JP2005058353A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of displaying a performance form to a player by various performances by image display. <P>SOLUTION: The position relation in a coordinate space of a specified moving object moving inside a virtual coordinate space, a plurality of background objects fixedly arranged in the coordinate space and a view point position arranged inside the coordinate space is calculated at each prescribed timing and the image obtained by viewing the specified moving object from the view point position is generated. The generated image is displayed, and in the case that a winning role is a specified role and the specified moving object, a specified background object and the view point position are in specified position relation, from a plurality of advance notice forms, a first advance notice form relating to the specified background object is selected by a first probability and a second advance notice form relating to the background object different from the specified background object is selected by a second probability lower than the first probability to be displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention includes a pachislot machine comprising a game result display means for displaying a game result, an image display means displayed in association with the display, and a control means such as a microcomputer for controlling them, and the like. It relates to gaming machines.

  The pachislot machine has a mechanical fluctuation display device configured by arranging a plurality of rotating reels that fluctuate and display a plurality of symbols in a front display window. In response to the player's start operation, the control means drives and controls the variable display device to rotate each reel so that the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and each reel is rotated automatically or by a player's stop operation. Stop. At this time, a profit is given to the player by paying out a game medium such as a medal or a coin when the symbols of the reels displayed in the display window are in a specific combination (winning mode).

  In the current mainstream model, in order to win a role in which medals or coins are paid out along with a predetermined combination of symbols along an activated pay line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”), When a winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “winning”) is won by a winning lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “lottery”), and the symbol combination indicating winning of the winning winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “winning role”) can be stopped at the active line. A player is required to perform a stop operation.

In addition, for the purpose of preventing the gaming media that can be used (can be thrown in) per unit time from exceeding a predetermined value, and the like, it becomes possible to play the next game without betting gaming media for the purpose of winning a prize. A gaming machine provided with (hereinafter referred to as “re-game”) is the current mainstream. A gaming machine having a function of generating a state with a high probability of winning the “re-game” (hereinafter referred to as “high-probability re-game state” or “FT”) is provided. In the case of “FT”, the player can obtain a “big bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as“ BB ”)” or “regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as“ RB ”)” that can obtain a relatively large profit. You cannot win even if you win.
JP 2000-135306 A

  There is a demand for a gaming machine that can perform various effects more than conventional gaming machines, and an object of the present invention is to allow a player to display effects in various ways using image display. Is to provide a machine.

  Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) Game start command means for outputting a game start command signal based on the result of the operation by the player (for example, a start switch 6S described later, a means for performing determination in step S8 of FIG. 9 described later, a main control circuit 71 described later) Etc.) and a winning combination determining means (for example, step S13 in FIG. 9 and step S41 in FIG. 11 described later) for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on the game start command signal output from the game start command means. , Means for performing step S76 in FIG. 14, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, and a predetermined winning mode based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination (for example, reels 3L and 3C to be described later) , 3R, etc.) to stop display (for example, means for performing step S23 and step S24 in FIG. 10 described later, main control circuit 71 to be described later), and the like Based on the fact that the winning combination is a specific combination, when the winning display control unit causes the specific winning mode to be stopped and displayed, a game value adding unit (for example, a diagram to be described later) that gives a specific game value to the player 10 step S33, a main control circuit 71 described later) and a specific moving object (for example, a diagram described later) moving in a virtual coordinate space (for example, a space conceptually shown in FIG. 24 described later). 24 main characters d), a plurality of background objects fixedly arranged in the coordinate space (for example, a background object shown in FIG. 24 to be described later), and a viewpoint position arranged in the coordinate space ( For example, the positional relationship in the coordinate space with respect to (a) or (b) shown in FIGS. 41 to 43 described later) in the coordinate space is calculated at a predetermined timing, and the specific moving object is calculated. The image generation means for generating an image of the project viewed from the viewpoint position (for example, means for performing step S434 in FIG. 38 described later, the image control microcomputer 81 in FIG. 8 described later), and the winning display means are separate from the above. The image display control means (for example, the image control IC 86 of FIG. 8 described later) displays the image generated by the image generation means on the image display means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 5 of FIG. And the winning combination is the specific combination, and the specific moving object, the specific background object of the plurality of background objects, and the viewpoint position are in a specific positional relationship, A first notice mode related to the specific background object is selected from the notice modes with a first probability, and a background object different from the specific background object is selected. The notice mode selection means for selecting the second notice mode related to the second probability lower than the first probability (means for performing step S383 in FIG. 35 described later, image control microcomputer 81 in FIG. 8 described later, etc.) And a notice display control means (for example, an image control IC 86 in FIG. 8 described later) for causing the image display means to display the notice mode selected by the notice mode selecting means. Machine.

  (2) In the gaming machine according to (1), the image display control unit temporarily erases the image generated by the image generation unit that has been displayed (for example, an effect display image in a normal effect), and The first notice mode or the second notice mode (for example, an effect display image related to sumo, an effect display image related to gluttony competition, an effect display image related to digging, etc.) by the notice display control means. A game machine characterized in that after being displayed on the image display means, an image (for example, an effect display image in a normal effect) is displayed on the image once erased.

  (3) A moving object (for example, a main character d in FIG. 24 described later) arranged in a virtual coordinate space (for example, a space conceptually shown in FIG. 24 described later) and a background object, for example, described later Image display that displays an image based on the background object shown in FIG. 24 and the viewpoint position (for example, the starting point of the arrow shown in (a) or (b) in FIGS. 41 to 43 described later). A gaming machine provided with a control means (for example, an image control IC 86 in FIG. 8 described later), wherein game results are displayed in advance on the basis of the coordinates of a moving object in the virtual coordinate space. Gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, since the notice display regarding the winning combination according to the positional relationship between the object and the viewpoint position in the virtual space is performed, various effects can be made and the game performance can be improved.

[Appearance of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a card that stores information on game value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, game balls, or tokens. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1, and vertically long display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided at the center thereof. The display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction. These winning lines are respectively operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal slot 22, respectively. The book is activated. Which winning line is activated is displayed by turning on BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c, which will be described later.

  Here, the winning lines 8a to 8e relate to success / failure of the winning combination. Specifically, a predetermined position (for example, “cherry (pattern 97 in FIG. 2)” described later) corresponding to a predetermined combination (for example, a cherry small combination described later) corresponds to the center line 8c. (For example, if the number of BETs to be described later is “3”, the symbol is displayed in a middle position in the left display window 4L), or a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined combination is valid. By stopping and displaying side by side at a predetermined position corresponding to the converted winning line, a predetermined winning combination is won.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R each having a symbol row constituted by a plurality of types of symbols on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided in a horizontal row to form a variable display means. doing. The design of each reel can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm).

  On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and an information display unit 18 are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as BET number). Here, in this embodiment, one game ends when all reels stop. The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the BET number is “1” and one winning line is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and three pay lines are activated. The maximum BET lamp 9c is turned on when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) winning lines are activated. The information display unit 18 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals stored (credit), the number of medals to be paid out when a winning combination is established, the number of games in the BB general gaming state described later, and the like. To do.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided separately from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Information related to the game is displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5. Alternatively, a predetermined effect mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, and a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5. The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by a single pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 displays the credited medals by a single pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches, a predetermined pay line is activated as described above.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 16. On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reel is rotated by the player's operation, and the start lever 6 for starting the display of the variation of the symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is rotated within a predetermined angle range. It is attached movably. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. Yes. Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16. In this embodiment, one game basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Here, the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are provided at positions that can be operated by the player who outputs a stop command signal for stopping the variable display of part or all of the game result display means or the winning display means. Display stop command means is configured.

[Reel design]
FIG. 2 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (FIG. 7) described later as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, “red 7 (design 91)”, “blue 7 (design 92)”, “BAR (design 93)”, “bell (design 94)”, “watermelon (design 95) ) "," Replay (symbol 96) ", and" Cherry (symbol 97) "symbols. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, “replay” refers to replay.

[Combination and number of payouts corresponding to winning combinations]
FIG. 3 shows the winning combinations and the number of payouts corresponding to winning symbol combinations in each gaming state.

  The gaming state of the present embodiment includes a general gaming state, a normal probability replaying BB carryover state, a normal probability replaying RB carryover state, a high probability replaying BB carryover state, a high probability replaying RB carryover state, BB There are a general gaming state and an RB gaming state. Each of these “seven types” of gaming states is basically distinguished by the types of winning combinations that may be won, the probability of winning a re-game to be described later, and the types of bonuses that can achieve winnings. .

  In addition, in FIG. 3, “four types” of game states of the BB carryover state during normal probability replay, the RB carryover state during normal probability replay, the BB carryover state during high probability replay, and the RB carryover state during high probability replay are shown in FIG. Collectively refers to them as a bonus carryover state.

  The characteristics of each gaming state, that is, the type of winning combination in each gaming state, its probability, and the mode of stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in each gaming state (such as the types of winning combinations that may win) This will be described later with reference to FIGS. Transition between the game states is performed by a game state monitoring process (see FIG. 12) described later, medal payout, generation of BB, RB (step S33 in FIG. 10 described later), and the like. As will be described later (see FIG. 5), in each gaming state, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R may be controlled to be stopped so that the bonus winning is not established in the game won for the bonus. There is something in common.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the bonus is held as a carryover part until the bonus is won after winning the bonus (generally referred to as carryover). Furthermore, even when the bonus is carried over, the bonus is won. When a bonus is won a plurality of times without winning a prize, the number of bonuses is counted (stored) for each type of bonus, and the bonus can be won for that number of times. The number of times that BB winning can be realized is hereinafter referred to as the BB carryover (stock) number. The number of times that RB winning can be achieved is hereinafter referred to as RB carryover (stock) number. In addition, the number of BB carryover (stock) and the number of RB carryover (stock) are collectively referred to as the bonus carryover (stock) number.

  The carryover (stock) number of the carryover bonus is stored in the BB carryover counter and the RB carryover counter stored in variables arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 7). The BB carryover counter is information indicating the number of BBs carried over. An integer value larger than “0” is set in the BB carryover counter when the BB is carried over, and “0” is set when the BB is not carried over. The RB carryover counter is information indicating the number of RBs carried over. An integer value greater than “0” is set in the RB carryover counter when the RB is carried over, and “0” is set when the RB is not carried over. Hereinafter, the BB carryover counter and the RB carryover counter are collectively referred to as a bonus carryover counter. This bonus carry-over counter information includes bonus carry-over counter storage means constituting a winning combination carry-over means for carrying a specific combination determined by the winning combination determination means as a winning combination in a predetermined unit game as a winning combination in the next unit game. (Not shown).

  Here, BB game states are collectively referred to as game states that are triggered by BB winning and are configured by the BB general game state and the RB game state. The BB carryover state during normal probability replay, the RB carryover state during normal probability replay, the BB carryover state during high probability replay, and the RB carryover state during high probability replay are states carrying a bonus, and these Are collectively referred to as a bonus carryover state.

  The bonus carryover state is a state where a bonus is carried over (a state where the BB carryover counter or the RB carryover counter is not “0”). In addition, the BB carryover state during high probability replay and the RB carryover state during high probability replay are states in which there is a high probability of winning a replay described later (a state where an FT flag described later is “on”). Collectively, hereinafter, it is referred to as a high probability replaying state, and a high probability replaying state in which the gaming state is in this state is abbreviated as FT.

  Note that the number of games that are FT is limited by a numerical value set in a variable called a ceiling counter stored in a RAM 33 (see FIG. 7) described later. An initial value is set in the ceiling counter upon the end of the BB general gaming state (in the present embodiment, this numerical value is “1500”, but the present invention is not limited to this). When FT is in progress and the BB carryover counter is not “0”, that is, when there is carryover of BB, “1” is subtracted from the ceiling counter every time one game is played. As a result of this subtraction, if the ceiling counter does not become “0”, the BB carryover state during high-probability replay or the high-probability re-execution, unless the winning combination is “out of” or the FT cancellation lottery is won. The RB carryover state continues during the game. The initial value is set in the ceiling counter when the BB gaming state ends (for example, step S38 in FIG. 11 described later), and the BB carryover counter becomes “0”, that is, there is no carryover of BB. This is the case where the winning combination in the game is BB (for example, step S81 in FIG. 14 described later). The winning combination is “lost” (step S91 of FT control process 2 in FIG. 15 described later), or FT cancellation lottery is won (“YES” in step S97 of FT control process 2 of FIG. 15 described later). Even if it does, the numerical value of the ceiling counter is not updated. For this reason, when the initial value is set in the ceiling counter at the end of the BB gaming state, the state is FT for the number of games corresponding to this value, and the probability that the BB or RB will be won is extremely low. Will continue.

  In the general gaming state, the normal probability replaying BB carryover state, and the normal probability replaying RB carryover state, the probability of winning the replay described later is normal (the state where the FT flag described later is “off”). That is, there is a lower probability of winning for replay than during FT, and these are collectively referred to as a normal probability replaying state hereinafter. The general gaming state is basically a gaming state in which the bonus carryover counter is “0”, that is, the bonus carryover (stock) number is “0”.

  The FT generation condition is that a BB is won in a game in the general gaming state (the winning of BB is made and the symbols of BB are aligned and stopped on the activated winning lines of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R), and will be described later. That is, step S44 is executed via steps S42 and S43 of FIG. 11 or step S84 is executed via step S83 of FIG.

  The FT termination condition is that the ceiling counter becomes “0”. The ceiling counter becomes “0” because the initial value set in step S38 in FIG. 11 is subtracted by repeating step S65 in FIG.

  Alternatively, the FT is ended by winning the FT cancellation lottery (if the determination in step S97 in FIG. 15 described later is “YES”), but the FT is extended by the number of games designated by the FT extension counter described later. After that, FT ends. At this time, if the FT to be finished is in the RB carryover state during high probability replaying, the numerical value of the above-mentioned ceiling counter is not changed, so as long as the value of the bonus carryover counter is not “0”, that is, in the bonus carryover state, When the end of the FT and the RB gaming state performed after the RB wins, the game immediately returns to the FT.

  Furthermore, the FT also ends when the winning combination determining means (for example, the probability lottery process shown in FIG. 14) determines “out of” as the winning combination. In this case, as in the case of winning the FT cancellation lottery, when the FT to be ended is in the RB carryover state during the high probability replay, the RB game state performed after the FT ends and the RB wins is ended. If BB or RB is set as the carryover combination, the process immediately returns to FT.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the BB carry-over state, “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” or “red 7-red 7-red 7” is activated on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Wins by lining up along the winning line. After winning BB, the gaming state becomes the BB gaming state. In the RB, the “BAR-BAR-BAR” is arranged along the activated pay line of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the bonus (RB) carry-over state, or “Replay-” in the BB general game state in the BB game state. Win by winning "Replay-Replay". Winning an RB in the BB general gaming state is generally referred to as “JAC IN”. After winning the RB, the gaming state becomes the RB gaming state, and the gaming state where the game “JAC Minor” is won almost every time. During the BB gaming state, the RB gaming state can be generated a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) with a higher probability than the general gaming state, and the winning probability of the small role (for example, the small role of the bell) is also higher than the general gaming state. It is assumed that the number of medals to be paid out when a small combination (for example, a small combination of a bell) wins is larger than that in the general gaming state. Thus, the BB gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the RB gaming state, and the RB gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the general gaming state.

  Here, when the gaming state is the general gaming state, the high probability replaying BB carryover state, or the high probability replaying RB carryover state, the bonus is not won even if the bonus is won. When the bonus is won in the general gaming state (when the determination in step S77 or step S78 in FIG. 14 described later is “YES”), the game state is shifted to another gaming state.

  Replay is won by placing “Replay-Replay-Replay” in the general gaming state and the bonus carryover state. When winning a replay, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming medals. Here, in the FT, when the replay is won, the replay is performed with a probability of “108/128” regardless of the player's stop operation (the operation timing of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R or the operation order (stop order)). Is controlled so that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are not stopped side by side on the activated pay line of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (generally referred to as kicking control). By this stop control, the probability of winning the replay in the FT and the normal probability replay state is made substantially equal.

  Furthermore, when the winning combination is a replay, a bell small combination or the like, the reel stop control based on the winning combination is performed with priority over the carryover combination BB or RB. For example, even if the carryover combination is BB, when the winning combination is replay, reel control is performed on the condition that the winning combination is replay, rather than reel control that enables winning of BB. Therefore, during the FT, since the winning combination other than “out of” is selected with a high probability (“16383/16384” in FIG. 4 (1) described later), the control for winning the carryover combination is almost performed. It is supposed not to be broken.

  Further, in the general gaming state, the bonus carryover state, and the BB general gaming state, it is possible to win a small part of cherry, a small part of bell, and a small part of watermelon. It is. The small part of cherry is won by stopping and displaying on the left reel 3L on the pay line where “cherry” is activated.

  The JAC small role is won by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” in the RB gaming state. When the winning count of the JAC small role is “8”, the gaming state changes. Here, a game in the RB gaming state that may win a JAC small role is generally referred to as a JAC game.

[Probability lottery table]
Next, FIG. 4 (1) shows a probability lottery process described later (step S75 in FIG. 14 described later, or the following) when the bet number of medals is “3” and the gaming state is a normal probability re-gaming state or FT. The probability lottery table used in step S74) is shown.

  The range of values that can be taken by the random numbers used when determining the winning combination based on the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 4A is “0” to “16383”. For example, if the random number value in the probability lottery process described later is in the range of “1900” to “4143” during the high probability replay game, the replay becomes the winning combination. That is, the winning probability of replay when the game state is the normal probability replay is “2244/16384 (= about 1 / 7.301)”. When the game state is FT and the random number value in the probability lottery process described later is in the range of “1900” to “16223”, the replay becomes the winning combination. In other words, when the gaming state is FT, the winning probability of replay is “14324/16384 (= about 1 / 1.144)”.

  FIG. 4B shows a winning combination table for stop when the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state and FT, and the winning combination is other than “out of”. The range of values that can be taken by the random numbers used when determining the winning combination for stopping based on the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 4B is “0” to “127”. When the gaming state is the normal probability replaying state and the winning combination is replay, the replay is selected as the winning winning combination regardless of the random number value between “0” and “127”. . In this way, when the gaming state is the normal probability re-playing state and the winning combination is replay, the winning combination for stopping is selected with a probability of “128/128 (= 1/1)”. When the gaming state is FT, the winning combination is replay, and the random number value is in the range of “0” to “19”, the winning combination for stop is selected for replay. Thus, when the gaming state is FT and the winning combination is replay, the stop winning combination and replay are selected with a probability of “20/128 (= 1 / 6.4)”. When replay is selected as the winning combination for stop, as shown in the stop table group selection table of FIG. 5 in the table line selection process described later, a replay winning stop table group is selected, and further a replay winning stop table group is selected. The replay winning stop table (see FIG. 6 (2) described later) included in is selected, and in the slip frame number determination process (step S23 in FIG. 10) described later, “replay-replay-replay” is set to the reels 3L, 3C. , 3R is controlled to stop the reels side by side on the activated pay line. When “losing” is selected as the winning combination for stopping, as shown in the stop table group selection table of FIG. 5 in the table line selection process described later, a non-winning stop table group is selected, and further non-winning stop is performed. A no-payable stop table (see FIG. 6 (1) described later) included in the table group is selected, and in a later-described slip piece determination process (step S23 in FIG. 10), “replay-replay-replay” is set to reels 3L, Reel control that does not stop side by side on the activated pay line of 3C, 3R is performed.

  As described above, as shown in the probability lottery table of FIG. 4 (1), the probability of determining replay as a winning combination when the gaming state is FT is higher than when the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state. In the case where the gaming state is FT, the probability of determining “out” as the winning combination is higher than that in the case where the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state. The probability of determining a winning combination other than replay and “out of” as the winning combination is the same in the case where the gaming state is the normal probability re-playing state and in the case of FT. For example, the probability of winning BB is “1 / 240.9” in any gaming state.

  As described above, the probability of determining the replay as a winning combination differs depending on whether the gaming state is the normal probability replaying state or the FT, but “replay-replay-replay” is set to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The probability that reel control for stopping side by side on the activated pay line is substantially the same in the case where the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state and in the case of FT. When the winning combination is a replay, the probability that the replay is determined as a winning combination for stopping is configured to be higher when the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state than when the gaming state is FT. Specifically, if the gaming state is a normal probability re-gaming state. The probability that the replay is determined as the winning combination is “about 1 / 7.301” as described above, and the probability that the winning combination is determined to be replay and the winning combination for stopping is determined to be replay is “1/1” as described above. . Therefore, when the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state, the probability that the reel control for stopping the “replay-replay-replay” side by side on the activated winning line of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is “approximately 1 / 7.301 ”. On the other hand, when the game state is FT, the probability that the replay is determined as the winning combination is “about 1 / 1.144” as described above, and the probability that the winning combination is the replay and the stop winning combination is determined as the replay is As described above, it is “1 / 6.4”. Therefore, when the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state, the probability that the reel control for stopping the “replay-replay-replay” side by side on the activated winning line of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is “approximately 1 / 7.320 ”. In summary, the reel control is performed to stop the “replay-replay-replay” side by side on the activated winning line of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R depending on whether the gaming state is the normal probability replaying state or the FT. The probabilities of being played are “about 1 / 7.301” and “about 1 / 7.320”, respectively, so that the player who plays with the pachislot machine of the embodiment cannot feel the difference. It is configured. The winning combination for stopping is a winning combination determining process for stopping in step S13 of FIG. 9 described later. In the above-described “(2) winning combination determining probability table for winning when the winning combination is“ out ”” or “(3) winning It is determined based on the winning winning combination determination probability table when the combination is other than “out of”.

[Stop table group selection table]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the relationship between the gaming state, the winning combination for stop, and the stop table group to be selected will be described. The stop table group represents a set of one or a plurality of stop tables. Stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (table line selection process in step S14 in FIG. 9 described later, slip frame number determination process in step S23 in FIG. 10) ) Is selected. The stop table shows stop operation positions and stop control positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. When the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R provided corresponding to each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is operated, the stop operation position is a symbol (specifically, the center of the symbol) that is located in the underline 8d. Is located above the underline 8d, and the center thereof represents the code number of the symbol closest to the position of the underline 8d. The stop control position represents a code number of a symbol that is stopped and displayed at the position of the underline 8d when the reel on which the stop operation has been performed is stopped.

  Here, the types of stop tables included in the stop table group can basically change according to the gaming state, the winning combination for stop, etc., but in this embodiment, they are shown in the stop table group column. The names of the table groups are basically determined based on the possibility of winning a prize and the types of roles that may be possible. Further, by the table line selection process in step S14 of FIG. 9 to be described later, combinations of symbols corresponding to the winning combination or the winning combination for stopping are all stopped on any activated winning line of the winning lines 8a to 8e. It is decided whether to do. For this reason, in this embodiment, even if stop table groups having the same name are selected, the stop modes of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R do not always match.

  When a non-payable stop table group is selected, a winning combination in which a combination of symbols that a winning combination other than “out of” will win regardless of the winning combination, the winning combination for stopping, or the gaming state is activated. There is no stopping on the line. When the winning possible stop combination is selected, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination designated as the winning winning combination is controlled to be stopped and displayed on the activated winning line. The combination of symbols corresponding to other combinations other than “out of” is not controlled to be stopped and displayed on the activated pay line. For example, when a stop table group capable of establishing a replay prize is selected, a reel that stops “replay-replay-replay” corresponding to the replay side by side on the activated winning line of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Although the control is performed, the combination of symbols that does not correspond to replay or “displacement” is not performed.

  In each gaming state, when a watermelon small part, a bell small part, or a cherry small part is won, the winning combination for stopping is determined by the stop winning part determining process in step S13 of FIG. Therefore, the watermelon winning establishment possible stop table group, the bell winning establishment possible stop table group, or the cherry prize winning establishment possible stop table group are respectively selected. In addition, a combination of symbols corresponding to each of the watermelon small part, bell small part, or cherry small part, "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon", "bell-bell-bell" or "cherry-ANY-ANY" Which of the activated pay lines to be stopped is determined by the table line selection process in step S14 of FIG. 9 described later. Here, “ANY” indicates that any symbol on the reel may be used. When the cherry winning winning stop table group is selected, a cherry symbol is displayed on the left reel 3C on the activated winning line. Indicates that it has only to be stopped.

  When the replay is won in the normal probability replaying state (general gaming state, BB carryover state, RB carryover state), the winning combination for stopping is determined to be replayed by the winning combination determining process for stopping in step S13 of FIG. Therefore, the replay winning stoptable group is selected. Also, which of the winning lines of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in which the “replay-replay-replay” corresponding to the replay is stopped is controlled on which reel control is performed will be described later. 9 is determined by the table line selection process in step S14.

  When the replay is determined as a winning combination in FT (BB carryover state, RB carryover state), “20/128 (= about 1 / 6.4)” is determined by the stop winning combination determination process in step S13 of FIG. The winning combination for stopping is determined as replay with probability, and at this time, a replay winning stop table group is selected. On the other hand, with the probability of “108/128 (= approx. 1 / 1.185)”, the winning combination for stopping is determined to be “out of”, and at this time, a stop table group that cannot win a prize is selected. If the winning winning combination is replay, reel control is performed to stop “Replay-Replay-Replay” corresponding to the replay on any winning line of the activated winning lines of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Whether it is determined is determined by a table line selection process in step S14 of FIG. 9 described later.

  BB or RB is determined as the winning player in the general gaming state, the BB carryover state during normal probability replay, the RB carryover state during normal probability replay, the BB carryover state during high probability replay, or the RB carryover state during high probability replay In the case where the winning combination has been made, “losing” is determined as the winning combination for stopping in the stopping winning combination determining process in step S13 of FIG. When the winning combination for stoppage is “out of”, the table line selection process in step S14 of FIG. 9 to be described later selects the stop table group that cannot be won, and the symbol combination “red 7− corresponding to the winning combination BB or RB” is selected. There is no reel control that is stopped and displayed on the winning line in which “red 7-red 7”, “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” or “BAR-BAR-BAR” is activated. The same applies to the case where a loss is determined as the winning combination in the general gaming state.

  In the case of BB carryover state during normal probability replay, RB carryover state during normal probability replay, BB carryover state during high probability replay, or RB carryover state during high probability replay, when “out” is determined as the winning role The winning combination as a carryover combination in the stop winning combination determination process in step S13 of FIG. 9 is determined as a stop winning combination. If the winning combination for stopping is BB because the carryover combination is BB, the BB winning stop table is selected in the table line selection process in step S14 of FIG. 9 described later, and the symbol combination “red 7” corresponding to BB is selected. -Reel control that stops display on the winning line where "Red 7-Red 7" and "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" are activated, and the winning combination for stopping is RB In the case of RB, the RB winning stop table is selected in the table line selection process in step S14 of FIG. 9 to be described later, and the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” corresponding to RB is stopped on the winning line that has been activated. The displayed reel is controlled. It is determined in the table line selection process in step S14 of FIG. 9 to be described later on which winning line of the winning lines in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination for stopping is activated is displayed.

[Stop table]
FIG. 6 shows an example of the non-winning stop table group and the replay winning stop table group of FIG. 6 (1) and 6 (2) are located at the underline 8d when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are operated. It represents the code number of a symbol (specifically, the symbol center is located above the underline 8d and the center is closest to the position of the underline 8d). The stop control position represents a code number of a symbol that is stopped and displayed at the position of the underline 8d when the reel on which the stop operation has been performed is stopped.

  FIG. 6 (1) is an example of a non-winning stop table included in the non-winning stop table group. When this table is used, any combination of operations other than “displacement” is performed by performing control in which the symbol of the code number indicated by the corresponding stop control position is drawn regardless of the stop operation position. Since the combination of symbols does not perform reel control that is stopped and displayed on the activated winning line, as a result, all the combinations other than “out of” are not won.

  FIG. 6B is an example of the replay winning stop table included in the replay winning stop table group. When this table is used, regardless of the stop operation position, the code number symbol indicated by the corresponding stop control position is controlled so that the symbol combination “Replay- Reel control is performed such that the reel is stopped and displayed on the winning line in which “Replay-Replay” is enabled, and the replay is awarded. However, in the gaming machine described in the embodiment, the maximum number of symbols drawn is assumed to be a predetermined number (for example, 4 frames), and the stop display of the reel that coincides with the winning combination for stop is not necessarily performed. For example, in a game in which cherries are determined to be a winning winning combination based on the fact that three medals are inserted, all winning lines are activated, and the cherry small role is determined as the winning role, When the player operates the stop button 7L to stop the left reel 3L at the timing when the symbol “BAR” of the code number “13” of the left reel 3L is variably displayed, Even if control is performed, the left reel 3L has the symbol “blue 7” with the code number “07” in the upper row, the symbol “replay” with the code number “08” in the middle row, and the symbol “bell” with the code number “09” in the lower row. The symbol “cherry” with the code number “06” of the nearest left reel 3L cannot be displayed. As described above, when the stop display corresponding to the winning combination for stop is displayed, the timing of the reel stop operation by the player is also an important condition. However, as described above, the reels are controlled so that they are not stopped and displayed on the winning line in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination for the stop and the combination other than “out of play” is enabled, and the player performs the reel stop operation. When the timing is the timing at which the symbol corresponding to the winning winning combination cannot be pulled in, the reel stop control is always performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to “out” is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line. Is made.

[Jump Table]
Next, the jump table will be described with reference to FIG. The jump table is stored in a program ROM 83 (FIG. 8) described later, but may be stored in another storage medium. The jump table corresponds to the type of command received when a sub-control circuit 72 (FIG. 8) described later receives a command (information or command) transmitted by a main control circuit 71 (FIG. 7) described later. Information regarding the processing to be performed. More specifically, information on the types of commands transmitted by the main control circuit 71 (FIG. 7), which will be described later, and the jump destination (drawn as the process name of the jump destination in the figure) is stored. This table is used in step S363 in FIG.

  An initialization process that is started when the sub-control circuit 72 receives an initialization command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by an initialization process (S1 in FIG. 9) described later is described later. This is processing for initializing the work RAM 84 (FIG. 8) and the like. The demo display process started when the sub control circuit 72 receives the demo display command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by the process of demo display command transmission (S4 in FIG. 9), which will be described later. This is a process for displaying on the display screen 5a an image for informing that the situation is waiting. A game medal insertion command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by the automatic insertion (S6 in FIG. 9) of medals corresponding to the automatic insertion request when the determination process of the medal insertion described later (S7 in FIG. 9) is “YES”. The game medal insertion process that is started based on the fact that the sub-control circuit 72 has received is a process for effecting notification that a game medal has been inserted by the player, switching effect display, and the like (described later). FIG. 34). The game start process started based on the fact that the sub-control circuit 72 receives a start command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by a command transmission at the time of starting a game (S16 in FIG. 9), which will be described later, starts the unit game. This is processing for effect display or selecting effect display according to the winning combination (FIG. 35 to be described later). The reel stop permission process started based on the reception of the reel stop permission command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by the sub control circuit 72 by the reel stop permission command transmission (S20 in FIG. 9) described later is performed by the player. This is a process of performing an effect display for prompting a reel stop operation. The reel stop process started when the sub control circuit 72 receives a reel stop command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by a reel stop command transmission described later (S25 in FIG. 10) is a reel stop operation by the player. Is a process of effect display indicating that one of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R has been stopped (FIG. 36 to be described later). The all-reel stop process started based on the fact that the sub-control circuit 72 receives the all-reel stop command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by the all-reel stop command transmission (S27 in FIG. 10) described later is performed by the player. This is a process for effect display to indicate that all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have been stopped.

  The winning process started on the basis of the fact that the sub-control circuit 72 receives a winning command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 due to the later-described medal payout, occurrence of BB, RB (S33 in FIG. 10) relates to the winning combination This is a process for effect display (FIG. 37 described later). In addition, a bonus game state change instruction process, a bonus game end state process, an error effect instruction process, a sound effect instruction process, and the like that are started based on the reception of a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 by the sub control circuit 72 Is configured to run.

[Direction determination table]
Next, the effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG. The effect determination table is stored in a program ROM 83 (FIG. 8) described later, but may be stored in another storage medium.

  The effect determination table shows the effect type corresponding to the carryover combination determined by the main control circuit 71 (FIG. 7), the winning combination, and the character position determined by the sub control circuit 72 (FIG. 8). A random number range for determination is stored. The carryover combination and the winning combination are based on the carryover combination identifier and the winning combination identifier included in the start command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, as will be described later. Further, the effect determination table determines the effect type based on the effect random number extracted from the random number counter at a predetermined timing, as will be described later. For this type of effect, an effect for displaying a game result in advance is assigned. Yes. The notice display means that an image is displayed as a predetermined notice mode indicating that the carryover combination or the winning combination may be a specific combination. In addition, when the effect type is “Summer Atari” or “Summer Lost”, an effect display related to sumo is performed. When the production type is a gluttonous attack or a gluttony loser, a production display related to the gluttony competition is performed. When the production type is here digging atari or here digging, the production display related to digging is performed. In addition, when the production type is a normal production, a sumo, gluttony competition, and digging are performed, unlike a production display related to sumo, a production display related to gluttony competition, and a production display related to digging. An effect display is performed in which a predetermined character walks and moves in a space having a plurality of background displays that reminds the player of the fact that it is being played.

  As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 24, an object including a character, a background, and the like is arranged in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space (hereinafter simply referred to as a virtual coordinate space), and the virtual Image data viewed from a viewpoint position set in a typical coordinate space is generated, and an image based on the generated image data is displayed. A character set as a specific object (specific moving object) is set so as to be movable in a virtual coordinate space. Note that an object is a group of objects that are managed together. Examples of the object include a moving object such as a character and a background object such as a background.

  Based on the position (coordinates) of a specific moving object in such a virtual coordinate space, an effect mode to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 is selected from a plurality of types of effect modes, and a notice effect as a game result is executed. That is, the effect type is selected, and the game result is displayed in advance. This table is used in step S383 of FIG.

  For example, the winning combination is a big bonus (bit 5 of the carryover combination identifier described later is ON), the winning combination is lost (all the bits of the winning combination identifier described later are OFF), and the character position is “0” to “X”. In the case of “100”, if the production random number value is “0” to “49”, then “Atari” is selected as the production type, and the production random number value is “50” to “54”. In the case where the gluttonous attack is selected as the effect type, and when the effect random number is “55” to “59”, the digging attack is selected as the effect type, and the effect random number is “60” to “119”. In the case where the production randomness value is “120” to “127”, the normal production is selected as the production type.

  In addition, the winning combination is a big bonus (bit 5 of the carryover combination identifier described later is ON), the winning combination is lost (all the bits of the winning combination identifier described later are OFF), and the character position is “101” or more in the X coordinate. In the case where the production random number value is “0” to “4”, the “atmosphere” is selected as the production type, and the production random number value is “5” to “39”. When Atari is selected as the production type and the random number for production is “40” to “74”, the digging atari is selected as the production type, and the random number for production is “75” to “94” Is selected as the effect type, and when the effect random number is “95” to “119”, the digging lose is selected as the effect type, and the effect random number is “120” to “127”. ”If Normal production is selected as the rendering genre.

  Also, in this embodiment, when an effect different from a normal effect such as a smoky atari, a gluttonous atari, a digging atari, a smoky loser, a gluttony loser, or a digging losing is executed, the next effect is selected. Therefore, the position of the character referred to is the position of the character at the end of the previous normal performance. For this reason, the next effect type is selected based on the position of the character at the end of the immediately preceding normal effect. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a different production mode. For example, the production is different from the normal production such as Suma Atari, Big Eat Atari, Here Digging Atari, Suo Mischief, Big Eat Loss, Here Digging Loss. Even if it is executed, the effect type may be selected based on the position of the character at the end of the executed effect.

  As an example of a case where the production type is selected in the order of the normal production, the losing, and the normal production, first, the normal production is selected and the production in which the character moves in an arbitrary area in the virtual coordinate space is executed. Is done. Further, the next effect type is determined based on the position of the character at the end of the normal effect. As a result, when the losing is selected, an effect related to sumo is executed. Specifically, there is an effect that the character takes the sumo in an area related to the sumo. In addition, since the effect that was executed is already losing, it is not the position of the character at the end of the effect related to the losing effect, but the normal effect that was executed before the effect related to the losing effect, that is, the first normal effect The next effect type is determined based on the character position at the end. As a result, the normal effect is selected and the normal effect is executed. In this normal effect, the character is returned to the position of the character at the end of the first normal effect, and an effect of moving in an arbitrary region on the virtual coordinate space from that position is executed. That is, the generated image (displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5) is temporarily deleted (for example, the image related to the normal effect is temporarily deleted at the end of the first normal effect), and the first notice is given. After the mode or the second notice mode (for example, the effect related to the soot losing) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, it is continued to the image (for example, the image at the end of the first normal effect) once erased. An image to be displayed (for example, an image related to the second normal effect) is displayed.

  In addition to this, an effect type is selected based on the positional relationship between a specific moving object, a fixedly placed background object, and a movably arranged viewpoint, and a game result is displayed in advance. You may comprise. For example, when a specific moving object such as a character, a background object, and a viewpoint are arranged in a virtual coordinate space, image data viewed from the viewpoint position where the viewpoint is arranged is generated as described later. However, the effect type is selected based on the position of the moving object and the background included in the image data viewed from the viewpoint position, and the game result is displayed in advance. That is, based on the positional relationship between a specific moving object, a fixedly placed background object, and a viewpoint that is movably arranged, an effect type is selected, and a game result is displayed in advance.

  For example, in a virtual coordinate space in which background objects related to sumo are arranged at “0” to “100” in the X coordinate, the position of the character is arranged in the range of “0” to “100” in the X coordinate. The viewpoint position is arranged at the same position as the character position, and the viewpoint direction indicating the direction of the viewpoint is the depth direction (X coordinate is “0”, Y coordinate is “0”, and Z coordinate is “1”). Direction), image data including a character is generated together with a background object related to sumo. Then, an image based on the image data generated in this way is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  In such a state, the winning combination is a big bonus (bit 5 of the carryover combination identifier described later is ON) and the winning combination is lost (all the bits of the winning combination identifier described later are OFF) as in the above-described effect determination table. In some cases, when the production random number is between “0” and “49”, Atsutari is selected as the production type, and when the production random number is between “50” and “54”, the gluttonous atari is selected as the production type. When the random number for production is “55” to “59”, the digging atari is selected as the production type, and when the random number for production is “60” to “119”, the lost is selected as the production type. When the production random number is “120” to “127”, the normal production is selected as the production type.

  In such a case, the random number range in which the effect mode (first notice mode) related to the background object of the sumo is executed is “0” to “49”, “60” to “119”. The probability of executing is “110/128”. Also, a presentation mode (second notice mode, for example, a background related to a gluttony competition) related to a background object (for example, a background object for a gluttony competition, a background object for digging) different from the background object related to sumo The random number range in which objects and background objects related to digging (excluding normal effects) is executed is “50” to “59”, and the probability that the effect mode is executed is “10/128”. . In other words, the winning combination (here, the carryover combination) is the specific position (here, big bonus), and the specific moving object, the specific background object of the plurality of background objects, and the viewpoint position are the specific position In the case of the relationship, the first notification mode is selected from the plurality of notification modes with the first probability (for example, “110/128”), and the second probability lower than the first probability (for example, “ 10/128 "), the second notice mode is selected. As a result, various effects can be displayed to the player, and the interest in the game can be improved. As the winning combination here, it is preferable to apply, as the winning combination, a combination specified by a value obtained by adding the value of the winning combination identifier and the value of the carryover combination identifier. As a specific example, the value of the carryover combination identifier is a value indicating that the big bonus is a carryover combination, that is, the carryover combination identifier bit5 is on, the value of the winning combination identifier is the winning combination of the cherry small combination When the winning combination identifier bit0 is ON, the big bonus and the cherry are applied as the winning combination, and the winning combination matches a specific combination (for example, big bonus). It is desirable to select an effect mode depending on whether or not. As described above, the winning combination in the embodiment includes the combination specified only by the winning combination identifier and the combination specified by the sum of both the winning combination identifier and the carryover combination identifier and the notice mode. The relationship with is illustrated.

  In the virtual coordinate space, an area related to sumo (area showing the earthenware), an area related to eating out (area showing the cafeteria), and an effect related to digging. A plurality of areas such as an area where the field is displayed (area indicating the field) is provided, and a specific moving object such as a firework craftsman character is set to move over the plurality of areas. For example, an area where X coordinates are “0” to “100” (Y coordinates and Z coordinates are arbitrary), an area where effects related to sumo are performed, and an area where “101” to “200” (Y coordinates and Z coordinates are The (arbitrary) is set as an area where an effect related to gluttony competition is performed, and the areas “201” to “300” (Y coordinate and Z coordinate are optional) are set as an area where an effect related to drilling is performed. In such a case, when a table such as the above-described effect determination table is used, the random number range in which the specific moving character is arranged in the area related to the sumo is “0” to “49”, “60” to “119” is obtained, and the probability that the production mode is executed is “110/128”. In addition, the random number range in which a specific moving character is arranged in an area different from the area related to sumo is “50” to “59” (excluding the normal effect), and the probability that the effect mode is executed is “ 10/128 ". In other words, the notice mode related to a specific area (for example, an area related to sumo) is changed from the first notice mode (for example, production related to sumo) to a predetermined area (for example, related to sumo). The notice mode related to the other areas excluding the area to be set as the second notice mode (for example, production related to gluttony competition, digging), the winning role is a specific role and is moving When a specific moving object is located in a specific area among a plurality of areas, the first notification mode is selected from a plurality of notification modes with a first probability (for example, “110/128”). The second notice mode is selected with the second probability (for example, “10/128”) lower than the first probability. As a result, various effects can be displayed to the player, and the interest in the game can be improved.

[Direction table]
Moreover, with reference to FIG. 18, the effect table regarding effect data is demonstrated. In this effect table, the number of remaining remaining effects and the effect data are associated with the effect type determined using the effect determination table described above. This effect table is stored in a program ROM 83 (FIG. 8) described later, but may be stored in another storage medium.

  The number of remaining remnants of continuous effects indicates the number of remaining games of continuous effects. For example, when it is determined to execute an effect related to a maximum of 4 times, the initial value is set to “4”. Thereafter, the player performs a stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and a winning mode which is a game result of the unit game is displayed. Then, in the winning process (FIG. 37) described later, “1” is subtracted to “3”. Then, after the player inserts a medal, another 3 (BET) is selected in a game medal insertion process (FIG. 34) described later. As described above, the initial value of the remaining number of remaining rendition effects is set along with the selection of the rendition, and the number of remaining rendition of remaining rendition effects is decremented by “1” at the end of one unit game. The progress of the production is controlled. In addition, as will be described later, when the remaining number of remaining effects is “0” in the winning process (FIG. 37), the effect type is forcibly set to the normal effect. By doing so, when the game medal insertion process (FIG. 34) described later is executed next, the effect is normally 0 (BET), the normal effect is displayed and controlled, and the game start process (FIG. 35) is further performed. ) To select a new production type.

  As an example of a case where the production type is selected in the order of normal production, gluttony loss, and normal production, if the normal production is selected as the production type in the game start process, for example, “1” as the remaining number of remaining continuous production games. In general, 1 (lever) is selected as effect data, and an effect display in which the character moves in an arbitrary area of the virtual space is executed. Next, in the winning process, the effect type is the normal effect and the remaining effect remaining game number is “1”, so that the normal 1 (winning) is selected, and the character movement display is continuously performed. Also, the remaining number of remaining rendition effects is “1” subtracted to “0”. Next, in the game medal insertion process, since the effect type is the normal effect and the number of remaining continuous effect games is “0”, the normal 0 (BET) is selected, and the character movement display is further continued. Next, since the remaining number of remaining effects is “0”, in the game start process, an effect type is newly selected based on the winning combination, the position of the character in the virtual space, and the value of the effect determination random number. Here, for example, if a gluttony losing is selected, “2”, which is the maximum number of remaining continuation effects of gluttony losing, is set as the number of remaining continuation effects games. Instead of displaying the character moving, the inside of the cafeteria is displayed in an enlarged manner, and an effect based on a gluttony motif is performed over two unit games. For example, if a glutton is successful, the player is likely to win a predetermined role, and if the glutton fails, the player is notified that a predetermined role is unlikely to be won. It will be. First, the gluttony 2 (lever) is selected as the production data, then the production data is devoured 2 (losing) in the winning process, and the number of remaining continuation production games is updated to “1”. Is gluttony 1 (BET), production data is gluttonous 1 (lever) in the game start process, production data is gluttony 1 (losing) in the winning process, the number of remaining remaining games is “0”, and the production type is Each is updated to normal performance. In this gluttony 1 (losing), as a result of the glutton effect produced over a plurality of unit games, an effect that the glutton failed and the character is disappointed is displayed. In the next game medal insertion process, since the effect type is a normal effect, 0 (BET) is normally selected as the effect data, and from the position of the character in the virtual space at the time when gluttonous loser is selected as the effect type. The character movement display is continuously performed. Next, since the remaining number of remaining effects is “0”, an effect type is newly selected in the game start process based on the winning combination, the position of the character in the virtual space, and the value of the effect determining random number. Here, for example, assuming that the normal performance is selected, the movement of the character is continuously displayed. As in this example, the continuously displayed moving image is once erased (in this example, the moving display of the character is temporarily erased by enlarging the inside of the cafeteria), and the first notice mode. Alternatively, after displaying the second notice mode (in this example, a moving image showing an effect relating to gluttony), an image at the time of being once erased (in this example, when gluttony loss is selected as the effect type) In this example, a continuous image (moving image showing the position of the character in the virtual space) is displayed (in this example, the character's movement display after the effect based on the effect type, such as a gluttony loss).

[Production data table]
Next, tables relating to effect data will be described with reference to FIGS. The tables shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 are used in steps S430 and S432 in the image drawing process shown in FIG. 38 described later.

[Large classification data table]
First, the large classification data table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the large classification data table shown in FIG. 19, large classification effect information in which effects are largely classified and medium classification effect information constituting an effect specified by the large classification effect information are associated with each other. This large classification data table is stored in a program ROM 83 (FIG. 8) described later, but may be stored in another storage medium.

  The large-category effect information stores information on various effect data (large concept effect data) determined by the effect determination table shown in FIG. 17 and the effect table shown in FIG. For example, various effect data such as SUMO 4 (lever), SUMO 4 (Atari), SUMO 3 (BET) and the like are stored.

  Further, the medium category effect information stores information on effect image data, lighting data such as effect lamps, effect sound data, etc. (medium concept effect data) required for performing effects corresponding to the large category effect information. Has been. For example, when referring to Susumo 4 (lever) of the large-scale production information, the production data includes a background image of the earthwork, a firework craftsman image, a drunk man appearance image, a fireworks master's daughter support image, and a blowout. The appearance image, the position of the camera for soot, the lighting of the lamp of the soot 4 LED, the sound effect at the start of soot 4 and the background sound at the start of soot 4 are associated with each other. Various effects are executed in parallel based on the image data, lighting data such as lamps / LEDs, sound effects / background sound data, and the like.

  In addition, the major classification data table of FIG. 19 includes image data, lamps / LEDs for effects related to soot 4 (atari), soo 3 (BET), etc. Such information as lighting data, sound effects / background sound data, and the like are associated with each other. In addition, production related to gluttonous attack such as gluttony 2 (lever), gluttonous miss, production here related to digging atari, here digging miss, such as digging 1 (lever), depending on each production Information such as image data, lighting data of lamps / LEDs, sound effects / background sound data, and the like are associated with each other. Various effects are executed based on the image data, lighting data of lamps / LEDs, sound effects / background sound data, and the like.

[Medium classification data table]
Next, the middle classification data table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the middle category data table shown in FIG. 20, middle category effect information is associated with small category effect information constituting an effect specified by the middle category effect information. The middle classification data table is stored in a program ROM 83 (FIG. 8) described later, but may be stored in another storage medium.

  The medium category effect information indicates medium category effect information selected from the large category data table shown in FIG. For example, information of image data such as a background image of earthen earthen selected from the large classification data table of FIG.

  In addition, in the small category effect information, effect data (small concept effect data) constituting the above-described medium category effect information (firework craftsman image, etc.) is stored in time series.

  For example, when an earthen background image, which is one of the medium category effect information, is referred to, the earthen background image is associated with the background image of the earthen as small category effect information. When the image is not moved like the background image or the like, only one image data is associated (the same applies to the background image of the cafeteria and the background image of the field).

  Further, for example, referring to a firework craftsman appearance image, which is one of the middle classification effect information, a firework craftsman appearance image and a firework craftsman shake image are associated with the firework craftsman appearance image. After displaying the firework craftsman appearance image on the display screen 5a, by displaying the firework craftsman swing image, for example, the firework craftsman appears from the end of the display screen 5a and is swaying in the center of the display screen 5a. An image like this is displayed. In this way, when the image shown in the middle category effect information is an image that adds movement, a plurality of pieces of image data are associated as the minor category effect information (the same applies to the fireworks parent's daughter appearance image and the like). ).

[Small classification data table]
Next, the small classification data table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the small classification data table shown in FIG. 21, the small classification effect information and the data number corresponding to the small classification effect information are associated with each other. The small classification data table is stored in a program ROM 83 (FIG. 8) described later, but may be stored in another storage medium.

  The small classification effect information is small classification effect information selected from the above-described middle classification data table shown in FIG. For example, image information such as a firework crafter appearance image, a fireworks master daughter appearance image, and a blow-out good scroll-in image selected from the middle classification data table of FIG. 20 is stored.

  Further, the data number stores the data number (for example, S101, S102,... S151, etc.) of the image constituting the small classification effect information (fireworks craftsman appearance image, etc.). By associating a plurality of data numbers with the small category effect information, the image shown in the small category effect information is also used for other effects.

  In the figure, this data number is time-series data. For example, images corresponding to the order of S101 to S151 are continuously displayed on the display screen 5a. Furthermore, when the drawing processing of the image data corresponding to these data numbers is performed smoothly, the time for displaying the image data corresponding to one data number on the display screen 5a is 1/30 s. Detailed description of the image display control will be described later with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. Detailed description of this data number will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Production image data table]
Next, the effect image data table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the effect image data table shown in FIG. 22, the data number is associated with information related to the effect image corresponding to the data number. This effect image data table is stored in a program ROM 83 (FIG. 8) described later, but may be stored in another storage medium.

  The data number is a data number (for example, S101, S102, S103, etc.) selected from the small classification data table shown in FIG. Also, the image data corresponding to these data numbers is associated with every 1/60 s. When the image data corresponding to these data numbers is drawn smoothly, every frame is 1 An image is displayed every 30 seconds. Further, as will be described in detail later, when image data corresponding to these data numbers is not drawn smoothly and drawing is delayed, image data is drawn according to the drawing delay. It will be.

  Further, the information regarding the effect image is information transmitted from the image control microcomputer 81 to the image control IC 86, and is associated with the data number described above, the address of the image ROM 88 containing the image, and the three-dimensional space. Position information of the viewpoint in the three-dimensional space, direction information of the viewpoint in the three-dimensional space, zoom information of the viewpoint in the three-dimensional space, luminance information of the screen, and the like.

  For example, referring to S101, which is one of the data numbers, the address of the image ROM 88 in which the image of the firework craftsman is stored, the positional information of the image of the firework craftsman in the three-dimensional space (X coordinate: 0, Y coordinate: 0, Z coordinate: 0) and the like are included. Further, referring to S103, the address of the image ROM 88 storing the image of the firework craftsman, the position information of the image of the firework craftsman in the three-dimensional space (X coordinate: 20, Y coordinate: 0, Z coordinate: 0), etc. include. For example, when S103 is displayed after S101 is displayed, the image displayed on the display screen 5a is displayed so as to move 20 in the X coordinate direction. In S101 and S103 described above, the address of the image ROM 88 storing the images of the firework craftsman character is the same, and the firework craftsman character having the same shape in the virtual coordinate space moves 20 in the X coordinate direction. Of course, the head address of the image ROM 88 in which the image is stored may be specified so as to be different for each frame, and the character itself may be set to move.

  Also, referring to S501, the address of the image ROM 88 storing the field image, the position information of the field image in the three-dimensional space, and the like are included. The field image is a two-dimensional object (a so-called billboard) arranged in a virtual coordinate space. Further, referring to S701, viewpoint position information (X coordinate: 100, Y coordinate: 50, Z coordinate: 0), viewpoint direction information (X coordinate: 0, Y coordinate: 0, Z coordinate) in a three-dimensional space. 1), viewpoint zoom information (zoom magnification: 1.0), and the like. Furthermore, referring to S901, screen luminance information (brightness 0.95 times) in the case of performing a special effect is included.

[Electric configuration of main control circuit of gaming machine]
7 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, a peripheral device (actuator) that is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the LEDs 101, and the sub-control circuit 72 that controls the lamps 102 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generator 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 stores a probability lottery table (see FIG. 4) used for determination of random sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and the reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop button. A stop table group for determination (see FIGS. 5 to 6), various control commands (commands) for transmission to the sub control circuit 72, and the like are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, a flag, game state information, and the like are stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 7, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c), and an information display section. 18, a hopper (including a drive unit for payout) 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41, and a stepping motor 49L that rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. 49C and 49R.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper 40, a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls various lamps, and a display unit that drives and controls various display units A drive circuit 48 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 7, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The winning combination is determined based on the random number thus sampled and the probability lottery (see FIG. 4) table stored in the ROM 32.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained every rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  In order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, a symbol table (not shown, but conceptually the same as the contents of FIG. 2) is provided. , Stored in the ROM 32. In this symbol table, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and a corresponding code number are provided. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Further, in the ROM 32, a winning symbol combination table (not shown, but conceptually the same as the content of FIG. 3) is stored. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The above winning symbol combination table is referred to when confirming winnings after all reels are stopped.

  When winning by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 operates the operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and the selection. Based on the stop table, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  In the stop mode indicating winning of the winning combination, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At that time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. Thereby, CPU31 stops the drive of the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41, and complete | finishes a medal payout process.

[Electric configuration of sub-control circuit]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The image control circuit (gSub) 72 a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72 b is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is connected to the main control circuit. No command, information or the like is input to 71. Communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 72a and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed in one direction from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b does not input commands, information, etc. to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The image control circuit (gSub) 72a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, a calendar IC 85, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM (CROM (character ROM)) 88, and a video RAM 89. The

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the control program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 (FIGS. 29 to 38 described later). The image control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the image control microcomputer 81. ing.

  The image control circuit 72a performs three-dimensional graphic processing by executing arithmetic processing. As shown in FIG. 24, a virtual world is constructed by arranging various objects in a virtual coordinate space. To do. Specifically, based on the effect table (including a large classification data table, a medium classification data table, a small classification data table, an effect image data table, etc.), 3D image data and 2D image corresponding to the instructed object After the data is read out from an image ROM 88 described later, the data is stored in the work RAM 84 together with the coordinates indicating the designated arrangement position.

  As a specific example of this calculation process, an object to be placed in a virtual coordinate space and its placement position are instructed, and an object placed in the virtual coordinate space is moved, rotated, enlarged, reduced, etc. Calculate the coordinates, indicate the object to be moved and its movement mode (movement vector, speed, etc.), notify the information specifying the viewpoint and the position of the screen (projection plane), and paste it on each corresponding polygon Perform texture mapping, perform brightness calculation to calculate the brightness of each part according to the type of light source that is virtually set, distance and angle from the light source, viewpoint position, etc., see through to 2D coordinate data Performs calculations for projection transformation, and Z sort algorithm for 2D projection images in an arbitrary area in a virtual coordinate space configured by arranging 3D objects Or subjected to hidden surface processing based on the rhythm. The polygon is a minimum unit plane constituting the surface of a three-dimensional object such as a character or an object arranged in the virtual space, and is a polygonal plane such as a triangle or a quadrangle.

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  The program ROM 83 stores a control program (see FIGS. 29 to 38 described later) executed by the image control microcomputer 81, a determination table and the like (see FIGS. 16 to 22).

  The work RAM 84 is configured as temporary storage means for work when the image control microcomputer 81 executes the control program described above. The work RAM 84 is a temporary storage area for storing all the parts constituting the virtual world constructed in the virtual coordinate space, and all objects arranged in the virtual coordinate space. The arrangement position for is held in common coordinates (world coordinate system). Note that the modeling data of each object is held in the local coordinate system.

  In addition, the following variables are assigned to the work RAM 84.

  In the work RAM 84, as shown in FIG. 23, an in-game identifier, an effect identifier, a remaining effect game number counter, a VDP counter, an animation counter, a game state identifier, a winning combination identifier, a winning combination identifier, a random number counter, a stop reel identifier, Various variables such as a stop symbol type number, a left reel rotation identifier, a middle reel rotation identifier, and a right reel rotation identifier are assigned.

  The VDP counter is incremented based on the clock signal transmitted from the image control IC 86 to the previous image control microcomputer 81, and is 1/30 s from the timing when the bank control instruction is issued from the previous image control microcomputer 81 to the image control IC 86. This is used to determine whether or not the above has elapsed (step S306 in FIG. 29). The animation counter is a counter corresponding to each time-sequential image data composed of a plurality of frames, and is for determining a frame of image data to be displayed based on the value. Other variables will be described later in detail.

  The image ROM 88 stores image data such as modeling data and image data of an object to be subjected to graphic processing in the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. Three-dimensional shape three-dimensional image data, two-dimensional shape 2 A plurality of image data such as dimensional image data is held (stored).

  The three-dimensional image data defines the shape of a three-dimensional object to be displayed such as a character, and is a component that constitutes a virtual coordinate space. Specifically, each object is expressed as a collection of polygonal polygons such as a quadrangle and a triangle constituting the surface. Each polygon has its vertex coordinates specified by coordinates specific to the object (local coordinate system). That is, this three-dimensional image data is a collection of polygon vertex coordinates and texture address data for designating texture data to be pasted to the polygon for each object. The texture address data is a storage address that specifies the texture to be pasted on the polygon.

  The two-dimensional image data is two-dimensional image data, and is used as image data representing a two-dimensional object (an object without depth, so-called billboard) such as a background arranged in a virtual coordinate space. The two-dimensional image data is also used as texture data to be pasted on the surface (polygon) of the object.

  In addition, position information in a three-dimensional space where such objects are arranged is stored. In particular, for an object moving in a virtual coordinate space, a plurality of position information to be arranged is stored in time series. In the present embodiment, such time-sequentially stored data is referred to as scene data, and an image effect is executed based on the scene data corresponding to the value of the animation counter. That is, the image ROM 88 stores scene data in which the position of a specific object moving in a virtual coordinate space is predetermined in time series. As a result, the image control microcomputer 81 calculates the position of a specific object moving in the three-dimensional space based on the scene data stored in the image ROM 88 and the updated image reproduction time. In addition, viewpoint position information of the viewpoint, viewpoint direction information indicating the direction of the viewpoint, viewpoint zoom information regarding the zoom of the viewpoint, and the like are included. Furthermore, light source position information indicating the position of the light source in the three-dimensional space is also included.

  The calendar IC 85 stores date data. An operation unit 17 is connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In this embodiment, the date etc. are set by operating this operation part 17 by the employee of a game hall, etc. FIG. The image control microcomputer 81 stores the date information set based on the input signal transmitted from the operation unit 17 in the calendar IC 85. The date information stored in the calendar IC 85 is backed up.

  The work RAM 84 and calendar IC 85 described above are backup targets. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.

  The image control IC 86 generates an image according to the effect content determined by the image control microcomputer 81 in accordance with the drawing instruction transmitted from the image control microcomputer 81, and stores the image data in the frame buffer 1 or 2. The frame buffer 1 or 2 includes a drawing area for storing image data drawn by the image control IC 86 or image data transferred from the image control microcomputer 81, and a display area for storing image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5a. Have. Although the frame buffer 1 or 2 will be described in detail later, the image control IC 86 alternates the frame buffer output to the liquid crystal display device 5 in accordance with the bank switching signal transmitted from the image control microcomputer 81 when displaying an image. The image relating to the image data stored in the frame buffer determined as the display area is output to the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the image control IC 86 transmits the data of the video RAM 89 to the liquid crystal display device 5 and the clock signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every 1/60 seconds.

  The control RAM 87 is included in the image control IC 86. The image control microcomputer 81 writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. In the control RAM 87, a register of the image control IC 86, a sprite attribute table, and a color palette table are developed. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 and the sprite attribute table at predetermined timings.

  The image control IC 86 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5 and the video RAM 89.

  The video RAM 89 is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is generated by the image control IC 86. Note that a plurality of frame buffers are allocated to the video RAM 89, and image data is supplied to the liquid crystal display device 5 by switching the plurality of frame buffers (so-called bank switching).

  Specifically, in the video RAM 89 in which two frame buffers composed of the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 are set, writing and reading can be performed simultaneously and independently, and double buffering It is accessed by the method. For example, when a write operation is performed on the frame buffer 1, an image read operation is performed on the frame buffer 2 in parallel with the write operation, and the image stored in the frame buffer 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. Conversely, when an image reading operation is being performed on the frame buffer 1, a writing operation is performed on the frame buffer 2 in parallel therewith. This may prevent screen disturbance caused by simultaneous writing and reading to the same area.

  In the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the effects of sound and lamps. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type of sound / lamp and the output timing based on the determined effect. The image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. In the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, only the sound / lamp output is performed mainly in accordance with the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a (excluding the volume adjustment control described later). .

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a program ROM 93, a work RAM 94, a sound source IC 95, a power amplifier 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs sound / lamp output processing in accordance with a control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a (FIG. 39, FIG. 40). The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The serial port 92 receives a command or the like transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The program ROM 93 stores a control program (see FIGS. 39 and 40 described later) executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91.

  The work RAM 94 is configured as a temporary storage means for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes the control program described above.

  The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96.

  The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and speakers 21L and 21R are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 21L and 21R.

  The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and the volume output from the speakers 21L and 21R is adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume control unit 103.

[Description of image display method]
The concept relating to the image processing executed in the image control circuit (gSub) 72a configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, the left-right direction is the X-axis direction (left direction is the positive direction), the up-down direction is the Y-axis direction (upward is the positive direction), and the depth direction is the Z-axis direction (back). The direction of is assumed to be the positive direction).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, objects are arranged in a virtual coordinate space. An object is a group of managed objects. The types of objects include moving objects such as characters and background objects such as backgrounds. In addition, a viewpoint is provided on a virtual three-dimensional space, and an image from the viewpoint is generated.

  Further, this virtual three-dimensional space is divided into a plurality of areas, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, divided into three areas 301a to 301c. One area 301a is an area indicating a ring (area related to sumo), one area 301b is an area indicating a cafeteria (area related to gluttony competition), and one area 301c is an area indicating a field ( Area related to digging). In FIG. 24, when the world coordinate system is used, the area indicating the earthwork is an area where the X coordinate is “0” to “100” (Y coordinate and Z coordinate are arbitrary), and the area indicating the cafeteria is The X coordinate is an area of “101” to “200” (Y coordinate and Z coordinate are arbitrary), and the area indicating the field is an X coordinate of “201” to “300” (Y coordinate and Z coordinate is arbitrary). Is an area. Also, as shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of background objects are fixedly arranged in the virtual coordinate space (for a plurality of areas). “Fixed” is not limited to being actually fixed, but includes an arrangement position being fixed but being capable of being rotated, discolored, and the like. Furthermore, even a background image or the like may be a three-dimensional image such as a earthen image or a desk image as shown in FIG.

  A moving object such as a character moves in a virtual coordinate space. Specifically, the moving object moves over a plurality of areas provided in a virtual coordinate space.

  Further, taking a firework craftsman character as an example of an object, as shown in FIG. 24, the firework craftsman has an X coordinate of “150”, a Y coordinate of “0”, and a Z coordinate of “0” in a three-dimensional space. It is arranged at the position. This coordinate is set as a world coordinate system in the entire three-dimensional space.

  A viewpoint can be arranged or moved in a virtual coordinate space. Of the objects in the virtual coordinate space, the object displayed on the screen is determined by information about the viewpoint such as the viewpoint coordinates (position).

  The specific viewpoint information includes viewpoint position information indicating the position of the viewpoint, viewpoint direction information indicating the viewpoint direction, viewpoint zoom information indicating the viewpoint zoom, and the like. When the world coordinate system is used for the viewpoint position information, for example, the X coordinate is “150”, the Y coordinate is “50”, the Z coordinate is “0”, and the viewpoint direction information is the X coordinate “0”, Y The vector direction has coordinates “0” and Z coordinates “1”. The viewpoint zoom information is set to “1.5”, for example, and the range of the generated image is determined. Hereinafter, the coordinates from the viewpoint position are referred to as a viewpoint coordinate system (camera coordinate system, screen coordinate system).

  On the other hand, each object is composed of a plurality of polygons. Each of the plurality of polygons is associated with vertex coordinate information and texture data such as color and material for the surface, and the coordinate information and texture data are stored in the image ROM 88.

Taking a firework craftsman as an example of an object, this firework craftsman is set as a local coordinate system based on the object itself, unlike the world coordinate system in the entire three-dimensional space, as shown in FIG. Yes. For example, the fireworks craftsman has a reference coordinate (0, 0, 0) and a size (X ₀ , Y ₀ , Z ₀ ). In this way, the coordinates stored in the local coordinate system can be converted into the world coordinate system based on the reference coordinates.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), one polygon in this firework craftsman is that the vertex P1a is a position where the X coordinate is “x ₁ ”, the Y coordinate is “y ₁ ”, and the Z coordinate is “z ₁ ”. The vertex P1b is the position where the X coordinate is “x ₂ ”, the Y coordinate is “y ₂ ”, and the Z coordinate is “z ₂ ”, and the vertex P1c is the X coordinate “x ₃ ” and the Y coordinate is “Y ₃ ”, the Z coordinate is “z ₃ ”. Thus, a plurality of coordinates are set for one polygon, and a polygonal surface is formed. An object is formed by combining a plurality of polygons.

  Furthermore, a two-dimensional image image obtained when the virtual coordinate space constructed by performing perspective projection conversion and hidden surface processing is viewed from a specific viewpoint is generated. That is, based on the position of the arranged viewpoint and the distance between the viewpoint and the screen, a two-dimensional image projected on the screen when each object arranged in the virtual coordinate space is viewed from the viewpoint is calculated. Specifically, the vertex coordinates of each object are transformed from the local coordinate system to the screen coordinate system via the world coordinate system. After the perspective projection conversion, hidden surface elimination based on the Z sort algorithm, that is, the polygons to be displayed are sorted in order from the viewpoint in the depth direction, and the polygons that are located in the back are sequentially drawn.

  Some objects use polygons having a small thickness in the depth direction (two-dimensional images in a virtual three-dimensional space, so-called billboards). For example, a background image or the like is not moved in a three-dimensional space when there is little possibility that an unnatural image is generated due to perspective. However, as will be described in detail later, depending on the viewpoint position information, viewpoint direction information, and the position of the billboard, it may be generated as an unnatural image, so it should be rotated as a plane perpendicular to the viewpoint direction. There is. Note that drawing control for a polygon having a small thickness in the depth direction will be described later in detail.

  An example of the control method when set as described above will be described.

  The image control microcomputer 81 refers to the effect image data table and the like described above, and arranges the object in a virtual three-dimensional space. Specifically, information about a plurality of polygons for configuring an object to be arranged is read out. The information regarding the plurality of polygons is position information and texture data corresponding to each of the plurality of polygons. The image control microcomputer 81 virtually arranges objects according to the read polygon position information. Of course, these objects include moving objects such as fireworks craftsmen and background objects such as earthen background images. Further, not only three-dimensional objects but also two-dimensional objects are included.

  Further, the image control microcomputer 81 refers to the effect image data table and the like described above, and arranges the viewpoint in a virtual coordinate space. Specifically, viewpoint position information, viewpoint direction information, and viewpoint zoom information corresponding to the start point to be arranged are read, and a viewpoint is virtually arranged according to the information. In addition to the viewpoint information, light source information and the like are also arranged.

  Then, the image control microcomputer 81 calculates the position from the viewpoint, the angle from the viewpoint, and the image range for each object based on the read viewpoint position information, viewpoint direction information, and viewpoint zoom information. In addition, regarding a two-dimensional object as a billboard, image information is calculated by virtually rotating the viewpoint direction information as a vertical direction. Thereby, the object arranged in the virtual coordinate space is generated as two-dimensional image data viewed from the viewpoint. That is, the positional relationship in the virtual coordinate space among the moving object, the plurality of background objects, and the viewpoint position is calculated for each predetermined timing. This predetermined timing is a timing for executing the processing of step S434 described later, and is mainly on condition that the VDP counter has been updated to “2” or more. Based on the calculated positional relationship, an image in which a specific moving object and a plurality of background objects are viewed from the viewpoint position is generated.

  By transmitting the two-dimensional image data generated in this way to the image control IC 86, the image control IC 86 stores the two-dimensional image data in the frame buffer 1 or 2, and stores the stored two-dimensional image data in the liquid crystal It is displayed on the display device 5. Although details will be described later regarding the frame buffers 1 and 2, drawing is performed in the other frame buffer while the display is performed in one frame buffer by bank switching.

[About Billboard]
With reference to FIG. 41, a description will be given of a moving object that moves in a virtual coordinate space and a background object that is fixedly arranged in a specific type of coordinate space in the virtual coordinate space.

  The moving object in the virtual coordinate space described below with reference to FIGS. 24 and 41 to 44 is movable in the virtual three-dimensional coordinate space, and is a specific object having a three-dimensional shape. The background objects are a plurality of background objects arranged in a coordinate space and having a two-dimensional shape. In addition, these objects calculate a positional relationship in the coordinate space with a viewpoint position that can move in the coordinate space at a predetermined timing, and the specific moving object and the plurality of background objects are calculated in the viewpoint position. Is generated by an image generating means for generating an image viewed from above and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 of the gaming machine 1.

FIG. 41 partially shows the virtual coordinate space of the field whose X coordinate is in the range of α ₂ to α ₃ in the virtual coordinate space of FIG. Hereinafter, expressions such as the X axis, the Y axis, the Z axis, and the XY plane correspond to the coordinate axes in FIG. The following description of the moving object and the background object is not limited to the virtual coordinate space of the field, but the earthen virtual coordinate space in which the X coordinate ranges from 0 to α ₁ and the X coordinate is α. moving object and is also true for the background object in cafeteria virtual coordinate space ranges from ₁ to alpha _2, a description of the background object and the moving object as an example the virtual coordinate space of convenience Uenohara described herein .

  According to “(0) Composite Background of Rotating Background and Rotating Background and Moving Object” in FIG. 41, the moving object is the main character d and the background fixedly arranged in the virtual coordinate space of the field. The objects include a cloud c, a mountain m, a person p, and a tree t.

  The moving object is composed of polygons, and the background object is composed of billboards. A billboard is a two-dimensional polygon and is a flat polygon without depth.

The arrows in FIGS. 41 to 44 (a) and (b) represent the viewpoint position and viewpoint direction in a virtual coordinate space. That is, the starting point of the arrow is the viewpoint position, and the direction of the arrow is the viewpoint direction. This viewpoint position and viewpoint direction are represented by vectors in a virtual coordinate space. Here, the viewpoint position vector (hereinafter referred to as viewpoint position vector) is (x ₁ , y ₁ , z ₁ ), and the viewpoint direction vector (hereinafter referred to as viewpoint direction vector) is (x ₂ , y ₂ , z _2). ) (However, the viewpoint direction vector is a unit vector and “x ₂ ² + y ₂ ² + z ₂ ² = 1”, but the present invention is not limited to this). “Y ₁ = constant” and “z ₁ = 0”. That is, the viewpoint moves parallel to the x-axis while maintaining a certain height position on the xy plane of the virtual coordinate space, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the virtual coordinate space is not limited thereto. It is good also as what can be located in arbitrary coordinates. Further, it is assumed that the viewpoint direction vector can also take an arbitrary direction. However, in this case as well, the end point of the viewpoint position vector + viewpoint direction vector vector is located in the same part as the part of the virtual coordinate space where the viewpoint position vector is located (the part classified by the earthen wall, cafeteria, and field). Is a condition.

  Then, an image of the moving object viewed from the viewpoint position and viewpoint direction described above is generated in a virtual coordinate space, and the image is displayed on a display device such as the liquid crystal display device 5. That is, regardless of the viewpoint position vector and the viewpoint direction vector, the main character d is always displayed on the display screen 5a of the display device such as the liquid crystal display device 5, for example.

  The composite diagram of (0) the background that is not rotated and the background that is rotated and the moving object in FIG. 41 is broken down into (1) a non-rotating background diagram, (2) a rotating background diagram, and (3) a moving object diagram. The That is, (1) a non-rotating background diagram, (2) a rotating background diagram, and (3) an object included in each of the moving object diagrams is synthesized by an image generating means, and (0) a background that is not rotated and a background that is rotated A composite diagram of moving objects is constructed.

  (1) The object included in the non-rotating background map is the second background object, and (2) the object included in the rotating background map is the first background object, the viewpoint position and the first background object Since the distance in the coordinate space is shorter than the distance in the coordinate space between the viewpoint position and the second background object, (2) the object included in the rotating background view is (1) not rotated. The object is relatively closer to the viewpoint position than the object included in the background view.

  (1) The non-rotating background map includes clouds c and mountains m, (2) the rotating background map includes people p and trees t, and (3) the moving object diagram includes the main character d. included. (2) The person p and the tree t included in the rotating background map rotate only the first background object of the plurality of background objects in the coordinate space in relation to the movement of the viewpoint position. It is a billboard in which deformation calculation is performed by a background object rotation unit provided in the image generation unit.

  In addition, (3) the main character d included in the moving object diagram is movable in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space, is arranged in the coordinate space with a specific object having a three-dimensional shape, and the two-dimensional shape. Calculating a positional relationship in the coordinate space between a plurality of background objects having a viewpoint and a viewpoint position movable in the coordinate space at a predetermined timing, and the specific moving object and the plurality of background objects are This is an object for which the mode to be displayed is determined based on the viewpoint position and the viewpoint direction by the image generation means for generating an image viewed from the viewpoint position.

  Referring to FIG. 42, (1) 1 is a view of FIG. 41 (1) viewed from the direction of the arrow, and (1) 2 is the virtual coordinates of the field. It is the figure which displayed the background object which is not rotated by the background object rotation means contained in space based on the information of a viewpoint position and a viewpoint direction. Here, the clouds c and the mountains m are both billboards, and when viewed from above, they are “plate-like” as shown in FIG. Since these billboards are non-rotating background views, the display mode is the same as shown in Fig. 2 of (1), regardless of whether (a) or (b) the viewpoint position and viewpoint direction are displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 42, (1-1) of 1-1-1 and 1-2-1 of (2) are views of FIG. 41 (2) viewed from the direction of the arrows. , (1-2) 1-1-2 and (2) 1-2-2 show the background object rotated by the background object rotating means included in the virtual coordinate space of the field. It is the figure displayed based on the information of a viewpoint direction. Here, both the person p and the tree t are billboards, and when viewed from above, they are “plate-like” as shown in FIG. These billboards are a rotating background. This rotation may be performed for a prior notice, and is performed, for example, when a specific winning combination of a game in a gaming machine is won or when the high probability re-playing state (FT) ends. . For example, if the winning of a specific winning combination or the completion of the high probability replay state (FT) has not occurred, the billboard is not rotated (1-1) in (2) 1-1 This is the situation shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, if the winning of a specific winning combination or the completion of the high probability replay state (FT) has occurred, for example, the billboard of the tree t has the viewpoint position and viewpoint of (a). Rotate around a rotation axis that exists on the plane of the billboard and is parallel to the Y axis (that is, the vertical axis) of the virtual coordinate space so as to be perpendicular to the direction. The situation is as shown in Fig. 2-1. It should be noted that, for example, if the winning of a specific winning combination or the completion of the high probability replaying state (FT) has occurred, for example, the billboard of the tree t has the viewpoint position of (a) and Rotate about a rotation axis that exists on the plane of the billboard and that is parallel to the Y axis (that is, the vertical axis) of the virtual coordinate space so as to be perpendicular to the viewpoint direction. 2-1 ", the situation is as follows." The image generated by the image generating means is displayed on the image display means provided separately from the winning display means. It is controlled by an image display control means for displaying that there is a possibility of being a combination as a predetermined notice mode. When the presence or absence of rotation of the billboard of the tree t is compared based on the viewpoint position and viewpoint direction of (a), the diagram of 1-2-1 of (2) and 1-2-2 of (2) It becomes like. Here, the diagram 1-1-1 in (2) corresponds to the diagram 1-1-2 in (2), and the diagram 1-2-1 in (2) is 1-2 in 1-2. This corresponds to FIG. Therefore, when the diagram 1-1-2 in (2) is compared with the diagram 1-2-2 in (2), the display mode of the tree t differs depending on the rotation of the billboard. For example, when FT is finished, the carryover combination is BB (or RB), and there is a possibility of winning BB (or RB), the tree t as shown in the diagram 1-2-2 in (2) You may take a display mode. By performing the processing in this manner, a variety of effects can be displayed, and various effects can be displayed to the player.

  In the present embodiment, for example, in the case of “having won a specific winning combination or having finished a high probability replay state (FT)”, for example, a tree t or a person p When the billboard rotates so as to be perpendicular to the viewpoint direction, and it is not “when a specific winning combination has been won or the high probability replay state (FT) has ended, etc.” The billboard is not rotated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and “when a specific winning combination is won or a high probability replaying state (FT) is completed” occurs. “There is no rotation of the billboard of the tree t or the person p, and“ when a specific winning combination is won or the high probability replay state (FT) has ended ”or the like has occurred. When not, the bilbo should be perpendicular to the viewing direction. It may perform rotation mode.

  Similarly, referring to FIG. 42, (2-1) in FIG. 2-1-1 and (2-2) in FIG. 2-2-1 are views of FIG. 41 (2) as seen from the direction of the arrow. The (2-1) diagram of (1-2) and the (2-2) diagram of (2) show the viewpoint of the background object rotated by the background object rotation means included in the virtual coordinate space of the field. It is the figure displayed based on the information of a position and a viewpoint direction. If it is possible to give a notice as described above, such as having won a specific winning role, or having finished a high probability replay state (FT), the billboard of person p Rotate about a rotation axis that exists on the plane of the billboard and that is parallel to the Y axis (that is, the vertical axis) of the virtual coordinate space so that is perpendicular to the viewpoint direction of (b). The situation is as shown in Fig. 2-2-1 in (2). When the presence or absence of rotation of the billboard of the person p is compared based on the viewpoint position and the viewpoint direction of (b), the figure of 2-1-2 of (2) and 2-2-2 of (2) It becomes like. Here, the diagram of 2-1-1 in (2) corresponds to the diagram of 2-1-2 in (2), and the diagram of 2-2-1 in (2) is 2-2 in (2). This corresponds to FIG. Therefore, when the figure of 2-1-2 of (2) and the figure of 2-2-2 of (2) are compared, the display mode of the person p differs depending on the rotation of the billboard. For example, when FT is finished and the carryover role is RB (or BB) and there is a possibility of winning RB (or BB), the person p as shown in Fig. 2-2-2 in (2) You may take a display mode. By performing the processing in this manner, a variety of effects can be displayed, and various effects can be displayed to the player.

  In the present embodiment, the billboard rotates on a rotation axis that exists on the plane and is parallel to the Y axis (that is, the vertical axis) of the virtual coordinate space. The rotation is not limited to an arbitrary rotation axis. Further, the number of rotation shafts is not limited to one, and a plurality of rotation shafts may be provided, and rotations obtained by combining the rotations about the respective rotation shafts may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the billboard is rotated so as to be perpendicular to the viewpoint direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the billboard may be rotated by an arbitrary angle.

  Referring to FIG. 43, (3) 1-1 and (3) 2-1 are views of FIG. 41 (3) as viewed from the direction of the arrow. Fig. 1-2 and Fig. 2-2 of (3) display a specific movable object that is located in the virtual coordinate space of the field based on information on the viewpoint position and viewpoint direction. FIG. Since the “movable specific moving object” is a polygon and is a three-dimensional graphic, when viewed from the viewpoint position and the viewpoint direction of (a), it becomes the display mode of 1-2 of (3), When viewed from the viewpoint position and the viewpoint direction, the display mode is 2-2 of (3). In this way, “a specific object that can be moved” may be notified as described above, for example, that a specific winning combination has been won, or that a high probability replaying state (FT) has ended. Regardless of the position of the viewpoint that can be moved in the coordinate space by the image generation means, the specific moving object is determined from the viewpoint position only by calculating the positional relationship in the coordinate space at each predetermined timing. A viewed image is generated and its display mode is determined.

[Timing chart]
FIG. 26 shows a timing chart of image display control performed by the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. In FIG. 26, the timing chart of the frame buffer 1 is shown in the upper part, and the timing chart of the frame buffer 2 is shown in the middle part. In addition, a timing chart of a clock signal transmitted from the image control IC 86 to the image control microcomputer 81 is shown in the lower part. In addition, the timing charts of the frame buffers 1 and 2 are displayed in the upper row and in the lower row, a chart indicating drawing (preparation).

  In the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 81 continuously displays 30 images per second when the image data drawing process is performed smoothly when displaying images on the liquid crystal display device 5. (The display time of one image is 1/30 s). Thereby, a motion is added to the character image or the like, and an animation image is displayed. As described above, 60 pieces of image data are associated with one second, that is, image data is associated with every 1/60 s.

  The video RAM 89 is provided with two buffers, a frame buffer 1 and a frame buffer 2, and is configured such that an image is displayed by transferring data of one of these two buffers to the liquid crystal display device 5. Has been.

  Referring to the timing chart showing the upper display in FIG. 26, the display is performed for 1/30 s for each 1/30 s interval. Further, referring to the timing chart showing the lower drawing, the drawing is performed between the displays (in the time of 1/30 s). An arrow between the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 indicates bank switching. Here, bank switching refers to switching which of the two buffers provided in the video RAM 89 is to be transferred to the liquid crystal display device 5.

  Referring to FIG. 26, first, the process for image 0 is performed in the frame buffer 2. Note that the image 0 corresponds to image data whose animation flag is “0”, for example. In the process for image 0, first, image 0 corresponding to the determined effect is drawn. Here, the drawing is performed by the image control microcomputer 81 in accordance with a program stored in the program ROM 83, based on the image data read from the image ROM 88, and then generating an image. Here, it indicates the time until image data is written in the frame buffer 2). Then, the drawn image 0 is displayed on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5 for 1/30 seconds by operating the register developed in the control RAM 87 of the image control IC 86 from the image control microcomputer 81. Let

  Here, the images (image 0, image 2, etc.) displayed every 1/30 s are images included in the small classification of the small classification data table of FIG. 21 (for example, fireworks craftsman appearance image, fireworks master image). This is an image (for example, data number S101) corresponding to the data number associated with the daughter appearance image.

  When this image 0 processing is completed, bank switching is performed, and image 2 processing is performed in the frame buffer 1. In the frame buffer 1, drawing is performed (1/30 s) while the display (image 0) is performed in the frame buffer 2, and display (image 2) is performed by switching the bank every 1/30 s. ) Is performed. Note that the image 2 corresponds to, for example, image data whose animation flag is “2”.

  On the other hand, in this case, display is not performed in the frame buffer 2, and drawing of the image 4 to be displayed next is performed. Then, by switching the bank every 1/30 s, the image 4 is displayed. Note that the image 4 corresponds to image data whose animation flag is “4”, for example.

  In this way, by performing bank switching every 1/30 s, image processing is alternately performed in the frame buffer 1 or the frame buffer 2 (the processing for the image 6 and the processing for the image 10 in the frame buffer 1, and the image in the frame buffer 2). 4 processing, image 8 processing, and image 12 processing) are performed. In this case, while display is performed in one frame buffer (1/30 s), drawing is performed in the other frame buffer. Bank switching is performed between the frame buffer 1 and the frame buffer 2 to alternately display images, thereby speeding up image display and eliminating flickering of images.

  The bank switching timing is when the VDP counter is “2” or more as shown in the determination in step S306 described later. FIG. 26 shows the case where image data is drawn smoothly. As described above, when the clock signal transmitted from the image control IC 86 to the image control microcomputer 81 is received twice (when the VDP counter is updated as “2”), that is, the bank is switched every 1/30 s.

  As described above, when the image data is smoothly drawn, the value of the VDP counter is “0” or “1”, but when the image data is not smoothly drawn, The value of the VDP counter may already be “2” or more when an image drawing process (FIG. 29) described later is completed. In this case, the bank is switched when the image drawing process is completed. .

  For example, a case where image data is not drawn smoothly and the value of the VDP counter is already “2” when the image drawing process is completed will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 27, even when the drawing process (drawing 6) in the process for the image 6 in the frame buffer 1 has passed 1/30 s from the start, the image 4 in the frame buffer 2 (for example, the animation counter is “ The display of the image 6 displayed when it is 4 "is continued, and the drawing of the image 6 in the frame buffer 1 (for example, the image displayed when the animation counter is" 6 ") is continued. When the value of the VDP counter is already “2” at the time when the drawing 6 in the frame buffer 1 is completed, that is, when the drawing 6 starts and is less than 1/20 sec. The VDP counter at the time when the drawing 6 is finished is “2” according to the clock signal. In this case, when drawing 6 is completed, display of image 6 is started in frame buffer 1 and drawing 8 is started in frame buffer 2. As described above, when the drawing finish timing is 1/30 s or more and less than 1/20 s from the drawing start, the image drawing timing (virtual timing) is changed in accordance with the change in the image display timing (display timing). A calculation timing for calculating a positional relationship in a virtual coordinate space between a specific object that moves in a specific coordinate space and a viewpoint position arranged in the space, and a calculation timing for image drawing) are changed. It is. Further, even when a frame delay such as a drawing delay occurs, image data corresponding to the next frame is drawn, and a variety of presentation modes and winning displays are displayed to the player. May be able to improve the interest in

  A case where image data is not drawn smoothly and the value of the VDP counter is already “3” or more when the image drawing process is completed will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 28, even when the drawing process (drawing 6) in the process for the image 6 in the frame buffer 1 is 1/20 s from the start, the image 4 in the frame buffer 2 (for example, the animation counter is “ The display of the image 6 displayed when it is 4 "is continued, and the drawing of the image 6 in the frame buffer 1 (for example, the image displayed when the animation counter is" 6 ") is continued. When the value of the VDP counter is already “3” or more when drawing 6 in the frame buffer 1 is completed, that is, when drawing 6 is started, it is 1/20 s or more. The VDP counter at the time when is finished is “3” or more according to the clock signal. In this case, when drawing 6 is completed, display of image 6 is started in frame buffer 1 and drawing of the number of frames corresponding to the value of the VDP counter is performed in frame buffer 2. For example, when the VDP counter is “3”, the drawing process of the image 9 (for example, the image displayed when the animation counter is “9”) is performed, and when the VDP counter is “4”. Is a drawing process of the image 10 (for example, an image displayed when the animation counter is “10”). As described above, even when the timing at which drawing is finished is 1/20 s or more from the start of drawing, the timing at which an image is drawn (virtual) according to the change in the timing at which the image is displayed (display timing). The calculation timing for calculating the positional relationship in the virtual coordinate space between the specific object moving in the coordinate space and the viewpoint position arranged in the space, and the calculation timing for image drawing) are changed. . Further, even when a frame delay such as a drawing delay occurs, image data corresponding to the next frame is drawn, and a variety of presentation modes and winning displays are displayed to the player. May be able to improve the interest in

[Processing of gaming machines]
Next, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (see step S1, FIG. 9). Specifically, initialization of the contents stored in the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, transmission of an initialization command to the sub control circuit 72, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (step S2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program of the next game is specified, etc. I do. Next, it is determined whether or not “30 seconds” have elapsed since the end of the previous game, that is, after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stopped (step S3). If this determination is “YES”, a demonstration display command for requesting display of a demonstration image is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S4).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of medals, that is, whether or not a re-game has been won in the previous game (step S5). When this determination is “YES”, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S6), a game medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S8. When the determination in step S5 is “NO”, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11, 12, and 13 (step S7). If this determination is “YES”, a game medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and then the process proceeds to step S8. If “NO”, the process proceeds to step S3.

  It should be noted that a game medal insertion command indicating that the operation of the BET switches 11 to 13 or the operation of inserting medals has been performed is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 after execution of step S6 or when “YES” in step S7.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6 (step S8). That is, at this step, a game start command signal is output based on the result of the operation by the player. This game start command signal instructs the start of the game. This step is one embodiment of “game start command means for commanding start of unit game based on the result of operation by the player”. If this determination is “YES”, random numbers for lottery are extracted (step S9). In the process of step S9, one or more random numbers used in a lottery using random numbers in a probability lottery process, a stop winning combination determination process, an FT control process 2, a table line selection process, a sliding frame number determination process, etc., which will be described later. A numerical value is generated (extracted) and adjusted to take a value in a range according to each application.

  Next, a gaming state monitoring process is performed (step S10). Details of the gaming state monitoring process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, FT control processing 1 is performed (step S11). Details of the FT control processing 1 for canceling the FT will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a probability lottery process is performed (step S12). Details of the probability lottery process will be described later with reference to FIG. This probability lottery process uses a probability lottery table according to the gaming state, determines which random number range the random number value extracted in step S9 belongs, and determines the winning combination (the winning combination determining means A predetermined role is determined as a winning role). That is, a predetermined combination is determined as a winning combination based on the reception of the game start command signal output in step S8. This step is an embodiment of “a winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on a game start command signal output from the game start instruction means”.

  Next, a winning combination determination process for stopping is performed (step S13). In this processing, the winning combination determination probability table for stopping when the winning combination in FIG. 5 (2) is other than “out of” or the “winning combination for stopping in case the winning combination is“ out ”” in FIG. 5 (3). With reference to the “probability table”, the winning combination for stopping corresponding to the winning combination is extracted from the random number for lottery (step S9 in FIG. 9) or the random number generation register provided in the main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 7). It is determined with a predetermined probability using the value of the random number generated by the above. For example, when the winning combination set in step S76 of FIG. 14 to be described later is a watermelon, the winning combination for stopping is “128” in both cases where the gaming state is the normal probability re-gaming state and when the gaming state is FT. The watermelon is determined as a winning combination for stoppage with a probability of “/ 128 (= 1)”. In addition, when the winning combination is replay, the winning combination for stopping is selected with a probability of “128/128 (= 1)” when the gaming state is the normal probability replaying state, while the gaming state is In the case of FT, replay is selected with a probability of “20/128 (= 1 / 6.4)”, and “out” is selected with a probability of “108/128 (= 1 / 1.185)”. That is, in this case, the replay is determined as a winning combination for stopping with a probability of “20/128 (= 1 / 6.4)”.

  Next, FT control processing 2 is performed (step S14). Details of the FT control process 2 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a table line selection process is performed (step S15). In this process, the stop table group is selected based on the winning combination for stop, the gaming state, and the stop table group selection table (see FIG. 5) determined in step S13, and the selected stop table group is selected. Decide which stop table to select. For example, if the winning combination is determined to be a bell small combination in the probability lottery process (step S12) and the stopping winning combination is determined to be a bell small combination in the stop winning combination determination process (step S13), It is determined by random lottery or the like on which winning line of the activated winning lines the symbol combination “Bell-Bell-Bell” corresponding to the combination is displayed.

  In addition, the process of step S13 and step S15 is a step which determines a predetermined winning style based on the winning combination being a predetermined combination.

  Next, in step S16, a start command including information such as the gaming state, winning combination, winning combination for stopping, winning winning combination table line for stopping is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S17.

  Next, it is determined whether or not “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the start of the previous game (step S17). If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S19. If “NO”, the process proceeds to step S19. The process moves to S18. In step S18, game start waiting time digestion processing is performed. Specifically, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation for starting a player's game is performed until “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the start of the previous game.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel rotation process (step S19). In the reel stop permission command transmission process in step S20, information indicating that the reel can be stopped (so-called reel stop permission command) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 so that the stop of the reel can be detected.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button is “ON” (see step S21, FIG. 10). Specifically, it is determined whether any stop button has been operated. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S23, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S23, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S23, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number determination process for determining the number of sliding frames. Specifically, it is selected in the table line selection process (step S14 in FIG. 9), or the game state, the winning combination for stop, and the game operation by the player (for example, the pressing order of the plurality of stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R) Based on the stop table, stop operation position, and stop control position reselected based on the timing at which the stop button is operated by the player, the type of symbols that are stopped and displayed by the already stopped reel), etc. Determine the number of sliding frames. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped (step S24). This step includes a process of stopping and displaying the predetermined winning mode based on the winning combination being a predetermined combination in accordance with the winning mode determined in steps S13 and S14. This step is an embodiment of “a winning display control means for stopping and displaying a predetermined winning mode on the winning display means based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined winning combination”. In step S25, a reel stop command transmission process is performed in which the information that the reel has been stopped in step S24 (so-called reel stop command) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. Subsequently, the CPU 31 determines whether or not all reels have been stopped (step S26). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S27, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S27, an all-reel stop command indicating that all reels have been stopped is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the CPU 31 performs a winning search. The winning search is to set a winning flag for identifying the winning combination based on the stop mode of the symbols of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Specifically, a winning combination is identified based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step S29). When this determination is “NO”, an illegal error is displayed (step S31). In this case, the game is canceled. When the determination in step S29 is “YES”, the flow proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, it is determined whether the winning flag is BB or RB. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S 32, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S 33.

  In step S32, the BB carryover number or the RB carryover number is updated. Specifically, when the winning flag in step S30 is BB or RB, “1” is subtracted from the BB carryover (stock) number or the RB carryover (stock) number stored (stock) in the RAM 33.

  Next, in step S33, medals are credited or paid out according to the gaming state. Also, a winning command including a winning flag is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. Alternatively, when the winning flag is determined to be BB or RB in step S30, the gaming state is shifted to the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state according to the winning combination. In this step, when a specific winning mode is stopped and displayed based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination, a game value (specific game value) is given. Note that this step is “if the winning combination is the first combination, the first winning mode is displayed when the first winning mode is stopped and displayed on the winning display unit by the winning display control unit. 1 is generated, and when the second winning mode is stopped and displayed on the winning display means by the winning display control means based on the fact that the winning combination is the second winning combination, An advantageous state generating means for generating an advantageous second advantageous state. At this time, information related to the number of BB or RB games is set in the main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 7), and a command (so-called winning command) for instructing a game effect to the sub-control circuit 72 (see FIG. 7) is set. Sent.

  Next, it is determined whether the gaming state is the BB general gaming state or the RB gaming state (step S34, see FIG. 11). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S35, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In step S35, "BB, RB game number check process" is performed. In this “BB, RB game number check process”, the number of times the RB game state has occurred, the number of games in the BB general game state, the number of wins in the RB game state, and the number of games in the RB game state are checked, and the BB general game A transition (set) of the game state between the state and the RB game state is performed. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S36.

  Next, in step S36, a determination process of “whether BB is finished” is performed. Specifically, after winning BB, whether the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the third RB gaming state, or whether the number of games is 30 in the BB general gaming state Is determined. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S37, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S39.

  Next, in step S37, processing at the end of BB is performed. Specifically, the effects on the LEDs 101, the lamps 102, the liquid crystal display unit 5, and the speakers 21L and 21R (both see FIG. 7) in the gaming machine 1 in the BB general gaming state are terminated, and the gaming state is changed. Transition to the general gaming state. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S38.

  Next, in step S38, an initial value is set in the ceiling counter. The ceiling counter is a variable arranged in the RAM 33 for storing the maximum number of FT games. For example, the ceiling counter has a numerical value “1500” (in the present embodiment, the numerical value is not limited to this numerical value). When) is set, when the number of BB carryover (stock) is not “0” during the FT control process 1 described later, “1” is subtracted by each game. And then. When the ceiling counter reaches “0”, the FT flag is always turned off (FT is canceled) unless the number of BB carryover (stock) is “0” during the same FT control process 1. is there. It should be noted that in response to the execution of this step, the process of determining “NO” in step S66 of FIG. 13 described later is performed on the condition that “the number-of-games counting unit has counted a specific number of the unit games”. In another embodiment of the present invention, when the advantageous state generating means generates the first advantageous state, the non-winning state generating means does not generate the non-winning state. On the other hand, a step similar to this step is not executed next to step S40, which will be described later. “On condition that the game number counting means has counted the specific number of unit games, (omitted) by the advantageous state generating means. This is an embodiment of “state generation control means for generating the non-winning state by the non-winning state generating means after generating the second advantageous state”. By executing this process, it may be possible to give a player a more fair game. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S41.

  On the other hand, in step S39, a determination process of “whether RB is finished” is performed. Specifically, after winning the RB, it is determined whether the number of winnings is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the RB gaming state. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S40, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  Next, in step S40, RB end time processing is performed. Specifically, the effects on the LEDs 101, the lamps 102, the liquid crystal display unit 5, and the speakers 21L and 21R (all of which are shown in FIG. 7) in the gaming machine 1 in the RB gaming state are terminated, and the gaming state is changed to the general gaming. Transition to the state. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S41.

  Next, in step S41, carryover combination setting processing is performed. In this process, the lottery process for the carryover combination is performed with reference to the numerical values stored in the variables arranged in the RAM 33, that is, the BB carryover (stock) number and the RB carryover (stock) number. In this embodiment, the carryover combination setting process is performed only at the end of BB or RB. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the carryover combination setting process may be performed at the end of each game.

  If neither the number of BB carryovers (stock) or the number of RB carryovers (stock) is “0”, the lottery is performed with a probability of “1/2”, and the carryover combination is set to BB or RB.

  Further, when one of the BB carryover (stock) number or the RB carryover (stock) number is “0” and the other is not “0”, a bonus whose carryover (stock) number is not “0” is determined as a carryover combination. For example, when the BB carryover (stock) number is “0” and the RB carryover (stock) number is “1”, the carryover combination is RB.

  Next, in step S42, it is determined whether the carryover combination is BB or RB. In this process, it is determined that the carryover combination set in step S41 is BB or RB. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S43, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  Next, in step S43, processing for updating the FT mode is performed. The FT mode is set so that the winning probability has a plurality of modes when performing FT cancellation lottery in FT control processing 2 described later. Specifically, if the FT mode is “0”, the FT cancellation lottery is won and the probability of shifting the gaming state from the FT to the normal probability re-gaming state is “1/400”, and the FT mode is “1”. The probability of winning the FT cancellation lottery is “1/10”. A state where the FT mode is “0” is referred to as a low probability FT mode, and a state where the FT mode is “1” is referred to as a high probability FT mode.

  Next, in step S44, processing for turning on the FT flag is performed. “1” is set to the variable storing the FT flag arranged in the RAM 33. By this process, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes FT. When this process ends, the process moves to step S2 in FIG. This step is “when the winning combination is the first combination or the second combination, the first winning mode or the second winning mode is stopped with the first probability in the winning display means. The first probability state that can be displayed, or the first winning mode or the second winning mode can be stopped and displayed on the winning display means with a second probability lower than the first probability. Is a probability state generating means for generating any one of the second probability states, and the probability that the winning combination determining means determines the replay as the winning combination is the first replay A first probability re-playing state that is a probability, and a second probability that the winning combination determination means has a second re-playing probability that is higher than the first re-playing probability. From one of the replay states to the other It is an embodiment of a re-gaming probability state transition unit ".

[Game state monitoring processing]
Next, the gaming state monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether a bonus is in effect, that is, whether the game is in the BB general game state or the RB game state (step S51). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S52, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S52, the game state is set in accordance with the BB general game state or the RB game state, and the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. In step S53, it is determined whether the carryover combination is BB. If the determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S54. If the determination is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S54, the gaming state is set to the BB carryover state, and the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

  Next, in step S55, it is determined whether the carryover combination is RB. If the determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S56, and if this determination is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In step S56, the gaming state is set to the RB carryover state, and the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

  Next, in step S57, the gaming state is set to the general gaming state. When this process ends, the gaming state monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

[FT control processing 1]
Next, the FT control process 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the FT extension counter is “0”. The FT extension counter is as follows. That is, when it is determined that the FT cancellation lottery is won in step S97 of FT control processing 2 of FIG. 15 (to be described later) (step S97 → “YES”), the FT is canceled. In addition, the FT is extended and continued for the predetermined number of games set in the FT extension counter. The numerical value of the FT extension counter is decremented by “1” every time the next step S68 is executed, and finally reaches “0”. While this FT extension counter is not “0”, an effect command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 as in the case of FT, and the liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 21L and 21R, LEDs 101, and lamps 102 are transmitted. Various effects are executed in each case (see FIG. 7). When the determination result is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S62, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S68.

  Next, in step S62, it is determined whether or not the FT flag is on. When the result of this processing is “YES”, that is, when it is FT, the process proceeds to step S63, and when it is “NO”, this subroutine is immediately terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  Next, in step S63, it is determined whether the BB carryover number is “0”. When this determination is “YES”, this subroutine is immediately terminated and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 9, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, it is determined whether the ceiling counter is “0”. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S67, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S65. Next, a process for updating the ceiling counter is performed (step S65). In this process, “1” is subtracted from the numerical value of the variable storing the ceiling counter arranged in the RAM 33. In this embodiment, this step is “a game number counting means for counting the number of unit games played by a player after the second advantageous state generated by the advantageous state generating means is completed”. is there. Next, it is determined whether the ceiling counter is “0” (step S66). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to a step S67, and when “NO”, this subroutine is immediately terminated and the process proceeds to a step S12 in FIG. In step S67, processing for turning off the FT flag is performed. In this process, “0” is set to the value of the variable storing the FT flag arranged in the RAM 33. This step is “when the winning combination is the first combination or the second combination, the first winning mode or the second winning mode is stopped with the first probability in the winning display means. The first probability state that can be displayed, or the first winning mode or the second winning mode can be stopped and displayed on the winning display means with a second probability lower than the first probability. Is a probability state generating means for generating any one of the second probability states, and the probability that the winning combination determining means determines the replay as the winning combination is the first replay A first probability re-playing state that is a probability, and a second probability that the winning combination determination means has a second re-playing probability that is higher than the first re-playing probability. From one of the replay states to the other It is an embodiment of a re-gaming probability state transition unit ". When this process ends, the present subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S68, processing for updating the FT extension counter is performed. In this process, “1” is subtracted from the numerical value of the variable storing the FT extension counter arranged in the RAM 33. Next, it is determined whether or not the FT extension counter is “0”. In this process, the numerical value of the variable storing the FT extension counter arranged in the RAM 33 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the numerical value is “0”. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S67, and when it is “NO”, this subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

[Probability lottery processing]
Next, the probability lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the gaming state is a BB general gaming state or an RB gaming state (step S71). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S72, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S73. In step S72, a lottery process is performed based on a bonus probability lottery table (not shown). In this process, the lottery process of the winning combination in the bonus is performed with reference to the bonus probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32 based on the random number generated by the random number generator 36 (see FIG. 7). When this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

  In step S73, it is determined whether or not the FT flag is on. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S74, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S74, a lottery process is performed based on a high probability replaying (FT) probability lottery table (see FIG. 4). In this process, the lottery process of the winning combination in the FT is performed by referring to the high probability replaying (FT) probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32 based on the random number generated by the random number generator 36 (see FIG. 7). Do. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

  In step S75, a lottery process is performed based on a normal probability re-playing probability lottery table (not shown). In this process, the lottery process of the winning combination during the normal probability replay is performed by referring to the probability random lottery table during the normal probability replay stored in the ROM 32 based on the random number generated by the random number generator 36 (see FIG. 7). Do. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

  In step S76, the winning combination placed in the RAM 33 is set as a variable storing the winning combination selected by the process in any of steps S72, S74, or S75 as the winning combination. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

  In step S77, a process of determining whether the winning combination is BB is performed. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S80, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S78, the process determines whether or not the winning combination is RB. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S79. If “NO”, the present subroutine is immediately terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. In step S79, processing for updating the RB carryover number is performed. “1” is added to the numerical value of the variable for storing the number of RB carryover (stock) arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 7).

  In step S80, a determination process is performed to determine whether the BB carryover number is “0”. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to a step S81, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to a step S82. Next, in step S81, an initial value is set in the ceiling counter. “1500” is set as an initial value to a variable for storing the ceiling counter arranged in the RAM 33. During the “1500” game, the state of the gaming machine is FT, except for the case where a bonus (BB and RB) is temporarily won by winning “out” or winning the FT cancellation lottery. The state of not winning the bonus continues. In step S82, processing for updating the BB carryover number is performed. “1” is added to the numerical value of the variable for storing the BB carryover (stock) number arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 7).

  In step S83, the process determines whether the carryover combination is BB or RB. It is determined whether the carryover combination set in step S41 in FIG. 11 is BB or RB. If the determination is “YES”, this subroutine is immediately terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. At this time, the process proceeds to step S84. In step S84, the FT flag is turned “ON”. “1” is set to the variable storing the FT flag arranged in the RAM 33. By this process, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes FT. It should be noted that this step is “even if the winning combination is the first combination or the second combination, it is impossible to stop and display the first winning mode or the second winning mode on the winning display means. Is a non-winning state generating means for generating a non-winning state, wherein “the probability that the winning combination determining means determines the replay as the winning combination is a first replay probability” A first probability re-gaming state, and a second probability re-gaming state in which the winning combination determination means has a second re-playing probability that is higher than the first re-playing probability. Is a replay probability state transition means for shifting from one to the other. In step S85, processing for setting the FT mode to the low probability mode is performed. “0” (FT low probability mode) is set in the variable storing the FT mode arranged in the RAM 33. When this process ends, this subroutine ends, and the process moves to step S13 in FIG.

[FT control processing 2]
Next, the FT control process 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning combination is lost (step S91). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S92, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S94.

  In step S92, the FT flag is set to “off”, and the process proceeds to step S93. In step S93, "0" is set to the FT extension counter. With this process, when the winning combination is “out of”, the FT ends immediately. When step S93 ends, the present subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  Next, in step S94, it is determined whether or not the FT extension counter is “0”. A value stored in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 7) is determined with reference to a variable storing an FT extension counter. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S95. If “NO”, the present subroutine is immediately terminated, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  Next, in step S95, it is determined whether or not the FT flag is “ON”. The value stored in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 7) is determined with reference to the variable storing the FT flag. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S96. If “NO”, the present subroutine is immediately terminated, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  Next, in step S96, FT cancellation lottery processing is performed based on the FT mode. In this lottery process, when the FT mode is “0” (low-probability FT mode) based on the random number generated by the random number generator 36 (see FIG. 7), the lottery process is performed with the probability of “1/400”. When the FT mode is “1” (high probability FT mode), the FT cancellation lottery is won with a probability of “1/10”.

  Next, in step S97, based on the result of the FT cancellation lottery process in step S96, it is determined whether or not the FT cancellation lottery is won. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S98, and when “NO”, this subroutine is immediately terminated, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  In step S98, an initial value is set in the FT extension counter. In this process, an initial value is set to a variable for storing the FT extension counter arranged in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 7). For example, a fixed value such as “3”, “2”, or “1” may be set, or a set value may be determined by lottery from these numerical values. By setting a numerical value in the FT extension counter in this manner, even if the FT cancellation lottery is won, the FT is not released immediately, and the FT is continued for the number of games set by the FT extension counter. When this process ends, this subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

[Operation in sub-control circuit]
Next, the control operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 29 to 38 are executed by the image control microcomputer 81, and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 are executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91.

[Main processing for gSub]
FIG. 29 shows the gSub main process.

  The image control microcomputer 81 that is first turned on and a voltage is applied to the reset terminal is configured to sequentially perform the gSub main processing stored in the program ROM 83 based on the reset release signal.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 initializes the work RAM 84, the control RAM 87, the video RAM 89, etc. (step S301), and proceeds to step S302. In step S302, an input monitoring process for monitoring whether there is an input from the operation unit 17 or the like is performed, and the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, a command input process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 33 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, a command output process for outputting a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed, and the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, an image drawing process described later with reference to FIG. 38 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, it is determined whether the VDP counter is 2 or more. If the determination result is “NO”, that is, if the VDP counter is less than “2”, the image control microcomputer 81 proceeds to step S306 again. On the other hand, if the determination result is “YES”, that is, if the VDP counter is “2” or more, the image control microcomputer 81 proceeds to step S307. That is, the determination in step S307 is repeated until the VDP counter becomes “2” or more. In step S307, the value of the VDP counter is added to the value of the animation counter indicating the playback point in the moving image data that is the source of the moving image that is being played, in an image drawing process (FIG. 38) described later. In step S308, the image control microcomputer 81 assigns “0” to the VDP counter, transmits a bank switching command to the image control IC 86 (step S309), and proceeds to step S302. By controlling in this way, the image reproduction time from the start of image reproduction is updated on the condition that the display timing (for example, the timing when the VDP counter becomes “2” or more) has elapsed, and an image is generated at each predetermined timing. Will be. Even if it is determined “YES” in step S306 and a clock signal transmitted every 1/60 s is received from the image control IC 86 before step S307 is executed, image control described later is performed. A process for prohibiting the calling of the IC / int interrupt process (FIG. 31) is executed. In addition, after the process of step S308 is completed, an animation which will be described later is executed in order to execute a process of permitting calling an image control IC / int interrupt process (FIG. 31) described later based on the reception of the clock signal described above. A normal value can be added to the counter, and malfunctions such as frame skipping can be prevented.

[Main control circuit / int interrupt processing]
Next, the main control circuit / int interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This interrupt process is an interrupt process that is called when a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 is received.

  The image control microcomputer 81 interrupts the program being executed before calling the interrupt process, and saves (stores) the address indicating the interrupted position and the values of various registers in a predetermined area of the work RAM 84. Further, when the interrupt process is completed, the image control microcomputer 81 restores the address indicating the interrupted position of the saved program and the values of various registers, and interrupts the program from the point of interruption. The same processing is performed in the interrupt processing described below.

  In the main process shown in FIG. 29, the image control microcomputer 81 repeatedly performs the processes from normal step S301 to step S309. When a command signal is received from the main control circuit 71 during the repeated main process, the main process is interrupted, and data corresponding to the received command is stored (stored) in the command buffer as an unprocessed command. (Step S311), this interrupt process is terminated, and the interrupted main process is continued by the occurrence of the interrupt process. For example, when a game medal insertion command is received from the main control circuit 71 at the timing when the image control microcomputer 81 has just finished the image drawing process (step S305) of the main process, data indicating the game medal insertion command is stored. The unprocessed command is stored in the command buffer, and a determination process is performed to determine whether the VDP counter of the main process is “2” or more (step S306). Further, the main process continues, the process flows from step S307 to step S309 and step S302, the process proceeds to the command input process (FIG. 33) of step S303, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 34 is executed by step S363. .

[Image control IC / int interrupt processing]
Next, the image control IC / int interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This interrupt process is an interrupt process called due to reception of a clock signal transmitted from the image control IC 86 every 1/60 s. The image control microcomputer 81 adds 1 to the value of the VDP counter (step S321).

[2ms interrupt processing]
Next, the 2 ms interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This 2 ms interrupt process is an interrupt process that is called every 2 ms.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 updates the random number counter (step S331), and proceeds to step S332. This random number counter is a random number counter for effects, and is a random number or the like extracted when determining the contents of effects. In this process, other random number counters are also updated.

  In step S332, the image control microcomputer 81 performs effect data update processing and ends this subroutine. Specifically, the lamp / sound effect data is updated. Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 refers to the lamp effect determination table indicating which lamp is to be emitted every 2 ms, determines the lamp to be emitted, and updates the lamp effect data according to the determination. To do. Similarly, the sound generation determination table indicating what kind of sound is generated is referred to every 2 ms, the sound to be generated is determined, and the sound effect data is updated according to the determination.

[Command input processing]
FIG. 33 shows the command input process called in step S304 of FIG.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether there is data indicating an unprocessed command in the command buffer, that is, whether a command has been received (step S361). The command buffer is a storage area for storing commands (data) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. If the determination in step S361 is “YES”, the process moves to step S362. If “NO”, the present subroutine is terminated.

  In step S362, the image control microcomputer 81 sets a return address. Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 interrupts the program being executed, and stores (saves) an address indicating the interrupted position and various register values in a predetermined area of the work RAM 84. This is to prevent data destruction due to jump processing executed in step S363 described later.

  In step S363, the image control microcomputer 81 jumps to the determined process. Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a jump destination process corresponding to the head data of the received command based on the jump table (FIG. 16), and proceeds to step S364. The jump destination process includes a game medal insertion process (FIG. 34), a game start process (FIG. 35), a reel stop process (FIG. 36), a winning process (FIG. 37), and the like.

  In step S364, the image control microcomputer 81 clears the command buffer and ends this subroutine. Further, the image control microcomputer 81 reads (returns) the address and various registers indicating the interrupted position of the stored (saved) program, and continues the program from the point of interruption (transfers the processing to step S364). It will be.

[Game medal insertion process]
FIG. 34 shows a game medal insertion process. The game medal insertion process is executed when a game medal insertion command is received.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the in-game identifier is “0” (step S371). If the determination result is “YES”, that is, if it is determined that the in-game identifier is “0”, the image control microcomputer 81 sets “1” in the in-game identifier (step S372), The processing is moved to S373. On the other hand, when the determination result is “NO”, that is, when it is not determined that the in-game identifier is “0”, the image control microcomputer 81 ends this subroutine. This in-game identifier is used to determine whether or not a game is in progress. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when it is “0”, it indicates that the game is in progress and is “1”. In the case, it indicates that the game is in progress. Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 sets “1” as the in-game identifier as data indicating that the game is in progress when the game is out of game, that is, when the in-game identifier is “0”. As will be described later, “0” is set to the in-game identifier in step S414 in the winning process (FIG. 37). For this reason, after the winning process is completed, the game medal insertion process is executed, so that “1” is set to the in-game identifier for the first time. Further, even when the game medal insertion process is called multiple times in one game (that is, when a plurality of game medals are inserted), in the game medal insertion process called for the first time, the game is being played for the first time. The identifier is set to “1” and steps S372 and S373 described later are executed, and in the game medal insertion process called after the second time, steps S371 to S373 described later are not executed, and this subroutine is executed. Will end.

  In step S373, the image control microcomputer 81 selects effect data (BET) based on the effect table, the effect identifier, and the remaining effect game number counter (step S373), and ends this subroutine.

  The effect identifier indicates the type of effect to be executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when it is “0” or “3”, it indicates an effect related to soot, and “1” “4” indicates an effect related to gluttony, “2” and “5” indicate an effect related to digging, and “6” indicates a normal effect. In addition, in the case of “0”, “1”, “2”, it is an effect to notify the player that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R may be stopped as a predetermined stop display mode, “3”, “4”, and “5” indicate that the effect is to notify the player that there is no possibility that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R will be stopped as a predetermined stop display mode. ing. This effect identifier is set in step S384 in FIG. Moreover, it is updated also by step S307 of FIG.

  The remaining effect game number counter indicates the number of remaining effect of the continuous effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when a maximum of four continuous effects are made, the initial value is the maximum number of times. 4 "is set, and thereafter, every time a winning process is executed, that is, every time a unit game ends," 1 "is subtracted from the remaining game number counter. This remaining effect game number counter is set in step S385 of FIG.

  Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 reads the already set effect identifier and the remaining effect game number counter, and selects effect data (BET) corresponding to the effect identifier and the remaining effect game number counter from the effect table. For example, if the effect identifier is “0” and the remaining effect game number counter is “3”, then another 3 (BET) is selected based on the effect table. When the remaining effect game number counter is “0”, an effect of normal 0 (BET), which is a normal effect, is selected. Further, the effect (BET) corresponding to the effect data (BET) selected by this subroutine is executed by the process of step S434 in the image drawing process (FIG. 38) described later.

[Game start processing]
FIG. 35 shows a game start process. The game start process is executed when a start command is received.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 sets a gaming state identifier, a winning combination identifier, and a carryover combination identifier included in the start command (step S381).

  The gaming state identifier indicates a gaming state. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when it is “0”, it indicates a general gaming state, and when it is “1”, it indicates a BB carryover state. When it is “2”, it indicates an RB carryover state, when it is “3”, it indicates a BB general gaming state, and when it is “4”, it indicates an RB state.

  The winning combination identifier indicates the winning combination determined by the main control circuit 71. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when bit 0 is on, cherry becomes the winning combination, and other bits 1 Bell is selected when on, watermelon when bit2 is on, replay when bit3 is on, RB when bit4 is on, and BB when bit5 is on It shows that it is a role. The carryover combination identifier indicates the carryover combination determined by the main control circuit 71. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when bit0 is on, cherry becomes a carryover combination, and other bits1 Bell is on when on, watermelon when bit2 is on, replay when bit3 is on, RB when bit4 is on, and BB when bit5 is on It shows that it is a role.

  Subsequently, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the remaining effect game number counter is “0” (step S382). If the determination result is “YES”, that is, the remaining effect game number counter is If it is determined that the value is “0”, the process proceeds to step S383. On the other hand, when the result of the determination is “NO”, that is, when it is not determined that the remaining effect game number counter is “0”, the process proceeds to step S386. That is, when the remaining effect game number counter is “0”, the type of effect (effect identifier, remaining effect game number counter) is selected by executing the processing from step S383 to step S385 described later. .

  In step S383, the image control microcomputer 81 determines the effect type based on the effect determination table, the winning combination identifier, the carryover combination identifier, the character position information, and the random number counter, and proceeds to step S384. Specifically, the image control microcomputer 81 reads the effect random number from the random number counter, the effect random number, the winning combination identifier already set, the carryover identifier, and the position information of the character as the moving object, The production data is determined based on the above. The character position information is position information of a specific moving character (for example, a firework craftsman) at the time when the process of step S384 is performed.

  In step S384, the image control microcomputer 81 sets an effect identifier based on the effect table and the determined effect data, and proceeds to step S385. Specifically, a value corresponding to the effect type determined by the process of step S383 is set in the effect identifier. For example, in the case of an effect related to the losing process, a value “3” indicating that the effect type is an losing process is set in the effect identifier.

  In step S385, the image control microcomputer 81 sets a remaining effect game number counter based on the effect table and the determined effect data, and proceeds to step S386. Specifically, a value corresponding to the effect type determined by the process of step S383 is set in the remaining effect game number counter. For example, when the selected effect type is already attrition, the value “4”, which is the maximum remaining number of remaining rendition effects, is set in the remaining effect game number counter. In addition, in the case of soot losing, gluttonous atari, gluttonous losing, here digging atari, here digging losing, normal production, the remaining production game number counters are “4”, “2”, “2”, “1”, “1” and “1” are respectively set.

  In step S386, the image control microcomputer 81 selects effect data (lever) based on the effect table, effect identifier, and remaining effect game number counter, and proceeds to step S387. Specifically, the already set effect identifier and the remaining effect game number counter are read, and effect data (lever) corresponding to the effect identifier and the remaining effect game number counter is selected from the effect table. For example, if the effect identifier is “1” and the remaining effect game number counter is “3”, then another 3 (lever) is selected based on the effect table.

  In step S387, the image control microcomputer 81 sets “1” to the left reel rotation identifier, the middle reel rotation identifier, and the right reel rotation identifier, and ends this subroutine. The left reel rotation identifier, middle reel rotation identifier, and right reel rotation identifier indicate the states of the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the value is “0”. Indicates that the motor is stopped, and when it is “1”, it indicates that the motor is rotating.

[Reel stop processing]
FIG. 36 shows the reel stop process. The reel stop process is executed when a reel stop command is received.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 sets a stop reel identifier and a stop symbol identification number included in the reel stop command (step S401), and proceeds to step S402.

  The stop reel identifier is information on a reel that is subject to stop control. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when the left reel 3L is subject to stop control, the stop reel identifier is set to “0”. Similarly, when the central and right reels 3C and 3R are the targets of stop control, the stop reel identifier is set to “1” and “2”, respectively. The stop symbol type number indicates the number of the symbol that has been stopped as a result of the stop operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the code number assigned to the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the bottom line 8d. (An integer value of “0” to “20”). That is, when the left reel 3L is the target of stop control and the identification number of the symbol stopped at the lower left is “10”, the stop reel identifier is set to “0”, and the stop symbol identification number is “ Will be set to 10 ″.

  Subsequently, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the stop reel identifier is “0” (step S402). If the determination result is “YES”, that is, the stop reel identifier is “0”. If it is determined that there is, the left reel rotation identifier is set to “0” (step S403), and this subroutine is terminated. Specifically, when the left reel 3L is controlled to stop, the left reel rotation identifier is set to “0”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination result in step S402 is “NO”, that is, if it is not determined that the stop reel identifier is “0”, the image control microcomputer 81 determines that the stop reel identifier is “0”. It is determined whether or not 1 ″ (step S404). If the determination result is “YES”, that is, if it is determined that the stop reel identifier is “1”, “0” is set to the middle reel rotation identifier (step S405), and this subroutine is executed. finish. Specifically, when the middle reel 3C is controlled to stop, the middle reel rotation identifier is set to “0”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination result in step S404 is “NO”, that is, if it is not determined that the stop reel identifier is “1”, the right reel rotation identifier is set to “0”. (Step S406), this subroutine is terminated. Specifically, when the right reel 3R is controlled to stop, the right reel rotation identifier is set to “0”.

[Winning process]
FIG. 37 shows a winning process. The winning process is executed in response to receiving a winning command.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 sets a winning combination identifier included in the winning command (step S411), and proceeds to step S412. As the winning combination identifier, for example, as shown in FIG. 23, data similar to the winning combination identifier described above is stored.

  In step S412, the image control microcomputer 81 selects effect data (winning) based on the effect table, effect identifier, and remaining effect game number counter, and proceeds to step S413. Specifically, the already set effect identifier and the remaining effect game number counter are read, and effect data (winning) corresponding to the effect identifier and the remaining effect game number counter is selected from the effect table. For example, if the effect identifier is “1” and the remaining effect game number counter is “3”, then another 3 (winning) is selected based on the effect table.

  In step S413, the image control microcomputer 81 subtracts “1” from the remaining effect game number counter, and proceeds to step S414. In step S414, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining game number counter is “0”. If it is “0” (“YES”), the process proceeds to step S415 and is not “0” (“NO” If YES, the process proceeds to step S416. In step S415, which is executed when the value of the remaining game number counter is “0”, the image control microcomputer 81 sets “6” as the effect identifier, and proceeds to step S416. In other words, in the next unit game in which the effect continued over one or more unit games is completed, the normal effect is performed when the insertion of a game medal is detected. Next, in step S416, “0” is set in the in-game identifier, and this subroutine is terminated.

[Image drawing processing]
FIG. 38 shows the image drawing process called in step S305 of FIG.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the data reading flag is off (step S421). If it is determined that the data reading flag is off, the process proceeds to step S422. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the data reading flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S434. The data reading flag indicates whether or not effect data corresponding to the effect to be executed is read from the image ROM 88. Further, this data reading flag is turned on by the processing of steps S429 and S431 described later, that is, before the image data reading processing is executed in the background, and the processing of steps S430 and S432 described later is completed. In other words, after the image data reading process is executed in the background, it is turned off.

  In step S422, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the effect has changed. If it is determined that the effect has changed, the process proceeds to step S434. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the production has changed, the process proceeds to step S423. Whether or not the effect has changed is determined by changing the effect type. For example, when the effect data (BET) is changed to effect data (lever), the effect data (lever) is changed to effect data (lost). In the case where the production data has changed to the production data (BET), it is determined that the production has changed.

  On the other hand, in step S424, the image control microcomputer 81 sets “0” in the animation counter, and proceeds to step S425. Thereby, the animation counter can be initialized.

  In step S425, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether there is image data necessary for presentation. In this process, it is determined whether or not the effect data to be executed has already been read.

  For example, the process of step S384 and step S385 in the above-described game start process (FIG. 35) determines that the big hit loss effect is executed over two unit games, and the next executed effect is big. In the case of 2 (losing), before performing the production related to gluttony 2 (lever), all the productions (specifically, gluttony 2 (lever), gluttony 2 (losing), gluttony) 1 (BET), gluttony 1 (lever), and devour 1 (losing) all image effects) have already been read, and it is determined that there is image data necessary for the effect. On the other hand, the process of step S384 and step S385 in the above-described game start process (FIG. 35) determines that the gluttonous loss effect is executed over two unit games, and the effect to be executed next is devoured. 2 (lever), and when the image data necessary for all effects is not yet read into the work RAM 84, it is not determined that there is image data necessary for the effects.

  If the result of the determination in step S425 is “YES”, that is, if it is determined that there is image data necessary for presentation, the image control microcomputer 81 proceeds to step S434. On the other hand, if the determination result is “NO”, that is, if it is not determined that there is image data necessary for the production, the process proceeds to step S426.

  In step S426, the image control microcomputer 81 saves the effect identifier in another area, and proceeds to step S427. This is to prevent destruction of the effect identifier due to the processing in step S428 described later.

  In step S427, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the effect identifier is a specific effect. In the present embodiment, it is configured to set an effect related to sou atari and miso loss as a specific effect, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to set another effect as a specific effect. Of course, a combination of these multiple effects may be set as a specific effect, and it does not matter whether or not all effects are present. If the result of the determination in step S427 is “YES”, that is, if the image identifier is determined to be a specific effect, the image control microcomputer 81 proceeds to step S428. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S427 is “NO”, that is, if it is not determined that the performance identifier is a specific performance, the process proceeds to step S431.

  In step S428, the image control microcomputer 81 sets an effect identifier for special effects, and proceeds to step S429. This special effect is a fade-out effect in which the displayed image is maintained, the brightness of the image is reduced, and the image gradually disappears, as in S901 in the above-described effect image data table. That is, the image control microcomputer 81 can add a predetermined image effect to the generated image when image data is read in the background.

  In the present embodiment, a fade-out effect is performed as an image effect that maintains the shape of the displayed image, lowers the brightness of the image, and the image gradually disappears. It is preferable that the effect is such that a burden associated with processing executed by the image control microcomputer 81 or the like is not applied. As a suitable special effect, it is not necessary to read a large amount of image control data from the image ROM 88. For example, image control based on data smaller than the image control data corresponding to the data of all the effects described above is applied. Is preferred. That is, even if it is a small data read from the image ROM 88, a long time is not required for the reading process, and it is stored in the work RAM 84 and read from the work RAM 84 and used at a necessary time. Even in such a case, there may be an effect that it is not necessary to occupy a large capacity of the work RAM 84. That is, it is preferable to use, as a special effect, an image effect based on control data that is sufficiently smaller than the image control data necessary for all effects.

  In step S429, the image control microcomputer 81 turns on the data reading flag, and proceeds to step S430.

  In step S430, the image control microcomputer 81 executes the image data reading process in the background, and proceeds to step S434. The image data reading process activated by the process of step S430 is performed in a background different from the control in the foreground described so far. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the processes described from step S301 to step S434 described as gSub control are all performed in the foreground, and data based on the image data reading process and the end of the process are configured. Only the off-reading flag is turned off and the effect identifier saved in step S426 is restored in the background. The foreground process and the background process indicate processes performed in parallel, so-called time division.

  For example, in the case where the effect identifier determined by the process from step S383 to step S385 in the above-described game start process (FIG. 35) is “0” indicating another attrition to produce, and the remaining effect game number counter is “4”. The following are: SUMO 4 (Lever), SUMO 4 (Atari), SUMO 3 (BET), SUMO 3 (Lever), SUMO 3 (Atari), SUMO 2 (BET), SUMO 2 (Lever), SUMO 2 (Atari) If a large amount of image control data has not yet been read from the image ROM 88 to the work RAM 84 for the presentation data corresponding to the second one (BET), second one (lever), second one (atari), this step S429, All of them are read out from the image ROM 88 by the processing in step S430.

  When the image data reading process executed in the background is completed, the image control microcomputer 81 returns the effect identifier saved by the process of step S424 in the background and sets the data reading flag in the background. Turn off.

  As described above, the specific rendering mode is selected by executing the processing of steps S425 to S430 in the foreground, and executing the image data reading process, the return of the rendering identifier, and turning off the data reading flag in the background. In this case, the production of the effect image based on the image data that has already been read can be continued, and the image data of the effect image constituting the specific effect mode can be newly read. As a result, even when a large amount of data is read in the background, the image data that has already been read as in the embodiment and the image data corresponding to a special effect (in the embodiment, the image data It is possible to simultaneously generate the image based on the luminance change), display the generated image, and read the image data necessary for generating the image. In some cases, it is possible to reduce the possibility of giving a sense of incongruity that the progress stops.

  On the other hand, in step S431, the image control microcomputer 81 turns on the data reading flag, and proceeds to step S432.

  In step S432, the image control microcomputer 81 executes the image data reading process in the background, and proceeds to step S433. For example, as in the process of step S430, the effect identifier determined by the process from step S383 to step S385 in the above-described game start process (FIG. 35) is not a specific feat in the embodiment. If it is “1” indicating an effect related to Atari, the remaining effect game number counter is “2”, and image data relating to the glutton atari is not read from the image ROM 88 into the work RAM 84, the devour 2 ( Lever), big eater 2 (atari), big eater 1 (BET), big eater 1 (lever), and big eater 1 (atari) are all read from the image ROM 88. Then, the process waits in step S433 until the image data reading process is completed. When the process is completed, the image control microcomputer 81 restores the effect identifier saved by the process in step S424 and reads the data. Turn off the middle flag.

  In step S433, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the data reading flag is off. If it is determined that the data reading flag is off, the process proceeds to step S434. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the data reading flag is off, the process proceeds to step S433 again. As described above, since the data reading flag is turned off when the image data reading process executed by the process of step S432 is completed, the image control microcomputer 81 continues to step S433 until the reading of the image data is completed. Is repeatedly executed, and when the reading of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S434.

  In step S434, the image control microcomputer 81 generates an effect based on the effect identifier and the animation counter, transmits a command to the image control IC 86, and ends the present subroutine. Specifically, the image data of each object read from the image ROM 88 is read, and the image data and the viewpoint are arranged in a virtual coordinate space. Then, the object arranged in the virtual coordinate space is converted into a viewpoint coordinate system and rendered as a two-dimensional image viewed from the viewpoint. That is, image data obtained by viewing the object from the viewpoint position is calculated based on the effect mode selected in the above-described effect determination table, effect table, etc. and the read image data, and a specific object is calculated based on the calculated positional relationship. Thus, image data (effect image) viewed from the viewpoint position is generated. Then, the image control microcomputer 81 transmits the image data to the image control IC, stores the image data in the frame buffer 1 or 2, and transmits the bank switching command to generate the generated image (the selected advance notice). Mode) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. As a result, various presentation modes can be displayed to the player, and there are cases in which the interest in the game can be improved.

[MSub reset interrupt processing]
Next, the main processing for mSub will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs initialization (step S501), and proceeds to step S502. In step S502, input monitoring processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S503. In this input monitoring process, input from the volume control unit 103 is checked.

  In step S503, command input processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S504. In this process, preparations are made for outputting lamps and sounds based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  In step S504, a lamp lighting control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S505. In this process, a signal is transmitted to the LEDs 101 or the lamps 102 that perform output.

  In step S505, a sound control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S502. In this processing, data indicating the sound to be generated (phrase number data or the like) is transmitted to the sound source IC 95.

[GSub / int interrupt processing]
In addition, the gSub / int interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This interrupt process is an interrupt process that is called when a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is received.

  First, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 stores (stores) input data in the command main buffer (step S511). Then, the write pointer is updated (step S512), and this subroutine is terminated.

  As described above, a game start command means for outputting a game start command signal based on the result of the operation by the player, and a predetermined role based on the game start command signal output from the game start command means as a winning combination A winning combination determining means for determining, a winning display control means for stopping and displaying a predetermined winning mode on the winning display means based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination, and the winning combination being a specific combination And when the winning display control means stops and displays a specific winning mode, a gaming value adding means for giving a player a specific gaming value, a specific moving object that moves in a virtual coordinate space, and The positional relationship in the coordinate space between the plurality of background objects fixedly arranged in the coordinate space and the viewpoint positions arranged in the coordinate space is calculated at predetermined timings. Then, the image generated by the image generating unit is generated on an image generating unit that generates an image of the specific moving object viewed from the viewpoint position and an image display unit provided separately from the winning display unit. The image display control means to be displayed and the winning combination is the specific combination, and the specific moving object, the specific background object of the plurality of background objects, and the viewpoint position have a specific positional relationship In addition, a first notice mode related to the specific background object is selected with a first probability from a plurality of notice modes, and a second notice mode related to a background object different from the specific background object is selected as the second notice mode. The notice mode selecting means for selecting with a second probability lower than the first probability, and the notice mode selected by the notice mode selecting means are the image display means. So that the and a predictive display control means for displaying. In the case of a specific positional relationship, the first notice mode is selected with the first probability and the second notice mode is selected with the second probability. In many cases, the first notice mode is displayed as a notice. Is done. For this reason, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a possibility that the first notice mode becomes a single pattern by displaying the first notice mode as a notice, which may be monotonous, but the first notice mode is different from the first notice mode. Since the two notice modes may be displayed in advance, the effect display may not be monotonous and the effect of the effect may be enhanced. Here, the background object may be any display object other than a specific moving object that can be seen from the viewpoint position in the virtual coordinate space. In the virtual coordinate space, the distance between the viewpoint position and the background object is the viewpoint position. It does not have to be longer than the distance from a specific moving object. Regardless of the distance from the viewpoint position, whether it can be moved, the number of objects, etc. It is sufficient if the positional relationship is such that it can be visually recognized by the player together with the specific moving object at the time of generation.

  In the case of the specific positional relationship, when the second notice mode is selected, the probability that the winning combination is a specific combination may be higher than the probability that it is not a specific combination, The probability that the winning combination is a specific combination may be 100%. In this case, since the second notice mode having a relatively low appearance rate in the case of the specific positional relationship is selected, the normal (relatively easy to appear) second notice mode is selected. It is expected to give the player a sense of incongruity because of the notice display based on the game, and if a state with that sense of incongruity continues and a specific game value is given, a specific game value is given from the normal state It can be expected that the player will be given a different image from the case of being played, and the player who has such an image can be expected to be given a specific game value again. In some cases, it can be expected to improve the gameability so that you can further enjoy the game.

  Further, as described above, a game start command means for outputting a game start command signal based on the result of the operation by the player, and a predetermined combination based on the game start command signal output from the game start command means is won. The winning combination determining means for determining as a combination, a winning display control unit for stopping and displaying a predetermined winning mode on the winning display unit based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination, and the winning combination is a specific combination Based on the above, when the winning display control means stops and displays a specific winning mode, a gaming value giving means for giving a player a specific gaming value, and a plurality of virtual value spaces provided in a virtual coordinate space A positional relationship in the coordinate space between a specific moving object that moves across an area and a viewpoint position arranged in the coordinate space is calculated at a predetermined timing, and the specific moving object is calculated. An image generation means for generating an image of the project viewed from the viewpoint position, and an image display control means for displaying the image generated by the image generation means on an image display means provided separately from the winning display means And when the winning combination is the specific combination and the specific moving object being moved is located in a specific area of the plurality of areas, the specific area is selected from a plurality of notice modes. A first notice mode related to the first area is selected with a first probability, and a second notice mode related to a predetermined area different from the specific area is selected with a second probability lower than the first probability. And a notice display control means for causing the image display means to display the notice mode selected by the notice mode selecting means. When the specific moving object is located in a specific area of the plurality of areas, the first notice mode is selected with the first probability, and the second notice mode is selected with the second probability. In many cases, the first notice mode is displayed in advance. In a conventional gaming machine, there is a possibility that the first notice mode becomes a single pattern when the first notice mode is displayed in advance, and there is a possibility that the first notice mode becomes monotonous, but the second notice mode different from the first notice mode May be displayed in advance, so that the effect display may not be monotonous and the effect of the effect may be enhanced.

  Further, the image display control unit temporarily erases the image generated by the image generation unit that has been displayed, and the image display unit displays the first notice mode or the second notice mode by the notice display control unit. After displaying on the means, the continuation image is displayed on the image once erased. Therefore, when the specific notice mode (first notice mode, second notice mode, etc.) is displayed, After a scene other than the previous notice mode is erased, a specific notice mode is displayed, and the above-mentioned scene is continuously displayed from the display start timing of the particular notice mode, and is visually recognized by the player. Relevance can be given to images. If the scene is configured to fly instead of this (for example, playback is started from the beginning of the above scene), the player will see an uncomfortable image and feel tired of the game. It is possible to reduce unintentional results such as the fact that the game will be stopped before the player fully enjoys the game characteristics and effects of the gaming machine, and the adverse effect will be caused by the precious image display. There are cases.

  Furthermore, regarding the unit game, any of the game operations may be the first and last of the unit game. For example, the order may be BET, lever, reel stop operation, and BET. Further, in the embodiment, the image switching is a lever, winning, or BET. However, the image switching is not limited to this, and the image switching may be performed based on reception of any command from the main control circuit 71. For example, the image may be switched based on detection of a predetermined input by the player from the operation unit 17 or the like.

  Furthermore, as described above, the game start command means for outputting a game start command signal for instructing the start of the game based on the result of the operation by the player, and the game start command signal output from the game start command means. A winning combination determining means for determining a predetermined combination as a winning combination based on the winning combination, a winning display control unit for stopping and displaying a predetermined winning mode on the winning display unit based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination, and the winning combination When the winning display control means stops and displays a specific winning mode based on the fact that the winning combination is a specific winning combination, a gaming value adding means for giving a player a gaming value, and a virtual coordinate space A positional relationship calculating means for calculating a positional relationship in the coordinate space between a specific object to be moved and a viewpoint position arranged in the coordinate space at a predetermined calculation timing; and the positional relationship There is a possibility that, based on the positional relationship calculated by the output means, image generation means for generating image data obtained by viewing the specific object from the viewpoint position, and the winning display control means may stop and display a specific winning mode. That is, based on the image data generated by the image generation unit, a preview image display unit that displays a preview image at a predetermined display timing, and a timing at which the calculation timing is changed according to the change in the display timing. And changing means, the timing for calculating the positional relationship in the coordinate space such as the specific object and the viewpoint position may be changed according to the change in the display timing. For this reason, for example, even when display timing is delayed due to malfunction, processing of a large amount of information, etc., the positional relationship in a coordinate space such as a specific object or viewpoint position is changed according to the change in the display timing. In some cases, the timing for calculation can be changed, an effect display with a high degree of completeness can be realized, and the gameability can be improved.

  Further, time update means for updating the image reproduction time from the start of image reproduction on the condition that the display timing has elapsed, and scene data in which the position of the specific object moving in the coordinate space is predetermined in time series Based on the image storage means for storing the image data, the scene data stored in the image storage means, and the image reproduction time updated by the time update means, the positional relationship calculation means moves in the coordinate space. Since the position of a specific object is calculated, the position of the specific object is calculated in accordance with the image playback time even when a display timing delay occurs due to, for example, malfunction or processing of a large amount of information. In some cases, it is possible to display an effect with a high degree of perfection and to improve game play.

  A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal based on the result of the operation by the player, and a winning combination determination for determining a predetermined role as a winning combination based on the game start command signal output from the game start command means Means, a winning display control means for causing the winning display means to stop display a predetermined winning mode based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination, and the winning display based on the fact that the winning combination is a specific combination When the control means stops and displays a specific winning mode, the game value giving means for giving a specific game value to the player, and can move in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space and have a three-dimensional shape A positional relationship in the coordinate space of a specific moving object, a plurality of background objects arranged in the coordinate space and having a two-dimensional shape, and a viewpoint position that can move in the coordinate space An image display unit that is calculated at predetermined timings and that generates an image of the specific moving object and the plurality of background objects viewed from the viewpoint position, and an image display provided separately from the winning display unit Means for displaying an image generated by the image generation means as a predetermined notice mode that the winning combination may be the specific combination, and movement of the viewpoint position. And a background object rotation means provided in the image generation means for rotating only the first background object of the plurality of background objects in the coordinate space. Is notified by the rotation of the background object. Since this notice display is easy to identify for the player, the player may know that he / she has won a specific role without requiring special skills or information regarding the gaming machine. A person may be able to play a game with a higher expectation.

  Note that the background object may be rotated when a specific combination is won, or the background object may not be rotated when a specific combination is won. In any case, the player can be expected to feel uncomfortable with the image displayed on the image display means by configuring the display mode of the background object to be different when a specific combination is won. If a specific game value is given following the uncomfortable state, it can be expected to give the player a different image from the case where the specific game value is given from the normal state. A player who has a good image may be able to have a sense that a specific game value is desired to be given again, and in that case, the player may be able to expect an improvement in gameability such as enjoying the game.

  A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal based on the result of the operation by the player, and a winning combination determination for determining a predetermined role as a winning combination based on the game start command signal output from the game start command means Means, a winning display control means for causing the winning display means to stop display a predetermined winning mode based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination, and the winning display based on the fact that the winning combination is a specific combination When the control means stops and displays a specific winning mode, a predetermined rendering mode is provided on a game value providing unit that gives a player a gaming value and an image display unit provided separately from the winning display unit. The image display control means for displaying the image, the effect mode displayed on the image display means, the effect mode selection means for selecting a predetermined effect mode from a plurality of types of effect modes, and a plurality of image data are described. Image generation means for generating the effect image based on the image data storage means, the effect mode selected by the effect mode selection means and the image data read from the image data storage means, and the effect mode selection When the means selects a specific effect mode, the generation of the effect image based on the image data already read out by the image generation unit is continued, and the specific effect mode is configured from the image data storage unit. Image data reading means for newly reading the image data of the effect image, so that some effect on the image already displayed on the image display means while performing the reading processing of the image data to be displayed next Can be added. If it takes time to read the image data to be displayed next, and the image already displayed on the image display means must be displayed for a certain period of time, the player will continue to see the same image, May be bored. In addition, when the image that has been displayed for a certain period of time suddenly switches to the next image, the player feels uncomfortable. However, in such a case, even if the same image is displayed by adding a predetermined special effect (for example, a fade-out effect in which the image gradually disappears) to the already displayed image, On the other hand, there may be a case where an impression of a different production effect can be given, and a sense of discomfort given when switching to the next image display may be reduced. Even when the same image has to be displayed for a certain period of time, the player may be able to fully enjoy the game characteristics and effects of the gaming machine without detracting from the effects of the effects of the image display. In addition, adding a special effect to an image that has already been displayed may be a means for notifying that the next image to be displayed is a specific effect, so that the player maintains a sense of expectation. May be able to play games.

  In addition, the effect described in this specification only enumerated the most suitable effect resulting from this invention, and the effect by this invention is not limited to what was described in this specification. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. That is, the present invention provides a game start command means for outputting a game start command signal based on a result of an operation by a player, and a predetermined role based on the game start command signal output from the game start command means. A winning combination determining means for determining the winning combination, a winning display control means for stopping and displaying a predetermined winning mode on the winning display means based on the fact that the winning combination is a predetermined combination, and the winning combination being a specific combination When the winning display control means stops displaying a specific winning mode based on the game value, the game value giving means for giving the player a specific game value, and the specific moving object that moves in the virtual coordinate space A positional relationship in the coordinate space between a plurality of background objects fixedly arranged in the coordinate space and a viewpoint position arranged in the coordinate space at a predetermined timing. The image generated by the image generating unit is calculated on an image generating unit that calculates and generates an image of the specific moving object viewed from the viewpoint position, and an image display unit provided separately from the winning display unit. An image display control means for displaying the image, the winning combination is the specific combination, and the specific moving object, a specific background object of the plurality of background objects, and the viewpoint position are in a specific positional relationship. In this case, a first notice mode related to the specific background object is selected from a plurality of notice modes with a first probability, and a second notice mode related to a background object different from the specific background object is selected. The notice display mode selecting means for selecting with a second probability lower than the first probability, and the notice form selected by the notice mode selecting means are displayed in the image display. It is characterized in that it is provided with a notice display control means to be displayed in a row, a game start command means, a winning combination determining means, a winning display means, a winning display control means, a game value giving means, an image generating means, an image displaying means Specific configurations such as the image display control means, the notice mode selection means, and the notice display control means can be appropriately changed in design.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the game machine 1 of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol arranged on the reel. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a combination, a symbol combination, and a payout number. It is a figure which shows the example of a probability lottery table. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a game state, a stop combination, and a stop table group. It is a figure which shows an example of the stop table contained in a stop table group. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the main control circuit of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the sub control circuit of this embodiment. It is a main flowchart of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a game state monitoring process. 5 is a flowchart showing FT control processing 1; It is a flowchart which shows a probability lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the FT control process 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows a jump table. It is a figure which shows the table for production determination. It is a figure which shows an effect table. It is a figure which shows a large classification data table. It is a figure which shows a middle classification data table. It is a figure which shows a small classification data table. It is a figure which shows an effect image data table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variable currently allocated to the work RAM of this actual form. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept regarding the image process performed in an image control circuit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept regarding the image process performed in an image control circuit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept regarding the image process performed in an image control circuit. It is a figure which shows the timing chart regarding image control. It is a figure which shows the timing chart regarding image control. It is a main flowchart for gSub. It is a flowchart which shows a main control circuit / int interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows an image control IC / int interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command input process. It is a flowchart which shows a game medal insertion process. It is a flowchart which shows a game start process. It is a flowchart which shows a reel stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a winning process. It is a flowchart which shows an image drawing process. It is a flowchart which shows a gSub / int interruption process. It is a main flowchart for mSub. It is a block diagram of a virtual coordinate space and objects included in it. It is the figure which showed the difference in the display mode of the object based on a viewpoint position and a viewpoint direction when not rotating when the object comprised by the billboard is rotated. It is the figure which showed the display mode of the object based on a viewpoint position and a viewpoint direction of the object comprised by the polygon.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 81 Image control microcomputer 86 Image control IC

Claims (3)

  A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal based on the result of the operation by the player, and a winning combination determination for determining a predetermined role as a winning combination based on the game start command signal output from the game start command means Means, a winning display control means for causing the winning display means to stop display a predetermined winning mode based on the winning combination being a predetermined winning combination, and the winning display based on the winning combination being a specific winning combination. When the control means stops and displays the specific winning mode, the game value giving means for giving the player a specific game value, the specific moving object moving in the virtual coordinate space, and the coordinate space The positional relationship in the coordinate space between the plurality of fixedly arranged background objects and the viewpoint position arranged in the coordinate space is calculated at a predetermined timing, and the specific Image display control for displaying the image generated by the image generation unit on an image generation unit that generates an image of the moving object viewed from the viewpoint position and an image display unit provided separately from the winning display unit And a plurality of advance notices when the winning combination is the specific combination and the specific moving object, the specific background object of the plurality of background objects, and the viewpoint position are in a specific positional relationship. From the aspect, the first notice mode related to the specific background object is selected with a first probability, and the second notice form related to a background object different from the specific background object is selected based on the first probability. A notice mode selecting means for selecting with a lower second probability and a notice for causing the image display means to display the notice mode selected by the notice mode selecting means. Game machine characterized by comprising a 示制 control means. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The image display control means temporarily erases the image generated by the image generation means that has been displayed, and the notice display control means causes the first notice mode or the second notice mode to be displayed on the image display means. A game machine, wherein after the display, a continuous image is displayed on the image once erased. A gaming machine comprising image display control means for displaying an image based on a moving object, a background object, and a viewpoint position arranged in a virtual coordinate space,
A gaming machine, wherein a game result is displayed in advance on the basis of coordinates of a moving object in the virtual coordinate space.

Images