JP2004073447A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attract game player's attention to a moving image performance and reduce the amount of data of the moving image data for displaying a fade-in and a scene with little movement. <P>SOLUTION: A data reproducing means 80c includes a still image reproducing processing means 80cc for performing still image reproducing processing (processing for displaying an image (2)-an image (3)) using a still object image during an interruption interval and a character performance means 80cg for executing a moving image performance using character images (an image (C) and an image (D)). A fade-in switching display means 80d includes a fade-in image creating means 80da for creating two or more fade-in images (an image (a)-an image (d)) from frame data used at a start of reproduction and a fade-in processing means 80db for executing fade-in processing to successively shift from an image (an image (a)) with the most enhanced transmittancy to images (an image (b)-an image (d)) with lower transmittancy. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, in particular, performs a game effect using a fade-in display or a fade-out display, and a still display using a specific frame image in moving image data, and identifies identification information. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes a game effect by using a character image or the like used in the variable display control of the game machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined identification information (hereinafter referred to as a display symbol) is updated and displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the display result is changed. There are provided a number of games in which a so-called variable display game is used to determine whether or not to give a predetermined game value to enhance the interest in the game.
[0003]
Among the variable display games, there is a game played mainly by using the above-described display device as an image display device (hereinafter, a special figure game). The special figure game performs the update display of the display symbol in accordance with the detection of the game ball passing through the predetermined area, and the case where the stop symbol mode when the update display of the display symbol is completely stopped is the specific display mode. This is a "big hit" game. When a "big hit" is reached in the special map game, a special electric accessory called a special winning opening is activated to open the special winning opening door. As a result, a state in which the winning of the game ball becomes extremely easy is continuously provided to the player for a certain period of time.
[0004]
Hereinafter, a special game state is a state in which a big hit in the special map game and the big winning opening door is opened to make it extremely easy for a player to win a game ball. In order to be in the specific game state, usually, the stop symbol mode of the display symbol displayed on the special symbol display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (generally, the display symbols are aligned with the same symbol). Is a condition.
[0005]
As described above, in the special figure game, the player is most interested in whether or not the stop symbol mode is the specific display mode and is a “big hit”. For this reason, until the stop symbol mode that can determine whether or not it is a "big hit" is determined, various effect displays are performed to enhance the interest in the game, such as changing the variation mode of the display symbol. .
[0006]
In such a gaming machine, in general, various characters are displayed on a variable display device according to a gaming state, by changing the character, or by blinking a light emitting body such as a lamp or an LED. Game production is being performed. There is also a game display effect in which a multicolor image such as a photographed image is displayed on a variable display device.
[0007]
Normally, when effect display is performed by displaying a moving image of a multicolor image on a variable display device, the amount of moving image data becomes enormous. Therefore, moving image data used for a game effect is, for example, MPEG2. The data is stored in a storage medium such as a ROM included in the gaming machine in a state where the data is compressed by an encoding technique such as (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2).
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Even if the data is compressed as described above, the data amount of the moving image data used for the game effect is enormous compared to the data amount of the data for performing the game effect other than the effect by the moving image. In consideration of the processing load of the game control means, it is desirable to reduce the amount of data used for the game effect.
[0009]
By the way, when performing an effect based on a moving image, the displayed image gradually fades when shifting from an effect based on a still image to an effect based on a moving image, or when shifting from an effect based on a moving image to an effect based on a still image. The display image may be switched by performing a fade-out display that disappears over time or a fade-in display in which an image gradually appears on the screen and is clearly displayed. For example, in a reach effect, when the background image is switched from a still image to a moving image after the variable display content of the special symbol has developed into the reach display, there is a display device that switches the display content by a fade-out display or a fade-in display.
[0010]
However, moving image data for fade-out display is used to perform fade-out display, and similarly, moving image data for fade-in display is used to perform fade-in display. That is, moving image data for fade-out display and moving image data for fade-in display are prepared in advance, and moving image data for fade-out display and moving image data for fade-in display are provided before and after moving image data for performing a game effect. Fade-out display and fade-in display are realized by connecting data and reproducing the moving image data. Therefore, in order to perform the fade-out display and the fade-in display, an enormous amount of moving image data is required. Therefore, in order to perform the fade-out display and the fade-in display, although the data is compressed, a large amount of moving image data is required, so that the total amount of moving image data increases. As a result, there is a problem that the required capacity of a storage area for storing moving image data increases.
[0011]
It is conceivable to reduce the data amount of moving image data for fade-out display or moving image data for fade-in display by shortening the effect period by the fade-out display and the fade-in display. However, the image suddenly disappears or suddenly appears at the time of the switching display, and the fade-out display and the fade-in display do not have smooth display contents.
[0012]
In addition, in the effect using moving images, not only scenes with many movements in which characters appearing frequently move but also scenes with little change in display content and almost no movements exist. However, when performing an effect using a moving image, even in a scene where there is almost no movement, a process of sequentially switching each image data prepared every time elapses with the elapse of time is performed. That is, a large amount of moving image data for displaying a scene with little motion is prepared in advance, and a scene with little motion is reproduced and displayed using the moving image data. Similarly, when displaying a scene in which the display content does not change at all in appearance, a large amount of moving image data is used.
[0013]
As described above, a huge amount of moving image data is required to display a scene with almost no motion. As described above, when performing an effect using a moving image, a large amount of moving image data is required even in a scene where there is almost no motion, so that the total amount of moving image data increases. As a result, there is a problem that the required capacity of a storage area for storing moving image data increases.
[0014]
Also, when performing an effect by a moving image during the variable display of the identification information, the moving image may be displayed in an area other than the area where the identification information is displayed, or the moving image may be displayed on the back side of the identification information. is there.
[0015]
However, when performing an effect by a moving image while avoiding the region where the identification information is displayed, the identification image is displayed at the center of the screen, so that the moving image is displayed at the edge of the screen, Even if an effect using a moving image is performed, there is a problem that the player's attention is not attracted and the effect of the effect may not be obtained. That is, even if various kinds of information about the game are provided by the effect of the moving image, the player may not notice it. Also, when a moving image is displayed on the back side of the identification information, the player's attention may be attracted to the identification information on the front side, and the effect of the effect using the moving image may not be obtained. There is a similar problem.
[0016]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide moving image data for performing a fade-out display or a fade-in display, and a moving image used for displaying a scene with almost no motion. It is possible to reduce the data amount of image data, further make the effect by the moving image more prominent, and draw the player's attention to the effect by the moving image even if the identification information is displayed, It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of effectively producing an image.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine according to the present invention variably displays a plurality of types of identification information images (for example, an image showing a special symbol in the middle left and right), and the display result of the identification information image is a specific display result ( For example, a gaming machine that is set to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when each symbol confirmed and displayed on the activated line becomes the same symbol). An image display device (for example, a variable display device 6) 6a for displaying an image used for a game effect, and compressed data for storing moving image data including compressed data in which image data of an image including a character is motion-compensated and predictively encoded. A storage unit (for example, CGROM 83) 80a and a data expansion unit (for example, a moving image compression / expansion unit 89) for expanding moving image data stored in the compressed data storage unit 80a. Step S218, Step S222, Step S224) Data for performing moving image reproduction processing by sequentially displaying, on an image display device, images generated based on moving image data expanded by the data expansion unit 80b. A reproduction unit (for example, a portion of the GCL 81 that executes the process shown in FIG. 16) 80c and a fade-in switching display for performing a switching display of a display image on the image display device by performing a fade-in process of causing an image to appear stepwise A character image included in the identification information image is displayed in a means (for example, a portion of the GCL 81 that executes the processing in FIG. 17) 80d and a part of a variable display area (for example, a special symbol display area) in which the identification information image is displayed. Table for setting character display area (for example, moving image display area) A region setting means (for example, a part for executing step S202 in the GCL 81) 80e, and when the data reproducing means 80c has reached a predetermined still target image display timing (for example, a timing determined as Y in step S213). In response to this, a moving image reproduction process interruption unit (for example, GCL81) that interrupts the moving image reproduction process of an operation target image (for example, a moving image in which the character shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B is operating) based on the moving image data In step S214 to step S215), the still image data included in the moving image data (for example, the image indicating the still image to be displayed) when the moving image reproduction process is interrupted at the still image display timing. Based on the data, the operation target image on the image display device is converted into a predetermined still target image ( For example, an image based on the frame data developed in step S224 after Y is determined in step S213 in the GCL 81 (step S256). Alternatively, a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data during the interruption period (for example, the period until the still display time timer times out) during which the moving image reproduction processing is interrupted (80cb). By using the predetermined still target image (for example, realized by not performing the process of step S261), a still image reproducing process using the still target image on the image display device (for example, 23 (C) to FIG. 23 (E) show the process of sequentially switching to the same still target image). 80 cc of the still image reproduction processing means (for example, a portion for executing the display processing of step S256 or step S257 based on the frame data pointed to by the reproduction area designation pointer not updated in step S261 in the GCL 81) and the interruption period has ended. At this time (for example, when Y is determined in step S259), the still target image on the image display device is converted to an operation target image (for example, an image based on image data provided next to the still target image data in the moving image data). . Specifically, for example, the same image as in FIG. ) And the operation target displayed by the operation target image switching unit 80cd (for example, the part that executes the first step S256 or step S257 after restarting the processing of step S261 in the GCL 81). The moving image reproduction processing is restarted from the image (for example, the moving image reproduction processing is restarted using the image data provided after the still target image data, and the image shown in FIG. 23F or FIG. 23G is displayed). A moving image reproducing process restarting means (for example, a portion for executing the moving image reproducing process after the process of step S261 in the GCL 81 is restarted and the process of the first step S256 or step S257 is executed) 80ce; And when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied (for example, When it is determined that the effect is to be performed, when it is time to switch from the identification information image to the character image), the image displayed in the character display area (for example, the moving image shown in FIG. 25A) Switching of the image displayed in the display area to a start image (for example, an image displayed in the moving image display area shown in FIG. 25B) for starting reproduction of a moving image (for example, effect display by a moving image) Character image switching means (for example, switching from the image of the special symbol displayed in the area where the moving image display area is set to the first image used as the moving image) First, after the moving image display area is set in step S202 in the GCL 81, the display processing in step S256 is executed) 80cf Moving image reproduction is started from the start image (for example, the image displayed in the moving image display area shown in FIG. 25B) switched and displayed by the character image switching unit 80cf, and the character image (for example, FIG. 25C) Character production means (for example, in the SCL 202 of the GCL 81) which executes a moving image effect using the image displayed in the moving image display area shown in FIG. An image displayed in the character display area when the moving image production by the character production means 80cg is completed (for example, the part performing the display processing in step S256 while the moving image display area is set) 80cg. An image displayed in the moving image display area shown in FIG. 25D is identified by an identification information image (for example, shown in FIG. 25E). (For example, an image displayed in the moving image display area) is switched to an area in which the moving image display area is set from the last image used as a moving image when the effect display by the moving image is ended. (For example, switching to a special symbol image displayed on the GCL 81) (for example, the process of displaying the special symbol image after the setting of the moving image display area is canceled in step S206 in the GCL 81) A part to be executed) 80ch, and the fade-in switching and displaying means 80d includes a plurality of fade-in images whose transparency is gradually increased from frame data used at the start of reproduction (for example, FIGS. 19 (B) (for example, by repeatedly executing the fade-in process shown in FIG. 17). (For example, the part that executes step S232 in the GCL 81) 80da and each fade-in image generated by the fade-in image generation means 80da are converted into a fade-in image having the highest transparency (for example, N = 99 in FIG. 18). Fade-in image generated by using the mathematical formula. Specifically, the image is sequentially shifted from the image shown in FIG. 19A) to a fade-in image having lower transparency (for example, sequentially shifted to FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C), and finally the frame is changed. An image of the data is displayed (for example, a fade-in image generated by using a mathematical expression with N = 0 in FIG. 18 is displayed. Specifically, for example, an image shown in FIG. 19D is displayed). After the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means (for example, a part of the GCL 81 which executes step S233) 80db and the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means 80db are completed, the data reproduction means 80c displays when the fade-in processing is completed. Moving image reproduction starting means for starting the moving image reproduction process from the image of the frame data (for example, Tsu, characterized in that it comprises a portion) 80Dc to perform the first step S256 or step S257 after the flop S237. For example, a moving image reproducing process after a fade-in display (for example, a display as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D) is performed by the gaming machine configured as described above by the fade-in switching display unit 80d. , An effect display (display as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E) in the moving image display area is executed by the data reproducing unit 80c, or a static display using one frame of image data. (Displays as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D) are executed. Further, the gaming machine configured as described above performs fade-in display and still display in the moving image display area.
[0018]
The fade-in switching display means is configured to cause an image to appear stepwise through a predetermined intermediate image (for example, image data for displaying an image of a single color such as white or blue) in the fade-in process. It may be.
[0019]
Also, the gaming machine of the present invention performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information images (for example, an image showing a special symbol in the middle left and right), and the display result of the identification information image is a specific display result (for example, Is a gaming machine that is set to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when each symbol displayed as a fixed symbol is the same symbol, and is used for a game effect. Image display device (for example, the variable display device 6) for displaying an image to be displayed, and compressed data storage means (for example, CGROM 83) for storing moving image data including compressed data in which image data of an image including a character is subjected to motion compensation prediction encoding. A data expansion unit (for example, a moving image compression / expansion unit 89) for expanding moving image data stored in the compressed data storage unit, and a moving image expanded by the data expansion unit Data reproduction means (for example, GCL81) for performing moving image reproduction processing by sequentially displaying images generated based on data on the image display device, and performing fade-out processing for erasing images step by step on the image display device. Fade-out switching display means (for example, GCL81) for executing switching display of a display image, and a character image included in the identification information image are displayed in a part of a variable display area (for example, a special symbol display area) where the identification information image is displayed. And a character display area setting means (for example, a portion for executing step S202 in the GCL 81) for setting a character display area (for example, a moving image display area) for performing the operation. (Timing determined as Y in step S203) A moving image reproduction process suspending unit (for example, GCL81) for suspending the moving image reproduction process of the operation target image based on the moving image data in response to the moving image reproduction process. A still target image switching unit (for example, GCL81) for switching and displaying an operation target image on an image display device to a predetermined still target image based on still target image data (for example, image data indicating a still display target picture); During a suspension period in which the reproduction process is suspended (for example, a period until a still display time timer times out), by using a predetermined still target image that is a part of an operation target image based on moving image data, A still image reproduction process (for example, a process of sequentially switching to the same still target image) using a still target image is performed on the image display device. The still image reproduction processing means (for example, GCL81) and, when the interruption period ends (for example, when Y is determined in step S223), the still target image on the image display device is converted to an operation target image (for example, moving image data). And an operation target image switching unit (for example, GCL81) for switching and displaying the image data based on the image data provided next to the still target image data. A character image that includes a moving image reproduction process resuming means (for example, GCL81) for resuming, and switches an image displayed in the character display area to a start image for starting moving image reproduction when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. From the start image switched and displayed by the switching means (for example, GCL81) and the character image switching means Character presentation means (for example, GCL81) for starting image reproduction and executing a moving picture production using a character image, and an image displayed in the character display area when the moving picture production by the character production means is completed is identified by identification information. An identification information image switching unit (for example, GCL81) for switching and displaying an image, wherein the fade-out switching display unit is used at the end of the reproduction when ending the moving image reproduction process using the moving image data for executing the game effect. Moving image playback ending means for displaying the image of the frame data to be displayed (for example, step S256 or step S256 when displaying the frame data decoded in step S212 after the fade-out flag is turned on in step S211 in the GCL 81) S257), and the frame A fade-out image generating means (for example, a part that executes step S242 in the GCL 81) that generates a plurality of fade-out images whose transmittance is increased stepwise from the data (for example, by generating the fade-out process shown in FIG. 20 repeatedly). ) And each of the fade-out images generated by the fade-out image generating means has a higher transparency than a frame data image (for example, a fade-out image generated by using a mathematical expression with M = 0 in FIG. 21). A fade-out process is performed by sequentially shifting to a fade-out image, and finally displaying a fade-out image having the highest transparency (for example, displaying a fade-out image generated using a mathematical expression with M = 99 in FIG. 21). Fade-out processing means for executing (for example, For example, a part that executes step S243 in the GCL 81). With the gaming machine configured as described above, for example, in the moving image playback processing, the data playback unit performs still display using one frame of image data (display as shown in FIGS. 23C to 23E). ) Is executed, or after the effect display (display as shown in FIGS. 25A to 25E) in the moving image display area is executed, and when the moving image reproduction process is ended, the fade-out is performed. A fade-out display (for example, a display as shown in FIGS. 22A to 22D) is executed by the switching display unit. Further, with the gaming machine configured as described above, still display and fade-out display are executed in the moving image display area.
[0020]
The fade-out switching display means may be configured to gradually delete the image and display a predetermined intermediate image in the fade-out processing.
[0021]
Based on the fact that the display mode of the variable display area has reached the reach display mode, a predetermined switching condition (for example, when the execution of the effect by the moving image is performed and the execution timing is determined, the determined execution timing becomes the determined execution timing) Specifically, for example, a condition that is set in advance so as to be satisfied when the display state of the moving image display area becomes the display state of FIG. During the period in which the display mode of the variable display area is the reach display mode (which may be a part or all of the period in which the reach mode is set), the character production means You may be comprised so that the animation production using a character image may be performed.
[0022]
The moving image data is composed of key frame data (for example, I picture data) compressed by intra-frame encoding and forward compressed by forward prediction encoding which is encoded by using frame data used earlier during reproduction. Bidirectional predictive coding compressed by bidirectional predictive coding in which predictive coded frame data (for example, P picture data), frame data used first during reproduction, and frame data used later are encoded. The key frame data includes frame data (for example, B picture data), and the key frame data is faster in the moving image data than in a data portion for reproducing a moving image in which a display object appearing in the moving image operates slowly. A configuration often used for a data portion for reproducing an operating moving image may be adopted.
[0023]
The moving image data may be data for reproducing a moving image of a multicolor image including at least one of a photographed image and computer graphics.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine in the present embodiment is a gaming machine that performs a special map game using an image display device (variable display device) such as an LCD, and a card reader (CR: Card Reader) that lends a ball using a prepaid card. The description will be made by taking the first type pachinko gaming machine as an example. However, the gaming machine to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, and may be applied to a gaming machine such as a slot machine equipped with an LCD. In addition, even if it is a ball-and-ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, as long as it has an image display device, for example, a game machine classified into a second type or a third type, a general electric machine, or a pachicon machine It may be a ball game machine with a probability setting function called a so-called ball game machine. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card (a value medium including an IC coin or the like in the future) but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with cash. That is, any form of gaming machine having an image display device such as an LCD and capable of performing an effect display corresponding to a special figure game may be used.
[0025]
First, the overall configuration of the CR type first class pachinko gaming machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame 3 to which the gaming board 2 is detachably attached. A game area 4 is formed on the front of the game board 2. Note that a handle 5 for firing a hit ball is provided on the lower right side on the front side of the gaming machine 1.
[0026]
In the vicinity of the center of the game area 4, a variable display device 6 including a plurality of variable display units each of which variably displays a symbol as identification information is provided. The variable display device 6 is constituted by an LCD, and is provided with a symbol display area (variable display section) on which three special symbols of “left”, “middle”, and “right” are displayed. In the symbol display area, an effective line for specifying whether or not the display result of the variable display is the big hit display mode is set in advance. The combination of each special symbol finally stopped on the activated line determines whether or not it is a jackpot display mode, and when each special symbol is aligned with the same symbol on the activated line, it may be the jackpot display mode. Specified. Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether or not a big hit has occurred by checking the display mode on the active line on the variable display device 6.
[0027]
In addition, the variable display device 6 is provided with four special symbol start storage display areas (hereinafter referred to as start storage display areas) 8 for displaying the number of effective winning balls in the start winning opening 7, that is, the number of start winning memories. . In the start storage display area, a prize display is performed in correspondence with an effective start prize when the number of start prize memories is less than four. Specifically, the display which was normally blue display is changed to red display. In this example, since the symbol display area and the start storage display area 8 are provided separately, it is possible to display the start winning prize storage number even during the variable display. Note that the start storage display area 8 may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the number of start winning combinations may be interrupted during the variable display. Further, in this example, the start storage display area 8 is provided in the variable display device 6, but a display (special symbol start storage display) for displaying the number of winning winning storage is provided separately from the variable display device 6. It may be provided.
[0028]
Below the variable display device 6, a start winning opening 7 also serving as an ordinary electric accessory 9 performing an opening / closing operation, and a large winning opening which is opened by driving a solenoid or the like in a specific game state (big hit state). 10 are arranged side by side up and down, and a gate 13 is arranged on the left side of the starting winning opening 7. The special winning opening 10 is opened or closed by opening and closing the special winning opening door 11. When a game ball wins at the gate 13, variable display in which the display state changes on the ordinary symbol display device 14 is started. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display device 14, there is provided a normal symbol start storage display 15 having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the number of ordinary symbol start winning storage. Further, the gaming board 2 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 16, 17, 18, and 19.
[0029]
Two speakers 20L and 20R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions of the gaming machine frame 3. A top frame lamp 21a, a left frame lamp 21b, and a right frame lamp 21c are provided on the outer periphery of the game area 4. Further, although not shown, decorative LEDs are installed around each structure (such as a special winning opening) in the game area 4. The top frame lamp 21a, the left frame lamp 21b, the right frame lamp 21c, and the decoration LED are examples of a light emitting body provided in the gaming machine.
[0030]
Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a back view of the gaming machine viewed from the back. As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the gaming machine, an effect control board 100 for controlling the variable display device 6 and the like, and a game control board (main board) 30 on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted are installed. In addition, a payout control board 40 on which a payout control microcomputer or the like for performing ball payout control is mounted. Further, a power supply board 150 on which a power supply circuit for supplying a predetermined power supply voltage is mounted and a launch control board 91 are provided. Further, a board external terminal board 50 having terminals for outputting various information from the main board 30 to the outside of the gaming machine, and various information such as the number of winning balls and the number of lent balls are output to the outside of the gaming machine. And a frame external terminal board 51 provided with the above terminals.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration centering on a game control unit. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a power supply section (power supply board) 150, a game control section (main board) 30, an input section 52, an output section 53, and an effect control section (effect control board) 100. , A payout control unit (payout control board) 40, a board external terminal board 50, and a frame external terminal board 51.
[0032]
The game control unit 30 includes a ROM 31 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 32 used as a work memory, a CPU 33 for performing a control operation according to the program, and an I / O port unit 34. Note that the CPU 33 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 31, and hence execution by the CPU 33 (or processing) means that the CPU 33 executes control according to the program. The same applies to the CPU mounted on a board other than the main board 30. Although not shown, the game control unit 30 includes a switch circuit that receives a signal input from the input unit 52, and a solenoid circuit that outputs a drive signal to the output unit 53. The game control unit 30 has a function of generating various random numbers used in the game, a function of outputting control commands to the effect control unit 100 and the payout control unit 40, and a function of outputting various information to the hall management computer. And various other functions.
[0033]
The input unit 52 includes a starting port switch 7a for detecting a winning ball to the starting winning port 7, a gate switch 13a for detecting a winning ball to the gate 13, and a winning ball guided to the back of the game board 2 from the large winning port 10. A specific area switch 22 for detecting a winning ball entering one (V winning area), a count switch 23 for detecting a winning ball from the large winning opening 10, and a winning ball for each of the winning openings 16, 17, 18, and 19. Is configured by various detection means such as winning opening switches 16a, 17a, 18a, 19a. Each of the above switches may be called a sensor. That is, any name can be used as long as it can perform various detections such as detection of a game ball.
[0034]
The output unit 53 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 9 a for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 9, a large winning opening door solenoid 11 a used for opening and closing the opening / closing plate 11, and a large used for switching a path in the large winning opening 10. It is constituted by various driving means such as the winning plate induction plate solenoid 12a.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control unit 100 includes a display control unit 80 that controls the display of the variable display device 6 and the normal symbol display device 14 and the like, and a sound control unit that controls the sound of the speakers 20L and 20R. 70, and a lamp control unit 60 for controlling the luminous body such as the top frame lamp 21a. The effect control unit 100 controls the display of the variable display device 6 for variably displaying special symbols and the normal symbol display device 14 for variably displaying ordinary symbols, based on a control command from the game control unit 30, voice output control, and lamp display. Execute each control.
[0036]
The payout control unit 40 has a function of performing payout control such as lending of game balls and prize balls. The board external terminal board 50 and the frame external terminal board 51 play a role of outputting various game-related information to the outside. Further, the power supply unit 150 is provided to supply a predetermined power supply voltage to each circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1.
[0037]
Here, the state of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present example will be described. A game ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 4 through the hitting ball rail, and then descends from the game area 4. When the hit ball enters the starting winning opening 7 and is detected by the starting opening switch 7a, the special display starts variable display (variation) on the variable display device 6 if the variable display of the symbol can be started. If it is not in a state where the variable display of the symbol can be started, the number of memorized start winnings is increased by one.
[0038]
The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 6 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of the special symbols on the activated line at the time of stop is the big hit display mode, the game shifts to the big hit game state. Specifically, the special winning opening 10 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the V winning area while the special winning opening 10 is being opened and is detected by the specific area switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the special winning opening 10 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).
[0039]
If the combination of special symbols in the variable display device 6 at the time of stoppage is a combination of a big hit symbol (probably variable symbol) with a probability change, the probability of the next big hit is increased. In other words, a more advantageous state (special game state) for the player, that is, a probable change state.
[0040]
In addition, the temporary stop timing, the variation time, and the like of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device 6 are uniquely determined according to a variation pattern designation command described later. That is, the effect control unit 100 performs the interlocking of the change of the special symbol on the variable display device 6, the sound output from the speakers 20L and 20R, and the blinking display of the lamp / LED 21a from the timing of receiving the change pattern command. Control as follows.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the effect control board 100. The effect control board 100 includes a display control unit 80, a sound control unit 70, a lamp control unit 60, an effect control CPU 101 for controlling each of the control units 60, 70, 80, an effect control program and a symbol display. A ROM 102 for storing various effect patterns such as light emission and voice output, and a RAM 103 used as a work memory. Although not shown, the effect control board 100 is provided with a command receiving circuit used for receiving an effect control command.
[0042]
The effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 102 and receives an effect control command from the main board 30. Then, the effect control CPU 101 performs various controls such as display control of the variable display device 6, lighting / extinguishing control of the illuminant, sound output control, and drive control of the movable effect device in accordance with the received effect control command.
[0043]
Specifically, the display control of the variable display device 6 gives a command according to the effect control command to the GCL (Graphics Controller LSI) 81. The GCL 81 reads necessary data from the CGROM 83 or the like. The CGROM 83 stores data indicating frequently used characters. The frequently used character stored in the CGROM 83 is, for example, a person, an animal, or an image composed of characters, graphics, or symbols displayed on the variable display device 6. In addition, the character includes a moving image and a still image by actual shooting. The GCL 81 generates image data to be displayed on the variable display device 6 according to the input data, and outputs an R (red), G (green), B (blue) signal and a synchronization signal to the variable display device 6. The variable display device 6 performs, for example, a screen display by a dot matrix method using a large number of pixels (pixels). In this example, the R, G, and B signals are each represented by 8 bits. Therefore, according to the instruction from the GCL 81, the variable display device 6 can perform multicolor display of about 16.7 million colors with R, G, and B each having 256 gradations. The number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be a number other than 8 bits, and the number of bits of each of the R, G, and B signals may be different from each other.
[0044]
The display control unit 80 includes various storage media such as a CGROM 83 and an SDRAM (VRAM) 84. The SDRAM 84 stores data related to a display image such as a frame buffer, source data of a character, and palette data used for specifying or changing a display color. The display control unit 80 includes a GCL 81 and a normal symbol drive circuit 82 for outputting a signal to the normal symbol display device 14.
[0045]
The GCL 81 stores various types of storage media such as a pallet data buffer 85 used for temporarily storing predetermined pallet data and a CG data buffer 86 used for temporarily storing predetermined CG data. In addition, it includes a drawing control unit, a variable display device control unit 87 and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) 88 for outputting a signal to the variable display device 6, and a moving image compression / expansion unit 89 for performing moving image compression processing and expansion processing. . The drawing control unit includes an attribute analysis unit 81a, a VRAM address generation unit 81b, a clipping unit 81c, and a translucent brightness modulation unit 81d. The attribute analysis unit 81a analyzes parameters used when drawing a character. In this parameter, information for designating an image drawing order, the number of colors, a scaling ratio, a pallet number, coordinates, and the like are set. The moving image compression / decompression unit 89 may be configured to be controlled by the GCL 81 or may be configured to be controlled by the effect control CPU 101.
[0046]
The sound control unit 70 generates a sound or sound effect according to a control command from the game control unit 30, a sound ROM 72 that stores sound data and the like, and amplifies a sound signal to output to the speakers 20 </ b> L and 20 </ b> R. And a digital volume 74 for adjusting the output level of the audio signal output from the low frequency amplifier circuit 73 to a level corresponding to the set volume.
[0047]
The lamp control unit 60 outputs a signal to the game state decoration lamp 24a included in the lamp / LED 24 and a lamp drive circuit 61 for outputting a signal to the game state decoration LED 24b included in the lamp / LED 24. LED drive circuit 62.
[0048]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control means (the CPU 33 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 30. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes a high level, the CPU 33 starts the main processing after step S1. In the main processing, the CPU 33 first performs necessary initial settings.
[0049]
In the initial setting process, the CPU 33 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the internal device registers are initialized (step S4). After initializing a built-in device (built-in peripheral circuit) CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) (step S5), the RAM is set to an accessible state (step S6).
[0050]
The CPU 33 used in this embodiment also has an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). The CTC has two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2,3 and two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.
[0051]
The CPU 33 used in this embodiment has the following three types of maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 33 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter on the stack.
[0052]
Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that has issued the interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) onto the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 33 executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. Upon reset, the CPU 33 automatically enters the interrupt mode 0. Therefore, when it is desired to set the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.
[0053]
Interrupt mode 1: In this mode, when an interrupt is accepted, the operation always jumps to address 0038 (h).
[0054]
Interrupt mode 2: In this mode, an address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 33 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device indicates an interrupt address. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, an interrupt process can be set at an arbitrary (although discrete) even address. Each built-in device has a function of sending an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.
[0055]
Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it is possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to set an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in a program. Further, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare an interrupt process for each interrupt occurrence factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 33 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S2 of the initial setting process.
[0056]
Next, the CPU 33 checks whether or not the clear switch provided on the gaming machine is in an on state (step S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 33 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S12). If the clear switch is not on, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine has stopped. Confirm (step S8). After confirming that such a protection process has not been performed, the CPU 33 executes an initialization process. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop processing.
[0057]
When the backup is confirmed, the CPU 33 performs a game state restoring process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control means to the state at the time of stopping the power supply (step S9). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the program returns to that address.
[0058]
In the initialization process, the CPU 33 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a payout command storage pointer, a winning ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout) A work area setting process of setting an initial value to a flag for selectively performing a process according to a control state such as a stop flag is performed. Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-board (the effect control board 100 and the payout control board 40) to the sub-board is executed (step S11). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 6 and a payout possible state designation command indicating a payable state.
[0059]
Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 33 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 2 ms (step S12). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.
[0060]
When the execution of the initialization process (Steps S10 to S12) is completed, the display random number update process (Step S14) and the initial value random number update process (Step S15) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt is disabled (step S13), and when the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are completed, the interrupt is enabled. (Step S16). The display random number is a random number for determining a symbol to be displayed on the variable display device 6, and the display random number update process is a process of updating a count value of a counter for generating a display random number. . The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value such as a counter (big hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit. In a game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.
[0061]
When the display random number updating process is executed, the interrupt is prohibited. This is because the display random number updating process is also executed in a timer interrupt process described later, and thus conflicts with the process in the timer interrupt process. To avoid. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the process of step S14 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value may be lost. is there. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is disabled during the processing in step S14.
[0062]
When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 33 performs a register save process (step S20), and then executes a game control process of steps S21 to S31 shown in FIG. In the game control process, first, the CPU 33 inputs, via the switch circuit 58, detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 12a, the starting port switch 7a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 16a, and determines their states. (Switch processing: Step S21).
[0063]
Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S23). The CPU 33 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (step S24).
[0064]
In this example, the big hit determination random number used to determine whether or not to generate a big hit, the loss symbol determination random number used to determine the left-middle-right loss symbol of the special symbol, the special symbol when generating the big hit The big hit symbol determining random number used when determining the combination, the changing pattern determining random number used for determining the special pattern changing pattern, the normal symbol hit judgment used to determine whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol Various random numbers such as a random number for use and an initial value determination random number used for determining an initial value of each random number are prepared.
[0065]
In step S23, the CPU 33 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol determination random number, and the normal symbol hit determination random number. That is, these are the random numbers for determination, and the other random numbers are the random numbers for display or the random numbers for initial values.
[0066]
Further, the CPU 33 performs a special symbol process (step S25). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Also, a normal symbol process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 14 in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state.
[0067]
Next, the CPU 33 performs a process of setting an effect control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the effect control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). Further, a process of setting an effect control command relating to a normal symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 32 and transmitting the effect control command is performed (ordinary symbol command control process: step S28).
[0068]
Further, the CPU 33 performs an information output process of outputting data such as big hit information, start information, and probability fluctuation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S29).
[0069]
Further, the CPU 33 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S30). In order to open or close the variable winning ball device 9 or the opening / closing plate 11 or to switch the game ball path in the special winning opening 10, the solenoid circuit provided in the main board 30 uses a solenoid 9a in response to a drive command. , 11a, 12a.
[0070]
Then, the CPU 33 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the winning opening switches 16a, 17a, 18a, 19a (step S32). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 40 in response to a winning detection based on the turning on of any of the winning opening switches 16a, 17a, 18a, 19a. The payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board 40 drives the ball payout device according to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls. Thereafter, the contents of the register are restored (step S32), and the state is set to an interrupt permission state (step S33).
[0071]
According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is executed in the main process. It may be executed.
[0072]
In this embodiment, symbols “1” to “12” are variably displayed (varied) on the variable display device 6 as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, respectively. The symbols “1” to “12” are assigned symbol numbers 0 to 11. A big hit occurs when the final stop symbols (fixed symbols) on the variable display device 6 are completed. When the odd symbols are completed, the state changes to a high probability state (probable change state) in which the probability of the occurrence of a big hit is improved.
[0073]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 33. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process process, the CPU 33 performs the variation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) and the winning confirmation process (step S311), and then performs any one of steps S301 to S309 according to the internal state. Perform processing. The fluctuation shortening timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.
[0074]
Winning confirmation process (step S311): Waits for a hit ball in the starting winning opening 7 and waits for the starting opening switch 7a to be turned on. When the start port switch 7a is turned on, unless the number of stored start winnings is full (in a state where the maximum value of 4 in this embodiment has been reached), the number of stored start winnings is incremented by 1 and the big hit determination Extract each random number such as a random number. Then, they are stored in a random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of stored start winnings. In addition, a process for transmitting a command for specifying the start winning storage memory that specifies the number of start winning storages after the addition is performed.
[0075]
Special symbol normal processing (step S301): Waits for the state where the variable display of the special symbol can be started (when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S301). The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S301 is a case where the symbol is not changed on the variable display device 6 and the big hit game is not being performed. When the state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of the start winning prize stored is confirmed. If the start winning storage number is not 0, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S302.
[0076]
Stop symbol setting process (step S302): Reads out the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storage = 1, reduces the value of the number of start winning storage by 1, and stores the value of each random number storage area. Shift the value. That is, each value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning prizes = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start prize memories = n-1. I do. Then, based on the value (such as the value of the random number for jackpot determination) stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning memorandum = 1, it is determined whether a jackpot, a loss, a reach, and the like are determined. And the stop symbol of the left middle right symbol is determined based on the control state at the start of variable display and the like. Upon completion of the process, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to proceed to step S303.
[0077]
Variation pattern setting process (step S303): The variation pattern of the symbol is determined based on the value of the stop symbol or the variation pattern determination random number determined in the stop symbol setting process. Upon completion of the processing, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S304.
[0078]
All symbol variation processing (step S304): The variable display device 6 is controlled so that all symbols start to vary. At this time, the information (effect control command) for instructing the left middle right final stop symbol and the variation mode (variation pattern) is transmitted to the effect control board 100. Specifically, when starting the variable display, the game control means transmits an effect control command for designating a fluctuation pattern, and subsequently, an effect control command for designating a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol. . Upon completion of the process, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305.
[0079]
All symbol stop processing (step S305): After a predetermined time (time corresponding to the value set in the timer in step S304) elapses, an instruction to stop all the symbols in order to finally stop (fix) the left and right middle symbols. Send a control command. All the symbols displayed on the variable display device 6 are stopped based on the reception of the effect control command. Then, when the stopped symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the game control means updates the internal state (special symbol process flag) so as to shift to step S306. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S301.
[0080]
Preliminary winning opening processing (step S306): Control for opening the winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the special winning opening door solenoid 11a is driven to open the special winning opening. Further, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the process timer, and a big hit flag (a flag indicating that a big hit is being performed) is set. Upon completion of the process, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S307.
[0081]
Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S307): Control for transmitting effect control command data of the special winning opening round display to the effect control board 100, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. When the final closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.
[0082]
Specific area valid time processing (step S308): The presence or absence of passage of the specific area switch 22 is monitored, and processing for confirming the establishment of the big hit game state continuation condition is performed. If the condition of the big hit game state continuation is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S306. Also, if the big hit game state continuation condition is not satisfied within the predetermined effective time, or if all rounds have been completed, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.
[0083]
Big hit end processing (step S309): An effect control command for instructing a display to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is transmitted. When the display period ends, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S301.
[0084]
In this example, information transmission such as an instruction from the game control means to each electric component control means is performed by a control command. The control command has, for example, a 2-byte configuration. The first byte represents MODE (classification of command), and the second byte represents EXT (type of command). The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 100 detects that the INT signal (capture signal) has risen, starts the process of capturing one byte of data (MODE data) by interrupt processing, and thereafter The process of capturing 1-byte data (EXT data) is started by the interrupt process.
[0085]
Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU 101. In the main process, first, an initialization process for clearing a RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 ms timer for determining an activation interval of effect control is performed (step S701). After that, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for checking the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the interrupt processing. In the main processing, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control processing.
[0086]
In this embodiment, a timer interrupt occurs every 2 ms. That is, the effect control process is activated every 2 ms. Further, in this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process. However, the effect control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.
[0087]
In the effect control process, first, effect control CPU 101 analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs an effect control process (step S705). In the effect control process processing, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state. Then, a process of updating various random number counters used in the effect control board 100 is executed (step S706). Further, the effect control CPU 101 issues a drive command to a solenoid circuit (not shown) included in the movable accessory control unit 100 when performing an effect using the game effect devices 25A, 25B, and 25C (step S707). In order to operate the game effect devices 25A, 25B, and 25C, a solenoid circuit (not shown) provided in the movable accessory control unit 100 drives the solenoids 25a, 25b, and 25c according to a drive command. After that, the process returns to step S702 for checking the timer interrupt flag.
[0088]
Here, the reception of the effect control command from the main board 30 will be described. Although not shown, the effect control board 100 includes a command receiving buffer for storing the effect control command received from the main board 30. For example, a ring-buffer-type command reception buffer capable of storing six effect control commands having a 2-byte configuration is used. The effect control means is controlled based on the latest command stored in a storage area such as a fluctuation pattern. Thus, it is possible to quickly respond to an instruction from the main board 30. The effect control CPU 101 is interrupted when the INT signal from the main board 30 is turned on, executes a process for receiving an effect control command, and stores the received effect control command in a command reception buffer.
[0089]
Then, the contents of the command stored in the reception command buffer are confirmed in the command analysis processing (step S704), and processing such as setting of a flag corresponding to the reception command is performed. For example, if the received command in the command receiving buffer is a symbol designating command for designating the left middle right symbol, data that can specify the designated symbol included in the command is stored in the stop symbol storage area, and the corresponding validity is stored. Set a flag. Further, for example, if the received command in the command receiving buffer is a fluctuation pattern command specifying an effect pattern, data that can specify the fluctuation pattern included in the command is stored in the fluctuation pattern storage area, and the fluctuation pattern reception flag is stored. Is set.
[0090]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the effect control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, any one of steps S800 to S806 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag. In each process, the following process is performed.
[0091]
Variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not an effect control command (variation pattern command) capable of specifying a variation time has been received. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag indicating that the variation pattern command has been received (variation pattern reception flag) has been set. The variation pattern reception flag is set when it is confirmed in the command analysis processing that the effect control command for designating the variation pattern has been received. If the fluctuation pattern reception flag is set, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the reach announcement processing.
[0092]
Reach announcement process (step S801): Determines whether or not to perform the reach announcement effect, and determines the contents of the reach announcement effect when it is determined to perform the reach announcement effect. When determined, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the entire symbol change start process.
[0093]
All symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the left middle right symbol is started. Then, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol change processing.
[0094]
Symbol variation processing (step S803): The switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern is controlled, and the end of the variation time is monitored. Also, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. When the processing is completed, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting processing.
[0095]
All symbols stop wait setting process (step S804): At the end of the fluctuation time, if an effect control command instructing to stop all the symbols has been received, the control of stopping the fluctuation of the symbols and displaying a stopped symbol (fixed symbol) is performed. . Then, in the case of the jackpot display mode, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process, and in the case of a loss, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process. I do.
[0096]
Big hit display processing (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of the probability change big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed. When the display period ends, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing.
[0097]
Big hit game processing (step S806): Control during the big hit game. For example, upon receiving an effect control command for display before opening the special winning opening or display when opening the special winning opening, display control of the number of rounds is performed. When the control during the big hit game is finished, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process.
[0098]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is constituted by data in which a plurality of combinations of the process timer set value and the effect control execution table are collected. In each of the effect control execution tables, display control execution data in which each change mode constituting a display control change pattern such as the variable display effect 9 is described, and a display control change pattern such as a lamp / LED are formed. Lamp control execution data describing each variation mode to be performed, and sound control execution data describing each variation mode constituting a variation pattern of the audio output control of the speaker 27 and the like. In the process timer set value, a variation time in the variation mode is set. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process data, variably displays the symbols in the variation mode set in the effect control execution table for the time set in the process timer set value, and turns on / off the light emitter. , And output a sound from the speaker 27.
[0099]
The process data shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 100, and is based on the process data set in the variation pattern table selected as the use table in the all symbol variation start processing (step S802). The control of the variable display device 6, the lamp / LED 24, and the speakers 20L and 20R is started, and the control according to the control execution data is sequentially executed in the symbol change processing (step S803). The process data is prepared according to each of the variation patterns.
[0100]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of moving image data used in a game effect. In this example, the moving image data is stored in the ROM included in the effect control board 100. In this example, the moving image data used in the game effect is stored in the CGROM 83 provided in the effect control board 100 in a state where the data is compressed by an encoding technique called MPEG2.
[0101]
In this example, a plurality of types of moving image effects based on moving image data are prepared in advance. That is, a plurality of types of moving image data are prepared in advance and stored in the CGROM 83. In this example, the CGROM 83 stores the moving image data used at the time of the big hit game effect, the moving image data used at the time of the reach effect, and the like for each effect used. Then, for example, when a moving image effect is executed, moving image data to be used is selected using, for example, a random number or the like, and a moving image effect based on the selected moving image data is executed.
[0102]
As shown in FIG. 12, the moving image data is configured by stream data called a sequence. A sequence starts with a sequence header that contains information related to the entire sequence, such as information indicating the size of an image, and ends with a sequence end. This sequence is composed of, for example, encoded data of the entire video program for realizing one unit of game presentation by a moving image. That is, in this example, a sequence is prepared in advance for each type of game effect by a moving image, and the moving image data for executing the game effect by the moving image is constituted by one sequence. The sequence includes MPEG2 function extension information and at least one GOP (Group Of Picture). The MPEG2 function extension information included in the sequence includes various information such as information indicating that the data is encoded data conforming to MPEG2.
[0103]
Each GOP includes a GOP header and at least one of I, P, and B pictures. Here, an I picture is a picture that has been encoded by intra-frame encoding. The P picture is a picture for which motion compensation prediction in the forward direction is performed using only past frames. A B picture is a picture for which bidirectional motion compensated prediction is performed using both past and future frames.
[0104]
Each picture includes a picture header, MPEG2 extension information, and at least one slice. The picture header includes information for identifying one of an I picture, a P picture, and a B picture, information for specifying a display order of each picture, and the like. The MPEG2 function extension information included in the picture includes, for example, information for setting a frame structure and a field structure. A slice refers to one unit into which a picture is subdivided in order to realize intra-frame coding.
[0105]
Each slice includes slice information and at least one macroblock. The slice information includes coding information used in the slice. For example, information indicating a quantization characteristic corresponds to the encoded information.
[0106]
Each macroblock includes macroblock information and a plurality of blocks. One macro block includes, for example, four luminance signal blocks and two (one each of a Cr signal and a Cb signal) color difference signal blocks. The macroblock information includes information for performing coding control in macroblock units. Each block is composed of DCT (discrete cosine transform) coefficient data (a coefficient group obtained by discrete cosine transform) of one of a luminance signal, a Cr signal, and a Cb signal. Each block ends with an EOB (End Of Block) code.
[0107]
In this example, each sequence uses a large number of I-pictures used as key frames in a portion where a display object such as a character displayed during reproduction moves fast. In addition, each sequence is configured to use many P-pictures and B-pictures in portions where the movement of a display object such as a character displayed during reproduction is small. In particular, in a portion where the display object does not move or a portion where the motion is particularly small, the configuration is such that many B pictures having the least data amount are used.
[0108]
As described above, since the moving image data is constituted by using a lot of key frame data (for example, I picture data) in a portion where the movement of the display object is fast, the effect is produced by the moving image in which the fast moving object is displayed. Even in the case of performing this, it is possible to obtain an image of good image quality with almost no loss of information by decoding, and it is possible to produce a moving image with such a good image. Therefore, it is possible to improve the image quality of the portion where the movement of the display object is fast.
[0109]
In addition, as described above, in the portion where the movement of the display object is slow, a large amount of forward prediction coded frame data (for example, P picture data) or bidirectional prediction coded frame data (for example, B picture data) is used for moving image data. Therefore, the data amount of the moving image data can be reduced without deteriorating the image quality. Such an effect is more remarkable as the portion of the moving image reproduced by the moving image data where the movement of the display object is faster is smaller because the data compression ratio is improved.
[0110]
That is, as described above, the key frame data is frequently used for the portion where the movement of the display object is fast, and the forward prediction coded frame data or the bidirectional prediction coded frame data is frequently used for the portion where the movement of the display object is slow. Since the moving image data is created in this way, the overall image quality can be improved, and the total amount of moving image data can be reduced.
[0111]
Next, a function of the GCL 81 mounted on the effect control board 100 will be described. The GCL 81 has a function of executing various effects based on moving images using moving image data in accordance with instructions from the effect control CPU 101.
[0112]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a moving image display area setting process executed by the GCL 81. The moving image display area setting process is executed, for example, when a game effect based on a moving image based on moving image data is started. In this example, it is assumed that a moving image display area setting process is performed each time a series of moving image effects in a sequence is started. In the moving image display area setting process, first, the GCL 81 checks whether or not the area designation data is set in the moving image data (sequence) used for the effect stored in the CGROM 86 (step S201). The area designation data is included, for example, in the MPEG2 function extension information after the sequence header in each sequence. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether or not the area designation data is set by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of the sequence used for the effect.
[0113]
When the area designation data is set in the moving image data used for the effect, the GCL 81 sets the moving image display area according to the area designation data (Step S202). That is, the area designation data includes information for specifying a moving image display area for displaying a moving image based on the sequence in which the area designation data is set. The moving image display area will be described later in detail.
[0114]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the moving image display area release processing executed by the GCL 81. The processing for releasing the setting of the moving image display area is executed, for example, when ending a game effect based on a moving image based on moving image data. In this example, in the moving image display area release processing, when it is confirmed that a series of moving image effects in the sequence is finished, processing for releasing the set moving image display area is executed. In the moving image display area release processing, the GCL 81 first checks whether or not the sequentially read data in the moving image data (sequence) stored in the CGROM 86 and used in the effect is a sequence end. (Step S205). When confirming that the sequence is the end, the GCL 81 determines that a series of moving image effects by the sequence has been completed, and if a moving image display area has been set, cancels the setting (step S206). . Specifically, for example, the flag indicating that the moving image display area set in step S202 described above is being set is turned off. In this example, in step S202, a flag indicating that the moving image display area is being set and the range of the moving image display area are specified.
[0115]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a decoding process performed by the GCL 81. In the decoding process, first, if all of a fade-in flag, a fade-out flag, and a still display flag to be described later are off (N in step S211), the GCL 81 uses the moving image data ( The picture data indicating the picture is read from the sequence (step S212). The picture data is read out in such an order that it can be reproduced according to the order arranged in the moving picture data. The order of reproduction and the order of decoding do not always match. For example, a B picture is decoded after decoding an I picture or a P picture arranged thereafter.
[0116]
If the read picture data is a still display target picture (Y in step S213), the GCL 81 turns on the still display flag (step S214), and starts the still display time timer (step S215).
[0117]
The still display target picture means a picture that is predetermined as a picture that is to be displayed continuously for a predetermined period. Information indicating whether the picture is a still display target picture is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether or not the read picture is a still display target picture by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture.
[0118]
The still display flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 included in the effect control board 100, and is turned off after the still display flag is turned on in the processing shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. This is a flag used to determine whether or not a series of processes up to the setting is performed.
[0119]
The still display time timer is a timer for measuring a period (for example, a period of 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like) during which the still display processing is performed by the still display target picture. For example, the still display time timer is configured by the effect control CPU 301 including a counter. Specifically, the effect control CPU 301 monitors the count value of a counter that counts up every predetermined period (for example, 2 ms), and performs a predetermined number of times after the start of measurement (for example, 1500 times when measuring 3 seconds). When it is determined that the counting has been performed, it is determined that the measurement time has elapsed, so that the still display time is measured.
[0120]
If the picture data read in step S212 is a picture to be faded-in (Y in step S216), the GCL 81 turns on the fade-in flag (step S217), and controls the moving image compression / decompression unit 89 to read out. The picture data is decoded (step S218), and the decoded picture data is stored in a predetermined fade-in still image storage area for each frame (step S219). When performing decoding, the moving image compression / expansion unit 89 executes a decoding process according to whether the target picture data is I picture data, P picture data, or B picture data. I do.
[0121]
The fade-in target picture means a picture that is predetermined as a picture used for the fade-in process. Information indicating whether or not the picture is a fade-in target picture is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether or not the read picture is a fade-in target picture by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture.
[0122]
The fade-in flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 included in the effect control board 100, and is a flag used to determine whether to execute the fade-in process.
[0123]
The fade-in still image storage area is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 in order to store a fade-in target picture, which is a fade-in target still image, in frame units.
[0124]
If the picture data read in step S212 is a picture to be faded out (Y in step S220), the GCL 81 turns on the fade-out flag (step S221), and controls the moving picture compression / expansion unit 89 to read out the picture data. Is decoded (step S222), and the decoded picture data is stored in a predetermined fade-out target still image storage area in frame units (step S223).
[0125]
The fade-out target picture means a picture that is predetermined as a picture used for the fade-out processing. Information indicating whether or not the picture is a fade-out target picture is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether the read-out picture is a picture to be faded out by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture.
[0126]
The fade-out flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 included in the effect control board 100, and is a flag used for determining whether or not to execute the fade-out process.
[0127]
The fade-out target still image storage area is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 in order to store a fade-out target picture, which is a fade-out target still image, in frame units.
[0128]
If the picture data read in step S212 is neither the still display flag, the picture to be faded in or the picture to be faded out (N in step S220), the GCL 81 controls the moving picture compression / decompression unit 89 to read the picture. The data is decoded (step S224), and the decoded picture data is expanded for each frame in the expansion area of the image memory indicated by the expansion area designation pointer (step S225). Then, the GCL 81 updates the value of the development area designation pointer so that the development area designation pointer points to the next development area to be used (step S226).
[0129]
The image memory is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 in order to expand image data used for reproduction in frame units. The image memory is provided with a plurality of development areas for developing image data in frame units. The development area designation pointer is a pointer provided in, for example, a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 and pointing to a development area where the decoded image data is developed. For example, when the image memory is provided with twelve development areas from the development area 0 to the development area 11, the development area designation pointer takes a value in the range of 0 to 11. Then, in step S226, the value of the expansion area designation pointer is updated to a value that is expanded in the image memory in the order in which the decoded image data is reproduced. Then, in step S225 of the next decoding process, the GCL 81 selects a development area in which the same value as the value of the development area designation pointer is set as an area for developing image data.
[0130]
Specifically, for example, when the pictures are reproduced in the order of an I picture, a B1 picture, a B2 picture, and a P picture, the pictures are decoded in the order of an I picture, a P picture, a B1 picture, and a B2 picture. In this case, after expanding the image data of the I picture in the image memory, add 3 to the value of the expansion area designation pointer, expand the image data of the P picture in the expansion area indicated by the expansion area specification pointer after the addition, and then specify the expansion area. The value of the pointer is subtracted by 2, the image data of the B1 picture is expanded to the expansion area indicated by the expansion area specification pointer after the subtraction, and the value of the expansion area specification pointer is incremented by one. After the image data of the B2 picture is expanded in the area, the value of the expansion area designation pointer may be updated according to the picture to be decoded next. When the value of the development area designation pointer becomes 12, the value is returned to 0.
[0131]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the moving image reproduction process executed by the GCL 81. In the video playback process, if the fade-in flag is on (Y in step S251), the GCL 81 executes a fade-in process described later (step S252). If the fade-out flag is on (Y in step S253), a fade-out process described later is executed (step S254).
[0132]
If neither the fade-in flag nor the fade-out flag is on (N in step S253), the GCL 81 checks whether a moving image display area is set (step S255). Specifically, the status of a flag indicating whether a moving image display area has been set is checked. If the moving image display area is set, the GCL 81 uses the frame data expanded in the expansion area of the image memory pointed to by the playback area designation pointer to set the moving image display area set in the display area of the LCD 6. Is displayed (step S256). In other words, if a moving image display area is set in the above-described step S202 when an effect using a moving image using moving image data is started, a reproduction area designation is set in the set moving image display area. An image based on the frame data developed in the development area of the image memory indicated by the pointer is displayed.
[0133]
If the moving image display area has not been set in step S255, the GCL 81 displays an image on the LCD 6 using the frame data developed in the development area of the image memory indicated by the reproduction area designation pointer (step S257).
[0134]
Next, if the still display flag is in the ON state (Y in step S258), the still display processing is being performed using the still display target picture, so the GCL 81 checks whether the still display time timer has timed out. (Step S259). If the still display time timer has timed out, the GCL 81 turns off the still display flag (step S260), and sets the playback area designation pointer to point to the next development area to be used. The value of the area designation pointer is updated (step S261). If the still display time timer has not timed out, the value of the reproduction area designation pointer is not updated in order to continue the still display processing.
[0135]
The reproduction area designation pointer is, for example, a pointer provided in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 and indicates a development area in which image data to be used next for performing moving image reproduction is developed. For example, if the image memory is provided with twelve development areas from development area 0 to development area 11, the reproduction area designation pointer takes a value in the range of 0 to 11 and reproduces in step S261. The value of the area designation pointer is configured to be incremented by one. When the value of the reproduction area designation pointer becomes 12, the value is returned to 0. Then, in step S256 or step S257, the development area in which the same value as the value of the reproduction area designation pointer is set by the GCL 81 as an area in which image data to be used next for moving image reproduction is stored. Selected.
[0136]
The above-described moving image reproduction process is executed, for example, after the above-described decryption process. However, since the order in which the image data is decoded and the order in which the image data is reproduced are different, the decoding process needs to be executed at least several times before the moving image reproduction process. The decoding process and the moving image reproduction process are called up and repeatedly executed when a game effect using a moving image is performed. By repeatedly executing the decoding process and the moving image reproduction process, a moving image based on the compressed moving image data is displayed on the screen of the LCD 6, and a game effect is executed.
[0137]
Next, the fade-in process by the effect control unit will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the fade-in process executed by the GCL 81. The fade-in process is executed, for example, when switching between an effect based on a still image and an effect based on a moving image. Here, as the fade-in processing, the transparency (transparency) of the still image to be faded in is gradually reduced when the effect of the still image ends and the effect is switched to the effect of the moving image. Processing is performed to make the still image appear gradually and gradually. The fade-in target still image is, for example, an image that is displayed first among the moving images used for the effect. In this case, the picture reproduced first in the sequence is the still image to be faded in.
[0138]
In the fade-in process, the GCL 81 reads the image data of the still image to be fade-in stored in the still image storage area to be fade-in, and also reads the image data predetermined as the intermediate image (step S231). For example, a background image of a single color such as blue or white is used as the intermediate image.
[0139]
Next, the GCL 81 creates a fade-in image by executing the transparency calculation processing (step S232). In the present example, as the transparency calculation processing, a calculation as shown in FIG. 18 is performed. In the transparency calculation processing, for each pixel data (R, G, B data for specifying the display color of each pixel) in the fade-in target still image, each pixel data in the intermediate image at the same display position is converted. The used arithmetic processing is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the transparency calculation process divides the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding intermediate image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image subject to fade-in by 99, and calculates the value And N are added to the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image subject to fade-in. Each pixel data obtained by the transparency calculation processing is used as pixel data of a fade-in image. For example, the pixel data of the intermediate image at a certain display position is (R, G, B = 240, 160, 160), and the pixel data of the still image to be faded in at the same position is (R, G, B = 180, 130, 130) and N = 33, the pixel data of the fade-in image at that position is (R, G, B = 200, 140, 140). If the operation result does not become an integer, it may be converted to an integer by performing processing such as truncation below the decimal point.
[0140]
Note that “N” shown in FIG. 18 is a value for specifying the transparency of the fade-in image, and in this example, an integer from 0 to 99 is taken so that the transparency can be changed in 100 steps. I have to. In this example, when “N” is “0”, the fade-in image is the same as the fade-in target still image (that is, the transparency is 0%), and when “N” is “99”, the fade-in image is faded. The in-image is the same as the intermediate image (that is, the transparency is 100%). More specifically, in this example, when “N” in the numerical formula shown in FIG. 18 used for the transparency calculation processing is sequentially subtracted from “99” to “0”, the fade-in image obtained by the calculation result is , The intermediate image gradually approaches the fade-in target still image. In this example, the transparency is set to 100 levels, but may be set to other levels. In that case, the possible value of “N” is changed (if it is 200 stages, it is sufficient to take a value from 0 to 199), and “99” of the denominator shown in FIG. If it is a stage, it may be changed to "199").
[0141]
The formula used in the transparency calculation processing shown in FIG. 18 is a formula used when the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image to be faded in is smaller than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image. When the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image is larger than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image, “+” in the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 18 is changed to “−”, and the numerator of the fractional part is displayed. It is only necessary to use a mathematical expression in which the terms are replaced. That is, the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding fade-in target still image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image is divided by 99, and the resulting value is multiplied by N to obtain the pixel data of the fade-in target still image. May be subtracted from the value indicated by.
[0142]
In this example, the transparency calculation processing in the fade-in processing is performed by using the mathematical formulas and the like shown in FIG. 18, but other calculation processing may be performed. Using the mathematical formula shown in FIG. 18, as the value of N decreases, a fade-in image that linearly approaches the fade-in target still image from the intermediate image can be obtained. Alternatively, a mathematical expression that can obtain a fade-in image that curves and approaches the fade-in target still image from the intermediate image may be used.
[0143]
When the fade-in image is created by the transparency calculation process, the GCL 81 executes a process of displaying the created fade-in image on the LCD 6 (step S233). Note that, in this example, when displaying the fade-in image in step S233, the GCL 81 performs the same determination processing as in step S255 described above, and determines that the moving image display area is set, A fade-in image is displayed in the set moving image display area in the same manner as in step S256 described above.
[0144]
Then, the GCL 81 checks the value of N in the equation shown in FIG. 18 (step S234). If the value of N is not 0, the transparency of the still image to be faded-in is determined by the fade-in process executed at the next timing. In order to further decrease the value, the value of N is updated to a value obtained by subtracting 1 (step S235). On the other hand, if the value of N is 0, the still image to be faded-in is clearly displayed in a complete state that is not completely transparent, and the still image to be faded in gradually appears. Since the series of fade-in processing to be performed has been completed, the value of N is updated to the initial value “99” in order to execute the next series of fade-in processing (step S236). . Further, since a series of fade-in processing is completed, the fade-in flag is turned off (step S237).
[0145]
The above-described fade-in process is called, for example, during the process of changing the symbol in the effect control process process. The call is made first at a predetermined timing when the fade-in process is started, and thereafter, the call is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times including the first time) every predetermined period (for example, every 10 ms). Since the transparency calculation processing using the value of N that is subtracted is performed each time the call is repeatedly made, the transparency of the still image to be faded in gradually decreases by repeatedly performing the fade-in processing. Fade-in display is performed. For example, when an effect based on a moving image is started during the variable display effect, display is performed by the fade-in process such that the first image in the moving image that is a fade-in target still image gradually appears. . Then, finally, the still image to be faded in is displayed in a complete state in which the transparency is not reduced. Thereafter, reproduction of a moving image with the fade-in target still image as the first image is executed. Note that a series of fade-in processes repeatedly executed may be referred to as “fade-in process”.
[0146]
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the LCD 6 when the fade-in process is being performed. Here, a case where a fade-in process is executed in a game effect in the big hit game state will be described as an example. In this example, an image of a person, which is the first image in a moving image used for producing a moving image, is used as a fade-in still image, and a white single-color image is used as an intermediate image.
[0147]
In the case of performing the effect using the fade-in image, after the display effect using the still image ends, the intermediate image is displayed on the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. 19A, and the fade-in process is started. When the fade-in process is started, a fade-in target still image appears from the intermediate image as shown in FIG. 19 (B), and gradually becomes clear as shown in FIG. 19 (C). The image is displayed. Finally, as shown in FIG. 19D, the image of the person is displayed as a fade-in image in a completely opaque state that is not completely transparent. Note that the fade-in image shown in FIG. 19A is an image obtained by performing the above-described transparency calculation processing at N = 99, and FIG. FIG. 19C is an image obtained by executing the transparency calculation processing at, for example, N = 33, and FIG. 19D is an image obtained by performing the transparency calculation processing. This is an image obtained by performing the arithmetic processing with, for example, N = 0.
[0148]
When the image of the person is displayed in the opaque state shown in FIG. 19D and the fade-in process ends, in this example, the effect of the moving image using the finally displayed fade-in image as the initial image Is started. That is, for example, a moving image in which a person displayed in an opaque state starts moving and performs various operations is displayed on the LCD 6.
[0149]
As described above, the fade-in display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data, so that the fade-in display is performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data. be able to. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage area for moving image data can be reduced. Further, since the data amount of the moving image data does not increase, it is not necessary to shorten the execution period of the fade-in display, and it is possible to perform the fade-in display in which the effect period is sufficiently secured. . Therefore, the fade-in display can be performed smoothly.
[0150]
In addition, as described above, in the fade-in process, the image is configured to appear stepwise via a predetermined intermediate image, so that it is easy to visually recognize the appearance of the image gradually. Fade-in display that can be performed can be performed.
[0151]
Next, the fade-out processing by the effect control means will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fade-out process performed by the GCL 81. The fade-out process is executed, for example, when switching between an effect based on a still image and an effect based on a moving image. Here, as the fade-out processing, when the effect by the moving image ends and the effect is switched to the effect by the still image, the transparency of the still image to be faded out is gradually increased so that the still image to be faded out gradually disappears. A process is performed to make it go. The fade-out target still image is, for example, an image displayed last among the moving images used for the effect. In this case, the picture reproduced last in the sequence is the still image to be faded out.
[0152]
In the fade-out process, the GCL 81 reads out the image data of the still image to be faded out stored in the still image storage area to be faded out, and also reads out the image data predetermined as the intermediate image (step S241). For example, a background image of a single color such as blue or white is used as the intermediate image.
[0153]
Next, the GCL 81 creates a fade-out image by executing the transparency calculation processing (step S242). In the present example, a calculation as shown in FIG. 21 is performed as the transparency calculation process. In the transparency calculation processing, for each pixel data (R, G, B data for specifying the display color of each pixel) in the fade-out target still image, each pixel data in the intermediate image having the same display position is used. Is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the transparency calculation processing divides the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding intermediate image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image image to be faded out by 99, and divides the difference by 99. The value indicated by the pixel data of the still image to be faded out is added to the value multiplied by M. Each pixel data obtained by the transparency calculation processing is used as pixel data of a fade-out image. For example, pixel data of an intermediate image at a certain display position is (R, G, B = 240, 160, 160), and pixel data of a still image to be faded out at the same position is (R, G, B = 180, 130, 130). ), And when M = 66, the pixel data of the fade-out image at that position is (R, G, B = 220, 150, 150). If the operation result does not become an integer, it may be converted to an integer by performing processing such as truncation below the decimal point.
[0154]
Note that “M” shown in FIG. 21 is a value for specifying the transparency of the fade-out image, and in this example, an integer from 0 to 99 is set so that the transparency can be changed in 100 steps. ing. In this example, when “M” is “0”, the fade-out image is the same as the fade-out target still image (that is, the transparency is 0%), and when “M” is “99”, the fade-out image is It is the same as the intermediate image (that is, the transparency is 100%). More specifically, in this example, when “M” of the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 21 used for the transparency calculation processing is sequentially added from “0” to “99”, the fade-out image obtained by the calculation result is The fade-out target still image gradually approaches the intermediate image. In this example, the transparency is set to 100 levels, but may be set to other levels. In this case, the possible value of “M” is changed (if it is 200, it is sufficient to take 0 to 199), and “99” of the denominator shown in FIG. If it is a stage, it may be changed to "199").
[0155]
The formula used in the transparency calculation processing shown in FIG. 21 is used when the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image to be faded out is smaller than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image. 21 is larger than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image, the “+” in the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 21 is changed to “−”, and each of the numerators in the fractional part is expressed. What is necessary is just to use the formula which replaced the term. That is, the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding fade-out target still image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image is divided by 99, and the value obtained by multiplying the value by M is indicated by the pixel data of the fade-out target still image. What is necessary is just to subtract from a value.
[0156]
In this example, the transparency calculation processing in the fade-out processing is performed by using the mathematical formulas and the like shown in FIG. 21, but other calculation processing may be performed. Using the mathematical formula shown in FIG. 21, as the value of M is increased, a fade-out image that linearly approaches the intermediate image can be obtained from the fade-out target still image. It is also possible to use a mathematical formula that can obtain a fade-out image that approaches the intermediate image in a curved manner from the target still image.
[0157]
When the fade-out image is created by the transparency calculation process, the GCL 81 executes a process of displaying the created fade-out image on the LCD 6 (step S243). In this example, when displaying the fade-out image in step S243, the GCL 81 executes the same determination processing as in step S255 described above, and when determining that the moving image display area is set, In the same manner as in step S256, the fade-out image is displayed in the set moving image display area.
[0158]
Then, the GCL 81 checks the value of M in the formula shown in FIG. 21 (step S244). If the value of M is not 99, the transparency of the still image to be faded out is further increased by the fade-out process executed at the next timing. Therefore, the value of M is updated to a value obtained by adding 1 (step S245). On the other hand, if the value of M is 99, the image is completely transparent and the image of the fade-out target still image has disappeared, and a series of fade-out processing in which the fade-out target still image gradually disappears is performed. Is completed, the value of M is updated to the initial value “0” for the next series of fade-out processing (step S246). Further, since a series of fade-out processing is completed, the fade-out flag is turned off (step S247).
[0159]
The above-described fade-out process is called, for example, during the process of changing symbols in the effect control process process. The call is made first at a predetermined timing at which the fade-out process is started, and thereafter, the call is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times including the first time) every predetermined period (for example, every 10 ms). The fade-out display in which the transparency of the still image to be faded out is gradually increased by repeatedly performing the fade-out processing because the transparency calculation processing using the value of M added each time the call is repeatedly performed is performed. Will be done. For example, an effect by a moving image is performed during the variable display effect, and when the effect by the moving image ends, the last image in the moving image that is a fade-out target still image gradually disappears by the fade-out processing. Is displayed. Finally, the still image to be faded out is completely transparent, and the intermediate image is displayed. Then, the game effect by the moving image ends, for example, the effect by the still image is started. A series of fade-out processes that are repeatedly executed may be referred to as “fade-out process”.
[0160]
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the LCD 6 when the fade-out process is being performed. Here, a case will be described as an example where a fade-out process is executed in a game effect in the big hit game state. In this example, an image of a person, which is the last image in a moving image used for producing a moving image, is used as a still image to be faded out, and a white single-color image is used as an intermediate image.
[0161]
In the case of performing an effect using a fade-out image, the fade-out process starts when the last image of the reproduced moving image is displayed, as shown in FIG. When the fade-out process starts, the still image to be faded out gradually becomes blurred as shown in FIG. 22 (B), and becomes a display state in which it becomes gradually difficult to visually recognize as shown in FIG. 22 (C). A fading out image is displayed. Finally, as shown in FIG. 22D, an image in which the image of the person has been completely transparentized and the image of the person has disappeared is displayed as the fade-out image, and the same image as the intermediate image is displayed. . Note that the fade-out image shown in FIG. 22A is an image obtained by executing the above-described transparency calculation processing at M = 0, and FIG. 22 (C) is an image obtained by performing the transparency calculation processing at, for example, M = 66, and FIG. 22 (D) is an image obtained by performing the transparency calculation. This is an image obtained by executing the processing at, for example, M = 99.
[0162]
When the same fade-out image as the intermediate image shown in FIG. 22 (D) is displayed and the fade-out processing is completed, a subsequent effect such as an effect using a still image is started. The effect may be ended by the end of the fade-out processing.
[0163]
As described above, the configuration in which the fade-out display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data allows the fade-out display to be performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data. it can. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage area for moving image data can be reduced. Further, since the data amount of the moving image data does not increase, it is not necessary to shorten the execution period of the fade-out display, and it is possible to perform the fade-out display in which the effect period is sufficiently secured. Therefore, the fade-out display can be performed smoothly.
[0164]
Further, as described above, in the fade-out processing, the image is gradually erased and a predetermined intermediate image is displayed, so that it is easy to visually recognize a state in which the image gradually disappears. A fade-out display can be performed.
[0165]
In the gaming machine of this example, the above-described decoding processing and moving image reproduction processing are executed, so that the still display processing is executed using the still display target picture. That is, by repeatedly executing image display based on predetermined one frame of image data included in the moving image data, the same image is continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time. Is realized using the image data included in.
[0166]
The still display target picture is, for example, an image indicating a scene in which a change in the display image does not change for a predetermined period in a moving image used for the effect. When the still display target image by the still display target picture is displayed for a predetermined period, the moving image display is executed by each picture provided after the still display target picture.
[0167]
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the LCD 6 when still display processing is performed using a still display target picture. Here, a case will be described as an example where a still display processing of a still display target image is performed by a still display target picture in a game effect in the big hit gaming state. In this example, an image of a person constituting a scene in which there is no change in a display image in a moving image effect for a predetermined period is used as the still display target image.
[0168]
In the case of performing an effect using a still display target image, for example, as shown in FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B, a moving image in which a person is moving is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. The image in which the person who was operating is stopped is displayed. Note that the image shown in FIG. 23C is a still display target image.
[0169]
Once the still display target image is displayed on the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. 23 (C), the still display target image is displayed until the still display time timer times out as shown in FIGS. 23 (D) and 23 (E). Is displayed repeatedly and continuously. Then, when a predetermined time period elapses and the still display time timer times out, as shown in FIG. 23 (F) and FIG. 23 (G), the person who is stationary starts moving and performs various operations. A moving image is displayed on the LCD 6, and a moving image effect is executed on the LCD 6.
[0170]
As described above, the configuration is such that the still image is displayed for a predetermined period by using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data, so that the display screen does not change during the moving image effect. When there is a scene, it is possible to eliminate the need to prepare moving image data for displaying such a scene, so that it is possible to reduce moving image data for performing a still display, The data amount of the entire data can be reduced. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage area for moving image data can be reduced.
[0171]
Next, the moving image display area will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the moving image display area set in step S202. As shown in FIG. 24, in this example, the moving image display area is provided in a special symbol display area of the display area of the LCD 6. Note that the special symbol display area means a display area in which a special symbol variable display effect is executed. In this example, the effect display by the moving image is executed in the moving image display area in the special symbol display area in which the variable display effect of the special symbol is executed. Therefore, for example, a display character or the like of a moving image is displayed on the front side of the special symbol that is variably displayed or stopped.
[0172]
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of a moving image display area when a moving image effect is being performed. Here, an example will be described in which an effect display using a moving image is performed in a reach effect after the reach display is performed in the special symbol display area. Whether or not to perform the effect display using the moving image is determined, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 receives the variation pattern command in the effect control process processing, according to the content of the received variation pattern command. This determination may be made using, for example, a random number or a table in which a determination value for determining a moving image effect to be compared with the extracted random number is set. Also, in this case, for example, when the variation pattern command indicates that a big hit or a reach is to be performed, it is determined that the effect display with a moving image is performed with a high probability. Alternatively, a plurality of tables in which determination values for determining a motion picture effect may be prepared. Further, when it is determined to perform the effect display using the moving image, the effect control CPU 101 determines the effect mode by, for example, selecting a sequence to be used, and determines the execution start timing of the moving image effect. I do.
[0173]
In this example, in the variable display effect of the special symbol, the left and right symbols are aligned at, for example, “7” and reach, and the middle symbol that is variably displayed thereafter is changed at a low speed, and “6” is displayed at the stop position of the middle symbol. It is assumed that a reach effect by a moving image is started when is approaching. Also, in this example, it is assumed that the jackpot display is performed after the reach effect with the moving image is completed.
[0174]
First, when a reach effect by a moving image is started, a moving image display area is set by the GCL 81 based on the area designation data in the moving image data determined to be used for the reach effect (see step S202). ). For example, based on the area designation data, as shown in FIG. 24 described above, a moving image display area is set in the variable display area of the medium symbol.
[0175]
In this example, in the special symbol display area, the left and right symbols are temporarily stopped at "7" and reach display is performed, and the middle symbol, which is the final stopped symbol, is changed at a low speed, and is displayed in the moving image display region in the special symbol display region. When the middle symbol “6” is displayed (FIG. 25A), a moving image effect based on the moving image data is started. When the moving image effect is started, the GCL 81 switches the image of the special symbol displayed in the moving image display area in the special symbol display region (FIG. 25A) to the first image in the moving image effect. . In this example, as the first image in the moving image effect, for example, a character image imitating “6” as shown in FIG. 25B is used. That is, in the moving image display area, the image showing the medium symbol “6” that has been changed at a low speed during the reach display as shown in FIG. 25A becomes “6” as shown in FIG. 25B. Can be switched to an image showing a character imitating.
[0176]
Next, the GCL 81 executes a moving image effect based on the moving image data from the first image in the moving image effect. For example, a character imitating “7” as shown in FIG. 25C appears, and a video in which the character imitating “6” is expelled from the moving image display area is played back as a moving image. Then, the character imitating “6” completely disappears from the moving image display area, and the character imitating “7”, which has expelled the character imitating “6”, is placed at the center position of the moving image display area (for example, a special symbol). The moving image is reproduced as moving to the symbol stop position in the display area. In the moving image effect, finally, as shown in FIG. 25 (D), an image in which a character imitating “7” faces the front at the center position of the moving image display area is displayed.
[0177]
The final image (for example, the image shown in FIG. 25D) of the moving image based on the moving image data is displayed, and when the reach effect by the moving image ends, the GCL 81 causes the moving image display area in the special symbol display area to be displayed. The last image in the displayed moving image effect (for example, the image shown in FIG. 25D) is switched to an image showing a predetermined special symbol. In this example, for example, an image showing a middle symbol “7” as shown in FIG. 25E is used as an image showing a special symbol switched from the last image in the moving image effect. That is, in the moving image display area, the image of the character simulating “7” as shown in FIG. 25D changes the “7” as the middle symbol in the temporarily stopped state as shown in FIG. The image is switched to the image shown. Then, in this example, the left middle right symbol is fixedly displayed at "7", and the big hit is displayed. Then, the game shifts to a jackpot game.
[0178]
As described above, a moving image display area for displaying a moving image is set in a part of the special symbol display area where a special symbol is displayed, and a moving image of a moving image in which a character or the like appears in the moving image display area. Since the reproduction is performed, the effect of the moving image can be made to stand out, and even if a special symbol is displayed, the player's attention can be directed to the effect of the moving image. . As described above, since the attention of the player can be attracted to the moving image, the effect by the moving image can be made effective, and various notifications such as the reach effect can be performed using the effect by the moving image. Can be.
[0179]
In addition, as described above, when the symbol finally stopped after the display mode of the special symbol display area is the reach display mode is in the low-speed fluctuation state, the display of the moving image display area in the special symbol display area is performed. Switching to the effect display by the moving image, and during the period in which the display mode of the special symbol display area is the reach mode, the moving image effect using the character image in the moving image display area is executed as the reach effect. Therefore, even if the special symbol is displayed, the reach effect by the moving image can be made to stand out. Therefore, the reach effect by the moving image can be made effective.
[0180]
In the above-described embodiment, when the special symbol to be displayed last becomes the reach display mode and the last symbol to be stopped is in the low-speed fluctuation state, the effect by the moving image is started. If the display mode of the special symbol has changed to the reach display mode, a moving image effect using a moving image may be started at any timing. In other words, as long as the display mode of the special symbol is the reach display mode, the switching condition to the effect by the moving image may be established at any timing.
[0181]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the moving image display area is configured to be set to the display area of the middle symbol in the special symbol display area. However, if the area is within the special symbol display area, for example, the special symbol display area May be set to any area, such as the display area for the middle symbol and the right symbol in. Further, the moving image display area set by the moving image data may be different. In this case, the area designation data set in the moving image data may be made different.
[0182]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the effect display by the moving image in the moving image display area is performed when the display state of the special symbol is the reach state. It may be executed when the display state is another state in the symbol change processing. For example, a moving image effect based on moving image data may be performed as a notification effect for notifying a reach or a big hit in advance. In addition, as an effect when a process other than the symbol change process is being performed, a moving image effect based on moving image data may be performed. For example, a moving image effect based on moving image data may be performed as a big hit effect performed during a big hit round or during a big hit round in the big hit gaming state. In this case, it is not limited to during the execution of the variable display game, but it is preferable that a moving image effect based on moving image data is executed in the moving image display area when a special symbol is displayed in the effect.
[0183]
Further, as described above, the fade-in display and the fade-out display may be performed in the moving image display area. In this case, for example, after the image shown in FIG. 25A is replaced with an intermediate image, a fade-in display in which the image shown in FIG. . Further, for example, after an intermediate image is displayed by performing fade-out display in which the image shown in FIG. 25D gradually disappears, the intermediate image is replaced with the image shown in FIG. Is displayed. With the above configuration, it is possible to perform various effects such as displaying a fade-in display or a fade-out display in the moving image display area without increasing the data amount of the moving image data. .
[0184]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, still display based on one picture may be performed in the moving image display area. In this case, for example, a picture indicating the image illustrated in FIG. 25B may be set as a still target picture, and a still display in which the image illustrated in FIG. 25B is stopped for a predetermined period may be performed. With the above configuration, it is possible to perform various effects such as performing still display using one picture in the moving image display area without increasing the amount of moving image data. Become.
[0185]
Further, as described above, the fade-in display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data so that the fade-in display is performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data, In addition, since the moving image data for performing the still display is reduced in a configuration for performing the still display in which the display image is stopped for a predetermined period using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data, The data amount of the entire image data can be significantly reduced.
[0186]
Further, as described above, the fade-out display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data so as to perform the fade-out display without increasing the data amount of the moving image data, and Since the configuration for performing still display in which a display image is stopped for a predetermined period using image data for one frame included in moving image data is used to reduce moving image data for performing still display, moving image data is used. The entire data amount can be significantly reduced.
[0187]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fade-in display is performed when switching from the effect based on the still image to the effect based on the moving image is performed. A configuration in which fade-in display in which an image gradually appears may be performed.
[0188]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fade-out display is performed when switching from the effect based on the moving image to the effect based on the still image is performed. A configuration in which a fade-out display that gradually disappears may be performed.
[0189]
Further, although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiment, an effect of performing fade-in display or fade-out display in the moving image display area and an effect of performing still display based on one picture in the moving image display area are described. Alternatively, it may be performed based on moving image data for executing a series of moving image effects. In this case, for example, a fade-in display is executed in the moving image display area, a still display is executed in a subsequent moving image effect, and a fade-out display is executed at the end of the moving image effect. Specifically, for example, in the moving image display area, the image shown in FIG. 25B appears by fade-in display, and a moving image effect using the image shown in FIG. 25C is performed. A still image display using one picture is performed on the way, and a series of effect displays are performed such that the image shown in FIG. 25D fades out and disappears at the end of the moving image effect. According to the above configuration, it is possible to increase the variation of the effect without increasing the data amount of the moving image data, and to execute a conspicuous effect.
[0190]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, an effect based on a moving image is executed during the process of changing the symbol and the fade-in process or the fade-out process is executed. In various effects such as a jackpot effect in the jackpot game state during a jackpot round or a jackpot round in the jackpot game state, the above-described fade-in display and fade-out display by the fade-in process and the fade-out process are used. The effect may be performed.
[0191]
For example, a fade-in display is executed at the time of developing to a reach with a high jackpot reliability called a super-reach, an effect by a moving image is executed after the fade-in display, and a fade-out display is performed at the end of the effect by the moving image. You may. Further, for example, a fade-in display may be performed when a demonstration image is displayed, a demonstration effect using a moving image may be performed after the fade-in display, and a fade-out display may be performed at the end of the effect using the moving image.
[0192]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, an effect based on a moving image is executed during the process of changing a symbol and the still display process is executed. However, for example, it is notified in advance that a reach or a big hit will occur. In a variety of effects such as a notice effect for performing, a jackpot effect performed during a jackpot round in the jackpot game state or between jackpot rounds, a demonstration effect, etc., an effect using the still display by the above-described still display process is performed. Is also good.
[0193]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when there is a scene where the display screen does not change during the moving image effect, the still display by the still display target image is performed. For example, when there is almost no change in the display screen during the moving image effect, the still display by the still display target image may be executed.
[0194]
Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the moving image data is data for reproducing a moving image by animation, even if the moving image data is data for reproducing a moving image captured by a moving image photographing apparatus. Or data for reproducing a moving image of a CG image using computer graphics (CG) drawn by an information processing device such as a personal computer. In the case of using the moving image data based on the real image, the movement of a person or an animal can be realistically expressed. Further, in the case of using a moving image data based on a CG image, since an image can be freely created by computer graphics, it is possible to easily create an image which is difficult to obtain by actual shooting. This makes it possible to easily create moving image data including necessary moving images. Note that moving image data may be created by combining a real image and a CG image.
[0195]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game effect by the moving image is described as being performed by the variable display device 9 on which the variable display of the special symbol is performed. However, the display device on which the variable display of the special symbol is performed is performed. A game effect using a moving image may be executed on an image display device separate from the above.
[0196]
In the above-described embodiment, as an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko machine provided with a variable display device 6 having both a function as a variable display device for variably displaying identification information and a function as an image display device for displaying effect images. Although the description has been given using the gaming machine, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine, and the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine provided with a variable display device and an image display device separately. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is an example of another gaming machine will be described.
[0197]
FIG. 26 is a front view of a slot machine (slot machine) 500 as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 26, in the slot machine 500, a game panel 501 is detachably attached near the center. In the vicinity of the center of the front surface of the game panel 501, a variable display device 502 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display device 502 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”, and the symbol display reels 502a, 502b, and 502c correspond to the respective symbol display areas. Is provided.
[0198]
At the lower part of the game panel 501, an operation table 520 provided with various input switches for a player to perform various operations is provided. Behind the operation table 520, a BET switch 521 for betting (putting) coins one by one, and a MAXBET switch 522 for betting coins by the maximum number (three in this example) that can be put in a game. , A settlement switch 523, and a coin slot 524. The coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 524 is detected by a not-shown inserted coin sensor.
[0199]
On the near side of the operation table 520, a start switch 525, a left reel stop switch 526a, a middle reel stop switch 526b, a right reel stop switch 526c, and a coin jam clearing switch 527 are provided. Lamps 528a and 528b are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 520, respectively. A speaker 530 that outputs sound effects and the like is provided below the operation table 520.
[0200]
An image display device (LCD: liquid crystal display device) 540 that notifies a player of a game method, a game state, and the like is provided above the game panel 501. For example, when a winning occurs, an image in which the character performs a predetermined action is displayed on the image display device 540, thereby notifying the player that a winning flag described later is set. In this example, a moving image based on the moving image data is reproduced and displayed on the image display device 540. That is, in the slot machine 500, the decoding process and the moving image playback process are executed in the same manner as the pachinko gaming machine described above, and the game effect by the fade-in process and the fade-out process is executed, and the display area of the image display device 540 is displayed. Various displays using moving images including a fade-in display and a fade-out display are performed. Also, in the slot machine 500, the decoding process and the moving image playback process are executed in the same manner as the pachinko gaming machine described above, so that the game effect is executed in the still display process using the still display target picture, and the image display is performed. Various displays using moving image data, such as a still display using a still display target picture, are performed in the display area of the device 540. Further, in the slot machine 500, a moving image display area setting process, a decoding process, and a moving image reproduction process are executed in the same manner as in the above-described pachinko gaming machine, and a game effect using a moving image is performed in the set moving image display region. Is performed, and various effects by moving images such as an effect similar to a reach effect in variable display of decorative symbols are performed in the moving image display area set in the image display device 540. Note that two speakers 541L and 541R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right sides of the image display device 540.
[0201]
The winning combinations generated in the slot machine 500 include a small winning combination, a replay winning, a big bonus winning, and a regular bonus winning. In the slot machine 500, a random number is extracted at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, and it is determined whether or not the occurrence of a winning by any of the above winning combinations is permitted. The fact that a winning is allowed is called "internal winning". When an internal win is made, a win flag indicating that fact is set inside the slot machine 500. In the game with the winning flag set, the reels 502a to 502c are controlled so that a winning combination corresponding to the winning flag can be drawn. On the other hand, in the game in which the winning flag is not set, the reels 502a to 502c are controlled so that no winning occurs.
[0202]
Next, an outline of the game provided by the slot machine will be described.
For example, when a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 524 and the BET switch 521 or the MAXBET switch 522 is pressed and the number of bets is set, the operation of the start switch 525 becomes effective. When the player operates the start switch 525, each of the symbol display reels 502a to 502c provided on the variable display device 502 starts rotating. When a regular bonus or a big bonus is internally won at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, for example, a screen in which a predetermined character performs a predetermined operation is displayed on the image display device 540. Then, the player or the like is notified that the internal prize has been won.
[0203]
When a predetermined time elapses after the symbol display reels 502a to 502c start rotating, the operations of the reel stop switches 526a to 526c become valid. In this state, if the player presses any of the reel stop switches 526a to 526c, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped. If the symbol display reels 502a to 502c are left for a predetermined period of time without stopping, the symbol display reels 502a to 502c automatically stop.
[0204]
When all the symbol display reels 502a to 502c are stopped, the symbol display reels 502a to 502c displayed on the variable display device 502 are determined according to the number of symbols in the upper, middle, and lower symbols of the three stages. Whether or not a prize has been won is determined by a combination of symbols located on an effective prize line. When the number of multiplications is 1, only one horizontal line of pay lines in the middle stage of the variable display device 502 is valid. When the number of multiplications is 2, the upper, middle, and lower three horizontal pay lines on the variable display device 502 are valid. When the multiplier is three, a total of five pay lines of three horizontal rows and two diagonally opposite rows in the variable display device 502 are effective pay lines.
[0205]
When a combination of the symbols on the activated line has a predetermined specific display mode and a prize is generated, a predetermined game effect is performed by sound, light, display on the image display device 540, etc., and the prize is generated. The game according to is started.
[0206]
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main board (game control board) 600 provided in the slot machine 500. FIG. 27 also shows the effect control board 630 and the reel unit 650. Note that other boards such as a power board and a relay board are also connected to the main board 600, but they are not shown in FIG. The main board 600 includes a CPU 602 for performing a control operation according to a program, a RAM 603 as an example of a storage unit used as a work memory, a ROM 604 for storing a game control program and the like, and an I / O port unit 605. I have.
[0207]
The reel unit 650 stores a reel motor 651, a reel lamp 652, and a reel sensor 653. The reel motor 651 is a motor for rotating each of the reels 502a to 502c. The reel lamp 652 is provided inside each of the reels 502a to 502c, and is a lamp for illuminating, from the inside of the reel, a symbol visually recognized on the variable display device 502 among the symbols drawn on each of the reels 502a to 502c. . The reel sensor 653 is a sensor for detecting a rotation state, a rotation speed, and the like of each of the reels 502a to 502c.
[0208]
In this embodiment, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 controls the display of the image display device 540 provided in the slot machine 500 and the lighting control of the reel lamp 652. Under the control of the effect control means, the image display device 540 displays a variety of information such as a fluctuating display of a decorative symbol and a display for informing a game state and a game method. In this example, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 includes an effect control CPU, a GCL, and the like. Therefore, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 is configured to be able to execute a game effect based on a moving image based on the moving image data, similarly to the pachinko gaming machine described above. The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 controls lighting of various game effect lamps 550, 551, 552, 553 provided in the slot machine 500, and a speaker provided in the slot machine 500. The sound output control of 501, 541L and 541R is performed.
[0209]
In this example, the effect control board 630 controls the image display device 540, the game effect lamp 550, the speaker 530, and the like according to the effect pattern based on the control command received from the main board 600. In the image display device 540, the decoration design is displayed in a variable manner according to a predetermined image display pattern (an example of an effect pattern). In the variation display effect of the decorative symbol, for example, an effect such as a symbol combination effect display such as a change display of a special symbol in a pachinko machine or a symbol combination effect such as a change display of reels 502a to 502c is executed. Which of the effect patterns is to be used from a plurality of effect patterns provided in advance is determined by the CPU 602 at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, for example.
[0210]
In the above-described slot machine 500, effects such as moving images based on moving image data are performed. For example, during the normal game period in which no winning is made, the regular bonus game is played by the regular bonus winning. During the running period, the game may be executed during a period in which a big bonus game with a big bonus prize is being played.
[0211]
In this example, for example, at the beginning or end of a moving image effect displayed on the image display device 540 by a fade-in process or a fade-out process, fade-in display or fade-out using image data included in the moving image data is performed. The display is executed. Further, for example, a process of displaying a still image on the image display device 540 is performed by a moving image reproduction process using a still target picture included in the moving image data. Further, in this example, for example, a process of displaying a moving image based on moving image data in a moving image display area set in the image display device 540 is executed.
[0212]
As described above, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine, and even when applied to a slot machine, the effects of the above embodiments can be obtained.
[0213]
Each of the gaming machines described above is configured to give a predetermined game value to a player when the display result of the variable display on the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode. The game value is, for example, that a variable prize ball device provided in a gaming area of a gaming machine is in an advantageous state for a player who is easy to win a prize, or generates a right to be in an advantageous state for a player. Or a condition in which the conditions for paying out premium game media are easily satisfied.
[0214]
In the above-described embodiment, the “reach display state” means that a symbol other than a symbol that is a final stop symbol (for example, a middle symbol among left and right middle symbols) is continuously displayed for a predetermined time on the variable display device. In the state consistent with the aspect, the display state is stopped, rocking, scaling or deforming, or a plurality of symbols fluctuate synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is switched, This is a display state in which the possibility of occurrence of a big hit continues before the final result is displayed. An effect performed in the reach display state is called a reach effect. Further, the reach display state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach display mode.
[0215]
The “specific game state” means a state that is advantageous to a player who has been given a predetermined game value. Specifically, in the “specific game state”, for example, a state in which the state of the variable prize ball device is favorable for a player who is likely to win (big hit game state), or a right to be in a state advantageous for the player is generated. This is a state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state, a state in which the conditions for paying out premium game media are easily satisfied, and the like.
[0216]
Further, the “special game state” means a state that is advantageous for a player who is likely to be a big hit. Specifically, the "special game state" is, for example, a probable change state in which the special symbol is a big hit symbol and the probability of being aligned is a high probability state, a time reduction state in which the number of times the normal symbol changes per unit time is increased, a variable winning ball device. 9 is a high-probability state in which the probability of a big hit is increased, such as an open extension state in which the opening period and the number of times of opening are increased. In the time reduction state, the number of winnings per unit time increases because the number of times the variable winning prize ball device 9 is opened is increased, and the number of times that the special symbol is variablely displayed per unit time is increased. Can be said to have been raised. Similarly, in the extended open state, the number of winnings per unit time increases because the opening period and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 9 are increased, and the number of variable display times of the special symbol per unit time increases. Therefore, it can be said that the probability of a big hit is increased.
[0217]
In the case where the above-described fade-in display is executed in the slot machine 500, for example, it is possible to start the game by setting the betting number for one game in the gaming machine, One game is ended by displaying and displaying the display result of the variable display device (for example, a device for displaying symbols on the variable display device 502), and a prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device. A game machine (for example, a slot machine 500) in which an image display device (for example, an image display device 540) for displaying an image used for a game effect and image data of an image including a character are motion-compensated and predictively coded. Compressed data storage means for storing moving image data including compressed data, and data decompression for expanding moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means A stage, data reproducing means for reproducing a moving image by sequentially displaying an image generated based on the moving image data expanded by the data expanding means on the image display device, and a decoration identification information image used for a game effect. Character display area setting means for setting a character display area for displaying a character image included in a decoration identification information image in a part of a display area of an image display device to be displayed, and a fade-in process for causing an image to appear stepwise And a fade-in switching display means for executing a switching display of a display image on the image display device by performing the above-mentioned processing. Means for interrupting the moving image playback processing of the operation target image, and the moving image playback processing at the still target image display timing A still target image switching means for switching and displaying an operation target image on the image display device to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data when interrupted; During the interruption period, the still image reproduction process using the still target image is performed on the image display device by using the predetermined still target image which is a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data. Still image reproduction processing means, an operation target image switching means for switching and displaying a still target image on the image display device to an operation target image when the interruption period ends, and an operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching means And a moving image reproduction process resuming means for resuming the moving image reproduction process from the time when the predetermined switching condition is satisfied. Character image switching means for switching and displaying a start image for starting a live image, character rendering means for starting a moving image reproduction from the start image switched and displayed by the character image switching means, and performing a moving image production using the character image, and a character And a decoration identification information image switching means for switching and displaying the image displayed in the character display area to the decoration identification information image when the animation production by the production means is completed. A fade-in image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-in images having gradually increased transparency from the used frame data, and each fade-in image generated by the fade-in image generating means, Transition from an enhanced fade-in image to a fade-in image with lower transparency Finally, the fade-in processing means for executing the fade-in processing by displaying the image of the frame data, and after the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means is completed, the data reproducing means is displayed when the fade-in processing is completed. And moving image reproduction start means for starting moving image reproduction from the image of the present frame data. Note that each of the above-described units is configured by an effect control unit including an effect control CPU or GCL in the slot machine 500, for example.
[0218]
Further, in the case where the above-described fade-out display is executed in the slot machine 500, for example, the gaming machine can be started by setting the bet amount for one game, and A game in which one game is completed by displaying and displaying a display result of a display device (for example, a device for displaying a symbol on the variable display device 502), and a prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device. (For example, a slot machine 500), an image display device (for example, the image display device 540) for displaying an image used for a game effect, and compression in which image data of an image including a character is motion-compensated and prediction-coded. Compressed data storage means for storing moving image data including data, and data for expanding moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means Expanding means, data reproducing means for performing moving image reproduction by sequentially displaying images generated based on the moving image data expanded by the data expanding means on an image display device, and decoration identification information images used for game effects. Character display area setting means for setting a character display area for displaying a character image included in the decoration identification information image in a part of the display area of the displayed image display device, and fade-out processing for erasing the image step by step And a fade-out switching display means for performing switching display of a display image on the image display device by performing the above operation. The data reproducing means performs an operation based on moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing. Means for interrupting the moving image playback processing for interrupting the moving image playback processing of the target image; A still target image switching means for switching and displaying an operation target image on the image display device to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data when the raw processing is interrupted; By using a predetermined still target image that is a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data during the interruption period in which the processing is interrupted, the still image reproduction using the still target image on the image display device is performed. A still image reproduction processing unit for performing processing, an operation target image switching unit for switching and displaying a still target image on the image display device to an operation target image when the interruption period ends, and an operation target image switching unit. Means for resuming the moving image reproduction process from the operation target image, and resuming the image displayed in the character display area when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. Character image switching means for switching and displaying a start image for starting moving image reproduction, character rendering means for starting moving image reproduction from the start image switched and displayed by the character image switching means, and performing a moving image production using the character image. And a decoration identification information image switching means for switching and displaying an image displayed in the character display area to a decoration identification information image when the animation effect by the character production means is completed. When the reproduction of the moving image using the moving image data for executing the reproduction is completed, the moving image reproduction ending means for displaying the image of the frame data used at the end of the reproduction, and the transparency is gradually increased from the frame data. Image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-out images, and generating a fade-out image The fade-out images generated by the steps are sequentially shifted from the image of the frame data to the fade-out image having the higher transparency, and the fade-out image having the highest transparency is finally displayed. What is necessary is just to have the structure containing the fade-out processing means which performs a process. Note that each of the above-described units is configured by an effect control unit including an effect control CPU or GCL in the slot machine 500, for example.
[0219]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the data reproducing unit interrupts the moving image reproduction process of the operation target image based on the moving image data in response to the predetermined still target image display timing. Interrupting means, when the moving image reproduction processing is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is converted into a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data; A still target image switching unit for switching and displaying, and a predetermined still target image which is a part of an operation target image based on moving image data during an interruption period in which moving image reproduction processing is interrupted, image display is performed. A still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using the still target image on the device, and switching the still target image on the image display device into an operation target image when the interruption period ends. An operation target image switching unit that performs switching and display; and a moving image reproduction process restart unit that restarts a moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit. Character image switching means for switching and displaying the image displayed in the display area to a start image for starting moving image reproduction, and moving image reproduction starting from the start image switched and displayed by the character image switching means, using the character image. A character rendering unit for performing a video rendering, and an identification information image switching unit for switching and displaying an image displayed in the character display area to an identification information image when the video rendering by the character rendering unit is completed; In-switch display means gradually increases the transparency from the frame data used at the start of playback A plurality of fade-in images, and a fade-in image generated by the fade-in image generation unit. Fade-in processing means for sequentially performing transition to a fade-in image, and finally performing a fade-in processing by displaying an image of frame data, and fade-in processing by the data reproducing means after the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means is completed. A moving image reproduction start means for starting a moving image reproduction process from the image of the frame data displayed when the in-process is completed, so that the fade-in display is performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data. There are scenes where the display screen does not change during In such a case, it is not necessary to prepare moving image data for displaying such a scene, and the moving image data for performing a still display can be reduced. , And even if an image indicating identification information is displayed, the effect of the moving image can be attracted to the player's attention. Therefore, when performing a series of image switching display including fade-in processing, moving image reproduction, and still image reproduction, the data amount of the entire moving image data can be reduced, and the required capacity of the storage area for the moving image data can be reduced. At the same time, it is possible to draw the player's attention to the switching display of such a series of images.
[0220]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the fade-in switching display means is configured to cause the image to appear stepwise through the predetermined intermediate image in the fade-in process, so that the image can be easily viewed. Fade-in display can be performed.
[0221]
Further, in the invention according to claim 3, the data reproducing means interrupts the moving image reproduction processing of the operation target image based on the moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing, and When the moving image reproduction process is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is switched to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data and displayed. A still target image switching unit and a predetermined still target image that is a part of an operation target image based on moving image data during an interruption period during which the moving image reproduction process is interrupted, thereby displaying an image on the image display device. A still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using the still target image, and a table for switching the still target image on the image display device to the operation target image when the interruption period ends. And a moving image reproduction process restarting unit for restarting the moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit, and a character display area when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. Character image switching means for switching and displaying the image displayed on the screen to a start image for starting moving image reproduction, and moving image reproduction starting from the start image switched and displayed by the character image switching means, and a moving image effect using the character image And an identification information image switching means for switching and displaying the image displayed in the character display area to the identification information image when the animation production by the character production means is completed, and performing fade-out switching display. The means ends the moving image reproduction process using the moving image data for executing the game effect. A moving image reproduction ending means for displaying an image of frame data used at the end of reproduction, a fade-out image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-out images having gradually increased transparency from the frame data, and a fade-out image By sequentially shifting each fade-out image generated by the generating means from a frame data image to a fade-out image having a higher transparency, and finally displaying a fade-out image having the highest transparency. And fade-out processing means for executing a fade-out process, so that fade-out display can be performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data, and there is no change in the display screen during the moving image effect. To display scenes if they exist It is possible to reduce the amount of moving image data for performing a still display by eliminating the need to prepare moving image data, and furthermore, it is possible to display the effect of the moving image conspicuously, even if the identification information is indicated. Even if an image is displayed, there is an effect that the attention of the player can be attracted to the effect by the moving image. Therefore, in performing the switching display of a series of images such as moving image reproduction, still image reproduction, and fade-out processing, the data amount of the entire moving image data can be reduced, and the required capacity of the storage area of the moving image data can be suppressed. At the same time, it is possible to draw the player's attention to such a switching display of a series of images.
[0222]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the fade-out switching display means is configured to fade out the image in a fade-out process and display a predetermined intermediate image, so that the fade-out switching display means can be easily viewed. Display can be performed.
[0223]
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the predetermined switching condition is satisfied based on the fact that the display mode of the variable display area is the reach display mode, and the character production means determines that the display mode of the variable display area is the reach display mode. During the period, the animation effect using the character image is executed in the character display area, so that the reach effect by the moving image can be displayed so as to be prominent, and the player should pay attention to the reach effect. Can be attracted.
[0224]
In the invention according to claim 6, the moving image data includes key frame data, forward prediction coded frame data, and bidirectional prediction coded frame data, and the key frame data includes moving image data in the moving image data. Since the display object appearing in the data portion is used more frequently for the data portion for reproducing the moving image in which the display object moves faster than the data portion for reproducing the moving image in which the display object moves slowly, Image quality of a moving image can be improved, and the data amount of moving image data can be reduced.
[0225]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the moving image data is data for reproducing a multicolor image including at least one of a photographed image and computer graphics. Image data can be used, and moving image data including necessary moving images can be easily created.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine as viewed from the back.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration centering on a game control unit.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of an effect control board.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an effect control process.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of moving image data.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a moving image display area setting process.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a moving image display area release process.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a decoding process.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a moving image reproduction process.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fade-in process;
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mathematical expression used for a fade-in process.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a fade-in image created by a fade-in process.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fade-out process.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mathematical expression used for a fade-out process.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a fade-in image created by a fade-out process.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state and the like of a still display target image.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting position of a moving image display area.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of a moving image display area.
FIG. 26 is a front view of the slot machine as viewed from the front.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main board mounted on the slot machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
6. Variable display device (image display device)
30 Main board
33 CPU
60 Lamp control unit
70 sound control unit
80 Display control unit
81 GCL
100 production control board
101 Effect Control CPU
500 slot machine
540 image display device
600 main board
630 Production control board

Claims (7)

A gaming machine that performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information images and sets a specific game state advantageous to a player when a display result of the identification information images becomes a specific display result,
An image display device that displays an image used for a game effect,
Compressed data storage means for storing moving image data including compressed data in which image data of an image including a character is motion-compensated and prediction-coded;
Data decompression means for decompressing moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means,
A data reproducing unit for performing a moving image reproducing process by sequentially displaying an image generated based on the moving image data expanded by the data expanding unit on the image display device;
Fade-in switching display means for performing switching display of a display image on the image display device by performing a fade-in process of causing an image to appear stepwise,
Character display area setting means for setting a character display area for displaying a character image included in the identification information image in a part of the variable display area where the identification information image is displayed,
The data reproducing means,
A moving image reproduction process suspending unit that suspends a moving image reproduction process of an operation target image based on the moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing;
When the moving image reproduction process is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is switched to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data and displayed. A still target image switching means for
During the interruption period in which the moving image reproduction process is interrupted, by using the predetermined still target image which is a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data, the still target image is displayed on the image display device. Still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using
When the interruption period has ended, an operation target image switching unit that switches and displays a still target image on the image display device to an operation target image,
A moving image reproduction process restarting unit that restarts the moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit,
Character image switching means for switching and displaying an image displayed in the character display area to a start image for starting moving image reproduction when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied;
Character rendering means for starting video playback from the start image switched and displayed by the character image switching means, and performing a video rendering using the character image,
When the animation effect by the character effect means is completed, the image displayed in the character display area, identification information image switching means for switching display to an identification information image,
The fade-in switching display means,
A fade-in image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-in images having gradually increased transparency from frame data used at the start of reproduction,
Each fade-in image generated by the fade-in image generating means is sequentially shifted from a fade-in image having the highest transparency to a fade-in image having a lower transparency, and finally an image of the frame data is obtained. A fade-in processing means for executing the fade-in processing by displaying
After the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means is completed, a moving-image reproduction start means for starting a moving-image reproduction processing from the image of the frame data displayed when the data reproduction means completes the fade-in processing. A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the fade-in switching display means causes the image to appear stepwise through a predetermined intermediate image in the fade-in process. A gaming machine that performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information images and sets a specific game state advantageous to a player when a display result of the identification information images becomes a specific display result,
An image display device that displays an image used for a game effect,
Compressed data storage means for storing moving image data including compressed data in which image data of an image including a character is motion-compensated and prediction-coded;
Data decompression means for decompressing moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means,
A data reproducing unit for performing a moving image reproducing process by sequentially displaying an image generated based on the moving image data expanded by the data expanding unit on the image display device;
A fade-out switching display means for performing a switching display of a display image on the image display device by performing a fade-out process of erasing an image step by step,
Character display area setting means for setting a character display area for displaying a character image included in the identification information image in a part of the variable display area where the identification information image is displayed,
The data reproducing means,
A moving image reproduction process suspending unit that suspends a moving image reproduction process of an operation target image based on the moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing;
When the moving image reproduction process is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is switched to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data and displayed. A still target image switching means for
During the interruption period in which the moving image reproduction process is interrupted, by using the predetermined still target image which is a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data, the still target image is displayed on the image display device. Still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using
When the interruption period has ended, an operation target image switching unit that switches and displays a still target image on the image display device to an operation target image,
A moving image reproduction process restarting unit that restarts the moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit,
Character image switching means for switching and displaying an image displayed in the character display area to a start image for starting moving image reproduction when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied;
Character rendering means for starting video playback from the start image switched and displayed by the character image switching means, and performing a video rendering using the character image,
When the animation effect by the character effect means is completed, the image displayed in the character display area, identification information image switching means for switching display to an identification information image,
The fade-out switching display means,
When ending the moving image reproduction process using the moving image data for executing the game effect, a moving image reproduction ending means for displaying an image of the frame data used at the end of the reproduction,
A fade-out image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-out images having gradually increased transparency from the frame data,
Each fade-out image generated by the fade-out image generating means is sequentially shifted from the image of the frame data to a fade-out image having higher transparency, and finally a fade-out image having the highest transparency is obtained. A fade-out processing means for executing the fade-out processing by displaying the game. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the fade-out switching display means causes the image to disappear step by step and display a predetermined intermediate image in the fade-out processing. The predetermined switching condition is satisfied based on the display mode of the variable display area being the reach display mode,
The character effecting means executes a moving image effect using a character image in the character display area during a period in which the display mode of the variable display area is the reach display mode. The gaming machine according to any one of the above. The moving image data includes key frame data compressed by intra-frame encoding, and forward prediction encoded frame data compressed by forward prediction encoding, which is encoded using frame data used earlier during reproduction. Includes bidirectional predictive encoded frame data compressed by bidirectional predictive encoding to encode using frame data used earlier during playback and frame data used later,
The key frame data is data for reproducing a moving image in which the display object moves faster than a data portion in the moving image data for reproducing a moving image in which a display object appearing in the moving image moves slowly. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is used in many parts. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the moving image data is data for reproducing a moving image of a multicolor image including at least one of a photographed image and computer graphics. .

Images