JP2005066176A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing frame omission and accelerating an image processing. <P>SOLUTION: From a plurality of image data storage means storing different kinds of image generation data, respectively, dedicated image generation means provided in correspondence, respectively read corresponding image generation data, generate images and store the data of the generated images in dedicated storage means provided in correspondence through dedicated data buses provided in correspondence. Also, data for specifying image development time until the image generation data are read, the images are generated and the data of the images are stored, are made to correspond to respective images, and the read of the image generation data is started at a timing more prior to the image development time and before the timing of storing the data of the image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays a front image superimposed on a back image, and variably displays identification information images that can be identified as the front image.

  What is conventionally known as this type of gaming machine is equipped with a variable display device that displays a screen on which a plurality of types of identification information images that can be identified, such as pachinko gaming machines, fluctuate. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, a doublet such as “777”), the specific game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player is obtained. There is something configured.

Recently, the variation display device provided in the gaming machine not only displays the identification information image in a variable manner, but also uses an elaborate animation at the time of the variable display. The burden of image processing on an image processing circuit that displays an image is increasing. For this reason, there is one that reduces the burden of image processing by performing image processing in parallel using a plurality of processors in the image processing circuit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-312807

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, since there is only one data bus between a VDP (Video Display Processor) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which image data is stored, the amount of data transfer is large. However, the VDP does not necessarily have a function suitable for processing image data stored in the ROM, and the image data stored in the ROM is compressed. In this case, it takes a long time to generate the image, and the image finally displayed on the display device may drop a frame.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing frame dropping and increasing the speed of image processing.

Means and effects for solving the problem

(1) The front images (for example, the identification information images 511, 512, 513, and the character image 520a in FIG. 4) are superimposed and displayed on the back image (for example, the background image 500a in FIG. 4) (see FIG. 7). A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) that variably displays identification information images (identification information images 511, 512, and 513 in FIG. 4) that can identify each as the front image,
Image generation means (VDP 320, front image generation means 410, background image generation means 410a, image composition processing means 420) for generating display images of the rear image and the front image;
Front image data storage means (character ROM 330) for storing front image generation data for generating the front image;
Back image data storage means (character ROM 330a) for storing back image generation data for generating the back image;
Front image development storage means (VRAM 340, storage areas 341a and 341b) for storing data of the front image generated by the image generation means;
Back image development storage means (VRAM 340a, storage area 341c) for storing data of the back image generated by the image generation means;
A first data bus (internal data bus 415, external data bus 335) for transmitting the data of the front image generated by the image generation means to the front image development storage means;
A second data bus (internal data bus 415a, external data bus 335a) for transmitting the back image data generated by the image generation means to the back image development storage means;
The image generation means reads out data necessary for generating a display image (image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9) from the front image data storage means or the back image data storage means (S100), A period until an image is generated and data of the display image is stored in the image data development storage means (for example, a period until the front image A3 is generated and the data is stored in the buffer A in the VRAM 416 in FIG. 5) Image generation period data storage means (ROM 313) for storing the image generation period data for specifying the display image in association with the display image,
The image generation period data is stored in the image generation period data storage means in association with the front image and the back image corresponding to the display image, respectively.
The image generation means generates the data before generating a period specified from the image generation period data stored in the image generation period data storage means (when generating the front image A1 and the rear image B1 in FIG. 5, for example) The time t2 before the time t3 when the processing for storing the data of the front image A1 and the back image B1 is completed, and the back image data storage means for the back image generation data of the associated back image The rear image is generated, the rear image data is stored in the rear image development storage means via the second data bus (S121), and the front image generation of the associated front image is performed. Data is read from the front image data storage means, the front image is generated, and the data of the front image is transferred to the first data bus It is stored in the front image expansion memory through (S121).

  According to such a configuration, the data of the front image and the rear image generated by the image generation means is used for the dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415, external data bus 335) and the dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415a, The image generation means is stored in the corresponding dedicated image data development storage means (storage areas 341a and 341b in the VRAM 340, storage area 341c in the VRAM 340a) via the external data buses 335a). In executing the processing, the image data generated without being affected by each other can be stored, and the image processing can be speeded up.

  Further, image generation period data for specifying a period until data necessary for generating a display image is read, the display image is generated, and the data of the display image is stored in the image data development storage unit is displayed. And the image generation means starts the generation of the display image before the period specified from the image generation period data associated with the display image. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the process of storing the generated display image data is not in time, and frame dropping can be reliably prevented.

  Therefore, the variation display mode of the identification information image and the background image displayed on the background can be made into elaborate image display (3D display, moving image display, realistic effect display, etc.), and the effect can be improved. Even if such image generation is performed, the processing time is shortened and frames are prevented from being dropped.

(2) The image generation means includes a front image generation means (front image generation means 410) for generating the front image, and a back image generation means (background image generation means 410a) for generating the back image,
The back image generation means (for example, when generating the back image B1 in FIG. 5) generates the data of the back image B1 before the period specified from the image generation period data associated with the back image. The time t2 before the time t3 when the process to be stored ends by the period TN), the back image generation data of the associated back image is read from the back image data storage means, the back image is generated, Back surface data is stored in the back image development storage means via the second data bus,
The front image generation means is configured to output the data of the generated front image A1 before a period specified from the image generation period data associated with the front image (in FIG. 5, for example, when generating the front image A1, The time t2 before the time t3 when the process to be stored ends by the period TN), the front image generation data of the associated front image is read from the front image data storage means, the front image is generated, Data of the front image is stored in the front image development storage means via the first data bus.

  According to such a configuration, the data of the front image and the back image generated by the dedicated image generation unit (front image generation unit 410 and back image generation unit 410a) is stored in the dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415, external The corresponding image data development and storage means (storage areas 341a and 341b in the VRAM 340, storage areas 341a and 341b in the VRAM 340a) and the dedicated data buses (internal data bus 415a and external data bus 335a) respectively. Since each of the independent front image generation means 410 and the rear image generation means 410a is stored in the storage area 341c), the image data generated without being influenced by each other is stored in the processing. And image processing speed can be increased.

  Further, image generation period data for specifying a period until data necessary for generating a display image is read, the display image is generated, and the data of the display image is stored in the image data development storage unit is displayed. And the image generation means starts the generation of the display image before the period specified from the image generation period data associated with the display image. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the process of storing the generated display image data is not in time, and frame dropping can be reliably prevented.

  Therefore, the variation display mode of the identification information image and the background image displayed on the background can be made into elaborate image display (3D display, moving image display, realistic effect display, etc.), and the effect can be improved. Even if such image generation is performed, the processing time is shortened and frames are prevented from being dropped.

(3) The front image data storage means includes:
As the front image generation data, identification information image generation data for generating the identification information image, and character image generation data for generating a character image that is used to produce a game and different from the identification information image Remember more,
The image generation period data is stored in the image generation period data storage means in association with the identification information image and the character image, respectively.
The gaming machine is
A display order designating unit (CPU 312, ROM 313) for designating a display order for displaying the identification information image and the character image in an overlapping manner;
The front image generation means (for example, identification information images 511, 512, 513, and character images in FIG. 5) before the period specified from the image generation period data stored in the image generation period data storage means. When generating the front image A1 that is a composite image with 521, the time t2 before the time t3 when the process of storing the data of the generated front image A1 ends is completed, and the associated display image The identification information image generation data and the character image generation data are read from the front image data storage means, and the identification information image and the character image are superimposed based on the display order designated by the display order designation means An image is generated, and the display image data is stored in the front image development storage means via the first data bus. To 憶.

  According to such a configuration, data necessary for generating the display image is read, the display image (identification information image, character image) is generated, and the data of the display image is stored in the image data development storage unit. Image generation period data for specifying the period until the display image is associated with the display image, and the timing at which the image generation means starts generating the display image is specified from the image generation period data associated with the display image. In this way, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the process of storing the generated display image data in the image data development storage means is not in time, and it is possible to reliably prevent frame dropping, Since the display order can be specified when generating a display image superimposed with the identification information image, a variety of interesting display images can be generated. Can.

(4) The gaming machine
Further comprising transmittance specifying means (CPU 312 and ROM 313) for specifying the transmittance of at least one of the identification information image and the character image as the front image;
The front image generation means (for example, identification information images 511, 512, 513, and character images in FIG. 5) before the period specified from the image generation period data stored in the image generation period data storage means. When generating the front image A1 that is a composite image with 521, the time t2 before the time t3 when the process of storing the data of the generated front image A1 is completed is a time TN), and the associated display image The identification information image generation data and the character image generation data are read from the front image data storage unit, and at least one of the identification information image and the character image is based on the transmittance specified by the transmittance specifying unit. A transparent image is transmitted, and the data of the transparent image is transmitted to the front through the first data bus. It is stored in the image expansion memory means.

  According to such a configuration, data necessary for generating the display image is read, the display image (identification information image, character image) is generated, and the data of the display image is stored in the image data development storage unit. Image generation period data for specifying the period until the display image is associated with the display image, and the timing at which the image generation means starts generating the display image is specified from the image generation period data associated with the display image. In this way, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the process of storing the generated display image data in the image data development storage means is not in time, and it is possible to reliably prevent frame dropping, When generating a display image in which an identification information image is superimposed, a transmission image in which at least one of the images is transmitted can be generated In, it is possible to produce a variety of synthetic images rich in interest.

  (5) The image generation period data is displayed continuously, and is associated with a display image group (for example, the character images 521, 522, 523, and 524 in FIG. 4) that is a set of a plurality of display images. It is stored in the image generation period data storage means.

  According to such a configuration, the image generation for reading the data necessary for generating the display image, generating the display image, and specifying the period until the display image data is stored in the image data development storage means Since the period data is continuously displayed and is associated with a display image group including a plurality of display images as a set, one image generation period data is determined to correspond to each of the plurality of display images. Since the process for determining the image generation period data is not necessary, the control burden can be reduced.

  (6) The display image group includes display images used for variable display of identification information (for example, identification information images 510a, 510b, and identification information images 510b, 513 having different display positions in FIG. 4). An information image 510c and an identification information image 510d).

  According to such a configuration, even when performing fluctuating display of elaborate identification information that requires a long period of time for image development (for example, fluctuating display that produces effects such as jackpot notice, reach notice, etc.), the image is not dropped. Display can be made.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, or the like, and the display state changes. The present invention can be applied to all gaming machines that include a variable display device and have a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode. is there.
[Example 1]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a detachable game board 6, a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape so as to cover the game board 6, and a batting game when a player plays a game. An operation knob 5 for operating a ball, a surplus ball receiving tray 4, a game area 7 for hitting a hit ball, a guide rail 29 for guiding the hit ball to the game area 7, and an outer side of the game area 7 A game effect lamp 42 to be played and a speaker 41 for generating a sound effect by the game are provided. The surplus ball receiving tray 4 is provided below the hitting ball supply tray 3 and stores the balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3.

  The player can fire the hit balls stored in the hit ball supply tray 3 one by one by operating the operation knob 5. The fired hit ball is guided into the game area 7 by the guide rail 29.

  The game area 7 includes a start-up winning combination 14a having a start winning opening 14 configured to start a change display of the change display device 8 when a hitting ball is won, and a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified. As an example, there is provided a variable display device 8 that displays special symbols in a variable manner. A movable piece is provided on the left and right sides of the starting electric accessory 14a.

  The variable display device 8 is provided with a special symbol display unit 9, a normal symbol display unit 10, a start memory display 18 composed of four LEDs, and a passing memory display 15.

  The special symbol display unit 9 has three variation display units, a left variation display unit, a middle variation display unit, and a right variation display unit. The special symbol display unit 9 is generally a liquid crystal display (LCD), but a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), FED (Field Emission Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), Other display devices such as an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display) and a dot matrix may be used.

  The special symbol display unit 9 uses the three variation display units described above to display a special symbol as a plurality of types of identification information (determination identification information) such as numbers, characters, figures, patterns, etc. In each of the display unit and the right variation display unit, the variation is displayed. In addition to the special symbol, the special symbol display unit 9 variably displays special symbols as a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) such as numbers, characters, figures, and patterns. In addition to the special symbol, the special symbol display unit 9 can also display an image such as a decoration storage display for informing the number of times the special symbol fluctuates and a back image as a predetermined character / background image. Here, the character refers to an image representing a person, an animal, or an object displayed on the special symbol display unit 9.

  The identification information variably displayed by the special symbol display unit 9 may be any identification information as long as it is identification information such as numerals, characters, figures, patterns, etc., only numbers, letters only, figures only. , A pattern only, or a combination of these as appropriate.

  The game area 7 is provided with an opening / closing plate 20 and a variable winning ball apparatus 19 that is in an open state in which a hitting ball can be won by tilting the opening / closing plate 20.

  The game area 7 further includes a plurality of winning holes 24 that are general winning holes, a passing hole 11 through which a ball can enter, a game effect lamp 25 that produces a game by lighting or flashing, and an out port 26. And are provided. Each of the plurality of winning holes 24 is provided with a winning hole switch 24a that detects a winning of a hit ball. The out port 26 is driven into the game area 7 and collects the hit balls that have not won any of the winning areas of the start port 14, winning port 24 and variable winning ball apparatus 19 as out balls.

  A hit ball that has entered the passage 11 is detected by a gate switch 12 provided inside the passage. When the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12, a predetermined random value is extracted and stored if the number of memories displayed on the passing memory display 15 has not reached the upper limit. And if it is a state which can start the fluctuation | variation display of the normal symbol display part 10, the fluctuation | variation display of the normal symbol display part 10 will be started. When the normal symbol display unit 10 is variably displayed, when the hit ball further enters the passage port 11 and is detected by the gate switch 12, the variably display of the normal symbol display unit 10 cannot be started. Since it is in the state, “4” is stored as the upper limit of the stored number, and a passing ball (random value or the like) is stored. And whenever the fluctuation | variation display of the normal symbol display part 10 is started, the number of LED currently lighted is reduced by one. In addition, the upper limit of the number of memories of the passage storage indicator 15 is not limited to “4”, and may be five or more.

  The normal symbol display unit 10 includes a hit normal symbol indicator marked with “◯” and a non-standard symbol indicator marked with “x”. When a random value (hereinafter also referred to as “count value”) extracted when a hit ball enters the passage opening 11 coincides with a predetermined hit determination value, the display result of the variable display in the normal symbol display unit 10 is It is determined that it is a “hit”, and a normal symbol display with “◯” is lit. On the other hand, when the extracted random value does not match the predetermined hit determination value, it is determined that the display result of the variable display in the normal symbol display unit 10 is “out of”, and the normal out of which “x” is attached is determined. The symbol display lights up.

  When the hit normal symbol display with a “O” mark is lit, the pair of left and right movable pieces provided on the starting electric accessory 14a is opened once, and a predetermined open period has elapsed. Then, even if no start prize is generated, the movable piece is closed to the original position, and the open state ends.

  In a game, when a hit ball wins a start winning opening 14 (also referred to as a start winning prize), the hit ball is detected by a start opening switch 17 provided on the game board 6, and four start memory indicators 18 are displayed. One of the LEDs lights up. The number of start winnings is stored in a storage device provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 with “4” as the upper limit of the stored number (also referred to as “start-up storage”). Note that the number of LEDs included in the start memory indicator 18 is not limited to four, and may be five or more. In this case, the number of start-up memories that can be stored is equal to the number of LEDs that the start-up storage indicator 18 has. In the following, for example, when three of the four LEDs of the start memory display 18 are lit, the start memory is said to be “3”.

  If a start prize is received in a state where "1" to "3" of the four LEDs of the start memory indicator 18 are lit, that is, the start memory of the start memory indicator 18 does not reach the upper limit A predetermined random value for determining whether or not to generate a big hit state as a gaming state is extracted, the variable symbol display of the special symbol display unit 9 is started, and all display results are derived and displayed after a predetermined period. At the same time, the start memory is decreased by one, and among the four LEDs of the start memory display 18, the LED that is lit is extinguished. That is, each time the variable display of the special symbol display unit 9 is started, one LED that is lit on the start-up memory display 18 is turned off.

  On the condition that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14 (start winning prize), the variable display is started in the variable display section of the special symbol display section 9. The change display of the special symbol display unit 9 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination at the time of the stop display is a specific display mode (for example, a double eye such as “777”, hereinafter also referred to as “hit symbol”), it becomes “hit” and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a specific gaming state (hereinafter “ It is also referred to as a “hit state”), and the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is opened to open the big winning opening. Thereby, it is controlled to the 1st state advantageous for the player who can make a hit ball win a big winning opening. The opening / closing plate 20 is driven by a solenoid 21.

  The first state of the variable winning ball device 19 described above is when the number of hit balls that have entered the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10) or when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When the earlier one of the conditions is satisfied, the process is temporarily terminated and the opening / closing plate 20 is closed. Thereby, the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is controlled to a 2nd state unfavorable for the player who cannot win a hit ball. Then, on the condition that the hit ball that entered during the period in which the variable winning ball device 19 is in the first state has specifically won the specific winning area and has been detected by the V count switch 22, the variable winning at that time After the first state of the ball device 19 is finished and becomes the second state, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again, and repeated continuation control is performed to place the variable winning ball device 19 in the first state. The upper limit number of executions of this repeated continuation control is set to 16 times, for example.

  When the display result of the variable display in the special symbol display unit 9 is in a special display mode (for example, an odd number of zeros such as “777”; hereinafter also referred to as “probability big hit symbol”), the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the normal gaming state. The probability variation state (special gaming state) in which the probability that a big hit will occur is higher than that in the case of fluctuating. For example, in the normal gaming state, when the probability that a big hit will occur is 0.5%, in the probability variation state, the probability that a big hit will occur is 1%. Such a probability variation state is generally sometimes abbreviated as “probability variation”. Hereinafter, the big hit by the probability variation symbol (the symbol representing the odd number) is also referred to as a probability variation big symbol.

  Once the probability variation jackpot occurs once in the normal gaming state, the probability variation state is continuously controlled until at least a predetermined number of probability variation continuation times (for example, until the next time) has occurred. Further, if a probability variation big hit occurs during the probability variation state, the probability variation continuation count is counted again after that probability variation big hit, and then the probability variation state continues until at least the number of probability variation continuations occurs. If the jackpot that has reached the probability variation continuation count is due to a non-probability variation symbol other than the probability variation symbol, the normal gaming state in which the probability variation does not occur is returned. In the following, a combination big hit with a non-probable variation is also referred to as a normal big hit.

  When the display result of the variable display in the special symbol display unit 9 is neither a big hit symbol nor a probable big hit symbol, it becomes “out of”, and the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 remains unchanged and remains in the normal gaming state.

  In the special gaming state, when the display result on the special symbol display unit 9 is a big hit symbol by the probability variation symbol of the big hit symbol, compared to when the big hit symbol other than the probability variation symbol of the big hit symbol is obtained. Any value can be added as long as the added value is increased. Therefore, the special gaming state is a variation time shortening state (which is also referred to as a short time state or a short time) for improving the start winning rate and shortening the variation time of the symbol of the special symbol display unit 9. Also good.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a short time state, the time from the start to the end of the variable display of the special symbol display unit 9 is shortened. For example, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the normal gaming state, if the time from the start of the variable display to the end of the variable display is 8 seconds, in the short time state, the variable display is displayed after the variable display is started. The time until completion is shortened to 3 seconds. Accordingly, since the number of times of display of the special symbol display unit 9 within a predetermined time increases, the probability that a big hit will occur is higher than in the normal gaming state.

  In addition, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the short-time state, if it is determined that the display result of the variable display in the normal symbol display unit 10 is “winning”, the opening of the movable piece of the starting electric accessory 14a in the normal gaming state is established. The interval is once every 30 seconds, for example, once every 1.5 seconds. Therefore, since the number of opening of the movable piece within the predetermined time increases, the probability of starting winning is higher in the short time state than in the normal gaming state.

  Further, the special gaming state may be a state in which the opening time of the movable piece of the starting electric accessory 14a and the number of opening times are increased (to be opened a plurality of times).

  If a big hit occurs in the normal gaming state and the big hit is a probable big hit, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a probability variation state. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the probability variation state, the normal gaming state is entered if the next big hit is a non-probable big hit. In addition, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the special game state in which the probability variation state or the short-time state is generated, the consecutive occurrence of big hits is referred to as a continuous change.

  In addition, a reach state (hereinafter also referred to as “reach”, “reach mode”, or “reach display mode”) may occur during the variable display of each variable display unit.

  Here, the reach state has a variable display device having a variable display unit that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, and the variable display unit variably starts a plurality of types of identification information. Later, a plurality of display results are derived and displayed at different times, and when the gaming state becomes a specific gaming state advantageous for the player when a predetermined specific display mode is obtained, a plurality of display results are displayed. This means a display state in which a display result that has already been derived and displayed satisfies a condition for a specific display mode when a part of the result has not yet been derived and displayed.

  In other words, the reach state is when the display result of the identification information in the variable display device having a plurality of variable display units that can change the display state becomes a predetermined specific display mode. In a gaming machine in which the gaming state is in a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, the player is informed that the specific display mode is easily displayed when the display result of the variable display device is not yet derived and displayed. The display state for reminiscent. And, for example, a state in which a variable display is performed by a plurality of variable display units while maintaining a state in which a specific display mode is achieved is also included in the reach display state. Furthermore, some reach is likely to generate a big hit when it appears, compared to the normal reach state. Such a specific reach state is called super reach.

  In addition, the reach state is deviated from the display condition that becomes a specific display mode even when the display control has progressed after the display of the display of the display device is changed and the display result is derived and displayed. It also refers to a display mode that is not.

  In addition, the reach state is a display state when the display control of the variable display device progresses and reaches a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. It also refers to a display state when at least some of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfy a condition for a specific display mode.

  In addition, the reach state is a condition in which a display result of a display area that is already derived and displayed becomes a specific display mode at a stage where the display result is not yet derived and displayed in some display areas of the plurality of display areas. It also refers to the display state that satisfies.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a game control board 200.

  The game control board 200 includes a game control microcomputer 210. The game control microcomputer 210 has a function of controlling the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The game control microcomputer 210 includes a CPU 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 214, a ROM 213, and an I / O port 215.

  The ROM 213 stores a game control program for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1, display result lottery table data for determining a variable display result of the special symbol display unit 9, and the like. The CPU 212 performs various control operations according to the game control program stored in the ROM 213. The RAM 214 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU 212 performs a control operation.

  Although details will be described later, the RAM 214 is provided with a data storage area capable of storing a plurality of flags for determining various gaming states and a plurality of variation display result data. The flags include a big hit flag, a probability variation schedule flag, a probability variation flag, a reach flag, and the like.

  The big hit flag is set to an on state when a big hit is determined by a big hit determination in a non-probability changing state or a probable changing state, which will be described later. The probability variation schedule flag is set to an on state when the determined jackpot symbol is an odd number when it is determined to be the jackpot. The probability variation flag is set to an on state when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to a probability variation state. The reach flag is set to an on state when it is determined that the reach state is reached by the reach determination.

  The I / O port 215 transmits a game control command for controlling the gaming state output from the CPU 212 to an external circuit.

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 210 is a one-chip microcomputer in which the CPU 212, the ROM 213, and the RAM 214 are integrated. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. The CPU 212, the ROM 213, and the RAM 214 may not be integrated into one chip. That is, the CPU 212, the ROM 213, and the RAM 214 may be separately arranged on the game control board 200.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 further includes an effect control board 300, a special symbol display unit 9, a speaker 41, and a game effect lamp 25.

  The effect control board 300 is a variable display control that changes the image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an effect sound effect for generating a sound effect that produces a game from the speaker 41. It includes a circuit for performing various effect controls such as control and game effect lamp control for controlling the game effect lamp 25.

  As an example of the circuit for performing the various effect controls, the effect control board 300 includes an effect control microcomputer 310, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 320, a character ROM 330, a character ROM 330a, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 340. And a VRAM 340a. Note that the VRAM 340 and the VRAM 340a may be one VRAM without being provided separately.

  The effect control microcomputer 310 has a function of controlling the VDP 320, the speaker 41, and the game effect lamp 25 in accordance with the game control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 210.

  The effect control microcomputer 310 includes a CPU 312, a RAM 314, a ROM 313, and an I / O port 315.

  The ROM 313 stores a control program for the CPU 312 to control the VDP 320, variation pattern data, and the like. The variation pattern data is data determined in advance for a plurality of types regarding the timing of stopping the left middle right special symbol, the occurrence of reach, the contents of reach effect, and the like when the special symbol is variably displayed. Further, the variation pattern data is a sound effect selection data for selecting sound effect data for generating a sound effect for producing a game from the speaker 41 at the time of the reach effect, and a game effect lamp 25 is turned on or blinked. Also included is lamp production selection data for selecting lamp production data to be produced.

  A plurality of sound effect data and lamp effect data are provided according to the gaming state, and are stored in the ROM 313.

  The I / O port 315 receives the game control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 210 and transmits it to the CPU 312. In accordance with the game control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 210 and the control program stored in the ROM 313, the CPU 312 receives VDP 320, variable display control data, sound effect data, and lamp effect data for performing various effect controls. It transmits to the speaker 41 and the game effect lamp 25. The RAM 314 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores data when the CPU 312 performs various control operations. The fluctuation display control data includes the above-described control program, fluctuation pattern data, and the like.

  In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 310 is a one-chip microcomputer in which the CPU 312, the ROM 313, and the RAM 314 are integrated. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The CPU 312, the ROM 313, and the RAM 314 may not be integrated into one chip. That is, the CPU 312, the ROM 313, and the RAM 314 may be separately arranged on the effect control board 300.

  Although details will be described later, the character ROM 330 stores front image generation data for generating a sprite (front image) including a special symbol. Note that the front image may be either a still image or a moving image.

  Although details will be described later, the character ROM 330a stores back image generation data for generating a back image displayed on the back of the sprite. Note that the back image may be either a still image or a moving image.

  The VDP 320 reads necessary image data from the character ROM 330 and the character ROM 330a according to the variation display control data transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 310, and generates an image according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The generated image data is temporarily stored in the VRAM 340 or VRAM 340a. The image data stored in the VRAM 340 or VRAM 340a is read by the VDP 320 in accordance with the variable display control data, and transmitted to the special symbol display unit 9 at a predetermined timing.

  The special symbol display unit 9 includes a left variation display unit 9a, a middle variation display unit 9b, and a right variation display unit that display a predetermined image (for example, a symbol) in a predetermined direction (for example, from top to bottom, from bottom to top) 9c. Note that the above three variation display units may display a predetermined image in a variable manner, for example, from left to right or from right to left. In that case, the three variation display units are provided in the column direction of the special symbol display unit 9. Moreover, the variation display part provided in the special symbol display part 9 is not limited to three, and may be two or less or four or more.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the control circuit for displaying an image on the special symbol display unit 9 and its internal configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the character ROM 330 stores front image generation data as described above. The front image generation data is compressed by a predetermined algorithm (for example, the JPEG method for still images and the MPEG method for moving images). The front image generation data may be uncompressed data. The front image generation data includes identification information image generation data for generating an identification information image as a front image and character image generation data for generating a character image. The identification information image is an image indicating numbers (for example, “0” to “9”). The character image is an image that is displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 during the variable display or when the variable display is not performed. The image is, for example, a person, an animal, a character (number), a figure, a symbol, or the like. Image.

  The character ROM 330a stores back image generation data as described above. The back image generation data is compressed by a predetermined algorithm (for example, the JPEG method for still images and the MPEG method for moving images). Note that the back image generation data may be uncompressed data.

  The VDP 320 generates a front image in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 312 (an instruction for processing to enlarge, reduce, rotate, or translucent the image, an instruction for a display order when displaying the images in an overlapping manner). Means 410, rear image generation means 410a for generating a rear image in accordance with an instruction from CPU 312; and a composite image in which the front image is superimposed on the rear image in accordance with an instruction from CPU 312; And image composition processing means 420 for performing control to be displayed on the screen.

  Note that the VRAM 340 is provided exclusively for temporarily storing image data generated by the front image generation means 410. The VRAM 340 includes a storage area 341a (hereinafter also referred to as a buffer A) and a storage area 341b (hereinafter also referred to as a buffer B) that function as a frame buffer.

  The VRAM 340a is provided exclusively for temporarily holding the image data generated by the back image generation means 410a. The VRAM 340a has a storage area 341c (hereinafter also referred to as a buffer C) that functions as a frame buffer. The VRAM 340 and the VRAM 340a may be one VRAM without being provided separately.

  The front image generation unit 410 includes a buffer switching unit 422 that operates to store data in one of two buffers provided in the VRAM 340 according to an instruction from the CPU 312. Data transmitted from the front image generation unit 410 to the VRAM 340 is temporarily stored in either the buffer A or the buffer B by the operation of the buffer switching unit 422.

  Further, the CPU 312 designates the display order when displaying the images in an overlapping manner in the VDP 320 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 313. That is, the CPU 312 and the ROM 313 operate as display order designation means. Further, the CPU 312 designates the image transmittance in the VDP 320 when displaying the images in an overlapping manner in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 313. That is, the CPU 312 and the ROM 313 operate as a transmittance designation unit.

  The front image generation means 410 is a dedicated image processor that is optimized to process data stored in the character ROM 330. The back image generation means 410a is a dedicated image processor that is optimized to process data stored in the character ROM 330a. The image composition processing unit 420 is a dedicated image processing processor optimized for performing composition processing on the images generated by the front image generation unit 410 and the back image generation unit 410a. These image processors are built in the VDP 320.

  The ROM 313 further stores image generation period data. The image generation period data is data associated with the front image generation data or the rear image generation data for generating one front image or rear image, and is associated with the front image generation data or the rear image. This is data indicating the time required to expand the generated data (when the data is compressed, the time including the time required to decompress the data). Here, the term “development” refers to the process from when the front image generation unit 410 reads necessary data from the character ROM 330 to generate an image and stores the generated image data in the buffer A or buffer B in the VRAM 340. It means operation. Further, the term “development” refers to an operation from when the back image generation unit 410a reads necessary data from the character ROM 330a to when an image is generated and stored in the buffer C in the VRAM 340a. Say.

  The front image generation means 410 of the VDP 320 is connected to the character ROM 330 via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 405 and external data bus 332) for transmitting front image generation data. The back image generation means 410a of the VDP 320 is connected to the character ROM 330a via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 405a and external data bus 332a) for transmitting back image generation data.

  The front image generation unit 410 of the VDP 320 is connected to the VRAM 340 via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415 and external data bus 335) for writing and reading data of the generated image. The rear image generation means 410a of the VDP 320 is connected to the VRAM 340a via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415a and external data bus 335a) for writing and reading data of the generated image.

  The front image generation unit 410 of the VDP 320 is further connected to the image composition processing unit 420 via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 418) for transmitting generated image data.

  The rear image generation unit 410a of the VDP 320 is further connected to the image composition processing unit 420 via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 418a) for transmitting the generated image data.

  The image composition processing means 420 is connected to the special symbol display unit 9 via a dedicated data bus (external data bus 338 and internal data bus 425) for transmitting the generated composite image data.

  The front image generation means 410 and the rear image generation means 410a are dedicated for decoding data compressed by a predetermined algorithm (for example, JPEG method for still images, MPEG method for moving images). It has a decoding function.

  The VDP 320 includes a plurality of registers (not shown) in which data can be written and read by the CPU 312. The plurality of registers include a register for the front image generation unit 410, a register for the back image generation unit 410a, a register for the image composition processing unit 420, and the value stored in each register is “1”. If so, the corresponding means is operated. On the other hand, if the value stored in each register is “0”, the corresponding unit is not operated.

  Note that the front image generation unit 410, the back image generation unit 410a, and the image composition processing unit 420 are incorporated in the VDP 320 that operates according to an instruction from the CPU 312 in accordance with a control program optimized to process corresponding data. It may be a separate image processor.

  Next, control until control data is transmitted to the VDP 320 will be described below.

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, the game control microcomputer 210 operates as a start winning detection means 250, a variation display result determination means 251, an image form determination means 252, and a command transmission means 253. Various processes described below in the start winning detection means 250, the fluctuation display result determination means 251, the image form determination means 252 and the command transmission means 253 are executed by the CPU 212. The effect control microcomputer 310 operates as command analysis means 361 and effect control means 362. Various processes described below in the command analysis unit 361 and the fluctuation display control unit 362 are executed by the CPU 312.

  The start winning detection means 250 performs a start winning detection process for detecting a start winning. In the start winning detection process, it is determined whether or not a hit ball has been detected by the start opening switch 17 (that is, a start win has been won). When it is determined by the start winning detection process that the start win has been won and the start memory is not “4”, the random value for determining the big hit for determining the big hit is extracted.

  When the random value for jackpot determination is extracted by the start winning detection process, the variable display result determination means 251 performs the variable display result determination process for determining the display result of the variable display. In the variable display result determination process, a determination is made as to whether to generate a jackpot, out of reach or out of reach using a big hit determination random value.

  When it is determined that a jackpot or out of reach will be generated, determination of reach state symbols, variation pattern (reaching production (designation of the display in the fluctuation display after reaching the reach state, generation of sound effects, game production) Determination of production etc.)) by lighting control of the lamp 25, determination of the final stop symbol, etc. are performed. When it is determined to cause a detachment, a detachment symbol is determined. The determined data is stored in the RAM 214.

  When the variation display result determination process ends, the image form determination unit 252 performs the image form determination process.

  In the image form determination process, the back image and character image as background images displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 are determined, and the display form of the identification information image (symbol) and character image (for example, enlargement, reduction, rotation, left / right inversion) , Upside down, etc.), determination of the display order when the identification information image (design) and the character image are superimposed, and the rear image, the identification information image (design) and the character image are superimposed and displayed. In this case, determination of the transmittance of at least one of the identification information image and the character image is performed.

  Here, the transmittance indicates a percentage for transmitting the image, and is represented by a number from “0” to “100”. The transmittance can be specified separately for the character image and the identification information image. For example, when an image whose transmittance is designated as “0” is displayed on the back side, an overlapping portion with the back side image is not seen. For example, when there is an image displayed with a transmittance of “50” superimposed on the back surface, the image is a 50% translucent image so that a portion overlapping the back image can be seen. For example, when an image whose transmittance is designated as “100” is displayed to be superimposed on the back side, it becomes a transparent image (that is, an image that is not displayed) so that a portion overlapping the back side image can be seen. To.

  In the following, the data for determining the back image and the front image (identification information image, character image) is referred to as image designation data, and the data for determining the identification information image (design) and character image display form is referred to as display form designation data. In other words, data for determining the display order when the identification information image (design) and the character image are displayed in an overlapped manner are referred to as display order specifying data, and the data for determining the transmittance of the image is referred to as transmittance specifying data. In the following, data determined by the image form determination process is referred to as image form determination data, and the image form determination data is stored in the RAM 214. The image form determination data includes image designation data, display form designation data, display order designation data, and transmittance designation data.

  When the image form determination process ends, the command transmission unit 253 performs a command transmission process for transmitting game control commands including various data stored in the RAM 214 and command commands of the CPU 212 to the I / O port 315.

  When the command transmission process is completed, the command analysis unit 361 performs the command analysis process. In the command analysis process, the CPU 312 receives a game control command via the I / O port 315, and the game control command includes command data and image form determination data for causing the special symbol display unit 9 to perform variable display. Is analyzed.

  When the command analysis process is finished, the effect control means 362 performs various processes. The effect control unit 362 includes a fluctuation display control unit, a sound / lamp control unit, and a command transmission unit.

  The variable display control means performs a variable display control process for performing control to display an image on the special symbol display unit 9 by transmitting the variable display control data to the VDP 320. The sound / lamp control means performs an effect sound control process and a game effect lamp control process for controlling the speaker 41 and the game effect lamp 25. The command transmission means performs command transmission processing for transmitting variable display control data, sound effect data, and lamp effect data to the VDP 320, the speaker 41, and the game effect lamp 25, respectively, in accordance with a command from the CPU 312.

  The CPU 312 performs a variation display control process, an effect sound effect control process, a game effect lamp control process, and a command transmission process in accordance with the game control command analyzed by the command analysis process and the control program stored in the ROM 313.

  In the variable display control process, the CPU 312 sets the register for the front image generation unit 410, the register for the back image generation unit 410a, and the register for the image composition processing unit 420 provided in the VDP 320 to “1”. Then, the front image generation unit 410, the back image generation unit 410a, and the image composition processing unit 420 are put into an operable state. If the game control command includes command data for causing the special symbol display unit 9 to perform variable display, the specified variation pattern data is read from the ROM 313, and the variable display control data is transmitted to the VDP 320 by command transmission processing. Send to. In the variation display control process, if the game control command includes image form determination data, image form instruction data corresponding to the data included in the image form determination data is transmitted to the VDP 320.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various images displayed on the special symbol display unit 9.

  4 (a), 4 (b), 4 (c) and 4 (d) are diagrams showing a back image as a background image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9. FIG. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show a back image 500a, a back image 500b, a back image 500c, and a back image 500d, respectively. Back image generation data for generating the back image 500a, the back image 500b, the back image 500c, and the back image 500d is stored in the back image data storage means (character ROM 330a).

  FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the check timing of the image generation period data associated with the front image generation data or the rear image generation data, the front image generation timing, the rear image generation timing, and the composite image generation timing. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in this embodiment, it is assumed that 30 frames of images are displayed per second on special symbol display unit 9 in FIG. 3. In FIG. 5, the time difference between t0 and t1 is 33 milliseconds, that is, the time for displaying an image of one frame. The time differences of t1 to t2, t2 to t3, t3 to t5, t5 to t7, t7 to t9, t9 to t10, t10 to t11, and t11 to t12 are all 33 milliseconds.

  At times t0, t1, t2, t3, t5, t7, t9, t10, t11, and t12, the image generation period data associated with the image generation data (front image generation data or rear image generation data) is checked. It is time to do. Times t5, t7, t9, t10, t11, and t12 are times when the synthesized images D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 are displayed on the special symbol display unit 9, respectively. Also, time t4 is 17 milliseconds (0.5 frames) after t3, time t6 is 17 milliseconds (0.5 frames) from t5, and time t8 is 17 milliseconds (0.5 frames) after t7. Suppose there is.

  The front image is generated in the order of A1, A2,. The back image is generated in the order of B1, B2,... Bn. The composite image is generated in the order of D1, D2,. The period TN is set to one frame time (33 milliseconds). On the other hand, the period TL is the longest period of time indicated by the image generation period data corresponding to each of all the front images displayed on the special symbol display unit 9, and the front image generating means 410 is the buffer A. A time is set which is the sum of the time required when two images to be stored in the buffer B are simultaneously generated (hereinafter also referred to as a simultaneous image generation required time). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the longest time is, for example, 1.3 frames, and the simultaneous image generation required time is, for example, 0.2 frames. That is, the period TL is set to 1.5 frames.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the variable display control process.

  Next, control for generating the back image 500a will be described below. Note that the back image 500a corresponds to the back image B1 in FIG. 5 as an example.

  3, 4, 5, and 6, when CPU 312 designates rear image 500 a, CPU 312 generates rear image data for generating rear image 500 a (corresponding to rear image B <b> 1 in FIG. 5). Is read from the ROM 313 (time t0 in FIG. 5, S100 in FIG. 6).

  If the time indicated by the read image generation period data is longer than a predetermined reference time (33 milliseconds), the CPU 312 sets image generation start specific data for determining the time for starting image generation in TL. (S114). On the other hand, if the time indicated by the image generation period data is shorter than the predetermined reference time (33 milliseconds), the image generation start specific data for determining the time for starting the image generation is set to TN (S112). ). If the time indicated by the image generation period data corresponding to the back image generation data for generating the back image B1 read out at time t0 in FIG. 5 is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the image generation start specifying data is TN Set to At time t1, image generation period data corresponding to the back image generation data for generating the back image B2 is read.

  Since the image to be generated is a rear image based on the determination in S120 and S130, the process proceeds to S132.

  In S132, rear image generation processing is performed. Here, since the image generation start specifying data is set to TN in the above-described processing, the time t3 when the generation of the composite image D1 of the front image A1 and the back image B1 starts to be started in the back image generation processing. At time t2 before the period TN, the CPU 312 issues an instruction to the back image generation unit 410a so that the back image generation unit 410a reads back image generation data for generating the back image B1.

  In response to an instruction from the CPU 312, the back image generation unit 410 a sends back image generation data for generating the back image B 1 at time t 2 from the back image data storage unit (character ROM 330 a) to a dedicated data bus (external data Reading is performed via the bus 332a and the internal data bus 405a) to generate the back image B1. At this time, if the data capacity of the image is large, the image is generated using the VRAM 340a as a work area. The generated back image B1 data is stored in a buffer C in a VRAM 340a provided exclusively for storing back image data via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415a, external data bus 335a). (S134). In the above description, since it is determined that the time indicated by the image generation period data is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the time when the generated back image B1 data is stored in the buffer C in the VRAM 340a is from time t3. Before.

  As described above, the processing until the data of the back image B1 necessary for generating the composite image D1 is always stored in the buffer C is completed by the time t3 when the generation of the composite image D1 is started. The composite image D1 can be displayed at a desired time, and frame dropping can be reliably prevented.

  The back image 500b, the back image 500c, and the back image 500d are also generated in the same manner as the back image 500a (back image B1) described above. By displaying the back image 500a, the back image 500b, the back image 500c, and the back image 500d in this order on the special symbol display unit 9, for example, a moving image is obtained in which a cloud appears to move from left to right. Hereinafter, the back image 500a, the back image 500b, the back image 500c, and the back image 500d are also collectively referred to as a back image layer 500.

  4 (e), 4 (f), 4 (g) and 4 (h) are diagrams showing identification information images (for example, images showing “0” to “9”) as front images. is there. FIGS. 4 (e), 4 (f), 4 (g), and 4 (h) show an identification information image 510a, an identification information image 510b, an identification information image 510c, and an identification information image 510d, respectively. In each of the identification information image 510a, the identification information image 510b, the identification information image 510c, and the identification information image 510d, at least one of the identification information image 511, the identification information image 512, and the identification information image 513 is displayed with the coordinate position changed. The Front image generation data for generating the identification information image 511, the identification information image 512, and the identification information image 513 is stored in the front image data storage means (character ROM 330).

  Next, control for generating the identification information image 510a that displays the identification information image 511, the identification information image 512, and the identification information image 513 at predetermined positions will be described below. Note that the identification information image 510a corresponds to the front image A1 in FIG. 5 as an example.

  3, 4, 5, and 6, the CPU 312 detects an identification information image 511 (an image indicating “7”) and an identification information image 512 (an image indicating “4”) in the identification information image 510 a. And the identification information image 513 (an image indicating “5”), the CPU 312 generates three image generations corresponding to the three front image generation data for generating the identification information images 511, 512, and 513, respectively. Period data is read from the ROM 313 (time t0 in FIG. 5, S100 in FIG. 6).

  If the time indicated by the sum of the three image generation period data read at time t0 in FIG. 5 is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the CPU 312 sets the image generation start specifying data to TN (S112). At time t1, image generation period data corresponding to the front image generation data for generating the front image A2 is read.

  As a result of the determination in S120, the image to be generated is a front image, and thus the process proceeds to S121.

  In S121, a front image generation process is performed. Here, since the image generation start specific data is set to TN in the above-described processing, the time t3 when the generation of the composite image D1 of the front image A1 and the back image B1 starts in the front image generation processing is started. The CPU 312 issues an instruction to the front image generation unit 410 so that the front image generation unit 410 reads three front image generation data for generating the front image A1 at time t2 before the period TN.

  The front image generation unit 410 generates three front image generation data for generating the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 at time t2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 312 and the front image data storage unit (character ROM 330). Identification information corresponding to the display mode (display color, display position, enlargement / reduction, etc.) of each image designated by the CPU 312 and read out through a dedicated data bus (external data bus 332, internal data bus 405). Images 511, 512, and 513 are generated, and an identification information image 510a (front image A1) that displays the generated identification information images 511, 512, and 513 at a predetermined position is generated.

  For example, if the front image generation data is data compressed by the JPEG method, the front image generation unit 410 generates an image by decoding the image data using a JPEG algorithm. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S122.

  In S122, it is determined whether or not the front buffer flag for storing the generated front image data in either the storage area 341a (buffer A) or the storage area 341b (buffer B) in the VRAM 340 is OFF. Is done. If it is determined that the front buffer flag is OFF, the process proceeds to S124, and the generated front image data is stored in the buffer A. On the other hand, if it is determined that the front buffer flag is on, the process proceeds to S126, and the generated front image data is stored in the buffer B. In the initial state, since the front buffer flag is set to OFF, the data of the generated front image A1 is the data of the front image via the dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415, external data bus 335). Is stored in a dedicated buffer A (S124). In the above description, since it is determined that the time indicated by the image generation period data is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the time when the data of the generated front image A1 is stored in the buffer A is before the time t3. Become.

  Thus, the processing until the data of the front image A1 necessary for generating the composite image D1 is always stored in the buffer A is completed by the time t3 when the generation of the composite image D1 is started. D1 can be displayed at a desired time, and frame dropping can be reliably prevented.

  The identification information image 510b, the identification information image 510c, and the identification information image 510d are also generated in the same manner as the identification information image 510a (front image A1) described above. By displaying the identification information image 510a, the identification information image 510b, the identification information image 510c, and the identification information image 510d in this order on the special symbol display unit 9, for example, an identification information image 511 representing a number, an identification information image 512, and an identification information The moving image is such that the information image 513 appears to be variably displayed. Hereinafter, the identification information image 510a, the identification information image 510b, the identification information image 510c, and the identification information image 510d are also collectively referred to as a symbol layer 510 (identification information image layer).

  FIG. 4 (i), FIG. 4 (j), FIG. 4 (k), and FIG. 4 (l) are diagrams showing a character image as a front image. 4 (i), 4 (j), 4 (k), and 4 (l) show a character image 520a, a character image 520b, a character image 520c, and a character image 520d, respectively. Character image 521, character image 522, character image 523, and character image 524 are displayed in character image 520a, character image 520b, character image 520c, and character image 520d, respectively. Character image generation data for generating the character image 521, character image 522, character image 523, and character image 524 is stored in the front image data storage means (character ROM 330).

  Next, control for generating the character image 520a that displays the character image 521 at a predetermined position will be described below. The character image 520a corresponds to the front image A1 in FIG. 5 as an example.

  3, 4, 5, and 6, when CPU 312 designates character image 521 in character image 520 a, CPU 312 generates an image corresponding to character image generation data for generating character image 521. Period data is read from the ROM 313 (time t0 in FIG. 5, S100 in FIG. 6).

  If the time indicated by the image generation period data read at time t0 in FIG. 5 is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the CPU 312 sets the image generation start specific data to TN (S112).

  As a result of the determination in S120, the image to be generated is a front image, and thus the process proceeds to S121.

  In S121, a front image generation process is performed. Here, since the image generation start specific data is set to TN in the above-described processing, the time t3 when the generation of the composite image D1 of the front image A1 and the back image B1 starts in the front image generation processing is started. The CPU 312 instructs the front image generation unit 410 so that the front image generation unit 410 reads the front image generation data for generating the front image A1 at the time t2 before the period TN.

  The front image generation means 410 receives front image generation data for generating the character image 521 from the front image data storage means (character ROM 330) at a time t2 in response to an instruction from the CPU 312. The character image 521 is read out via the data bus 332 and the internal data bus 405), and the character image 521 corresponding to the image display mode (display color, display position, enlargement / reduction, etc.) designated by the CPU 312 is generated. A character image 520a (front image A1) that displays 521 at a predetermined position is generated.

  For example, if the front image generation data is data compressed by the JPEG method, the front image generation unit 410 generates an image by decoding the image data using a JPEG algorithm.

  Thereafter, like the above-described identification information image 510a, the front image A1 is stored in a dedicated buffer for storing the data of the front image via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415, external data bus 335). A is stored in A (S124). In the above description, since it is determined that the time indicated by the image generation period data is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the time when the data of the generated front image A1 is stored in the buffer A is before the time t3. Become.

  Thus, the processing until the data of the front image A1 necessary for generating the composite image D1 is always stored in the buffer A is completed by the time t3 when the generation of the composite image D1 is started. D1 can be displayed at a desired time, and frame dropping can be reliably prevented.

  The character image 520b, the character image 520c, and the character image 520d are also generated in the same manner as the character image 520a (front image A1) described above. By displaying the character image 520a, the character image 520b, the character image 520c, and the character image 520d in this order on the special symbol display unit 9, for example, a moving image that makes the character image 521 appear to move from left to right is obtained. . In the following, the character image 520a, the character image 520b, the character image 520c, and the character image 520d are also collectively referred to as a character image layer 520.

  Thereafter, in S128, if the front buffer flag is off, the front buffer flag is turned on. If the front buffer flag is on, the front buffer flag is turned off. That is, continuous front images A1, A2,... An are stored alternately in the buffer A and the buffer B.

  Therefore, the character image 520b (front image A2) displayed next to the character image 520a (front image A1) is the buffer B, and the character image 520c (front image) displayed next to the character image 520b (front image A2). A3) is stored in the buffer A, and the character image 520d (front image A4) displayed next to the character image 520c (front image A3) is stored in the buffer B. Note that the processing of S122, S124, S126, and S128 is performed by the buffer switching unit 422 of FIG.

  A data processing method for alternately storing data in the two buffers in this way is called double buffering. If double buffering is used, as shown in FIG. 5, when the image generation start specific data corresponding to the front image A3 and the front image A4 is set to TL, that is, a plurality of images in which the display order is continuous. Among the (front images A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), when there is an image whose image data development period is longer than the reference time (33 msec), a plurality of images whose display order is continuous Even if the period during which the data of the front image A2, A3 or the front image A3, A4, A5, etc. is expanded in the buffer overlaps (for example, t4 to t5 or t6 to t7, t8 to t9 in FIG. 5) The capacity of the data stored in the buffer is the maximum capacity of one frame image and does not exceed the storage capacity of the buffer. Therefore, frame dropping can be reliably prevented.

  Further, the front image generation unit 410 and the rear image generation unit 410a are respectively connected to a dedicated data bus (external data bus 332, internal data bus) from the front image data storage unit (character ROM 330) and the rear image data storage unit (character ROM 330a). 405) and dedicated data buses (external data bus 332a, internal data bus 405a), respectively, read corresponding image generation data and generate images. The generation unit 410a can generate an image without being influenced by each other when executing the processing, and can realize high-speed image processing.

  The front image data and the rear image data generated by the front image generation unit 410 and the rear image generation unit 410a are respectively transmitted to a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415, external data bus 335) and a dedicated data bus (internal data). The data is stored in the corresponding image data development storage means (buffer A or buffer B in the VRAM 340, buffer C in the VRAM 340a) via the bus 415a and the external data bus 335a). Each of the front image generation means 410 and the back image generation means 410a can store image data generated without being influenced by each other when executing the processing, thereby realizing high-speed image processing.

  In addition, image generation data for generating an image is associated with image generation period data indicating a time required for the development of the image generation data, and if the development of the image generation data is not completed, a frame drop occurs. By starting the development of the image generation data from the time before the time indicated by the image generation period data associated with the image generation data from the time when the image generation data is lost, it is possible to reliably prevent frame dropping.

  For the above reasons, it is possible to display the fluctuating display mode of the identification information image and the back image displayed on the back of the image, such as elaborate image display (3D display, moving image display, realistic effect display, etc.) and improve the effect of the effect. In addition, even if such image generation is performed, the processing time is shortened, and frames are not dropped.

  In the configuration of this embodiment, double buffering is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one buffer having a capacity capable of storing data of two frames or more is used. Alternatively, a buffer configuration using three or more buffers may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the period TL includes the longest time among the times indicated by all the image generation period data corresponding to each of all the front images displayed on the special symbol display unit 9, and the simultaneous image. Although the sum of the generation required time is set, the period TL may be changed according to the time indicated by the image generation period data.

  In this embodiment, double buffering is used as a method for storing front image data. However, double buffering may be used for a method for storing rear image data. Further, double buffering may be used only for the method of storing the back image data.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship of the display order of images when images are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the relationship of the display order of images when the back image layer 500, the symbol layer 510, and the character image layer 520 are displayed in an overlapping manner. The display order shown in FIG. 7A is used when generating a composite image in which the symbol layer 510 is displayed in front of the back image layer 500 and the character image layer 520 is displayed in front of the symbol layer 510. . Although details will be described later, when generating a composite image based on the display order shown in FIG. 7A, the display order designating unit described above designates the display order to the front image generating unit 410.

  The front image generation unit 410 generates a composite image in which the design layer 510 and the character image layer 520 are overlapped based on the designated display order, and the data of the composite image is stored in the image data development storage unit (VRAM 340). Store in buffer A or buffer B. The image composition processing unit 420 generates a composite image of the composite image of the symbol layer 510 and the character image layer 520 and the back image based on the designated display order.

  Further, the above-described transmittance designating unit also designates the transmittance of at least one of the character image layer 520 and the symbol layer 510. The transmittance is designated by the transmittance designating unit with respect to the front image generating unit 410. When the transmittance designating unit designates, for example, “50” as the transmissivity of the character image layer 520 to the front image generating unit 410 in the composite image based on the display order shown in FIG. The generation unit 410 generates a transmission image that transmits the character image layer 520 by 50%, and stores the transmission image data in the buffer A or the buffer B in the image data development storage unit (VRAM 340). Since the character image layer 520 is a 50% transmission image, the composite image at this time is a composite image in which a portion overlapping the symbol layer 510 as the back image can be seen.

  Further, in the composite image based on the display order shown in FIG. 7A, for example, when the transmittance designating unit designates the transmittance of the character image layer 520 as “0” to the front image generating unit 410, The front image generation unit 410 generates a transmission image (that is, a non-transmission image) that transmits 0% of the character image layer 520, and the transmission image data is stored in the buffer A in the image data development storage unit (VRAM 340). Alternatively, it is stored in the buffer B.

  Since the character image layer 520 is a 0% transmission image, the composite image at this time is a composite in which the character image layer 520 and a portion overlapping the design layer 510 which is an image on the back of the character image layer 520 are not seen. It becomes an image.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the relationship of the display order of images when the back image layer 500, the symbol layer 510, and the character image layer 520 are displayed in an overlapping manner. The display order shown in FIG. 7B is used when generating a composite image in which the character image layer 520 is displayed in front of the back image layer 500 and the symbol layer 510 is displayed in front of the character image layer 520. .

  Control for generating a composite image based on the display order shown in FIG. 7B is the same as that in FIG.

  As described above, when a composite image in which a character image and an identification information image are superimposed is generated, the display order can be specified, so that a variety of interesting composite images can be generated. In addition, when generating a composite image in which a character image and an identification information image are superimposed, a transmission image in which at least one of the images is transmitted can be generated, so that a variety of interesting composite images can be generated. it can.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a composite image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 when the back image layer 500, the symbol layer 510, and the character image layer 520 are displayed in an overlapping manner. FIG. 8 shows a composite image based on the display order of the rear image layer 500, the symbol layer 510, and the character image layer 520 shown in FIG. FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show a composite image 600a, a composite image 600b, a composite image 600c, and a composite image 600d, respectively.

  Next, control for generating the composite image 600a based on the display order shown in FIG. The composite image 600a is a composite image including the identification information images 511, 512, and 513, the character image 521, and the back image 500a. Further, the composite image 600a corresponds to the composite image D3 in FIG. 5 as an example. The composite image D3 is a composite image of the front image A3 and the back image B3. Therefore, the front image A3 is a composite image of the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 and the character image 521, and the back image B3 is the back image 500a.

  3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (a), and 8 (a), when CPU 312 specifies identification information images 511, 512, and 513, CPU 312 displays identification information image 511. , 512, 513, the three image generation period data respectively corresponding to the three front image generation data are read from the ROM 313 (time t2 in FIG. 5, S100 in FIG. 6).

  When the CPU 312 designates the character image 521, the CPU 312 reads image generation period data corresponding to the front image generation data for generating the character image 521 from the ROM 313 (at time t2 in FIG. 5, FIG. 6). S100).

  If the time indicated by the sum of the four image generation period data read at time t2 in FIG. 5 is longer than 33 msec, the image generation start specifying data is set to TL (S114).

  As a result of the determination in S120, the image to be generated is a front image, and thus the process proceeds to S121.

  In S121, a front image generation process is performed. Here, since the image generation start specifying data is set to TL in the above-described processing, the time t7 when the front image generation processing starts to generate the composite image D3 of the front image A3 and the back image B3 is started. The CPU 312 reads the four front image generation data for generating the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 and the character image 521 at the time t4 before the period TL so that the front image generation unit 410 reads the front image generation data. An instruction is issued to the image generation means 410.

  The front image generation unit 410 generates three front image generation data for generating the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 at time t4 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 312 and the front image data storage unit (character ROM 330). Identification information corresponding to the display mode (display color, display position, enlargement / reduction, etc.) of each image designated by the CPU 312 and read out through a dedicated data bus (external data bus 332, internal data bus 405). Images 511, 512, and 513 are generated.

  The front image generation means 410 further receives front image generation data for generating the character image 521 from the front image data storage means (character ROM 330) at a time t4 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 312. A character image 521 corresponding to the display mode (display color, display position, enlargement / reduction, etc.) of each image designated by the CPU 312 is generated by reading via the (external data bus 332, internal data bus 405).

  At the same time as the CPU 312 issues an instruction to read the four front image generation data to the front image generation means 410, the display order designation means displays the identification information images 511, 512 and 513 on the front surface of the rear image 500a, The display order for displaying the character image 521 in front of the identification information images 511, 512 and 513 is designated to the front image generation means 410.

  The front image generation unit 410 uses the data of the generated identification information images 511, 512, and 513 and the data of the character image 521 based on the designated display order, to the front of the identification information images 511, 512, and 513. A front image A3 that is a composite image for displaying the character image 521 is generated (S136 in FIG. 6), and the front image A3 is stored in the buffer A (time before time t7 in FIG. 5).

  When the CPU 312 designates the back image 500a, the CPU 312 reads from the ROM 313 image generation period data corresponding to the back image generation data for generating the back image 500a (corresponding to the back image B3 in FIG. 5). (Time t2 in FIG. 5, S100 in FIG. 6).

  If the time indicated by the image generation period data read at time t2 in FIG. 5 is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the CPU 312 sets the image generation start specifying data to TN (S112).

  Since the image to be generated is a rear image based on the determination in S120 and S130, the process proceeds to S132.

  In S132, rear image generation processing is performed. Here, since the image generation start specifying data is set to TN in the above-described processing, the time t7 when the generation of the composite image D3 of the front image A3 and the back image B3 starts to be started in the back image generation processing. The CPU 312 instructs the back image generation means 410a so that the back image generation means 410a reads back image generation data for generating the back image B3 at time t5 before the period TN.

  In response to an instruction from the CPU 312, the back image generation unit 410 a sends back image generation data for generating the back image B 3 at time t 5 from the back image data storage unit (character ROM 330 a) to a dedicated data bus (external data The data is read out via the bus 332a and the internal data bus 405a) to generate a back image B3. The generated data of the back image B3 is stored in the buffer C in the VRAM 340a via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 415a, external data bus 335a) (time before time t7 in FIG. 5, S134).

  Note that the display order designating unit displays the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 in front of the rear image 500a at a time before the time t7, and the character image 521 in front of the identification information images 511, 512, and 513. Are displayed on the front image generation means 410 and the back image generation means 410a.

  The front image generation unit 410 and the back image generation unit 410a use the data of the front image A3 stored in the buffer A and the data of the back image B3 stored in the buffer C based on the designated display order. Then, the data are sequentially read from the buffer A and the buffer C (time t7), and the data of the front image A3 is transmitted to the image composition processing means 420 via the internal data bus 418, and then the data of the back image B3 is transmitted via the internal data bus 418a. To the image composition processing means 420.

  The image composition processing means 420 generates a composite image D3 (composite image 600a) using the received data of the front image A3 and the data of the back image B3 (S136). When generating the composite image D3, the image composition processing unit 420 generates a composite image that displays an image based on the previously received image data in front of the image based on the image data received later. Since the data is transmitted in the order of the data of the front image A3 and the data of the back image B3 to the image composition processing unit 420, the image composition processing unit 420 displays the composition in which the front image A3 is displayed on the front surface of the background image B3. An image D3 is generated. The image composition processing unit 420 transmits the image signal of the generated composite image D3 to the special symbol display unit 9. The special symbol display unit 9 receives the image signal of the composite image D3 and displays the composite image D3 (time t9).

  The composite image 600b is a composite image obtained by combining the back image 500b, the identification information image 510b, and the character image 520b illustrated in FIG. 4 according to the display order relationship illustrated in FIG. The composite image 600c is a composite image obtained by combining the back image 500c, the identification information image 510c, and the character image 520c shown in FIG. 4 according to the display order relationship shown in FIG. The composite image 600d is a composite image obtained by combining the back image 500d, the identification information image 510d, and the character image 520d illustrated in FIG. 4 according to the display order relationship illustrated in FIG.

  Control for generating the composite image 600b, the composite image 600c, and the composite image 600d is the same as that of the composite image 600a.

  The image compositing processing means 420 displays the data of the generated composite image 600a, composite image 600b, composite image 600c and composite image 600d on the special symbol display unit 9 in order at 30 intervals per second in order. Send to.

  The special symbol display unit 9 draws and updates the transmitted composite image data 30 times per second, so that in the back image layer 500, the back image 500a, the back image 500b, the back image 500c, and the back image 500d are sequentially displayed. In the pattern layer 510 displayed in front of the rear image layer 500, the identification information image 510a, the identification information image 510b, the identification information image 510c, and the identification information image 510d are displayed in this order. In the character image layer 520 displayed in front of 510, images are displayed in the order of character image 520a, character image 520b, character image 520c, and character image 520d.

  Therefore, the composite image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 appears as if the back image, the identification information image, and the character image are independently animated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a composite image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 when the back image layer 500, the symbol layer 510, and the character image layer 520 are displayed in an overlapping manner. FIG. 9 shows a composite image based on the display order shown in FIG. 7B for the back image layer 500, the symbol layer 510, and the character image layer 520.

  9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D show a composite image 610a, a composite image 610b, a composite image 610c, and a composite image 610d, respectively. Control for generating the composite image 610a, the composite image 610b, the composite image 610c, and the composite image 610d is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  The composite image 610a is a composite image obtained by combining the rear image 500a, the identification information image 510a, and the character image 520a shown in FIG. 4 according to the display order relationship shown in FIG. 7B. The composite image 610b is a composite image obtained by combining the back image 500b, the identification information image 510b, and the character image 520b illustrated in FIG. 4 according to the display order relationship illustrated in FIG. 7B. The synthesized image 610c is a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the back image 500c, the identification information image 510c, and the character image 520c shown in FIG. 4 according to the display order relationship shown in FIG. 7B. The composite image 610d is a composite image obtained by combining the back image 500d, the identification information image 510d, and the character image 520d shown in FIG. 4 according to the display order relationship shown in FIG. 7B.

  By displaying the composite image 610a, the composite image 610b, the composite image 610c, and the composite image 610d in this order on the special symbol display unit 9, the back image layer 500a, the back image 500b, the back image 500c, and the back image 500d are displayed. In the character image layer 520 displayed in front of the rear image layer 500, the images are displayed in the order of the character image 520a, the character image 520b, the character image 520c, and the character image 520d. In the symbol layer 510 displayed on the front surface of 520, the identification information image 510a, the identification information image 510b, the identification information image 510c, and the identification information image 510d are displayed in this order. Therefore, the composite image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 appears as if the back image, the identification information image, and the character image are independently animated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image generation period data is associated with each image generation data (front image generation data, back image generation data). However, a plurality of images (for example, a plurality of images displayed in succession) are used. A configuration may be adopted in which one image generation period data is associated with display image group data that is a set of a plurality of image generation data for generating images, a plurality of images having the same period for development, etc. . In this case, the image generation period data indicating the longest time among the times indicated by the plurality of image generation period data respectively corresponding to the plurality of image generation data may be associated with the display image group data.

  In this way, for each image generation data, a process for reading the associated image generation period data (S100 in FIG. 6) and a process for determining whether the read image generation period data is longer than the reference time ( S110) is necessary to read out the image generation period data associated with the display image group data including a plurality of image generation data as a set, and perform a single determination process. Since it is not necessary to determine a plurality of pieces of image generation period data corresponding to the image generation data, the control burden can be reduced.

  The display image group data associated with the one image generation period data described above may be, for example, a series of image generation data for performing a predetermined effect display related to a game. Specifically, the display image group data associated with one image generation period data is, for example, in a predetermined effect mode, and the special symbol display unit 9 has a variable display effect (for example, a slip) of the identification information (special symbol). Data for performing a predetermined variation display effect using special symbols such as an effect, a return effect, and full rotation may be used. In this way, the image generation period data can be associated with a special symbol variation display effect, and even if a fluctuating display of elaborate identification information that takes a long time to develop the image is performed, the frame is not dropped. Image display can be performed.

  The display image group data associated with one image generation period data is, for example, an effect executed when the special symbol display unit 9 has a reach effect (reach state) in a predetermined effect mode. For example, it may be data for performing a reach effect in which a character appears or a reach effect by a display in which the character performs a predetermined action. In this way, the image generation period data can be associated with the display mode of reach production, and even if elaborate reach display that requires a long period of time for image development is performed, it is displayed without dropping frames. Can do.

  Next, effect control when a composite image is displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, CPU 312 performs the effect display sound control process and the game effect lamp control process at the same time as the above-described variable display control process for displaying the composite image.

  In the effect sound effect control process, when a predetermined composite image for performing a predetermined effect is displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 (for example, an image for performing a big hit notice), a sound effect corresponding to the predetermined composite image is displayed. Is read from the ROM 313 and the sound effect data is transmitted to the speaker 41 by command transmission processing.

  The speaker 41 outputs a sound effect according to the sound effect data.

  In the game effect lamp control process, when a predetermined composite image is displayed on the special symbol display unit 9, the lamp effect data for performing the lamp effect corresponding to the predetermined composite image is read from the ROM 313, and the lamp effect data is transmitted as a command. To the game effect lamp 25.

  The game effect lamp 25 turns on or blinks the lamp for a predetermined time according to the lamp effect data.

  With the control described above, the special symbol display unit 9 can display a composite image and perform effects such as sounds and lamps according to the composite image.

  As described above, each of the front image generation unit 410 and the background image generation unit 410a reads the corresponding image generation data via the dedicated data bus and generates an image. The means 410 and the background image generation means 410a can generate an image without being influenced by each other when executing the processing, and can realize high-speed image processing.

  Further, the data of the front image and the rear image generated by the front image generation unit 410 and the rear image generation unit 410a are stored in the corresponding dedicated image data expansion storage unit via the dedicated data bus. Therefore, each of the independent front image generation means 410 and back image generation means 410a can store the generated image data without being influenced by each other in executing the processing. High speed can be realized.

  In addition, the image generation data for generating the image is associated with the image generation period data indicating the time required for the expansion of the image generation data, and if the expansion of the image generation data is not completed, the frame drop occurs. By starting the expansion of the image generation data from the time before the time indicated by the image generation period data associated with the image generation data, it is possible to reliably prevent frame dropping.

  In addition, when generating a composite image in which a character image and an identification information image are superimposed, a display order can be specified and a transparent image that transmits at least one of the images can be generated. A simple composite image can be generated.

Therefore, the variation display mode of the identification information image and the background image displayed on the background can be made into elaborate image display (3D display, moving image display, realistic effect display, etc.), and the effect can be improved. Even if such image generation is performed, the processing time is shortened and frames are prevented from being dropped.
[Modification of Example 1]
In the first embodiment, the image data generated by the front image generation unit 410 and the rear image generation unit 410a is stored in the VRAM via a dedicated data bus, and then again, if necessary, the dedicated image data. The configuration is such that data is read from the VRAM via the data bus, but in the following, the image data generated by the front image generation means 410 and the rear image generation means 410a is stored in the VRAM via a dedicated data bus. The VDP having a configuration that does not need to read the data of each image via the dedicated data bus, its peripheral portion, and its operation will be described later.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the control circuit for displaying an image on the special symbol display unit 9 according to a modification of the first embodiment and the internal configuration thereof.

  The configuration of FIG. 10 differs from the configuration of FIG. 3 in that VRAMs 340 and 340a and external data buses 335 and 335a are not provided, and that VDP 320a is provided instead of VDP 320. The other configuration is the same as that of FIG.

  Compared with VDP 320, VDP 320 a further includes buffer switching means 422, VRAM 416, VRAM 416 a (hereinafter also referred to as buffer C), and internal data buses 419 and 419 a, and front image generation means 410. Instead, the difference is that the front image generation means 410b is included and the internal data buses 415 and 415a are not included. The other configuration is the same as that of the VDP 320.

  The front image generation unit 410b is different from the front image generation unit 410 in that it does not include the buffer switching unit 422.

  In the present embodiment, the front image generation unit 410, the rear image generation unit 410a, the VRAMs 416 and 416a, the buffer switching unit 422, and the image composition processing unit 420 are integrated in the VDP 320. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. That is, the front image generation unit 410, the back image generation unit 410a, the VRAMs 416 and 416a, the buffer switching unit 422, and the image composition processing unit 420 may be arranged separately.

  The VRAM 416 includes a storage area 417a (hereinafter also referred to as a buffer A) and a storage area 417b (hereinafter also referred to as a buffer B). Data transmitted from the front image generation unit 410 is temporarily stored in either the buffer A or the buffer B by the operation of the buffer switching unit 422.

  The ROM 313 stores image generation period data as in the configuration of the first embodiment. The image generation period data is data associated with the front image generation data or the rear image generation data for generating one front image or rear image, and is used to develop the associated front image generation data. This is data indicating the required time (when data is compressed, the time including the time required to decompress the data).

  Here, the term “development” refers to an operation from when the front image generation unit 410 reads necessary data from the character ROM 330 to generate an image and stores the generated image data in the VRAM 416. Further, the term “development” refers to an operation from when the back image generation means 410a reads necessary data from the character ROM 330a to when an image is generated and the generated image data is stored in the VRAM 416a.

  The front image generation means 410 of the VDP 320a is further connected to the VRAM 416 via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 418) for transmitting generated image data.

  The rear image generation means 410a of the VDP 320 is further connected to the VRAM 416a via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 418a) for transmitting the generated image data.

  The image composition processing unit 420 is connected to the VRAM 416 via an internal data bus 419. The image composition processing means 420 is further connected to the VRAM 416a via an internal data bus 419a. The image composition processing means 420 is further connected to the special symbol display unit 9 via a dedicated data bus (external data bus 338 and internal data bus 425) for transmitting the generated composite image data.

  Next, in the configuration of the modified example of the first embodiment in FIG. 10, similarly to the first embodiment, control for generating the composite image 600a based on the display order shown in FIG. The composite image 600a is a composite image including the identification information images 511, 512, and 513, the character image 521, and the back image 500a. Further, the composite image 600a corresponds to the composite image D3 in FIG. 5 as an example. The composite image D3 is a composite image of the front image A3 and the back image B3. Therefore, the front image A3 is a composite image of the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 and the character image 521, and the back image B3 is the back image 500a.

  3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (a), and 8 (a), when CPU 312 specifies identification information images 511, 512, and 513, CPU 312 displays identification information image 511. , 512, 513, the three image generation period data respectively corresponding to the three front image generation data are read from the ROM 313 (time t2 in FIG. 5, S100 in FIG. 6).

  When the CPU 312 designates the character image 521, the CPU 312 reads image generation period data corresponding to the front image generation data for generating the character image 521 from the ROM 313 (at time t2 in FIG. 5, FIG. 6). S100).

  If the time indicated by the sum of the four image generation period data read at time t2 in FIG. 5 is longer than 33 msec, the image generation start specifying data is set to TL (S114).

  As a result of the determination in S120, the image to be generated is a front image, and thus the process proceeds to S121.

  In S121, a front image generation process is performed. Here, since the image generation start specifying data is set to TL in the above-described processing, the time t7 when the front image generation processing starts to generate the composite image D3 of the front image A3 and the back image B3 is started. The CPU 312 reads the four front image generation data for generating the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 and the character image 521 at the time t4 before the period TL so that the front image generation unit 410 reads the front image generation data. An instruction is issued to the image generation means 410.

  The front image generation unit 410 generates three front image generation data for generating the identification information images 511, 512, and 513 at time t4 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 312 and the front image data storage unit (character ROM 330). Identification information corresponding to the display mode (display color, display position, enlargement / reduction, etc.) of each image designated by the CPU 312 and read out through a dedicated data bus (external data bus 332, internal data bus 405). Images 511, 512, and 513 are generated.

  The front image generation means 410 further receives front image generation data for generating the character image 521 from the front image data storage means (character ROM 330) at a time t4 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 312. A character image 521 corresponding to the display mode (display color, display position, enlargement / reduction, etc.) of each image designated by the CPU 312 is generated by reading via the (external data bus 332, internal data bus 405).

  At the same time as the CPU 312 issues an instruction to read the four front image generation data to the front image generation means 410, the display order designation means displays the identification information images 511, 512 and 513 on the front surface of the rear image 500a, The display order for displaying the character image 521 in front of the identification information images 511, 512 and 513 is designated to the front image generation means 410.

  The front image generation unit 410 uses the data of the generated identification information images 511, 512, and 513 and the data of the character image 521 based on the designated display order, to the front of the identification information images 511, 512, and 513. A front image A3 that is a composite image for displaying the character image 521 is generated (S136 in FIG. 6), and the front image A3 is stored in the buffer A (time before time t7 in FIG. 5).

  When the CPU 312 designates the back image 500a, the CPU 312 reads from the ROM 313 image generation period data corresponding to the back image generation data for generating the back image 500a (corresponding to the back image B3 in FIG. 5). (Time t2 in FIG. 5, S100 in FIG. 6).

  If the time indicated by the image generation period data read at time t2 in FIG. 5 is shorter than 33 milliseconds, the CPU 312 sets the image generation start specifying data to TN (S112).

  Since the image to be generated is a rear image based on the determination in S120 and S130, the process proceeds to S132.

  In S132, rear image generation processing is performed. Here, since the image generation start specifying data is set to TN in the above-described processing, the time t7 when the generation of the composite image D3 of the front image A3 and the back image B3 starts to be started in the back image generation processing. The CPU 312 instructs the back image generation means 410a so that the back image generation means 410a reads back image generation data for generating the back image B3 at time t5 before the period TN.

  In response to an instruction from the CPU 312, the back image generation unit 410 a sends back image generation data for generating the back image B 3 at time t 5 from the back image data storage unit (character ROM 330 a) to a dedicated data bus (external data The data is read out via the bus 332a and the internal data bus 405a) to generate a back image B3. The generated data of the back image B3 is stored in the buffer C (storage area 416a) via a dedicated data bus (internal data bus 418a) (time before time t7 in FIG. 5, S134).

  The image composition processing unit 420 uses the image data stored in the VRAM 416 and the image data stored in the VRAM 416 to generate a composite image D3 (composite image 600a) (S136). Note that when data stored in the VRAM 416 is read, image data is read from a buffer that can be read by the buffer switching unit 422.

  When generating the composite image D3, the image composition processing unit 420 generates a composite image that displays an image based on the image data read from the VRAM 416 in front of the image based on the image data read from the VRAM 416a. To do. Since the data of the front image A3 is stored in the VRAM 416 and the data of the back image B3 is stored in the VRAM 416a, the image composition processing unit 420 displays the front image A3 on the front of the background image B3. A composite image D3 is generated. The image composition processing unit 420 transmits the image signal of the generated composite image D3 to the special symbol display unit 9. The special symbol display unit 9 receives the image signal of the composite image D3 and displays the composite image D3 (time t9).

  Control for generating the composite image 600b, the composite image 600c, and the composite image 600d is the same as that of the composite image 600a.

  The image compositing processing means 420 displays the data of the generated composite image 600a, composite image 600b, composite image 600c and composite image 600d on the special symbol display unit 9 in order at 30 intervals per second in order. Send to.

  The special symbol display unit 9 draws and updates the transmitted composite image data 30 times per second, so that in the back image layer 500, the back image 500a, the back image 500b, the back image 500c, and the back image 500d are sequentially displayed. In the pattern layer 510 displayed in front of the rear image layer 500, the identification information image 510a, the identification information image 510b, the identification information image 510c, and the identification information image 510d are displayed in this order. In the character image layer 520 displayed in front of 510, images are displayed in the order of character image 520a, character image 520b, character image 520c, and character image 520d.

  Therefore, the composite image displayed on the special symbol display unit 9 appears as if the back image, the identification information image, and the character image are independently animated.

  The front image generation unit 410b can generate the composite image of the identification information image and the character image by the same control as described in the first embodiment.

  Furthermore, the process in which the front image generation unit 410b generates a transmission image in which the transmittance of either the identification information image or the character image is changed in the composite image of the identification information image and the character image is also described in the first embodiment. It is possible by the same control as described in.

  As described above, even in the configuration of FIG. 10 in the modification of the first embodiment, the same effect as that of generating and displaying a composite image with the configuration of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible. Hereinafter, modifications and feature points of the present embodiment will be listed.

  (1) The control method in the above-described embodiments is arbitrary, and can be executed by a program.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the effect control board 300 for effect control is exemplified by the effect control microcomputer 310, the character ROM 330, the character ROM 330a, the VRAM 340, the VRAM 340a, the VDP 320, etc. The physical configuration is arbitrary.

  For example, the production control microcomputer 310 may be a microprocessor that incorporates character ROMs 330 and 330a and VRAMs 340 and 340a into a single chip.

  Furthermore, when the VDP 320 has a sufficient processing capability, the processing of the presentation control microcomputer 310 described in the above embodiment is borne by the VDP 320 and the presentation control microcomputer 310 is not provided. Is also possible.

  On the contrary, when the performance control microcomputer 310 is highly functionalized, all processing may be performed by the effect control microcomputer 310 without arranging the VDP 320.

  (3) The apparatus configuration, block configuration, variation pattern, and flowchart configuration in the above-described embodiments can be arbitrarily changed and modified.

  (4) The present invention can also be applied to a game machine (computer) that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided on a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it.

  Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a removable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing the downloaded program and data via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

  (5) In this embodiment, the image generation period data is stored in the ROM 313. However, the character ROM 330 and the character ROM 330a may be stored in association with the corresponding image generation data. . In this case, the front image generation unit 410 or the back image generation unit 410a reads the image generation period data from the corresponding character ROM and transmits it to the CPU 312.

  (6) The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine which is an example of the gaming machine in the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit for displaying an image on a special symbol display part, and its internal structure in detail. It is a figure which shows the various images displayed on a special symbol display part. The figure which shows the relationship between the check timing of the image generation period data matched with front image generation data or back image generation data, the generation timing of a front image, the generation timing of a back image, and the generation timing of a composite image is there. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation display control process. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the display order of an image when displaying an image in piles. It is the figure which showed the synthesized image displayed on the special symbol display part when a back surface image layer, a symbol layer, and a character image layer are displayed superimposed. It is the figure which showed the synthesized image displayed on the special symbol display part when a back surface image layer, a symbol layer, and a character image layer are displayed superimposed. 7 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of a control circuit for displaying an image on a special symbol display unit 9 according to a modification of the first embodiment and its internal configuration. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine, 8 Fluctuation display device, 9 Special symbol display part, 10 Normal symbol display part, 11 Passage port, 12 Gate switch, 14 Start port, 15 Pass memory display, 17 Start port switch, 18 Start memory display , 19 Variable winning ball apparatus, 25 Game effect lamp, 41 Speaker, 210 Game control microcomputer, 212, 312 CPU, 213, 313 ROM, 214, 314 RAM, 310 Effect control microcomputer, 320 VDP, 330, 330a Character ROM, 340, 340a VRAM.

Claims (6)

A gaming machine that displays a front image superimposed on a rear image and displays an identification information image that can be identified as the front image in a variable manner.
Image generating means for generating a display image of the back image and the front image;
Front image data storage means for storing front image generation data for generating the front image;
Back image data storage means for storing back image generation data for generating the back image;
Front image development storage means for storing data of the front image generated by the image generation means;
Back image development storage means for storing data of the back image generated by the image generation means;
A first data bus for transmitting data of the front image generated by the image generation means to the front image development storage means;
A second data bus for transmitting the back image data generated by the image generation means to the back image development storage means;
The image generation means reads data necessary for generating a display image from the front image data storage means or the back image data storage means, generates the display image, and develops the display image data into the image data development Image generation period data storage means for storing image generation period data for specifying a period until it is stored in the storage means in association with the display image,
The image generation period data is stored in the image generation period data storage means in association with the front image and the back image corresponding to the display image, respectively.
The image generation means stores the rear image generation data of the associated rear image before the period specified from the image generation period data stored in the image generation period data storage means. Reading out from the means, generating the back image, storing the data of the back image in the back image development storage means via the second data bus, and the front image generation data of the associated front image A gaming machine that reads from the front image data storage means, generates the front image, and stores the data of the front image in the front image development storage means via the first data bus. The image generation means includes a front image generation means for generating the front image, and a back image generation means for generating the back image,
The back image generation means reads the back image generation data of the back image associated with the back image data storage means before the period specified from the image generation period data associated with the back image. , Generating the back image, and storing the data of the back image in the back image development storage means via the second data bus,
The front image generation means reads the front image generation data of the associated front image from the front image data storage means before a period specified from the image generation period data associated with the front image. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the front image is generated, and data of the front image is stored in the front image development storage means via the first data bus. The front image data storage means includes
As the front image generation data, identification information image generation data for generating the identification information image, and character image generation data for generating a character image that is used to produce a game and different from the identification information image Remember more,
The image generation period data is stored in the image generation period data storage means in association with the identification information image and the character image, respectively.
The gaming machine is
A display order designating unit for designating a display order when displaying the identification information image and the character image in an overlapping manner;
The front image generation means includes the identification information image generation data and the character image of the display image associated with each other before the period specified from the image generation period data stored in the image generation period data storage means. The generated data is read from the front image data storage means, and based on the display order specified by the display order specifying means, a display image is generated by superimposing the identification information image and the character image, and the display image data The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the front image development storage means is stored via the first data bus. The gaming machine is
Further comprising a transmittance specifying means for specifying the transmittance of at least one of the identification information image and the character image as the front image,
The front image generation means includes the identification information image generation data and the character image of the display image associated with each other before the period specified from the image generation period data stored in the image generation period data storage means. Read the generated data from the front image data storage means, based on the transmittance designated by the transmittance designation means, to generate a transmission image that transmits at least one of the identification information image and the character image, 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the transparent image data is stored in the front image development storage means via the first data bus.   The image generation period data is continuously displayed and stored in the image generation period data storage unit in association with a display image group including a plurality of display images as a set. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the display image group is a display image used for variable display of identification information.

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