbol (here, the medium symbol) matches the left and right symbols. Here, in the case of non-coincidence, it is the same as the out-reach state and contradicts. Therefore, in G61, the command is corrected so that this coincides. In this case, for example, the commands of the left and right symbols are left as they are, and the commands of the middle symbols are made to match the commands of the left and right symbols.

In this embodiment, the command correction process is executed for all cases of jackpot, out-of-reach, and normal out-of-range, but the command correction process may be executed only for some cases. . Further, regarding the contradiction of the symbols, the command correction is made so that all the symbols can be matched, but it is also possible to match only some of the symbols. For example, it is possible to identify only a mismatch between two symbols (for example, right and left) that make up the reach state, and perform a simple process of correcting only the match (in this case, the common command is a big hit time). It is possible to use the same display mode and the display mode at the time of detachment reach). In any case, since the command is corrected, the influence of noise abnormality on the received command can be reduced.

Returning to FIG. 68, if a special symbol confirming command is received at G20, the process of confirming the symbol (main confirming in the mode shown in FIG. 72) is performed, and the process ends.

In the present embodiment using the common command, since the jobs relating to the symbol display control in the special symbol control unit 160 (reception side control unit) are aggregated in the module of the common command, at the time of transmission. The number of commands has been greatly reduced. And the special symbol control unit 160 on the receiving side
In, the time interval for accepting the small number of commands, that is, the timing range is fixed,
When a command or the like causes disturbance such as noise and is received earlier than a predetermined timing, it is recognized as noise and is not accepted as a command. That is, it is not necessary to determine the interruption of command transmission from the main control unit 140 to the special symbol control unit 160. Therefore, even if the command transmission from the main control unit 140 to the special symbol control unit 160 is interrupted for a certain period of time before receiving the end command, it is not necessary to judge this as a communication error, so the process is simplified. (For example, if there is no cause of a communication error other than the interruption of the command, the communication error detection and notification itself can be omitted).

Also in this embodiment, the voice output command and the lamp lighting control command are transmitted to the main control unit 1.
It can be transmitted from 40 to the special symbol control unit 160 as an auxiliary mechanism operation notification signal. In this case, in the special symbol control unit 160, upon receipt of the common command, a corresponding series of display modes is executed by executing the program module designated by the common command. In this case, in that program module, for example, the step of confirming the presence or absence of the reception of the auxiliary mechanism operation notification signal is executed by timer monitoring or the like, and the step execution of the symbol display mode control is appropriately waited for depending on the reception timing. Or perform a process of skipping.

Next, the electronic control unit 130 of the pachinko machine 1
Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the electronic control unit 130 described with reference to FIG.
This is because a part of the control target that was being processed by the frame control unit 150 was transferred to the special symbol control unit 160. The transferred control target is the lamp substrate 16, 61, 63 or L
ED boards 18, 20, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73,
It is a lamp lighting mechanism composed of 75 or the like, and a sound output mechanism composed of the volume switch board 21 or a sound generator (a speaker for sound output is connected). That is, what is connected from the frame control unit 150 via an input / output interface (not shown) is a normal symbol display device substrate 59, various solenoids 82, 84, 85, winning ball discharging solenoid 90, winning ball payout device 108, launching device. The control board 113. Therefore, the processing load of the frame control unit that has been responsible for the lamp control and the audio output control is reduced, and the transmission from the main control unit 140 side to the frame control unit 150 is also unnecessary.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 83, in the input / output port 281 of the special symbol control unit 160, the command interface unit 283 and the lamp / L via the I / O unit 282.
The command interface unit 283 is provided with the CPU 141 of the main control unit 140, and the lamp / LED interface unit 284 is provided with the frame decoration lamp board 16, and an ED interface unit 284, a voice interface unit 285, and a liquid crystal interface unit 307. Various lamp boards 61, 63, various LED boards 18, 20,
65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, and the audio interface unit 285 has a volume switch board 21,
The sound generator 94 and the liquid crystal interface unit 307 are connected to the special symbol display device 33, respectively.

Then, when the special symbol is displayed on the display screen 233 of the special symbol display device 33, the lamp is turned on in response to this display state (for example, in response to start of fluctuation, reach occurrence, symbol determination, etc.). The operation of the mechanism or the voice output mechanism is collectively controlled by the special symbol control unit 160. That is, the special symbol control unit 1 from the main control unit 140 side
To 60, only the mode command corresponding to the display mode is transmitted, and in the special symbol control unit 160, since the lamp control and / or voice control processing is incorporated in the special symbol variation module, the main control unit 140. Based on the mode command sent from, when the special symbol is displayed on the display screen 233 of the special symbol display device 33 in the designated mode, the special symbol control unit 160 voluntarily displays the special symbol. The lamp lighting operation and the voice output operation are also controlled in synchronization with each other. Therefore, in the main control unit 140 which is the transmission side control unit, the control command operation relating to the lamp control and the voice control is completely unnecessary, and it suffices to simply transmit the mode command specifying the variable display mode of the special symbol, and the reception side. Also in the control unit, it becomes easy to control the lamp display synchronized with the variable display state on the display screen of the special symbol and the voice output.

According to the configuration of the gaming machine of the present invention, as described above, the processing load of the transmission side control unit is reduced, so that, for example, even if this is configured by an 8-bit microprocessor or the like, an extra capacity is generated and the design While the control modes can be diversified, the receiving-side control section can concentrate on display control, so that it is possible to make more effective and more effective use of its hardware resources to realize a more complicated and entertaining display mode. Become. For example, a display mode using 3D graphics, which has been difficult to realize with a conventional game machine, is extremely easy to perform. Specifically, it is effective to combine the following inventions.

That is, according to the present invention, in the variable display device (for example, the liquid crystal display which constitutes the special symbol display device shown in FIG. 2), the image object designed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally is set in the graphic coordinate space. A moving image display mode in which a display screen of a variable display device is formed, and an image is represented by a projection figure when the image object is projected on a pixel plane set in the graphic coordinate space. Is output. The moving image is specifically the special pattern described above,
Other moving image objects such as ordinary designs may be used.
In this case, the display control means performs parallel movement in the pattern variation direction on the entire image object, and sets at least a part of the image object as a rotational movement target portion around a predetermined rotation axis line to be the rotational movement target portion. In combination with the rotational movement, the movement of the image object moving in the graphic coordinate space is identified as a projected image obtained by projecting it on the pixel plane, or a moving image visually recognized as equivalent to this. Image display control is performed so that information is displayed in a variable manner. According to the above-mentioned configuration of the gaming machine, in the display device, the display mode in which the identification information displayed in the variable display area moves in a predetermined direction on the screen (for example, parallel movement) while rotating from the player's viewpoint. Therefore, the appearance is completely different from the conventional one, and a new game can be given to the player to further enhance the interest.

In the structure of the above-mentioned gaming machine, the movement of the image object in the moving image is the rotational movement about the axis of rotation which is made in the rotational movement target portion and is substantially parallel to the symbol variation direction. The symbol variation direction is always set parallel to the pixel plane, and is often set in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal display screen, for example. By causing the image object to rotate about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the symbol variation direction, for example, when the symbol variation direction is the vertical direction, the vertically varying image object has an axis line parallel to the variation direction. Since the image object rises or descends while rotating around, the image object apparently exhibits a spiral movement, so that a novel effect can be obtained. On the other hand, when the symbol variation direction is horizontal, the symbol arrangement direction is vertical, so the symbol will vary horizontally while rotating around the vertical axis. Therefore, a visual effect different from the above-described mode in which the image spirally changes in the vertical direction is obtained.

On the other hand, on the contrary, it is also possible to rotate the image object around a rotation axis which is substantially parallel to the pixel plane and substantially orthogonal to the symbol variation direction. In this case, if the variation direction of the symbol is the horizontal direction, the direction of the rotation axis is also set in the horizontal direction, so the image object moves in the horizontal direction while rotating spirally with respect to the symbol variation direction. Will be done. Also, when the image object fluctuates in the vertical direction, the rotation axis is set in the direction orthogonal to this, so that the vertically arranged symbols can move up or down while rotating around the horizontal axis. And different visual effects can be obtained.

On the other hand, it is also possible to rotate the image object around the rotation axis which is substantially orthogonal to the pixel plane. In this case, since the image object actually involves only the motion of rotating in the pixel plane, for example, when the image object is configured to be planar, the motion of the image itself is also planar. Becomes Therefore, although the three-dimensional effect is lost, the novel effect that the image object changes while rotating on the display screen is still obtained.

Further, for example, it is possible to divide the main part represented by numbers or characters and the accompanying part that forms the decorative part irrespective of this main part, and set either one of them as the rotation target part. In other words, not only the mode of rotating the entire identification information, but also a mode of rotating only a part, divided into a main part that is a character or a figure other than a character, and a companion part that is not involved in the combination of symbols, It is also possible to rotate only one of them. At this time, when only the accompanying portion is rotated, the visibility is improved because the main portion is not rotated, and the decorative portion is enhanced by rotating the associated portion. On the other hand, by fixing only the companion part and rotating the main part, a novel effect can be obtained by rotating the main part involved in the combination of symbols,
The decorative effect of the non-rotating accompanying part enhances the taste. Further, both the companion part and the main part may be rotated, and if the rotation direction is made different between the main part and the companion part, a more novel effect can be obtained.

Regarding display of a moving image, a set of projection image data for each rotation position determined at a predetermined angular interval when the image object is rotated around the rotation axis is held. You may use the set of the projection image data. In this case, one projected moving image can be used as it is as a moving image frame, and the load on the control unit for moving image processing can be reduced.

In addition to the above, with respect to the display of the moving image, the data of the image object is held as three-dimensional graphic object data, and the image object is rotated at a predetermined angular interval when rotated around the rotation axis. The projection image data for each determined rotational position may be created each time using the three-dimensional graphic object data. That is, three-dimensional graphic object data, such as wire frame data, is used for description, and each time the moving image frame data is created as data projected on the pixel plane.
In this case, since three-dimensional image data processing is required, it is desirable to use a CPU capable of high-speed processing (for example, 16 bits, 32 bits, 64 bits, or 128 bits) as a control unit for moving image processing. However, with this configuration, since processing is performed while creating moving image frame data from three-dimensional graphic object data, the amount of moving image data can be reduced as a result,
Data storage capacity is saved.

Some embodiments of the above invention will be described below. FIG. 77 shows a mode in which a plurality of special symbols fluctuates while rotating counterclockwise as viewed from the player's point of view (fluctuating in a spiral), and is stopped and displayed. here,
It is visually recognized when a two-dimensional or three-dimensionally designed image object is rotationally moved around a rotation axis (Y axis direction with respect to the display screen) substantially parallel to the pattern variation direction (here, the vertical (y) direction). The variation mode of the special symbol is designed as the movement of the projected image on the pixel plane.

The image object rotating as described above can be mathematically expressed by using the rotation conversion as described below. For example, the origin is set at the geometrical center of gravity of the three-dimensional image object image, and the coordinates of an arbitrary point A in the image object in the arrangement space, that is, the graphic coordinate space is (x, y, z), and y
The axis is set to the rotation axis and the pattern variation direction. If the coordinates of the point A after rotation about the y-axis by an angle θy are (X, Y, Z), (x, y, z) and (X, Y,
The relational expression with Z) can be expressed by the following.

X = xcos θy−z sin θy Y = y Z = xsin θy + z cos θy

For example, if the xy plane is the pixel plane (that is, the projection plane), the z-axis direction is the viewing direction,
The coordinates of the projection of the point A onto the pixel plane xy are (X, Y,
0) = (xcos θy, y, 0). Also, during this rotation, if the symbol changes by parallel movement by Δy in the y-axis direction, (X, Y, 0) = (x
cos θy, y + Δy, 0). If the above equation is expressed in a matrix, the following equation is obtained.

[0172]

[Equation 1]

Therefore, the conversion matrix of the above equation can be expressed by the following equation: [XYZ] = [xyz] Try

As shown in FIG. 76, the special symbol is arranged on the graphic coordinate space 240 by arranging the image object 241 of the special symbol in the three-dimensional graphic coordinate space 240 based on the above-mentioned mathematical principle. The image object 241 is image-represented as a projected figure when the image object 241 is projected on the pixel plane (xy plane) 242. In this case, as the internal processing, three-dimensional graphic data (for example, a contour of a three-dimensional shape can be represented by a vector data set represented by a vector),
For each rotation angle and variation position of the image object 241, the above-described rotation and projection conversion calculations are performed to sequentially create projection image data in real time, and sequentially output this as moving image frame data. Alternatively, the projection image data for each rotation angle and variation position of the image object 241 may be prepared in advance as a set of moving image frame data, and this may be output only while sequentially switching the image data at a predetermined timing. Good.

The rotated image display mode is as described above.
The image object is not limited to the one that is rotated about the rotation axis line that is substantially parallel to the symbol variation direction, and for example, in FIG. 76, the image object 241 is substantially parallel to the pixel plane 242 and intersects the symbol variation direction (for example, A mode in which it is rotationally moved around the rotation axis (almost orthogonal) is also possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 79, an image object with a special symbol is rotated around an axis line in the horizontal direction,
If the special symbols are changed in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the player can visually recognize a novel display mode in which the special symbol is different from the variation due to the above-mentioned spiral state, and the interest is enhanced. On the other hand, a mode is possible in which the movement of the image object 241 is rotationally moved around a rotation axis that is substantially orthogonal to the pixel plane 242 (the depth direction of the display screen).
Although the example is shown in FIG. 80, the special pattern (design of numbers) is rotated around the axis line in the direction intersecting in the variable display area. If the special symbol is created in a plane, as described above, the special symbol changes in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction while rotating in a plane in the display screen.

The rotation image display mode of each special symbol 250 displayed in FIG. 77 is substantially parallel to the symbol variation direction when the image object 241 is moved in the symbol variation direction, with the image object 241 being the rotational movement target portion. (Y-axis direction with respect to the display screen) is rotated about the rotation axis, the movement of the image object 241 when this rotation is moved is displayed as a projection image 243 obtained by projecting on the pixel plane 242, and also the special symbol 250 For displaying a moving image, a set of projection image data for each rotation position determined at a predetermined angular interval when the image object 241 is rotated around the rotation axis is held, and A set of projection image data may be used. In this case, one projected moving image can be used as it is as a moving image frame. The projection display image obtained in this way or the image display processing content of the moving image frame is set to the element module 212 corresponding to the command data 207.
Will be created.

Regarding the display of the moving image, in addition to the above, the data of the image object 241 is held as three-dimensional graphic object data, and when the image object 241 is rotated around the rotation axis, a predetermined value is obtained. The projection image data for each rotational position determined by the angular interval may be created each time using the three-dimensional graphic object data. That is, 3
It is described using three-dimensional graphic object data, for example, wire frame data, and each time, frame data of a moving image is created as data projected on the pixel plane 242.

In FIG. 77, the image object 2 of each special symbol 250 in the first display area 63 on the display screen 233.
The variation state of 41 is displayed, and each special symbol 250 is displayed as a rotation image display mode around a rotation axis line (Y-axis direction with respect to the display screen 233) substantially parallel to the symbol variation direction, and first variation from the left side thereof. The position from the fifth variation position is illustrated. In addition, like this illustration example, when the image object 241 of each special symbol 250 is not facing the front at the fifth variation position, the player visually recognizes it as illustrated on the right side (sixth from the left side). It is desirable that each special symbol 250 be fixed in a state of facing the front so that it is easy to do. The same applies when the rotation angle phase is different between different special symbols 250. Figure 7
8 shows the angle for each displaced position of each special symbol 250. Further, in FIG. 79, the image object 241 of each special symbol 250 is displayed as a rotation image display mode around a rotation axis line that is substantially parallel to the pixel plane 242 and orthogonal to the symbol variation direction (X-axis direction with respect to the display screen 233).
The first variation position to the fifth variation position are illustrated in order from the left side. Further, in FIG. 80, the image object 241 of each special symbol 250 is displayed as a rotation image display mode around a rotation axis line that is substantially orthogonal to the pixel plane 242 (depth direction of the display screen: Z axis direction with respect to the display screen), and its left side. The first variation position to the fifth variation position are illustrated in order from the first.

In FIG. 81, the image object 241 of the special pattern 250 is divided into, for example, a main part represented by a number or a character, and a accompanying part that forms the decorative part irrespective of this main part, whichever of them is shown. A case where one of them is set as a rotation target portion is shown, and in the illustrated example, the main portion is a numerical design, and the accompanying portion is a ring 251 surrounding this numerical design in an annular shape. The numerical pattern of the main part and the ring 251 of the companion part are not limited to the aspect of rotating in the same direction or the opposite direction, and the aspect of rotating only one of them is also included. For example, the ring 2 whose main part is the numerical design "7"
51 is clockwise about the rotation axis of the Y-axis direction, the ring 251 whose main part is "4" in the numerical design is rotated counterclockwise about the rotation axis of the Y-axis direction,
In addition, the ring 2 which makes the principal part numerical design “6”, “5”
51 is in a stopped state. Note that, also in FIG. 81,
Similar to the above, since the image object 241 of each special symbol 250 does not face the front in the fifth variation position, as illustrated on the right side (sixth from the left side) of each special symbol, each special symbol is easily visible to the player. It is desirable to determine with 250 facing the front.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of substrates of each accessory on the game board.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a game ball path on the back surface of the game board and its periphery and switch mounting.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic control device of the pachinko machine of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the special symbol control unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a main memory of a special symbol control unit.

FIG. 9 is a list chart showing an example of a special symbol processing module.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of element commands (command data) and element modules.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a special symbol control unit.

15 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a command interface unit in FIG.

16 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a CPU unit in FIG.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the first division of FIG.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the second division of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the third division of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the fourth division of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the fifth division of FIG. 16;

22 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing LSI unit in FIG.

23 is an enlarged view of the first division of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the second division of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the third division of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the fourth division of FIG. 22.

27 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a CG-ROM / RAM section in FIG.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the first division of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the second division of FIG. 27.

30 is an enlarged view of the third division of FIG. 27. FIG.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the fourth division of FIG. 27.

32 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the liquid crystal interface unit of FIG.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the first division of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of the second division of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the third division of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the fourth division of FIG. 32.

37 is a fifth division enlarged view of FIG. 32. FIG.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of the sixth division of FIG. 32.

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of the seventh division of FIG. 32;

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special symbol together with its variation order.

FIG. 41 is a view for explaining the basic mode of variable display of special symbols.

FIG. 42 is a diagram which similarly illustrates a replacement display mode.

FIG. 43 is a view for explaining how to combine a special symbol and a background image.

FIG. 44 is a view for explaining a special mode of variable display of special symbols.

FIG. 45 is a view for explaining another special mode.

FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining still another special aspect.

FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining how to synthesize a background image and a character image.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram of timing data.

49 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main job in the electronic control unit of FIG.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart for extracting and showing the flow of the hit / miss judgment job.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing an extracted flow of a special symbol display control job.

FIG. 52 shows a command transmission and element module execution,
The conceptual explanatory drawing of the image display control of this invention.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing some modes of timing control of command transmission and element module execution.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the flow of a command transmission job on the main control unit side.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a timing chart from the start of variation of a special symbol to the symbol determination.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial screen.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing some examples of error screens.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the case of setting a limit on the reception time of a mode command.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a common command.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fixed symbol defining command.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory view showing an example of a special symbol determination command.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a variation pattern and a special symbol display mode.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a variation pattern and a background image display mode.

FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern classification system.

FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram that follows FIG. 63.

FIG. 66 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between random number values and program modules belonging to each variation pattern.

FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a memory area used for received command analysis processing.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing the process flow of a command timing management job.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a display mode determination job.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing the process flow of a command correction job.

71 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the timing chart from the start of variation of the special symbol to the symbol determination.

FIG. 72 is a view for explaining the concept of provisional confirmation.

FIG. 73 is an explanatory diagram of a noise identification code.

FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing the flow of an example of a noise identification job.

FIG. 75 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a common command reception mode in the processing of FIG. 74.

FIG. 76 is an explanatory diagram for obtaining a projection image in the graphic coordinate space.

77 is a view for explaining variable display of a rotation image display mode around a rotation axis which is substantially parallel to the symbol variation direction.

78 is an explanatory view showing an angle for each displaced position of each special symbol in FIG. 37. FIG.

FIG. 79 is a view for explaining variable display of a rotation image display mode around a rotation axis line that is substantially parallel to the pixel plane and substantially orthogonal to the symbol variation direction.

FIG. 80 is a view for explaining variable display of a rotation image display mode around a rotation axis that is substantially orthogonal to the pixel plane.

FIG. 81 is a view for explaining variable display of the rotation image display mode of the main part and the accompanying part of the special symbol around the rotation axis substantially parallel to the symbol variation direction.

82 is a block diagram showing another form of the electronic control device of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

83 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a special symbol control unit in FIG. 82.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 33 Special symbol display device (image display means) 34 Left symbol display area (special symbol display area) 35 Middle symbol display area (special symbol display area) 36 Right symbol display area (special symbol display area) 140 main control unit (transmission side control unit) 141 CPU (main CPU, display mode determination means, command transmission means) 142 RAM (abnormality confirmation information storage means, game information storage means) 143 ROM (mode command storage means, higher level display operation) Program storage means) 144 Input / output interface (input / output circuit) 150 Frame control unit (reception side control unit) 151 CPU 152 RAM 153 ROM 160 Special symbol control unit (reception side control unit, display control unit) 161 CPU (reception side CPU) Image display control means, image display mode selection means, identification means, mode command reception analysis means, supplement Correcting means, command reception time measuring means, control prohibiting means 162 RAM (reception mode command storing means) 163 ROM (display control program module storing means, timing data storing section) 164 command interface section (command receiving section) 201 control program 203 Winning determination program 205 Special symbol processing module (upper display operation program) 207 Command data (mode command, element command) IC initial screen display command EC error screen display command 209 Timing data 213 Compressed image data (image data) 233 Display screen 250 Special Design 255 Background image display area 260 Background image 261 Character images 270a to 270d Initial screens 280a to 280d Error screen 303 Image processing LSI unit (image display control means 307 liquid crystal interface unit (display interface, image display control means) 414 interrupt arbitration circuit

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tatsuya Tsuzuki             125 Miyoro-cho, Nishi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Thailand             Within Yoelek Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C088 AA36 BC64 BC68 EA10 EB55

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A variable display for displaying a plurality of special symbols, which are a plurality of image display modes, while sequentially varying in a predetermined direction, and then selectively confirming any one of the plurality of symbols. Display control for storing image display means as a unit and a plurality of display control program modules describing display control contents of each image display mode in the form of an element module associated with a mode command for specifying the image display mode Program module storage means, display mode determination means for determining a display mode to be performed by the image display means according to a game state, and command transmission means for transmitting a mode command corresponding to the determined display mode to the outside. And the timer value that is allowed before the next element module is started is set in the timer memory. When the execution of the task is completed, it is set to start the next element module immediately, and after transmitting the mode command corresponding to the element module, only the timer value is monitored, and if the time is up, the next element A transmission side control unit that transmits a mode command, a command receiving unit that receives a mode command from the command transmitting unit, and the command receiving unit are classified into a plurality of display mode groups each including one or a plurality of image display modes. When a common command that is determined to be used in a one-to-one correspondence with those display mode groups is received, among the plurality of image display modes included in the display mode group corresponding to the received common command, Image display mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined one, and a display control program corresponding to the selected image display mode A receiving side control unit having an image display control unit that reads out a module from the display control program module storage unit and causes the image display unit to perform the display mode described by the program. The game machine, when transmitting the common command to the receiving side control unit, transmits the same common command a plurality of times at regular time intervals. 2. The reception side control unit reads only the first common command from the common commands transmitted a plurality of times, and if the content of the noise identification code is out of regulation, the second time The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the common command is read. 3. The receiving side control unit performs read access a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals while the common command is continuously output from the transmitting side control unit. The game machine described.